Pressure's On...

I worked as a Medical Assistant for several years in Georgia. A few years in a rural clinic where you see just about everything! Seriously, I have some stories! And the other couple years in an internal medicine practice. I often got tickled when older patients would come in with complaints like "My pressures up" or "I got low pressure" or "I got high sugar." Typically these patients would end up on medication(s) to help with their medical issues. I never thought I'd be facing the same thing. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I suppose I thought I was exempt from such. Nevermind the medical history in my family. Nevermind my love for junk food and salt. Who cares if I ever exercise? Well, it's time to care. Time for some changes. Pressure's on... and up! At a recent appointment my blood pressure was 150/100. I tried not to panic, knowing that I have typical white-coat syndrome. I have a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope at home so the dr. asked that I check it twice a day for a few weeks and bring him the readings... we'll go from there. So, I've been checking it at home and it's been a little better but not what it should be. I have drastically cut back my sodium intake and I'm trying to monitor my diet as a whole. I'm also trying to exercise and praying that these small steps will account for a better blood pressure without having to take medications. Stay tuned for the verdict...