May is National Blood Pressure Education month and the Southern Seven Health Department wants to remind people to take care of themselves in this stressful time.
Nearly half of all adults have high blood pressure, only a quarter of those have their blood pressure under control. Because stress can make high blood pressure worse, Southern Seven has some tips to help manage stress levels.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Southern Seven also reminds people to continue taking all regular medication, make sure all vaccinations are up to date and not to delay seeking emergency care because of fears of COVID-19.
