When Healthy Habits Aren't Enough: A Personal Health Journey

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Have you ever done everything "right" for your health only to discover your body had different plans? That's exactly what happened when my blood pressure climbed to concerning levels despite years of regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques.

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about facing the reality of my genetic predisposition to high blood pressure—a condition that has affected my two younger siblings for over a decade. Despite my best efforts to maintain an active lifestyle and make conscientious food choices, my readings have crept into the 130s, 140s, and even 150s, placing me firmly in Level 2 hypertension territory.

The wellness industry often perpetuates the myth that we can exercise, eat, or meditate our way out of any health condition. While lifestyle certainly matters and can delay or reduce many issues, sometimes our genetics tap us on the shoulder and demand attention. This realization doesn't mean surrendering to illness—it means developing a more nuanced understanding of health that includes awareness, monitoring, and sometimes medical intervention alongside personal responsibility.

I share my current approach, including increased plant-based eating, eliminating alcohol (yes, even my beloved wine), and investing in tools like an automatic blood pressure monitor. More importantly, I discuss the mental shift from trying to control everything to focusing on what I can influence while accepting what I cannot. This perspective has been surprisingly liberating.

If you're facing similar health challenges or have family tendencies you're hoping to avoid, this episode offers encouragement to embrace awareness over avoidance. Remember that acknowledging vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the foundation of genuine strength. Subscribe to Why Not? Wellness for more honest conversations about health beyond the highlight reel, and remember to keep it moving, even when it means paying closer attention to what your body is telling you.

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