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The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Joe Montana
Focusing on Family and
High Blood Pressure Awareness
High Blood Pressure Awareness
By Donna Smith
"Jennifer and I hoped that by sharing our story we could encourage others to get their blood pressure controlled and live a healthier lifestyle," Montana says. "After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, my family and I really could have used a book like this. It is a great motivational and educational tool."
The couple collaborated with cardiologist Dr. James Rippe, a nutritionist, a fitness expert and other people with high blood pressure to provide tips and anecdotes about living a heart-healthy lifestyle. "The book includes some great tools, including a medication tracker, suggested heart-healthy meals, exercises you can easily fit into your daily routine and some of my favorite recipes," Montana says. "The book is free and easy to get, so I encourage everyone – whether you've been affected by high blood pressure, are looking for creative ways to exercise as a family or want to learn some great recipes that the kids will love – to order a copy."
Montana says family support is key. "My family has played a tremendous role in helping me manage my high blood pressure," he says. "After I was diagnosed in 2002, Jennifer began preparing 'heart-healthy' meals, which were lower in salt and fat. No more cream sauces and butter! Well, she let me have some butter, but it had to be low salt!"
Montana's kids, Nicholas, 14, Nathaniel, 16, Elizabeth, 19 and Alexandra, 20, also kept him on his toes. "The boys are at an age where they eat anything," Montana says. "So if I order a cheeseburger they'll say, 'You really don't want that cheeseburger ... I'll eat it for you!' The girls are always moving the salt shaker to the other end of the table so I can't get my hands on it."
