It looks as if I’m going to have to go on high blood pressure medicine soon, my medical is in June. Does anyone have advice on things I need to do approaching my medical?
Thanks

Call and talk with ALPA medical in Denver. It’s free and talking to them first can keep you working or get you back to work faster.

2nd on that. Aeromedical. If not already explored i would offer a lo sodium lo carb lifestyle menu change as a possible non pharma strategy.

It got me to target weight as desired by my doc...and as a bonus significantly lowered my bp.

Call the doc who does your FAA medical. Make sure they put you on an approved med. My recollection is you are supposed to be on the med for a week before you fly. You have to bring a letter in to the FAA Doc at your next physical saying BP controlled, no side effects.. Pretty easy actually. Lots of folks on BP meds. I could be wrong, I'm not a Doc. OFG

Thanks! You have already lowered my bp lol

Thanks! You have already lowered my bp lol

stop eating the free chocolates

More advice to lose weight and/or lower bp:

1. Choose better parents. Your's probably had bad genes.
2. Pull the fuse on your driver's side window. If it won't go down, you're less likely to hit the Wendy's drive through.
3. Get a dog. Not one of those cuddly carpet-soilers, but a vicious attack dog. Use her to get back at people who raise your bp by doing stupid things.
4. Never watch a Vikings playoff game. Even when they win your bp will spike. But mostly they'll just make you angry, and be a waste of great nachos.
5. Eat only real butter, sugar, and gluten-packed wheat, just vastly smaller quantities of each.
6. Hug your kids. If you don't have kids, come over and hug mine. (Cautiously! See #3)
7. Buy a NordicTrack. Not for exercise. Use it to hang up clothes that are one size smaller...to motivate you to lose that 15 lbs, tubby!
8. Never, EVER utter that last sentence to your wife!

OMG diet advice in a pilot forum, probably as useful as financial advice you'll get here :).

I nearly wrote a book in reply and then realized I was giving diet advice on a pilot forum... I'll keep it brief and general, educate yourself as much as possible outside of avenues where big business stands to make gains. Almost all food studies are funded by a self-interested food producer or distributor so know who is paying the bills before whole-heartedly accepting the results as the gospel. I listen to a number of podcasts which often have health/exercise experts on as guests, hit me with a PM if you want more information.

Does anyone have their secondary vacation award yet? Mine aren't posted and the tertiary window opens tomorrow. So they either aren't up yet or I didn't get my bid. :(