What's Up: Health News You Should Know
By: Stepfanie Romine,
DailySpark Blogger
9/23/2008 11:04 AM
: 19 comments
One in 3 adults (about 72 million people) have high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. Many doctors don't know blood pressure guidelines, and they often don't start treatment soon enough in middle age men.
Though the recommended blood pressure level is 120/80, most doctors studied didn't recommend treatment for a man with pressure that was much higher.
Experts interviewed say patients should know their blood pressure numbers and the indicators of high blood pressure. The lesson: Don't wait for your doctor to bring up your blood pressure (or any other health concern you might have). Initiate the conversation yourself.
While you should talk to your doctor or other health care professional about treatment of high blood pressure, a few easy steps can help prevent the health problem in the first place.
Some good news: Italian researchers recently found that Vitamin C delivered intravenously could have an effect on high blood pressure. (For more information on high blood pressure, start here.)
In other health news:
Stop and smell the roses if you want sweet dreams.
Radio waves from cell phones could affect men's sperm counts, if kept in a pants pocket.
So, as it turns out, control-top panties aren't very good for us. The stars swear by body-slimming undergarments. Do you?
And in stranger news: In addition to breast implants, liposuction and tummy tucks, now you can have surgery to remove back fat. Would you have it?
Though the recommended blood pressure level is 120/80, most doctors studied didn't recommend treatment for a man with pressure that was much higher.
"The researchers also interviewed 22 community doctors, asking whether they would start drug treatment for a 45-year-old black man with an office blood pressure of 145/92 and an out-of-office pressure of 154/95, both well above the recommended 120/80 level.
Only 36 percent of the doctors said they would start treatment, Ravenell reported. And none of the 22 said they were familiar with the national guidelines calling for treatment of blood pressure at such levels."
Experts interviewed say patients should know their blood pressure numbers and the indicators of high blood pressure. The lesson: Don't wait for your doctor to bring up your blood pressure (or any other health concern you might have). Initiate the conversation yourself.
While you should talk to your doctor or other health care professional about treatment of high blood pressure, a few easy steps can help prevent the health problem in the first place.
- Get regular aerobic exercise.
- Limit your intake of salt and alcoholic beverages.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats.
- Avoid smoking.
- Maintain a desirable body weight.
Some good news: Italian researchers recently found that Vitamin C delivered intravenously could have an effect on high blood pressure. (For more information on high blood pressure, start here.)
In other health news:
Stop and smell the roses if you want sweet dreams.
Radio waves from cell phones could affect men's sperm counts, if kept in a pants pocket.
So, as it turns out, control-top panties aren't very good for us. The stars swear by body-slimming undergarments. Do you?
And in stranger news: In addition to breast implants, liposuction and tummy tucks, now you can have surgery to remove back fat. Would you have it?
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Comments
The reason I wear them is because, as a 21 year old single mother who's at least 3 stone overweight and hasn't lost any fat or 'bits' from her pregnancy 2 years ago, I'm totally ashamed of my body and desperately want it back the way it was not SO long ago.
I'm working hard to lose my excess weight and flabby extra 'bits'...but I'd like to look less literally like a sack of spuds in the here and now.
The article here mentioned that it covers up problems which could only get worse, but I for one would say that it doesn't only hide, it CREATES painful problems.
Even wearing just one, I've had days where my back spasms and I need to take pills and use ibuprofen gel because it is SO painful. I know for a fact my back isn't bad any other time, it is solely when I've been wearing control thingers.
If any of you are thinking of getting any, then consider that. If you are /OK/ with how you look for now, then just wait it out. If you're totally embarrassed, then they can make you feel SO much better, but do consider the pain you'll have when wearing them. - 6/11/2009 9:07:20 AM
I love my body as it is that's why I'm exercising everyday and planning to stay fit for life.
Great information. - 9/26/2008 12:47:52 PM
Well I knew that was high, so went into the Doctor.
It was even higher, and all he said was, "Thats ok, your fine"
That was the last time I went to see him, and I got another Doctor, and he put me on Meds right away, and also had me come into the office every other day for 2 weeks to check it. - 9/23/2008 1:29:24 PM
Also there's the notion that people think it's the easy way out so they pay a ton of money to get it done but don't consider the fact that they have to drastically change their lifestyle and eating habits to maintain that new look (without further procedures) so it all comes back, therefore= wasted money.
I'm not knocking it completely, I'm sure there have been success stories as well but it's just my take on it.
If I had that kind of money, I would just put it toward a personal trainer :) - 9/23/2008 11:59:11 AM
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