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Managing High Blood Pressure

Healthy habits can prevent high blood pressure

 

If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, you’re far from alone. According to the California Health Interview Survey, 29.5% of adults in San Bernardino County have high blood pressure. In Riverside County, 25.7% of adults have high blood pressure. As a health problem affecting many people in the IE, it’s important to learn ways to manage it.

 

 

High blood pressure is closely linked to your heart health. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attacks, strokes and heart or kidney disease. It’s very common yet serious if untreated, so make sure to keep up with your routine checkups. You can also check your blood pressure at a drug store or at home with your own blood pressure cuff.

Tips to control blood pressure

  • Eat a healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables that are low in fat and salt.
  • Cut back on processed foods and cooking with salt. Add more fresh herbs for flavor instead!
  • Limit alcohol (no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women).
  • Avoid or quit smoking.
  • Aim for at least 40 minutes of exercise, three to four days a week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Lower your stress level.
  • If you have high blood pressure, check it daily and take your medicine as prescribed.


 

If you want to gain in-depth knowledge on controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, check out our Healthy Heart program.

Healthy Heart program

At IEHP, it’s our goal to help you learn ways to keep your heart healthy. After all, your heart is one of your strongest muscles and keeps your body going.

 

We offer three hourlong classes in this program:

  • Introduction to Healthy Heart
    • Learn lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of heart disease.
    • Understand how the heart works and how to respond to heart attack signs and symptoms.
    • Create a survival plan for a heart attack.
    • Learn what to do if a heart attack happens.
  • Control Your Blood Pressure
    • Learn what blood pressure is and what level to aim for.
    • Be aware of warning signs of strokes and other risks linked with high blood pressure.
    • Create a healthy habits checklist on how to control blood pressure.
  • Control Your Cholesterol
    • Learn what cholesterol is and how it affects the body.
    • Understand the importance of healthy eating.
    • Find out the steps to take to lower cholesterol levels.
    • Create a plan on how to lower cholesterol levels.

 

 Check out our event calendar to see the next class dates, times and location.

Want to learn more?