AFMC Command News

Tinker employee battling high blood pressure - and winning

  • Published
  • By Crystal Toenjes
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Michael Black's blood pressure had always been a little high, but he never had any symptoms. So his somewhat regular exercise program of lifting weights seemed like enough. 

"I always wanted to bring it down, I just never had the motivation to do it," he said. "I was going after work at first, but sometimes I didn't want to go." 

Then, the Fit 4 Life program came to Tinker Air Force Base. 

The program was designed to provide civilians an opportunity to join their military colleagues in the effort to become nutritionally, physically, spiritually and mentally fit. Eligible civilian employees are authorized up to three hours per week on-duty time to take part in fitness activities. 

"That's when I decided to get serious about my health and my blood pressure," said Mr. Black, who remanufactures bearings. "The extra time really helps a lot because the option of that extra hour at lunch gives me the motivation to keep going." 

Mr. Black signed up for one of the first fitness leader courses, during which he discovered he was not doing as much as he could to improve his cardiovascular health. 

"I was just lifting free weights. But during the course, I learned about adding in cardio exercises like aerobics, running and biking," he said. "Now, I do cardio workouts twice one week and three times the next week and that helped a lot with bringing down my blood pressure." 

He also made changes to his eating habits, cutting out almost all fried foods and trips to fast food restaurants. 

"I really don't miss it," he said. 

Before the changes in his eating habits and exercise routine, Mr. Black said his blood pressure was usually about 135/82. His blood pressure is now regularly measured at 113/66. 

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading should normally be less than 120/80 for an adult. Blood pressure that stays between 120-139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension and readings of 140/90 or higher are considered high. 

"When they had the free screening over here one day and they told me it was that low, I was dancing all over the place," Mr. Black said with a laugh. "I feel great, I have more energy, I sleep better and I've lost about 30 pounds in the last year-and-a-half." 

He said the most important thing to remember when starting a program to get healthier is that it takes time to see results. 

"You can't expect results overnight. It took me almost three years to get my blood pressure down. The results will happen, if you stick with it," he said. 

"Attitude has a lot to do with it and I keep a good attitude," he said. "Next year, I'll be 43, and I don't look at it as being old. I consider this another chance at my youth."