It would be a mistake to wait for high blood pressure to develop before taking positive steps.
A healthful life-style should be a concern from an early age.
Taking care now will result in a better quality of life in the future.
Factors Under Your Control: Exercise is known to be extremely beneficial for health.
In June 1989 The Journal of the American Medical Association said: "Physical activity has been associated with the prevention and control of numerous medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension [high blood pressure], and mental health problems.
This association is impressive".
In November 1989 this same medical journal published a study involving 13,344 subjects, and it further showed the value of exercise.
The comprehensive study revealed that even minimal exercise-such as a brisk half-hour walk once a day-results in significant protection from death from a wide range of causes.
Dr.
Norman M.
Kaplan, with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, who is an authority on hypertension, says that he has changed his mind on the value of exercise in treating high blood pressure.
"As I have seen the evidence accumulate in the last three or four years I have become more encouraging to people about exercise.
" Dr.
Kaplan now prescribes aerobic exercise for patients with high blood pressure.
"I tell my patients to get their pulse rate up," he explains.
"I tell people to start slowly.
Don't jump into it.
Begin with walking and slow running and build up.
If you encounter any problems, back off.
" To be a real health benefit, exercise must be practiced regularly, preferably three or four times a week for a period of 20 to 30 minutes or more each time.
According to one study, "a diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables has been found for the first time to lower high blood pressure quickly and as effectively as drugs," report the New York Times.
Helpful Factors will also include: ¨ Reduction in body weight ¨ Cutting salt intake ¨ Increase intake of potassium-rich foods ¨ Reduce consumption of alcoholic drinks ¨ Exercise regularly ¨ Calcium and magnesium supplements ¨ Anti-stress therapy Start looking after your body today and rid yourself of hypertension!