Attention Erie Seniors: Make Control Your Goal with Blood Pressure
February is American Heart Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to know their blood pressure, and if it’s high, they want you to make control your goal. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to the CDC. People with high blood pressure are four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with normal blood pressure. Take these steps to help get high blood pressure under control:Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and talk about how you can reach your goal. Track your blood pressure over time.
Take your blood pressure medicine as directed. Set a timer on your phone to remember to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you are having trouble taking your medicines on time or paying for your medicines, or if there are side effects, contact your doctor.
Quit smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. You can find tips and resources at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco website.
Reduce sodium intake. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Read about ways to reduce your sodium and visit the Million Hearts Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Resource Center for heart-healthy, lower-sodium recipes, meal plans and helpful articles. Here’s a free checklist of questions, courtesy of Brightstar Care, to ask your doctor about blood pressure that readers can print out and bring to their next appointment. BrightStar Home Care of Erie proudly provides support for the elderly and children, including 24 hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities. Additionally we provide Medical Staffing and In-Home Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, Companion and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers. We Support Veterans and Accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, Medicaid, provide Hospice care, Live-in care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LVN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. Other services include safe discharge and transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, Post Op care both short and long term, Pre Operation and preparation help and assistance, and client monitoring for out of town family members. Our service area includes Erie County and North Central Crawford County including East Springfield, Albion, Saegertown, Cambridge Springs, Rockdale Acres, Union City, West Greene, Corry, North East, Harbor Creek, Wesleyville, Lawrence Park, and neighboring cities.