Make Healthier Living a Team Game
The four-time Super Bowl champion may be one-of-a-kind on the football field, but Montana is just an “average Joe” when it comes to high blood
pressure. Joe is one of the 65 million Americans who currently suffer from this condition, 70 percent of whom do not have it under control. Joe has been spreading high blood pressure awareness around the country with Dr. Rippe as part of the BP Success Zone program (sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation).
Joe Montana’s Family Playbook:
The book is designed to help people manage their high blood pressure and live a healthier lifestyle. It contains a wealth of information including:
* An overview of high blood pressure and the means available for treatment
* Informative tips on showing your children how to lead heart-healthy lives
* Strategies for staying motivated and focused on your treatment plan
* Joe Montana’s favorite heart-healthy recipes
* Creative, family-oriented exercises to incorporate into your daily routine
* Personal stories from the Montanas and other high blood pressure patients
Joe Montana’s Story
Joe was shocked when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure during a routine physical in 2002. But Dr. Rippe points out that, “Joe is the classic example of someone with hypertension. He was in his forties, had a family history of high blood pressure and at the time of diagnosis exhibited no symptoms. High blood pressure is called the silent killer for that very reason. Who would ever expect that ‘Joe Cool,’ four time Super Bowl champion, could ever have it?”
Joe says, “I know first-hand about the disease and the challenges of healthy eating and exercise. Having a supportive family has been imperative for me. My wife and kids keep me on my toes and we try to do a lot of heart-healthy activities together.”
Fitness expert Liz Neporent encourages people to choose physical activity they enjoy. “Lack of motivation is one of the biggest obstacles to starting a healthy lifestyle,” she says. “But people are more likely to be physically active if they do something they find fun.”
Jennifer Montana agrees and believes her family’s experience has been a great lesson not only for her and Joe, but also for their children. “Along with learning about a healthier way to eat, the kids now see the importance of exercise and an active lifestyle. We’ve really made it a part of our everyday life.”
In order to get his blood pressure under control, Joe worked with his doctor to set and achieve a blood pressure goal within the BP Success Zone, which is defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below. After the first medication did not work for him, Joe began taking a combination antihypertensive medication called Lotrel (R) (amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl), in addition to regularly monitoring his blood pressure and making lifestyle changes to reach his target blood pressure.
With the support of his family, “The Comeback Kid” has been able to achieve and maintain a healthier blood pressure goal. Now, with “Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure,” Joe and Jennifer are reminding other high blood pressure patients and their loved ones that managing high blood pressure is a team game and if Joe Montana can do it, so can you!
To order your free copy of “Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure” (beginning June 14th) and learn more about the BP Success Zone program, visit www.GETBPDOWN.com. Information is also available toll-free at (877) GET-BP-DOWN (877-438-2736).