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Posts under ‘Health’

10 Steps to a Healthier You

A healthier lifestyle reaps a slew of benefits, including more energy, an improved physical appearance and less sickness throughout the cold and flu season. Developing healthy habits isn’t all that difficult – as long as you know where to focus your behavior. Peruse these 10 habits that will keep you looking and feeling your best every day.

  1. Five a Day

    The USDA and the CDC recommend a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to get sufficient nutrients from these raw foods. Choose a variety of colors in your produce to ensure you get the full spectrum of benefits.

Develop the Exercise Habit in 5 Easy Steps

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No one can argue the fact that exercise is good for your mind, body and spirit. Daily activity makes us feel better about the way we look, gives us a burst of energy, and helps ward off many chronic conditions later in life.

Sure, we know exercise is beneficial, but who has time to drive to the gym or do laps around the neighborhood every day?

Fitting exercise into your daily schedule isn’t about finding more hours in the day; but about learning to prioritize your activities so a workout becomes a core part of your daily habit. We have five easy steps that will put you on the road to a regular fitness program and a healthier lifestyle overall.

6 Exercise Benefits You Never Knew

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Most of us know that a regular exercise program is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping our cardiovascular system in top condition. However, there are many benefits to a regular workout that are not quite as obvious. For example, did you know that daily exercise can help you sleep better and may even improve your sex life?

Check out these benefits of physical exercise that you may never have thought of before.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

Recently I attended a seminar on eating disorders. In the U.S. it is estimated that 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of becoming fat.91% of college women surveyed in 2001 had attempted to control their weight through dieting. Annually, Americans spend over $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products.

  • Cultural

    There are cultural values that may emphasize self and body. One may equate thinness with beauty and happiness.

  • Family

    One may develop eating disorders if there is a family history of it. The family as a whole may be overinvested in food, diet, weight, appearance, or physical fitness.

When a loved one has a drug problem

If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a 5 things you can do:

  • Consult a addiction professional

    You can consult an MD or look online for referrals. When talking with a specialist, it is helpful to let them know the kind of drugs your loved one is taking, the quantity, a list of doctors they are seeing, and a brief life history.

Support groups as part of treatment for prescription drug abuse

Support groups can help those addicted to prescription medications deal with their issues. Being with a group of people who share the same addiction gives support to the addict and helps them to stay clean and sober.

A support group is a gathering of people who are living with similar issues. They meet regularly, either in person or online, to share their experiences. Members of the group learn from each other and get practical tips for dealing with their addictions.

One advantage of a support group for addicts is that the person understands that they are not alone in their addiction. A successful support group is where an addict does not feel judged.

Tips on how to use prescription drugs safely

Prescription drugs can be helpful when used properly. If you or someone you know is taking prescription drugs, here are some tips to take them safely. Also, always consult your physician and pharmacist for any questions or concerns.

  • Follow directions

    It is important to follow medication directions carefully.

  • Don’t take initiative

    Don’t increase or decrease doses without consulting your doctor, as this can have adverse effects.

  • Don’t stop

    Do not stop taking medications on your own.

  • Don’t break up medications

    Don’t crush or break pills.

5 natural ways you can lower your blood pressure

  • Avoid heavy use of drugs or alcohol

    Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol excessively can cause an increase in blood pressure.

  • Exercise regularly

    Exercising is a great way to lower blood pressure, gain more energy, burn calories, etc.

  • Choose a healthy diet

    Include lot so fruits and vegetables, and limit salt intake.

  • Try relaxation techniques

    These include yoga and biofeedback mechanisms. Also it helps to breathe deeply, as well as relax with music.

  • Work a little less

    Learn to manage stress, even perhaps work less.

Resources:

Causes and risk factors of high blood pressure

There are many risk factors to high blood pressure:

Biological Factors:

  • Older age
  • Race
  • Family History (genetics)
  • Pregnancy
  • Gender
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Adrenal and thyroid disorders
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Tumors or other diseases of adrenal gland

Social Factors:

  • Socioeconomic status

Lifestyle Factors:

  • Smoking

  • Stress

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Alcohol addiction

  • Too much salt in the diet

Resources:

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What is high blood pressure and how to identify the symptoms

My family has always had a history of high blood pressure. My mom in particular has struggled with it for many years. High blood pressure means high pressure in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. While blood pressure can change with posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally average 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic for adult age 20 and over. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are believed to have high blood pressure.

Typically people with high blood pressure have symptoms of: