RAISE YOUR HEART RATE BY LOWERING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

If you are finding your blood pressure running a little higher these days, there are simple steps you can take to get things back to normal.

EXERCISE

You may read that and think “Oh my, you sound like my doctor.” But she’s right. And you’ll want to talk to your doctor about what limits you may have, but increasing your heart rate through normal activities approved by your doctor will help lower your blood pressure. Our goal is to raise our heartbeat—not from more episodes of Peyton Place, but from exercise.

If your doctor approves, work out with Edith or Meghan at all of their aerobics activities. This will move the blood through your body, oxygenating your blood and adding color in your skin, tone to your body, and well, just make you feel better.

You’ll probably sleep better too. As often as you can, take a walk. Walk the long way around the building to get to breakfast. In fact, if the weather is good, go outside and walk around the building to get to breakfast. Do it for lunch too. Even supper. Go at a pace you are comfortable with and go with a friend. But add a few steps to each of your activities and you’ll be on your way to better health. Your goal should be 30 minutes, as many times per week as you can.

And remember, you are doing this for you. You are at a time of your life where the time you have is all yours. Go for it. You deserve to feel well. Lowering your blood pressure might just be the best part of every day.