Healthy Aging - Seniors Battle High Blood Pressure

June 16, 2011

TYLER - (KYTX CBS 19) 73-year-old Earlena English loves to dance. She's been dancing all her life but learned to line dance just five years ago.

"I do the swing dance, the twist, the monkey, and the duck. I've learned a lot in my time" she said.

She said her active lifestyle and dancing is only one reason she's never had high blood pressure.

"I play dominoes at home, you do anything you can to do to keep your mind working" Earlena said.

Studies show there is a link between stress and high blood pressure. So thinking games like the dominoes and scrabble can help more than just your mind.

Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Cardiologist David Hector said whatever activity that helps you relax can help lower blood pressure.

He added that there is no known cause for elevated blood pressure in most of the people who have it. High blood pressure can lead to other serious problems like heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Hector said stress reducing exercises can help.

"There was an excellent study that showed if you ate certain fruits and vegetables, that can also help lower blood pressure," Hector said.

Earlena also eats a healthy diet and likes to dance at home while listening to her favorite music. She believes that's what keeps her heart pumping.

"If your mind is working good, your body will work along with it," Earlena said.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• Frances
• Hospitals
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• Cardiovascular
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• Heart
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• Pressure
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• Seniors