4 Easy Ways to Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 103 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. Although there may be no noticeable symptoms, having high blood pressure is serious. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, and even death. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for high blood pressure and lifestyle changes that can make a big difference, too.
Home Health Care Alexandria VA – 4 Easy Ways to Keep Blood Pressure Under ControlBelow are 4 easy ways to help older adults keep blood pressure within a healthy range.
#1: Take Medications as Prescribed
If your aging relative has been prescribed medications, it’s important that they take them according to the doctor’s instructions. Missing doses or taking the wrong amount will make the drugs less effective and may lead to complications.
Home health care can help ensure your aging relative takes their medications on schedule by reminding them when it is time. Home health care providers can also watch them take medications to see that they take the proper dosage.
#2: Check Blood Pressure at Home
Purchase a blood pressure cuff for home use and check the senior’s blood pressure regularly. Keeping track of their blood pressure allows you to see if medications and lifestyle changes are working. It can also alert you to a problem that needs medical attention.
Home health care providers can assist your loved one with checking their blood pressure and writing down the results in a log.
#3: Eat Less Salt
Experts recommend eating no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Better yet, they say, try to keep salt intake to 1,500 mg or less. Eating less salt is often a matter of simply being aware of how much salt is in the food the older adult eats. Read labels and look for lower sodium alternatives. Because processed foods are often high in sodium, try to avoid them. Serve fresh, whole foods instead. Leave the salt shaker off the table at mealtimes and use it as little as possible in cooking. Use herbs and spices to flavor food instead.
Home health care providers can prepare healthy meals that contain less salt. They can also go grocery shopping with your older family member and help them make healthier choices.
#4: Increase Physical Activity
Exercising regularly is an effective way to reduce blood pressure. Seniors should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Physical activity doesn’t have to be a structured workout. Going for a walk, gardening, dancing, and doing physical tasks around the house also count.
Home health care providers can increase the amount of time your loved one spends being active. Home health care providers can go for walks with them, help them to garden, and encourage them to participate in household activities that require movement.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/five-simple-steps-to-control-your-blood-pressure
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/prevention-15/heart-healthy/proactive-about-high-blood-pressure
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/01/more-than-100-million-americans-have-high-blood-pressure-aha-says