Chapter 1: The Challenge of Aging and Health Concerns

My husband, now 65, is facing some health issues that come with aging. Recently, he received a diagnosis of high blood pressure, which the doctors suggested they would monitor and potentially treat with statins. While this news was unsettling, it was certainly preferable to the alternative of a heart attack or stroke.

We have also dealt with considerable stress lately, particularly due to our tenants causing damage to our home. Additionally, he has undergone surgery and faced various health challenges that have made life quite difficult for both of us.

Since the diagnosis, he has become increasingly preoccupied with his blood pressure, and we are actively working to reduce his stress levels. "I'm anxious about my anxiety!" he recently expressed, highlighting the paradox of his situation. His awareness of his high blood pressure has only intensified his anxiety, especially since his father passed away from a heart attack at a young age. Although his cholesterol levels are normal, the high blood pressure continues to be a source of worry.

To help alleviate his concerns, I encouraged him to eliminate added salt from his snacks and to incorporate garlic into his daily diet, as it is known to help lower blood pressure. He has taken my advice to heart, resulting in our home now having a distinct aroma of garlic.

I would also like him to increase his physical activity, but a foot issue complicates this aspiration. He received an injection last Monday, intended to address the foot problem, but he has not yet felt any improvement.

Fortunately, after a week of consuming a clove of raw garlic daily, his blood pressure has returned to nearly normal levels, albeit with some fluctuations. This is encouraging news, as it has alleviated some of his anxiety regarding his blood pressure.

As is typical in the UK, he has struggled to secure a follow-up appointment with his doctor to voice his concerns. However, he is scheduled to speak with a pharmacist in two weeks, which should provide some additional support.

I am optimistic that with the addition of garlic to his regimen, we will achieve his health goals. This natural remedy seems preferable to statins and does not depend on an overstretched healthcare system that often lacks availability.

Moreover, once we resolve the issues with our property, it will eliminate another source of stress from our lives.

Chapter 2: Coping Strategies for Anxiety

In the first video titled "What To Do When Your Partner's Anxiety is Driving You Crazy," strategies for managing a partner's anxiety are discussed. It provides valuable insights and tips for maintaining a supportive environment.

The second video, "3 Things My Husband Does to Calm My Anxiety - Works Like Magic!" shares effective methods that can help alleviate anxiety in relationships, offering practical advice for couples navigating these challenges.

© Susie Kearley 2024. All Rights Reserved.

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