My wife's blood pressure is on the high side sometimes. She has been advised to "watch her blood pressure." Are there any blood pressure recorders on the market that are accurate enough for such "watching"?

--Dave

Many of the home blood pressure monitors are quite accurate. I suggest you ask your local pharmacist for a specific recommendation among the brands available in your area.

There are many things your wife can do to help keep her blood pressure normal. Exercise is very important -- start out slow and stick with it; walking for 20-30 minutes several times a week is easy and effective. Achieving a healthy weight is necessary. (In general, ideal weight for a woman with a medium frame is 100 pounds plus five pounds for every inch in height above five feet; add 10 percent if large-boned or subtract 10 percent if small-boned.) Eat healthy foods like lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish. Avoid excess alcohol (more than 12 drinks a week is considered heavy drinking in women) and STOP SMOKING! Cut down on highly processed and therefore highly salty foods and snacks. Reduce stress.