When your b
lood pressure is elevated, most often you don’t feel anything. It is a silent condition. All medications have the potential for side effects. So many people have chosen to avoid the medications and ignore the hypertension.
So what?
If untreated, high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. It really is a big deal.
So what can you do if you have hypertension?
First, take your medicine every day as prescribed! If you have side effects or problems taking it, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Second, if you smoke, it is truly important that you stop. Smoking greatly increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Third, if you drink alcohol, limit yourself to 1 drink per day and let your doctor know that you drink. This way your medicine regimen can be chosen with that in mind to reduce any risks to you.
Fourth, limit your salt intake. Ideally stop using your saltshaker, rinse your canned vegetables and
cook them in fresh water, watch sodium content in foods. Many quick and easy (heat and eat) foods are high in sodium. This can increase your blood pressure.
Fifth, maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease and makes your blood pressure harder to control. Losing weight usually requires a combination of healthier eating and exercise. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise routine to be sure it is a healthy one for you with your hypertension. (You can calculate your body mass index at this link.)
Sixth, control your diabetes. Many people with diabetes have hypertension and are overweight. Metabolic syndrome is a term to describe having hypertension; obesity, especially around your middle; high cholesterol; and diabetes. Having this syndrome is another risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
So, there are several healthy steps you can take to protect your heart and lower your blood pressure.
For more information, contact us at www.medsmash.com.
Biblical Application
Choices. We are faced with them every day. Sometimes the bad choices seem so much easier than the good choices.
Where can you find the strength and willpower to make good choices?
On your own, there are definite limits to what you can do. Temptations can be great. Life changes, whether your diet, your exercise, or a host of other areas, can be a source of great frustration. Words like procrastination, justification, avoidance, and defensiveness come to mind. Have you experienced any of these?
But you do have access to infinite strength and support.
Philippians 4:13 ESV
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Deuteronomy 20:4 ESV
For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Rather than trying to make important changes with your own strength and willpower, turn to your true power source. Take that minute by minute journey with God leading you through.
Blessings,
Michelle
yourhealthandsoul 