Controlling hypertension
Dear Donovan,
I have been diagnosed with hypertension and am struggling to keep it under control. I don’t know what’s causing me to constantly have high blood pressure, but I would definitely love to get it under control. How do I go about eating healthy? I work two jobs so it’s hard to find time to exercise. How do I work around that?
Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure on the blood vessels is higher than it should be. I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with this illness. This chronic condition usually has a genetic or a lifestyle component, or a combination of both. In cases of people with hypertension, the increased pressure of blood on the blood vessels and organs can be deadly. Hypertension is therefore a potential killer, so all efforts must be made to get your blood pressure under control in short order. You will definitely have to make some lifestyle changes starting now.
The fact that you have two jobs with very little time for exercise is a recipe for hypertension. Also, with very little time on your hands, you might not be eating properly. It would be interesting to know your weight.
Going forward, if you wish to control your hypertension, you will have to control some of the risk factors associated with it. Therefore, you will have to be careful with your diet — watching your salt and cholesterol intake.
Cholesterol can block blood vessels, thus leading to high blood pressure. It is very important to have more fruits, vegetables and vegetable juices, especially green juices, in your diet. From observation, I have noticed that green juices have a positive effect on the blood pressure.
With proper diet, you will be able to keep your weight under control. Keeping your weight under control also has a good effect on the blood pressure. Although you have two jobs, you will have to find ways to reduce your stress levels. Stress is a very common risk factor for hypertension.
What do you do for fun? You will have to find some time to participate in activities that you enjoy, even for short periods. The truth is that if you do not make healthy lifestyle changes, then it will be downhill from there. In a nutshell, you cannot do anything about hypertension from the genetic standpoint, but you can control your lifestyle.
I would suggest that you visit your doctor to get a proper check-up. Depending on how bad the blood pressure is, your doctor might want to put you on medication.
You must make some lifestyle changes with your diet and exercise. If possible, you might have to prepare your foods in advance for the next day. If not, when you get hungry you will eat whatever is available. In addition, you will have to increase your activity levels. In the short run, try making some simple changes like taking the stairs rather than the elevator, walking to get your lunch instead of driving, and parking further away from your target destinations and walking to get there. In addition, try to find things to do that you know will reduce stress. Just to note that if you do not make the necessary lifestyle changes, you might be forced to be on medication for the rest of your life.
Take five to 10 minutes and assess your current situation to see how you can do better. I’m sure if you were going to have a meeting with your boss at work, you would have been prepared. Try to ensure that you make preparations for your well-being. Good luck.
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
