401.1

401.1 - the ICD-9 code for benign essential hypertension.

I've noticed that my blood pressure has been slowly rising the past few years.  This is common with getting older, but it has gotten to a range with which I didn't feel comfortable.  Yesterday, at a routine doctor visit, my doctor felt the same way.  While possibly attributing the current numbers to taking Sudafed for a cold, she saw the recent increases and decided it was time to call it what is is.  And she started me on medication.

This is no big deal.  A lot of people take medicine for high blood pressure.  But to me, it was just another definitive sign that I'm really not as young as I think I am.  The graying hair, the wrinkles, the lack of energy, the weight that won't go away, and now this.

So, time to make some changes.  The hair - that'll be done this week.  The wrinkles - time for a good facial and better skin products and, possibly, a visit to my dermatologist for a little nip-and-tuck.  The lack of energy and the weight problem - those I'm going to tackle starting today.  Walking, more moving around, watching what I eat, less salt, more water, more fruits and veggies.

I can't stop the clock.  I can't turn back the calendar.  But I don't have to age gracefully.  I'm fighting!