February, 2004
Published By: ‘Heart Beats’, Quesnel Aboriginal Chronic Disease Prevention Program
A Healthy Blood Pressure is below 130/80.
So what is Blood Pressure?
130 measures: How hard your heart has to work to pump
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blood from the heart to your body.
80 measures: Your heart muscle relaxing so it can
also get blood to keep beating.
Know Your Blood Pressure
When it is too high:
It causes your heart to work too hard and weaken.
Your blood vessels become hard and fat (cholesterol)
builds up to plug them.
It causes heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
Get Checked: It’s the only way you will know.
Then you can do a lot to stay healthy.
Keeping a Healthy Blood Pressure.
Keep a healthy body weight.
Be active everyday and keep your
heart strong.
Be a non-smoker
Limit your alcohol to no more than
1 – 2 drinks a day.
Take time to relax and have fun. Stress
can make your heart work very hard.
Eat a balanced diet
•Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal
•Try to cut back on high fat, high sugar and
high salt foods
If your Aboriginal group is interested in Health Presentations, please contact:
Irene, Nurse Educator and Stefanie, Nutritionist
Quesnel Native Friendship Centre
Phone: (250) 992-8347 Fax: (250) 992-5708 (Tuesday – Thursday, 8:30-4:00)
This program is funded by the Northern Health Authority