World Hypertension Day
Mandeep has been working from home ever since the nation-wide lockdown was announced, following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the day he was diagnosed with hypertension four years ago, this was the first time that he had not stepped out of home for his regular exercise. His apprehensions soon came to be true – a rise in his blood pressure reading which was triggered by snacking and a sedentary routine.
There are millions of people suffering from hypertension. They are at greater risk of getting affected by the coronavirus disease. They must isolate themselves and ensure proper health care. Moreover, managing hypertension is extremely important in order to prevent any health complications.
So, keep your blood pressure under check while you spend your time at home in isolation.
Here are some useful tips:
Check Your BP at Home
It is necessary that you monitor your blood pressure on a daily basis. This will help in knowing if there are fluctuations and also whether your medications are working. Nowadays, there are various Blood Pressure monitoring devices available in the market. Self-monitoring is pivotal in keeping blood pressure in check. It is important to note that BP reading varies throughout the day. So, taking multiple readings may give you a clearer picture.
Cut Down Intake of Excess Salt
One of the easiest ways to lower your blood pressure is by reducing the intake of salt. When staying at home, people tend to binge on unhealthy snacks. This can be bad for one’s health as it can increase cholesterol levels and body weight. Hence, it is absolutely essential to follow a nutritious diet that must comprise more of whole grains, salads and fruits.
Stay Physically Active
Being confined to the house is no excuse to skip your daily exercise schedule. It is quite understandable that you can no longer go out for your regular morning or evening walks. You cannot even go to the gym. Yet, you must try doing light exercises at home to keep your body in shape and blood pressure in control. Yoga is the best alternative and can be practised from the comfort of your home. Make sure you exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.
Switch to Herbal Tea
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, then consuming coffee can be harmful to your health as it contains high caffeine content. When it comes to the beverage, try other options such as green tea or black tea which have numerous health benefits. Also, Hibiscus tea is believed to have lower blood pressure and aid in weight loss owing to the presence of antioxidants.
Avoid Stress
Stress is the primary reason for hypertension in many individuals. The stress hormones start acting when a person is in a state of anxiety. Staying at home for longer periods can be stressful but you must ensure that stress does not get the better of you. Practising meditation and doing exercises helps in curbing the harsh effects of stress on the body.
Secure your savings against the skyrocketing medical costs by opting for a health insurance policy. Choose "Health Insurance for Diabetes" by Care Health Insurance which is a customized plan for hypertension patients.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Hypertension is subject to policy terms and conditions.
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