Last week, Livingston Township employees participated in National Wear Red Day. The annual event at Town Hall, done on the first Friday in February (American Heart Month), was part of the Go Red for Women initiative, a nationwide campaign that encourages women to make at least one change that will lower the risk of heart disease. While some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, there are several changes you can make to help lower your risk, such as getting the recommended amount of physical activity each week; choosing to eat more nutritious foods (easier said than done on the weekend of the Super Bowl!); and quitting smoking.
February is American Heart Month and the Go Red event served as a great reminder to take better care of ourselves. Typically, the health department shares tips around this time to lower one’s blood pressure. Consistent readings of numbers over 120/80 mmHG (“120 over 80”) are an indication of high or elevated blood pressure, which can lead to damaged arteries, heart attack and stroke.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to lower your blood pressure. For example, we have personally found that avoiding long phone calls with in-laws, staying out of rush hour traffic, and not watching Jets games are all good ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
However, more than 50 percent of adults in the United States are affected by high blood pressure, and that is significantly more people than there are Jets fans, so here are some other “health department-approved” ways to lower your blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet that is heavy on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, fish, skinless poultry, nuts, and legumes.
• Limit your sodium intake as well as foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat.
• Be physically active. For most adults, this means at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, but any amount of activity is better than none and it can take many forms. Take it slow to start, and find something you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or swimming.
• Reduce your stress. It’s easier said than done, but even taking a few minutes each day to relax and do something for yourself will lower stress levels and may lead to better life choices.
• Limit your alcohol consumption, which can raise blood pressure. Drinking responsibly and in moderation may have some health benefits and reduce stress levels. The recommended maximum, however, is two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
• Take proper medication. If you have been prescribed blood pressure-lowering medication, it’s probably a good idea to take it as directed.
Currently, a general heart health education table is on display in the lobby on the first floor of Livingston Town Hall, 357 South Livingston Avenue, and will remain there throughout the month of February. People may also learn more by going to heart.org or goredforwomen.org.
