Hypertension - 3 - Condition & Symptoms

Possible Action Steps

Work with the individual to recognize that blood pressure control is a result of taking medications correctly and making lifestyle/behavior changes
Encourage individual to record blood pressure using a blood pressure tracker on a daily basis
Discuss some effective stress coping skills and put them to use to control stress

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Discuss actual and ideal body weight and BMI. Work with individual to create a plan to make changes in nutrition and activity to achieve weight/BMI goals.
Discuss actual and recommended daily calorie intake level. Work with individual to create a plan using nutrition section goals to achieve calorie targets
Discuss actual and recommended blood pressure levels. Work with individual to create a plan to achieve BP target

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Together make a list of inexpensive and fun ways to self-reward for behaviors that lower blood pressure. Avoid rewards that involve junk food, smoking and being inactive!
Encourage self-rewarding when the individual: meets weekly physical activity goal for the week; doesn't exceed daily calorie goal for the entire week; quits or cuts back smoking/smokeless tobacco; limits salt/sodium to less than 1,500mg per day for one week; loses a pound or reduces BMI by 1/2 point; adheres to medication schedule for the week

Supporting Resources