May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are emphasizing the importance of regular blood pressure checks. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can go undetected. Residents in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are encouraged to schedule a screening, especially if it’s been a while. Steps to manage high blood pressure include taking medications as prescribed, reducing sodium, staying active, eating well, managing stress, and limiting alcohol. Area clinics offer support and services to help you monitor your health.
If you have high blood pressure, there are steps you can take to get it under control, including:
- Ask your provider what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and then discuss how you can reach your goal. Work with your health care team to make sure you meet that goal.
- Take your blood pressure medication as directed. If you are having trouble, ask your doctor what you can do to make it easier. For example, you may want to discuss your medication schedule with your doctor if you are taking multiple drugs at different times of the day. Or you may want to discuss side effects you are feeling, or the cost of your medicine.
- Quit smoking—and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.
- Reduce sodium. Most Americans consume too much sodium, and it raises blood pressure in most people. Learn about tips to reduce your sodium.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated fats, trans-fat, and cholesterol.
- Manage stress.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink (no more than one drink each day for women and two for men).
- And, of course, check your blood pressure regularly.
For more information, call our First Choice Healthcare Clinics at Kewanee 309-852-5272, Colona 309-792-4011, and Toulon 309-852-3115. You can also visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.