We've previously shared
information on reducing your
weight, decreasing the salt in your
diet and increasing your physical
activity to reduce blood pressure.
Did you also know that managing
stress is an important factor to
consider? Reduce stress as much
as possible. Practice healthy coping
techniques, such as muscle
relaxation and deep breathing.
Getting plenty of sleep can help,
too.
You may have heard it before, but
stop smoking if your currently
smoke. Tobacco injures blood
vessel walls and speeds up the
process of hardening of the arteries.
If you smoke, ask your health care
provider to help you quit. There are
effective tools available to help you
stop.
Monitor your blood pressure at
home. Home blood pressure
monitoring can help you keep
closer tabs on your blood pressure,
show if medication is working, and
even alert you and your doctor to
potential complications. If your
blood pressure is under control,
you may be able to make fewer
visits to your doctor if you monitor
your blood pressure at home.
Practice relaxation or slow, deep
breathing techniques utilized in
activities such as yoga, to help you
relax and reduce your stress level.
These practices may temporarily
reduce your blood pressure.
If you have a health question you'd
like answered in this column,
contact Tina Moore, APRN, FNP-
C, at our Lexington practice office
at timoore@rodgershealth.org.
(Some of this information provided by the Mayo Clinic)
What Can I Do to Lower
My Blood Pressure?
811- A South 13 Highway Lexington, MO 64067
Phone: 660.259.3823
rodgershealth.org
