ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Maintaining good health can be a challenge, especially when faced with conditions like high blood pressure. For many, the side effects of medication can be unwanted. 

So how can someone transition away from medication? Cardio exercise and a proper diet are key factors, as suggested by Rodger Gilchrist, a Fitness Instructor for EE Pathways.

What You Need To Know

  • Individuals experiencing side effects from high blood pressure medication may be able to reduce dependence on it through proper diet and exercise

  • Many struggle to maintain workout resolutions in the first 90 days, often due to unrealistic goals

  • Personal testimonies from EE Pathways members like Lowanda Jones and Priscilla Parker showcase the challenges faced when dealing with health issues

"I had high blood pressure," he said. "High blood pressure and medication have erectile dysfunction side effects that I didn't want. So I said, how can I come off of medication? And I learned that cardio is our way and eating right."

Rodger, at the age of 71, has been committed to a healthier lifestyle for the past two decades. 

Even if one starts their fitness journey before the New Year, sticking to workout resolutions in the initial 90 days can be a struggle. 

"That number one reason is those unrealistic goals," said Holly Gilligan, a registered dietitian at URMC Fitness Science Center. "If we are eating on a regular schedule that starts at the beginning of the day, that's going to help curb those cravings and the overeating that a lot of us tend to do. 

Rodger, who teaches a spin class, believes in the significance of engaging others in their fitness goals beyond the New Year's resolution. He sees it as a ministry and uses music to share the positive impact of health and exercise on his life.

The stories of EE Pathways members, like Lowanda Jones and Priscilla Parker, reflect the personal struggles many face when dealing with health issues. 

"So I became a diabetic and it's been kind of rough for the first two years," said Lowanda. "I started by saying I needed to find something else to do because I don't want to become crippled."

"I made up my mind that I just needed to, you know, make some healthier decisions for myself, you know, physically as well as mentally," Priscilla said.

For Rodger, helping others achieve their fitness goals goes beyond resolutions; it's a commitment to a healthier life. At 71, he attests to being healthier than ever by following a routine of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a lifestyle aligned with his beliefs.

"Losing a few pounds that's important for us," Rodger said. "At 71, I am healthier than I've ever been, because I eat right and workout regularly, and I live according to God."

Whether it's losing a few pounds or managing health conditions, the focus should be on maintaining overall well-being throughout the year.