Join the Mission and stick to it
for National High Blood Pressure Education Month
It's
National High Blood Pressure Education Month - a good time to
"Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible," which
is this year's theme.
High
blood pressure can cause damage without showing any signs or
symptoms. That's why it's called "The Silent Killer." For while you
may feel fine, high blood pressure is taking its toll on your heart,
your blood vessels, and your kidneys. In fact, high blood pressure
is one of the most important factors leading to heart attacks,
strokes, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. High blood
pressure also increases your chances of dementia.
But the
appropriate medications, along with some lifestyle changes like
healthy eating, physical activity, and weight control, can reduce
and control your blood pressure.
Are you
taking your medications as your doctor prescribed? Here are some
tips to help you stick to your treatment plan:
Take your
medications at the same time every day. For example, if your
doctor told you to take your pills with food, try taking them at
meal time every day. Or, take your medications at the same time
as you do some other regular activity - like brushing your
teeth.
Keep your pills
near the kitchen table or your toothbrush as another reminder to
take your medication at the same time as you eat or brush your
teeth.
Try using a
special pillbox that helps keep your pills organized. You can
buy these containers at most drugstores or pharmacies.
Write yourself
reminder notes. Put them on the refrigerator, by the phone, on
the medicine cabinet, or even on the bathroom mirror.
Ask for help.
Family or friends can be a great support system. Put together a
team. If you have friends who also take medication, help remind
each other.
Put a favorite
picture of a loved one on the refrigerator with a note that
says, "Remember to Take Your High Blood Pressure Medicine and
Stick Around for Them."
So join
the Mission and stick to your treatment plan. It can save your life.
For
other tips and more information about controlling your high blood
pressure, visit "Your Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure"
online at
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.
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