Chad A. Rhoden, MD, PhD--

Exercise is one of the most talked about, and in many ways, one of the most misunderstood ways to lower your blood pressure. Many people think they have to make a major time commitment to fitness-lift weights an hour a day, run 10 miles a day, and go to the gym every day. Some individuals set self-defeating goals and become frustrated when they can’t meet their goals. They quickly give up and return to a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, they may feel exercise won’t do good, or they can’t exercise because they don’t have access to the right equipment, their friends tell them exercise will put a strain on their heart, and so on. A combination of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors influence exercise habits.

Regular exercise may take a little creativity, but it’s worthwhile. Even if you just dance in a room by yourself to your favorite music on your iPod, you’re getting the blood flowing and increasing circulation and flexibility throughout your whole body. No matter what your family or friends might say or think, being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to control high blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Dancing to those tunes on your iPod for five or ten minutes is just an example of how little effort it takes to become physically active. Many people who site around all day have forgotten how great exercise feels. The body burn fuel when we’re active and stores fuel when we’re sedentary. You can ask why anyone would want to sit all day with excess fuel that just clings to you and needs to move around, to burn, and to dance. Exercise doesn’t have to be your favorite thing or what you love to do most, but you can recapture the joy and pleasure you once took in it – yes, I said pleasure. You may think of exercise as a chore or a burden, especially if you’re out of shape, but it’s far preferable than the alternative of poor health.

Even if you associate exercise only with memories of junior high locker rooms, gym class, dodge ball, and getting teased by your peers (as well as the coach), physical fitness can be highly enjoyable for adults. In fact, tedious household chores – such as mowing the lawn or cleaning out the closets – can even be more favorable when the benefits of staying active are understood. Exercise is a potent antidote to high blood pressure and my goal is to inspire you to get active!

Chad A. Rhoden, MD, PhD, author of Bringing Down High Blood Pressure (M. Evans and Co/2010), is leader and a recognized key expert consultant for preventive health and wellness. He is a professional speaker on topics related to heart-disease prevention, healthy aging, and adult vaccination. In addition to clinical practice, he is an affiliate professor at the University of Mississippi Medical School, the chronic disease physician for the Mississippi State Department of Health, and president/medical director for Your Optimum Health, LLC, a company dedicated to improving the health and productivity of businesses of all sizes. For more information on the book and answers to frequently asked questions visit www.bringdownbp.com/

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