Controlling your blood pressure is important as you age, as it may decrease your risk of stroke or heart attack. High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher. If you feel that you may be at risk for high blood pressure or you simply want to take preventative measures, these simple tips can help. But first, remember to consult with your doctor!

1. Start a heart-healthy diet. The most important way to control your blood pressure through your diet is by decreasing your sodium intake and not consuming saturated fats. You should also incorporate more lean meats, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
2. Lose some weight. The majority of people with high blood pressure are at least 10 pounds overweight, so this makes a good starting point for how much you should lose to see blood pressure results. If you’re already on blood pressure medication, this can also help make it more effective.
3. Decrease stress. Although stress isn’t the main cause of high blood pressure, it is certainly a contributing factor. Practice meditation and deep breathing to help ward off stressors in your daily life.
4. Quit your vices. Bad health habits like smoking, drinking, and consuming too much caffeine can all increase your blood pressure, so try to cut them out of your life.

Prevention & Treatment of High Blood Pressure [American Heart Association]
Lower Your Blood Pressure Fast With These Tips [Healthline]
Preventing High Blood Pressure: Healthy Living Habits [CDC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Ralph Daily

Harold Marmulstein grew up with a love for high quality food. His father owned a bakery in upstate New York where Harold spent many early mornings and late nights developing a deep appreciation for cuisine. That passion drove him to the Culinary Institute of New York, and, over the course of his career, to the kitchens of more than 30 high-end dining establishments throughout the country where he worked as executive chef.

He finally landed at Salty Sow in Austin, where he's more than just the executive chef—he's also a partner. This means Harold has a voice in creating its menu of farm-to-table fare that utilizes the ingredients of local purveyors. Regular diners praise the Salty Sow's duck fat fries, a small plate that exemplifies the French food influences of this place's New American cuisine menu. The menu also encompasses bacon-wrapped filet mignon, asiago-crusted halibut, and a double cheeseburger.

Some customers suggest that the main draw is Salty Sow's cocktail list. Visit and you can sip a glass of the sparkling sangria or a Rosemary's Piglet cocktail (bubbly pomegranate juice and rosemary syrup) while you dine on tasty French-American food!

Salty Sow
1917 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 391-2337
www.saltysow.com/#/home
www.yelp.com/biz/salty-sow-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/daspunkt

Vintage-inspired bar carts are one of this year’s most popular interior design trends, and the best part about them is that they can be customized in an endless amount of ways. Whether you want to create a modern mixology station or a coffee cart for the kitchen, these tips will show you how to style your very own bar cart just like the pros.

1. Pick the perfect cart. First, decide what type of bar cart to go with. Yard sales and flea markets are great places to score authentic vintage carts, or you can opt for a modern version from an affordable home goods store.
2. Divide the cart into zones. Before you start cramming things onto your beautiful new bar cart, plan how you want things to look. Dedicate one area for cups and glasses, another for ice buckets, stirrers, and other accessories, and leave the top free to display bottles. Use trays to corral smaller items if necessary.
3. Choose pretty pieces. When choosing the items for your bar cart, make sure you stick to a theme. Use a matching set of glasses for a seamless look, and invest in spirits and mixers with attractive packaging.
4. Add some finishing touches. Once you have all of the essentials on the cart, fill in any gaps with patterned napkins or a small bud vase. Be sure to fill the walls around the cart with artwork, and place it somewhere where it’s easily within reach.

How to Style a Bar Cart [HGTV]
The Intentional Apartment: Assembling the Perfect Bar Cart [Primer]
How To: Create and Stylize the Perfect Bar Cart [Guest of a Guest]
Styling 101: How to Style a Bar Cart [The DIY Playbook]
How to Style a Bar Cart [Style Within Reach]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wickerfurniture