National High Blood Pressure Education Month

As we ring in May and with it, welcome spring, the timing to celebrate the outdoors and not to mention getting active couldn’t be more perfect.

Every May, we celebrate National High Blood Pressure Education Month, an initiative set by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. The good news is that there are steps you can take every day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

So, how about we set some goals together?

Let’s begin with why you should move more!

• Protect your heart!
• Improve blood flow
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Sustain energy, and build stamina and endurance
• Increases ability to deal with stress

What are some steps you can take?

• Get your blood pressure checked and work with your health care provider to set a goal blood pressure
• Check you and your loved one’s blood pressure at home as often as possible
• In addition to taking medication as prescribed and not missing any days
• Make lifestyle changes and especially with your diet! Choose foods that are lower in salt and fat, and if your loved one has a favorite snack or meal high in salt or fat, make sure you
• And above all, if you still smoke or use any form of tobacco, quit!

Although high blood pressure can be dangerous, the more you know, especially as a caregiver, the more prepared you can be to help your loved one manage and possibly avoid any repercussions of his chronic condition.

Check out this great quiz created by the CDC to test your knowledge!