Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check
Follow these tips to improve hypertension on your own.

* Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor.

* Try to maintain a healthy weight.

* Increase your physical activity. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking, on most days. You can split the session into three 10-minute segments during the day.

* Eat foods low in salt and sodium.

* Read nutrition labels to determine how much sodium is in packaged foods.

* Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and choose low-fat dairy foods.

* Include foods rich in potassium and calcium in your diet.

* If you consume alcohol, do so moderately.

* If you smoke, quit.

* Reduce your stress.

* Tell your family and friends you have high blood pressure, especially the person who prepares the meals.

Source: The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI does not recommend or endorse any company advertised on this site.

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