Mike's blood pressure lowering diary blog
Each week I will write a diary blog entry to let you know how he fared with each approach he tries to help lower his blood pressure.
Come back each to week to follow my progress:
Start of the Challenge - Taking stock of my health
Here we go! The start of “How low can Mike go?”.
Am I nervous? Well, yes!
I have to say that I am a bit nervous. I have never been one to stick to a routine and putting myself online with this programme feels like I have pushed myself into a corner. Let’s hope it works.
It's a daunting challenge
Over the next few months, I am going to be experimenting with a number of remedies that are reputed to be good for your blood pressure. I will be trying everything from beetroot juice to yoga to see if they work. More importantly, I will be following some of the standard advice that all of us with high blood pressure are given – I am going to be doing more exercise and I am going to improve my diet.
Taking stock of my health with a basic health check
Before Christmas I underwent a basic health check which went over my blood pressure, cholesterol levels diet, activity and weight. The good news was that my blood pressure was well controlled and my cholesterol level was around 5. I am fairly convinced that this is due to the fact that I do take my medication on a regular basis. I am on atenolol and amlodopine for my blood pressure and simvastatin for my cholesterol.
My lifestyle is the problem
My big problem is weight. I weigh just over 15 and a half stone and although I am around six foot two inches tall this still gives me a BMI of almost 28 – well into the overweight level and not far away from obese.
I would admit that my diet is poor. I eat badly and not in any regular way. I need to cut down on my salt intake and fats. I also do next to no exercise. I drive to work, do a bit of walking but could really improve this area of my life.
My hopes for the challenge
My goals. I want to get fitter, get thinner and improve my health. Both my parents died in their 60s and didn’t get the chance to meet most of their grandchildren. I want to be around for a long time yet – so that’s my major objective.
Come back regularly to see how I get on
I am going to update this blog on a regular basis. I have enrolled on the Imperative programme and will be undergoing some tests such as having my metabolic rate measured. Next week I will be counting my calories. Join me later to find out how much I really eat!
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