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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Things to Do Before Bed to Help Lower Blood Pressure, According to a Cardiologist
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN Maintaining healthy blood pressure is about more than keeping your doctor happy at your checkup. It is a key part of reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious health issues. When thinking about ways to support healthy blood pressure, a heart-healthy diet and exercise may come to mind, which isn't wrong. But it's not just about what you do by day. Your nighttime routine plays a bigger role in your heart health than you might think. That's right! Getting ready for bed might feel like an ordinary part of your day, but did you know certain bedtime steps may be powerful medicine for better blood pressure? We spoke with Mary Branch, M.D., a cardiologist at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, about how to make the most of those precious pre-sleep moments to support healthy blood pressure. And trust us, it's easier than you'd expect (no burpees required!). Before you hit the pillow tonight, try these five simple yet effective tips to give your blood pressure a little extra love. 1. Limit Alcohol For some people, unwinding at the end of the day might include sipping on a boozy nightcap. However, if you have high blood pressure, cutting back on alcohol is especially important, says Branch. 'For women, it is recommended to drink no more than one drink per day, and two for men,' she says. While alcohol may feel relaxing in the moment, it can actually make it harder to manage your blood pressure over time. Even small amounts can interfere with medications or put additional strain on your heart and blood vessels. And the more you drink, the higher your blood pressure rises. The link is so strong that one study found that each additional daily drink a person had significantly increased their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The good news? By swapping that nightcap for something like herbal tea, such as chamomile tea, or simply sticking to water, you're doing your body a huge favor. In addition to helping promote more stable blood pressure, you'll give your body a hydration boost, too. Just go for caffeine-free beverage options, as caffeine may make it hard to sleep. 2. Remember Your Medication 'If you're prescribed medications to treat hypertension, it is recommended that you take these medications each day,' says Branch. This includes medications you may need to take before bed. Yes, even on nights when you feel too tired to open a pill bottle. Adhering to prescribed hypertension medications is crucial for effectively managing blood pressure and reducing the risk of serious health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. Consistency is key, as these medications work best when maintained at steady levels in your system. Skipping a dose can disrupt this balance and potentially hinder progress. Incorporating daily reminders, such as setting an alarm or using a pill organizer, can help ensure you take your medications on time. Simple steps like keeping your medications within reach, like near your bedside or in a spot you frequent, can make it easier to stay on track—even on those long days when opening a pill bottle feels like a chore. 3. Practice Mindfulness Branch suggests that practicing meditation and mindfulness may be a helpful bedtime habit for healthy blood pressure. 'This can help bring down your stress level and your blood pressure along with it,' she says. 'Furthermore, it can help you with getting a good night's rest, which is also important for reducing blood pressure.' Scientific data supports these recommendations. Research highlights the link between stress and higher blood pressure, illustrating the importance of addressing stress for overall health. By taking small but intentional steps toward relaxation before bed, you can set yourself up for restful sleep and a healthier tomorrow. Some additional ways to manage stress before bed include practicing yoga or gentle stretching to ease muscle tension, journaling to clear your mind, and creating a calming bedtime environment by reducing noise and dimming lights. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can further signal to your body that it's time to wind down, creating a seamless transition to restful sleep. 4. Avoid High-Sodium Snacks Late-night snacking can be tempting. But if you're aiming to support healthy blood pressure, it's crucial to steer clear of high-sodium foods before bed. Consuming salty snacks like chips, canned soups or pretzels may cause your body to retain water. This can increase the pressure on your blood vessels. So, keeping your sodium intake in check, especially before sleep, may help stabilize your blood pressure overnight and promote better overall cardiovascular health. Opt for low-sodium snacks like fresh fruit, unsalted nuts or air-popped popcorn. They'll satisfy your evening cravings without compromising your blood pressure. 5. Keep Your Bedroom Cool, Dark and Comfortable Creating the right sleep environment can have a surprising impact on healthy blood pressure levels. A cool, dark, comfortable bedroom not only promotes better sleep but also may support heart health by encouraging quality sleep. Conversely, data suggests that poor sleep can lead to elevated blood pressure over time. To keep your bedroom comfortable, ensure your room is dark, quiet and cool. Eliminating distractions such as bright lights or loud noises and investing in a supportive mattress and pillow may also encourage deeper, more restorative sleep. These small adjustments may help your body relax and recover from the day, contributing to better blood pressure regulation. Our Expert Take Certain healthy bedtime habits can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. And developing these habits doesn't have to feel overwhelming or complicated. Simple strategies like limiting alcohol, taking your blood pressure medication, practicing mindfulness, avoiding high-sodium snacks and creating a comfortable sleep environment can all help promote better blood pressure. In addition to tried-and-true methods for supporting blood pressure, like exercise and a healthy diet, these easy, proactive steps can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Remember, the path to better well-being often starts with small, intentional changes. By prioritizing these pre-sleep practices, you'll not only support your blood pressure but also enhance your overall quality of life, one restful night at a time. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Business Journals
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
See how Cone Health plans to invest $150M to increase local life expectancy
Health measures such as cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and weight can play a role in predicting how long a person will live. But another indicator may matter nearly as much: your address. From his office near Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, Dr. Olu Jegede can drive five miles north on Elm Street and see patients who live to be an average of 85 years old. But if he drives just five miles south from the same hospital, people typically live to be 70 — a difference of 15 years. It's a hard truth that life expectancies are lower in urban and rural areas due to socioeconomic challenges such as poor housing, lack of transportation, an absence of fresh healthy food and limited access to health care. 'It's really disheartening to know that where you live, love, pray and play determines how long you live,' says Jegede, who is Cone Health's chief health equity and community impact officer. 'We want to ensure every individual, regardless of demographics, has an opportunity to be as healthy as possible. How do we do that? We have to go to where the people are.' Cone Heath is doing just that by investing $150 million over five years to make care more accessible and affordable for all. Its goal is to improve health outcomes across five Triad counties. One key initiative aims to improve life expectancy by five years in east Greensboro and other areas Cone Health serves. Known as CATCH 5 in 5, the program deploys community health teams to support residents through outreach events, financial assistance, nutrition support and wellness resources. The goal is to make improvements in three areas that are most vital to life expectancy: 'Cardiometabolic wellness,' which is based on factors including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and smoking. Cancer prevention through screenings for breast, colon, prostate, cervical and lung cancers. Infant mortality — both Guilford County and North Carolina have higher than average rates of children dying before their 1st birthday. So far, the effort has connected 1,200 people with health care providers, including more than 50% of patients who were at risk for cardiovascular disease and many who did not have a medical professional previously. The health network is also working to build partnerships with area organizations. 'It's important to remember that no single health agency can solve for health equity alone,' Jegede says. 'This is everyone's work, and Cone Health strives to bring all these resources together.' For instance: Cone Health's partnership with Guilford County Schools provides telehealth services in more than 25 Title I elementary schools. This helps children avoid missing school for sickness. Equally significant, parents miss less work to take their children to doctor's appointments and don't have to seek costly care in urgent cares or emergency departments. Preliminary data has found reductions in absenteeism and better academic performance. 'This is a game changer, and Cone Health is leading the way,' Jegede says. A similar partnership with the Greensboro Housing Authority provides virtual care to residents of Hampton Homes right in their communities, removing significant barriers to health and wellness. Cone Health is also partnering with North Carolina A&T Real Estate Foundation to build a $32 million mixed-use development called The Resurgent in east Greensboro. This will house Cone Health urgent and primary care clinics and provide needed medical services to an estimated 25,000 people annually. The Aging Gracefully program, in collaboration with Community Housing Solutions, offers home visits and home modifications to improve safety for seniors who qualify. These efforts are not only the right thing to do, but they also make for a more productive workforce and a better economy. 'The cost of health inequity is great,' Jegede says. 'When people don't have what they need to be healthy, we see more complications such as amputations and heart attacks.' A recent study by Deloitte found the cost of health inequity in the United States is $320 billion annually and is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2040. 'I'm thankful that Cone Health is an organization that believes in this work,' Jegede says. 'When we work on health equity, everyone wins.' Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Cone Health features 150 physician practices, including primary and specialty care provided through Cone Health Medical Group and Triad HealthCare Network. Our footprint includes five hospitals and six ambulatory care centers across the North Carolina Piedmont. Cone Health provides Medicare Advantage insurance through HealthTeam Advantage.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Boulder Care Reaches Agreement with Cone Health to Expand Access to Telehealth Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
The collaboration will connect more North Carolinians with Boulder's compassionate and evidence-based recovery support services. 'It's a privilege to partner with Cone Health to extend high-quality healthcare to our communities: ensuring care continuity, quality, and flexibility for patients to access care anywhere they are.' — Stephanie Strong, CEO and Founder of Boulder Care GREENSBORO, NC, UNITED STATES, May 6, 2025 / / -- Boulder Care, a leading provider of telehealth-based addiction treatment, is proud to announce a new agreement with Cone Health to expand access to critical care for individuals living with opioid and alcohol use disorders in North Carolina. The collaboration will bring Boulder's telehealth model of care—grounded in respect, compassion, and long-term support—to individuals in Greensboro and beyond, ensuring that people living with substance use disorders have access to the care they need, when they need it. Stephanie Strong, founder and CEO of Boulder Care and native North Carolinian, commented on the news, 'Boulder's low-barrier care model helps patients access immediate help for their addiction, and remain in treatment long-term without taking time away from their work or families. It's a privilege to partner with Cone Health to extend high-quality healthcare to our communities: ensuring care continuity, quality, and flexibility for patients to access care anywhere they are.' The new agreement will allow Cone Health's Behavioral Health Services to refer individuals to Boulder Care, which offers a comprehensive suite of services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and evidence-based recovery support services. With Boulder's telehealth capabilities, patients can access these services from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, using smartphones, tablets, or computers. 'When a person struggling with addiction makes the decision to get help, we want to provide that help as soon as possible,' says Dave Jenkins, the executive director of Cone Health Behavioral Health Services, 'Having treatment available through telehealth makes it even easier to provide the care and support we want to provide our patients.' The collaboration will focus on individuals aged 18 and older living with opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are seeking telehealth addiction treatment. Patients will receive customized care plans tailored to their specific recovery goals, with a focus on long-term wellness and harm reduction. Boulder's commitment to evidence-based, longitudinal treatment aims to reduce the risk of overdose and other adverse health outcomes associated with substance use. The collaboration also emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and working closely with community organizations to ensure a holistic approach to addiction recovery. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Boulder's treatment options, please download the Boulder Care app on your mobile phone or visit to enroll. You can also enroll by telephone at 866-901-4860. Boulder accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans. About Boulder Care Boulder is a leader in high-quality addiction medicine, providing evidence-based treatment for opioid and alcohol use over telehealth. Dedicated care teams collaborate to provide low-barrier access to medication-based treatment and emphasize long-term support as patients work toward unique recovery goals. Boulder partners with health plans and community organizations to offer affordable treatment to patients across the U.S. Learn more about Boulder's mission to improve the lives of people with substance use disorders at or contact us at [email protected]. Katie ONeill Boulder Care email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Outstanding Women in Business 2025: Michelle Schneider, vice president and chief philanthropy officer, Cone Health
MICHELLE SCHNEIDER Vice president and chief philanthropy officer, Cone Health Business address: 1200 N. Elm St., Greensboro Education: BS, social work, and MPA, UNC-Greensboro Where are you a native of? Chicago Why selected: Schneider leads a team of 12 professional fundraisers who support the entire five-county Cone Health system reporting directly to Cone's CEO. Under her leadership, the organization launched its first comprehensive philanthropy campaign in 2022. The campaign has raised more than $28 million toward a $35 million goal to expand heart and vascular services across the system and fund critical programs like telehealth for Title I schools in three counties. She was a member of the advancement team at UNC-Greensboro and ended her tenure as the director for the Students First Campaign, which exceeded the university's original $78 million goal by $37 million. During her time as senior counsel for CapDev, Schneider helped more than 20 nonprofits raise millions of dollars while strengthening their fundraising programs to ensure long-term sustainability. She is a mentor in her profession, often speaking to nonprofits and their boards, and carries the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services. How did you get started in your career? As an undergraduate at UNCG studying social work, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at United Way of Greater Greensboro. In this capacity I learned about the important role nonprofit organizations play in identifying and studying the needs of individuals and families. I became keenly aware of the need for philanthropy to advance solutions in partnership with governments and institutions who could not do this alone. After attending several board meetings, I saw the important role volunteers and board members play in raising money and providing oversight to ensure nonprofit organizations operate efficiently and effectively. Before joining Cone Health in 2016, I worked for several United Way organizations, then spent 10 years at UNCG learning about transformational philanthropy and then seven years in fundraising consulting. What are you passionate about? As a recent graduate of Cone Health's High Performing Leaders program, I was asked to define my personal stance. After a nearly 30-year career in this community I am passionate about building relationships that create solutions to make the world a better place. I truly believe working together we can overcome most of the problems that impact our community, state and nation. Proudest achievement? My family has been very fortunate to find both personal and professional success in Greensboro. I have had a robust and fulfilling career working for institutions that significantly impact our community. My husband was the co-founder of several successful businesses and now my sons own their own business right here. We love living in Lindley Park and have made incredible friends here. I volunteer with several organizations that focus on strengthening public education. I am grateful for these opportunities and proud that we are individually and collectively making a difference in the community we love. When I moved here in 1987, I never imagined the life I would create here. Next big professional goal? Over the last several years the Cone Health Philanthropy team has experienced significant success with unprecedented generosity from the community. We have recruited and retained a phenomenal team and we are building deep relationships with those that support Cone Health and partnerships with organizations that share our mission. I am committed to ensuring this work continues and I am working to make sure there is a strong team in place for decades to come. This includes mentoring newer teammates, creating increasingly more challenging opportunities for those on the rise and continuing to recruit the team we will need for the future. My goal is to create a culture of philanthropy at Cone Health that will stand the test of time. What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy family dinners, spending time in the mountains, hiking, traveling, hanging out with neighborhood friends and spoiling my dogs Mogul and Luna. I love trying new things and great food! Something that would surprise others? I started figure skating after the 1976 Olympics and wanted to be just like Dorothy Hamill. Someone who fostered and influenced your growth? My grandmother was the most influential woman in my life. She taught me at a young age to be independent, to be prepared in any instance and how to overcome my fears. More importantly she helped me realize that each decision is just that, one decision; it does not define you. If something goes wrong, regroup, ask for help and start over. This has been valuable in both my personal and professional life; you just keep going. How have you supported other women in career growth? Throughout my career, I have been blessed to be around women who lift each other up. I have amazing friendships and important work relationships that keep me grounded. I return this support by mentoring women, by making connections, by offering support and by lifting others with me. My current team is primarily women of all ages and we support one another's growth and development. We recently reorganized our team and I was able to promote three women. This has created new opportunities for them to lead, which will elevate them within our organization and in our profession. Something unusual in your purse, briefcase, laptop bag or backpack? I have a small shell from the ocean I carrry; it reminds me that even things with cracks and holes can be beautiful and strong. 2025 Outstanding Women in Business Honorees
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cone Health program helps moms with substance abuse issues
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — You may never hear a story quite as sad as Breanna's. When she was just a child, her mother had a series of cancers. 'Breast cancer – had a full hysterectomy done, cervical cancer. It was just back-to-back,' says Breanna. 'My dad got hurt at work, a bunch of discs in his neck were bulging. They got him pain pills and I did too, I guess, being around it. It just turned into a disaster. Both of my brothers, they're still using.' She was addicted to opioids at, 'About 13-years-old.' Heroin? 'Within a year, about 14-years-old,' she says. But Breanna's story – unlike most – has a happy ending. She recently delivered her third child, a boy, and did so with both herself and her son, healthy and drug free. Breanna credits a counseling program and Cone Health's REACH Program, which helps women through the stress of both the pregnancy and the first year of motherhood. 'That is the most unique portion of our program is that neonatal medicine is involved from the very beginning, we're not an afterthought, we don't come sweeping in when there's a problem, we're part of the resolution ahead of time,' says Nurse Practitioner Katie Krist who was one of those who work with Breanna. Dr. Mateo Eckstat runs the clinic which typically has 8 to 12 women in it at any given time. 'That is one of the big reasons why I put this clinic together and do the work I do is that I am terrified that one of my patients will overdose and die,' says Dr. Eckstat. 'I am terrified that one of the babies that I deliver is not going to have a mom or that someone's not going to have their sister or their cousin or their daughter.' He seconds the idea that it is the connection developed over nearly 2 years that is key to its success. 'So the people who take care of the babies and can tell these moms and guide them through that postpartum period, they develop a relationship before the baby is even born,' Dr. Eckstat says. Not only is Breanna no longer using drugs but she has a supportive partner in her life in the baby's father. Being able to raise a child with both parents involved is as big an issue as there is when it comes to keeping these women from relapsing. 'It has been my experience that if you have a healthy mom who has a stable life, then the kid will be just fine,' says Dr. Eckstat. Breanna is in school to become a social worker herself and says she couldn't have done it without the help of the REACH program. If you want to set up a confidential appointment, you can do it on Cone Health's REACH website. Link: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
