The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 4 | Page 24

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | December 2019
Ask the Physician
I am worried about my wife. She already has high blood pressure and now the holidays are coming. She
is a perfectionist that wants to make everything “just so” for the family. Between running around and
working full time I see her burning out. Any advice? – William F., Hoboken
William, I hear this a lot from my patients, especially during the holidays.
We know that stress can take a toll on your health, and if your wife already has high blood pressure, she may
aggravate it by taking on too much in such a compressed time frame.
If you are really worried about her, think about what you can do to help -- run extra errands, do some online
shopping, and ask other family members or friends if they can pick up one of the holiday gatherings to take some
pressure off your wife. Maybe you can talk to her about simplifying things. Instead of getting a live tree, go artificial.
Use disposable trays instead of breaking out the good china. Skip some parties. Ask everyone to bring a dish.
And most importantly, be there to support your wife’s health. Make sure she takes her blood pressure medications.
Keep an eye that she’s getting some good meals into her while she’s on the run, and make sure she stays hydrated.
Don’t forget, while you’re worrying about her, take care of yourself. Some fresh air and exercise for both of you could
be a good stress buster and also give you some important time for yourselves together.
Vincent Pompili, MD
Cardiology Chair
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
For an appointment or more information about Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s services:
855-646-3484 or request an appointment at www.DemandDeborah.org.
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