Claxton-Hepburn

Blood Pressure 101 Are you ready to test your blood pressure regularly? Close to 80 million Americans are affected by high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, this condition is caused by an unhealthy amount of pressure on the walls of the arteries. "High blood pressure is a silent killer," says Sarika Shah- Sekhon, MD, internal medicine physician at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. "Over time, hypertension causes damage to your heart, kidneys, and other vital organs." NUMBERS GAME Healthy blood pressure is measured as 120/80 mmHg. The top number, known as the systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure on the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, measures the pressure on the arteries when the heart is at rest. High blood pressure occurs when the top number is higher than 140 or the bottom number is above 90. To diagnose hyper- tension, you need to evaluate your blood pressure over time. "To monitor blood pressure at home, have your healthcare professional show you how to take your blood pressure and pulse," Dr. Shah-Sekhon says. "Keep a log of your daily blood pressure levels. This helps your provider get a better picture of your long-term blood pressure." PREVENTION CHECKLIST Hypertension prevention starts with a healthy diet, so cut back on sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats. Exercising for 30 minutes every day can also improve blood pressure. To find a Claxton-Hepburn cardiologist, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org. Want to lower your blood pressure? Eat foods rich in potassium— an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure and offset sodium's harmful effects. While bananas are typically thought as potassium-rich foods, potatoes, winter squash, and spinach all contain higher levels of potassium. "Childhood obesity results from kids eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity throughout the day," says Kome Oseghale, MD, pediatrician at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. "Obesity happens one pound at a time, and so does prevention. Parents can make small changes in their child's diet and lifestyle by providing them with a healthy breakfast, encouraging five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and limiting portion size and sugar-sweetened beverages." Dr. Oseghale encourages parents to spark a child's interest in physical activity over playing video games or watching TV by acting as role models themselves. Using examples from their own diet and healthy lifestyle, parents can create teachable moments rather than criticize a child's choices. "The child of obese parents is 13 times more likely to become obese," she says. "Get your child excited about leading a healthy, well-balanced life by adding fun, physical activities such as hiking, bike riding, walking, or gardening to your own daily routine and encourage him or her join you." Dr. Oseghale is accepting new patients at her office, located at 3 Lyon Place, Suite 307, in Ogdensburg. Appointments can be made by calling (315) 393-0340. The Skinny on Kids Eating Healthy Hey, parents! How do you teach your child the important lesson of eating healthy, nutritious foods for life? One bite at a time. Snack Well 3 We take your health personally. L I V I N G W E L L Teach your child these "choose this, not that" healthy eating habits: • Eat fruits and vegetables instead of highly processed snacks. • Choose low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt and add berries, cinnamon, nuts, or whole-grain cereal instead of having an ice cream parfait. • Drink low-fat milk or water instead of soda. • Order grilled chicken nuggets rather than fried. • Serve turkey bacon or sausage instead of pork.

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