Backspin wants to congratulate our healthspin
contributors at North Oaks Health System
on the new distinction as a Level II trauma
center. We appreciate the golf-centered health
information North Oaks has provided for our
readers.
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don’t smoke, do any vigorous activity or drink caffeine.
• Sit down and relax with your feet on the floor
and your back supported for at least five minutes
before your blood pressure is checked.
• Don’t talk while your blood pressure is being
checked.
Blood pressure is given as two numbers. The first
(or top) is the systolic and represents the pressure
in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The
second (or bottom) is the diastolic, the pressure in
your blood vessels between heartbeats. Typically,
more attention is given to the top number as a major risk factor.
Experts generally agree that the safest blood
pressure, or normal, is 120/80 or lower. Hypertension is defined as having an average blood pressure
above 140/90.
Your provider may prescribe a medication to
lower your blood pressure. Even if you need drugs
to help control your blood pressure, you should
still follow simple lifestyle changes. These include
maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation.
Recent studies by the National Institutes of
Health have clearly shown that healthy lifestyle
changes can improve your blood pressure. Making
even small changes over time can lower your blood
pressure.
For Roger, that just might mean limiting his
intake of beer and pretzels at the 19th hole and
walking instead of riding in the cart.
For more information, contact your health care
provider or schedule an appointment with the internists, who are specially trained to handle high
blood pressure, at Northshore Internal Medicine
Associates at (985) 230-APPT (2778).
Sources: www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov, www.heart.
org, www.newsinhealth.nih.gov
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