The top health concerns for most older Americans are excess weight and high blood pressure. Because of those concerns, diabetes and heart disease are ravaging our communities.
Those devastating maladies can be countered with diet and exercise, yet most Americans don’t have a clue about how to get started, or it’s simply not on their agendas. That said, I’m always working on different ways to bring my clients simple and easy ways to segue into a health and fitness state of mind.
My issue is high blood pressure. It can get scary high.
Doctors have recommended blood pressure medication quite some time ago. I’ve refused it because I don’t know anyone who has started blood pressure medications and gotten off of it, so it doesn’t cure the problem. There are also side effects of taking any medication, which none of us want.
On the big business profit side of the equation, the guidelines for recommendations of prescription of those medications have been revised, so more people are encouraged to take them. That said, my first line of defense has always been diet and exercise to directly address the issue.
Whatever you do, focus on getting at least 30 minutes of cardio every day. I strive for 60 minutes every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s walking, running, hiking, biking, rowing, etcetera. Intensity is not a factor, but don’t be lazy about it. Find a walking group, play loud music, use an exercise app—just do whatever you must to get motivated!
Next, as I’ve recommended for the last 32 years of my plant-based eating journey, eat lots of raw vegetation and drink lots of water. Fruits and salads must be at the foundation of your diet. In this country, we don’t eat enough raw foods. Most of what people consumed is cooked, denatured, highly processed and laden with chemicals. Much of it is tailor-made to produce hypertension.
Since I’ve increased my cardio intensity and I’ve been more accountable regarding what I’m eating, I’ve dropped about 7 pounds, and my blood pressure has come down in a two-week period.
You can do it too!
If the above doesn’t work, then medication may be necessary. Of course, I’m not a medical doctor, but they will all tell you that more veggies and exercise never hurt anybody. However, always seek counsel from your doctor when engaging in any program.
