Having a healthy weight can help your high blood pressure.

It's a good idea to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week until you get to your ideal weight.

• You can make changes in what you eat. Your health care provider will tell you about foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, and salt.

• You can exercise regularly. Your health care provider will tell you what kind of exercise would be healthy for you to do.

You may want to find out about:

• Weight-loss support groups.

• Weight-loss classes.

• Counseling about eating right.

Here are other ways to help keep healthy.

• Always take your high blood pressure medicine.

• If you smoke, get help to quit smoking.

• Learn to use deep breathing and relaxation to lower any stress you may have.

• Check your blood pressure often.