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| Employee Health & Wellness |
| High Blood Pressure Warning: Keep your employees from becoming “vascular statistics” |
What your employees need to know about high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as “hypertension” is the most common of significant chronic problems. It is also the most treatable. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is a silent killer. Many who have it don’t realize it. There usually are no symptoms to give a victim “fair warning.” A catastrophic heart attack or stroke is often the first indication that there is a problem. This is why it is so vital for blood pressure to be monitored regularly.
Uncovering the myths about high blood pressure
- Although stress and tension aggravate hypertension, they are not the cause. You cannot lower your high blood pressure simply by trying to relax.
- Once your high blood pressure has been diagnosed, you can count on treatment for the rest of your life.
- You cannot “tell” when your blood pressure is high. Initially, high blood pressure has no symptoms
- Although lower salt intake is a recommended treatment for many patients with hypertension, eating too much salt is not the cause of high blood pressure
- Remember, hypertension has to be treated. It will not just go away, although certain lifestyle changes may make it easier to control.
- Keep your employees from becoming "vascular statistics":
- Keep your weight at optimum levels for your height and build
- Keep your sodium intake low (less than 2000 milligrams a day)
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (calcium and potassium lower blood pressure)
- Exercise regularly
Sources: Booth, Gary M. et al. Toward a Healthier Lifestyle, p. 118-119. Utah: Creative Publications: 118-119.
Rosenfeld, Dr. Isadore. “Don’t be Blase’ About Your Blood Pressure,” Parade Magazine.
Vickery, Donald M, M.D. and James F. Fries, M.D. Take Care of Yourself. Fifth Edition, Massachusetts: Addison Wesley:207.
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