Jefferson City, MO (PRWEB) April 28, 2006
Reconnect to your health in honor of National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Obtain free Body Mass Index screenings during the entire month of May 2006 at Women N Motion, Jefferson City’s only clinically staffed, women’s-only express 30-minute workout center located at 512 Ellis Boulevard, Suite O in the Capital View Shopping Center across from the YMCA.
“Physical activity,” says, Linda Loveall, Msw-Lcsw, and Owner of Women ‘N Motion, “is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or control high blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week will help.
Work exercise into your everyday activities. You can even divide the 30 minutes into shorter periods of 10 -15 minutes each. For example, take stairs instead of an elevator or escalator when it’s practical. Get up and take a short walk during your break at work. Park your car a little father from where you’re going than usual. If you take public transportation, get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way.”
High blood pressure currently affects 1 out of every 3 American adults. And although it has no signs or symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease — the first, third, and ninth leading causes of death in the U.S.
The good news, though, is that it is possible to prevent high blood pressure and to control it. Often simple lifestyle changes can do the trick. These include:
Losing weight, if necessary, and maintaining a healthy weight
Following a healthy eating plan
Eating less salt and sodium
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Being physically active.
Most people don’t need to see a doctor before they start a moderate-level activity, but you should check it out with your doctor first if you:
Have heart trouble or have had a heart attack
Are older and not used to doing a moderate-level activity
Have a family history of heart disease at an early age
Have any other serious health problem.
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. The theme this year – “Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible.” It’s easy to join the Mission: just ask your doctor what your blood pressure numbers are, what they mean, and what you need to do to prevent or control this “silent killer.”
So join the Mission. Find out what your blood pressure numbers are and what they mean; then gradually work more physical activity into your life. It can save your life.
For more information about how to prevent or control high blood pressure, visit the NHLBI’s “Your Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure”
Linda Loveall, Msw-Lcsw
Women N Motion
512 Ellis Blvd. Suite O
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573.634.5512
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