This blog post is sponsored by OMRON and all opinions are the writer’s.
I recently shared in another blog post, how and why I again embarked on a 90-day challenge to measure my blood pressure on a regular basis.
Although my numbers are, for the most part, within healthy limits, stress is the one thing that can elevate them.
This past year was fraught with stressors: limited socializing, no travel, parenting struggles, my dad’s cancer diagnosis …
I often share how I manage stress with yoga, exercise, meditation and sleeping enough. Now, this past year brought me one hobby that has also contributed to keep me busy and also feeling grounded.
This hobby is gardening. While in the past, I paid little attention to the state of our backyard, the past year gave me the opportunity to work on it to turn it into a small oasis.
I live in Florida, so gardening can pretty much be a year-round activity. Granted it’s hot and humid in the summer, but I don’t mind that. The summer is also hurricane and rain season in our state, so it’s when all the hard work I put into the plants in the winter and spring comes to fruition.
The daily rain means that I won’t have to water the plants myself, and they will still grow and bloom like crazy.
My husband and I also bought outdoor furniture including new patio chairs and now we have different areas where we can chill, work or just sit and have a drink together.
How I’m getting into the habit of taking my blood pressure regularly:
Although with OMRON HeartGuide I can take my blood pressure everywhere and anywhere, I am learning that in my case it is much more reasonable to stick to a schedule.
While my dad, who takes medication for high blood pressure, sets alarms throughout the day to take his, for me it makes more sense to take it always at the same time and even in the same place.
This means I’ve continued to take my blood pressure in my bedroom, shortly after I wake up and in the evening, when I’m winding down.
In fact, taking my blood pressure as a part of my evening routine helps me ensure I’m more relaxed when I measure it.
I will confess that it is easier to do this when I’m at home, since I’m in a familiar environment. In my next post I will share how I deal with this while traveling.
The importance of taking our blood pressure on a daily basis
While visiting my dad in Madrid, he shared with me how he found out he had high blood pressure. When he was in his 40’s, he wanted to donate blood while my grandfather was admitted to the hospital due to a heart blockage.
Before drawing his blood, my dad’s blood pressure was taken at the hospital, and the readings were so high, they sent him to the ER right then and there!
If my dad had taken his blood pressure regularly, he would have been aware of his rising numbers before they got so high.
It turns out that this is how many people find out they are hypertensive. That doesn’t have to be you!
Why I’m only taking my blood pressure twice a day now
Our blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, and there are many factors that play into that. Since my numbers are usually within a normal range, despite my family history of hypertension, I don’t feel the need to be on top of it so frequently.
That’s why I’m only taking it when I get up in the morning and before going to bed. That said, since my numbers are pretty consistent, I may even cut back to once a day.
I am aware of my family risk, though, and I know that as I get older, this risk may increase. I will be turning 58 in August, and I can already feel differences brought on by the aging process.
About OMRON HeartGuide
One of the latest OMRON innovation is HeartGuide, the first wearable blood pressure monitor. It’s made in the convenient form of a wristwatch.
OMRON created this breakthrough technology for those who want to keep close watch on their blood pressure anytime, anywhere and take action for their heart health.
HeartGuide is a breakthrough device that uses oscillometric technology – an inflatable cuff similar to what is used in the doctor’s office – to provide FDA-cleared medical accuracy via wrist measurement. HeartGuide was reviewed by the FDA and arrived in the market as a medical device with medical-grade accuracy.
For more information, check out HeartGuide product page
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