List of things to do
Experts say that people who are over 20 years of age should pay more attention to their cholesterol level and advise them to do everything they can to lower their levels of "bad" cholesterol. Despite the so many claims that you can lower your cholesterol level through low cholesterol diet plans, lifestyle changes, and monitored medication, more and more people who suffer from this condition still fail to lower their cholesterol level.
Although it is sometimes hard to stick with the needed requirements to be able to lower your cholesterol levels, it is still possible to get the result that you want by following these easy ways to lower to cholesterol:
1. Make sure you know where you stand by getting your levels checked regularly. Visiting your doctor and getting your cholesterol levels checked regularly is very important to achieving optimum health for good. Since high cholesterol is related to cardiovascular disease, make sure that you know your numbers so you can rearrange your diet and change lifestyle habits as well. Knowing your cholesterol level will also help you decide what kind of diet plan you should follow and if you need medication and treatment already. Knowing your starting point will also help you monitor your progress toward healthy cholesterol levels. If you know your exact cholesterol status then you can also do something to combat it by learning to quit cigarette smoking and excessive eating of high cholesterol foods.
2. Understanding the basics and learning everything you can about the condition. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, the first thing to do is to understand the situation fully and acquire more information about the condition. By conducting your own personal research on the condition will also make you knowledgeable about initial lifestyle changes you can do to lessen the problem and you will also have an idea what other treatments options available. Knowing everything about cholesterol, its types, kinds, and health risks will also make you understand that the case is not really hopeless if you are in the right track.
Finding and getting more information about the condition will also make you realize that there are so many things that you can do. You can get more information from a registered dietician, local centers for nutrition, local hospital or public health department, and from a consultation with your attending physician or health care provider.
3. Watch your weight and get rid of extra pounds if needed. Monitoring your weight is one of the best ways to combat high levels of cholesterol. If you think you are overweight for your age and height, then you should be contemplating on slimming down to be able to decrease your high cholesterol level. Since being overweight disrupts a person's normal metabolism of dietary fat, experts say that people who weight more than they should shout start planning on a healthy lifestyle and diet to lose weight safely.
But, before having a drastic change in your diet and lifestyle, make sure that you visit your doctor first to access your overall health. Doing this may prevent further damage especially if you have to undergo certain medications.
4. Get physical, do regular physical activities and exercises more often. The wonders of exercise are indeed very essential in lowering high cholesterol levels. Doing regular physical activities can also help raise the good cholesterol levels and lose weight as well. There's really no need for high-intensity workouts, regular brisk walking or jogging can help the body boost HDL cholesterol and also beneficial for the heart.
5. Make a commitment and stick to that commitment. The best way to lower cholesterol levels is to be able to develop the discipline to stick to your goal. You can also lower your cholesterol level by acquainting yourself what are the good and the bad fat and its sources, by discovering the wonders of fiber in cutting down cholesterol, by taking in good multivitamins, by freeing yourself from lots of stress, and by exploring and considering treatment options when all else fails
Diet to Lower Cholesterol level
If you want to lower your cholesterol levels, following an ideal diet may be able to help you a lot. It has been known for a long time now that the food a person eats or is accustomed to eating daily can have a direct relation in the body's cholesterol levels.
And it is important for people to lower their cholesterol levels because cholesterol has been associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The higher the level of blood cholesterol levels in an individual, the more likely it is that he will be developing heart disease later on. Aside from that high cholesterol levels can also put a person at risk of suffering from a stroke or a heart attack.
Aside from using drugs to lower cholesterol levels, following a low cholesterol diet is the next best thing to keep your cholesterol levels down. Eating more vegetables, soy products and other low cholesterol foods can be just as effective at reducing blood cholesterol as medication. A study has been able to show that a vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol by as much as one-third in just a month.
The best cholesterol-lowering diet that you can follow usually includes a hearty serving of vegetables such as broccoli and red peppers. Soy milk and soy sausages, oat bran cereal and bread as well as plenty of fruits and nuts make up a complete low cholesterol diet. Soy protein, nuts, and fiber rich food such as oats and barley can effectively cut cholesterol levels by up to seven percent.
A low cholesterol diet also requires you to minimize your intake of saturated fat by seven percent and other fat substances by 25-35 percent. It has been discovered that the best diet for avoiding coronary heart disease includes consuming non-hydrogenated (unprocessed) fats rather than the hydrogenated variety. Increased consumption of omega-3 fats from fish, fish oil or plant sources such as flax seeds is the suggested fat intake in a low cholesterol diet. With a low cholesterol diet, one should also limit daily sodium intake somewhere in the level of 2400 milligrams daily.
A typical day on the low cholesterol diet would include a hearty breakfast of soy milk, oat bran cereal with chopped fruit and almonds, oatmeal bread, vegetable-based margarine and jam. A typical low cholesterol lunch would comprise of soy cold cuts, oat bran bread, bean soup and a dessert of fruit. For dinner, stir-fry vegetables, tofu, fruit and almonds would be the usual low cholesterol diet fare. Following this type of low cholesterol diet religiously for long periods, it is possible for one's cholesterol level to drop by as much as 29 percent in just a month.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to Cure High Blood Pressure?
Do you know how to cure high blood pressure with no medication? Most people would probably say to eat healthy (lower your salt-intake) and make sure you exercise.
But new research is now showing the sometimes medicines are not the only treatment. In fact, some natural treatments are just as effective as their medicine counterpart.
Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, Alpha Blockers, and Vasodilators) work because they lower your blood pressure. The problem is that they make it look that you are healthy but are your numbers showing the truth?
High Blood Pressure medications work because they synthetically alleviate the pressure of the arteries and blood. For instance, with diuretics the blood will become less salty (less thick) and your pressure with drop. Another example would be beta blockers which synthetically cause the heart to beat slower.
Though these medications look good on paper, they are NOT treating the disease known as the 'silent killer'. In fact, they could be prolonging your life but they will never fully treat the disease. And statistics show that users will eventually die from the high blood pressure.
But what if you could naturally treat high blood pressure.
7 Hypertension Tips
So you want to know, 'how to cure high blood pressure'? First, you need to know how to prevent high blood pressure holistically. Because curing high blood pressure starts with a holistic treatment. Holistically treating hypertension simply means using the 'whole' body to cure the problem. This is completely different than taking a pill to synthetically thin out the blood.
1. Three Miracle Minerals- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, you should be supplementing your diet with 3 miracle minerals that lower high blood pressure. Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
2. Garlic- Garlic has been shown to benefit the heart, lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure naturally. The compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to naturally lower high blood pressure. Find a quality supplement today.
3. Folic Acid- Vitamin B which is found in green leafy vegetables reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. This vitamin will lower the risk of heart disease and alleviate the pressure naturally.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Many have found success with apple cider vinegar which contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2 and B6, in addition to potassium, magnesium, and copper.
5. Relieve Stress- Do you know there are numerous ways to relieve stress? Breathing exercises, exercising, or reading a book are simple ways to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure. And there are even more than this!
6. Your Diet! You know the major Do's and Don'ts about high blood pressure dieting. Just remember to be eating your water-soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables). Fibers, especially water-soluble, will flush your system and plaque. Also, switch to whole grains! With less plaque in the arteries you will eventually be hypertension-free!
7. Green Tea! It is loaded with antioxidants and research shows it lowers high blood pressure. Whether it is the 'relaxing' factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health!
But new research is now showing the sometimes medicines are not the only treatment. In fact, some natural treatments are just as effective as their medicine counterpart.
Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure Medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, Alpha Blockers, and Vasodilators) work because they lower your blood pressure. The problem is that they make it look that you are healthy but are your numbers showing the truth?
High Blood Pressure medications work because they synthetically alleviate the pressure of the arteries and blood. For instance, with diuretics the blood will become less salty (less thick) and your pressure with drop. Another example would be beta blockers which synthetically cause the heart to beat slower.
Though these medications look good on paper, they are NOT treating the disease known as the 'silent killer'. In fact, they could be prolonging your life but they will never fully treat the disease. And statistics show that users will eventually die from the high blood pressure.
But what if you could naturally treat high blood pressure.
7 Hypertension Tips
So you want to know, 'how to cure high blood pressure'? First, you need to know how to prevent high blood pressure holistically. Because curing high blood pressure starts with a holistic treatment. Holistically treating hypertension simply means using the 'whole' body to cure the problem. This is completely different than taking a pill to synthetically thin out the blood.
1. Three Miracle Minerals- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, you should be supplementing your diet with 3 miracle minerals that lower high blood pressure. Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
2. Garlic- Garlic has been shown to benefit the heart, lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure naturally. The compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to naturally lower high blood pressure. Find a quality supplement today.
3. Folic Acid- Vitamin B which is found in green leafy vegetables reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. This vitamin will lower the risk of heart disease and alleviate the pressure naturally.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Many have found success with apple cider vinegar which contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2 and B6, in addition to potassium, magnesium, and copper.
5. Relieve Stress- Do you know there are numerous ways to relieve stress? Breathing exercises, exercising, or reading a book are simple ways to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure. And there are even more than this!
6. Your Diet! You know the major Do's and Don'ts about high blood pressure dieting. Just remember to be eating your water-soluble fibers (fruits and vegetables). Fibers, especially water-soluble, will flush your system and plaque. Also, switch to whole grains! With less plaque in the arteries you will eventually be hypertension-free!
7. Green Tea! It is loaded with antioxidants and research shows it lowers high blood pressure. Whether it is the 'relaxing' factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Back Pain Exercises to Reduce your Back Pain
Back pain is not a disease but it is a disorder which would never leave you live in peace. Almost 90 % of chronic lower back pain sufferers are individuals are those who follow no exercise regimen. The other 10 % have back and leg pain due to injury such as ripped muscles. Back pain is not always associated with age, instead lack of physical activity and deficiency in liquid intake are the causes of lower back pain.
Weak muscles are often at the root of back pain, especially lower back pain. The muscles of the back, the abdomen, and the buttocks all support the spine - these muscles are called the core muscles.
The most common back pain exercise is to stand straight or sit on a comfortable chair that provides adequate support to your back. You should avoid sitting or standing in a single posture for a long time. Even while sleeping, you should be careful as to the type of mattress being used. Slouching or leaning forward should be avoided at all times. Yoga and mediation go a long way in relieving back pain and are very good exercises.
Lie down on your back with your knees bent and making sure to keep your feet flat on the floor. While keeping the knees bent, raise your legs. Grab onto the legs to help pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Make sure you do not raise your head while doing the lifts. Also, keep the knees bent when lowering them again.
Strengthening the low back muscles can also be helpful. To start, lie on your front with your arms and legs extended in a straight line with your body. Raise your right arm and left leg. Put them down and raise your left arm and right leg. Put them down and continue. As your back strength improves, try raising both arms and legs at the same time, arching your back in a "reverse stomach crunch".
Standing hamstring stretch - Raise your leg to at least 15 inches high with your heel of your on a stool. Keeping your knees straight, lean forward, bending at the hips. Feeling a mild stretch in the back of your thigh. Do not roll your shoulders. Bend at the waist, this will stretch your lower back. Hold for stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Lie down on your back. While keeping your arms at your sides, raise one leg off the ground while keeping it straight and keeping muscles tight. Hold the leg in that position for about 10 seconds. This can also be done while the knee on the other leg is slightly bent which will makes this a bit easier. Repeat with each leg five times.
Lower back pain exercises can help you in three ways:
1. Prevent acute lower back pain from returning
2. Reduce chronic lower back pain
3. Aerobic exercise, to condition your heart and other muscles, maintain health, and speed recovery.
Weak muscles are often at the root of back pain, especially lower back pain. The muscles of the back, the abdomen, and the buttocks all support the spine - these muscles are called the core muscles.
The most common back pain exercise is to stand straight or sit on a comfortable chair that provides adequate support to your back. You should avoid sitting or standing in a single posture for a long time. Even while sleeping, you should be careful as to the type of mattress being used. Slouching or leaning forward should be avoided at all times. Yoga and mediation go a long way in relieving back pain and are very good exercises.
Lie down on your back with your knees bent and making sure to keep your feet flat on the floor. While keeping the knees bent, raise your legs. Grab onto the legs to help pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Make sure you do not raise your head while doing the lifts. Also, keep the knees bent when lowering them again.
Strengthening the low back muscles can also be helpful. To start, lie on your front with your arms and legs extended in a straight line with your body. Raise your right arm and left leg. Put them down and raise your left arm and right leg. Put them down and continue. As your back strength improves, try raising both arms and legs at the same time, arching your back in a "reverse stomach crunch".
Standing hamstring stretch - Raise your leg to at least 15 inches high with your heel of your on a stool. Keeping your knees straight, lean forward, bending at the hips. Feeling a mild stretch in the back of your thigh. Do not roll your shoulders. Bend at the waist, this will stretch your lower back. Hold for stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Lie down on your back. While keeping your arms at your sides, raise one leg off the ground while keeping it straight and keeping muscles tight. Hold the leg in that position for about 10 seconds. This can also be done while the knee on the other leg is slightly bent which will makes this a bit easier. Repeat with each leg five times.
Lower back pain exercises can help you in three ways:
1. Prevent acute lower back pain from returning
2. Reduce chronic lower back pain
3. Aerobic exercise, to condition your heart and other muscles, maintain health, and speed recovery.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is the common disease seen in the United States. It is estimated that 16 million Americans are already caught with diabetes, and 5.4 million diabetics are not aware of the existing disease. Diabetes prevalence has increased steadily in the last half of this century and will continue rising among U.S. population. It believed to be one of the main criterions for deaths in United States every year. This diabetes information hub tries to project the necessary steps and precautions to be taken, to control and eradicate diabetes completely.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where in human body does not produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes is characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagon. The function of glucagon is to release glucose from the liver to the blood stream so that, it can be transported to body tissues and cells for the production of energy.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Diabetes is the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus.
Having complete diabetes information is very essential as, Diabetes mellitus is not completely curable but can be managed successfully. The control of diabetes mostly depends on the patient and it is his/her responsibility to take care of their diet, exercise and medication. Advances in diabetes research have led to better ways of controlling diabetes and treating its complications. Hence it includes:-
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where in human body does not produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes is characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagon. The function of glucagon is to release glucose from the liver to the blood stream so that, it can be transported to body tissues and cells for the production of energy.
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
Diabetes is the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus.
Having complete diabetes information is very essential as, Diabetes mellitus is not completely curable but can be managed successfully. The control of diabetes mostly depends on the patient and it is his/her responsibility to take care of their diet, exercise and medication. Advances in diabetes research have led to better ways of controlling diabetes and treating its complications. Hence it includes:-
- New improved Insulin and its therapy, (external and implantable insulin pumps) have advanced well to manage elevated blood sugars without any allergic reactions.
- Oral hypoglycemic drugs, controls diabetes type 2.
- New improved blood glucose monitors (new device for self blood glucose monitoring), and hemoglobin A1c laboratory test to measure blood glucose control during previous 3 months.
- Effective availability of the treatments for affected body organs due to diabetes.
- Better ways to manage health of the mother and the fetus during the gestational diabetes phase.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Myocardial infarction (MI) is usually caused by a blood clot that stops blood flow in a heart (coronary) artery. Call for an ambulance immediately if you develop severe chest pain. Treatment with a 'clot busting' drug or an emergency procedure to restore blood flow through the blocked artery are usually done as soon as possible to prevent damage to heart muscle. Other treatments help to ease the pain and prevent complications. Reducing risk factors can help to prevent an MI.
What is a myocardial infarction?
Myocardial infarction (MI) means that part of the heart muscle suddenly loses its blood supply. Without prompt treatment, this can lead to damage to the affected part of the heart. An MI is sometimes called a heart attack or a coronary thrombosis. An MI is part of a range or disorders called 'acute coronary syndromes'.
The heart is mainly made of special muscle. The heart pumps blood into arteries (blood vessels) which take the blood to every part of the body.
Like any other muscle, the heart muscle needs a good blood supply. The coronary arteries take blood to the heart muscle. The main coronary arteries branch off from the aorta. (The aorta is the large artery which takes oxygen-rich blood from the heart chambers to the body.) The main coronary arteries divide into smaller branches which take blood to all parts of the heart muscle.
What happens when you have a myocardial infarction?
If you have an MI, a coronary artery or one of its smaller branches is suddenly blocked. The part of the heart muscle supplied by this artery loses its blood (and oxygen) supply. This part of the heart muscle is at risk of dying unless the blockage is quickly undone. (The word 'infarction' means death of some tissue due to a blocked artery which stops blood from getting past.)
Thrombosis - the cause in most cases
Blood clots do not usually form in normal arteries. However, a clot may form if there is some atheroma within the lining of the artery. Atheroma is like fatty patches or 'plaques' that develop within the inside lining of arteries. (This is similar to water pipes that get 'furred up'.) Plaques of atheroma may gradually form over a number of years in one or more places in the coronary arteries. Each plaque has an outer firm shell with a soft inner fatty core.
What happens is that a 'crack' develops in the outer shell of the atheroma plaque. This is called 'plaque rupture'. This exposes the softer inner core of the plaque to blood. This can trigger the clotting mechanism in the blood to form a blood clot. Therefore, a build up of atheroma is the root problem that leads to most cases of MI.
Treatment with 'clot busting' drugs or a procedure called angioplasty can break up the clot and restore blood flow through the artery. If treatment is given quickly enough this prevents damage to the heart muscle, or limits the extent of the damage.
Uncommon causes
Various other uncommon conditions can block a coronary artery and cause an MI. For example: inflammation of the coronary arteries (rare); a stab wound to the heart; a blood clot forming elsewhere in the body (for example, in a heart chamber) and travelling to a coronary artery where it gets stuck; cocaine abuse which can cause a coronary artery to go into spasm; complications from heart surgery; and some other rare heart problems. There are not dealt with further.
Prevalance
MI is common. About 180,000 people in the UK are admitted to hospital each year with an MI. Most MIs occur in people over 50, and become more common with increasing age. Sometimes younger people are affected. An MI is three times more common in men than women. An MI may occur in people known to have heart disease such as angina. It can also happen 'out of the blue' in people with no previous symptoms of heart disease. (Atheroma often develops without any symptoms at first.)
What are the symptoms of a myocardial infarction?
A small MI occasionally happens without causing pain (a 'silent MI'). It may be truly pain-free, or sometimes the pain is mild and you may think it is just heartburn or 'wind'.
Some people collapse and die suddenly if they have a large or severe MI.
What should I do if I suspect I am having a myocardial infarction?
How is myocardial infarction diagnosed and assessed?
A heart tracing called an ECG (electrocardiograph). There are typical changes to the normal pattern of the heart tracing if you have an MI. Patterns that occur with an MI include things called 'pathological Q waves' and 'ST elevation'. However, it is possible to have a normal ECG even if you have had an MI.
Blood tests. A blood test that measures a chemical called troponin is the usual test that confirms an MI. This chemical is present in heart muscle cells and damage to heart muscle cells releases troponin into the bloodstream. The blood level of troponin increases within 3-12 hours from the onset of chest pain, peaks at 24-48 hours, and returns to a normal level over 5-14 days.
A rough idea as to the severity of the MI (the amount of heart muscle that is damaged) can be gauged by the degree of abnormality of the ECG and the level of troponin in the blood. Another chemical that may be measured in a blood test is called creatinine kinase. This too is released from heart muscle cells during an MI.
Your heart tracing will be monitored for a few days to check on the heart rhythm. Various blood tests will be done to check on your general wellbeing.
Other tests may be done in some cases. This may be to clarify the diagnosis (if the diagnosis is not certain) or to diagnose complications such as heart failure if this is suspected. For example, an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of the heart) or a test called myocardial perfusion scintigraphy may be done.
Also, before discharge from hospital, you may be advised to have tests to assess the severity of atheroma in the coronary arteries. For example, an ECG taken whilst you exercise on a treadmill or bike ('exercise-ECG'). Or, angiography of the coronary arteries. In this test a dye is injected into the coronary arteries. The dye can be seen by special X-ray equipment. This shows up the structure of the arteries (like a road map) and can show the location and severity of any atheroma.
What is the treatment for myocardial infarction?
Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs
As soon as possible after an MI is suspected you will be given a dose of aspirin. Aspirin reduces the 'stickiness' of platelets. Platelets are tiny particles in the blood that trigger the blood to clot. It is the platelets that become stuck onto a patch of atheroma inside an artery that go on to form the clot (thrombosis) of an MI. Another antiplatelet drug called clopidogrel is also usually given as soon as possible. This works in a different way to aspirin and adds to the action of reducing platelet stickiness.
Pain relief
A strong pain killer given by injection into a vein will ease the pain.
Treatment to restore blood flow in the blocked coronary artery
Emergency angioplasty is, ideally, the best treatment if it is available and can be done within a few hours of symptoms starting. In this procedure a tiny wire with a balloon at the end is put into a large artery in the groin or arm. It is then passed up to the heart and into the blocked section of a coronary artery using special x-ray guidance. The balloon is blown up inside the blocked part of the artery to open it wide again. A stent may be left in the widened section of the artery. A stent is like a wire mesh tube which gives support to the artery and helps to keep the artery widened.
An injection of a 'clot busting' drug is an alternative to emergency angioplasty. In reality, this is the more common treatment as it can be given easily and quickly in most situations. Some ambulance crews are trained to give this treatment. Note: the common 'clot buster' drug used in the UK is called streptokinase. If you are given this drug you should not be given it again if you have another MI in the future. This is because antibodies develop to it and it will not work so well a second time. An alternative 'clot buster' drug should be given if you have another MI in the future.
Both the above treatments usually work well to restore blood flow and greatly improve the outlook. The most crucial factor is the quickness in which one or other treatment is given after symptoms have developed.
A betablocker drug
Beta-blockers 'block' the action of certain hormones such as adrenaline. These hormones increase the rate and force of the heartbeat. Beta-blockers have some protective effect on the heart muscle and they also help to prevent abnormal heart rhythms from developing.
These are usually given for a few days to help prevent further blood clots.
Treatment after you have had a myocardial infarction
Once you have had an MI, you will normally be advised to take regular medication for the rest of your life. Medication after an MI is discussed more fully in another leaflet called 'Medication After a Myocardial Infarction'. Briefly, the following four drugs are commonly prescribed to prevent a further MI, and to help prevent complications.
Aspirin - to reduce the 'stickiness' of platelets in the blood which helps to prevent blood clots forming. If you are not be able to take aspirin then an alternative anti-platelet drug such as clopidogrel may be advised.
A beta-blocker - to slow the heart rate, and to reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythms developing.
An ACE inhibitor (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor). ACE inhibitors have a number of actions including having a protective effect on the heart.
A statin drug to lower the cholesterol level in your blood. This helps to prevent the build-up of atheroma.
Also, you will normally be advised to take the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel in addition to aspirin. However, this is usually only advised for a certain number of weeks or months, depending on the type and severity of the MI.
Many people recover well from an MI and have no complications. Before discharge from hospital it is common for a doctor or nurse to advise you how to reduce any risk factors (see below). This advice aims to reduce your risk of a future MI as much as possible.
Can myocardial infarction be prevented?
Everybody has a risk of developing atheroma which can lead to an MI. However, certain 'risk factors' increase the risk and include:
Preventable or treatable risk factors:
smoking
hypertension (high blood pressure)
high cholesterol level
lack of exercise
a poor diet
obesity
excess alcohol
Having diabetes. But if you have diabetes, the increased risk of heart disease is minimised by good control of the blood sugar level, and reducing blood pressure if it is high.
Risk factors that are fixed and you cannot change:
being male.
ethnic group (for example, British Asians have an increased risk).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Our bodies contain a large amount of water, in fact about two thirds of our body weight is water. However, we need it all - losing just one percent of our body weight due to fluid loss can cause dehydration and any more than that can lead to serious medical complications.
We are constantly losing water, by sweating or urinating, so by drinking water were keeping our supplies topped up.
How can I tell if I am dehydrated?
The easiest way is to look at the color of your urine. If it is pale, you're probably ok. If it's any darker than the color of straw, you're probably not drinking enough.
Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, loss of concentration and tiredness, dry skin and eyes. Ongoing dehydration can cause problems with, among other things, your kidneys, liver, joints and muscles. Many people are unaware that they are dehydrated, they simply become used to not feeling 100%. You should drink throughout the day, rather than when your body cries out for liquid.
From a vanity point of view - hydrated skin looks younger as its plumper, dehydrated skin looks sallow and older. Just by drinking more water could make you look years younger.
How much do we need?
The Food Standards Agency and The British Diabetic Association recommend that people living in the UK (or a country of similar climate) drink six to eight glasses of water every day. That's about one and a half to two liters, or a big bottle of water. Children will not need as much water as adults.
This is based on an average day in Britain, when the weather heats up, or you have done a lot of exercise, you will need to drink more. Remember to stick to the daily recommended limit, as drinking too much water can be just as damaging. Too much water could lead to water intoxication, which could be fatal.
To find out a more accurate water intake, try Water Aid's online hydration calculator. It calculates the amount of water you need to drink, based on your weight and amount of exercise you do each day.
What if I don't like water?
The most effective way to drink enough and stay hydrated is to drink plain water, a fizzy drink only contains about 65% water.
If you really don't like water, try diluting it with a little pure fruit juice. The Food Standards Agency also recommends drinking semi skimmed milk.
If you're also drinking tea and coffee, it's worth remembering that the caffeine in them acts as a diuretic, which means you will want to urinate more, so drink a little more to compensate. As for alcohol, this does not count, as it dehydrates you. So if you like your booze, you will need to top up your water intake.
How can I drink more?
Start each day with a glass of water, adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to give your digestive system a boost. Keep a bottle of water with you, in your bag / briefcase. Keep a bottle of water on your desk and drink as you work. Eat more fruit and vegetables; they have a higher water content, than most other foods. Drink a glass of water at set points during the day, one before lunch, one before you leave work, one as you get home etc... Have a glass of water every time you have a cup of tea or coffee and every time you eat.
Plumbed in water cooler, Bottled or tap water?
Plumbed in water coolers and bottled coolers, is big business these days. Many of us find that the water that comes from the taps does not taste very nice, so using a water cooler or buying bottles, seems like a logical solution. So a good option is to invest in a water filter. The filtering process lowers the lime-scale content of the water, plus it reduces other substances that can effect the smell and taste of water, such as chlorine.
We are constantly losing water, by sweating or urinating, so by drinking water were keeping our supplies topped up.
How can I tell if I am dehydrated?
The easiest way is to look at the color of your urine. If it is pale, you're probably ok. If it's any darker than the color of straw, you're probably not drinking enough.
Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, loss of concentration and tiredness, dry skin and eyes. Ongoing dehydration can cause problems with, among other things, your kidneys, liver, joints and muscles. Many people are unaware that they are dehydrated, they simply become used to not feeling 100%. You should drink throughout the day, rather than when your body cries out for liquid.
From a vanity point of view - hydrated skin looks younger as its plumper, dehydrated skin looks sallow and older. Just by drinking more water could make you look years younger.
How much do we need?
The Food Standards Agency and The British Diabetic Association recommend that people living in the UK (or a country of similar climate) drink six to eight glasses of water every day. That's about one and a half to two liters, or a big bottle of water. Children will not need as much water as adults.
This is based on an average day in Britain, when the weather heats up, or you have done a lot of exercise, you will need to drink more. Remember to stick to the daily recommended limit, as drinking too much water can be just as damaging. Too much water could lead to water intoxication, which could be fatal.
To find out a more accurate water intake, try Water Aid's online hydration calculator. It calculates the amount of water you need to drink, based on your weight and amount of exercise you do each day.
What if I don't like water?
The most effective way to drink enough and stay hydrated is to drink plain water, a fizzy drink only contains about 65% water.
If you really don't like water, try diluting it with a little pure fruit juice. The Food Standards Agency also recommends drinking semi skimmed milk.
If you're also drinking tea and coffee, it's worth remembering that the caffeine in them acts as a diuretic, which means you will want to urinate more, so drink a little more to compensate. As for alcohol, this does not count, as it dehydrates you. So if you like your booze, you will need to top up your water intake.
How can I drink more?
Start each day with a glass of water, adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to give your digestive system a boost. Keep a bottle of water with you, in your bag / briefcase. Keep a bottle of water on your desk and drink as you work. Eat more fruit and vegetables; they have a higher water content, than most other foods. Drink a glass of water at set points during the day, one before lunch, one before you leave work, one as you get home etc... Have a glass of water every time you have a cup of tea or coffee and every time you eat.
Plumbed in water cooler, Bottled or tap water?
Plumbed in water coolers and bottled coolers, is big business these days. Many of us find that the water that comes from the taps does not taste very nice, so using a water cooler or buying bottles, seems like a logical solution. So a good option is to invest in a water filter. The filtering process lowers the lime-scale content of the water, plus it reduces other substances that can effect the smell and taste of water, such as chlorine.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements are the fastest growing form of ingestible omega 3 fatty acid nutrition available on the market. Fast, convenient and in-expensive, practically everyone is a candidate for starting a regiment. Available at most all grocers and health food stores, it has never been easier to integrate the heart-healthy benefits of omega 3 fish oil into your diet.
Taking omega 3 fish oil through dietary supplements offers many benefits over simply eating fresh fish. For starters, to obtain the proper amount of omega 3 fish oil intake, one would need to consume fish for at least 5 meals a week. Anyone who has eaten seafood at a restaurant lately knows that fish is not necessarily one of the cheapest entrées on the menu. Even at national chain restaurants, a typical fish dinner can cost the consumer between ten and twenty hard-earned dollars. While it may be slightly more cost effective to prepare your fish from the comfort of your home, this can have its disadvantages as well. Fish can be a difficult entrée to prepare properly and can be very time consuming. In addition, to obtain all of the benefits of the omega 3 fish oils, the fish must be purchased fresh and has a relatively short shelf life. Finally, seafood is not always receptive to peoples' tastes and can interfere with allergies.
Thankfully, omega 3 fish oil retains all of its nutritional and health benefits when absorbed into the bloodstream as a dietary supplement. Taking fish oil supplements also allows the consumer to avoid other dangers of eating fresh fish, such as mercury ingestion. The knowledge that some fish contain high levels of chemicals such as mercury and nitrogen is nothing new. While much improvement has gone into minimizing these levels in ocean and fresh water fish, it is not unusual for fish with higher levels to make it to the market. These levels are much easier to sustain in farm raised fish, however, the flavor is simply not the same.
In addition to providing a safer alternative than consuming fresh fish, taking dietary omega 3 fish oil supplements allows a person to correctly dose to his or her needs. While no studies exist which point to a danger in consuming too much omega 3 fish oil, it has been suggested that different amounts will achieve optimum results for consumers of varying ages. This is especially true for those with specific health conditions. For instance, the American Heart Association recommends that patients with documented coronary heart disease should consume one gram of omega 3 fish oil per day, while those who look to lower their triglyceride levels should consume two to four grams per day.
Omega 3 fish oil supplements are available in grocery stores nationwide and through many on line retailers. These supplements are obtainable in capsule form, liquid tablets, powders, and are even contained in some enhanced multivitamins. With so many options, there is no reason you should not be enjoying the health and nutritional benefits of omega 3 fish oil supplements today.
Taking omega 3 fish oil through dietary supplements offers many benefits over simply eating fresh fish. For starters, to obtain the proper amount of omega 3 fish oil intake, one would need to consume fish for at least 5 meals a week. Anyone who has eaten seafood at a restaurant lately knows that fish is not necessarily one of the cheapest entrées on the menu. Even at national chain restaurants, a typical fish dinner can cost the consumer between ten and twenty hard-earned dollars. While it may be slightly more cost effective to prepare your fish from the comfort of your home, this can have its disadvantages as well. Fish can be a difficult entrée to prepare properly and can be very time consuming. In addition, to obtain all of the benefits of the omega 3 fish oils, the fish must be purchased fresh and has a relatively short shelf life. Finally, seafood is not always receptive to peoples' tastes and can interfere with allergies.
Thankfully, omega 3 fish oil retains all of its nutritional and health benefits when absorbed into the bloodstream as a dietary supplement. Taking fish oil supplements also allows the consumer to avoid other dangers of eating fresh fish, such as mercury ingestion. The knowledge that some fish contain high levels of chemicals such as mercury and nitrogen is nothing new. While much improvement has gone into minimizing these levels in ocean and fresh water fish, it is not unusual for fish with higher levels to make it to the market. These levels are much easier to sustain in farm raised fish, however, the flavor is simply not the same.
In addition to providing a safer alternative than consuming fresh fish, taking dietary omega 3 fish oil supplements allows a person to correctly dose to his or her needs. While no studies exist which point to a danger in consuming too much omega 3 fish oil, it has been suggested that different amounts will achieve optimum results for consumers of varying ages. This is especially true for those with specific health conditions. For instance, the American Heart Association recommends that patients with documented coronary heart disease should consume one gram of omega 3 fish oil per day, while those who look to lower their triglyceride levels should consume two to four grams per day.
Omega 3 fish oil supplements are available in grocery stores nationwide and through many on line retailers. These supplements are obtainable in capsule form, liquid tablets, powders, and are even contained in some enhanced multivitamins. With so many options, there is no reason you should not be enjoying the health and nutritional benefits of omega 3 fish oil supplements today.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
