Maryland’s Health Matters - Midtown - Spring 2018 - 3

A HEALTHY START

New High Blood
Pressure Guidelines

FROM OUCH TO ITCH:

Summer
Safety Tips
SUNBURNS

Remember that sunburns are
entirely preventable with the appropriate shade, clothing and sunscreen.
Many sunburns can be treated with
over-the-counter remedies. Put a cold,
damp cloth on the skin for 10 minutes
at a time a few times a day and use
an aloe vera product on the burned
area. Taking ibuprofen can help
reduce swelling, redness and pain.
Check with a doctor if you get
chills, dizziness, rapid breathing,
nausea, extreme thirst, faintness
or a rash with your sunburn.

BUG BITES
Insect bites may be uncomfortable,
Late in 2017, the American

The AHA recommends that you:

but most are harmless and can be

Heart Association (AHA)

Exercise regularly.

fats, sugar-sweetened

avoided with proper insect repellent

revamped the definition of high

Aim for a mix of

beverages and foods

and protective clothing. Seek emer-

blood pressure. People with read-

strength training

high in sodium.

gency care if you are experiencing

ings of 130/80 mmHg or higher are

and cardiovascular

Limit alcohol to one

symptoms of an allergic reaction-

now diagnosed with the condition.

workouts that last for

drink a day for women

chest pain, swelling of the face, turn-

The previous cutoff was 140/90.

40 minutes, three

or two drinks a day

ing blue, nausea, cramps, vomiting or
difficulty swallowing or breathing.

to four times a week.

for men, because

half of U.S. adults-46 percent-

Make smart food

alcohol can raise your

have high blood pressure. If you're

choices. That means

blood pressure.

or circulation problems, an insect bite

among them, it doesn't mean

upping your intake

Talk to your doctor

can lead to an infection in the skin and

you'll need medication to con-

of produce, whole

about whether

surrounding tissue called cellulitis.

trol the condition. Most people

grains, nuts, legumes,

these lifestyle changes

diagnosed under the new guide-

lean poultry and fish.

are keeping your

redness, warmth in the area, pain,

lines can manage their high blood

Steer clear of pro-

blood pressure in the

heaviness, weeping or swelling.

pressure with lifestyle changes.

cessed foods, trans

normal range. 

Under the new definition, nearly

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
At the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) we offer free blood pressure
screenings, and a wellness program to help lower your risk of high blood pressure.
There is no appointment needed. For more information, call 443-552-CHEC (2432).

Especially for people with diabetes

Watch for these signs of infection:

STAY HYDRATED
Sweating can leave your body
dehydrated. During the hot summer
months, make sure to drink at least
eight to nine glasses of water a day to
help your body deal with the heat.
umm.edu/midtown | Spring 2018

 3
http://www.umm.edu/midtown
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - Midtown - Spring 2018
