Food Bank Buzz June 2014 | Page 5

Do you know your blood pressure? If not, you can find these numbers from check-up visits to the doctor, Know Your Number events at NTFB or even the blood pressure readings available at certain pharmacies.

Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure, but it’s important to check since it increases the risk for heart disease. According to CDC statistics, 67 million American adults (31%) have high blood pressure—that’s 1 in every 3 adults.

What can you do to get better blood pressure numbers?

· Decrease stress

· Increase exercise

· Substitute unhealthy fats with healthy fats (such as olive oil)

· Decrease sodium (found in salt and most processed foods)

Looking for blood pressure-related information? Click here to view the United Healthcare Blood Pressure portal and to find blood pressure-related newsletters, articles, and videos.

By Kat Lindholm, RD

Three NTFB teams are participating in the Global Corporate Challenge - a challenge to walk 10,000 steps or more each day for 100 days! The challenge started on May 28 and ends in September. In less than two weeks, the teams have walked more than 500,000 steps total!

Cheer on your co-workers as they take laps around the warehouse and remember to be active even if you're not participating in the challenge!

100 Day Walking Challenge

Healthy Habits:

Managing your Blood Pressure

JUNE 2014 5