Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/29112
BP Scare Leads to Changes O ne of my husband Bobby’s recent visits to the doctor, he got a bit of a shock when the nurse removed the BP cuff from his arm. 180/102. At only 39 years old, he certainly shouldn’t have blood pressure at such incredibly dangerous levels. The doctor gave him a prescription to help it come down, along with orders to improve his diet, get more active and follow up with his regu- lar physician. After that visit, Bobby talked a good talk. He told me to buy healthier food for meals, kicked around the idea of joining a gym. But then everyday life hit, and he fell back into the same old rou- tine — which, for him, frequently involves overeating and constant snacking. Why does he do it? It’s frustrat- ing for me, though I understand used to routine. Isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting differ- ent results? Each one of us decides what we want from exercise. I always have my long goal, to fin- ish a mara- thon when I am 70. My mid- term goal is to run 13.1 in less MARATHON TRUCKER than two hours. These goals are not about putting my head down and working as hard as I can. They are about thinking, planning and see- ing the big picture. Sometimes the best way to achieve a goal is to back off and take a break. Misty Bell is managing editor for Truckers News. You can find her health blog at www. fit4theroad.com. Contact her at mbell@rrpub.com or http://twitter.com/ fitfortheroad. there’s an emotional aspect to it, and that way of living has become a habit for him. When I came home one day to find he had plowed through an entire package of trail mix (which is not that bad when eaten in proper portions), I blew up on him. I asked him if he even wanted to be healthy. I told him that I didn’t want to explain to our recently born son (our first) in a few years how Daddy was no longer around because he couldn’t make the sacrifices it took to get healthy. HEALTHY OBSESSION Finally, something made an impact. It hasn’t been an over- night change, but now when Bobby wants to make an unhealthy choice, he thinks of how he wants to be here to see our boy grow up. And more often than not that leads to a healthy decision. At his last doctor visit, his blood pressure had dropped to around 145/90; still high, but getting closer to normal. This month is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, sponsored by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Of course drivers are pressured to get their BP down to a certain level in order to pass their medical certifi- cation, but the little tricks many use to get it there are simply quick fixes. If you’ve had a high blood pressure reading, ask your doctor what you can do to get that number down permanently. You may be surprised how small changes to your everyday routine can make a difference. Incredibly strong, tough and thick; Gorilla Tape is made to stick to rough and uneven surfaces like wood, stone, stucco, plaster, brick and more. FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS ON PLANET EARTH® 1-800-966-3458 Made in USA Also available in a portable Handy 1" Roll. © 2011 Gorilla Glue Company Circle 353 on Reader Service Card or visit truckersnews.hotims.com MAY 2011 TRUCKERS NEWS 39