ok.
So....let's talk about blood pressure.
Most people probably know what normal blood pressure is, 120/80, right?!
And we only get our bp checked when we go to the doctor...
which is not a regular thing for most of us.
In my case, I had not been to the doctor for a checkup in over 3 years.
I just did not feel the need.
Justin bugged me and pestered me in to going for a checkup before the holidays, just to see where everything was at,
and what do you know...my bp was high.
It was also high at the following 2 appointments, which prompted a five day bp check.
I had to go to CVS and check my blood pressure for 5 days in a row, and then met with the doctor to talk about it.
They counseled me to stop eating salty foods (which I don't),
stop frying food (which I don't),
stop eating frozen meals (which I don't)....etc.
Basically we agreed that I would take one month to try and sort this out on my own,
since I don't fit the mold for someone typically presenting with high bp (and I am a Personal Trainer/Health Coach for goodness sakes!)....
follow my own conscious, and do as much as I humanly can to bring my numbers down.
I increased my low intensity cardio,
I started drinking smoothies with kale and almond milk,
I tried to de-stress my life....
I did not use any salt on ANYTHING....and after 30 days of this, my numbers were still pre-hypertensive.
So yesterday, I started a baby dose of medication to help lower my blood pressure, and that feels weird.
Me, on medication....weird.
I have to cut these itty bitty pills in half (makes me feel like a Granny)...
and it seems silly, but I am taking this seriously.
Why?
Because I don't want to have a stroke.
Because I don't want to get an aneurysm.
Because I don't want anything to sneak up on me...if I can help it.
Because I want to live a long and healthy life.
I am sharing this with you all, because I know you are healthy and fabulous, and amazing...but do you know your numbers?(bp, choloesterol, etc.)
Heart Disease is the NUMBER 1 KILLER OF WOMEN.
#1
WATCH THIS....if you love me you will do it.
Ok, so moving forward....go the the Doctor.
I am not kidding.
At the very least, pop in to a CVS and check your blood pressure.
Don't be scared.
Get checked out, know your numbers.
Exercise.
EAT RIGHT.
Go to THIS PLACE for more information.
Love yourself enough to get educated....we aren't 20 anymore, so buckle up and embrace getting older.
It may mean more kale, and less Ben and Jerrys....but I want to be around to see my kids get old....
How about you?
XO, Ariel
You are being proactive which is the most important! What are they having you take? I rep a blood pressure med. email me if you want more info! XO!!
ReplyDeleteI am on a diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide. She just wants to see how this affects my numbers initially. We will see! xo
DeleteI actually was at the dentist yesterday and they took my blood pressure for whatever reason....any who, I haven't really cared about those numbers but I guess I should. Mine was 111/88, I just looked it up and my diastolic was high. What affects diastolic?? Hmmmm, now I am interested :)
ReplyDeleteive got high bp too..ive had it since high school, my dr said its most likely stress induced. advised i do more meditation.. xox
ReplyDeleteFunniest heart attack I've ever witnessed. Ok..so I've never witnessed one. Haven't had my numbers checked since I was 21 I think (my work used to check it for us). I need to subscribe to your posts by email, because I miss them all and then read them in bulk. About to go figure that out right now!
ReplyDelete