|
|
|
Countdown To A New You!
As the New Year quickly approaches, one of the resolutions topping lists again this year will be to lose weight and get fit. So many folks will start out gung-ho, completely devoted to the fitness cause, yet fizzle out before spring approaches. What...
Diets and Slimming
Its time to talk about diets. This but in America today there are many people who are overweight and, many of us need to think very seriously about a diet. I don’t like diets and I bet most of you don’t like them as well, but it’s a fact of life...
Does Caffeine Raise Blood Pressure?
If you suffer from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD or coronary heart disease) and/or fear you might some day due to high blood pressure, is your coffee consumption compounding the problem? Or, are there other things you can do to alleviate your high...
Letting Go
In August, here in the mountains of southwest Virginia, the trees acquire a dull sheen that signals the end of summer. Heralded by the Dog Days of summer, it's a melancholy, bittersweet season. Daytime temperatures may soar, the humidity is...
Pilates Exercise: More Than Just a Core Workout
It's a common misconception that Pilates method exercise is really only good for strengthening and stretching the core muscles of the body. Many people use it to tone their abs and improve their posture but, in reality, Pilates can do much more...
What Are The Benefits Of Fermentation?
What are the properties of a “fermented” product which make it desirable? Isn’t “fermentation” a way to create alcohol? Isn’t a fermented product dangerous? Won’t a fermented product spoil more quickly? In this essay I’ll provide you with the...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
High Blood Pressure: 10 Tips That Could Save Your Life!
When most people are told they have high blood pressure (or Hypertension) it comes as quite a shock. With many people being diagnosed between the ages of 25-45, it is fast becoming a great concern for both the individual and their young families.
The problem is, it has no early symptoms. You feel good, life’s great. Yes, you may be a little unfit and you could eat better, but generally you feel fine.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a warning. Some people will have dizzy spells whilst for others the early warning comes as a mild heart attack. If you are one of the lucky ones who get the warning, don’t take it lightly.
Hypertension is part of the collective term ‘Cardiovascular Disease’. Cardiovascular Disease encompasses high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and stroke. It is the biggest killer in the western world with 696,947 deaths in 2002 in the US alone.
When blood pressure is measured, you get two numbers: the Systolic (top number), and the Diastolic ( bottom number). Of most concern is the diastolic reading. A reading of 80-90 is now considered “pre-hypertension”. This means that you’re not in danger yet but it would be a good idea to start modifying your lifestyle. If your diastolic blood pressure is over 90, then you have high blood pressure and you should get medical advice immediately. Getting on top of it early can make all the difference.
The 10 Tips for Reducing Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure can be reduced significantly and quickly through making minor adjustments to your lifestyle. Until then, these guidelines should be followed:
1. Have regular medical checks, especially if you are over 40, overweight, smoke, or lead an inactive lifestyle.
2. Start an exercise program. Obtain a medical clearance prior to starting.
3. The exercise program must be gradual, regular and aerobic in
nature (walking/cycling). Start by walking 5 days per week, for 10-20 minutes. Something as simple as walking 10 minutes per day can reduce blood pressure to the extent where medication is no longer required.
4. Give up smoking (or at least cut down!). Giving up smoking has been proven to be the greatest single factor in improving your health fast.
5. Eliminate salt from your diet. As salt travels through the body it draws fluid out of the blood vessels, which in turn increases blood pressure.
6. Avoid isometric exercises. These are exercises where you exert force against an immovable object (eg, trying to lift something really heavy). You generally hold your breath whilst doing this, and that will make your blood pressure skyrocket.
7. Avoid sudden changes in temperature as this too can increase blood pressure and put extra strain on a weak heart.
8. Never lift anything above the head. It doesn’t matter whether its weights, or a can of baked beans. In fact, I know a person who has to sit down to wash his hair because his blood pressure rises whenever he raises his arms up!
9. Focus on your breathing throughout any lifting or stretching as holding your breath will increase blood pressure.
10. Don’t use pulse rate as a direct measure of exercise intensity if blood pressure medications are being used, as these can decrease pulse rate significantly.
High blood pressure does not have to be a death sentence. Give it the respect it deserves and it just may turn out to be a positive turning point. The start of the new (fit and healthy) you!
About the Author
Ray Kelly has helped over 5000 people achieve their health and fitness goals. Living a healthy lifestyle can be easy. Sign up for Ray's free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at: www.free-online-health.com/">Free Tips on Weight Loss and Heart Disease!
|
|
|
|
|
|
