The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 25, Number 3 | Page 28

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2019
Ask the Physician
Just a few weeks back, my doctor said I am “borderline” for high blood pressure—is there anything I can do to help
lower it? Jim W. – Manasquan
Jim, it’s good to know when you have borderline high blood pressure (BP)—being aware of it means you can take steps now to
lower your BP, before it increases and becomes a medical concern.
Particularly in light of new guidelines released by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association—with the
new “normal BP” being under 120/80--we all need to be aware of our BP and do what we can to keep it under control!
Steps you can take to lower your BP without medications include:
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 Exercising four or more times a week if your doctor says it is OK
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 Cutting down on caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks)
Losing weight if you are overweight
Eating healthier foods that are low in salt and in fat—and add some foods which are higher in fiber (roughage), such as
vegetables, whole grains, and fruits
Quitting smoking
Looking at unhealthy stressors in your life--and minimizing or eliminating them
Follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep adding up those healthy lifestyle changes!
S. Justin Szawlewicz, M.D.
Attending Cardiologist
Vice Chair, Medical Staff
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