. High blood pressure is one of the first major indicators of heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure it is because the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys is unhealthy and likely caused by high cholesterol. You can control your blood pressure by eating healthy, exercising regularly, reducing stress, staying fit, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol. It can be difficult to make lifestyle changes. Consider asking your regular physician for a referral to a therapist who can help you manage the transition. Most importantly, be aware that you have high blood pressure. There are few, if any, symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is your responsibility to get it checked. You get your blood pressure checked each time you visit the doctor's office but if you have issues with high blood pressure your doctor may recommend an at-home testing kit. High blood sugar could lead to complications related to diabetes. Diabetes is known to lower HDL (good) cholesterol and raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. This condition is known as diabetic dyslipidemia. A side effect of this condition is atherosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged with cholesterol. If you have a family history or are at risk for diabetes, reduce your weight, eat healthy, and increase your physical activity. These actions can greatly reduce the progression of diabetes. Medication is also available if you have trouble controlling high blood glucose levels and to prevent heart attacks and strokes. An active lifestyle is not only rewarding but also helps to prevent many conditions associated with high cholesterol. Make an effort to participate in daily physical activity. It will maximize your health and increase the length and quality of your life. Any exercise that makes your body warm enough to perspire, and breathe heavily is healthy for your heart and helps reduce cholesterol. Some options include walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, or climbing. Pick something that is comfortable for you and that you enjoy. That may be a structured exercise program, an individual daily routine, or a routine you engage in with a workout buddy. Keep in mind that if you genuinely enjoy your exercise routine you're more likely to stick to that routine. Eating healthy is the most impactful action that you can take to better your health and lower your risk in numerous health categories, including high cholesterol. Make an effort to adopt a healthier overall diet. Learn how calories work and how many you should consume daily. Consider that most food labels are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and that you will need to figure out if you need more or less than that depending upon your age, gender, and level of physical activity. Talk to your doctor or a certified dietitian about making a meal plan that's healthy for you. Regular physical exercise is a good way to maintain your weight and lower your cholesterol. Variety and balance is the best strategy. Make sure to get enough nutrition from each of the recommended food groups. Foods rich in minerals, proteins, and whole grains are low in calories and can help you control your weight. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, red meat, and sugary products as all these can raise cholesterol levels. Refrain from adding salt, sauces, or creams to your food. Drink fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1%) dairy products; choose plenty of fiber-rich whole grains; and two to three servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids twice a week, or consider other good sources of omega-3s, like avocado, olive oil, or nuts. Drink alcohol in moderation. This means one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the burden you place on your internal organs, especially your heart. Living an active lifestyle that helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight will keep your blood pressure down and your high cholesterol at bay. The simple equation is to reduce the amount of calories entering the body compared to the amount of calories burned by the body. By eating more calories that your body burns, your body will store the excess energy as fat and you will gain weight. One pound is equal to approximately 3,500 calories. To lose one pound per week you would need to reduce the intake of calories by about 500 per day through a combination of diet and exercise. Learn how many calories are in the foods you normally eat and take the appropriate measures to either cut unhealthy food out of your diet or reduce it to an acceptable level. It is hard to keep track of calories at the grocery store; therefore, make a quick list with the calories written down beside them in a typical meal. This way you can better gauge what you are buying and eating.

Summary: Manage blood pressure Reduce blood sugar. Get active. Eat healthier. Lose weight.

Keep air and bacteria out as much as possible. A jar with a spring-top lid works well, as it is very airtight. Refrigerate this gel for a much longer shelf life. If you make a lot at once, you can store some in the freezer for up to 6 months. Put a few spoonfuls into a small squeeze bottle to use for a couple of days at a time. It's easier to apply to your hair, and you're not introducing bacteria to the main gel with your hands. Plus, if you forget and leave this jar out, you've only wasted a little gel. You should be able to tell easily if the gel isn't good anymore. It will have a bad, off-putting smell that will overpower the essential oils. If it smells rotten, it's time to toss the gel and make more. If you find you can't use all the gel before it goes bad, try making it in smaller batches. It can last as long as 2 months.
Summary: Pour the mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Portion out a little at a time into a small squeeze bottle. Smell the gel every time you open it to see if it's gone bad.