joe montana tackles hypertension

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working on the comeback

After his football career ended, Joe slacked off on his pro exercise routine. Now, in addition to taking medication, he works to control his blood pressure with exercise at least four times a week. Nearly every morning Joe does 45 minutes to an hour of cardio work on the stationary bike or treadmill, then some light lifting while Jennifer hits the stair-climber.
           
Jennifer overhauled the menu in the Montana household. “Whenever possible, I try not to include butter in recipes,” Jennifer says. “We’re eating fresher: more fruits and vegetables, chicken, and pasta with no meat sauces. We only eat fried food once or twice a year.”
           
One of the favorites from the Montana kitchen is artichoke heart salad, made with tomatoes from their garden, basil, chicken broth, lemon, garlic, and white wine. In fact, dinner usually includes a fresh salad. And for snacking, Jennifer sets out raw cucumbers or carrots that her sons love to nibble, too.

Moderation is Key
“I’ll have some not-so-healthy things in moderation,” Joe says. “I do love potato chips, and I could sit and eat a whole bag. Now, I pick up a small bag and won’t finish it. I crumple the chips up and throw the bag away.”
           
He also is careful about his beef consumption. “I cut back on portion size,” he says. He eats a small fillet rather than an 18- to 22-ounce porterhouse steak. “Dieting has been the toughest part,” Joe says. “But I’m working on it, and everyone in my family is helping.”
           
The teamwork has paid off. With the help of his family and a drug used to treat hypertension, Joe has managed to keep his blood pressure in check. He now serves as a spokesperson for that drug, Lotrel (one of several used to treat hypertension), sharing his story in hopes of increasing awareness of a disease that is undiscovered in many.
           
“This thing is called the silent killer for a reason,” Joe says.