Reduce Your Blood Pressure

July 6, 2005— -- If there is one number to know when it comes to your health, it's your blood pressure.

Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz, authors of The New York Times best seller "You: The Owner's Manual," say that blood pressure is the key to healthy arteries, and arteries are the key to aging.

The average national blood pressure is too high, according to Oz and Roizen. They said the ideal blood pressure is 115/75. The average is 130/86.

The doctors talked about several simple steps to lower your blood pressure:

• Lose 10 percent of your body weight

• Exercise 30 minutes a day

• Manage your stress

• Every day, eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables, which are high in potassium, folate and calcium