Q: At my last appointment, my doctor put me on medication for high blood pressure. My stats have always been borderline and getting worse over time. It looks like they finally got to the point of needing intervention.

This is the first long-term medication I've been put on. Many of my friends are on one or two different pills, so I know it can be hard to adjust. On the bright side, I've always been good at routines and I don't think I'll have any problem remembering when to take the pills.

Aside from the lifestyle and diet changes I now need to make, what should I keep in mind?

A: Be proactive about your health.

Ask your doctor if there's a way that you can lower your blood pressure enough to not require the meds. If you commit to changing your lifestyle, you may end up healthier than ever. Although medication saves lives, every pill comes with some side effects.

Some people find that treating an old condition makes them feel better and they then slide deeper into bad habits. If you don't make holistic changes, you may end up needing higher doses or developing a new condition.

Keep in mind how your new medication interacts with others. Although you've never been on a long-term prescription, you probably have at least a few items in the medicine cabinet — including allergy and cold medications.

Before taking other substances, read the fine print. If in doubt, consult the internet.

Many common over-the-counter remedies can raise your blood pressure or interact with other drugs. If you've never worried about it before, now is the time to start. Several brands also sell versions for people with hypertension.

Finally, keep an eye on yourself.

You are in the best position to notice any changes in your body. If you notice major changes in yourself after starting your new regime, write down symptoms and dates. Call your doctor with your concerns. — Doug

FIXER-UPPER

Q: The home I've lived in for decades is crumbling around me. I was able to raise three lovely children here with my husband, but the house has seen better days.

I don't have enough financial means to take care of everything that it needs — the ceiling is leaking; the water heater is temperamental; the paint is peeling; and the wiring is going bad.

I know I won't be around too much longer, but I need to do something about the house while I'm still living here.

Is it inappropriate to ask my family for some help?

A: Remember that asking for help means that you can't always dictate what form it comes in.

If your children are part of your estate plan and will be inheriting the home, they could want to be part of the conversation. Being connected to the property could make them feel invested in the home and the decision-making process.

Make a list of all of the necessary home repairs, and do some research on how much each would cost. Once you have a comprehensive list, rank them by priority.

At the top of the list should be anything that poses an imminent danger or discomfort. If you think the wiring could cause a house fire, you should address the problem ASAP.

Many structural repairs become more expensive if they aren't addressed quickly. Whoever inherits the house may want to keep these repairs in mind.

Last on, the list should be aesthetic concerns, like the paint. Do these repairs if you have wiggle room in your budget. If not, pass on them.

Depending on your family members' circumstances, they may be happy and willing to assist you. But they also may suggest that you sell the house and move in with them or move somewhere else.

Asking for help opens you up to more possibilities. Keep an open mind. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Pixabay