High blood pressure

[brooks]

Went to the doctor this week for a infection in my hand that was not healing very well and the nurse took my bp as always. This time it was 160/93 It's never been that high before, this really scares me I don't want to have to take more meds. The doctor said before we start on any meds he wanted to watch it for a few months to see if this was just a temporary thing. I really need to lose weight. I think that's why it's so high. I hate being on diets of any kind and can't find the motivation. I also don't have a clue has to what kind of diet to go on.

I am about 5' tall and weigh about 190 lb's, there's not a scale for me to use because I am unable to stand. I also don't know what kind of exercises I could do, I know that it's key to weight loss. The last time time I lost weight I had to reduce my calorie intake to about 900 a day I loss about 40 lb's but that was 20 years ago

[MariyaJoM]

is there a nutritionist you can consult with in your area? say through the local ymca, or gym? my mom saw one, and it really helped to define what type of foods to eat, the types of combinations, how many meals, what types of snacks and portions, portions, portions. it really helped her out. are you in a wheelchair? is there an outdoor or indoor track at a local school or ymca (or any safe paved area) that you can manually move your wheelchair to get some aerobic exercise?

[brooks]

Those are all great ideas!! Yes I have been in a wheelchair since birth.

[sarafina]

ugh, brooks, that sucks. i have had high blood pressure since i was 30. yuck. definitely good to do aerobic exercise, it has helped mine a lot. (along with meds). if you can get one, maybe an arm bike would be good too, for those days you can't be outside because it's hot. Perhaps your doc could sign you up for a little PT or kinesiotherapy?

[lvwre]

There are also some tapes / books about chair based yoga / pilates / tai chi that you could try. And I would definitely recommend adding in some weightlifting. The whole muscle burns more calories than fat has always motivated me. In addition to free weights (improvised from cans / bottles / etc. to traditional dumbbells) there are also the resistance bands that you can use for all kinds of exercises. You might even want to try some of the exercises on one of the exercise balls (starting with it braced so it won't roll) to work on your balance and core strength.

Also, are there any pools that you could go to for water aerobics? There are flotation systems that are used that would take away the need to use your legs. Unless your insurance would cover it, that might get a little pricey, though.

Having said all that, I sound way more motivated than I am a lot of nights... I didn't get off work until 6, so am snacking horribly and missed my workout.

[lvwre]

And I hope this was just a one time spike, or something you can control with a little change to your current eating / exercise habits.

[sarafina]

waaaait a minnit! when i was diagnosed, i had to re-vamp my eating to get away from canned soups and veggies, and things that had sodium in them. it helped a lot. since i was in grad school, i was eating convenience foods such as frozen dinners, canned soups, and the like. there is an AMAZING amount of sodium in those things. so i just don't eat them, and that helps a lot. i switched to frozen veggies or fresh, but when i'm in a rush, i just buy frozen, because the fresh will rot sometimes because i've got no time to cook. i do notice when i eat a frozen dinner now or chinese food (whimper, i love it) that i feel like a pin cushion afterwards. that may help too?

good luck. and if you do find tapes for accessible yoga/pilates, etc, that you like, will you let me know? i have a bunch of patients that would love to benefit from that knowledge, and i'd rather recommend something that someone i "e-know" has used personally.

[brooks]

Thanks guys, I am going to try and get away from can soup, gad I just bought a 8 pack of soup at costco I will try to eat better i do crave salts in foods and last summer when my blood work was done my sodium level was low. This has me a little freaked out to tell the truth. Tomorrow i am going to get something to check my BP with here at home.

I am going to look into get some kind of exercise program for myself. Joining a gym is too expensive And the one here even has a pool.

[sarafina]

i love soup too. i've taken to making my own stock, and freezing it in those little plastic containers. chuck a frozen hunk of your own fresh stock in a pan and set it on low to melt, chop one stalk celery, one carrot, a little onioin, salt, pepper, parsely and whatever pasta you have on hand, and VOILA - fresh soup. in 15 mins. no sodium, amazing flavor and goood for you.

you want i should post my friend karen's chicken stock recipe? i use the cheapest chicken evah for it, and it's A. MA. ZING. and it makes a ton.

i do beans the same way. i prep them and cook them and freeze them in little baggies so i can add them to salads or soups. no sodium.

[Goalie]

yes sarafina, please post your friends stock recipe. That sounds like a good way to get some fresh and good tasting soup. I love, love, love soup in the winter.

[Katelyn]

Brooks (and everyone else)

Do you have a local YMCA?
If so, they offer a scholarship program.

They do make you give your tax papers, check stub, and/or benefits check stub as protocol, but have been really great about giving any of my clients a free membership.
(I work with the physically disabled, mentally retarded, multiply disabled, autistic, and emotionally disturbed populations)

That includes a parent membership, if the client is a child!

Our local "Y" has 3 wonderful pools at different temperatures and you're also welcome to join any classes, including water aerobics, yoga, etc. and any of the teams.

Something to consider...

Also - my sister and I both have rheumatoid arthritis - her doc recently sent her to PT to be followed by maintenance in water aerobics. He gave her a long-term 'script and she attends at the local therapy place. She LOVES it and has lost 12lbs so far!

I wonder if your doc could give you a similar 'script b/c you cannot perform the regular 'weight bearing' exercises?

[sarafina]

brooksie -- for you - karen's chicken stock recipe:


5 chicken leg quarters
2 stalks celery in 2-inch chunks
2 carrots, peeled and in chunks
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
1 parsnip, peeled and in chunks
2 tablespoons chopped dill (or a ¼ teaspoon dried)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (I use Italian)
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place 16 cups water in a deep pot over medium heat. Add chicken legs, skimming off foam that accumulates on surface. Simmer slowly, uncovered, for 2 hours.
2. Add celery, carrots, onion, parsnip, dill and parsley. Continue cooking on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours more.
3. Strain soup, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate overnight, or freeze.
The fat will rise to the top when it gets cold, then you can scrape it off. It makes an excellent hand cream (just kidding).


i usually put the whole stock pot outside on the porch (if its 30 or below) or i stich the whole thing in the fridge to get the fat to rise. it will make a layer, and some people keep this (called schmaltz) it truly is wonderful for dry fingertips. no kidding. every time my fingers split from the cold, i do this recipe and rub schmaltz in my fingertips and cuticles. better than a manicure, unless you're a vegitarian.

[brooks]

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[sarafina]

if you can't get parsnips singly (sometimes they sell them in a big bag) i skip them. because who eats that many parsnips? not i.

[sarafina]

if you're vegetarian, take out the chicken, up the veggies, and this makes a lovely vege stock.