IS YOUR PRESSURE CLIMBING?

REDUCING YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE CAN HELP LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

IS YOUR PRESSURE CLIMBING?

A CAFFEINE WAKE-UP CALLCaffeine is a stimulant and is one of the most popular drugs in the world. It occurs naturally in plants like cocoa beans, coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola nuts. But too much caffeine has been shown to:

Raise blood pressure

Produce heart palpitations

Increase blood cholesterol

Interrupt mood and sleep patterns

Trigger headaches

Cause dehydration

AVOID a CAFFEINE “DIVE”An abrupt decrease may cause caffeine withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and nervousness. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve after a few days. To change your caffeine habit more gradually, try these tips:

✓ TRACK YOUR INTAKE. Read food and beverage labels carefully. Limit caffeine consumption to 200 mg daily (8 oz coffee = 100 mg; 12 oz soda = 35 mg).

✓ REDUCE AND REPLACE. Cut one can of soda or cup of coffee each day (or drink from a smaller cup), especially late in the day. (Get Corporate Health Challenge points by replacing lost fluids with water.)

✓ GO DECAF OR CHOOSE HERBAL TEA. Most decaffeinated beverages look and taste the same.

✓ CHECK YOUR PAIN MEDICINE. Some over-the-counter pain relievers contain caffeine — as much as 130 mg in one dose.

See your worksite nurse or health care provider for advice on how to curb the caffeine habit and help control your blood pressure through diet and exercise. Call 24/7 Nurse on Call at (800) 528-7883 to schedule an appointment today.

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