Under Pressure

The bad news: You have been diagnosed with hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure—and depending on your lifestyle, you may not be surprised. Here's the good news: Regardless of your age, gender, race, income or background, there are some very simple things you can do to improve your blood pressure numbers.

Over the course of the next 30 days, you will:
* Maintain a healthy, low-sodium diet.
* Incorporate exercise into your life.
* Try to eliminate unhealthy behaviors in your life.
* Talk to your doctor and discuss medical and alternative treatment options.

Side effects may include a sense of well-being, less stress, more energy and a healthier lifestyle. Above all, as with any condition, please understand that no treatment or therapy should be undertaken without first discussing it with your doctor.

Remember, if you have any questions now, in the next 30 days and beyond, check our page on managing high blood pressure to find answers to your questions.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the American Heart Association, roughly 73 million Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure.