William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-03-01 / 3. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn \\ vxXv\\\'Vinl11"///%, \^1 4 0 160 1M % 120 Hypertension // 200 100 Preventing hignfblood pressure is critical for your I long-term health % 220 0 .60 BEING A NURSE on a 36-bed hospital unit, I see just about every ailment and illness there is. But one disease seems to be afflicting many more of my patients, and at much younger ages: hypertension or high blood pressure. About one in every four adult Americans suffers from hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart and kidney diseases, stroke and heart failure. High blood pressure is especially dangerous because it often comes with no symptoms or warnings. Fortunately, it is easy to check your blood pressure regularly. Many pharmacies have blood pressure monitors that are free and easy to use, and home machines have become very affordable. If when checking your blood pressure your top number (the systolic number) is greater than 140, or the bottom number (the diastolic number) is greater than 90, see your physician. If you have hypertension, you will need to take steps to reduce it. Just as important, , if your blood pressure is normal, you need to take steps to keep it that way. You can help prevent high blood pressure now by following these suggestions: *Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight makes you six times more likely to develop hypertension. Even small amounts of weight loss can prevent or treat high blood pressure *Getting regular exercise. Daily exercise can reduce your risks by 20-50%. You don't have to become a marathon runner, just a daily walk or household chores will lower your risk *Reducing salt intake. Often when people cut back on the salt in their food, their blood pressure falls. Reducing salt intake also prevents blood pressure from rising *Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. fi II Drinking too much alcohol 2^ 260 0 I 300 \\V Illing
