I never expected to find myself in the position of being concerned about my physical health. I was the girl in my 20s that was skinny and by default, “healthy”. So, I never had much to worry about in terms of feeling my best. While my maternal side has a history of high blood pressure, I’ve always had regular doctor’s appointments and had no indication of running into any issues. Enter… pregnancy. For me, pregnancy was smooth for my first two children but during my third pregnancy I ran into all types of complications.
I had elevated blood pressure early on in my first trimester. The doctors attempted to control that with aspirin and once I made it to the second trimester elevated became “high”. I was placed on high blood pressure medication for the first time ever and I had to continue taking it throughout pregnancy and for an entire year postpartum. This was also the time I was introduced to a cardiologist, and I learned just how quickly things can go wrong with your heart health. As a mom of three, and a Black woman (Black women are at greater risk for heart disease than women in other racial groups according to the American Heart Association) it became more important than ever for me to educate myself on taking care of myself the right way.
Release the Pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80% of Black adults who have high blood pressure don’t have it under control, putting them at a higher risk for stroke and heart attack. The Release the Pressure (RTP) Heart Health Squad, a coalition of national health care professional organizations and heart health experts, has made it their mission to Release the Pressure by providing resources and partnering with Black women to support their heart health. Taking the pledge will open you up to resources such as how to read and monitor blood pressure at home, physical activity ideas, meditation, and recipes you’ll be sure to enjoy.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE PLEDGE WITH ME
Ways I’ve Committed to My Heart Health
Since having my daughter I’ve been making an extra effort to move my body because cardio is super important for heart health. That coupled with other preventative measures have helped me to keep my blood pressure under control and manage my heart health. Some of these things include:
- Seeing my doctor regularly. This includes annual checkups and seeing any required specialists. After having my daughter I had to see a cardiologist and keeping up with those appointments became just as important as seeing my primary care physician.
- Ensuring I get at least 30 minutes of cardio in daily. Being a toddler mom definitely helps on that front. I’ve never been a big fan of running but jumping rope has easily become one of my favorite ways to get cardio. Also going for walks when it’s warm enough and the NYC weather allows.
- Investing in a smart watch. It may sound silly but having my Apple Watch has made it so I have a reason to move. Closing my rings daily is always a motivator and I love that it reminds me to stand up and be active throughout the day.
- Meditation and journaling. As someone with anxiety, I’ve learned that it can trigger higher blood pressure. Meditation and journaling have helped in instances where I need to brain dump or feel like my mind is too cluttered. I like writing with pen and paper but I’m also not opposed to jotting things down in the notes app on my phone. Headspace is also a great app for sleep and meditation.
Take the Pledge
Now that I’ve shared my story with managing my heart health, I want you to take the pledge with me! Once you do, comment” pledge” on this post and I’ll share my Spotify workout playlist with you, and we can connect in my Movement Motivation group over on Instagram! Taking care of your heart is SO important and I’m excited to be on this journey with my community!
wish the best and alot of Love