DID YOU KNOW?
Why it's important
Knowing your blood pressure is a key indicator of your cardiovascular health. If left unchecked, high blood pressure – or hypertension – can harm your quality of life and put you at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, or other potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Hypertension is known as the silent killer because there are often no outward symptoms or warning signs. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have yourself tested regularly. If you do have high blood pressure, it’s important to speak with your physician. To maintain a healthy normal blood pressure, make sure to practice healthy habits every day, and also appreciate that they are often the best part of your day: Play, Eat Better, and Recharge! Take the Live, Feel, and Be Better in 2018 Pledge and focus on a healthy blood pressure.
WHAT’S A HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE?
Refer to the blood pressure chart below to determine your blood pressure category. The optimal range for your blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, speak with your doctor or health care provider about what your target blood pressure should be.
Download a convenient BP Guide here.
HOW DO I MEASURE IT?
The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured. If you know you have high blood pressure, regular self-monitoring is recommended, so you may want to consider purchasing a home monitor. Otherwise:
- Have yourself checked at your healthcare provider’s office
- Visit a blood pressure machine at a City worksites
- Attend a worksite screening
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT
A small amount of weight loss, 5-10%, can have big impacts on reducing your blood pressure, reducing your risk for other diseases.
Moderate weight loss can also help to boost your energy and improve your quality of life. Find out more about what a healthy weight is and how to reach a healthy weight.
Learn More
QUITTING TOBACCO
According to the US Surgeon General, “Smoking cessation [stopping smoking] represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.”
This is especially true when it comes to lowering blood pressure and increasing heart health. Although quitting tobacco is difficult, there are programs and resources available to you.
Tobacco Cessation Programs from your health plan
Eat Healthy
TIP
Find and remove the hidden sodium in your diet. Learn more.
Add more fruits and vegetables to naturally reduce sodium and calories. Learn more.
Register here for one of these three motivational tracks:
- Balanced Diet
- Mindful Meals
- Produce Boost
Check here here for wellness coaching, activities, or a seminar near you.
COMING APRIL 2018!
Move More
TIP
Increase your physical activity a little each day until you are active for at least 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. Learn more.
Register here for one of these three motivational tracks:
- Quick Cardio
- Fit at Work
- Exercise for Everyone
COMING SEPTEMBER 2018!
RELAX
TIP
Use breathing and movement to manage your stress.
Create your own personal RECHARGE routine. Learn more.
Register here for one of these three motivational tracks:
- Take Care
- Stress Relief
- Pleasant Pauses
- Check here for a ‘Making Work Work’ Workshop near you.
Schedule an appointment with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to discuss how manage your stress.
Call 800-795-2351
COMING JUNE 2018!
