Role in Managing Hypertension and Diabetes

Two of the at-risk health issues to be discussed are hypertension and diabetes type 2. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world (Tian & Tien, 2020). Major contributors to this disease are hypertension and diabetes. Nurses can gain insight into a patient’s diabetes management by asking questions regarding their maintenance and issues they’re having (Grand Canyon University, 2022). Identify risk factors and promoting positive health promoting behaviors are critical in this kind of population (Tian & Tien, 2020). The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes a week for moderate exercise such as brisk walking (CDC, 2021). Two days of training your muscle groups is a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021). The American Heart Association states, “Physical activity not only helps control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, it also helps you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lower your stress level.”

The number one excuse I’ll hear as a provider is not having enough time. This we can dissect into finding out what is a typical day for this patient. The patient has to figure out 30 minutes-1 hour where they can incorporate a plan to implement an exercise regimen. The individual can be encouraged to walk with his/her family after dinner or even after lunch. When you engage the family as a unit it may encourage the individual to continue working towards exercising regularly. If the individual finds it difficult to go outside and walk, they can workout at home by doing simple stretching or yoga. Another great way to workout is to apply calisthenics which you can do simply at home. Nurses can encourage patients to use free-weight body workouts by starting off small and building their way up.

Thank you,

Gabriel Barba Jr, RN

References

Getting active to control high blood pressure. www.heart.org. (2023, June 5). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/getting-active-to-control-high-blood-pressure#:~:text=Exercise%20can%20help%20you%20manage,and%20lower%20your%20stress%20level.

Grand Canyon University (Ed.). (2022). Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice (2nd ed.)

Physical Activity for Different Groups. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html#:~:text=Adults%20(18%2D64%20years),active%20as%20you%20are%20able. (2021, July 29).

Tian, W. H., & Tien, J. J. (2020). Health Behaviors and Health Status among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Chronic Diseases in Taiwan. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(19), 7196. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197196