Your blood pressure, for one. But your M.D. isn't doing anything about it

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I have two friends on kidney dialysis after years of untreated high blood pressure WHAT'S UP, DOC?Your blood pressure, for one. But your M.D. isn't doing anything about it

Whether you avoid checkups, shun medicine as snake oil, or shrug off a mangled ankle figuring it will get better, men are always made out to be the bad guys in doctor-patient relationships.

Until now: New research shows that when it comes to controlling blood pressure, doctors may be the delinquents.

In a survey of 891 black men in Dallas County and 22 family doctors, researchers asked the physicians whether they would start drug treatment for a 45-year-old black man with an office blood pressure of 145/92 and an out-of-office pressure of 154/95, both well above the recommended 120/80 level.

Only 36 percent of the doctors said they would start treatment and none were familiar with the national guidelines calling for treatment of blood pressure at such levels. This is alarming news, as high blood pressure gives you a twofold to fourfold increase in your risk of stroke or heart attack.

While the study was conducted with black patients, the researchers say the results could probably be generalized for all men. So at your next appointment, know your numbers and speak up if the readings indicate high blood pressure.

If you think a high blood pressure diagnosis would rob you of the things you love, think again. You don't have to give up salt altogether, and eating red meat can actually help your numbers. You can also lower your blood pressure in your sleep with this supplement and counteract the forces of sodium with this smoothie.

Someone has to keep your numbers in check—it might as well be you.

Regards, Vergelpowerusa.orgLooking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.