Hypertension Awareness Month with Anna Marie Kolodziej
22
May
2025
May is Hypertension Awareness Month – a time dedicated to informing the public about the risks and the prevention strategies of hypertension.
Hypertension, in simpler terms, is high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of blood is consistently high in the body. If left untreated, hypertension could lead to kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. To ensure that it does not go unnoticed, it is very important to keep a record of blood pressure readings at home, as well as follow up with your healthcare provider to receive regular blood pressure checks.
Anna Marie Kolodziej, a Clinical Practice Leader at Humber River Health (Humber), provides five simple ways to maintain healthy blood pressure.
1. Reduce salt intake
This can be done multiple ways. One way is to try to incorporate more of a Mediterranean plant-based diet, which focuses on minimally processed food and more plants, rather than red meat. Another way to help with the reduction of salt intake is to incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts into your diet.
2. Incorporate 150 minutes of exercise per week
This can be any form of exercise such as biking, swimming, running, and hiking.
3. Don’t smoke
If you do smoke, it is beneficial to get in touch with a healthcare provider who can set up a smoking cessation program – a program designed to reduce nicotine addictions and withdrawal symptoms.
4. Limit your alcohol intake
According to Canada Health, low-risk drinking is no more than ten standard drinks per week for women and no more than 15 standard drinks per week for men.
5. Reduce stress
This can be done by implementing stress reducing techniques and strategies, such as practicing mindfulness, like meditation or prayer, and incorporating activities and moments of happiness day-to-day.
Watch Anna Marie’s full video here.