The Gloves Are On! My Fight Against HBP

I discovered I have prehypertension (blood preasure levels between 120/80 – 139/89) while getting my wisdom teeth extracted about 4 years ago.  Since then, I have been placed on medicine to keep the preasure under control which has worked, however my goal is the fight HBP by living a healthier lifestyle.

Per the American Heart Association, 1 out of  3 adults have high blood preasure and only 81% are aware they have it.

To fight against high blood preasure, I am choosing to:

Eat Better

Adding more grains, fish and nuts to my diet.  I’ve cut soda (for the most part) out of my diet.  I also eliminated a lot of the process foods – especially in my lunch menu (like Lean Cusine, Healthy Choice) that are very high in sodium. I’m a lover of anything salty and sweet, so keeping my hands away from the chips and the jelly beans and peanuts has been a struggle.  I’ve found other snacks that taste just as good but won’t send my preasure up. It’s when you know you can’t have something or as much of it that makes you want it more.

Excerise

Another way I’m fighting against hypertension is dropping some poundage. I started a Zumba class once a week and added walking to my weekly regemin.  My husband and I are walking together which makes it much easier because we hold each other accountable.

Reduce My Stress Levels

I’m a work in progress when it comes to learning what to do with my stress when it comes (not if it comes, but when it comes).  Prayer and meditation on God’s word has been what keeps me.  Also taking time to be still – sitting in my backyard in the mornings when it’s quiet helps me alot.

To learn more about HBP visit: www.heart.org