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Lifestyle Changes
If you have mild hypertension,
your physician might suggest that you lose weight,
cut down on alcohol, get more exercise, or eat less
salt. Even if you need to take medication, changing
these daily habits may help your medication work better.
Even though hypertension can have
serious complications if not controlled, there are
many things you can do to improve your health. It
is extremely important to follow your physician's
treatment plan.
Anyone, regardless of race,
age, sex or heredity, can reduce their chances of
developing high blood pressure.
| Lifestyle
changes to improve your chances are: |
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•
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When planning meals,
choose foods which are low in calories, fat and
sodium (salt) |
|
•
|
If you smoke, stop smoking
completely |
|
•
|
If you do not exercise regularly,
be more physically active |
|
•
|
Whenever possible, make food
and drink choices which will reduce your salt
intake |
|
•
|
If you drink alcoholic beverages,
drink in moderation
Lose weight if you are overweight (As your body
weight increases, your blood pressure rises.)
|
|
•
|
Lose weight if you are overweight
(As your body weight increases, your blood pressure
rises.) |
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