For most of my life, my health was never something that was cause for concern.
They recommended that I make an appointment with my primary care doctor as soon as possible.
The first thing we talked about was family history.
Photo Courtesy of Tonya O’Bryan / Design by Zoe Hansen / Getty Images
Tonya OBryan
Being diagnosed with high blood pressure is not a death sentence.
Its all dependent on what you do with the information that you have available.
She said that being diagnosed with high blood pressure is not a death sentence.
Its all dependent on what you do with the information that you have available.
Steps Toward a Heart-Healthy Life
I hate the word diet because it sounds temporary.
I had tried every fad diet out there, and nothing ever stuck.
I met with Mwangi and discussed my goals.
I really felt like he saw me, heard me, and met me where I was at.
There was a book club for his book that I joined.
I was able to apply the lessons from the book and do the workouts outlined in the book.
I felt comfortable with him.
He never judged me or made me feel uncomfortable about my ability or size.
When we started, I could barely do one push-up.
Now I can do about 30.
I consistently work out five days a week for 45 minutes a day.
We also talked about nutrition.
The more I ate healthy foods, the less I craved the less-healthy foods.
Portion size was also a big thing for me to learn.
I felt like I was being talked at rather than talked to.
There was a lack of communication skills and trust between the provider and myself.
Healthcare providers need to take the time to get to know their patients.
A patient isnt just some chart; they are a person.
I didnt get high blood pressure overnight.
I didnt gain weight overnight.
Im not fixing it overnight.
I still take two medications every day, but they are in lower doses.
I still take my blood pressure twice a day to monitor it.
My advice is to be patient with yourself.
I didnt get high blood pressure overnight.
I didnt gain weight overnight.
Im not fixing it overnight.
I know for sure that small changes over time create big rewards.
I never saw them coming.
One day I woke up and was like, Oh snap, Im moving better.
I dont hear the snap, crackle, and pop today.
It can feel like you have such a long way to go when starting at a deficiency.
You have to find wins and celebrate them.
Just keep going, and the results will come.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About high blood pressure.
2014;111(2):353-362. doi:10.1017/FS0007114513002328
