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CITY, N.D. – If you have high blood pressure, you are at greater risk for stroke and heart attacks because your heart has to work harder. High blood pressure also may damage the health of your eyes, brain and kidneys. It’s often called the “silent killer” because you may not have any symptoms.

High blood pressure is defined as 140/90 mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg.

One way to lower your blood pressure is to eat a heart-healthy diet high in potassium-rich foods such as fruits and veggies, and calcium from low-fat or fat-free dairy foods such as milk and yogurt. Reducing your sodium intake also can help lower blood pressure.

Barnes County Extension Educator Sue Milender says if you’d like to make some changes in your diet or lifestyle to improve your heart health, the North Dakota State University Extension Service can help. The Extension office in Barnes County is holding a class at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 at The Legacy Place in Valley City.  The class free and open to the public.

This class is part of NDSU Extension’s Nourishing Boomers and Beyond program. The program is designed to provide rural North Dakotans age 50 and older with information and strategies to reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases. However, any adult can benefit from the information.

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond offers classes on a different topic each month. Participants will be able to take part in hands-on activities and discussions, and they’ll receive material such as handouts and healthful recipes to take home.

If you aren’t able to attend a class or want more information on the topic covered in a session, visit the program’s website at www.ndsu.edu/boomers. Anyone can sign up for the free monthly newsletter by visiting the website. For more information, call the Barnes County Extension Service at 845-8528 and ask for Sue Milender.