Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2020
Just a few weeks back , my doctor said I am “ borderline ” for high blood pressure — what can I do about lowering it ? Tom O . – Mahwah
Tom , it ’ s good to know when you have borderline high blood pressure — this means you can take steps to lower your BP now , before it increases and becomes a medical concern .
· Steps you can take to lower your BP include :
· Exercising four or more �mes a week if your doctor says it is OK
· Losing weight if you are overweight
· Ea�ng healthier foods that are low in salt and in fat — and add some foods which are higher in fiber ( roughage ), such as vegetables , whole grains , and fruits
· Cu�ng down on caffeine ( coffee , tea , chocolate , energy drinks )
· Qui�ng smoking
· Looking at unhealthy stressors in your life and minimizing or elimina�ng them
Follow your doctor ’ s instruc�ons , and keep adding up those healthy lifestyle changes ! For more information , visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
S . Justin Szawlewicz , MD Cardiologist and Assistant Vice President Medical Affairs Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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