Thursday, December 8, 2011

Banana - Relief For Heart And Stomach Diseases

Something about bananas makes people laugh. We talk about "going bananas" and "slipping on banana peels." You would think that these yellow-skinned beauties were made for the comedy club.

But here's something that you'll want to take seriously. Studies have shown that the fruit beneath that slippery skin can do wonders for our health. Bananas may help prevent conditions ranging from heart attack and stroke to high blood pressure and infection. They can even help heal ulcers.

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Bananas for the heart
• If the needle on the blood pressure cuff has been inching up in recent years, it may be time for a tropical vacation. If the sun and surf don't bring your pressure down, the bananas sure will.

• Bananas are one of nature's best sources of potassium, with each fruit providing about 396 milligrams, 11 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of this essential mineral. Study after study shows that people who eat foods rich in potassium have a significantly lower risk of high blood pressure and related diseases like heart attack and stroke.

• Even if you already have high blood pressure, eating plenty of bananas may significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for blood pressure medication, according to scientists at the University of Naples in Italy. Researchers believe that one of the ways that bananas keep blood pressure down is by helping to prevent plaque from sticking to artery walls. They do this by keeping the "bad" low- density lipoprotein cholesterol from oxidizing, a chemical process that makes it more likely to accumulate. That's why bananas may be a good defense against atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, another contributor to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Stomach Relief

• Though more research needs to be done, bananas may replace antacids in your medicine cabinet as an effective way to quell the inner flames of heartburn and indigestion. Although experts don't know why they work, bananas seem to act as a natural antacid.

• In addition, bananas may be helpful for preventing and treating ulcers. There have been a few studies showing that bananas may have a protective effect in ulcer treatment," says William Ruderman, M.D., a gastroenterologist in private practice in Orlando, Florida.

• Scientists suspect that bananas may guard against stomach damage in two ways. First, a chemical in bananas called protease inhibitor appears to be able to kill 0ff harmful, ulcer-causing bacteria before they do their dirty work. Second, bananas seem to stimulate the production of protective mucus, the layer chat helps prevent harsh acids from coming into contact with the tender stomach lining.

• Bananas are a very good source of electrolytes, like potassium, which you lose when you become dehydrated. Electrolytes are minerals that turn into electrically charged particles in the body, helping w control almost everything that happens inside, from muscle contractions and fluid balance to the beating of the heart.

Banana - Relief For Heart And Stomach Diseases

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Do Blood Pressure Drugs Cause Cancer?

Recently the media has reported that a class of blood pressure medicine known as angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) used by tens of millions of patients can cause a significant increase in cancer especially lung cancer. This was the conclusion drawn from a study published online recently by Sipahi et al in the medical journal Lancet Oncology.

A cascade of hormonal reactions mainly referred to as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) hormonal system is central in maintaining blood pressure. The first step in the chain is the production of renin in the kidneys when the kidneys detect lower blood pressure. Renin then stimulates the formation of a protein called Angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs. Angiotensin II is the most powerful constrictor of blood vessels known and this constriction leads to elevated blood pressure. Angiotensin II also causes the secretion of the hormone aldosterone which further causes an additional blood pressure rise. Any drug that prevents the production of Angiotensin II via the RAA system therefore is useful in reducing blood pressure. The two classes of drugs that have the most substantial effects on the RAA system are the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) drugs and the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and are widely used for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure and diabetes-related kidney damage. The mechanisms of action of both these drugs are different although producing the same end result: reduction in blood pressure or is antihypertensive. For instance, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure not only by blocking the production of Angiotensin II, but by increasing the amounts of powerful chemicals, including nitric oxide, that widen the arteries.

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Ever since the use of reserpine, a drug used for hypertension but no longer used, has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer more than 50 years ago, the question of antihypertensive drugs and cancer has not come to rest. Beta-blockers have been associated with lung cancer, thiazide diuretics with renal cell carcinoma and colon cancer and calcium blockers with cancer in general. In most instances, the risk is small and not supported by biochemical experimental or epidemiological data. The relationship between diuretic therapy and renal cell carcinoma is supported by a variety of clinical biochemical and experimental data and remains of concern, particularly in women.

An association between the ACE inhibitors and cancer was first indicated when the results of the Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) study were published in 2003. The results of the CHARM trial indicated that patients treated with candesartan had a significant increase in the risk for fatal cancers compared with control patients but that the investigators concluded this finding was likely due to chance. Since then, several other studies, including LIVE, ONTARGET and TRANSCEND noted an excess in malignancies in patients assigned the ARBs compared with placebo.

For that reason, Sipahi et al conducted the meta-analysis to determine if ARBs had an effect on new cancer diagnoses. Data were taken from all available scientific and public randomized trials in which patients were treated with an angiotensin-receptor blocker to treat hypertension, heart failure and diabetes-related kidney damage. The five trials with new cancer data were ONTARGET, PROFESS, LIFE, TRANSCEND, and CHARM-Overall. In addition, data were available for cancer deaths in LIFE, TRANSCEND, VALIANT, and Val-HeFT. In 85.7% of the trials examined, Telmisartan which is also marketed as Micardis, among other names was used. Telmisartan has been commercially available to treat hypertension since its approval in 1998. It is also approved for use in the reduction of the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients 55 years of age or older who were at high risk of developing major CV events and who are unable to take ACE inhibitors. Hence, it is really the effect of telmisartan on new cancer that is being accessed in this meta-analysis.

The analysis followed about 61,590 patients: researchers found a rise of 11 percent in cancer overall and 25 percent in lung cancer among patients who took ARB drugs. Overall those patients on trial who were randomly assigned an ARB had an increased risk for new cancer diagnosis compared with those patients assigned placebo (7.2% vs. 6%). Among the solid-organ cancers examined, only an increased risk for lung cancer was identified compared with control groups (0.9% vs. 0.7%). That translates into the modest but significant effect of one additional case of cancer for every 105 patients who take the drugs for four years, which does not seem a high risk but is similar to that seen with passive smoking. Nevertheless, this is the first time such an association has been made and even if the risk for the individual patient is not huge, the clinical significance of this potential excess cancer risk is unknown.

Given the millions of patients on these drugs, this is an important number because it gives an idea of potentially how many excess cancers could be caused by these medications. The finding of a 1.2% increase in absolute risk for cancer over an average of 4 years needs to be interpreted in view of the estimated 41% lifetime cancer risk. In the background information for this meta-analysis, the researchers said, to date, there have been no significant safety concerns associated with the use of ARBs. "However, clinical trials of ARBs have mainly assessed their effects on cardiovascular and renal endpoints and have usually not reported incidence of cancers," the researchers wrote. Angiotensin-receptor blockers can be replaced with other blood pressure medications, the researchers said, but they warned patients not to do anything before consulting with a physician as these drugs have beneficial effects for the control of blood pressure and heart failure.

Officials with Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of Telmisartan, disputed the findings in a statement, saying that the company's "comprehensive internal safety data analysis of primary data contradicts the conclusions about an increased risk of potential malignancies." They also concluded that the finding of a modestly increased risk of new cancer diagnosis in the meta-analysis is "mainly based on the combination arm of telmisartan and ramipril [Altace, King Pharmaceuticals], an ACE inhibitor, in ONTARGET and not on the trial arms of each compound separately," it asserts, noting that the product labelling for telmisartan does not recommend combining it with ACE inhibitors.

In most studies and meta-analyses, the risk of cancer with the RAA system blockers was either equal or lower than with their comparator (including placebo). Thus, the present study showing a modestly increased risk of new cancer diagnosis with ARBs is unexpected and certainly warrants scrutiny and further investigation. While the meta-analysis has its strengths-particularly its size, the thoroughness of the literature search, and the application of appropriate filters to exclude potentially unreliable data, "there are also important weaknesses, which the investigators acknowledge-including the post-hoc nature of this investigation where only certain drugs within the ARB class are examined and that the trials examined were not designed to explore cancer endpoints.

In an editorial accompanying this meta-analysis, Steven E. Nissen, said although the researchers are "appropriately cautious" about drawing conclusions from the analysis as it remains unknown whether other ARBs-irbesartan (Avapro, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi-Aventis), valsartan (Diovan, Novartis), olmesartan (Benicar, Daiichi Sankyo), and eprosartan (Teveten, Abbott)-are linked to a higher risk of new cancer incidence, it was still "disturbing and proactive". Further investigation is needed to conclusively define any cancer risk associated with these drugs. Also, the mechanism for the possible increase in new cancer occurrences associated with ARBs is uncertain, according the authors. There is little, if any, biological plausibility that a drug exposure of a few years only would increase the risk of new cancer diagnosis. Cigarette smoking, which is one of the most powerful risk factors for lung cancer, will require 10 years or longer of exposure to significantly increased risk of lung cancer. Thus, it's exceedingly unlikely that the short-term drug exposure as happens in clinical trials ARBs would have a clinically meaningful effect. Nevertheless, regulators must review the possible association between ARB use and cancer, and promptly report their findings. In the meanwhile, ARBs which are often over prescribed anyway, should be reserved for patients with intolerance to ACE inhibitors.

Do Blood Pressure Drugs Cause Cancer?

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3 Treatments For Rosacea That Will Clear Up Acne in Days

Rosacea is often described as the "acne that isn't really acne," because it less a skin condition than a neurological condition. The skin overreacts to changes in temperature and to various chemicals to cause itching, redness, and troubling changes in texture. Here are three treatments for rosacea that will often clear up the condition in just days.

Treatment #1. Try deglycyrrhizinated licorice, also known as DGL.

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There is a relationship between rosacea and the bacterium Helicobacter pylorans that dermatologists are only slowly beginning to understand. This bacterium is found in about 85 per cent of stomachs that are inflamed by peptic ulcers. Killing the bacterium stops the ulcers. When antibiotic therapy became standard for stomach ulcers, doctors started noticing that the antibiotics also cleared up rosacea.

Exactly why treating the bacteria that cause ulcers should also clear up rosacea is not something that medical has worked out. If you have rosacea, however, you can try an herbal remedy that is specific to Helicobacter pylorans, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, abbreviated DGL. This is a form of licorice that has been treated to remove a chemical that causes high blood pressure in some sensitive people. It kills Helicobacter bacteria. Even though there is no proof that this bacterium causes rosacea, getting rid of the bacteria also clears up rosacea about 70 per cent of the time. Results are sometimes obvious in as little as two days.

Treatment #2. Avoid acne triggers.

Another peculiarity of rosacea is that blemishes break out in minutes, not over a period of days or weeks the way they do with common acne. That is because rosacea-affected skin is super-sensitive to changes in temperature, sunlight, and certain chemicals. Capsaicin in chili peppers is a major trigger for most people who have rosacea; the chemical activates a nerve that runs from the tear glands down to the heart, and the moment a rosacea pops a pepper into the mouth the skin on the nose and cheeks may break out. In fact, even cooking with chili peppers can cause some people to break out.

The more times you break out, the more permanent the changes to your skin. Avoid sudden changes in temperature to your face, hot drinks, cold drinks, and chili peppers. Stopping new outbreaks gives your skin a chance to heal.

Treatment #3. Avoid antacids.

It is not unusual for people who have rosacea also to have low stomach acid, even if they also have bacterial infections that cause ulcers! Low stomach acid leads to a variety of food sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies that cause broken capillaries around the nose and cracking or peeling nails. If you have these symptoms, avoid antacids for a few days and see if you skin does not clear up. In fact, taking a single tablet of betaine hydrochloride 30 minutes before a meal may provide your stomach with additional acid to break down complex proteins in food that, for reasons medical science does not completely understand, aggravate rosacea. Don't take betaine if you have active peptic ulcer disease, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or heartburn. The product should cause a warm sensation, not pain. If you experience any kind of pain after using betaine hydrochloride, discontinue the product.

3 Treatments For Rosacea That Will Clear Up Acne in Days

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Diet For Type 2 Diabetics (And Control Cholesterol and Blood Pressure in the Bargain)

In 1998 I underwent triple bypass surgery to save my life, and an unforeseen emergency nearly took it again. I don't want anyone to have to go through this if you can avoid it, and, likely you can. It takes being serious about how you eat, and sensible exercise.

I tell you, I know that my lack of diet control and no exercise nearly got me dead. I was about 58 when all this happened. My life of double cheeseburgers, fries, hot buttered honey buns and watching TV in all my spare time got me there. You know, I live in the South, the home of deep fried foods. Everything is deep fried; chicken, ham, green beans prepared with ham hocks in the pot and biscuits and gravy. That's the South. Heck, in my home town the favorite restaurant there carries the slogan, "Home of the FatBack Bar"! It is the number restaurant in town and typical of the South.... well, really, typical of America. We are "America the Obese." Everything in that restaurant is cooked in pork fat. There's even a bowl of fried, crisped fatback strips at the end of the buffet. Help yourself.... to a heart attack. But, I loved and consumed any foods that tasted good, and were usually not good for me. Sound a little like you, maybe?

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I had high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and, type 2 diabetes. I felt like an invalid, and well I should with all that going on. I had no energy and no self esteem.

But there is good news. When I finally made up my mind to do something about it, I mean REALLY made up my mind, it worked! If there is a secret to controlling your type 2 diabetes, its this. You have to really decide that you don't have to be "sick" and that you are going to do something about it. You are the only one who can do it. Nobody can do it for you. It's like quitting smoking. You'll never do it until you are ready to. (Been there, done that- two packs a day. But that's another story)

So, think about this. Is running the risk of losing a foot, or a leg, or your eyesight worth not having the self control it takes to prevent it? Are a couple of cheeseburgers every day worth that? What is your favorite hobby? Can you do it missing a hand; a foot; your eyesight? To control your type 2 diabetes, you have to control body fat. There is no getting around that!

If I, at age 68, can completely control blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and my type 2 diabetes with a sensible diet control plan and simple exercise, there is no doubt you can too. On my last two checkups at the Doctor, he told me that my blood pressure is normal, my A1CL is normal, my pulse is normal, and I am as though I am non-diabetic. If I can, you can. It is not as hard as you think.

Please, for your own sake and that of the ones who love and care about you, do something about your type 2 diabetes starting now. Improve your health and live life as you are meant to.

Diet For Type 2 Diabetics (And Control Cholesterol and Blood Pressure in the Bargain)

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Want Lower Blood Pressure? Easy Exercise Program For Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common problem. One reason is that medication can only reduce the problem, not cure it. In most cases, the best way to lower your blood pressure is to change your life style.

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For most people, more physical activity is necessary. Lack of exercise is one of the main suspected causes of hypertension. Note that exercise will cause your blood pressure to rise for a short time. However, once you stop the activity, it soon returns back to normal levels. The quicker it does this, the fitter you are.

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Most people suffering from hypertension should be able to increase their physical activity level safely. However, if your blood pressure is really high, it may have to be lowered with medication before you start exercising. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

You should focus on aerobic exercises, which are good for your heart and blood vessels. Walking, jogging and swimming are suitable activities. At least in the beginning, you should avoid isometric exercises, such as heavy weight lifting. These activities will put an extra strain on heart and blood vessels.

Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week. It is much better to exercise often than trying to make one or two big sessions every week. The key to success is persistence, you need to incorporate the exercises into your daily life. In order to increase your chances of success, you should focus on activities you enjoy. If it feels like a punishment, you will most likely give up quickly.

The best but also the toughest way is to exercise first thing in the morning. Make sure that you get up early so that you can go for a walk before breakfast. Even better is jogging, as long as you are fit enough to handle it. A more comfortable solution is to use an exercise bike at home. Treadmills and cross trainer machines are better but also more expensive.

If you have the opportunity, go for a walk during lunch time. Even better would be to go to a gym for some light to medium exercises. Make sure that you also get your mind off work at the same time.

In the evening, you should try to squeeze in activities you enjoy. It can be tennis twice a week together with swimming twice a week plus a long walk during the weekend.

Physical activity will help to lower your blood pressure but it's unlikely to be enough on its own. If hypertension is a problem for you, combine exercises with other changes to get better results. Healthier diet and stress reduction are two of most important changes you should consider.

Want Lower Blood Pressure? Easy Exercise Program For Lowering Blood Pressure

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Correct Blood Pressure Reading - What Are Good Blood Pressure Numbers?

If you take the blood pressure of 50 different people, you will get 50 different readings. If you take the blood pressure readings of some people 50 times, you will get 50 different blood pressure readings. Still, it is possible, that in spite of all these different numbers being read, none of these people will actually have hypertension. In this article, we will discuss why this is and just what a correct blood pressure reading is.

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A blood pressure reading consists of two parts. One part is the systolic reading and the other part is the diastolic reading. The systolic part is the higher of the two numbers and of course, the diastolic is the lower.

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On a traditional BP reading machine, which is called a sphygmomanometer, the air pressure on the cup around your arm is inflated to a pressure that would be higher than your systolic reading. The air is let out of the cup until the person reading your pressure can hear your heartbeat through a stethoscope.

The point at which he or she hears your heartbeat is your systolic reading. The person reading your BP then continues to let more air out of the cup until he or she no longer hears your heartbeat. The point at which the sound of your heartbeat disappears is your diastolic reading.

A very good systolic reading is 120 and a very good diastolic reading is 80. However, the systolic reading is only mildly high when it is slightly over 140 and the diastolic reading is only slightly high when it is around 90. Add the fact you could go several points lower than 120 and 80 on these readings before hypotension, or low blood pressure was an issue, and you can see there is quite a wide range of good BP readings.

This is good because a normal person's pressure will vary throughout the day. Changes in stress level, exercise and food digestion are all issues which can affect one's BP. In other words, your BP could be a little higher after you eat a heavy meal, but it could also be a little higher if you were very hungry. Of course, if you were to meet a lion face to face, your blood pressure would be very, very high.

For this reason, it is wise to take time to relax throughout the day and to learn how not to become too worked up over little things. Still, unless you are a very unusual person, your blood pressure may be high or at least on the high side once in a while. Because of this, one is not diagnosed with hypertension until he or she is getting high blood pressure readings consistently.

Correct Blood Pressure Reading - What Are Good Blood Pressure Numbers?

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Low Blood Pressure Readings

If you have a low blood pressure reading, you should know that you may be prone to developing health risks. This condition, also called hypotension, appears when there is less pressure against the wall of the arteries; less blood and oxygen is then pumped to the vital organs such as the heart and the brain.

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On any blood pressure reading, you will notice there are two numbers side by side or one on top of the other. The first/top number is the value of your systolic pressure, while the second/lower number refers to the diastolic blood pressure. The first one refers to the amount of pressure registered when the heart is pumping out blood, while the second number is the value of pressure between each heart beat.

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Hypotension is usually registered when the low pressure reading is of 90/60 or less; however, it is important to note that what is considered low pressure will vary from individual to individual, taking into account factors such as age, fitness level and height. For example people age 50 or more will have higher systolic blood pressure (which may need to be controlled) and lower diastolic blood pressure.

Hypotension, you see, can appear as we get into certain stages in life, like for example pregnancy. Pregnant women will develop this drop of pressure during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, this is considered normal as the body changes and blood starts circulating in new vessels. Other causes of low blood pressure readings include severe infection, dehydration (very common by the way), severe allergic reactions, blood loss, endocrine problems, lack of appropriate nutrients in the diet and endocrine problems.

A reading of this kind can also be the result of the use of certain medications. Although we sometimes use medications to be cured, the truth is that a majority of them bring side effect that affect us in other areas of our lives. Medications that can induce an hypotension problem include diuretics, alpha and beta blockers, antidepressants, hypertension medications and certain drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease.

A sudden drop of blood pressure may prove to be extremely dangerous for your health, and you don't even need a reading for this. If you feel dizziness or fainting, classic symptoms of hypotension issues, you should seek medical attention quickly. In some cases sudden drops of this kind can lead to negative effects in the nervous system and even to fatal consequences.

Low Blood Pressure Readings

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Fissler Pressure Cookers - Faster, Healthier and Safer Cooking

The Fissler "Blue Point" pressure cooker will surprise you in so many ways. Just by looking at it, you'd think it's too light to be a pressure pot. I mean, pressure cookers are supposed to be awkward looking and clunky. It is nothing close to that. There innovative design is becoming a 21st Century classic.

pressure washer hose

Cookware rated so high on the design side often fails when it comes to function. But, Fissler manufactures a heavy duty durable pressure cooker. Durability means quality in its pots. Imagine the pressure build up inside the cooking pot. Lesser quality pressure pans can be dangerous if they can't stand the pressure - no pun intended. That is why durability and weight are important.

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Fissler's "Blue Point Series" have revolutionized modern pressure cooking methods. With top notch safety features that include an automatic steam release valve and a pressure block interlocking lid that keeps you from opening the cooker until all pressure has been released, your family is safe from pressure accidents. Plus, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn they cook silently and unpleasant odors don't escape into your kitchen. There is no resemblance to the old fashioned ones your grandmother used.

The Fissler pressure cooker is a contradiction in itself. It looks sophisticated with all of its safety features and yet it is very user-friendly. You don't have to worry about the steam build up and how to control it because it has an automatic feature that makes sure that the temperature inside is constant. It lets off steam if it gets too hot or if the pressure increases too much.

It is also versatile. Normally you reserve your pressure cookers for time consuming recipes that you want done fast and use your regular pots and pans for side dishes. Pressure cookers have been known to burn and overcook delicate foods. That's not the case with Fissler. Do you need to cook delicate foods like vegetables? Use the "Gentle" setting. Need to do a "guys" meal like stew or beef brisket? Use the "speed" setting. Just like its motto - Perfect every time.

Cookware that appears so complex should be hard to clean, right? Wrong. Fissler takes their user-friendliness one step further to make sure that clean up is a breeze, even dishwasher safe.

Just like its feature of releasing unneeded and unwanted steam, it seems as if Fissler has released the unwanted disadvantages - safety issues, maintenance, noise and odors. Now the advantages of pressure cooking are here to stay. You can cook a rather complex meal in 70% less time, use 50% less energy and preserve all the healthy nutrients. Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!

Fissler Pressure Cookers - Faster, Healthier and Safer Cooking

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5 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension can lead to potentially fatal complications like heart attacks, kidney failures and strokes. As such, you will want to know of the natural ways to lower blood pressure because you do want to live longer. You need not worry about these top five ways as difficult to achieve since these only involve a few simple lifestyle changes.

pressure transducer

First, you have to lose those extra pounds and watch your weight. You don't have to suffer from body image issues either as we are talking about a healthy body weight to maintain a healthy body.

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In fact, maintaining a healthy weight and waistline is probably the most effective of the many natural ways to lower blood pressure. Even if you lose just 10 pounds, you are significantly lessening your risks for hypertension and its complications.

Second, you must exercise regularly. In doing so, you can lower your blood pressure levels by 4 to 9 mm-Hg. You may think that it's a minuscule amount but in the context of hypertension, it's a significant one.

You can start with just 10 minutes of brisk walking daily. Then, as you gradually build up your strength, you can increase to 30-60 minutes of combined cardio and strength training exercises for most days of the week.

Third, your diet must undergo changes if you want to tie up the first two natural ways to lower blood pressure. Your diet must consist of heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fishes and low-fat dairy products. Your emphasis is to lessen the amount of unhealthy fats while increasing consumption of healthy fats like omega-3. Go on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. You will soon find that you feel and look good with it.

Fourth, you have to watch what you drink in alcoholic beverage. Yes, a glass of red wine will do your heart good but becoming a borderline alcoholic is not good. Certain alcoholic drinks may be recommended as one of the natural ways to lower blood pressure but do go easy on these beverages.

Fifth, you should say goodbye to your sticks of cigarettes and even to secondhand smoke. Did you know that nicotine consumption raises blood pressure levels by 10 mm-Hg an hour after the first puff was inhaled? Yes, indeed, that's how damaging to health smoking cigarettes can be, aside from the increased risks for other diseases like cancer.

5 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

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Sinus Pressure, A Quick Cure - Step Five

This fifth article before the capstone one deals with an element which is a very common cause of sinus pressure. It is relatively easy to detect yet many fail to realize it because it's all around us and in our daily routines we do not stop, usually, to analyze what surrounds us. Thus this article could help to create a consciousness to your environment with relation to the sinus pressure challenge. If our previous four steps to a cure do not produce substantial or noticeable improvement to your sinuses then more likely than not the root cause of the problem is an allergic reaction to the environment. Learn all you can. One basic question is: Of what color is the discharge being produced: clear or yellow mucus? What can you do about it? Please, read on and find out.

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Allergy to plants

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The most common type of allergy to the environment is related to plants. During spring time, especially in the northern latitudes, this is a common malady millions have. I used to be one of them. In the South where there are many different plants growing year round it could be a bit more difficult to ascertain which one(s) have pollen a person could be allergic to. For this reason if you suspect that a particular plant pollen could be causing you problems, get close to it and sniff it and see what happens. If indeed you are allergic to that pollen definitely you will know it within seconds.

Around the house

House dust is another environmental element to consider. If you suspect that it may be causing you problems get down on your knees if you can, take a good sniff, and see what happens. In many cases the main element in house dust is that causes sinus problems are the droppings from the dust mites that live in it. You can't see them neither can they see you, but they thrive in a rather humid and warm environment. Often they live in the mattresses and thrive there because of the warmth and heat produced by the human body. Personally this was, and to a much lesser extent still is, what I am most allergic to. Another element in house dust is dandruff or the dander from pets. Again many people are allergic to these. Or you could be allergic to some specific items like some brands of washing detergents, Clorox or similar washing chemicals, fabric softeners, etc.

The work place

If you work in a factory or some other place where chemicals are used you could check to see if some of them could be causing you problems. Or a manufacturing process which emits vapor or some other emissions to which you may be allergic.

Smog

This one is perhaps the most notorious environmental hazard and producer of sinus problems to millions. Since smog is ordinarily a combination of elements most of which are inorganic, no serum can be obtained from which to make allergy injections. Obviously, if you must live in that kind of environment the best thing to do is to keep as healthy as possible to give the body a good chance to fight the smog by itself. The previous Four Steps should be a help in that direction.

With the exception of smog as already mentioned, the best way to find out if you are allergic to a specific substance is to have allergy tests done, if the substance is of organic origin. There are tests available for almost anything, including foods. This is the way a number of years ago they found out that I was very allergic to house dust. If you have a sinus pressure producing allergy, then the best suggestion is that you address this issue. This will ensure that by going to the possible root of the problem you can find the right cure.

Conclusion

You should be aware of your environment as a possible source of irritants to your sinuses. Some could cause outright sinus pressure or congestion which can lead to sinus infection and yellow mucus later on. Perhaps the best suggestion is to use that old adage: use common sense.

Sinus Pressure, A Quick Cure - Step Five

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Understanding Concrete Formwork Pressure

It is important to know and understand the factors that can affect concrete formwork pressure to ensure a successful pour. When placing concrete, we will consider the different factors that play a role in determining the placement rate and height of pour.

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Unit Weight of Concrete

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The unit weight of concrete, which can vary geographically, is typically 140 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. Concrete weighing less will have a lower concrete form pressure, while concrete weighing more will increase the pressure.

Height of Concrete Pour

Height of concrete pour means the total height of the wall that concrete is being placed during one pour. concretepressure=unitweightxheight

If the concrete is not achieving initial set between lifts, then this is what the concrete formwork pressure would be. Ideally, it is good practice to place concrete so that each lift reaches initial set.

Setting Time

The following factors will affect concrete set up time. Once concrete is set up there is zero concrete pressure.

Concrete mix chemistry - This affects the concrete formwork pressure. Factors include: cement type, slag or fly ash and retarders - all of which increase formwork pressure. Subsequently, accelerators speed up the setting time and reduce pressure. Concrete temperature - Higher temperature equals shorter setting time. The ambient temperature will affect the concrete temperature; therefore, one would use a slower rate of placement in the winter. Vibration method and depth - Any consolidation method, internally or externally, should be done by lift. Disturbing the lift will affect the set up of previous lifts, increasing the unset height of the concrete, creating greater formwork pressure. Rate of placement and method - This affects the concrete pressure - slow placement results in less pressure. The rate of placement is in feet per hour. Example: If concrete was placed in a 10foot wall and it took two hours; the placement rate would be 5 feet per hour. Concrete flowability - Concrete with a slump of 7.0 or greater, as well as self consolidating concrete (SCC), has no initial setting time. Wall thickness - In theory, the wall thickness does not affect concrete formwork pressure; however, a narrow wall may produce lower pressures due to bridging effects.In summary, the main factors that will affect the concrete formwork pressure include the rate of placement, concrete mix and temperature. Generally, the rate of placement should be lower in the winter than summer. Essentially it doesn't matter how many cubic yards are placed per hour or how big the project is. What matters is the rate of placement per height and time (height of wall poured per hour).

This information is intended to provide knowledge that can then be used in the decision making of placing concrete by being cognizant of the different factors affecting the concrete formwork pressure.

Understanding Concrete Formwork Pressure

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Lower Blood Pressure Naturally - How Nitric Oxide (NO) Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (sometimes called hypertension) is also known as the silent killer because there aren't any real symptoms. Nearly one of every three American adults (65 million people) has high blood pressure and in 2002 high blood pressure was implicated in almost 50,000 deaths. High blood pressure is the 13th largest cause of death in the United States (American Heart Association 2005). Furthermore, studies have estimated that a 55-year-old person who has normal blood pressure has a 90-percent lifetime risk of getting high blood pressure. High blood pressure has resulted in damage to blood vessels in the eyes, heart, brain, and kidneys.

pressure cooker

As bleak as this may seem, the good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled by prescription drugs or by natural methods.

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Many people prefer lowering blood pressure naturally because you avoid the unpleasant side effects that can accompany prescription drugs.

Two of the best natural ways of lowering blood pressure naturally are exercise and diet. You don't have to join a gym to get the exercise you need. Simply committing to walk for 20 to 30 minutes at least 3 times a week can have a positive effect on blood pressure. In addition, there are other benefits for the joints, bones and muscles.

A few modifications to your diet can also do wonders for your blood pressure. Start with reducing the amount of salt. If this is hard for you to do then reduce the amount gradually until you have eliminated it completely. Be aware that processed foods are often high in salt (sodium) so read the label.

Recently another method of lowering blood pressure naturally has emerged. This is called nitric oxide therapy and is the result of the research by Nobel® Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro. Dr. Ignarro and his team of researchers knew that nitrogen in the form of nitro-glycerin had been used for years to help relieve angina or heart distress but they didn't know how it worked. They discovered that the nitric oxide molecule has a profound effect in dilating arteries and blood vessels which could reduce blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.

The next step was to determine how to create nitric oxide in the body. They found that the amino acid, arginine or L-arginine, causes nitric oxide to be produced in the arteries and blood vessels. They also learned that exercise will have the same effect.

In addition, they discovered that nitric oxide has other beneficial effects, which impact the immune system and the nervous system. The popular prescription drug Viagra was developed as a direct result of Dr. Ignarro's nitric oxide research.

The question then was what foods provide a source of arginine. There were many on the list including nuts, red meat, and certain vegetables. Although these were a natural source, there wasn't enough arginine to make a major difference. Dr. Ignarro realized that he would have to create a supplement, which would provide enough arginine in significant quantity. The result is a proprietary product called Niteworks(TM). Those who are able to use Niteworks(TM) have found that they not only are able to control their blood pressure but have realized other benefits including a more restful sleep and greater stamina. More information is available at Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

® The Nobel Prize is a registered trademark of the Nobel Foundation

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally - How Nitric Oxide (NO) Lowers Blood Pressure

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The Best Homeschool Science Air Pressure Experiments

And we thought air was weightless...

pressure reducing valve

Although we think that air is weightless, air does have weight. This air constantly exerts a force on our skin. We can't feel this weight because there is air on all sides, and therefore equal weight is exerted on our skin from all sides. The force air exerts on an object is called air pressure. This pressure can be demonstrated by simple homeschool science experiments.   Air exerts a pressure of 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch) on an object, including our skin. This is the air pressure that a huge 1inch x 1 inch vertical column of air in the earth's atmosphere puts on you and me, or any object at sea level. This is called atmospheric pressure. I will demonstrate the fact that air has weight by our first homeschool science experiment below.  

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Inverted Water Glass Trick: Fill one-third of a drinking glass with water. Place a piece of cardboard over the mouth of the glass. Keeping the cardboard piece in place with your left hand, invert the glass. Now remove your left hand while holding the inverted glass with your right hand. What happens?   Amazingly, the cardboard piece (and the water) stays in place. How did this happen? This is because the atmospheric air pressure of 14.7 psi (remember?) that is pushing the cardboard upward is greater than the combined weight of the water and the air inside the glass that is pushing the cardboard downward. This is proof that the air that fills our atmosphere does have weight.

Why do things move? As I said earlier, this pressure around us is equal on all sides. Once this air pressure changes on any side, an object will begin to move. Sounds mystical, doesn't it? This very phenomenon causes winds. When there is a big difference between the pressures at two places, tornadoes are caused.   Kites move higher due to this pressure. Airplanes are lifted off the runway by putting air pressure to use.   Difference in  pressure makes things move, and this can be demonstrated by our second homeschool science experiment below.

Bottle Fountain: Fill a plastic soda water bottle half with water. Now insert a stiff plastic straw in the water and seal the mouth of the bottle with clay. Blow hard through the straw into the bottle and move your face away from the bottle. What happens? Water rushes out of the straw like a fountain.   How did this happen? When you blew air through the straw, you increased the pressure of the air inside the bottle. As the pressure inside the bottle increases it exerts this pressure on the water, pushing it out through the straw.

The water moves due to the difference in air pressure. Once the pressure becomes equal with the atmospheric pressure, the water stops spouting.   Imagine doing some air pressure magic at your next science fair? Check out the free "Homeschool Parent's Guide to Teaching Science", for great science experiments and activities, click the link below.

The Best Homeschool Science Air Pressure Experiments

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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Why Mortality Increases in the Elderly Within a Year of Hip Fractures and What You Can Do to Help

A startling 1 in 5 people over 65 who undergo hip fracture surgery will die within a year according to the Centers for Disease Control. Certainly, a fractured hip doesn't kill outright - rather it's the slow healing time that makes a person susceptible to other problems which cause death. We can trace the reason for death back to one thing: immobility. There are steps though that you can take to ensure the best outcome for your loved one.

Humans are not meant to be immobile for any prolonged period of time. When we are the following changes may occur:
Skin breakdown Pneumonia Muscle atrophy Depression

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Let's review the significance of each of the above problems.

1. The Hows and Whys of Skin Breakdown

Prolonged immobility leads to pressure ulcers. Indeed, very little pressure is needed before the blood supply to the area is compromised and tissue damage occurs. We measure pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) - the same measurement we use in blood pressure.

The pressure required for tissue damage to start is minimal (greater than 35 mm Hg for those who have blood pressure cuffs and want to try this out). This pressure decreases the blood supply to the tissue which then becomes starved for oxygen. The cell hemorrhages and then dies.

In order to know what 35 mm Hg pressure actually feels like, think of the pressure exerted on your arm when you have your blood pressure taken. Now 35 mm Hg is not the kind of pressure you feel when the cuff is fully inflated but rather the pressure that you feel when the cuff is just beginning to inflate after several pumps.

If you can't remember what that feels like, that's the point - it's so minimal. So the next time you're laying on the floor consider this: the pressure between your hip and a hard resting surface can exceed 300 mm Hg.

Post-operative patients have very limited mobility because of the effects of anesthesia, pain and weakness so they are not able to shift their weight around - things that we all do unconsciously thousands of time a day. That's why frequent position changes, heel protectors, and skin hydration are all crucial during this period.

2. Pneumonia

When we are laid up in bed for several days, we don't fully inflate our lungs nor are we able to easily cough and move secretions around. The tiny air sacs that are at the end of our bronchial tubes collapse when they are not properly inflated with air, a condition called "atelectasis". After several days, bacteria can then build up and lead to pneumonia.

That's why patients are encouraged to cough and deep breath after surgery especially because normal moving about is severely restricted. An incentive spriometer, a cylindrical device with a tube attached that the patient sucks on, is an inexpensive tool that encourages deep breathing and complete aeration of the lungs.

3. Muscle Atrophy

The process of healing after hip surgery is a long one involving physical therapy and a willingness on the individual to do the exercises. But the weeks of limited mobility lead to muscle atrophy, causing individuals to tire more quickly which then leads to greater limitations.

The hard work of physical therapy can not be underestimated even though the gains may seem so minimal at first. The goal during this intial post-op phase is to maintain muscle tone and strength in the face of limited activity. That's why it is also important to make sure that pain medication is given before each session in order to maximize results.

4. Depression

Hip surgery is hard at any age but much more difficult on the elderly whose ability to bounce back quickly is diminished by a slower healing time. This combiined with the following, contribute to depression:
Loss of independence Fear of being placed in a nursing home Fear of further falls Discouragement because of the slow progress

In many cases, depression is accompanied by loss of appetite and poor sleep, both key components in insuring successful healing. The use of anti-depressants and nutritional supplements can help.

Because anti-depressants may take a while before their benefits are felt, be especially alert for the first signs of depression so that medication therapy can be intiated promptly. Be sure to seek out the help of the facility's social work and pastoral care staff.

Individuals do heal from hip surgery and return to independent living but it requires interventions and cooperation from mutiple disciplines:
physical/occupational therapy nursing medicine social work dietary and finally, patients and families.

Focusing on these aspects of care will help maximize healing.

Why Mortality Increases in the Elderly Within a Year of Hip Fractures and What You Can Do to Help

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Massage Therapy for High Blood Pressure

There has been a recent study by Boris Prilutsky, MA, and Victor Gura, M.D., concerning the benefits that might be derived from medical massage by those who suffer from hypertension that is caused by arterial hypertension.

pressure cooker

In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 70 million people suffer from hypertension. Of that 70 million, only about 8% are diagnosed with an actual cause for the high blood pressure, such as kidney insufficiency, a tumor on the adrenal gland, or narrowing of the aorta. A full 2% are simply diagnosed with essential hypertension. It is the same condition. It is just a condition without a named cause.

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The study conducted by Gura and Prilutsky determined that most hypertension patients with musculoskeletal abnormalities can benefit from medical massage. There were only six patients involved in this study.

Medical massage therapy is defined as a soft-tissue mobilization method. The massage causes an acceleration of blood flow and lymphatic drainage as well as a mechanical breakdown of soft tissue calcifications. The objectives of the pilot study was to determine whether or not the elimination of musculoskeletal abnormalities in the reflex zones would cause the elimination of pain in the neck and upper back as well as headaches, increase range of motion, and cause a reduction in blood pressure.

Cardio examinations and blood pressure readings were taken before the start of treatments and again after they concluded. Each participant received a medical massage treatment every other day for a total of 15 treatments. That was followed by a two-week break, after which another course of 15 treatments was administered.

At the end of the study, all participants reported the disappearance of their pain. It was also evident that symptoms were eliminated from reflex zones and blood pressure readings returned to the normal range.

Massage Therapy for High Blood Pressure

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Venous Stasis Ulcers

One of the most common causes of ulcers on the legs is venous stasis. The veins of the legs normally have valves that function to interrupt the pressure of gravity on the long column of blood from the heart to the lower legs in the upright position. In patients who have had blood clots in their leg veins or have had other causes of injury to the valves in the leg veins the pressure of blood against the vein walls, and onto the capillaries in the lower legs can be very high. This can lead to leakage of the blood cells and fluid out of the capillaries into the tissue of the legs, leading to chronic swelling and changes in the skin. With these skin changes comes poor healing and cracking of the skin, which often heals poorly leading to ulcers. These are called venous stasis ulcers, and can be very difficult to get to heal.

Prevention of stasis ulcers is really the key because once an ulcer develops it can be difficult to get to heal. You can prevent stasis ulcers by keeping the skin of the legs moist using a good emollient like Eucerin cream In addition avoid trauma to the legs if possible. Many times it is necessary to wear compression hose to keep the swelling controlled, and prevent further skin deterioration. Elevation of the legs is important, especially elevation above the level of the heart. To do this you can lie down and put your feet up on several pillows for 15-20 minutes two or three times a day.

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If you develop a stasis ulcer you should seek medical attention early. Waiting until the ulcer is large, deep or infected can make it even more difficult to treat. Many physicians treat stasis ulcers with a type of non-compression wrap called an Unna boot, which I find very helpful. Antibiotics are sometimes needed if infection is noted.

Take care of your legs if you have venous insufficiency and stasis, so you avoid ulcers, and if you get an ulcer, get medical attention early.

Venous Stasis Ulcers

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Pressure Point - An Unorthodox Use

Most people think painful strike when they imagine pressure points. Some martial artists image a slight pressure either causing pain or even loss of consciousness.

pressure canner

Here is a different use for a pressure point....

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Pressure Points: Causing a Move

One great use of a pressure point is to cause your attacker to move in a direction of your choosing. More specifically, you can cause an arm, leg or torso to jerk to just the right spot in your self defense response.

Here are a few ways to incorporate this vital point principle:

1) Pressure Point Movement: Repetitive Annoyance

Little strikes, maybe with a knuckle, to the same spot repetitively, can cause your opponent to move the affected limb out of reach of your knuckle. The little raps don't have to be hard, just an annoyance.

And sometimes that move away is just what you want. This is definitely one way to cause an opening.

2) Pressure Point Movement: Collapse It "A Little"

Do you know of any pressure points on the upper thigh?

Hint: Try right between the muscles on the side of the thigh. You'll find a spot within a few inches of where a hit would cause a "Charlie Horse." Experiment, until you find a painful spot.

Use your knee to press against this spot, when you need to collapse your opponent's leg a little. It can be used for a setup for a sweep, or even as a distraction before you punch.

3) Pressure Point Movement: Start a Wrist Lock

If you are trying to effect a wrist lock on someone, you can often help the beginning of a lock with pressure to a spot near the collapsing joint.

For example, if you wanted to effect the Basic Lock on the wrist (See Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert), you could start the collapse by digging the side of your forefinger into the pressure point about an inch above the inside of the wrist.

Without the collapse, your aggressor might resist, but if you can collapse the wrist a little, then the rest of the lock will be easier to apply.

Pressure Point - An Unorthodox Use

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

General Information About Ulcers

Common Characteristics

Ulcers--small, open breaks or craters in the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract--usually develop in one of two sites. The most common form in the upper portion of the small intestine and are known as duodenal ulcers; less common are those in the stomach itself, which are gastric ulcers. Surprisingly, 15 to 20 percent of bleeding ulcers occur initially without pain.

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Origins

In general, ulcers are caused by an imbalance in the stomach, either too much stomach acid or pepsin, the major digestive enzyme, or too little protective mucous and protein secretions. This imbalance allows the stomach acids and enzymes to, in effect, turn on the digestive tract itself, producing small ulcers. But there is not, as is commonly thought, a direct relationship between excessive acid secretion and ulcers. Many people with duodenal ulcers, for example, secrete large amounts of acid, but others do not. This has led many experts to suspect that poor tissue resistance and other factors, particularly cigarette smoking, that interfere with the flow of neutralizing secretions may contribute to ulcer development. Stress and emotional pressure are also frequently cited as causes of duodenal ulcers.

In the case of gastric ulcers, excessive acid secretion appears to be even less of a factor than in other forms of ulcer, since many patients have normal and even low levels of stomach acid. Again, external factors or substances have been implicated in the origin of gastric ulcers, the two major ones being alcohol and apsirin. Both are known to injure the stomach lining, and it is thought they increase the stomach's vulnerability to the acid that is present.

Symptoms

Pain--centered in the pit of the stomach, just below the rib cage--is the most characteristic ulcer symptom, and it usually follows a distinct pattern. It normally begins several hours after eating or during the night, developing when the stomach is empty. The pain can manifest itself as a chronic gnawing or aching; it may grow worse during or immediately after meals; or there may be no pain at all, just belching--any ongoing stomach discomfort should be called to a doctor's attention.

Complications

Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common complications of ulcers. This may manifest itself as vomiting fresh, bright red blood or passing bloody or tarry stools. Weakness, fatigue or, in the case of severe hemorrhage, loss of consciousness and shock also may result from bleeding ulcers. Ulcers always should be suspected when gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, even if there is no pain or other symptoms.

One serious complication is a perforated ulcer, which develops as acid deepens the ulcer and goes through the intestinal wall, spilling acid and bacteria into the abdominal cavity. This is always a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, usually surgical. The pain is sudden, intense and steady, and even the slightest movement seems to increase it. The major danger is peritonitis, a severe infection of the abdominal cavity. A second danger is caused by excessive scarring or adhesions. Usually, however, this only occurs in older ulcers where several layers of scar tissue have had a chance to accumulate. Piled on one another, these may block the digestive tract.

Treatment

While some ulcers heal on their own, most patients require some sort of treatment. But recent important changes in the three major areas of ulcer therapy--diet, drugs and surgery--allow today's patients a freedom that would have been unimaginable to earlier generations of ulcer victims. In any case, ulcer patients who smoke should make every effort to stop. Avoidance of alcohol and aspirin, especially during a flare-up, also is recommended.

Diet

Milk and cream diets are still prescribed, as are small, frequent feedings of up to six meals a day. But today, these mainstays of dietary therapy are used much more judiciously than in the past. Since both seem to effectively relieve ulcer pain, they are routinely prescribed during flare-ups. But because there is no evidence that either actually promotes healing, once the pain has been relieved, patients are usually allowed to resume their normal diets.

Drugs

The discovery of a new drug (cimetidine) that inhibits the flow of digestive acids and enzymes and thereby permits ulcers to heal has markedly changed ulcer therapy. Blocking drugs are now widely used in treating ulcers.

Another new approach is to administer drugs (e.g., sucralfate) that actually form a protective coating over the ulcer, giving it a chance to heal without disrupting the flow of gastric acids. Until the introduction of these new drugs, the approach had been to give drugs that neutralize acids already present rather than block acid secretion.

Many older drugs remain an important and valuable part of ulcer therapy, particularly the antacids. As acid neutralizers, they not only relieve discomfort, but actively promote duodenal ulcer healing. Selected patients also may be treated with slow down stimulation of secretions and other involuntary functions. In any instance, treatment should be tailored to the needs of an individual patient--something only your phyisician is equipped to do.

Surgery

For the majority of ulcer patients, the sucess of dietary therapy, drug therapy or a combination of the two makes surgery unnecessary. But an estimated 10 to 15 percent of ulcer patients do eventually require surgery. Indications for surgery usually include perforation, obstruction due to scarring and bleeding. Intractable pain also may justify surgical intervention, but usually only after other treatment alternatives have been tried.

Summing Up

While the causes of ulcers are still not completely understood, new therapies have dramatically improved the outlook for most ulcer patients. These include a more liberal attitude towards diet, new drugs and improved diagnostic procedures. Stopping smoking and attempting to avoid undue stress also are recommended for ulcer patients.

General Information About Ulcers

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Strain Gauge Pressure Cell

Basic Principle:

pressure reducing valve

When a closed container is subjected to the applied pressure, it is strained (that is, its dimension changes). Measurement of this strain with a secondary transducer like it ( metallic conductor) becomes a measure of the applied pressure.

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That is, if it is attached to the container subjected to the applied pressure, the gauges will also change in dimension depending on the expansion or contraction of the container. The change in dimension of the strain gauge will make its resistance to change. This change in resistance becomes a measure of pressure applied to the container (elastic container or cell).

There are two types of namely:

Flattened tube pressure cell. Cylindrical type pressure cell.

Flattened tube pressure cell

The main parts of the arrangement are as follows:

An elastic tube which is flat and pinched at its two end as shown in diagram. Two strain gauges are placed on this elastic tube: one is on the top and other is at the bottom of this elastic tube. One end of the elastic tube is open to receive the applied pressure and its other end is closed.

Operation

The pressure to be measured is applied to the open of the tube. Due to pressure, the tube tends to round off, that is, the dimension changes (strained). As the strain gauge are mounted on the tube, the dimension of the strain gauges also change proportional to the change in dimension of the tube, causing a resistance change of the strain gauges. The change in dimension of the tube is proportional to the applied pressure. Hence the measurement of the resistance change of the strain gauges becomes a measure of the applied pressure when calibrated.

Cylindrical Type pressure cells

Description

The main parts of this arrangement are as follows:

A cylindrical tube with hexagonal step at its center. This hexagonal step helps fixing this device on to place where the pressure is to be measured.

The bottom portion of this cylindrical tube is threaded at its external and is open to receive the pressure to be measured.

The top portion of this cylindrical tube is closed and has a cap screwed to it.

On the periphery of the top portion of the cylindrical tube are placed two sensing resistance strain gauges.

On the cap (unstrained location) are placed two temperature compensating strain gauges.

Operation
The pressure to be measured is applied to the open end of the cylindrical tube. Due to the pressure, the cylindrical tube is strained, that is its dimension changes. As the strain gauges are mounted on the cylindrical tube, the dimension of the sensing the equipment also change proportional to the change in dimension of the cylindrical tube, causing a resistance changes of it.

The change in dimension of the cylindrical tube is proportional to applied pressure.

Hence the measurement of the resistance change of the sensing becomes a measure of the applied pressure when calibrated.

Applications:

The flattened tube pressure cell is used for low pressure measurement. The cylindrical type pressure cell is used for medium and high pressure measurement.

Strain Gauge Pressure Cell

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Pressure Washer Reviews And Ratings

When it comes to buying a pressure washer there are many choices available. This pressure washer review article is intended to help you decide which power washer is right for you and to help you avoid buyer something you do not need.

pressure washer

The first choice you will need to make when buying a washer is whether or not you want an electric pressure washer or a gas pressure washer. There are many factors that will go into your decision. Electric washers are going to be smaller, quieter, easier to move around and require much less maintenance. Gas powered washers, on the other hand, are going to be much more powerful and much more costly.

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If you plan to use your pressure washer for small tasks such as, washing your car, cleaning patio furniture or cleaning your deck, then an electric power washer will be just fine. However, if you plan to clean roofing, strip paint or clean are to remove stains from your driveway, then you will want the extra power of a gas pressure cleaner.

One of the main stats for a washer is its PSI or how powerful of a spray it will have. Do not get caught up in this number unless you are going to be doing some serious cleaning with your power washer. For example, some power washers have over 3,000 PSI which sounds great but if you plan to use it to wash your car it will actually be too powerful. It may actually strip the paint right off your car!

If you plan to use your power washer for lights tasks I would suggest that you purchase an electric pressure washer as it will have plenty of power and which be much cheaper and easier to maintain then a gas powered washer. However, if you plan to tackle tougher tasks then you may be better suited to buy a gas power washer to make sure it can handle the tasks you plan on doing.

There are many brands of pressure washers like Karcher, Excell, Husky, and Craftsman. All have some advantages and disadvantages over the others and you will just need to make sure you are buying one that fits your needs. One common misconception is that Honda makes pressure washers. They actually do not but they do supply the engines for many of the top brands.

I hope these pressure washer reviews will help you in your when it comes time to buy a pressure cleaner for yourself. You may also want to check out pressure washer ratings of individual brands before you buy.

Pressure Washer Reviews And Ratings

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Type 2 Diabetes - Basic Facts About Foot Ulcers

Seventy percent of people who have leg problems have type 2 diabetes. In the past you could do pretty much whatever you wanted on or to your feet, any damage seemed to disappear quickly. When you have been diagnosed as being diabetic, you can no longer take your feet for granted.

Foot ulcers are not uncommon due to peripheral neuropathy. This causes loss of sensation in your feet due to damage to the nerve endings responsible for:

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light touch pain and other sensations

Foot problems when you have diabetes also results from poor blood supply to your feet. This is known as peripheral vascular disease. Approximately forty-five per cent of people with foot ulcers have problems with the arteries in their legs. This is one reason why the blood supply to your feet should be assessed at an annual physical check up.

A foot ulcer looks like an open wound that does not heal ... it is really important to pay attention to them because they can lead to a foot or leg amputation. The risk of amputation is fifteen to forty-six times higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics. Early detection and appropriate treatment of foot ulcers may prevent up to 85% of amputations!

According to health care providers, the least expensive and most effective measure for preventing foot complications is careful inspection of your feet on a regular basis.

Feet complications such as ulcers occur due to vascular changes and is related to a group of risk factors:

insulin resistance high blood pressure high cholesterol levels and to a lesser extent, blood sugar

Smoking forms a deadly duo with type 1 or type 2 diabetes ... it accelerates the risk of a number of complications. Hardening of your leg arteries prevents the blood, which contains nutrients and oxygen, from reaching the tissues of your foot. Without these nutrients, any wounds will not heal easily.

Signs that your leg and/or foot are not receiving sufficient oxygen include:

pain in the arch or forefoot when at rest, or during the night thin and or shiny skin lack of hair on the lower leg and foot redness of an area of the foot when dangling your leg from a chair lack of color in your foot when your foot is elevated thickened nails

If your health care provider tells you your feet are at risk, the best idea is to be under the care of a podiatrist who can advise you on the care of your nails, general foot hygiene and help you with advise on suitable footwear. Unfortunately, foot problems related to diabetes contribute to the difficulties of many older people with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes - Basic Facts About Foot Ulcers

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Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

The Internet is a wonderful source of "miracle" foods and diets. Some claim to boost your brain power, others your sexual potency. And when it comes to high blood pressure there is certainly no shortage of culinary cures. But do any of these really work?

pressure canner

Unfortunately, most miracle cures - and that covers foods, herbs, supplements, elixirs and potions of all types - are due purely to the placebo effect. The placebo effect can be powerful and should not be underestimated. It accounts for the endless wave of "cures" that suddenly appear promising the moon only to disappear as quickly as the pet rock.

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Because of the placebo effect there are always a number of people who believe themselves to be helped by whatever the current craze is. Naturally, they tend to make a lot of noise and it's easy to get caught up in their (often genuine) enthusiasm. But what you don't hear about are the 95% of others who tried Formula X with no effect whatsoever.

But no matter... natural cures are like the proverbial bus; there's always another one coming along right behind.

So we should forget about cures but are there any foods that genuinely help to lower blood pressure? The answer is a qualified yes, but there is nothing you can really count on as a reliable and practical high blood pressure treatment.

For example, beetroot juice was recently in the news for its ability to lower blood pressure, demonstrated in credible scientific experiments. However, keep in mind that the amounts of reduction and duration of its effects are not enough to make a serious difference for people suffering from seriously high blood pressure. And then there's the practicality issue; beetroot juice is hard to get, it's expensive and could you really stand to drink large volumes of the stuff on a daily basis?

Chocolate is another food that has firm scientific support for reducing blood pressure. And this one doesn't suffer the same complaints as beetroot juice; many people would love to be prescribed a daily dose of chocolate! But, again, the benefits are minimal and would probably be cancelled out by the extra weight its users would pile on!

Then there's celery or, even better, celery root. A lot of people swear by it but the jury is still out on the scientific evidence. The same can be said for grapefruit, apple cider vinegar, bananas and oily fish, all foods that some claim to lower blood pressure. These usually have negligible effects, if any. Maybe a chocolate beetroot banana smoothie sprinkled with celery root powder is the answer!

A related issue is foods that we are advised to avoid if you have high blood pressure. This should also be approached with a certain amount of skepticism because there are simply no "bad" foods. Salt, for instance, is a perennial bad boy. But this is groundless. Salt is harmless - in fact, it's healthy when used in the right way. The problem is actually an imbalance of the minerals sodium, magnesium and potassium caused by eating unnatural, processed foods.

Another "bad boy" is usually thought to be cured meats. Salt is again the alleged culprit. But despite the salt, cured meats are in fact good for your blood pressure because they contain nitrates, the same substance in beetroot that is responsible for dropping blood pressure!

If there are any bad foods they are the artificial food substitutes designed to replace salt, butter and other "unhealthy" foods. In fact, it would be fair to say that unnatural, processed, or over-packaged foods are bad.

Which brings us back to our original topic: the right thing to focus on for lower blood pressure is not specific foods in isolation but our overall diet. In fact, there is a specific diet recommended for those with high blood pressure called the DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension). The DASH diet is really little more than a common sense healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, grains and vegetables while minimizing fatty meats and other high-fat or sugary foods.

But let's forget about acronyms and components. The way to stay healthy and prevent high blood pressure is to eat a varied diet of high-quality, whole, natural, unprocessed foods. It's as simple as that. Remember the salt problem? Whole foods avoid the whole issue because they contain the proper balance of minerals. This kind of diet will keep everything else in balance too, including your blood pressure.

Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

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Improve Your Heart Condition With High Blood Pressure Medication

The heart conditions that are among the most bothersome that we could mention are angina, hypertension, tremors and heartbeat disorder and so on. The impact on the life of the individual who suffers from them can be profound. Without solutions like Inderal it is very difficult to control these conditions.

The most annoying heart conditions that anyone could suffer from are hypertension, tremors, angina and heart beat disorder. These conditions can greatly effect the quality of life of the sufferer. If you don't use medication like Inderal controlling these conditions becomes that much harder.

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How does Inderal work?

Inderal is a member of the beta-blockers group of medicines. The drug improves the circulation through the veins and arteries by impacting directly on the bloodflow. An immediate benefit is if someone suffers from regular migraines as the condition is often caused by low blood circulation and is often prescribed to reduce the severeness and the occurrences of these annoyingly frustrating headaches.

As there are no symptoms that are noticed by the high blood pressure sufferer, the patient may well find that they have the condition during their general health check or when a crisis situation occurs. Due to this the patient ought to keep administering Inderal, no matter if they are feeling fine.

The quantity that ought to be taken daily should be decided through consultation with the doctor, therefore it is better to administer Inderal each day at the same time. Taking the medication at meal times is not necessary as the patient just needs to take a full glass of water without chewing, crushing or breaking the pill.

If the patient believes they need to change the dosage, they should consult with their doctor to make sure what the new requirements should be; the danger of dropping the dosage or even stopping could have serious consequences with the individual suffering unpleasant adverse reactions. It is better to gradually reduce the dosage rather than doing a sudden halt.

What drugs are likely to interact with Inderal?

If a patient is taking prescribed medications they should be aware that they possibly could interfere with Inderal which can cause unpleasant side effects if taken with their present treatments. So of course it is important for the patient to advise their doctor of the medications they are taking before start a course of Inderal. For example:

- Allergy treatments shouldn't be used at the same time with Inderal; the taking of the drug is also not recommended if you are having skin allergy tests.

- Diabetes medication such as insulin needs extreme care when considering prescribing Inderal. The doctor may well decide that diabetes is not compatible with the taking of Inderal.

- Asthma drugs, particularly dilators, are best avoided in parallel treatments with Inderal.

There are other medications other than the above that should not be taken if Inderal is being administered and the doctor is the best person to make a judgement if they are not compatible with the drug. So it is advisable to give the complete list of the medications that are being taken. If they aren't provided correctly and there is incomplete information, extremely grave consequences for the health of the patient could occur.

As you're probably aware, Inderal is proving to be an effective treatment for heart conditions. It works by raising the bloodflow through the arteries and veins of the body. As with any prescribed medication, care ought to be taken when taking the drug, but you are likely to see that as a treatment for heart conditions it will prove very beneficial to your condition.

Improve Your Heart Condition With High Blood Pressure Medication

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Friday, December 2, 2011

5 Great Herbs For Acid Reflux

Taking herbs for acid reflux may be a beneficial way to avoid heartburn so you don't ever have to worry about confusing heartburn symptoms with a heart attack. Herbs can help you stop heartburn before it starts which will help you limit the number of antacids or other medications you may take for heartburn relief.

There are various herbs used as health remedies, but only some are truly effective at preventing and relieving acid reflux. The following are 5 effective herbs for acid reflux.

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1 - Black Pepper - This is an aromatic herb that enhances taste, improves gastric circulation, and stimulates digestion. Black pepper can be added to recipes or can be an additional feature to prepared meals. For best results, use a small (approximately a tsp.) amount of fresh black pepper whole and grind it over food.

2 - Indian long pepper - Indian long pepper is a powerful stimulant for digestion, and is one of the most recommended for enhancing digestion, assimilation, and metabolism for foods ingested. In addition, Indian long peppers are fantastic herbs for acid reflux disease, as studies have found it can provide considerable protection against the development of gastric ulcers.

Indian long pepper should be taken in small amounts (approximately a tsp.), and can be purchased dry and used in recipes, or added to meals for flavor. Simply crush the pepper to add it to food. Keep in mind that if you use too much, the flavor can become too intense, and you may find it too hot to eat.

3 - Ginger - Ginger has been used for thousands of years to aid in digestion and treat stomach distress such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ginger is one of the most highly effective herbs for acid reflux, and it is likely the most pure. The effectiveness of ginger is due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic properties.

Fresh ginger root can be added to recipes or added as an extra garnish to a finished meal. Ginger can also be taken in powder form and in tea.Ginger is considered to be one of the safest herbal remedies to take, and you can ingest moderate amounts of it daily (I.E. tsp. of powder ginger, or an inch of a ginger root). However, be advised that if taken excessively, it may lead to mild heartburn.

4 - Liquorice - Liquorice is a powerful herb and anti-inflammatory that studies have found are showing much promise as inhibiting the development of ulcers, wounds on the mucous membran, and gastritis. Liquorice also acts like an antacid.

Liquorice was also found to improve the secretion status of Brunner's gland, which is located throughout the duodenum system. Brunner's gland works to protect against the development of duodenal ulcers. Liquorice is available in powder form and can be taken in tea. A cup of tea or 3 tsp. of powder liquorice daily is considered safe to take. High doses of liquorice can lead to symptoms such as headache, water retention and high blood pressure.

5 - Indian gooseberry - Indian gooseberry is a fruit that has been used to treat peptic ulcers and ingestion that is non-ulcer related. Studies have found Indian gooseberry to have considerable antioxidant effects, and it significantly reduced gastric mucosal injury and acid secretion. Indian gooseberry is made up of cell-protective properties as well as antiulcer, and antisecretory properties.
You can eat an Indian gooseberry raw with a little salt, or you can take it in powder form and in the form of tea. This herb is not associated with side effects, but should still be ingested in moderation, as it can act as a laxative if eaten in copious amounts.

When considering herbs for acid reflux, keep in mind that you shouldn't take herbs as a form of medicinal treatment without first consulting your doctor about your plans. This is because some herbs may interact with other herbs, with medications you may currently be taking, or other health conditions you may have.

5 Great Herbs For Acid Reflux

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Sinus Pressure - Beyond the Cure

Most of us, not to say all of us, at one time or another have dealt with some sinus problem. It could have been sinus: pressure, congestion, sinusitis, excessive drainage or whatever. Since it went away or was treated successfully and did not recur often enough we do not pay much attention to it. On the other hand, others of us who have had to contend with the same sinus problems, but as an ongoing ailment that has become annoying, time consuming and expensive. But now we are cured and we do not wish to ever go back to our former misery. Is there anything we can do to keep our sinuses healthy?

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The answer to this question is a resounding Yes, we can. We must, however, remember certain things. The most important one of which is that health, whether it be with reference to our sinuses, or health in general is not something that just happens or we inherit, but something we need to work at on a regular basis. Our eating, physical exercise, relaxation and sleep habitsare the main areas of our lifestyle which, depending on how we relate to them are going to determine, to a great extent, how healthy we are going to be. Sinus problems are usually an indication that we are violating some healthy living rule(s). In other words, if we want to keep our sinuses healthy we are going to have to maintain a life style which conforms to something like this:

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Eating
We need to understand that food has more to do with keeping healthy than perhaps many of us realized. Large amounts of sugar are bad for us. So are dairy products. The combinations of both of them, for example, milk shakes, ice cream, are, obviously, a very sure formula for inviting sinus and possibly other health problems. Very small amounts very likely would not make much difference, at least, that's the way it is with me.

Physical exercise
For several decades now the importance of physical exercise to maintain good health has been widely accepted, usually as a way to reduce the risk of heart disease. But the same, basically, applies to the sinuses. General good health, which is promoted by exercise, helps the immune system work better, eg., to fight viruses that want to lodge in the sinuses, and other potential ailments; and make a person feel better in general.

Relaxation
Both physical, mental and emotional relaxation are necessary to keep the body and mind healthy. It is not, therefore, a waste of time to take time off everyday and deliberately change activities to do things that do not create stress, but that we enjoy and that takes the mind completely away from our regular work.

Sleep
While night sleep requirements may vary from person to person, there is nothing wrong with taking a short nap during the day, if we can. The quality, not just the quantity, is important. A heavy meal, a scary late movie or heavy mental work shortly before going to bed will most likelyl not induce a good night of sleep. Each of us need to assess what we need to do before we go to bed so our sleep will be sound and restful.

We can continue to think of sinus pressure, sinus headache, etc., as things of the past and continue to enjoy our new found freedom from these and other sinus problems as we live lifestyles that are conducive to good general and sinus health.

Sinus Pressure - Beyond the Cure

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Blood Pressure Machines

High blood pressure is a common disorder. It can be controlled in a lot of ways; however, in most cases, people are not aware they have high blood pressure. In effect, they suffer stroke and develop heart ailments and other disorders. Monitoring your blood pressure is a way to prevent risks such as stroke. You can do it at home, even without your doctor.

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The most common blood pressure monitoring instruments used is the sphygmomanometer. It has a soft rubber cuff with an air bladder that is connected to a tube and bulb used to force air into the bladder. It also has a gauge that shows the amount of pressure exerted.

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Today, more advanced and accurate automatic blood pressure machines are increasingly being used to monitor blood pressure. They come with a digital display that shows the readings. Some blood pressure machines have feature that stores the readings, but it is still advisable to record them yourself.

Other blood pressure machines are larger (as large a house furniture) and have more advanced features such as built-in weight scale and backlit display screen. If you can't afford to buy one (most machines are expensive, prices can go as high as 0), you can ask your doctor if he can lend his machine to you, so you can conveniently monitor your blood pressure at home.

Before you do your own monitoring, it would be best to bring your blood pressure machine to your attending physician first (if you have one) to ensure its accuracy. The accuracy of the readings is very important to prevent misdiagnosis. Also, make sure to repeat measurements as many digital blood pressure machines' readings and accuracy are changed by mere body movements. Furthermore, since digital and automatic blood pressure machines are battery operated, the readings may also be erroneous at times when the battery runs low.

Blood Pressure Machines

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High Blood Pressure vs. Low Blood Pressure - The Cause and Cure!

Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have low blood pressure? This is an important question for your health and your life. Why? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about one in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure. And only about 63 percent of those with high blood pressure are even aware that they have it. Causing, a heart wrenching of almost 60,000 Americans dying each year of complications related to high blood pressure. So what are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

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Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

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Unfortunately, the reason so many people don't know they have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is that there aren't really any clear symptoms of hypertension. However, some high blood pressure sufferers complain of: frequent headaches and dizziness. Therefore, if you even question that you or a loved one has high blood pressure, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. And if you know your blood pressure is too high, you can do something about it TODAY. Keep reading!

Blood Pressure 101

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is basically the force pushing on the arteries by your blood as it passes through them. Someone with high blood pressure has blood that is putting higher than normal pressure on the arteries. This puts more stress on the body. Hence, the heart has to work so hard to get the blood pumped through those arteries that it can actually enlarge and damage the heart, eventually causing a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm and other heart problems if left untreated. High blood pressure is not something to mess around with!

Causes for High Blood Pressure

What could put you at risk for high blood pressure? There are numerous causes but here is a list of the major ones:
Heredity: If your parents had high blood pressure, you are at risk.
Race: African Americans are most at risk. However, all ethnicities are on a rise.
Gender: Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure.
Age: As you age, your risk of high blood pressure increases.
Salt Intake: Sodium intake has been linked with high blood pressure sufferers.
Obesity: Being overweight is a huge risk factor for high blood pressure.
Smoking: Smokers will often times be more at risk for hypertension.
A Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are required to sit a lot at your profession... your risk rises.

A Natural Cure for High Blood Pressure

Due to the seriousness of hypertension, doctors do have medications for sufferers. Including: Diuretics, Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Alpha Blockers and Vasodilators. However, here is the shocking part, as well as costing hundreds to thousands, many of these medications could have the following side-effects: kill nutrients in body, risk of asthma symptoms, speed heart rate, depletion of taste, rashes, cold symptoms, kidney problems, headaches, nausea, weight gain, and growth of hair. Not pleasant! Besides, I thought they were suppose to help hypertension sufferers?

Now the good news! There is an all-natural treatment for high blood pressure. Yes, you can drop points off your blood pressure reading in days! Doctors would agree there are numerous non-pharmaceutical things you can do lower your blood pressure. Start with these...

1. Educate Yourself! Most people hate studying but we're talking about your life! Check out http://www.bloodpressurenormalized.com/hbp1 for more information on lowering your blood pressure.

2. Lose Weight! What are ways you can be more active and cut a few calories during each day? Jump on the scale in one week and you might be surprised. PS. Your blood pressure will drop too!

3. Lower your salt intake now. Try to lower your intake to less than 2,400 milligrams per day. If possible, go as low as 1,500 milligrams per day. Lower your salt... lower your blood pressure.

4. Get enough potassium. Eat foods rich in potassium including bananas, vegetable juice, potatoes, citrus fruits and fish.

5. Take those Calcium Pills and eat that low-fat dairy. This mineral is proven to help the cause of lowering blood pressure.

6. Pack in the fiber! Any fiber is going to be helpful for clearing out the excess gunk in your body and keeping the blood pressure normal. Switch to whole grain foods whenever possible.

Finally, don't stop here! This is just the tip of the iceberg for getting your life back to normal and lowering your blood pressure. Please take a few more minutes and check out our high blood pressure/hypertension website. You would be amazed what others are saying about it!

Joe Barton writes for Barton Publishing Inc., a leading natural health company specializing in educating people of numerous natural remedies and safe, affordable cures. To educate yourself more on High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and how lower your score, click here:
http://www.bloodpressurenormalized.com/hbp1

High Blood Pressure vs. Low Blood Pressure - The Cause and Cure!

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

4 Benefits You Can Obtain From a Gel Cushion

A gel cushion adds comfort to any seat around. Since it is designed to promote comfort, it is therapeutic in relieving pressure while sitting. The cushion is made from gel rather than the conventional foam around. The gel disperses pressure evenly and effectively thus, it promotes proper circulation. Obtaining a gel cushion has many benefits which include the following:

• It relieves soft tissue compression as it absorbs the pressure exerted. This is beneficial especially for people who have to sit for long hours.

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• It cushions the bony prominences more effectively than foam. This feature prevents pressure ulcers from forming and very useful for paralyzed individuals. This makes gel seat cushions a therapeutic material in promoting comfort.

• For exhausted individuals, it relieves fatigue faster than foam cushions. The gel also creates a different sense of feeling while on seat as it moves along with your little movements.

• It is advisable for people with several health problems like hemorrhoids, coccydynia, low back pain, leg numbness, varicose vein, degenerative hip disease and many more. It is also highly recommendable for diabetic individuals, as it prevents pressure ulcers from forming thus, preventing serious complications.

Gel seat cushions are widely available in the market. It has varying designs depending on its usage; there are gel seat cushions made for car seats, office chairs and many more. In choosing one, study its functionality especially in terms of its design. Check if there is a substantial amount of gel on the cushion in order to determine its efficiency, so you can be assured with a quality product obtained.

4 Benefits You Can Obtain From a Gel Cushion

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