First, I hope all the moms reading this had a happy Mother’s Day!

I know many of you are continuing your commitment to your health this spring. This is a great time to learn about high blood pressure, and what the numbers mean for you. Everybody has, and needs blood pressure. However, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease. Even though it typically has no symptoms, HBP can have deadly health consequences if not treated–including stroke, damage to the heart including heart attacks and heart failure.

According to the American Heart Association more than 76 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure. In order to get our blood pressure down, we should focus on the “ABCs.” This stands for:

• Aspirin for those at risk
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Smoking cessation.

I’ve also compiled 8 simple ways to reduce your risk of heart disease this spring:

1. Ride your bike at least 20 minutes a day
2. Take a B vitamin complex every morning
3. Eat fish at least once a week
4. Sprinkle an ounce of ground flaxseed on your cereal or yogurt each day
5. Drink at least 2 cups of tea a day
6. Add more beans to your meals each week
7. Drink  an 8-ounce glass of water every two hours
8. Exercise every day!

To find more advice for reducing your risk click here.

Some conditions that increase the risk of heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Some behavioral habits also increase your risk, including tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. One last risk factor is heart disease heredity; if it runs in your family, it’s wise to pay more attention to the conditions and behavior factors.  If you currently suffer from one of the above risk factors, taking your meds as prescribed by your doctor can help you eliminate your chances of a heart attack.

One sure (and simple) way to remember your medications on a daily base is an Ezy Dose Pill Box.  I like them because there are sp many varieties to choose from: Ezy Dose 2x a day, Ezy Dose 7 day, Ezy Dose 3 day (weekender or travel) or an Ezy Dose Fashion Pill Case for more discreet (and fashion friendly!) medication management.  It easily fits in your pocket or purse and has three compartments. Pill boxes and medication reminders are available at your local pharmacy. Here are a list that carry my favorite pill boxes.

How do you keep your heart healthy?

-Susan