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Home › Articles › Eating Right › Joe Montana

Joe Montana

Focusing on Family and
High Blood Pressure Awareness

By Donna Smith

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Family Fitness

Montana enjoys weightlifting and cardio exercises, and tries to workout at least five times a week. "It doesn't always happen, but that's what I shoot for," he says.

And the family's involvement doesn't stop at the dinner table. "Jennifer and I work out together a lot and really enjoy taking walks after dinner," Montana says. "The boys love to beat me at football and basketball. The girls are in college now but when they're home, we try to get to the park or to the gym together. We also try to plan active vacations that involve a lot of walking, hiking or swimming. It's a great way to bond with the kids and get in some exercise at the same time."

Montana feels healthy habits needs to be developed early. "I think if you teach your kids about exercise and good nutrition when they're young, they'll grow up wanting to live a healthy lifestyle because they understand the importance," he says.

Just Being Dad

Nothing will keep Montana from doing what he loves best: being a dad. "I love watching the kids grow up and take on new challenges," he says. Both of his girls attend Notre Dame, while the boys are at home playing football and basketball with Dad as coach.

"So even though they take the salt shaker away and nag me to take my medication, I always say I have five great reasons to be here," Montana says. "So I'll continue to eat healthy, exercise and take my medication. It's simple and a small price to pay if I'm able to watch my kids grow up."

After the Diagnosis

For someone just diagnosed with high blood pressure, Montana's advice would be to work closely with their doctor to develop exercise and nutrition plans and to get on the right medication. "The first medication my doctor prescribed did not lower my blood pressure, and I experienced some uncomfortable side effects," he says. "Now I take a combination medication called Lotrel, which is two medicines in one capsule. It quickly got my blood pressure under control without any side effects and it's easy to take – just one pill a day."

Montana would encourage people to stick with the treatment plan their doctor prescribes and stay in contact with their doctor to be sure the medication they're taking is right for them. "Every person is different, so what works for me may not necessarily work for someone else," he says. "Make a doctor's appointment today, get your blood pressure checked and know your numbers. If your blood pressure is high, work with your doctor to set a healthier blood pressure goal and develop a treatment plan to achieve and maintain that goal."

Montana's Most Valuable Recipes

Try these delicious recipes from Joe Montana's Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure!


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