SparkPoints: (36,589)
Fitness Minutes: (22,014)
Posts: 6,023
2/15/11 1:28 P

Joining SparkPeople has helped me to dramatically lower my blood pressure although the Doctor won't take me off my meds. That kind of annoys me because last time it was only 122/70 and that isn't bad for a 66 year old. Anyway it's a far cry from the day the hospital discovered I was 246 over 160. It's a wonder I didn't stroke out! I think it was only a one time count - something triggered it but it did call attention to the fact that I needed medication.

However, I've been a lot more careful about the type of food I'm eating and the exercise I'm getting and I am healthier now than I've ever been in my life and I have absolutely no health problems to worry about. (except 25 pesky pounds that are entirely too happy on me)

My mother lived to 91 and was in quite good health except for the last month of her life. I intend to break her record!

Posts: 2,027
2/15/11 11:54 A

I have moderate hypertension and high cholesterol. That was my motivation for losing weight, even though I was never obese. Most people would probably have called me "pleasingly plump". I am now 1 pound above the goal SparkPeople gave me. That is probably ok for health but I'll keep trying to lose that last pound. Besides the weight loss, I take the prescribed meds, exercise some but not enough. I also take omega-3 fish oil capsules, drink hibiscus tea, and restrict sodium and caffeine.

My family history makes it likely that I will have heart probles or a stroke if I am not careful. Also, my mother had Alzheimer's. I have learned that the same things that prevent heart disease may also prevent AZ. So I am here for the long haul.

Posts: 9,931
2/15/11 11:41 A

I cannot stress how important it is to keep your heart healthy. I had to learn the hard way, but seem to be on my way to better health.
How about a report on what you are doing to help your heart?
Please don't wait until it is too late to do anything. Of course, most people on Spark are here to lose weight and attain health.
What do I do? I try to cut the bad fats and eat only the good fats. I try to eat more veggies. I try to exercise at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes. I cut the sugar and sodium as much as possible. I drink my water. So far, it is slow, but working.
My doctor gave me a good report today... blood pressure 120/70, pulse 68, A1C 6.0, cholesterol 111... I think the total was 154 overall. Lost 25 lb. (I guess I got it wrong on my weight tracker). Keep plugging along and it will work! I am living proof. Heart stent, diabetic and high blood pressure.... stroke risk from a family history. I feel like I can win this thing!
Have a great day!
Linda

Pounds lost: 14.5

0 14.875 29.75 44.625

59.5