High blood pressure or hypertension is a significant national health problem. In addition to being one of the most common causes of stroke and end-stage renal disease, it is the "silent killer". People with hypertension often do not experience symptoms and, therefore, do not usually seek treatment. Of the 50 million Americans with hypertension, 35% are unaware of their illness. Despite many advances in the treatment, detection and prevention of hypertension, 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. We recommend using the Student Health Center to have your blood pressure checked, routinely. Often you can find one of our nurses out on campus doing hypertensive screening. If you see her make sure you stop by for a reading. It is quick and easy.

Now, the best method of controlling hypertension is to prevent it from occurring. Primary prevention offers health care providers and patients the excellent opportunity to avoid the costly cycle of managing hypertension and its complications. The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, in its 6^th report, strongly advocates life-style modifications both to prevent and to treat hypertension. In some, life-style modification is enough therapy in its self.

What can be done? What is recommended? First, monitor your weight. Being overweight has been correlated with an increased likelihood of increased blood pressure. Even a small amount of weight loss can reduce blood pressure or decrease the risk of developing hypertension. Second, moderate alcohol intake. Excessive use of alcohol increases the risk of hypertension and stroke. It is important to note with the recent release of information that alcohol use, in moderation, can reduce cardiovascular risk that you understand the emphasis on moderation, "More is not better."

The next modification is in physical activity. Most Americans complain that they do not have time to exercise. Find a way! Make it fun. Even light activities done on a daily basis can lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Be creative start today do not let your limitations keep you from exercising. Lastly, monitor your use of sodium. Many studies have confirmed the association between excessive sodium intake and high blood pressure. It is encouraging to know that by simply reducing your salt intake, your blood pressure will decrease. But even better, start reading food labels, especially processed foods, by doing this and reducing your salt you can substantially reduce your sodium intake.

In closing, I want to remind you to come by and see us in the Student Health Center. Be your own health advocate and take charge of your health. Have an annual check-up, which always includes a blood pressure reading, and if you have you own doctor, that’s great, but we would still recommend stopping by for a blood pressure reading. Have a good quarter.