Dawn Ryan
Axia College of University of Phoenix
SCI 241
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease that runs in my family. High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension or stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. While hypertension is not a current health problem for me, I am worried it may become one for me or my children in the future due to the family history. I know a healthy diet and exercise plan is the best way to protect myself from getting the disease. Other factors that can contribute to hypertension are; smoking, and stress, both of which are things I need to get under control for my future health. To help protect myself from hypertension and the health risks that can come from it such as heart attacks or strokes, I have come up with four goals that I can implement immediately and continue for the rest of my life to try to ensure a health and happy life for myself as well as my children. These goals are as follows: My first goal to a healthier lifestyle is to quit smoking. I personally feel this will be the most challenging goal for me because I have been smoking for almost twenty-five years and it is something I really enjoy. For me nothing is more relaxing than sitting outside on a summer morning when all is quiet and drinking a cup of coffee and having a cigarette. Smoking can make the heart pump faster and work harder therefore driving up the blood pressure. By quitting the heart does not have to work so hard and then the blood pressure returns
References: http://www.drugs.com/chantix.html http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure http://www.mypyramid.gov http://www.shapefit.com/ http://www.thewalkingsite.com/