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Time for a Blood Pressure Check

How often do you check your blood pressure? Know what your reading should be?

Generally speaking, there is a gray area between normal (under 120/80 mm Hg) and high (over 139/89 mm Hg). We need to be careful since this range has been linked to increased stroke risk. They label this prehypertensive. It is an area of concern for younger people now. Always check with your Doctor.

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Turn up the music!

Just 30 minutes a day of classical tunes or slow lite jams can help keep hypertension at a distance. Try some background music when getting yourself ready in the morning or when you on a drive or during chores. You can find these playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora. Research shows that the circulatory and respiratory system attempts to duplicate the tempo, which slows the heart rate. Slower heart rate means lower blood pressure.

Handgrip Training

Wrist and forearm exercises that use hand gripping enact the dilation of vessels through the body, which has been linked to a reduction of blood pressure if done consistently. This is not a squeeze ball kind of handgrip. You need to use an actual handgrip exerciser that you hold shut for periods of 2 mins for 6-7 times a day and repeat these 3 times per week.

Watermelon!

Watermelon contains L-citrulline and L-arginine, which are amino acids that turn into nitric oxide. The gas can enhance the blood flow by relaxing blood vessel walls. But for this, you have to eat a whole lot of watermelon. So be sure that you snack away on the melon, or consider a supplement of these amino acids from the drug store.

Be very smart with your heart!

 

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I am a health, fitness and wellness coach, college professor, and mother of older kids who wants to help other older women and moms meet their goals. I offer free coaching - Click here to contact me! Or, get more information about my VIP Program!!

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