5 Things May 6: Official Election Results, Book Discussions and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Official election results

The official results of the Town Election are in. Click here for more information.

2. Men’s Book Discussion Group meeting

Join the Men's Book Discussion Group the first Monday of each month 6:30 p.m. at Norton Public Library. The group is led by Jay Boucher. This month's selection is “Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea,” by Barbara Demick.

3. Carol Henderson book signing

The Memory Room and Hope Floats and Wellness Center co-sponsor a discussion and book signing with author Carol Henderson 7 p.m. at 2 Canton St., Stoughton. There will be a wine and cheese reception. Reservations required. Donations appreciated.

4. High Blood Pressure Education Month

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. According to dietitian Gloria Tsang, founder of nutrition network HealthCastle.com and author of “Go UnDiet: 50 Small Actions for Lasting Weight Loss,” dietary changes can have a high impact on blood pressure readings. Here are HealthCastle.com's top recommendations for ways to lower blood pressure:

• Fruit, veg, and whole grains: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy appears to be effective in shaving points from your blood pressure reading.

• Limit salt and alcohol: Cutting down on sodium and limiting alcohol are proven ways to help control blood pressure.

• Bump up potassium and calcium: These both help to regulate blood pressure. Find potassium in bananas, beans, tofu and potatoes, and calcium in dairy, soy, canned fish with bones or fortified products.

Avoid certain supplements: Ephedra, ginseng, licorice and feverfew may increase blood pressure.

• Go for antioxidants: Focus on high-antioxidant produce like berries, grapes, kale, peppers and cherries – darker color usually indicates more antioxidants.

For more information visit http://www.healthcastle.com/goundietbook/press.html.

5. High near 65, low around 39

Today will be sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind will become south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight there will be patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind will be 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.