Blood pressure

[Guest guest]

Someone wrote recently that they wanted to bring their blood pressure down. I

found these articles on blood pressure reading in my son's " Health Letter " from

his office. I love these little cameos, they seem to pack in so much without

all the technical stuff.

Here is what I gleaned:

1) Avoid exercise, coffee, or smoking 30 minutes before you take your blood

pressure.

2) Go to the bathroom first. A full blader can change the reading.

3) Sit quietly for 5 min. with your back supported and your feet flat on the

floor. Rest your arm on a table at a 90 degree angle at the level of your

heart.

4) Avoid talking.

5) Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.

6) Ask the technician to take two readings about 2 minutes apart. Average the

results.

7) Use the same arm every time.

8) Alcohol can cause the spikes in blood pressure, increased blood clotting,

and disturbances in heart rhythym that are linked to stroke. Heavy drinking can

also increase your risk for heart disease.

Source: National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute

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Stroke Prevention:

The single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk for stroke is to

control high blood pressure. (I get it!!!!!!!!)

Getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight and controlling

blood sugar levels if you have diabetes also help lower stroke risk. To learn

more, log onto the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at www.nhibi.nih.gov

Source: Stroke, Vol. 39, pg. 3179, 12/08

FYI,

Lottie

To save energy:

Draw curtains to keep heat in on cold days and keep heat out of rooms on hot

days.

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