Posts Tagged ‘High Blood Pressure’
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
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Everybody knows there is a strong correlation between obesity and heart disease. Too many people in our western society are obese which can resulting in not only skyrocketing healthcare costs, but also bring on numerous other diseases, including heart disease.
The good news is that by making a commitment to change your eating habits and lifestyle habits, you can reach a healthy weight again and keep heart disease at bay. Here is how:
Obesity And Heart Disease: Know The Risks
By Maureen Hamilton
With so many people suffering from obesity these days, particularly in developed nations, it is important to understand the health risks surrounding excess weight gain. Obesity wreaks havoc on your physical body, and damages your mental state of mind; the cardiovascular problems associated with obesity affect both your physiological and neurological capacities, leading to issues like diabetes, depression, and most notably, heart disease. Heart disease is one of the most common and dangerous risks that obesity poses to people, so let’s take a closer look at the relationship between the two and what you can do to avoid engaging your body in this destructive relationship.
Obesity is defined as being overweight to the extent that a person’s BMI (Body Mass Index) is over 30. Obesity can be caused by genetic factors, such as a thyroid disorder, but it is most commonly caused by overeating, a lack of exercise, and a diet rooted in sugar, trans fat, and processed food consumption. A person suffering from obesity will have high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure, the leading factors that cause heart disease. Additionally, obesity can cause sudden chest pains caused by a decrease in oxygen to the heart (angina) and has been known to cause sudden death from heart problems or stroke without signs or symptoms.
As evidenced above, obesity and heart disease and related and cause a serious threat to your health. The good news is that you have the ability to reduce the risk of these adverse effects now if you take your life back into your own hands and start developing healthier habits. Even if you are obese, changing your lifestyle to include exercise and healthy eating will decrease your chance for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; losing just 10% of your body weight will reduce these risks and get your heart back on track.
While heart problems and obesity can be caused by genetic factors, the ball is really in your court in terms of avoiding these dangerous health problems. You have the power to shape and control your eating and exercise habits-it is up to you to choose a healthy lifestyle and then make the commitment to live it day by day. Visit a nutritionist, make a healthy eating plan, join a gym or make an exercise plan on your own. All of these things will contribute to your overall health and sense of well-being, and will help you to avoid health problems that can impede on your enjoyment of life or even cut it short.
About the Author
Maureen Hamilton is an Integrated Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, Hypnotherapist and a Demartini Method Facilitator. Maureen has previously worked in many areas of health in Australia as well as overseas. Her health background includes training in general and midwifery nursing, mental health and children’s behavioural issues (including the effects of emotional trauma especially in children). Maureen is very much involved in promoting and assisting people to obtain optimal health and is absolutely committed to helping people to stop smoking and/or lose weight naturally using Hypnosis and NLP.
If you would like to find out more, visit http://masteryourlifepower.com and and talk to Maureen about your requirements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6705864
Becoming healthy is up to you. Become educated and make the changes to fight obesity and avoid heart disease at all costs!
To Your Heart’s Health,
Monique Hawkins
Resources:
1. Most people love having clear arteries. Some people have just found out how to keep their heart arteries clear by taking a special vitamin called Vita Che. To learn more about this powerful supplement, visit Vita-Che-THE PRODUCT OF CHOICE FOR CIRCULATORY HEALTH! at http://tinyurl.com/d34e4yy
2. Forks Over Knives. Two doctors in this movie present, based on research, how going to a plant based diet can help reverse many diseases, including heart disease. To learn more http://www.forksoverknives.com/
3. The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Congestive Heart Failure. You can make a difference. http://www.congestive-heart.com/
Tags: Bmi Body Mass Index, Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Problems, Cause Heart Disease, Chest Pains, Circulatory Health, Congestive Heart Failure, Correlation, Destructive Relationship, Developed Nations, Diet Help, Diseases, Eating Habits, Excess Weight Gain, Food Consumption, Genetic Factors, Health Risks, Healthcare Costs, Healthy Heart, Heart Arteries, Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Heart Health, Heart Problems, High Blood Pressure, Knives, Lack Of Exercise, Lifestyle Habits, Many People, Maureen Hamilton, Monique, Obese, Obesity And Heart Disease, Problems Associated With Obesity, Processed Food, Thyroid Disorder, Two Doctors, Vita
Posted in Obesity and Heart Disease | No Comments »
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
High blood pressure, just one form of cardiovascular disease, is dubbed “The Silent Killer” because there are no apparent symptoms until the disease is well advanced. However, it isn’t just hypertension that can silently sneak up on you. Cardiovascular disease encompasses all disorders of the circulatory system including the heart. Problems can range from dangerous blood clots to hardening of the arteries that cause heart attacks and strokes. Too many of these go completely undetected until it is too late.
So, why are hypertension and other forms of circulatory problems referred to as silent? The consequences of cardiovascular disease are often dire and many of these occur without any noticeable warning.
Let’s look at blood pressure first. The causes of high blood pressure are complex and not completely understood. Some people are salt-sensitive and excess sodium in foods can quickly raise pressure, yet this is apparently not the case in other people. Prolonged stress can lead to problems, and temporary bouts of stress definitely the pressure rise. Kidney problems alter the body’s ability to regulate fluid levels and can lead to high blood pressure. On the other hand, high blood pressure can damage kidneys creating a vicious cycle. Hypertension damages arteries, eventually causing hardening of the arteries and all the problems that accompany it.
The problem is that all these conditions can go completely unnoticed for decades. Loss of kidney function isn’t symptomatic until it is as low as 10 percent of normal functioning. People don’t feel their arteries slowly clogging and they don’t notice any symptoms of high blood pressure until it is exceedingly high. When this happens, they may symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. It is important to have your blood pressure checked routinely.
Some people suffer from “White Coat Hypertension,” the stress of going to the doctor’s office causes a temporary the blood pressure spike. It’s best to try checking your blood pressure at one of the convenient machines at the grocery store or pharmacy. If problems are noted, then go see the doctor.
Uncontrolled pressure can lead to stroke, congestive heart failure, and heart attack. Again, symptoms sometimes don’t show up until the situation is critical. At least 25 percent of people who suffer a heart attack, they had no idea they had any form of cardiovascular disease.
What can be done to prevent these silent killers from sneaking up and threatening your life? Due to heart disease being a leading cause of death for both women and men, there is an abundance of information available to help people prevent or slow the progress of cardiovascular disease. Two of the most important things you can do is to eat a healthy diet and get routine exercise. Eating heart-healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cold water oily fish, and lean meats while avoiding saturated and trans fats are basic guidelines is crucial. Many delicious heart-healthy diets have been developed to prevent and treat heart disease.
Although health professionals have different ideas about the amount of exercise needed to show optimal benefits, all agree that routine exercise is a must do. Walking is one of the best forms of heart-healthy exercise. So grab your walking shoes and get that heart pumping!
You don’t have to develop cardiovascular disease. Follow the strategies listed above for a healthy heart!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
http://www.moniquehawkins.limuplus.com
Tags: Cardiovascular Disease, Causes Of High Blood Pressure, Circulatory Problems, Disorders Of The Circulatory System, Excess Sodium, Going To The Doctor, Hardening Of The Arteries, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease Prevention, Heart Problems, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Problems, Loss Of Kidney Function, Prevention Plan, Prolonged Stress, Shortness Of Breath, Silent Killer, Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure, Vicious Cycle, White Coat Hypertension
Posted in heart disease prevention tip | No Comments »
Monday, May 16th, 2011
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in most of the developed world. The incidence of cardiovascular problems continues to rise. Some blame it on the stress of modern life, the abundance of unhealthy food, the pollution in the water we drink, and the air we breathe. While these problems all are have a part, many times it comes down to individual lifestyle choices that people make. Let’s look at 6 tips that will help put you in control of your health!
Tip #1: Listen to your doctor. If you have some developing risk factors for heart disease, your doctor will have suggestions for you to follow. You may be given medications as well. It is extremely important to take them as prescribed. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular problems are all “silent.” You don’t feel anything until it is too late. There is no saying, “Well, I feel fine today so I’m not taking my medication.” You doctor knows what she/he is doing so follow their instructions. If you don’t like them and care to go the supplement route, you can always get another opinion.
Tip #2: Don’t miss appointments using the same faulty reasoning. Sure, you do feel fine, but it’s important to keep a close eye on any cardiovascular problems. You doctor will recommend tests or screenings that monitor your progress. Adjustments to medications are commonly done to make sure your progress is optimal. As cholesterol is normalized, you may be able to take less medicine and rely more on correct diet and exercise to control this heart disease risk factor.
Tip #3: Your doctor can’t do it all. It is up to you to make those recommended lifestyle changes and stick with them. Giving up old habits and starting new ones can be rough, so think of some create ways to encourage your success. Lots of people enjoy journaling or keeping a record book of their diet and exercise changes. An attractive journal with daily entries can help keep you motivated. When you see your progress, you are reminded of the reason why you are making these changes. This gives you have a sense of ownership of the situation.
Tip #4: If you check your blood pressure at home or while shopping, write it down in your journal too. Remember that blood pressure readings can vary greatly throughout the day. What you are looking for is a pattern or an average of your readings. Don’t take your blood pressure during times of stress or right after heavy exercise. Sit and relax for at least 15 minutes before taking you blood pressure. Your doctor will help you learn to take accurate readings.
Tip #5: Look for ways to increase your movement. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor in heart disease. Do you really have to drive those two blocks to the post office? Try walking instead. Every little bit of extra movement gets the blood flowing and helps with circulation. Instead of emailing or calling your co-worker just down the hall, get up and take a walk down to communicate with them.
Tip #6: Stay current on the latest developments in heart research. New studies are reported in the media almost daily. Yes, you’ll find conflicting research, so be aware that what studies show today may change by next year. There is a great amount of useful material and new discoveries that can help you take care of your health and your heart.
All of these are simple heart disease prevention tips you can follow that will keep your heart healthy.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Attractive Journal, Cardiovascular Problems, Causes Of Death, Correct Diet, Daily Entries, Faulty Reasoning, Health Tip, Heart Disease Prevention, Heart Disease Risk, heart disease treatment, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Leading Causes Of Death, Lifestyle Changes, Lifestyle Choices, Prevention Heart Disease, Risk Factor, Risk Factors For Heart Disease, Stress Of Modern Life, Unhealthy Food
Posted in Heart Disease Treatments | 1 Comment »
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
While a heart attack is caused by insufficient flow of oxygenated blood to the heart which causes damage to the heart muscle, heart failure results in inadequate blood flow to the body. The heart has been under so much stress from high blood pressure or other factors that it begins to enlarge and weaken.
Eventually, the flow of blood is so insufficient that symptoms of heart failure develop. These include swelling from fluid buildup in the extremities, fatigue and shortness of breath. It can take years for congestive heart failure to develop, and it isn’t until it is critical that many people begin to notice.
The key is not to wait until this silent disease creeps up on you. There is no known cure for congestive heart disease. Therefore, the time to start thinking about it and prevention is while you are still young and healthy. Two of the main contributing factors for congestive heart failure are stresses placed on the heart by hypertension and atherosclerosis. Keeping this in mind, developing and following a heart healthy lifestyle plan can go a long way in helping you prevent this deadly disease.
High blood pressure is not fully understood, and some studies show that women don’t respond to medications as well as men. Lifestyle factors can help lower high blood pressure and can even help people avoid medication. If you smoke, quit. Smoking constricts the arteries and increases high blood pressure. It is also believed to be a contributing factor to hardening of the arteries.
Most successful heart healthy plans focus on the positive rather than on restricted items. Set your mind to eating healthy foods. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits add an abundance of nutrients, fiber and artery protecting antioxidants to the diet. Lean meat and coldwater fish are good protein sources, but some of the healthiest cardiovascular systems belong to vegetarians! Whole grains, spices and herbs round out the diet. These same food help normalize blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis, helping you prevent the occurrence of congestive heart disease.
An often-neglected area of concern is today’s overstressed lifestyle. This busy, noisy world, full of tasks to accomplish and environmental pollution takes its toll on our health and your cardiovascular system. There is considerably less debate in the medical profession today than there used to be about the benefits of being able to handle stress, both mental and physical. Try quiet meditation, contemplative walks, or yoga to distress yourself. Significant drops in blood pressure are seen when these activities become part of an everyday routine.
Do not forget exercise. Although there are hundreds of good exercise plans and plenty of advice regarding which routine is the most beneficial, studies have shown that any exercise is vastly better for your heart than no exercise. Find something you enjoy and can stick to and make it a part of your daily routine. If you enjoy yoga, try some of the more strenuous workouts. Jogging, walking, swimming and bicycling are all great ways to enjoyably exercise.
Yes, congestive heart disease is growing problem, but it does not have to be your problem. Do all you can today to make sure you heart stays healthy!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Cardiovascular Systems, Coldwater Fish, Congestive Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Eating Healthy Foods, Failure Results, Fluid Buildup, Good Protein Sources, Healthy Lifestyle, Heart Failure, Heart Muscle, High Blood Pressure, Inadequate Blood Flow, Lean Meat, Lifestyle Factors, Lifestyle Plan, Prevention Plan, Symptoms Of Heart Failure, Vegetables And Fruits, Whole Grains
Posted in congestive heart disease | No Comments »
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
For those who are seeking to change their lifestyle after having heart problems, and desire to incorporate a healthy heart disease diet, beware of salt!
Even if you never pick up a salt shaker at the dinner table, you may be getting an unhealthy amount salt in your diet. An abundance of studies indicates that too much salt puts people at risk for not only heart disease, but also cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes and the health problems that accompany high blood pressure.
There is some controversy about salt’s role in raising blood pressure, but research indicates that at least half of the people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive. These people benefit greatly from reducing the amount of sodium in their diets. As for the other half who isn’t salt sensitive, reducing salt intake can help lower the risks for other problems that affect those who get too much sodium.
The evidence for negative health impacts is so great that the FDA is in the process of revising its sodium guidelines to encourage people to protect their heart and health. It is possible that the new recommendations will be as low as 1,500 mg of sodium daily, which is the equivalent of about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table salt. Prior to this revision, the recommendation was for less than 2,300 mg. Statistics show that Americans consume an average of 3,400 mg of sodium every day, a frighteningly high number.
High blood pressure is a complex problem that may have compound causes. It may not be as simple as just cutting salt in the diet but this is a great first step to take in taking control of managing your high blood pressure. It is well proven that high blood pressure increases the risk for heart attacks and stroke and causes damage to the blood vessels. This damage can lead to kidney failure and hardening of the arteries, both of which further raise blood pressure.
Recent studies have indicated that those with high salt intake have increased calcium loss in the bones causing weakening and eventually osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that too much salt can increase insulin resistance, possibly leading to Type 2 diabetes. Certain cancers have even been linked to eating a diet overabundant in salty foods.
So what can you do to protect your heart by lowering sodium intake? First, be fully aware that salt is hidden in almost all processed foods. Without ever picking up the salt shaker and eating a normal diet of whole grains, salads, pasta with pre-made sauce, sandwiches, and flavored yogurt for a snack, daily sodium content can exceed 6,000mg.
Where is it all coming from? Even heart healthy foods seem to be packed with salt. The biggest culprits are pre-made soups, sauces, frozen foods, canned goods, and boxed meals. Read the nutrition label and ingredients, noticing how just one cup of soup or a half of a cup of spaghetti sauce can have one-third or more of the daily recommended amount of sodium. Read labels carefully, even labels of foods that you wouldn’t think have added sodium like diet pop. Look for salt and sodium in the ingredients.
A healthy heart disease diet means eating most meals at home and cooking from scratch. This way you can control the amount of salt in your diet. Season with pepper, garlic, herbs and spices and buy low-sodium products whenever possible.
Try a cleansing diet for a week to clear the excess sodium from your system and to reprogram your taste buds. You’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll see in not only your health, but your enjoyment of the subtle flavors of richly seasoned foods.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Blood Vessels, Diet Plan, Dinner Table, Hardening Of The Arteries, Health Impacts, Health Problems, Healthy Heart, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease, Heart Health, Heart Patient Diet, Heart Problems, Heart Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Failure, Negative Health, Salt Intake, Salt Shaker, Sodium, Table Salt
Posted in Heart Diet | No Comments »
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
There is a strong correlation between obesity and heart disease. Study after study shows a strong connection between being overweight or obese and the development of cardiovascular disease. Not only is an increasing risk found as weight increases, but it has also been discovered that the distribution of the excess fat also plays a role in promoting heart disease.
Recent findings conclude that belly fat is the most dangerous when it comes to cardiovascular health although the mechanism for this is not entirely clear. The importance of understanding the links between heart disease and being overweight are more critical than ever as an estimated two-thirds of American adults are overweight.
Obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure which damages arteries and leads to atherosclerosis. Additionally, hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys and direct damage to the heart. There is even a link between obesity, sleep apnea and heart disease. Many health care professionals fear that the epidemic rise in obesity rates will lead to a huge increase in heart disease in the United States and much of the Western world.
One long known factor in heart health and obesity is that the increased volume of blood means the heart must work harder and harder to adequately pump blood through the body leading to eventual heart failure. But what hasn’t been known until recently is the link between belly fat and heart disease. One possible cause of the increased heart health risk is that an accumulation of belly fat can increase the risk for Type 2 diabetes, a known cause of heart disease. Other ideas are that belly fat actually secretes damaging hormones that cause cardiovascular problems.
And if that weren’t enough, recent research is also showing an increase in congestive heart failure. This happens when the left ventrical of the heart becomes enlarged as it is overworked. Stress to this part of the heart is associated with high blood pressure but is seen in obese people without hypertension. The end result of congestive heart disease is heart failure.
All of these studies are discoveries are quite frightening, but something can be done about it! Health professionals are recommending that adults maintain a Body Mass Index BMI of less than 25. You can figure your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. Not as tricky as it sounds with metric unit conversion tools and calculators everywhere! So make it a goal to reach this BMI and maintain your weight at or below this level. Also keep in mind that the BMI alone says nothing about the distribution of fat on the body. Belly fat is the most dangerous as it attaches to internal organs and secretes hormones that can damage the body.
Losing weight is really quite simple if you remember the one simple rule that weight loss only occurs when calorie output exceeds calorie intake. There are no magic bullets, it takes managing your diet and increasing exercise. And do you know what? Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and fish and getting regular exercise has definitely been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease! Even small amounts of weight loss can reap heart-health benefits.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: American Adults, Arteries, Bloo, Cardiovascular Health, Cardiovascular Problems, Cause Of Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Health Care Professionals, Health Risk, Heart Disease, Heart Disease Study, Heart Failure, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Left Ventrical, Obesity And Heart Disease, Obesity Rates, Sleep Apnea, Type 2 Diabetes, Weight Increases
Posted in Obesity and Heart Disease | 1 Comment »
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Congestive heart disease is a growing problem in our society. However, there is good news. If you are someone who has developed congestive heart disease, it runs in your family, or you just want to know how to prevent it, there are lifestyle changes you can do to develop a healthy heart. Here are 4 easy tips to prevent it from Mr. Andrew Bicknell.
Preventing Congestive Heart Disease
By Andrew Bicknell
For most people who have it congestive heart disease is preventable or even reversible if caught early enough. Its causes and effects are directly related to lifestyle choices and in some cases to other underlying diseases that can cause it symptoms. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, metabolic syndrome, and diet are all risk factors for this most deadly of diseases.
These risk factors can cause atherosclerosis, which are lesions in blood vessels. This can lead to arteriosclerosis, which is a thickening, hardening, and calcification of arterial walls leading to a decreased blood supply. This affects the ability of the heart to do its job in an efficient manner. These risk factors can also damage the heart, weakening the muscle itself.
Preventing congestive heart disease is a matter of living a healthy lifestyle. By following some rather simple rules the majority of people can keep this disease from ever touching their lives. Here are some things to consider in the fight against this disease.
Tip #1: Eat oatmeal every morning. There are studies that show that oatmeal helps remove excess fat from the body. Not only is it good for your heart but it is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, helping to provide sustained energy through out the morning.
Tip #2: Eat more Omega 3 fatty acids. These come from fish in the form of fish and are known to fight LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels.
With this in mind it makes sense to eat more fish, like salmon, that are high in Omega 3s. These types of fish contain no bad cholesterol, unlike red meat. If you do eat red meat stick with lean cuts to help cut down on the fats and bad cholesterol that is known to clog and harden arteries, which is a leading cause of congestive heart failure.
Tip #3: Getting daily exercise is also a good way to keep the affects of congestive heart disease at bay. Cardiovascular exercise keeps the heart strong and healthy. The heart is essentially a muscle and needs to be worked as such. If your overall body condition is weak chances are the heart is weak as well. Aerobic exercise works the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. It can be as simple as going for a walk or as you get stronger jogging, biking, or even swimming.
Tip #4: Learning to relax is the last thing you can do to help prevent congestive heart disease. Stress is known to increase the risk of congestive heart failure so taking time to de-stress is important in fighting this disease.
To learn more about congestive heart disease please visit the website Heart Disease by clicking here http://heart-disease.health-choices-net.com/Congestive-Heart-Disease.html
Andrew wrote about some very easy tips any of us can follow to prevent congestive heart disease from developing. Take some time and begin to implement at least one tip and you will be well on your way to keeping your heart healthy!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: 3 Fatty Acids, Arterial Walls, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Blood Supply, Complex Carbohydrates, Congestive Heart Disease, Healthy Heart, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Lifestyle Changes, Lifestyle Choices, Living A Healthy Lifestyle, Low Density Lipoproteins, Lower Triglyceride Levels, Metabolic Syndrome, Mr Andrew, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega 3s, Physical Inactivity
Posted in congestive heart disease | No Comments »
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
There are many heart disease tips out there today. But, are you aware of all the health benefits pets can provide their owners? Numerous studies have shown the pets bring lots of benefits to their owners including stress reduction, increased survival rates after heart attacks and the ability to improve blood pressure levels.
One study showed that of those who had experienced a heart attack, a significant difference in mortality rates could be seen between the groups who owned pets and those who didn’t. Pet owners had only a six percent rate of mortality in the year after suffering a heart attack while 28 percent of non-pet owners died within a year. Pretty astonishing!
A study concerning dental patients found that spending time watching the almost hypnotic movements of aquarium fish had real benefits. Not only did the patients tend to relax, they also had a drop in blood pressure. The same results have been found when people pet dogs.
Having an aquarium or a pet dog provides numerous opportunities during every day to spend a few minutes with your full attention on your pets, bringing your blood pressure down. It is well known that high blood pressure can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to kidney function and vision loss. Although medications may be required, other methods of reducing blood pressure enhance the effects produced by medications alone.
Pets provide a type of emotional support that can be very healing. They love unconditionally and bring out their owners’ sense of caring for another being, focusing their attention and love on their wonderful companion. This relationship with a pet gives a sense of emotional safety and wellbeing that really can help healing begin.
Although it doe not seem to matter what type of pet a person has, birds, fish, reptiles, rabbits, and cats and dogs all bring the same benefits. An additional benefit of dogs is providing a good walking companion to get you out in the fresh air and walking several times a day. Be sure to choose a dog that is leash trained, or go together to an obedience class so the dog learns to walk well with you. Large dogs especially need to be trained to follow their owners’ lead, rather than taking the lead themselves. Both of you will experience the benefits of regular, gentle exercise!
Choose your pet wisely. Carefully consider your living space and lifestyle and pick a pet that will do well in your environment. All dogs need exercise every day so if you aren’t up to twice a day walks, pick a cat, a litter-trained rabbit, a perky bird or a lovely tank of fish. Even fish require regular maintenance of their living environment so be sure you can provide what your pet needs to keep them healthy and happy for a long time.
Modern medicine does not fully understand the reasons behind the significant effect that having a pet has on a person’s health, but they acknowledge that pets can prolong a person’s life and help the healing process. I think the majority of pet owners knew this already!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Aquarium Fish, Blood Pressure Levels, Cats And Dogs, Dental Patients, Drop In Blood Pressure, Emotional Safety, Emotional Support, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease Prevention, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Function, Mortality Rates, Pet Dogs, Pet Owners, Prevention Tip, Reducing Blood Pressure, Risk Factor, Stress Reduction, Survival Rates, Vision Loss
Posted in heart disease prevention tip | No Comments »
Sunday, February 6th, 2011
It seems to be one of those common knowledge assertions, that stress can cause heart disease. Although this is a general belief, there really isn’t much medical literature related to the connection between emotional stress and cardiovascular disease. At least, not until recently.
The body’s reaction to a stressful event is programmed into us to save our lives. Over the long course of human evolution, finding yourself in a potentially dangerous situation demanded an adrenaline surge allowing the body to respond in a quick and powerful way. We still have that response, although much of what triggers it is no longer life-threatening wild beasts!
An overdue bill, an annoying phone call, a cranky boss, all can trigger the body’s fight or flight response causing the adrenaline to flow. Over time, this can lead to problems with the cardiovascular system including high blood pressure and a weakened heart.
What is interesting is that although we may all share the fight or flight response to similar events, each person reacts in a different way. Our distant ancestors went into a fast sprint to avoid the danger, dissipating the effect. Today, many internalize their fear or frustration and have no healthy way to get rid of the anger, the fear, and the anxiety of modern life.
There is also a connection between damage to the cardiovascular system and the exact type of emotional stress. Those that suffer the most damage are the people who feel they have little to no control over their situation, whether it is personal or workplace. Although a clerk may have little actual control over their workplace situations, they can try to have mental control over their reactions by looking at the whole situation in a different light. Rather than taking everything so seriously, a lighter mood and a feeling of less desperation can be achieved by mentally stepping back from the situation. It is like the old “go with the flow” attitude, easing back a little and not fighting the situation.
Studies are showing that people undergoing the exact same type of stress react differently, and the way they react influences a host of biochemical reactions in the body. Remember the Type A personality that is characterized by impatience and a chronic sense of urgency? These are the people who have a higher risk of artery disease and subsequent heart problems. The more patient Type B personality has a less urgent view of time, is less competitive, and less easily angered.
Avoiding stress may be an impossible goal, but dealing differently with everyday stress can be a life-saving goal. If you find yourself impatient in a line or traffic jam, try looking at it as a time to relax instead. After all, while you are stuck in line you really have nothing to do, you can just stand there and relax for a moment while taking a few deep breaths before the line moves along and you have to get back to work on something. Those few moments relaxing and deeply breathing can lower blood pressure, reduce your heart rate, and refresh your mind.
Tags: Actual Control, Adrenaline Surge, Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular System, Common Knowledge, Dangerous Situation, Different Light, Distant Ancestors, Emotional Stress, Exact Type, Flight Response, Go With The Flow, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Human Evolution, Medical Literature, Overdue Bill, Stressful Event, Wild Beasts, Workplace Situations
Posted in Heart Disease Causes | 2 Comments »
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
For over 3,500 years people have recognized the amazing healing powers of garlic. Writings from ancient Egypt tell of garlic’s powerful healing properties with its ability to cure over 22 diseases. The Egyptians recognized that garlic was indispensable in healing those with heart disease, lethargy, and even tumors. Clay representations of garlic have been found in Egyptian tombs which represented their desire for good health during the afterlife.
Originating in Central Asia over 6,000 years ago, garlic as a healing and culinary herb spread to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Folklore tells of garlic’s ability to ward off the Evil Eye and even vampires. Sounds odd to us, but these were just some of the things that got the blame for illnesses. So garlic’s ability to ward off these evils may actually be closely associated with its health benefits.
Garlic is a potent herb. The smell comes from the sulfur compounds that also provide many of the health benefits. Areas of the world where garlic is used routinely have a much lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than Western countries, especially the United States, where heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women.
Although there is some conflicting data, some studies have shown that garlic helps normalize cholesterol levels. The allicin in crushed garlic is believed to stop the oxidation of LDL, a factor that leads to atherosclerosis. The antioxidant properties help protect blood vessels from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, one of the main factors in atherosclerosis.
Garlic is also used to lower high blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors in developing serious heart problems including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Garlic also thins the blood, helping it to flow freely. Another risk factor in heart disease is blood sugar levels that are too high. Garlic is effective in lowering blood sugar and aids in preventing late-onset diabetes.
There is a growing body of evidence that links bacteria responsible for periodontal disease to heart disease. Medical science has not determined yet the exact mechanism for this correlation, but there definitely is one. Garlic comes to the rescue again. One of the primary benefits of garlic is its strong antibacterial and anti-viral properties. The natural antibiotic nature of garlic helps the body fight infection. Whether it is periodontal disease, the flu, a cold or any other infectious illness, garlic has been shown to be as effective as many modern medications. Long used to fight serious diseases, it was utilized for typhoid, tuberculosis, and even the plague.
Although garlic supplements are an easy and less smelly way to get your garlic, adding high-quality garlic powder to recipes and sprinkling it on salads or sandwiches is an inexpensive and effective way to add garlic to your daily routine. Some of the benefits are lost with heat so add crushed garlic to soups and stews at the end of cooking.
Garlic can indeed help prevent heart problems. Make sure you include some in your diet each day!
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