High Blood Pressure in Americans: Numbers Are Up
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Written by Rita Jenkins| 15 October, 2008 02:59 GMT
High blood pressure affects more Americans than ever, according to a new report in the medical journal
Hypertension. Although one might be tempted to blame the current economic crisis, the increasing trend toward hypertension correlates with another trend that's been building far longer than the financial meltdown: the obesity epidemic. As unsettling as that news is, though, it's somewhat mitigated by the fact that the number of people who are getting treatment for the condition is also on the upswing. Blood pressure medications may be a necessary component of treatment, and consultation with one's physician is crucial to making the right decision about a drug regimen. With or without medication, though, there are lifestyle choices that can help to keep blood pressure under control:
Eat a healthy diet. Critical to hypertension control is keeping salt and sodium (read labels!) much lower than the levels most Americans consume. Adequate potassium intake is important too.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. That's an elusive goal for many Americans, but the difficulty of the challenge doesn't make it any less important. Small changes of habit tend to work better than drastic unsustainable regimens. Start with eating more vegetables. Eat vegetables that are new to you. Fill your plate with color.
Get regular exercise -- at least 30 minutes a day, most days. Don't be a slave to a gym routine if you don't like it. Find a way to move that pleases you, even if it's nothing more complicated than walking around the neighborhood. The key is consistency. As exercise becomes a habit, increase the duration and intensity according to your own preferences.
Limit alcohol consumption -- one drink a day for women, one or two for men is the current wisdom. Red wine is a good choice, since it has many healthy attributes.
Don't smoke. Hypertension is just one of the innumerable hazards of smoking. Do yourself, those around you and the world a favor, and dump the ashtray for the last time!
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