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Prevent and Control America's High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: National High Blood Pressure Education Program

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Join the Mission and Stick to It
for National High Blood Pressure Education Month

It's National High Blood Pressure Education Month - a good time to "Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible," which is this year's theme.

High blood pressure can cause damage without showing any signs or symptoms. That's why it's called "The Silent Killer." For while you may feel fine, high blood pressure is taking its toll on your heart, your blood vessels, and your kidneys. In fact, high blood pressure is one of the most important factors leading to heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. High blood pressure also increases your chances of dementia.

But the appropriate medications, along with some lifestyle changes like healthy eating, physical activity, and weight control, can reduce and control your blood pressure.

Are you taking your medications as your doctor prescribed? Here are some tips to help you stick to your treatment plan:

  1. Take your medications at the same time every day. For example, if your doctor told you to take your pills with food, try taking them at meal time every day. Or, take your medications at the same time as you do some other regular activity - like brushing your teeth.
  2. Keep your pills near the kitchen table or your toothbrush as another reminder to take your medication at the same time as you eat or brush your teeth.
  3. Try using a special pillbox that helps keep your pills organized. You can buy these containers at most drugstores or pharmacies.
  4. Write yourself reminder notes. Put them on the refrigerator, by the phone, on the medicine cabinet, or even on the bathroom mirror.
  5. Ask for help. Family or friends can be a great support system. Put together a team. If you have friends who also take medication, help remind each other.
  6. Put a favorite picture of a loved one on the refrigerator with a note that says, "Remember to Take Your High Blood Pressure Medicine and Stick Around for Them."

So join the Mission and stick to your treatment plan. It can save your life.

For other tips and more information about controlling your high blood pressure, visit "Your Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure" online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.

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