132 over 90

My dentist checks my blood pressure as a courtesy when I go in. Isn't that strange? Wouldn't just being at the dentist cause you to have high blood pressure? Maybe they have some kind of referral fee worked out with the doctor across the street.

I have always had very good blood pressure, except when I was pregnant. And then there was something about gaining 50 pounds each time that caused it to go a little haywire. But last month, when I definitely was not pregnant, it was 132 over 90. That was the third reading. The previous two must have been higher. I looked it up when I got home. Borderline hypertension. I have borderline hypertension.

Phooey. (I am trying not to say "crap" anymore. I may think it's endearing when my three year old walks around the house saying "crap, crap, crap" but, I think they frown on this at his Baptist preschool.)

At first I thought hey, I can blame this on having four children! They'd be easy to blame. Just ask any of the dozen people each week that tell me I must have my hands full. And I certainly have many days when the pressure to raise them into God loving, productive citizens pushes me to my limit. But I typically find constructive ways relieve the stress. You know, like locking them all in their bedrooms while I slam things and yell (probably words like crap) like a lunatic. Kidding.

Sort of.

So maybe it's me and the 15 pounds in crap junk-food I have put on this year. And and the fact that I still had 10 to lose from having Clara before that. Or maybe it's that I can't find time to exercise. Scratch that. That I h-a-t-e exercise. That I find it about as enjoyable as as having a bikini wax and those of you who say things like "I had the most wonderful run this morning" make me want to hurl. Kidding.

Sort of.

So I decided to research what I could do to lower my blood pressure. Here's what I found.

1. Limit your caffeine intake. The caffeine in coffee, tea and sodas can contribute to high blood pressure. Hey. I only drink two cups of coffee a day. Or sometimes three. And maybe a frappacino. And a diet coke.


2. Limit alcohol intake. Blood pressure increases as your body metabolizes alcohol. Does that include wine? How else am I supposed to wind down from all the caffeine?
   
3. Avoid processed foods. These are the biggest sources of sodium in today's diet. I mean honestly, how am I going to cook dinner for my family with Rice-a-roni, or Stouffers? Or Pizza Hut?


4. Maintain optimal weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can improve blood pressure. My weight IS optimal. Just ask Botticelli. Or Renoir Or my husband. God Bless him.


5. Relax. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and biofeedback are all relaxation techniques that can help lower blood pressure. See stress-relief habits above.


6. Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to all cardiovascular diseases - and many other life-threatening conditions as well. Finally something I can do. Don't smoke. Check.


7. Exercise. As little as 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, like walking, can lower blood pressure. Haven't we covered this.

Okay, I admit it. I have been living a life that's a bit, um, excessive. Really it's amazing I am able to walk down the street without keeling over.

So this morning I am making some changes. Healthier food, regular walking, more water, less caffeine. I have been gearing up for this for a month now. Putting off the inevitable and the painful like a child that doesn't want to pull a sore tooth. Because let's face it. Excess is fun. Gluttony and sloth? We're old friends.

Friends I must now bid farewell. We've had glorious times together, but I'm leaving them behind. I must make new friends now. Ones that will make my doctor happy, ones that will set a good example for my children. Ones that will make my waistline smaller and my butt less jiggly. And 132 over 90 a thing of the past. But I sure am going to miss those two.

And I'll probably be back now and then, for a visit.