Wellness Tips
Follow a healthy diet
Try to lower the amount of salt and fat that you eat every day. For more information on nutrition and heart disease, please see our Nutrition section.
Lose weight
Any reduction in your weight can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors.
Be physically active
The CDC recommends that adults get a minimum of 2½ hours of physical activity, like brisk walking, each week. They also recommend that you do muscle building exercise at least twice a week.
Take a Total Wellness Class
The OKC-County Health Department offers 12-week Total Wellness classes three times a year. These classes teach about healthy eating, physical activity and making healthy lifestyle changes. For more information about these classes, please see our Total Wellness section.
Quit smoking
Limit the amount of alcohol
You drink. Heavy drinking will have an immediate impact on your blood pressure. Having too much to drink over a long period of time puts you at risk for developing heart disease.
Manage your diabetes
For more information on diabetes and heart disease, please see the American Diabetes Association’s High Blood Pressure page.
Take your medication
As prescribed. Follow your doctor’s recommendation for all medications that are prescribed for you. If you have any questions about your medications, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.