Health Tip: Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases a person's risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and congestive heart failure.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this advice for people whose pressure is too high:

• Cut back on salt in your diet, and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Get plenty of regular exercise.
• Lose weight if you're overweight or obese.
• Don't smoke, and limit alcohol intake.
• Take any prescribed blood pressure medication as directed. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects from any medication.