Dangers of high blood pressure

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition which usually affect older age people. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries. When it is too high, it increases the workload of heart and can cause serious damage to arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. 

Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is sometime called a silent killer because it may have no symptoms for years. In fact 20 percent people with hypertension don't know they have high blood pressure. Internally, it can quietly damage heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain and kidney if left untreated. It is the major risk factor of heart attacks and strokes.

Causes of Hypertension

Normal blood pressure reading falls below 120/80mm/Hg

The top number is the systolic blood pressure which is due to the contraction of heart.

The lower number is called diastolic blood pressure and it is the pressure when heart is relaxing and being refilled with blood. In most cases, the underlying cause of hypertension is not known. Occasionally, hypertension may be result of kidney or adrenal gland disease.
Up to age of 45, more men get high blood pressure than women.As the age progresses both sexes are equally affected but at 65 more women have high blood pressure than men.  If a family member has high blood pressure, other members have higher risk of developing it. Diabetics have 60% more chances of getting high blood pressure.
Sodium, a major component of salt, can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluid, which leads to a greater burden on the heart.

Hypertension and Stress

Stress can have indirect effect on high blood pressure. It may lead to unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet which may affect blood pressure levels. Sometimes, it can increase blood pressure at times, but as a cause it is not directly  involved.

Weight and hypertension

Heart of people who are overweight is under strain and increases chances of hypertension. Diets to lower hypertension are also aimed at lowering the weight and to cut down calories. Fatty foods and added sugars should be cut down. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and fiber should be increased. 

Loosing even 10 pounds can have significant impact.

Also say absolute no to alcohol.

What about caffeine

There is no link between development of hypertension and intake of caffeine. Caffeine, sometime may have temporary jittery effect on the mood but, studies have not shown any link between two. So, one or two cups

of caffeine may be taken safely.

Pregnancy and hypertension

Sometimes blood pressure is raised in second half of pregnancy. This is called gestational hypertension. If not treated, it may lead to a condition called preeclampsia. This condition may have serious consequences both on mother and baby's health. It can deprive baby of blood and oxygen supply and can damage brain and kidney of mother.

Usually, after the baby  is born, the blood pressure returns to normal.

Medicine and high blood pressure

Cold and flu medicines that contain decongestants are one of several classes of medication that can cause blood pressure to rise. Others include NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) pain relievers, steroids, diet pills, birth control pills, and some antidepressants can raise blood pressure and if some one has blood pressure he should talk to his doctor about taking these medicines. 

White coat hypertension

Some nervous people may have a higher reading in doctor's chamber. This is normal, but these people may have higher chances of developing hypertension.

These people should take readings at their home, chart them and share them with their doctor.

Hypertension and children

Hypertension is usually a problem of old age, but some time children may get this problem. 

Normal blood pressure for blood pressure varies according to their age, sex and height. Children are at higher risk if they are overweight. 

Treatment

Dietary approach

The DASH Diet -- Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension -- involving eating more fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry and nuts.

Exercise

Regular exercise could play very important role in controlling hypertension. At least 150 minutes of moderate -intensity exercise per week will have very good effect on hypertension.This could include brisk walking, gardening, bicycling or other aerobic ( in open air) exercises. 

Medications

These may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, The ARBs.

Diuretics

Diuretics, also known as "water pills" induce diuresis which result in loss of excess sodium and water resulting in reducing the load on vascular system. Some diuretics may deplete body potassium which may cause muscle weakness, leg cramps, and fatigue. Some can increase sugar levels in diabetics. Erectile dysfunction may also occur.

ACE inhibitors

Angiotesin II is a substance which narrowing or contraction of blood vessels thus result in increase of blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are substances which reduces body's supply of angiotesin II resulting in dilated and open blood vessels which result in lowering of blood pressure and reduction in effort for heart.

Side effects may include dry cough, skin rash, dizziness and high potassium. Pregnant woman should not take ACE inhibitors.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers reduce heart rate so work load on heart is reduced. They are also used to treat arrhythmia - conditions in which heart rate is abnormal. They may be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications. Side effects can include insomnia ( loss of sleep ), dizziness, fatigue, cold extremities (hands and feet) and erectile dysfunction.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers slow the movement of calcium into cells of heart and blood vessels. Since calcium causes stronger contraction of heart, these drugs ease the heart contraction and relax blood vessels which result in lowering of blood. Side effects can cause dizziness, heart palpitations, swelling of ankles, and constipation. Take them with food or milk and avoid grapefruit juice with them. 

ARBs

Instead of reducing body's supply of angiotensin II, these drugs block receptors for angiotensin II-- as if they place a shield over a lock. So angiotensin can not bind at receptor site and can not produce it artery tightening effect. ARBs can take few weeks to develop their full effect. Side effects can include dizziness, insomnia, high levels of  potassium and muscle cramps. Pregnant woman should not take this medicine.

OTHER MEDICATIONS

They may include alpha blockers, vasodilators, and central agonists. They act by dilating blood vessels. They can cause dizziness, palpitation of heart, headaches or diarrhea. They are used when other medicines are not controlling the blood pressure. 

Living With High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often a life-long condition. It's important to take your medications and continue to monitor your blood pressure. If you keep it under control, you can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

  

Diabetis: How to keep your life active

Have a quick body scan daily.

Check your body head to toe. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Don't forget the places where moisture can hide and germs can grow. Check under your arms and breasts, and between your legs and toes. Look extra-closely at your feet. Use a mirror to help you see all over. If you have cuts or scrapes, treat them quickly. Also treat dry skin.

Do not walk bare foot.

Take a minute to put a pair of slip-on shoes and socks near the door so you aren’t tempted to go outside barefoot. Make sure your slippers or house shoes are handy, too. Even indoors, you need to protect your feet. Check your shoes before putting them on -- make sure there's nothing in them that might bite or cut you. Change shoes during the day to relieve pressure spots on your feet.

Learn about hypoglycemic attacks.

Some time you may get hypoglycemic attacks, means your blood glucose level may drop below 70 mg/dL.You may feel dizzy, hungry, or shaky. This may happen if you skip a meal, take to much diabetes medicine, or exercise harder than usual without eating. Put a few glucose tablets, or five or six pieces of hard candy with you.

Regularly check your blood sugar level.

Check your blood sugar level regularly depending upon your control of your sugar level. Fasting or empty stomach sugar levels should be between 70 to 110 mg/dL, and after 1 to 2 hours after meal it should be between 110 to 170mg/dL.

Learn about your sugar level before after exercise

You can learn about your sugar level by checking it before and after taking exercise. If your doctor advise you to check your sugar levels before and after taking exercise, mark a reminder.

Take medication according to prescription based on your life style.

Discuss with your doctor about your life style and he will prescribe you medicines according to your level of activity.

Eat foods of low glycemic index

Take those foods that have low glycemic index. Make a list of it and paste it on your refrigerator so you can always have a look at it.

Drink more water and liquids.

Take plenty of water. It will help you control your high blood pressure which is almost always a companion of diabetes. 

Take exercise in spurts if you can not take it at one time.

Exercising 30 minutes a day is an important part of managing your diabetes. If you find it tough to fit into your busy lifestyle, break it up into three 10-minute spurts instead.

Set Up a First-Aid Kit

Diabetes can turn a minor injury into a major problem. Take a few minutes to gather these supplies:

• hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds
• triple-antibiotic cream for dressing cuts and scrapes
• sterile gauze for covering wounds

If you have circulation problems or peripheral neuropathy, you may need to see a doctor or wound care center.

Always wear your diabetic identification bracelet or any other thing to let people know that you are diabetic in case of any emergency. 

10 simple ways you can control your eating.

• Chew a gum while you are in a grocery store.

             While you are in a grocery store, instead of buying high calorie snacks or chips, chew a gum. This will make you feel less hungry.

• Serve yourself healthy stuff first.

Whether you’re having a meal at home or choosing from a cafeteria line, load your plate with the healthiest items first. Diners at buffets tend to take larger servings of the first few foods. So, think before you start piling up your plate. Dish up veggies or whole grains before fattier meats.

•  Use cash when buying lunch

People hesitate for a while spending cash so they think for a while before spending to much.

• Turn the TV off while watching cooking shows. 

Don't watch cooking shows if you are on dieting. A research says that people on diet eat more candy while watching cooking shows than when watching non food shows.

• Change the color of your plates

Would you believe it? the color of your dishes might make a difference in how much food you serve yourself.

So consider changing the color of your plates.

• Think about using smaller size bowls and plates

A study shows people using bigger size plates used fifty percent more food.

• Try not to eat if you are feeling bore or tired.

Eating because you’re bored, tired, or tense can make you feel out of control, so try not to eat any thing or do some thing else to reduce the urge to eat.

• Keep unhealthy snacks out of sight.

Try to keep snacks or chocolate away from you.

• Try to order "small"

A large container may tempt you to eat more so try smaller ones.

• Eat at a slower speed

Take smaller bites, chew the food for longer time. This will help you cut your calories.

 

Taking Yogurt daily may help keep diabetes away.

A recent study reveals that eating a serving of YOGURT daily could help lowering chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Yet experts say that a healthy diet plan is still the best approach. 
Yogurt is not magic for curing or preventing diabetes. 
Expert emphasize upon a healthy diet plan and weight control.  
The study is published online Nov.24 in the journal BMC Medicine.

Men's Health, LEARN ABOUT JOCK ITCH

 Stop Jock Itch

 Some itches are just too embarrassing to scratch. But if you've ever been, or currently are, bothered by an irritating itch "down there," you know how urgent the need to scratch can be.

Quite often, the culprit in this embarrassing pelvic itch is fungus. Wherever moisture and heat get trapped on the body, fungus can grow and cause uncomfortable itching. One of the most common types of intimate fungal infections in men is Jock Itch.
What's Going On Down There?

The human body is home to many different microorganisms, including fungi. Having a certain number of fungi living on the human body is normal. But when conditions favor fungi growth, such as warmth and moisture, the organisms can multiply rapidly, upsetting the natural balance.

It is typical for fungal infection to appear in genital area, where ideal growing conditions exist. However, fungal infections can also be found on the feet, the underarms, or the fold of skin below the breast.

Jock Itch

Consisting of a red and flat itchy rash that appears on the inner thighs, tinea cruris, or jock itch, spreads outward in a circular pattern and clears in the center. The border of the ring is usually bright red and raised, and it can spread to both the genital and anal regions. It is very contagious and can be passed by direct skin contact or contact with contaminated items, such as a shared towel.

If you have jock itch, you're not alone -- jock itch is second only to acne as the most commonly reported skin condition, and it's estimated that 10% to 20% of people will get a tinea infection sometime in their lives. It is usually fairly simple to cure, although symptoms may last for weeks. Your doctor will usually prescribe a topical antifungal cream that should be applied once or twice a day for 2 weeks. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry and avoid any clothing that might irritate the infected area. Infections that last more than 2 weeks or recur may require stronger antifungal treatment in either topical or oral form. Antibiotics also may be needed to treat secondary infections that can sometimes be caused by scratching.

Preventive Measures

Following are some measures which you should follow to prevent jock itch especially if your infection tends to recur.

    Bathe or shower right away after a workout. Avoid using antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Dry your genital area well and apply powder, such as talc, to the skin between your leg and groin.
    Wear loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts, instead of briefs. Avoid nylon underwear. Change your underwear frequently, especially after activities that leave you hot and sweaty.
    Maintain a healthy body weight as heavier people suffer with more perspiration buildup in the groin area than people of lower body weight.
    If you have a fungal infection on your feet or hands, treat it promptly before it has an opportunity to spread to the groin or other skin areas.

 Other Causes of Itch

A yeast infection is another type of fungal infection that can cause itching. That's right, men can get yeast infections, usually following sexual contact with a woman who has a yeast infection. And if both partners are not treated, they can keep reinfecting each other. Not every man exposed to a yeast infection will get one, but men who have diabetes or are uncircumcised are at increased risk.

 Fungal infections aren't the only possible cause of pelvic itching. Your skin could be irritated by sweat and tight clothing, or you could be having an allergic reaction to soaps and detergents. It could also be the result of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, or it could even be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or genital herpes. Be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Get Fitness -- Walk Regularly -- Make It A Habit

We know how it goes: Sure, you know walking is good for you -- it's one of the best and easiest forms of exercise around. But life often gets in the way of making it a regular habit.

Walk 15 minutes, 5 days a week

• Warm-up: 2.5 minutes
• Walk (brisk pace): 10 minutes
• Cool-down: 2.5 minutes

Walking Tip 1: Starting Small
Walking for 15 minutes may not sound like a lot, but every minute counts! Research shows that even one or two minutes of exercise at a time can provide health benefits. And when it comes to starting an exercise routine, small is better. Beginning with short walks will make physical activity more enjoyable, reduce your risk of knee pain and increase the likelihood that you’ll make walking a habit.
One of the most common reasons people drop out of exercise programs is because they do too much too soon. Some may end up injured, while others may just be extremely sore. Either way, the thought of doing another workout is less than appealing. Starting gently creates a positive experience that will encourage you to keep walking.
Every day you get out there, you'll get stronger and build your endurance so you’ll be ready and eager to tackle longer walks with less risk of pain or injury. The more you walk the more pounds you’ll shed, which eases stress on your knees so all types of movement are easier. You’ll also feel happier, sleep better, have more energy and lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
So lace up your shoes and get started!

Tip: It’s OK to start even smaller or slower. A little discomfort is expected when you increase your activity. Pay attention to your body. If you’re experiencing more than a little discomfort, slow down your pace. If that helps, then keep going. If not, start with just 10 minutes a day or break up the 15 minutes into three 5-minute walks or a 10- and 5-minute walk. Do what works for you, and remember, some activity is better than none.

Walk This Way

One of the many great things about walking is that everyone knows how to do it. But if it's your main way to exercise, a few form tweaks will help you burn extra calories.

Body
Stand up straight, as if a string is pulling your spine upward. Don't lean forward as if you're heading into a stiff breeze.

Eyes
Look straight ahead, not down at your feet.

Arms
Relax your shoulders, bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle, and move them back and forth (not across your chest) as you walk. This helps propel you forward and gives your arms a light workout. Don't bring your hands up near your face or develop a punching motion; just drive your elbow back at waist height.
 
Hands
Keep hands relaxed, in a loose fist (don't clench or flap them around).

Legs
Your stride should feel right to you. It won't feel fluid if your steps are too short or too long. Aim for a smooth, rhythmic, natural pace.

Feet
Once you hit your natural stride, your foot will roll from heel to toe. Then think about pushing off with your toes -- it helps you walk faster and burn more calories.

How to Prevent Diabetes -- Even if You Can't Lose Weight or Have Pre-Diabetes

Let's say you’re overweight -- enough to make you nervous about type 2 diabetes.Maybe you've tried to diet but can't lose weight, or you’re dieting now but have yet to shed pounds. Maybe you've even been told you have pre-diabetes. Should you just curl up with a doughnut and wait for the big D (diabetes) to arrive? No way.
 Besides maintaining a healthy weight, four factors keep diabetes at bay. If you combine any three of them, it's like throwing up a force shield between you and diabetes. The combination is more protective than the individual parts, a new fact that's startled even the experts.
It gets better: If you combine all four, you'll start losing weight without half trying! What are the four steps?

• Walk 30 minutes a day. Start slowly if you need to, but start. Add a few more steps every day.
• Drink alcohol lightly. Consume no more than two drinks a day for men, one for women.
• Eat smart. Enjoy lots of fruits and veggies, plenty of 100% whole grains, very lean protein, a little low-fat or no-fat dairy, some nuts, and a bit of dark chocolate.
• Don’t smoke.