By Roz Jones
We are devoting the month of June to the overlooked male caregiver. In our last article, we discussed the signs and symptoms of hypertension. So what are some steps that can reduce your risk as a Caregiver?
How to avoid hypertension in men can be accomplished by first understanding its cause. Just as air pumped into a tire exerts pressure on its lining and surface, your heart pumps blood through your arteries, and the force of the blood flow exerts pressure on the arterial walls. Therefore, just as too much air pressure is bad for the life of a tire, too much blood pressure eventually damages your arteries.
Here are some suggestions on how to avoid hypertension:
While smoking is not a cause of hypertension, it is a contributing factor. We know there is a definite link between smoking and heart disease, thus the combination of smoking and high blood pressure increases the risk of developing a heart attack.
Being overweight is another cause of hypertension. High salt intake increases this condition as well. It is important to find an appropriate diet regimen and exercise program to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. While there may be a connection between weight and hypertension, research reveals people who are at their ideal weight have less tendency to develop hypertension than those who are overweight.
Type A personalities may be more prone to hypertension than others. Stress is evident in our lives every day, but the key is to not let it take over your life. While we all work hard and try to live comfortably, the pressure to succeed rapidly is taking its toll, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is also a contributing factor to hypertension. If you have a highly stressed job or find that you cannot fill the demands placed upon you – find another job that is not so stressful. If this is not an option; use meditation to maintain an inner balance. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your health is more important than the job.
Try not to drink alcohol in excessive amounts. Alcohol increases blood pressure and if you are taking medication; the two can cause severe side effects. Recently, however, an eminent heart surgeon suggested that a glass of red wine a day is preferred for a healthy heart. The debate continues, and while it does, it seems that wine instead of other alcoholic beverages may yield the best results.
Exercise and a good nutritional diet can work wonders, not only in reducing weight but cleansing your body of all of the toxins, as well as purifying your blood. Meditation is another form of self-help therapy that can not only relax you but keep your pressure down. If you find you are becoming excitable over something at work or at home – take a deep breath and go for a walk. These suggestions on how to avoid hypertension in men are necessary components in reducing blood pressure and living a healthy life.
The Caregiver Cafe 