Blood pressure is the force of blood exerted on the artery walls as it circulates through the body.
In high blood pressure, also called hypertension there is constant pumping of the blood through the vessels with excessive force.
A blood pressure can be normal, at risk or high.
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: the top number is when the heart is at rest and the bottom number when it is beating.
A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
When a blood pressure reading rises to 120/80 the person is at risk for hypertension.They are said to have prehypertension.
Hypertension Hypertension is diagnosed when a blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, it is then a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes and premature deaths.
About 1 billion people worldwide have hypertension; it is expected that by 2025 1.56 billion will be living with this health risk factor.
According to WHO, hypertension kills about 8 million people every year.
A person's blood pressure tends to rise with age making everyone at risk for hypertension as they get older.
High blood pressure is a secondary risk factor which means it can be prevented by removing the primary risk factors that cause it.
The main risk factors for hypertension are: -Unhealthy eating -Lack of physical activity -Tobacco -Diabetes -Hereditary
When hereditary is combined with unhealthy habits the risks are even greater.
Most often there are no signs nor symptoms of hypertension; for this, it is referred to as the "silent killer."
Through public health education and awareness people can control their blood pressure and live a health lifestyle.
Hypertension can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices: by keeping physically active, eating a healthy diet and keeping weight under control.
Our health program prepares people to make the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. Click here to read about it.
Posted by Healthyou, Consumer Health Educator. Posted In : Articles
Obesity is a known cause of type 2 diabetes, a health reason to control weight.
Because it was reported that phthalate levels in humans may be associated with obesity, researchers believed that it may be a risk factor for diabetes.
Diabetes is a non-communicable disease that can be prevented by lifestyle choices.
At a recent study phthalate chemicals used in plastics, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals were linked to diabetes.
The chemicals called phthalates metabolites were linked to an increased risk of the elderly developing type 2 diabetes.
Phatalates are industrial chemicals used to make pastic products more flexible. According to the report, they can easily transfer to air of food.
The study involved 1,016 particpants age 70 years. The researchers measured serum levels for 10 of the chemicals after an overnight fast.
After adjusting for sex, high levels of 3 of the chemicals were associated with increased diabetes in that age group.
Viatmin D is called the sunshine vitamin, it is necessary to prevent diabetes, to build strong bones and teeth and for general health.
We produce it ourselves through exposure to the sun.
Unfortunately we need a lot more sun than we can get to produce enough vitamin-D for our health.
Due to the harmful effects of the sun we need to protect our health from it. Actions and products that can do so also prevent us from the exposure necessary to produce vitamin-D.
Certain people are especially vulnerable,they are:
People who live in regions where there is not enough sunlight
People with dark skin who are naturally protected from sunburn by their pigment
People who protect their skin from ultra violet rays with sunscreen
Because of these reasons vitamin-D has to be taken in the diet or by supplements.
Adults need 400IU per day, children and teenagers 200IU. Babies and infants need 400IUper day
Milk is an important source of vitamin D.
Other good sources are: eggs, cheese and liver, salmon, canned tuna and sardines
Some foods such as Infant formula, milk and fruit juice are fortified with vitamin D.
Breast milk does not provide vitamin-D so breastfed babies and infants need to get their daily recommended dose through fortified foods or supplements.
If you are doubtful about increasing level of physical activity or starting an exercise routine, if you are concerned about your safety; It will be helpful for you know that the benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks.
Lack of physical activity is a major cause of non-communicable diseases(NCD's).
Regular physical activity is the best health insurance anyone can have.
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking is the recommended, and is safe. The experts recommend 150 minutes per week . Older adults also benefit from it. .
The way to ensure your safety and get regular exercise is to start slowly and build up to more vigorous and prolonged .
For example if you are someone who are not used to getting the minimum recommended daily exercise, you are putting yourself at risk if you suddenly start.
If you live a sedentary lifestyle and sit a lot, it wouldn't be wise to suddenly start on moderate-intensity without reducing your sitting time.
Benefits of Physical Activity The benefits of physical activity are many: Prevent obesity Correct Obesity Prevent non-communicable diseases Reduce risk of cancer Strengthen bones and muscles Improve balance Prevent falls Better cognitive function
To maintain a healthy weight, physical activity is required, diet alone will not do it. You gain weight if you consume more calories than you burn.
If you are obese or overweight, you need to burn more calories than you eat to lose weight, this is through regular exercise. Some may need more exercise than others. Diet must be combined with physical activity to lose weight and keep it off, the level of physical activity may be more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity.
Heart disease and strokes can be prevented by regular exercise. Experts recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobics per week to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
As you age you need to protect your bones, joints and muscles; muscle and bone strengthening exercises can improve bone density.
Regular physical activity will control your blood pressure.
Physical activity will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes; if you already have diabetes it will help control blood sugar levels.
You can reduce the risks of many cancers such as colon and breast by being physically active.
Persons with chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or arthritis can talk to their doctors about the type of physical activity that is right for them.
Physical inactivity is a health risk factor, insure your health by keeping physically active.
Posted by Healthyou, Consumer Health Educator. Posted In : Articles
April 07 is World Health Day, it is celebrated every year to honour the World Health Organization (WHO).The day focuses on a single health challenge with global impact.
World Health Day is a global campaign inviting everyone to focus on this challenge.
This year it focuses on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives.
The theme is: 'Aging and Health.' The Slogan is: "Good health adds life to years."
World Health Day 2012. Physical activity is one very important way to promote health throughout the lifespan, beginning in the early years
For older adults phy
By keeping physically active older adults can improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD) and reduce cognitive decline. They can add life to their years and years to their life.
The physical activity could be walking, dancing, gardening, hiking, swimming, cycling or occupational work.
The recommended physical activity for this age group is 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic each week.
This photo is a featured photo from World Health Organization photo gallery.
The World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines for adults aged 65 and over are relevant to all healthy adults over 65.
The guidelines are relevant to individuals over 65 with conditons related to non-communicable diseases.
The guidelines are applicable for all older results irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or income level.
By maintaining regular physical activity, older adults can expect to live a healthy life for more years.They can expect to add life to years and years to their life.
Posted by Healthyou, Consumer Health Educator. Posted In : Articles
Researchers found that people who smoke soon after waking are at greater risk for cancer.
Two recent studies reported similar findings.
One study involved 7,611 smokers-4,776 were smokers with lung cancer and 2,835 were smokers without cancer.
This study found that the patients who smoked within 30 minutes of waking were 79% more likely to develop cancer than those who waited at least an hour.
The second study involved participants with neck and head cancers.
This blog features health tips, advice and information for persons seeking to improve their understanding of what a health problem is.
The author is a writer on health topics for the web.
Her articles are published in directories such as: Buzzle, Article Alley and E'Health Articles.
She teaches consumer health education online to people worldwide.
She believes that health care begins at home before symptoms of disease develop.
She believes health care will continue at home after seeking medical attention.
