WASHINGTON (AP) — Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz is urging Americans to take simple steps to monitor and manage their blood pressure, calling it one of the best ways to stay healthy for years to come.
Oz said a healthy target is about 120/80 and emphasized that small daily choices can make a major impact on reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke and other chronic conditions.
“Sit less, move more,” Oz said in a statement. He recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day — such as walking, chair stands or seated calf raises — to help bring down blood pressure.
He also encouraged people to use their annual wellness visits to check blood pressure levels and set goals with their doctors for managing them.
On diet, Oz advised a focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins such as poultry, seafood, beans and nuts, while cutting back on salt, saturated fats and alcohol.
As part of his heart-healthy guidance, Oz shared a quick recipe for Chicken Picadillo, a lean one-pot meal that can be prepped in 15 minutes.
“Knowing your numbers and taking these steps can make a huge difference,” Oz said.
