Managing High Blood Pressure: How We Can Support Each Other

Nearly 58% of Black women over 20 are navigating high blood pressure. It’s a common challenge, but managing it can feel more doable when you’re not going it alone. Here’s how leaning on your circle can help keep your blood pressure in check and deepen your connections.

Share the Joy of Healthy Eating:
Food not only nourishes the body but also strengthens bonds. Gather your friends for a friendly cooking challenge to see who can whip up the healthiest and most flavorful dish. Or, share meal prep hacks in your group chats and inspire each other. Don’t forget to explore the wealth of nutritious and delicious ideas available on social media—there are endless dishes that can inspire your next meal together.

Smart Choices When Eating Out:
It’s easy to indulge in too much salt when dining out. Keep each other in check by choosing restaurants with healthier options and asking how dishes are prepared. Making heart-smart choices can be a shared goal. 

Supporting Healthy Habits:
Help friends ditch smoking and cut back on alcohol. Both can spike blood pressure and aren’t good for overall health either. Whether it’s finding a support group or checking out a new health app together, there’s strength in numbers.

Activate Your Squad:
Exercise isn’t just good for the body; it lifts spirits too. Whether it’s a spin class, a morning jog, or dancing your hearts out, find activities you all enjoy. It’s about getting moving and having fun at the same time.

Stress Less Together:
Life comes at you fast, and stress can add up quietly. Create spaces for open conversations, try group meditation, or even go on a mini retreat together. Helping each other find peace can do wonders for your health.

It’s amazing what we can achieve when we support one another. Staying connected and tackling health challenges like high blood pressure together not only makes us stronger but also enriches our community. Ready to get started? Let’s do this together! 

Join us for more health tips and community support. If you’re looking to make a lifestyle change, our CYL2 program might be just what you need. Take the risk test to see if you qualify at no cost to you at bwhi.org/cyl2.

If you need resources to help manage your blood pressure visit: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/high-blood-pressure