While I wasn't all that sporty in high school, I was nonetheless active. Then in college, I added weight, but I wasn't even worried; it came with its perks; my curves became more apparent and well-defined.
Before commencing my internship, I was required to do medicals, so I went to the clinic in October 2021 and was told my blood pressure was over the roof. I was determined not to start medications at this early stage, so I opted for dietary and lifestyle modifications.
I dread exercises! Maybe because of how my heart races and how breathless I get—I still don't know—but I hate the feeling. I could handle the dietary changes, so I made a schedule of what would be on my menu: more fruits and vegetables, increased hydration, smaller portions, less salt in food, and adding garlic to my soups. Incorporating garlic was the worst for me, but I had to do it because it's been proven to help with the heart, but I couldn't cheat the smell.
Then, I registered at a gym, and it was like I was going to die, literally. Trust me; those motivational speeches don't work with me regarding exercises.
I remember my first day:
My instructor said, "Give me ten laps." I didn't even complete two before I was on the ground screaming that I was no longer interested! All drama, you might say, but I wasn't even ready to push myself. I was used to being at ease.
After three weeks of steady exercise, about four times a week, I started limping in the clinic. I was also keeping a record of my blood pressure, and I was happy with the numbers I was getting. So I was doing something right.
Then I stopped for about nine months because of my postings (rural and community). I couldn't just map out time, I thought, but in retrospect, I wasn't ready to do anything. So, yes, I enjoyed my break.
Recently, I discovered I pant a lot after climbing stairs. I used to jump. What was the problem? So, I took my sphygmomanometer to check my blood pressure, which was so high. I weighed it again; maybe I should start taking medications. After all, it is genetic. Most of my cousins around my age had started already. But that was the problem. I didn't want to, so I had to start exercising again; dietary modifications alone wouldn't get me what I wanted.
So I began again this month.
The surprising thing is that it wasn't as hard to adapt as it was the first time. Of course, I was tired, but after the first few days, I got used to the familiar pain and burning because I had a goal.
I'm not a pro yet, but guess who finishes ten laps without breaks?
Guess who cycles 30 minutes straight without breaks?
Guess who does five sets of twenty crunches and doesn't scream "Jesus in between"? Or who uses the stair climber and enjoys every bit of it?
Do I still feel pain? Yes!
Do I get tired? Yes
What was my motivation? My Health.
To live a long life, I have to pay the price.
I celebrate my wins, no matter how small they seem at times.
I'm a lover of carbonated drinks; you cannot be a Nigerian and a medical student and not take soda. That was my lifeline for seven years in medical school, but I haven't had any soda in a long time. I replaced my soda with this fruit drink. This booster is the one I hate the most.
It's a mixture of apples and beets. I like apples, but I don't understand beets. And I don't like the taste. But, as it turns out, what we don't like is the best. Beetroot is one of the "must-haves" for me. It's been shown to significantly lower blood pressure after only a few hours of consumption.
So you can see why I have to take it, and it has been working.
Another thing that has helped me stay on track is having accountability partners.
On days when my body protests and I don't find it in me to push or even go to the gym, my friends do the pushing, and vice versa. Trust me, those days will come. It happens to the "most motivated" people too. You need people; tell them your goals and share your burdens.
Elevated blood pressure is nothing to be scared of, and if you've started medications, please ensure you keep taking them. The goal is to ensure your heart is healthy and pumping normally. How you go about it is a choice you have to make.
Pictures are all mine taken with my iPhone XS max.
