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Blood Pressure Takes a Dip

One form of exercise that may be especially beneficial for older people is swimming. It is easy on sore joints and may have an unexpected benefit for those with high blood pressure. A small study found that swimming three or four times a week brought systolic blood pressure down from an average of 131 to 122 in three months. Subjects were randomly assigned to swimming or relaxation sessions. Those who swam were able to lower their blood pressure and improve blood vessel flexibility. The exercise was at least as good, if not better, than many blood pressure medications.
[American Journal of Cardiology, online, Jan. 16, 2012]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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