Understanding Your Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure consists of two number; a top and bottom number. The top number is the systolic pressure. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart beats. If your systolic number is higher than one hundred and forty you have high blood pressure. Even if your diastolic number is not high you can still have 'isolated systolic hypertension.' This means only your systolic number is high.

This is more common for older Americans. This pressure usually increases with age whereas diastolic pressure decreases after fifty-five. You might not know if you have isolated systolic hypertension so ask your doctor if you are concerned.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. For younger people this is a very important number. The higher this pressure is the more you are at risk. This blood pressure lowers as you get older and your systolic increases. Therefore diastolic is more important in younger people and systolic in older.

Normal blood pressure is less than one hundred and twenty over less than eighty. If your pressure is between the normal numbers and one hundred and thirty-nine over eighty-nine, you have what is called prehypertension. This puts you at risk to develop high blood pressure in the future but it easily preventable.

Hypertension is a name for high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease or even strokes. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it should and can lead to blindness, kidney disease and even congestive heart failure.

According to statistics high blood pressure killed over fifty-four thousand people in 2004. Statistics also show that twenty-eight percent of people have high blood pressure and aren't even aware of it. Are you one of them?

You should be aware of the risks of high blood pressure so you can avoid them as best as you can. High blood pressure is a risk for stroke and heart disease. While some risks can be altered or fixed, some cannot. For instance if you use tobacco or are overweight you are at risk for high blood pressure.

You can easily fix this by trying to quit using tobacco and watching your diet to help lose weight. If you have trouble doing either of these on your own, consult your physician. They may be able to prescribe you something or give you useful information to help.

High blood pressure can affect certain parts of your body as well. You might suffer from a stroke. This happens because the high blood pressure can break a weak blood vessel leaving it to bleed into the brain. Also if you have a blood clot blocking a narrow artery, you can also experience a stroke.

Sometimes impaired vision or blindness can occur from high blood pressure. It might eventually cause your blood vessels in your eye to bleed or burst leaving you with blurred or impaired vision.

Your arteries harden as you age, even more so for those in your heart, brain and kidneys. These harder arteries are associated with high blood pressure. When this happens your kidneys and heart have to work harder.

If you have any questions or concerns about your blood pressure ask your doctor. They can answer any questions you might have and find a solution if you do in fact have high blood pressure or might be prone to it. It's never too late to take care of your body, including your blood pressure.


 

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Vitamins For Your Skin – Do Your Best To Get Then From Food

Taking care of your skin is the best thing you can do to improve your overall appearance. There are several different skin products that may help, but you also need to address the underlying issue by making sure you are getting the best vitamins for your skin.

At this point most people will run to the store and buy a multi-vitamin that looks good, but there are two major problems with doing this:

1. You should do your best to get your nutrition form the foods you eat, not from a supplement. No matter how good the nutritional supplement is, it simply cannot contain all of the micronutrients found in food. Of course there are times when you may not be able to eat as well as you should, and then a multi-vitamin may be better than nothing, but you should still make it a goal to eat well.

2. Not all store-bought vitamins are the same. There is no doubt that you can buy a mass quantity of vitamins at a very low price. But you need to ask yourself if you want to be taking something "cheap". If you really want to take vitamins for your skin, then you should look for a formulation that contains several natural ingredients, and has a good balance of several nutrients. You may pay a little bit more, but it will be worth it if it means you're getting a better multi-vitamin.

Which vitamins you need will depend on what skin problems you have.

If you have acne, it may be due to not getting enough antioxidants, like vitamins A and E. These are found in a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and vitamin E can also be found in nuts.

Inflammatory skin conditions can often be treated with omega-3 fatty acids. The best source for these is fish such as salmon and tuna. You can also take fish oil supplements, but make sure to check the label for how much omega-3 they contain.

For general skin health you should be sure to get enough of the following vitamins:

Biotin is a coenzyme that builds and repairs skin cells, and may also reduce the appearance of some blemishes.

Folic Acid gives you smoother skin and also minimizes wrinkles.

Vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B12 are vital to the health of your skin. They help your skin to breathe more efficiently, and they also increase elasticity.

When it comes to vitamins for your skin, it's important that you make sure you are getting them from the best possible sources. You should do your best to get the vitamins you need from the food you eat. Taking a vitamin supplement is acceptable, if you take the time to make sure the supplement is worth taking. Your skin is one of the first things people notice about you. Having healthy skin means you will look better, and you will feel better as well.


 

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The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Amputee Rehabilitation

Losing a limb is a devastating blow for anyone. It requires a team of professionals to make the adjustment to life without the limb. A physician, a prosthetist, nurses, and a psychologist are all needed. Add to that list a physiotherapy service, which will help with amputee rehabilitation.

The benefits of physiotherapy for amputee rehabilitation are numerous. For one, amputees will need help in overcoming phantom pains. These are pains where the limb used to be. The sensation really is in the nerve that would lead to that limb if it were still there. Physiotherapy can use its own techniques to treat this pain.

Most amputees will be getting a prosthetic limb. Some feel that it should be enough to learn how to put it on. It is not an automatic thing to get used to a prosthetic limb. Many patients have them for years without ever having normal functioning with them. This is one reason amputee rehabilitation is so important.

Physiotherapy can benefit amputee rehabilitation by gradually getting the patient accustomed to using a prosthetic limb. The physiotherapy plan for this will be based upon the needs and abilities of the patient.

The patient will probably need help during amputee rehabilitation to learn balance all over again. This is especially true is the affected limb is a foot or leg. However, having an arm that is of a different weight than the other may be unbalancing as well. Physiotherapy can help with these problems too.

One thing people going through amputee rehabilitation need to realize is that gait is a good deal of the battle. If one walks correctly, people will not even be able to detect one's limp, even with a prosthetic leg. This skill can be learned from physiotherapists.

If a patient has waited a long while before seeking physiotherapy after surgery, a problem may arise. Certain muscles may become overdeveloped and others weakened. This happens because, without proper amputee rehabilitation, the patient relies on one set of muscles to the exclusion of others. A proper plan of physiotherapy can address this issue.

People who have lost a limb will need an individualized exercise program. Physiotherapy can provide such a program during amputee rehabilitation. This will take into account the different movements needed by amputees to perform normal exercises.

Manual therapies, such as massage, are a part of amputee rehabilitation with physiotherapy. This can relieve much pain and tension in the muscles that are overworked in getting used to their new situation. Other treatments can be used. Some of them are heat, acupuncture, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

There is a need for physiotherapy in amputee rehabilitation that no other discipline can fill. It is a basic kind of help that anyone who has lost a limb can use. Some amputees decline treatment because they do not think it is necessary. Others feel overwhelmed by their loss. If there is a way to convince amputees to get physiotherapy to help them with their rehabilitation, they will find recovery a much smoother path.


 

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Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers

Are you concerned about your blood pressure? If so, you can easily start monitoring it in your own time in your own home. You still want to have it checked regularly by your doctor. The best way to monitor your blood pressure is by understanding the numbers first.

There is a top and bottom number for your blood pressure reading. The top number is your systolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart is beating.

The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart relaxes between each beat.

There are four different categories your blood pressure reading can fall under. The first is a normal blood pressure reading. Normal blood pressure is when your systolic pressure is below 120 and your diastolic pressure is below 80. This would read 120/80. You can keep this blood pressure number by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The second category is 'prehypertension.' This is where your systolic pressure reads 120-139. Your diastolic pressure would be between 80 and 89. This would read as 121/81 or 139/89. If you have prehypertension just maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your blood pressure from increasing.

The third category is called Stage 1 hypertension. This is where your systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 and your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. If you have a reading like this try to adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you cannot lower your blood pressure on your own talk with your doctor about medication.

The fourth category is called Stage 2 hypertension. This is where your systolic pressure is 160 or higher and your diastolic pressure is 100 or higher. If you have this high of blood pressure consider adapting a healthier lifestyle and talk with your doctor about taking medication to help lower it.

While you can easily watch your diet and weight and get plenty of exercise to help maintain or lower your blood pressure, that may not be enough. Blood pressure medication might be prescribed by your doctor and you might even have to take two.

If this happens be sure you tell your doctor of any other medication you might be taking. Some medications including antidepressants, cold medicines, nasal decongestants and even oral contraceptives can raise your blood pressure.

Like usual, talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have and if you have any questions about your blood pressure. There are many available ways to treat high blood pressure and you want to be sure to find the right option best suited for you.

By taking control of your blood pressure you can take control of your health and have a longer healthier life. If you smoke, try to quit, try to limit your alcohol consumption and eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

If you have a dog, take a walk with them everyday. Get yourself at least thirty minutes of physical activity. You will be thankful you did when you realize how much better you feel.


 

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Comparing Organic Shampoo Vs Non-Organic Shampoo…

When deciding whether or not you want to switch from your normal shampoo to organic shampoo, you should first look into the pros and cons of Organic versus Non Organic Shampoo. Plenty of people use organic shampoos to keep their hair clean, but plenty more do not like organic shampoo so it is important to know the differences so you know whether or not it is something you should try.

In normal shampoo there are a lot of artificial ingredients that can irritate and harm the body. The most common one is SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. What this sulfate does is cause the foam that we experience with normal shampoos. However tests have shown that this sulfate can cause your skin to be irritated among other side effects. It has been shown to be absorbed into the body and leave deposits in your internal organs.

So you might be asking why such an ingredient is still there if we know about these downsides? Well the reason is because it is responsible for the suds. Companies and consumers alike feel that they have to have the foam to feel clean. Without the foam you might not feel like the shampoo is working. So companies leave it in thinking consumers want it, and consumers want it because they are use to it.

So when trying to decide who wins in Organic versus Non Organic Shampoo you need to decide whether or not you actually care about these sort of things. Many people have no problem with the ingredients of normal shampoo and ultimately just do not care about them. However the suds are not the only difference between organic and non organic shampoo.

One thing many people do not realize is that oil is good for our hair, in proper portions. Our body naturally produces oil for our hair and when in proper amounts, that oil is what gives our hair it's soft and silky feeling. Normal shampoos strip all that oil out, that is why you might often have frizzy hair right after a shower. For most people, their hair looks and feels it's best about a day after you wash it.

That is because it has had time to reproduce some oil. Organic shampoos use ingredients that do not just strip away all the oil, but instead focuses on the excess oil that makes our hair look greasy and gross. This leaves us with soft and vibrant hair even right after a shower without us having to add extra things like conditioner.

There are really two main aspects in the Organic versus Non Organic Shampoo debate. The first is that, as mentioned above, if you remove the SLS you will not have the foam. We are use to the foam and so when people make the switch they feel like their shampoo is not working, so they use way more then they actually need, which means they have to buy it more often.

That goes hand in hand with the second aspect, which is the higher price. The ingredients of organic shampoo are more difficult to come by and make, so the shampoo itself is more expensive. If you are willing to take the time and get use to the new shampoo and are willing to pay a little extra, organic shampoo really will make a difference.


 

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Tips for Controlling Your Blood Pressure

Do you have high blood pressure or at risk to develop high blood pressure? If so do not be discouraged, there are ways of controlling and lowering your blood pressure without medication. Simple lifestyle habits are the most common causes for high blood pressure and easily helped.

Keep in mind that sometimes everything you try may not work. You might have to have the help of medication along with your healthier lifestyle. Talk with your doctor first. They will be able to assist you with the best option for your lifestyle.

The first thing you can do is achieve a healthy weight if you aren't already. Being overweight is a great risk for developing high blood pressure. You can avoid this by watching your diet and reaching your healthy weight.

If you are unsure of what your healthy weight should be, you should talk to your doctor. You can even find a site online that lets you calculate your BMI (body mass index) and this will tell you what your healthy weight is.

Exercising should be a normal part of your lifestyle. Not everyone enjoys exercising and even if you are one of those people, you can still add it to your every day routine. Only thirty minutes a day of exercise will greatly decrease your risk of high blood pressure.

If you cannot set aside thirty minutes at one time, do ten minutes at a time. This is just as effective and you can get thirty minutes in your day quicker and easier than you thought. You can walk or run or whatever you like.

Your diet plays a major role in your blood pressure levels as well. A high intake of salt and sodium can greatly increase your risks. Try to limit yourself on salt and sodium intake and have your doctor advise you on the recommended amount according to your blood pressure levels.

Using herbs and spices in place of salt is a great way to reduce your salt intake. When you go out to eat somewhere, suggest 'no salt' or ask if they add salt so you know if you should or not. Many people consume tons more salt than they really should and do not even know it.

Stress plays a big role in high blood pressure and unfortunately many people suffer from stress. The best way to help your own is by finding a relaxation technique that works best for you. Try meditating, or something that has always relaxed you before. Let the stress of the day leave you and enjoy your stress free time. Take as long as you want to do this.

While trying to change your lifestyle habits, try to keep a record as well. Grab a notebook or journal and write down what you did and check your blood pressure often. Note if it is making a difference or staying the same.

If lifestyle changes do not help as much as you would like, you might consider talking with your doctor about taking medication. Sometimes lifestyle changes alone aren't as effective unless used with medication. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have and they can help decide what is best for you.


 

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Skin Care To Remove Dead Skin Stimulates For Shine

There are many types of exfoliants for skin care. It is a method used to remove the dead skin cells to improve the quality and appearance. As the skin cells are renewed the old skin cells harden and lose moisture building up on the surface of the skin creating a dull and dry appearance. Pores become clogged. Exfoliation removes the dead cells to stimulate the renewal of healthy skin cells creating a fresher, younger, and smoother skin.

Physical exfoliants are used with friction to remove the dead skin cells. With at brush or a gentle abrasive to scrub the skin's surface. The products are designed for different skin types.

Chemical exfoliants remove the dead skin cells using Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinol, and enzymes to smooth the skin by dissolving the intercellur that acts as a glue to attach the skin cells to the surface. Estheticians perform professional facials in six week treatments for the best and safest results with chemical exfoliants. Enzymatic and hydroxyl acids are commonly used for home procedures since they are safe and effective for home use. Glycolic acid was first used in cosmetic applications and is still used in most skin care products.

Maturing and aging skin has a slower process of skin cell renewal. As people age, the renewal process becomes difficult with the slower natural removal of the skin cells causing dull, thick, dehydrated skin with less tone and firmness. In youth, the skin cell renewal is 25-30 days as with maturity is can take up to 90 days. Removing the dead dry cells assists the appearance of the skin by hydrating, firming, and smoothing the skin. Exfoliations is effective on pre-maturing aging and mature skin since it stimulates the cell renewal faster than with the body's natural functions.

Dry and dehydrated skin lacks moisture leaving the skin feeling tight and stretched. Many people tend to over moisturize that only leaves the old skin cells slicked to the surface appearing dull with uneven skin tones. Exfoliation removes the dead cells and moisturizes/hydrating the skin as needed. The skin care products help to reach deeper into the skin to help ease the dry dehydrated skin without having to apply heavy cream for moisturizing.

Oily and problematic acne ski have five times more dead cells than other skin types. The combination dead skin cells clog the hair follicle contributing to acne. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells removing the pore clogging cells leading to a clearer, cleaner, freshen skin surface and complexion.

Sun damaged and hyperpigmented skin which are caused by sun damage or hormonal changes increase in melanin which causes dark spots or patches on the skin. Exfoliation helps to remove the darkened cells leading to a faster rate of skin cell renewal as well as being more effective to prepare the skin for treatment of products that lead to lighter skin reducing the melanin production.


 

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Taking Control of Your Blood Pressure

Do you have problems controlling your blood pressure? Is it like a roller coaster ride? You do not have to worry any more. In this article you will find out how to take control of your blood pressure and have the healthy lifestyle you want.

As you may know there are many things that can cause your blood pressure to increase and many ways to decrease it and keep it that way. Your lifestyle will play a major role in this and even your race, age and family history.

You cannot change your race or age or history but you can still gain control of your blood pressure. African Americans are more prone to developing high blood pressure as well as people over fifty-five. You definitely cannot make yourself younger or change your color but that doesn't mean you cannot control your pressure.

Having a healthy diet will have a major effect on your blood pressure. If you like eating salty foods this might be hard for you, but well worth it. Having high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney disease as well as a stroke.

Try cutting back on any salt and sodium in your diet. Your doctor will probably recommend a certain serving amount or intake amount of sodium for your diet. Also try to eat more vegetables and fresh fruit. These will make you feel a lot better along with decreasing your blood pressure.

Are you very active physical wise? Physical inactivity can play a huge role in high blood pressure. If you do not exercise regularly try to get in the habit. Thirty minutes a day is recommended but you can space the time out if needed. Do ten minutes here and there and before you know it, you've done thirty minutes of physical activity.

Do you smoke or drink? These will raise your blood pressure as well. Quitting either of these habits can be tough, but there are many helpful resources out there to help you. If you know you cannot quit right away, try limiting your consumption and use. Set a certain amount to smoke and drink a day.

Slowly lower the amount and before you know it you will be ready to quit. Try doing this along with medication or something that helps you quit. Doing small things like not being around anyone that smokes or drinks can help immensely. Also try replacing these habits with something else. If you get the urge to smoke or drink start doing something else you enjoy.

Do you have a stressful job or just a stressful lifestyle in general? Stress can increase your blood pressure. You want to find a way to de-stress and relax. Is there a certain hobby that does this for you? You might also try some relaxation techniques such as meditating, etc. Do this as often as you need to to help keep the stress away.

If you are still concerned about your blood pressure talk with your doctor. By telling them any concerns and asking any questions you might have, they can better help you find the best way to control your blood pressure. Sometimes medication works better than anything else.


 

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The Alexander Technique of Physiotherapy

The Alexander Technique was invented by a man named F.M. Alexander. He lived from 1869-1955. He was an actor, touring Tasmania and Australia with a Shakespearean troupe. He began to have problems with his voice, and the rest is history.

When Alexander's throat became extremely hoarse, he made the rounds of all the doctors where he was at any given time. None of them could help him. They could not find any physical reason for the problem. The Alexander Technique came about because the man would not take no for an answer.

Since there was no one to come to his aid, Alexander began watching his every move. He spent much time looking into mirrors, trying to determine what he might be doing wrong. Over a period of nine years, he came up with a solution: the Alexander Technique.

The system Alexander designed did the trick of restoring his voice. This was nothing short of a miracle for him. His voice was of utmost importance to him as an actor. He did not name the system the Alexander Technique, though. He named it primary control.

The hypothesis of the Alexander Technique is that the head, neck, and torso are the primary factors in determining function, movement, and posture. In other words, these body parts control these features of the human anatomy.

Through his observations, he learned that by compressing these body parts, the body did not work in accordance with its design. In his case, this led to poor posture, which resulted in the hoarseness of his voice. For others, he saw that there were other problems that the Alexander Technique, or primary control, could help.

Primary control, as Alexander used it was the correct positioning of the head, neck, and torso so that the body worked normally. Now, the Alexander Technique is being used in clinics around the country. It is taught to people who are young and people who are old. It is taught to anyone comes to be taught.

Alexander Technique practitioners usually work with people on an individual basis. Groups can sometimes be taught the Alexander Technique, but this is not standard practice. The key is for the practitioner to employ physiotherapy techniques and education to help the person to use their body better and function better overall.

The idea of the Alexander Technique is to provide a physiotherapy that will allow muscles to become relaxed. This is said to give people back the posture they should have had all along. The body is worked with the human form as a whole, and so doing the Alexander Technique is said to have effects for all parts of the body.

The Alexander Technique is a highly specialized area of physiotherapy. This technique addresses issues that are related to posture only, albeit there are many problems that are. It is generally not used for people with major disabilities or illnesses. Other forms of physiotherapy are better for those patients. However, for people with minor problems, the Alexander Technique has been known to work wonders.


 

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Skin Care For Your Sunny Vacation

With summer on the horizon, people all over are gearing up for a fun time in this warm and sunny season. Whether it is going to the beach or an amusement park, there is fun to be had. But a vacation of fun in this sun can quickly take a turn towards misery city if you are not careful.

The single most common problem people face is the ever dreadful sunburn. They do not apply enough sunscreen, or do not reapply it, and suddenly they have to spend the rest of their vacation gingerly walking around, with every little touch causing agonizing pain. Nobody wants to deal with this, so to make sure you are protected here are some tips for Skin care for your sunny vacation.

1: Eat fruits and vegetables. While sunscreen is obviously your first choice, there are some other things you can do to protect your skin which are not quite as obvious. Eating colorful fruits like blueberries and strawberries, as well as leafy green vegetables like broccoli can go a long way to keeping you protected.

A lot of these fruits and veggies contain antioxidants which can protect your skin from damaging UV rays. As well, they can contain enzymes which will protect you from cancer, skin cancer included.

2: Eat some fish. Another way you can dine your way to protection is to simply eat some fish. Various fish can contain omega 3 fat, which is a good type of fat that you actually want in your diet. This fat, like the antioxidants of the fruit and veggies, can protect your skin from UV rays as well as help the inflammation caused by getting sunburn. Certainly something you should consider when thinking about Skin care for your sunny vacation.

3: Drink green tea. There are several types of tea out there, but green tea is the one that offers the most beneficial components and can help protect you from the suns harmful rays. Instead of having a pop or something, have a glass of green tea instead. It tastes pretty good in it's own right, and it will help keep you safe when having fun outdoors.

4: Drink plenty of water. While not really a skincare tip, it is something that should always be addressed when working or playing outside in the hot sun. Getting dehydrated is simply unpleasant and can leave you filling sick, and it can even be quite serious or even deadly. If you are out in the sun and sweating a lot, make sure to drink a lot of water and keep your body hydrated.

Implementing this tips for Skin care for your sunny vacation can be exceptionally easy. A fish for your main course with a fruit salad for desert and a glass of green tea. Your dinner can help protect you from the sun. When you combine these beneficial foods to the proper use of sunscreen then you should have absolutely no problems on your vacation and you will not have to worry about getting a nasty sunburn.


 

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