Many people have made health-related resolutions for the new year. The Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers perspectives for healthy living. Be alert for important changes in health information Last year’s normal blood pressure reading could now be the first sign of trouble. In 2003, new more-strict guidelines for high blood pressure were introduced. That’s because research shows that having blood pressure readings at the old normal or high-normal ranges increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Your blood pressure is the force exerted on your artery walls by blood flowing through your body. Measuring it is important, primarily because elevated blood pressure puts extra stress on your arteries and heart. Over time, this may cause your arteries to become injured – or it may overwork your heart. An overworked heart may wear out over time, losing the strength to effectively pump blood, and contributing to other serious cardiovascular concerns. The new guideline lowers the recommended normal blood pressure to below 120/80 mm Hg, which was the old optimum level. A new category, called pre-hypertension, covers a systolic range of 120 to 139 mm Hg, and diastolic range of 80 to 89 mm Hg. Check with your doctor if you don’t know your blood pressure, or if you find yourself above the normal range with the new guidelines. Losing weight Managing weight has become a major issue for many people in the United States. It’s estimated that 65 percent of adults here are overweight, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses. Exercise, combined with healthy eating, helps keep pounds off. Cutting down the calories you consume allows you to lose more weight than exercise alone. However, research shows that people who don’t exercise will regain the weight in three to five years. By contrast, people who begin with a program of physical exercise and activity may not experience immediate weight loss. But over the long term, research shows that people who exercise regularly are better able to keep the weight off. Whether through diet, exercise or a combination, your body needs to eliminate 3,500 calories (or 500 calories a day) to lose a pound a week. Stay informed In 2003, scary headlines caused worry about SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), West Nile virus, monkey pox and other emerging diseases. In some ways, fears can be overblown. Many emerging diseases haven’t caused nearly the impact so far that infectious diseases of the past have caused. In fact, these new diseases haven’t had the impact of diseases that people see as commonplace, such as the annual outbreaks of pneumonia and influenza. Still, vigilance is needed and can take many forms. It can be as simple as staying up-to-date on vaccinations or regularly washing hands. It also includes staying informed and alert to the general and specific health risks that you face.
