Know your numbers. Know your blood pressure readings

Health People 2010 is a Federal, State and local government initiative to eradicate diseases and improve health among all Americans. It has  goals and objectives for a 10 years plan to guide disease prevention and health promotion among all Americans  and to decrease health disparities, in race, ethnicity, gender, sex, education, income, disabilities and sexual orientation. Heart disease and stroke are one of the objectives.

Stroke is a Brain attack, this occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brains either from a blood clot or a hemorrhage. If the brains is without blood or oxygen for a few minutes the brain cells begin to die leading to permanent damage.



High blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higherr

Know your risk factors

• age, if your are 60 years or older
• race and ethnicity
• African American are more likely to be Hypertensive and it can occur at an early age and have a higher risk of death than Caucasians
• If a close family member has Hypertension, then you are likely to get it-family history
• gender, more males than females
• Prior strokes or Transient Ischemic attack (TIA)

Prevention

1. Eat well. Strive for 5 fruits and vegetables daily                        
2. Know your target blood pressure reading
3. Stay active, find the right activity to participate in
4. Count your calories
5. Physical activity will improve the quality of your health and decrease your chances of heart disease and stroke
6. Get permission from your doctor before you begin any activity
7. The body uses energy to burn fat
1. mowing the lawn
2. walking the dog
3. cleaning the house
4. walk to the store
5. park your car a few spaces further than usual and walk