120/80
is your healthy
blood pressure target.

Those are the two most important numbers for your heart health. When your blood pressure is less than 120/80, you know that you're keeping your risk of heart attack and stroke low. With so many people dying from heart disease while they're still young, healthy blood pressure is more than a good feeling. It means a longer, better life for you.

Know your numbers!

You can't tell when your blood pressure is too high. High blood pressure damages the body without you realizing it. The only way to know your numbers is to have your blood pressure tested. It's quick, easy and doesn't hurt a bit. Drop by a drug store, barbershop, grocery store pharmacy, or your doctor.

Enter your zip code here to find a location near you that offers free blood pressure tests. Blood pressure testing is also available at any county health department.

Enter your zip code below

Join Our Heart-Healthy Message Group

Healthy blood pressure numbers are critical to living a longer, healthier life. Join our text messaging group to receive weekly inspiration and tips on how you can keep those numbers in the healthy zone!

Just send a text to 474747 with the message "Know" and you'll be automatically added to the group. It's good to know your numbers!

Know Your Numbers!

Enter your zip code here to find a location near you that offers free blood pressure tests. Blood pressure testing is also available at any county health department.
Find a county health department near you.

Enter your zip code below

What can you do?

If your blood pressure is higher than it should be, it's time to make a few changes.

Eat smart

Just by choosing simple, healthy foods every day you'll be helping your blood pressure return to normal. Think plenty of fruits and vegetables, go easy on fried foods and sweets, choose fish instead of beef, and look for foods low in salt and sodium. And if you smoke, quit!
Learn more about simple steps to healthy eating

Move more

Staying active every day isn't easy, but it pays off in benefits to your heart. Activities like a brisk walk or dancing for just half an hour a day can make you feel great and keep your heart healthy. You don't need a gym, and you don't need special equipment to be more active.
Learn about all the ways to be more active every day

Get Into Action

Keep reading below for more ideas about healthier living. Or download the Action Kit with all our ideas to print, keep and use.

Become a Partner

Be part of the Delta Health Collaborative's efforts to reduce heart disease and improve the lives of Mississippians in the Delta. Become a partner, and be part of the change.

Interested? Fill out a partnership form and we'll contact you.

All across the Delta,
a healthy change is
taking place

People are finding simple ways to eat smarter and get active for a bright, healthy new day. In this Action Kit, you will find straightforward, easy-to-follow steps to help you and those you care about live healthier and better.

So, let's get started. We think you'll discover that good health isn't so hard. And, that even little steps can make a big difference.

Remember, this is just a preview of the full Action Kit. Download the full kit to get a complete set of useful information and helpful tips!

The Basics of Eating Better

Healthy eating habits offer all kinds of benefits.

• Improved blood pressure
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Decreased weight problems
• Lower chances of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
• Feeling better

Just take it at your own speed.

• Cut down on fried foods like french fries
• Choose more fresh ones like crispy baked chicken
• Reduce your portion sizes
• Switch out soft drinks with water

Before long, your diet will be more balanced and you will notice a difference. You’ll have more energy, you’ll be more focused, and, overall, you’ll feel better. Balance is good.

How much should you eat?

Anyone eating on the run or at restaurants has noticed that food portions have gotten larger. Some portions are called "super size," while others have simply grown in size until they provide enough food for two people. With this growth have come increases in waistlines and body weight. Avoid super-sizing meals. Order a kid’s portion for kids whenever possible. For yourself, order a sensible portion.

• A "portion" is the amount of a particular food you typically serve yourself.
• A "serving" is the amount recommended for a type of food at a meal or snack time. It's the amount listed on the Nutrition Facts label on packaged food.

Serving size card

This serving size card can be reproduced and cut out to be placed in your wallet or purse.

If you are away from home, use the hand jive method to portion your foods.

Calorie per person chart

Look for your favorite beverages in low-calorie or unsweetened varieties. These options are flavorful and healthy.

Eating better can even taste better

Here's a new take on a down-home Delta favorite.

Blackened Catfish

Directions:

Sprinkle filets with paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and oregano, refrigerate for one hour. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Dredge the catfish in the corn meal. Shake off any excess. Place the catfish in the hot oil and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until blackened. Before removing from heat add the lemon juice.

Serving Size: 1 filet

Why It's Good to Get Active

Now that you have the basics of eating better, let's look at the flip side to being healthy: Getting active.

Moving more. Taking time to stretch those legs, breathe fresh air, maybe even start taking the whole family out for a daily walk.

Just like a balanced diet, becoming more physically active offers many benefits, including better overall health, a higher energy level, a healthier body weight, and a decrease in the risk of major chronic diseases. According to the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition, physical activity:

• Reduces the risk of stroke
• Reduces the risk of having a heart attack for the second time
• Reduces risk of developing colon cancer
• Helps individuals maintain a healthy body weight
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move without injuring themselves
• Reduces the risk of ever developing high blood pressure

Tips for fitting physical activity into your day

The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition recommends several "Quick Tips" to include physical activity in your daily routine, at work, and at home.

At Home:

• Take a short walk. This small additional activity will keep your metabolism at a healthy rate.
• Use a pedometer; gradually work your way to 10,000 steps a day.
• While watching TV or talking on the phone, try doing a few sets of leg lifts or even sit-ups.
• When shopping and running errands, choose a parking space farthest from the mall or grocery store.

Yard work and cleaning the house also count as extra physical activity.

• Mowing the lawn for half an hour = 150 calories burned
• Gardening for 30-45 minutes = 150 calories burned
• Raking leaves for half an hour = 150 calories burned
• Vacuuming for half an hour = 100 calories burned
• Washing windows for 15 minutes = 50 calories burned
• Sweeping for 15 minutes = 50 calories burned

Now that you’re more active, how about your kids?

Children living in the U.S. are becoming more physically inactive every year. Watching TV and playing video games have become the norm, in place of playing games outside or riding bikes.

A child who is active will:

• Be less likely to become overweight
• Have stronger muscles and bones
• Have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• Decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Have a better outlook on life

Active parents make for active kids

• Set a good example – Active parents encourage children to become active.
• Limit TV time – Make sure you also consider limiting the use of video games and the computer.
• Promote the activity, not the exercise – If your child does not want to play sports and is not physically competitive, consider other activities. If your child enjoys art, go on a nature hike to collect leaves and rocks for a collage; if your child likes to climb, head for the nearest jungle gym or climbing wall; or if your child likes to read, then walk or bike to the neighborhood library for a book.
• Start young – If you are designing a program for toddlers or preschoolers, let them see how much fun they can have while being active. Don’t just run with them. Run like a gorilla. Walk like a spider. Hop like a bunny. Stretch like a cat. Also, play games your elementary school child loves, like tag, cops and robbers, Simon says, and red light green light.
• Lastly, make chores a family affair or turn them into a game: Who can pull the most weeds out of the garden? Who can collect the most litter in the neighborhood?