To prevent high blood pressure:

1. Aim for a healthy weight.
   Try not to gain extra weight. Lose weight if you are overweight. Try losing weight slowly, about half a pound to 1 pound each week until you reach a healthy weight.
2. Be active every day.
   You can walk, dance, use the stairs, play sports, or do any activity   you enjoy.
3. Use less salt and sodium in cooking.
   Buy foods marked "sodium free," "low sodium," or "reduced sodium." Take the salt shaker off the table.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and lowfat dairy products.
5. Cut back on alcohol.
   Men who drink should have no more than one or two drinks each day. Women who drink should have no more than one drink a day. Pregnant women should  not drink any alcohol. Take Steps to Prevent High Blood Pressure!

To lower your high blood pressure:

1. Practice these steps:

• maintain a healthy weight.
• be active every day.
• eat fewer foods high in salt and sodium.
• eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and lowfat dairy products.
• cut back on alcoholic beverages.

1. Take your medicine the way your doctor tells you.
2. Have your blood pressure checked often.

For additional information,log onto the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Web site at www.nhlbi.nih.gov