Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ amongst American seniors, because for many Houston older adults, the potentially fatal illness can go undetected. As a result, when a diagnosis of primary hypertension is made by a doctor, it’s crucial that seniors make adjustment to their lifestyles in order to reduce their blood pressure and make sure that it doesn’t harm their health. While medication can help reduce blood pressure, there are more favorable natural methods that seniors can use in order to make their health a priority.

• Aerobic Exercise – this is an easy way to reduce blood pressure. Whether it’s beginning a routine fitness regimen or making simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking father from the entrance to a store to walk a little bit further
• Lose weight – blood pressure and obesity naturally go hand-in-hand, so in order to lower blood pressure, start losing weight!
• Diet plan – seniors with high blood pressure should not only reduce the calories in their diet in order to help with weight loss; but they should also change their diet so that it’s low in saturated fats and rich in fruits and vegetables chalk full of nutrients
• Reduce sodium intake – sodium intake should be no more than 2,400 mg per day, so seniors should cut sodium down in their diets by avoiding especially salty foods. Sodium can exasperate high blood pressure or make symptoms worse
• Quit smoking – those who smoke can make high blood pressure much worse and potentially deadly. Inhaling smoke damages blood vessel walls and hardens the arteries

Before implementing any of the following tips in their life, seniors should talk to a doctor about safe methods to reduce blood pressure, incorporating the above, based on their health and fitness level.

Sources:

1. Suite101

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.