by admin | Jul 17, 2018 | Health Awareness
High blood pressure or hypertension can be very dangerous especially since you may not have any specific signs or symptoms. High blood pressure results in almost 1000 deaths daily with the first symptom sometimes being a heart attack or a stroke.
Blood pressure is measured in units called millimeters of mercury, written as (mm Hg). The top number represents the highest pressure of the blood when the heart contracts while the bottom number represents the lowest pressure of the blood when the heart is in a state of expansion. Hypertension is a condition when the measured blood pressure is 140/30 or higher. If the blood pressure rises above this given range it can result in serious complications like a stroke, heart disease, kidney damage and even loss of vision.
Here we have helpful tips on how to manage your blood pressure?
How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly:
If you have tried testing your own blood pressure at home, you may have noticed it is never an accurate number and keeps fluctuating and changing at various times of the day. Below are some tips to help you measure your blood pressure as accurately as when you visit your physician office.
- Empty your bladder before you measure your blood pressure
- Do not consume alcohol, caffeine or tobacco at least half an hour prior to measuring your blood pressure
- Sit in a comfortable position and make sure your back is supported
- Rest for five minutes before measuring and avoid talking during the test
- Wrap the cuff so that it is snug but have enough room to insert one finger under the cuff
- Place the left arm on something that it is almost at level with your heart like on a desk or a table
How You Can Lower Blood Pressure
Making a few lifestyle changes can play a big role in controlling blood pressure. This can include cutting down the salt intake in food, eating plant-based diets, not smoking, managing stress, implementing exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Some suggestions are:
Eat Fish:
Fish like mackerel, sardines, and salmon that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in reducing blood pressure.
Eat Apples
The peels of apples are rich in cholesterol lowering fiber which is linked to inhibit the growth of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This enzyme is mainly responsible for the constriction of blood vessels causing high blood pressure.
Be Mindful:
Remain mindful, regular meditation can help deal with hypertension which has been proven by conducted studies. Being mindful includes focusing in the present moment to feeling the sensations of touch, sound and smell and not be anxious about the future or wavering over the past.
by admin | Jul 11, 2018 | Health Awareness
Mild nausea can be experienced by many for different reasons but there are some foods and drinks that may be beneficial in relieving that nauseous feeling. Sometimes nausea can be a symptom of something serious especially if you notice other signs like fainting, cramps, severe pain in the chest etc. It is very important to find out the cause of the discomforts as sometimes inflammation due to medication can also be the cause. Everyday Health suggests the following foods and drinks below:
Crackers
Foods that are rich in starch like bread, toast, or crackers help in the absorption of the gastric juice settling down the queasiness of the stomach. Since crackers are bland in nature, they not only help in satisfying the hunger but also not having a strong smell or taste decreases the symptoms of nausea. Starchy foods also absorb the acids present in the stomach.
Apples
Eating apples can help relieve nausea as they are rich in fiber. Fiber helps in slowing down the digestion. Too much fiber can cause nausea so be sure to eat in moderation. You can also try apple juice and applesauce if you face trouble digesting foods that are solid.
Water
Taking small sips of water can keep you hydrated and keep the headaches at bay that is accompanied by nausea. Start by slowly drinking small amounts until you feel you can take in larger amounts. Drinking too much water can make the symptoms worse so it is best to drink water with occasional sips throughout the day.
Ginger
Ginger is highly effective in relieving nausea. It can be consumed in a powder or in a cup of ginger ale. It has also been observed that ginger is commonly used to reduce nausea during pregnancy. You may also try ginger candy, cookies or even pickled ginger, to broaden your choices.
Chicken Broth
Eat chicken broth instead of chicken soup when feeling nauseated. The broth is less in fat, rich in potassium, and keeps you hydrated if vomiting is experienced.
Nuts
Deficiency of protein can make nausea worse. Try snacking on protein-rich foods such as nuts that are easy to digest. Nausea can be caused due to low sugar levels, so consuming protein foods may help. However, doctors warn that if you are sick and fighting off a virus then nuts may do the opposite.
Bananas
If you are suffering from dehydration along with nausea, then eating bananas can help restore the potassium level which is usually decreased due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are rich in potassium and sodium which help restore the levels of nutrients. Taking small sips of such beverages occasionally promotes hydration and can help restore the levels of lost electrolytes due to vomiting.
Mint
Mint has a very refreshing aroma that can make nausea go away, chewing on fresh mint leaves can or drinking a cup of mint tea can be highly effective in relieving nausea symptoms
by admin | Jul 9, 2018 | Health Awareness, Parkinson's Disease, Stem Cell Research, Studies
Parkinson’s disease is known to be a slowly progressing neurological disorder that can cause issues with the motor movement of the body. Signs of Parkinson’s disease can include severe stiffness, loss of balance, and lethargy. Although there are no cures for the condition, symptoms can be slowed down. However, most of the prescribed drugs for Parkinson’s disease can decrease in effectiveness over the course of time. This led to some investigation from researchers to consider the role of exercise as a treatment option. Initial studies revealed that exercise does reduce the symptoms and slowed the progression of the condition.
According to a recent phase 2 study, intense treadmill exercise can potentially reduce the progression symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In this study, researchers treated exercise as a treatment and tracked the safety and effectiveness of different levels of exercise. The study consisted of 128 people that had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and were not taking any medications nor exercised. The aerobic capacity, heartbeats and the severity of the disease were tested for a baseline.
The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 was asked to continue living their life in a normal manner. Group 2 was asked to implement exercise in which they would walk on the treadmill daily for 30 minutes, four times a week. The speed of the treadmill was manipulated to maintain the heart rate of the participants between 60 to 65 percent of their maximum heart rate. Group 3 was asked to also implement exercise for the same amount of time but their heart rate was maintained in the range of 80 to 85 percent of their maximum rates. The patients were under supervision for the initial month and then asked to continue exercising on their own.
At the end of the six-month study, Group 1 showed their symptoms progressed further. Group 2 showed their symptoms progressed but not as much as Group 1. Group 3 showed almost no progression in their symptoms after following a heavier exercise regimen as the other groups. This study concluded that higher intensity exercise helped in decreasing the symptoms by improving the neuronal blood supply. Improved blood flow helps with the overall health of the brain and slows down the deterioration of the body.
The findings from the study are quite encouraging for patients who are recently diagnosed or early in their symptoms to have great benefits from the heavy exercise program. However, it is advised to consult with your physician prior to starting an exercise plan to avoid injuries and ensure your safety.
by admin | Oct 10, 2017 | Health Awareness
As winter is approaching people suffering from neurological problems can be more vulnerable to cold-related issues like severe nerve pain due to low temperature. Below are some important tips to manage the issue due to the upcoming cold weather.
HOW COLD WEATHER CAN BE AN ISSUE:
Of course, not everyone experiences the same symptoms but below are some impacts and the reasons why people may have to avoid the cold:
Nerve pain: People having a condition of nerve pain like a back pain can experience an increase in symptoms. This is caused by the reaction of the nervous system to extreme temperature be it low or high. In case of high temperature, one may feel more lethargic and if the temperature is too low it can cause increased pain.
Muscle stiffness: For patients with multiple sclerosis, muscle stiffness or spasticity due to low temperature in winters can cause severe stiffness and painful spasms. If one experiences such symptoms, it is ideal to avoid being in the cold for prolonged hours.
Loss of sensation: Some people cannot differentiate between hot and cold temperatures hence it is advisable to be mindful of not being exposed to very cold temperature or be near fire or radiators as it could be dangerous.
Blood pressure: People having issues with blood pressure and vascular problems should make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperature for extended periods of time and ensure their house is warm enough.
The reason for this is that the usual blood pressure of the body is higher than normal in winter and low in summer to maintain balance. Cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict which increases the blood pressure exerted by the heart as more pressure is required to move the blood through the narrowed veins and arteries.
Cold-related illness: Patients with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic neurological conditions are more prone to catch flu in cold weather and have a higher risk of complications with their conditions. They should consider a flu shot to protect against the seasonal flu.
Icy conditions: Snow in winter can create slippery pavements and paths that are very unsafe to walk on but if you are typically suffering from mobility issues or also experience vertigo and dizziness, you might want to take extra care of such things in an icy environment.
How can I protect myself in low temperatures?
Here are some tips for dealing with the cold weather:
- Make sure to keep warm, you can try extra layers to keep the heat in like thermal underwear. If you need to go out in the cold, keep your hands and feet covered with socks and gloves, add winter coat, hat, and scarf to your clothing. Take special care of parts where you experience nerve pain and keep them protected and warm.
- If there is a need to travel, carry hot water bottles and portable heat pads. You can also carry a flask of hot drink to keep yourself extra warm and comfortable.
- Keep the home insulated from cold and well heated. Keeping the windows and doors closed in such a weather can help preserve the heat inside.
- Maintain a healthy diet by including plenty of fruits and eating hot meals. One good important thing is to remain hydrated. This helps to keep the energy levels of the body up and running to deal with the cold weather.
- Staying physically active helps improve the circulation of the blood, generating heat and makes one feel better in cold.
- Don’t be carried away by the fact that alcohol helps keep the body warm. It makes one think they are warm because of the red cheeks which is only due to the dilation of peripheral blood vessels that allows blood to flow through such areas. Instead of warming the body, alcohol takes the much-needed heat and blood away from the core organs and major parts of the body.
- It is ideal to avoid going out in the cold if you suffer from issues associated with cold weather, it is best to ask a family member or a friend to help with errands.
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