60% of people who have diabetes also have high blood pressure. High blood sugar can increase your chance of getting high blood pressure. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar and take your medicine as prescribed. 90% of Americans eat too much sodium. Sodium is the salt in the food we eat. Most of it comes from restaurant food and processed foods (foods that are prepared and packaged like bread or a box of macaroni and cheese). Too much sodium can increase your risk for hypertension and heart disease. You can take steps to prevent hypertension! Here are ways you can reduce the chance of getting hypertension:
- Eat healthy foods, such as more veggies
- Reduce the amount of salt you eat
- Exercise by taking a walk or choosing the stairs
- Keep a healthy weight
- Stop smoking
For more information on high blood pressure, visit www.parklandhealth.org/hypertension
