TV's Duane Chapman, aka “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” is a smoker and has numerous health problems, including high blood pressure. When Dr. Oz tested, Dog's reading was 148/97. That’s stage 2 high blood pressure, also called hypertension.

That level calls for remedial action to protect the heart, brain, and kidneys.

According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, more than 100 million adults in the U.S. have hypertension. And even though around 70 million of those folks are taking anti-hypertension meds, more than half still have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

What's missing from their treatment? Lifestyle changes (and the right medication, possibly).

If you have high blood pressure — controlled or not — here's your short course for a longer life:

• Lose weight if you need to. One pound a week, slow and steady, will do the trick.
• Reduce sodium intake. And eat 25-30 grams of fiber daily from 3-5 servings of veggies, 2-3 servings of fruit, 3 servings of whole grains, and a handful of walnuts or almonds daily.
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
• Exercise 150+ minutes a week to lower your systolic (top) blood pressure number by 5-8mmHg. And stay well-hydrated.
• De-stress with meditation, breathing exercises, and/or yoga.
• If you smoke, take action to quit.

If you're taking a high blood pressure medication, ask your doctor if you might do better with a different one. There are more than 150 to choose from. You can find one that, with these lifestyle changes, is right for you.