Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Ease up on the pressure
Your heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout your entire body, delivering oxygen to your vital organs. This rhythmic flow is your blood pressure. So, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to make sure your heart is happy!
So… what is normal?
Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers indicating different pressures: systolic and diastolic. Your systolic pressure, the first and higher number, is caused by your heart’s contraction. While your diastolic pressure, the second and lower number, is the amount of pressure in your arteries during resting periods between heartbeats.
Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure gets too high and can lead to damaged blood vessels and other serious health concerns. It’s important to know your numbers so you can work with your physician to reduce your risk of heart disease.
What can I do?
While there is no cure for hypertension, making lifestyle changes can improve your life. These changes can help reduce your risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and more. Here are a few:
- Eat a well-balanced diet and reduce sodium consumption
- Limit alcohol intake
- Engage in physical activity
- Manage stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit using tobacco products
- Take medications regularly if prescribed
While all these lifestyle changes are important, it’s also important to talk with your doctor and work together on managing or reducing your risk of hypertension. Your doctor will work with you to help improve your quality of life!
Get the blood pumping!
Now that you know how to maintain healthy blood pressure, one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart is by getting up and moving! Whether it’s a full-on cardio workout or a short walk around the block, every movement counts. (There’s a reason they call it cardiovascular workouts!)
Click here for recorded virtual workouts, courtesy of the American Heart Association!
Move Your Feet!
Whether it’s the workouts from the AHA or your regular workout regimen, take some time out of your day to get moving!
Do you have a favorite workout routine, fitness challenge, or app? Let us know!
Published June 10th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
