The reckoning!

This morning I got a phone call from the GP surgery, inviting me to present myself for a blood pressure and cholesterol check. Presumably there are targets to be met "Yes, we have screened x number of our patients over 60. Can we have our funding please?"
The last time I was summoned was when I registered at the practice, nearly eight years ago, when I was still in the throes of classroom stress and my blood pressure was 'high side of normal' but exacerbated by 'white coat syndrome.'
At that time, I was very assiduous in keeping my own regular check but since then, I have fallen by the wayside.
Keith, who pays little heed to weight, exercise or healthy eating, has no problem with his blood pressure. I, on the other hand, exercise daily, keep strictly to healthy eating and try constantly to keep my weight down to what I am happy with, so why am I the one with borderline high BP?
Maybe there's a clue in my reaction to this morning's phone call:
  • Dig out BP monitor and take blood pressure three times (taking the best of the three as my guide)
  • Spend an hour online researching acceptable levels of blood pressure and whether I fall within them.
  • Vow to give up my daily glass of vin rouge - although I had thought that this was good for blood pressure. The jury's out on that one, it seems.
  • Text Elder Daughter for her opinion on whether I have any cause for concern. Well, it's no good putting her through uni if I am not to derive at least some benefit.
My appointment is for next Monday, so I have a week in which to knock myself into shape. Paddy, dust off your paws, my lad, you're going to be doing a lot of walking!

6 comments:

Daphne said...

As a fellow worrier, I have one word - - SWIMMING. My blood pressure used to be borderline high. Now it's a hundred and ten over seventy! But do stick to the glass of red a day - - just don't increase it to a BOTTLE of red a day!

Jennytc said...

Good idea, Daphne. I like swimming although I'm really no good at it. Glad I don't have to give up the red. ;)

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Over in Thailand, regular massage seems to work wonders for people's health and well-being. May I suggest that Keith signs up for training in Thai massage on the understanding that when his course is complete he will massage you from head to toe each evening. Aromatic massage oils are advisable.

Jennytc said...

Sounds good to me, YP, but I shall draw the line at his walking up and down my spine!

Rosie said...

I am sure I read that one glass of red a day was good for you.x

Jennytc said...

Yes, Rosie, and I'm sticking with that. ;)

Plaster board and dust

So, we're still no further forward on the British Gas smart meter front and I've given up making non-existent appointments with them...