From Spotlight on Health Jan./Feb. 2008

Know your blood pressure. Have it checked regularly.

Know what your weight should be. Keep it at or below that level.

Don’t use too much salt in cooking or at meals. Avoid salty foods.

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain, high-fiber foods.

Don’t have more than one drink a day if you’re a woman or two a day if you’re a man.

Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Don’t run out of pills even for a single day.

Keep appointments with your doctor.

Follow your doctor’s advice about physical activity.

Make certain family members have their blood pressure checked regularly.

Live a normal life in every other way.

Learn more about high blood pressure in our health library.