While neither of us suffer from high blood pressure at this time, I have had many people send me questions on Facebook concerning this issue. Both of us have experience in the medical field and will soon be equipped to help drivers out by providing free blood pressure checks. Here are some of the facts.
What is High Blood Pressure??
An elevated blood pressure means that your heart is working harder than normal. Your heart and arteries are under too much strain and they can become damaged. according to the American heart association, more than 2,600 people die of heart disease every day, which translates into one cardiovascular death every 33 seconds.
There are many things that factor into having high blood pressure. Some we can avoid and some we can’t. The hereditary factor is a difficult one to beat. Those with high blood pressure are also at risk for other problems. As professional drivers, we have our blood pressure checked each time we get a D..O.T. physical. If it’s too high, no health card is issued and therefore you can’t work. So, it would make sence to try to keep your blood pressure under control. If you are prescribed medications, make sure that you take them. Not only will it help you keep your job but, it will keep you healthy and happy. 
High blood pressure, also known ad hypertension has no symptoms. The only way to know,is to get it checked.
What is a normal blood pressure?
A reading of 120/80 or lower is considered by most health professionals as normal and 140/90 or higher is considered too high.
What are the risk factors?
*Lack of exercise – Getting about 30 minutes a day, a few days a week should be your minimum goal. Try parking in the back of the parking lot so your walk to the building is longer each time.
*Overweight – There is a connection between obesity and high blood pressure.Very often, you can lower your blood pressure just by losing a few pounds and getting a little exercise.
*Alcohol- Too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure.
*Salt – Reducing your salt intake can help lower your blood pressure and for those with normal blood pressure, it can prevent a future problem as you age.
*Race – High blood pressure tends to develop earlier in African-Americans and is often more severe. African-Americans also tend to be genetically “salt sensitive” and many have to be careful of their salt intake.
*Family History- If there is a history of high blood pressure in your family, you are more likely to have it.
*Smoking - smoking is an indirect risk factor for high blood pressure because ist is known to cause hardening of the arteries which leads to high blood pressure.
*Low levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium – many of those with high blood pressure do not eat enough foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium like dairy, fruits and vegetables.
*Medications – There are some prescription and non-prescription medications that can raise your blood pressure or interfere with effectiveness with your blood pressure
UNCONTROLLED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAN CAUSE……
arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries * Heart attack * Stroke
Congestive heart failure * Impaired vision or blindness * Kidney failure
Yogurt & fresh fruit
Dietary suggestions to help mange and prevent high blood pressure:
* 8 – 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily 
* At least 3 servings of non-fat or low-fat dairy products
* Eat less red meat and more chicken or fish
* Reduce salt intake
* Switching to whole grain breads, cereals and crackers helps to lower your cholesterol level and lowering your cholesterol can lower blood pressure.
If you fall under any of the risk factors mentioned above, have your blood pressure checked regularly. Many truck stops, grocery stores and even walmarts have free blood pressure checks. Take note of the simple dietary changes than can be made. Get more exercise by parking in the back and walking further. You can only benefit from making a few simple lifestyle changes. After all, you will look and feel better too!
Anywhere you see The MeRV, you will find Jon Osburn! he provides free blood pressure checks for drivers and can also check your A1C and offer some helpful advise.
Be Healthy & Drive Safe!
Jan
