Food for thought: Manage your blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people in this country. High blood pressure is a risk factor for other health complications. High blood pressure can cause damage to your arteries and veins due to the increased pressure on the walls of the inner linings. This can put you at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke or aneurysm. While certain risk factors are out of your control, such as family history, ethnicity, and age, there are many lifestyle and diet changes you can make to help keep your blood pressure within a normal-healthy range. Here are a few tips to help you keep your blood pressure in check:

1 .    High blood pressure can damage the body for years before symptoms develop, so it is important to keep an eye on your numbers. Take advantage of free health screenings, blood pressure checking machines at grocery stores and pharmacies, and keep these to show your doctor. 

2 .    Reduce your intake of processed and fast foods. These are typically high in fat and sodium which can increase your blood pressure. Use less salt in cooking. Rinse canned vegetables to reduce the sodium content. 

3 .    Increase your intake of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Keep an eye on other important health numbers such as your weight, Body Mass Index, blood sugar, and cholesterol. All of these numbers together help give your physician a better overall picture of your health. Make sure these are checked on a regular basis.

Words of Wisdom :

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. 
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.


The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.

A proud  grand-poppa             G.