Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series, where we explore practical ways to live a healthier, more balanced life with guidance from Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. With his deep expertise in internal medicine and emergency medical services, Dr. Schenker is here to break down complex health topics and make them easy to understand.
Each post in this series focuses on an important aspect of your well-being, with real-world advice you can use right away. Whether you’re looking to prevent common health issues, manage existing conditions, or simply feel your best, Dr. Schenker’s insights are designed to empower you every step of the way.
Reducing Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly 50% of adults in the United States, according to the CDC. What’s more concerning is that many people don’t even know they have it. When left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and more.
Managing your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or you just want to keep it in check, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key. Dr. Josef Schenker is here to guide you through everything you need to know to take charge of your cardiovascular health.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains the Causes and Symptoms of High Blood Blood Pressure
High blood pressure happens when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can strain your heart and blood vessels, leading to serious health problems.
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
Josef Schenker, MD explains that your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies to pinpoint the underlying cause of an elevated blood pressure. Some causes are lifestyle-related, while others may be linked to underlying health conditions:
- Poor Diet: Consuming too much sodium and not enough potassium can increase your risk.
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart, making it pump harder.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking can raise your blood pressure.
- Smoking: Nicotine damages your blood vessels and raises your pressure.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and arteries.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: The kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure.
- Genetics: A family history of hypertension can increase your risk.
- Stress: Long-term stress can affect blood pressure, especially when paired with poor coping habits.
Common Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it’s severe. However, some people may experience the following:
- Headaches: Particularly in the morning, and often at the back of the head.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Especially when standing quickly or after physical exertion.
- Blurred Vision: Caused by changes in blood flow to the eyes.
- Shortness of Breath: May signal that the heart is under stress.
- Nosebleeds: Though not common, they can occur if pressure is extremely high.
- Chest Pain or Palpitations: These are red flags that should prompt immediate medical attention.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, don’t ignore them. Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that getting checked by a healthcare provider could prevent a serious health event down the road.
Hypertension Complications
High blood pressure isn’t just a condition—it’s a risk factor for many life-threatening problems. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can damage your organs and lead to major complications:
- Heart Attack: High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of heart failure or attack.
- Stroke: It can weaken or damage arteries, leading to clots or brain bleeds.
- Kidney Failure: High pressure reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter waste efficiently.
- Vision Loss: Damage to the blood vessels in your eyes can result in permanent changes.
- Cognitive Decline: Long-term hypertension has been linked to dementia and memory problems.
- Aneurysm: Constant pressure can cause blood vessels to bulge and potentially rupture.
Dr. Josef Schenker says that controlling your blood pressure isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting every part of your body. Fortunately, many of these risks are manageable with timely action.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Reduce Blood Pressure
The good news is that high blood pressure is treatable, and often, even preventable. According to Josef Schenker, MD, with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical support, most people can bring their numbers into a healthy range.
Here are some proven ways to reduce blood pressure:
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fresh fruits, colorful vegetables, lean proteins (such as chicken or fish), and low-fat dairy products. Reducing sodium intake is key—try to limit processed and packaged foods, which often contain hidden salt. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an excellent guide, built specifically to lower blood pressure naturally through healthy eating patterns.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps your heart pump more efficiently and can lower blood pressure over time. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking briskly, cycling, dancing, or swimming are great choices. Even short bouts of activity throughout the day can add up and make a difference.
Limit Alcohol: While moderate drinking may have some heart benefits, excessive alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It’s best to stick to recommended limits—no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. If you don’t already drink, it’s not necessary to start.
Quit Smoking: Smoking causes immediate and long-term increases in blood pressure and damages your blood vessels. Quitting improves circulation and heart function almost right away. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about support programs or medications that can make the process easier.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can keep your blood pressure elevated. Find healthy ways to relax and unwind—deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, listening to music, or even taking a daily walk can be helpful. Managing stress isn’t about eliminating it completely, but learning to respond to it in healthier ways.
Lose Excess Weight: Carrying extra weight puts extra strain on your heart. Even modest weight loss—just 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight—can lead to noticeable improvements in blood pressure. Start with small, sustainable changes like healthier eating and more movement.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home: Keeping track of your numbers helps you stay informed and gives your doctor valuable insight into how well your management plan is working. Use a reliable home monitor and check at the same time each day for consistency.
Take Prescribed Medications: Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own. Your doctor may recommend medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics. It’s important to take them exactly as prescribed and to never stop without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Dr. Josef Schenker reminds us that every small change adds up and can make a meaningful difference in your blood pressure and overall health.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
A reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure. Normal is below 120/80 mm Hg. Between 120-129 systolic is considered elevated. A hypertensive crisis starts at 180/120 and requires immediate medical care. Always monitor your numbers regularly.
Yes, genetics can play a role in high blood pressure. If close family members have it, your risk is higher. That said, healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and avoiding tobacco can help reduce your personal risk, even if it runs in the family.
Yes, in many cases. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excess salt and alcohol, and managing stress are all key to preventing hypertension. Regular checkups help catch problems early and keep your numbers on track.
Lower Your Risks: Manage Blood Pressure Now
Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your heart, brain, and kidneys. Don’t wait until something feels wrong. The earlier you act, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications down the line.
At Centers Urgent Care, we’re here to help. With locations throughout New York and a team of dedicated professionals led by Dr. Josef Schenker, we offer personalized care for everything from routine checkups to managing chronic conditions. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, contact us today and let us help you take the next step toward better health.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
