Tips for Managing Your Blood Pressure

Author

Angels By Visiting Angels-Alabama Gulf Coast

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Visiting Angels - Mobile

Posted on

Jun 29, 2022

Book/Edition

Alabama - Gulf Coast

When you visit the doctor, one of the first things a nurse will check is blood pressure. But what is blood pressure, and why is it so important to keep it under control?

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood flows through the circulatory system. It's responsible for delivering oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, and hormones throughout the body. Blood pressure is the force that allows blood to move. When blood pressure gets too high, it is called hypertension and can cause damage to blood vessels and organs. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers to calculate the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When reading blood pressure, the first number is the systolic blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. 


Blood Pressure Levels

The American Heart Association puts blood pressure into five different categories. 

Normal- Systolic is less than 120 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm Hg

Elevated- Systolic is between mm 120-129 mm Hg, and diastolic is less than 80 mm Hg

Hypertension 1- Systolic is between mm 130-139 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 80-89 mm Hg

Hypertension 2- Systolic is between mm 140-179 mm Hg, and diastolic is between 90-120 mm Hg

Hypertensive Crisis- Systolic is higher than 180 mm Hg, and diastolic is higher than 120 mm Hg


Managing Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to serious medical complications such as heart attack, aneurysm, heart failure, or stroke. If you're living with high blood pressure or want to reduce your risk of hypertension, consider the following lifestyle changes. 

Eat a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet includes lots of fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats in your meals while also reducing fats and salt. 

Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or struggle with obesity are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure. Do your best to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. 

Incorporate physical activity into your day. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure normal. As an older adult, it's vital to find workouts that work for your body. Don't start a vigorous exercise routine without speaking to your doctor to ensure it's safe. 

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can increase your blood pressure, so be aware of how much you consume. If you find yourself drinking more than one or two drinks in a day, you may want to consult your doctor to help you reduce your alcohol intake. 

Don't smoke. Smoking increases your blood pressure and puts you at risk for various health conditions such as heart attack, cancer, and stroke. Smoking is an addictive habit, so talk to your doctor about treatment options if you're having trouble quitting. 

Find healthy ways to manage your stress. Blood pressure rises when you're stressed. Find ways to manage your stress and control your blood pressure, such as exercise or physical activity. If you're experiencing chronic stress, you may want to speak with a medical professional about stress management options. 


Editor's Note:  This article was submitted by Greg & Kaye Donnelly, Owners/Directors for Visiting Angels-Gulf Shores.  Contact information: Call 251-943-7525 or website: visitingangels.com/gulfshores.

Other Articles You May Like

Tips for Healthy Aging: A Comprehensive Guide

Aging gracefully and healthily is a journey that encompasses more than just medical care; its about nurturing the whole person body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive guide, drawing from the expertise of Executive Home Care, is designed to help seniors and their caregivers navigate the path to a fulfilling and vibrant senior lifestyle. We understand that every individual is unique, and hence, this guide offers a holistic approach to healthy aging, covering physical activity, mental well-being, social engagement, personal care, and emotional support.Physical Activity and Exercise: Staying active is crucial for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall health in senior years. Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or light weightlifting are recommended to preserve bone density, muscle strength, and joint health. For those with mobility challenges, assistance from caregivers or tailored exercise plans can offer safe ways to stay active. Remember, its not about the intensity but the consistency of the physical activity.Mental Health: Cognitive and emotional health are integral to a seniors quality of life. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or hobbies helps keep the mind sharp. Emotional well-being can be nurtured through regular social interactions, and companionship care programs can play a significant role in combating loneliness and depression.Social Engagement: Social connections are vital for emotional and mental health. Participating in community activities, classes, or group hobbies can offer meaningful interaction and a sense of belonging. Caregivers can facilitate these activities, ensuring that seniors remain integrated within their communities.Personal Care and Hygiene: Maintaining personal hygiene and a clean living environment is essential for physical health and self-esteem. In-home care services can assist with daily routines, household chores, and ensuring a safe living space, thus promoting a dignified and independent lifestyle for seniors.Healthy Lifestyle and Independence: A balanced diet, regular sleep patterns, and routine health check-ups are fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. In-home care services can assist with nutritious meal preparation, errands, and transportation, supporting seniors in maintaining their independence safely.Emotional Support and Encouragement: The role of emotional support in the lives of seniors cannot be overstated. Caregivers and family members should provide encouragement, listen attentively, and offer companionship to enhance the emotional well-being of seniors.Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans, developed with input from healthcare providers, caregivers, and the seniors themselves, ensure that each senior receives care that is specifically suited to their needs and preferences. In conclusion, healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but life to years. Its about empowering seniors to live their best lives through comprehensive care that addresses their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. At Executive Home Care, we are committed to supporting seniors in every step of their journey towards a fulfilling and vibrant life. By embracing these principles, we can ensure that our seniors not only live longer but also enjoy a richer, more satisfying quality of life. Remember, every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our beloved seniors, guiding them with care, compassion, and respect towards a joyful and healthy future.

How senior living encourages socialization

Socialization plays a crucial role in the well-being of seniors, especially those residing in senior living communities. Lets explore why its essential and how these communities foster social connections:Importance of Socialization for Seniors:Chronic loneliness can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Prolonged feelings of isolation trigger stress responses that impact our bodies negatively.Seniors who lack social connections may experience depression, poor sleep, and even cognitive decline due to cellular inflammation.However, increasing social activities can significantly improve seniors overall well-being. Studies show that seniors who engage in more social interactions feel more satisfied with life and have a more positive outlook1.How Senior Living Communities Encourage Socialization:Proximity: Residents in senior living communities live close to their neighbors and are surrounded by staff. This proximity is reassuring, especially when friends or family members dont live nearby or cant visit often.Planned Activities: These communities offer a rich array of social opportunities, including:Shared Meals: Residents can choose to eat with others instead of dining alone.Activity Participation: Seniors can join classes, workshops, or interest groups.Outings: Community transportation makes it easy to agree to outings or shopping trips.Game Nights, Movie Nights, and other entertainment events.Support Network: For seniors whove experienced loss (such as the death of a close friend or spouse), socializing with others helps cultivate new friendships. These peers understand similar life transitions and provide support and understanding.Sense of Purpose: Healthy social interactions affirm seniors worth and make them feel valued members of the community123.In summary, senior living communities create an environment where social connections flourish, reducing loneliness and promoting overall health.

The Importance of Practicing Self Care

Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness. It goes beyond mere indulgence; rather, its an essential component of overall well-being. Lets delve into what self-care truly means and why it matters:Understanding Self-Care:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care encompasses various facets of life, including:Hygiene: General and personal hygiene.Nutrition: Making mindful choices about what we eat.Lifestyle Factors: Exercise levels, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle.Environmental Factors: Living conditions and social habits.Socioeconomic Factors: Income levels and cultural beliefs.Self-Medication: Following treatment plans for existing illnesses.The primary goal of self-care is to prevent or control disease and maintain overall well-being by consistently tending to different aspects of our health.What Self-Care Is Not:Its not about overindulgence or instant gratification. Instead, it involves:Prioritizing physical and mental health.Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable.Eating a balanced diet.Engaging in regular exercise.Getting adequate, quality sleep.Following treatment plans for existing conditions.Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.Types of Self-Care:Physical Health: Taking care of our bodies through exercise, nutrition, and rest.Mental Health: Nurturing our minds, managing stress, and seeking professional help when needed.Emotional Health: Acknowledging and expressing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and building resilience.Spiritual Health: Connecting with our inner selves, values, and beliefs.Social Health: Cultivating meaningful relationships and social support.Benefits of Self-Care:Clinical studies have shown that self-care can:Reduce anxiety and depression.Minimize stress.Improve concentration.Increase happiness.Enhance energy levels.Promote resilience.Contribute to longevity.Equip us to manage stress effectively.Remember, self-care isnt selfishits an investment in your well-being. So, take a moment today to prioritize yourself and engage in activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul

Local Services By This Author

Angels by Visiting Angels - Daphne

Non-Medical 25369 U.S. 98, Daphne, Alabama, 36526

Welcome to Visiting Angels of Daphne! We are an essential personal in home care agency serving families in Mobile and the surrounding communities. Our services are flexible, affordable, and comprehensive. When you choose Visiting Angels for your senior care services, you will be matched with a professional, compassionate, and reliable caregiver.Senior home care services from Visiting Angels Daphne Area will provide assistance for those coping with the effects of aging. We also provide assistance to those with chronic care conditions including heart disease, multiple sclerosis, COPD, congestive heart failure, Alzheimers, and cancer. Our team of professional caregivers includes home health aides and Certified Nurses Assistants with experience to provide your loved one with a superior level of care. Call our Daphne-area office today to learn more about our home care services. We look forward to hearing from you!Our list of in-home care services include:Meal PreparationLight HousekeepingErrandsShoppingWalksMedication RemindersAffordable Hourly RatesHourly Care 24/7 Multiple Shift CareTemporary or Long Term CareWeekends & HolidaysRespite Care for Family CaregiversRewarding Companionship

Angels by Visiting Angels - Mobile

Non-Medical 5901 Airport Blvd Ste 204, Mobile, Alabama, 36608

Welcome to Visiting Angels of Mobile! We are an essential personal in home care agency serving families in Mobile and the surrounding communities.Our services are flexible, affordable, and comprehensive. When you choose Visiting Angels for your senior care services, you will be matched with a professional, compassionate, and reliable caregiver.Senior home care services from Visiting Angels Daphne Area will provide assistance for those coping with the effects of aging. We also provide assistance to those with chronic care conditions including heart disease, multiple sclerosis, COPD, congestive heart failure, Alzheimers, and cancer.Our team of professional caregivers includes home health aides and Certified Nurses Assistants with experience to provide your loved one with a superior level of care. Call our Daphne-area office today to learn more about our home care services. We look forward to hearing from you!Our list of in-home care services include:Meal PreparationLight HousekeepingErrandsShoppingWalksMedication RemindersAffordable Hourly RatesHourly Care 24/7Multiple Shift CareTemporary or Long Term CareWeekends & HolidaysRespite Care for Family CaregiversRewarding Companionship

Angels by Visiting Angels - Gulf Shores

Non-Medical 1313 S Commercial Dr Ste 101A, Foley, Alabama, 36535

Welcome to Visiting Angels of Gulf Shores! We are an essential personal in home care agency serving families in Mobile and the surrounding communities.Our services are flexible, affordable, and comprehensive. When you choose Visiting Angels for your senior care services, you will be matched with a professional, compassionate, and reliable caregiver.Senior home care services from Visiting Angels Daphne Area will provide assistance for those coping with the effects of aging. We also provide assistance to those with chronic care conditions including heart disease, multiple sclerosis, COPD, congestive heart failure, Alzheimers, and cancer.Our team of professional caregivers includes home health aides and Certified Nurses Assistants with experience to provide your loved one with a superior level of care. Call our Daphne-area office today to learn more about our home care services. We look forward to hearing from you!Our list of in-home care services include:Meal PreparationLight HousekeepingErrandsShoppingWalksMedication RemindersAffordable Hourly RatesHourly Care 24/7Multiple Shift CareTemporary or Long Term CareWeekends & HolidaysRespite Care for Family CaregiversRewarding Companionship