Blood pressure of 120 over 80 is considered ideal. Research has shown that reducing your systolic blood pressure (the higher number) by 20 millimeters, to get closer to the ideal pressure, decreases your risk of stroke by 50 percent. If you reduce it by another 20 mm you will cut your individual risk in half yet again. An excellent way to reduce your blood pressure is through moderate exercise. Making sure that you are getting enough sun exposure can have a positive effect. British researchers found exposure to sunlight alters the level of nitric oxide in the skin which dilates blood vessels and eases hypertension.

“Small amounts of NO (nitric oxide) are transferred from the skin to the circulation, lowering blood vessel tone,” said Martin Feelisch, a professor of experimental medicine at the University of Southampton in southern England. “As blood pressure drops, so does the risk of heart attack and stroke.” 

Your vitamin D level is also enhanced by exposing your skin to the sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency may actually DOUBLE your stroke risk. Maintain an optimal vitamin D level of 50-70ng/ml year-round. As an added bonus nitric oxide (NO) actually helps protect your skin against UV damage.

If you have high blood pressure and are overweight it is of upmost importance to address insulin and leptin resistance.

At the Health House we offer a personalized program designed just for you to correct insulin and leptin  resistance.


Recognizing the signs of a stroke F.A.S.T.

FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does their speech sound slurred or strange?

TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.