Yearly Physicals...

          So I have gone in for my 50,000 mile inspection. All of the girlie tests- normal. The colonoscopy, was a treat. No really. I had a great nap and I got a gold star for my cleansing. I never would have imagined this monologue when I was twenty five. Good grief. And through this whole process, I have been upgraded to hypertension stage-1.

         I have been a big supporter of taking your own blood pressure readings. Your pressure changes through out the day and it is believed that as much a 40% of the public experience white coat fright when they are checked. So, you should take an active role in your blood pressure management.

         I  have  a  paramedic  grade  blood  pressure cuff  ( yes,  I  know  it  is  called  a sphygmomanometer, but I didn't want to brag)  It is a slow and difficult process to take your own readings. It usually requires dislocating an elbow which in turn causes your pressure to rise. So, I went looking for an electric one that is a little easier. I just don't trust their accuracy. I compared the two devices and found that they are both crazy. The electric cuff gave me three different readings in five minutes...aha. I knew these things were off, but then I used my trusty-dusty and it too was all over the place....Quick off to the hallowed halls of knowledge... the inter net. Well, when doing a comparison, "one should wait for ten minutes between taking pressures". How am I supposed to get anything done if I am sitting with my feet flat on the floor and my arm slightly elevated, thinking happy thoughts for ten minutes between readings???

         Also, a little tip, make sure the cuff is the right size. When they are too small, the electric ones are hard to stop in time before your eyes pop out. And then it is really hard to get them back in when your blood pressure has jumped through the roof. A nice feature in the electric one is that it will average the readings for you. This too will keep your pressure down since you don't have to do math.
 
      Another added advantage is the weight loss from BP medication. My sweet mom told me she was pretty sure it was water weight, but I have to believe there is a little more to it. I eat a healthy breakfast now and four hours later I have a sensible lunch and then four hours later a healthy dinner. I  pointed out that I am drinking water like a sailor on leave, and I am getting a great deal of unexpected exercise. I have to  run to the bathroom to pee all day. That has to count for something, right?

          Anyway, long story short, get checked. It is fine to dance around and take a very lax attitude when you are a kid, but once you hit mid-life (that's for those who are going to live to 100) Once you hit mid-life you need to be responsible to your family and take better care of your self.

Peace and love to you all...