
Men’s Health Week: 5 ways to lower your blood pressure
By Lisa Salmon. Published 2020-06-18
BOLD-WellbeingMen’s Health Week TheBoldAge is aiming to raise men’s awareness of numbers like 120/80 – normal blood pressure.
Many men are well aware of the number of points won or goals scored by their favourite team, but are often much less familiar with numbers connected to their own health. We aim to change that by raising awareness of health numbers all men should know.Making men more aware of the numbers – which largely relate to lifestyle choices including drinking, exercising, eating and smoking – will help improve their health and alter for the better alarming statistics, such as one man in five dies before the age of 65.One of the numbers we believe men need to be aware of is 120/80 – normal blood pressure. And men who find their blood pressure is raised, leaving them at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, can help lower it by being aware of, or taking action on, some of the other important numbers, including:150: Men should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.5: Aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.14: Drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.37: A waist size of 37 inches or above puts men at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.Martin Tod, chief executive of the MHF, says: “We want every man to know where they are on their weight, waist, alcohol, diet and exercise – and we’re particularly keen that more men know their blood pressure. It’s easy to get checked at the GP or pharmacy.“Tragically, one UK man in five dies before his 65th birthday, and heart disease is still the biggest reason for that. If more men know where they are on their blood pressure and heart health, then we can start to make a real difference.”Blood Pressure UK (BPUK) says healthy lifestyle changes will help to bring blood pressure down, and suggest the following measures:
- Eat less salt
- Eat more fruit and veg
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Drink less alcohol
- Get more active