Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease causes half of all deaths within the United States each year and is the leading cause of death worldwide. While there are some factors that are uncontrollable, many contributing factors are easily preventable by creating lifestyle changes.

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease, and high cholesterol greatly increases your chance of high blood pressure. To prevent high cholesterol, you need to avoid saturated fats found in red meats and dairy products such as cheese and butter. You'll also need to avoid other foods containing high amounts of oils and fats. Fish and chicken are much healthier alternatives. Also, choose baked rather than fried food and add more heart healthy fruits and vegetables into your daily food intake. Caffeine and salt should also be avoided as much as possible.

A heart healthy diet has been shown to be one of the best controllable ways to promote longevity. Talk with your doctor and check with the American Heart Association for the creation of the best possible heart healthy diet.

Another major contributor is smoking. It cannot be stressed enough that in order to prevent heart disease you should not smoke. Smoking is a major lifestyle contributor to deaths. Smoking makes your heart have to work harder and also contributes to high blood pressure. Even if you've been smoking for years, you can reap substantial heart healthy benefits by quitting now. This greatly reduces the chances of developing heart disease, and the longer you stay quit, the healthier you and heart will become.

Obesity is also a major preventable contributor. It is an increasingly common health problem in the United States and is responsible for much of the rising rates of heart disease related deaths in the country. To combat obesity, you need to develop a plan combining the reduction of caloric intake along with an exercise program developed to target weight loss. You need to incorporate new healthier eating habits not just in the short term for weight loss, but as a long-term lifestyle change to keep the weight off and to remain healthy.

Even if you are not obese, your chances of developing heart disease are much higher if you live a sedentary lifestyle. You should exercise at levels that increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Your exercise does not necessarily have to be intense, as you will experience heart healthy results even with moderate levels of exercise. Exercise can be an enjoyable experience if you choose healthy activities that you enjoy.

Besides the major contributors, alcohol can also increase the chances of developing the disease. Moderate drinking (one to two drinks per day) can actually reduce the chances of developing heart disease. However, binge drinking or drinking excessively contributes to heart related problems and will also raise the level of fats within the blood and body.

Stress contributes to the development of heart disease, so learn to properly identify and deal with the causes of stress in your life. Learn stress reduction techniques to avoid negative affects on your heart's health.

While there are contributing factors out of our control such as heredity and age, you can make lifestyle changes to greatly reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Create a lifestyle of heart healthy living, and you will greatly decrease your chances of suffering. Promote your health and longevity by creating a heart healthy lifestyle.

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Multivitamins - Tips and Advice For You

Most of us are able to obtain our nutritional needs through our diet, but there are times throughout our lives that we might have to take multivitamins. Pregnancy is a good example; during pregnancy, a woman's body goes through certain tremendous changes; to be sure the mother and developing foetus get all the required nutrients health care, providers prescribe prenatal multivitamins. Multivitamins can also be recommended during childhood. Most kid's diets are less than optimal, picky finicky eaters in particular. Children's multivitamins are made so that kids will be able to eat them, like candy. Though it's not too good to let your kids eat at will. One a day will do!

For people who can't get enough of the required nutrients through their regular dietary intake, multivitamins are essential. We all need extra supplement in time of illness also, as the body is trying to heal and the nutritional needs are superior. Older people have greater dietary needs as well, and through diet alone, they are usually not capable of fulfilling them, requiring multivitamins, in addition to vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. Multivitamins are vital to any individual who has a chronic disease, a genetic condition, or who is going through some kind of medical crisis.

The utilization of multivitamins in these kinds of situations should be overseen by a physician or other qualified health care professional, and suggested doses should not be exceeded. Some vitamins can be interactive with prescription drugs, such as Coumadin or Warfarin and vitamin K. It is important to let your doctor know of all medications and supplements you are taking and how much you take.

Multivitamins are reasonably priced and readily available; most can be bought without a prescription, and are offered in different forms as well, such as capsules, powders, liquids, and tablets, some of which like vitamin C are chewable. Don't forget to read the labels, and take only as suggested; most multivitamins should be taken with food, or they can cause stomach upset. If you notice any type of reaction, stop taking the multivitamins immediately and tell your health care provider. Don't rule out taking any kind of vitamin because it could be that you just can't take that particular brand of multivitamins. Multivitamins without extra additives and ingredients are usually best because they are better digested and are more effortlessly absorbed by your system. If you're not sure what type of multivitamins you need, you can also consult the pharmacist or nutritionist at the place of purchase. They will be glad to answer any of your questions. To your health my friend!

About the Author

This well known author is an Internet lover and truly enjoys sharing his information with readers like you. Discover more now about Vitamins and about MultiVitamins review at his web site vitamins-infohealth.com

Arthritis Pain Relief - Nurse's Simple Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis Pain

These are just a few of the arthritis home remedies and treatments that arthritis sufferers have sworn worked for them. Most have an anti-inflammatory effect. There are many ways to achieve arthritis pain relief. Before you take any supplements, you may want to check with your doctor. I found that the best arthritis pain relief is a permanent radical change in the diet to all living foods. Eating a raw food diet will eliminate all osteoarthritis pain. This is the best and fastest short-term and long term approach to get rid of arthritis pain.



Remember that supplements contain isolated chemicals that are not working in conjunction with other chemicals and nutrients as they are in their natural state. So the degree of absorption, if any is questionable and different supplements from different manufacturers may have varying degrees of absorbability.

But here are the tips that others have reported working for them with my comments.

1. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), take 1,000 mg. twice a day to reduce the inflammation which causes the pain some report.

2. Fish oil or cod liver oil which contains the omega 3's. Use a good brand that contains no mercury - 1,000 mg. one to three times per day is supposed to help lubricate the joints and thus relieve the pain.

3. Many people report that glucosamine sulfate is good for supporting the joints, 500 mg. twice a day. However there are many different brands with many different absorbability reports. And many people have reported it not working for them. There also may be an elevation of blood pressure some reports say.

4. Drink one quarter cup of black cherry juice a day or take one tablespoon of concentrate in water have had excellent report say many. The best juice would be raw not pasteurized but that is difficult to get. This may take awhile to work but good for the health. Some report that it irritates their stomachs so take with plenty of water and perhaps with food. Make sure the cherry juice is unsweetened. Some people eat dried unsweetened tart Montmorency cherries and achieve the same effect.

5. To reduce arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of minerals in the diet naturally. Eat plenty of fruits and raw veggies, several servings of day. Make huge green salads, with good greens, not iceberg lettuce.

6. Eat coconut anything. Of course, opening a fresh raw coconut you can get from the Asian groceries is the best. Put the coconut meat in a smoothie and drink the coconut water. Second best is eating coconut anything. Coconut in any form when heated will not destroy the good nutrients. It is from a tropical climate and made to endure hot temperatures.

7. Some say to drink radish juice.

8. Helpful foods that have been reported include avocados, bananas, cherries, greens, and raw nuts soaked overnight to remove the enzyme inhibitors, such as walnuts and pecans, however all living foods, not cooked foods will help. All cooked foods are acidic and inflammatory and can aggravate the joints. Most all, living or raw foods are alkaline and anti-inflammatory.

9. Some swear by apple cider vinegar. The vinegar should only be a RAW apple cider vinegar like Bragg's. And be careful using apple cider vinegar as it is an irritant to some stomachs.

10. A fad arthritis home remedy is the gin-soaked raisins method. Soak the raisins in gin for a week. Eat six raisins at bed time. Maybe the alcohol is absorbed into the air by then. Alcohol is a neurotoxin and is inflammatory and should not be ingested.

11. Some say the old remedy of Edgar Cayce's works for them - rubbing the affected joint with castor oil each morning and at bedtime. Make take a few days to work.

12. Keep moving. Moderate exercise will reduce stiffness.

13. Some report they take burdock and yucca for inflammation and swelling.

14. Some report lobelia extract, halibut oil, or cayenne extract (cayenne cream) can help alleviate pain and speed healing when applied to the affected area. Be careful about any supplement or cream you don't fully understand.

15. For severe pains in joints some have reported they have used garlic externally - warm up the affected area with a hot towel and then rub the juice of the garlic very slowly on the area. The juice of the garlic can be extracted in a clean coffee grinder or other kitchen appliance.

These are just a few of the many osteoarthritis and arthritis home remedies and arthritis treatments and arthritis diet suggestions floating around the Internet. Use your best judgment before trying any, that may be harmful, for arthritis pain relief, and get the advice of your doctor or naturopathic doctor.

About the Author

For more information on arthritis pain relief and arthritis treatments go to http://www.FastArthritisPainRelief.com a nurse's website specializing in arthritis pain relief with tips, advice and resources, including information on arthritis diets and natural arthritis treatments

Clear and Present Dangers of Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

You probably know by now that top cholesterol drugs Vytorin and Zetia have been proven to have no benefits, doctors and patients have to rely on older lowering cholesterol drugs such as statins. Regardless of which drugs you take to lower cholesterol, there may be some potential side effects that need your attention. There are definitely other more effective and safer ways available for you to lower cholesterol levels without the use of such drugs.

When your medical practitioner tells you that you have high cholesterol levels, it means that your ratio of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) to High Density Liporprotein (HDL) is high. High cholesterol level is linked to higher risk of heart disease and stroke. However, before you consider taking any cholesterol lowering drugs you should also take into account the following:

a. Lifestyle - are you on high fat diet, drinks, smoke and stay up late at night

b. Blood pressure - you have family history of hypertension

c. Diabetes - are you diabetic or have family history of diabetes

d. Weight - are you over weight

e. Age - which age group do you belong?

f. Cholesterol - do you have family history of high cholesterol levels?

g. Vascular disease - are you suffering from any form of vascular disease like the narrowing of arteries

If your only problem is high cholesterol levels, then you should evaluate the need for cholesterol lowering drugs because this condition can be managed and controlled by changing your lifestyle ��" most importantly taking lower cholesterol diets and exercise routine.

Although the drug that you are prescribed with may help you lower cholesterol, however, it does not mean that you can stop taking it once your cholesterol level has lowered. This happens because such cholesterol lowering drug blocks an enzyme that is responsible for making cholesterol in the liver. (The name of this enzyme is hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase or HMG-CoA reductase in short).

Taking cholesterol lowering drugs has 3 potentially serious side effects:

1. Liver damage

Cholesterol lowering drugs like statins can cause an increase in liver enzymes. If the increase in enzymes production is severe, and when left uncheck, can leave to permanent liver damage.

The other popular prescription drug, Zetia is also in the limelight lately; its effectiveness and the long term impact on the health of the consumer are now in question. Zetia, together with Vytorin, have been found to have no benefits to lower cholesterol. The New England Journal of Medicine now recommends to forgo taking Vytorin and Zetia unless older cholesterol lowering drugs cannot lower cholesterol levels.

In fact, as far back as in 2005 regulators in Australia and Canada have issued warning about the potential danger of Zetia. It can cause hepatitis, pancreatitis and depression.

Liver problem can develop without symptoms, thus if you are on statins it is advisable to go a liver function test periodically.

2. Muscle problems

The most common cholesterol lowering drugs statins can cause muscle pain, muscle weakness and in severe cases causes muscle cells to breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). When this happen a protein called myoglobin is released and this protein can damage your kidneys.

The risk of rhabdomyolysis also increases when statins is taken with certain drugs like antifungal medications, nefazodone (Serzone), gemfibrozil, erythromycin (Erythrocin), cyclosporine and niacin.

While most people who experience muscle pain will return to normal after discontinuing statin use, some susceptible individuals suffer permanent muscle damage from statin use. If you have a new muscle ache or tenderness after taking statins it is advisable to check with your doctor.

3. Memory Loss

Some people who want to lower cholesterol and took the statin drugs experience memory loss and an inability to concentrate. They feel that they are developing Alzheimer’s disease when taking statin drugs. In extreme cases, the memory loss seems to be amnesia that lasts for 6 to 12 hours. These types of problems are known as cognitive defects.

Fortunately most people return to normal after they stopped taking the statin drugs. The time to recovery appears to be related to the amount of time before the cognitive symptoms appeared. In other words, the longer it took for the symptoms to appear, the longer it took for the person to recover. However, a small group may continue to suffer with cognitive problems, perhaps indefinitely.

About the Author

Now that you know the dangers posed by cholesterol lowering drugs can cause, are you interested to learn how to lower cholesterol naturally without the use of harmful prescription drugs? Visit http://www.cholesterol-tips.com now.

Ethan Curoso is the creator and founder of Cholesterol-Tips where he provides valuable tips and resources on how to lower cholesterol naturally. Visit http://www.cholesterol-tips.com for your free cholestero

Managing Your Gout Hypertension Risk

A gout friendly diet can be very beneficial when treating and preventing recurrent gout attacks, but can a special diet do anything for related gout hypertension? It certainly can. Diet and lifestyle change are the two best treatment methods for a person who suffers from both gout and high blood pressure.

Despite the fact that it is possible to mange both gout and hypertension, have you ever wondered how these two conditions are related? Despite the fact that medical researchers are aware of a connection between the two conditions, it is not yet entirely understood how they are related.

Gout has often been associated with cardiac problems because elevated uric acid levels are strongly linked with cardiovascular disease. This has prompted the undertaking of a number of studies to determine if hypertension, as well as other health issues including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease and obesity, are merely associated with raised uric acid levels, or if elevated uric acid level problems play a direct role in these conditions.

It is interesting to note that studies have found hypertension occurs in approximately a third of all individuals with gout, and high blood urate levels can be found in about a quarter of individuals with hypertension.

Although the link between hypertension and gout is unclear, enough evidence has been found to determine that a connection does exist. Therefore, if you suffer from gout, it would be worthwhile asking your doctor about having your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, especially if you have a family history of hypertension.

If you know you suffer from both gout and hypertension, the following are different ways you can manage both conditions effectively:

- Control your diet. Eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is essential to your overall wellbeing. According to the American Medical Association, a balanced diet is one that includes: * Significant complex carbohydrates (I.E. fruits, vegetables, whole grains) * Limited protein (skinless, white poultry and lean meats should be the source of protein and make up only 15% of calories). * A maximum of 30% of calories from fat (10% should be animal fat)

However, you should also remember that to prevent gout attacks, you need to avoid eating foods high in purines, which increase uric acid levels. Examples of these foods include: organ and red meats, meat extract, shellfish, anchovies, fish roes, herring, sardines in oil, legumes, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach and asparagus. In addition, as part of your hypertension diet, you need to make sure you reduce your sodium intake.

- Limit alcohol intake - Alcohol constricts the blood vessels and increases the production of uric acid. Therefore, alcohol should ideally be avoided. However, if you want to have a drink, men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one. One drink is equivalent to one glass of wine, a regular bottle/can of beer or one shot (measure) of spirits.

- Lose weight - If you are overweight or obese, you are putting your body under stress and increasing your risk of suffering from both gout and hypertension. However, it is important that you lose weight at a slow and balanced pace by adopting a lifestyle change that eases you into exercise and a beneficial diet plan. Do not attempt to lose weight quickly through crash diets, as this can actually lead to an acute attack of gout. Talk to your doctor before making any significant lifestyle changes. - Quit smoking - Smoking affects blood circulation, damages arteries, and slows the healing process. These are all important functions needed to prevent gout and maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

- Reduce stress - Stress is hard on both your physical and mental state. Stress can repeatedly elevate blood pressure by encouraging the nervous system to produce large quantities of vasoconstricting hormones. Find ways to relax such as taking a bath, reading, listening to music, getting a massage, etc.

Finally, you need to talk to your doctor if you suffer from either gout or hypertension before taking any medications to treat either condition. The reason is certain drugs may benefit one condition, but make the other worse. For instance, diuretics ("water pills") are a common medication prescribed for hypertension treatment, but can cause gout attacks in some people, or make gout worse in individuals who already have the condition. Thus, make sure you consult with your doctor and seek advice prior to beginning any treatment.

About the Author

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell's brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about your gout hypertension risk.

The Dreaded Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep.

While insomnia can be a sign of a physical disorder for most people it is an effect of bad habits, stress, tension and anxiety.

Insomnia also can limit the energy you have to spend with friends or family. Insomnia can be mild to severe depending on how often it occurs and for how long. Insomnia that lasts for less time is known as short-term or acute insomnia. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. This is where Hypnotherapy and Self-Hypnosis can really help the insomniac as it allows you to quiet your mind and relax your body. An anxious mind suddenly relaxed is a great feeling and allows for increased quality sleep.

Insomnia can be caused by problems like fear, stress, anxiety, emotional or mental tension, work problems, financial stress, unsatisfactory sex life, mental disorders such as clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, general anxiety disorder. Also disturbances of the circadian rhythm brought about by jet lag or perhaps shift work can cause an inability to sleep at some times of the day and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day. Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and large meals eaten just before bedtime can also cause insomnia.

Long-term insomnia can cause you to feel depressed or irritable, have trouble paying attention, learning, remembering; and not do your best at school or at work.. Better sleep habits and lifestyle changes often help relieve insomnia.

Here are some suggestions to immediately help you with your insomnia.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine 3 hours before bed. Go to bed at roughly the same time every night, and get up at the same time. This creates a powerful habit pattern in your subconscious. If you can't fall asleep after 20 minutes get up and only go back to bed when you are tired. Use the bed for sleep and love-making only! Reading and watching telly can stimulate your mind and keep you awake. Practise self-hypnosis to help you relax and drift off into sleep. Listen to a relaxing Hypnosis tape as you gently fall asleep.

Follow these tips and soon you will be sleeping like a baby once again!

Mark Boardman

http://www.happyandwell.com

About the Author

Mark Boardman BSc dip.hyp is an experienced Hypnotherapist and highly qualified EFT and TAT practitioner.

http://www.happyandwell.com

Never too late to stop smoking

Smoking can make some women look sexy but it brings a lot of problems as well.

Experts say tobacco can damage a woman's reproductive health. It has been linked to reduced fertility, a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and infant death.

Other health problems caused by smoking are gum disease, cataracts, hip fractures, peptic ulcers and macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause blindness.

Aside from this, smoking also affects non-smokers. Cigarette smoke can irritate the eyes, cause headaches and coughs in other people. Those who are surrounded by smokers are exposed to the same health hazards mentioned above although in a reduced way.

"But not all of the health problems related to smoking result in deaths. Smoking generally affects a smoker's health, harming nearly every organ of the body, and causing many diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000, about 8.6 million people had at least one chronic disease because they smoked or had smoked. Many of these people were suffering from more than one smoking-related condition," revealed the American Cancer Society (ACS).

"The diseases that occurred most often were chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. These diseases can steal away a person's quality of life long before death. Smoking-related illness can limit a person's activities by making it harder to breathe, get around, work, or play," added the ACS.

In spite of these hazards, many people find it difficult to stop smoking simply because they are addicted to nicotine and are likely to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. If you stop smoking suddenly, you may experience intense craving, depression, anxiety, restlessness, disturbed sleep, altered time perception, difficulty concentrating, sweating, low blood pres¬sure and heart rate as well as gastrointestinal problems.

The trick, therefore, is to remind yourself that you are slowly but surely killing yourself with every cigarette you smoke. This will help you cut down on cigarettes.

Change your favorite brand to one you don't like. Avoid friends who smoke and go to "no smoking" areas. Find new interests or attend to your hobbies. Stay away from smokers and clear your surroundings of ashtrays, matches, and other smoking paraphernalia.

Eat fruits, sweets or chew gum to curb your desire to smoke. Try talking to those who have stopped smoking to get help. Sometimes, all you need is a little discipline to avoid cigarettes. Once you have this, nothing is impossible.

"People who stop smoking when they are young get the greatest health benefits from quitting. Those who quit in their 30s may avoid most of the risk due to tobacco use. However, even smokers who quit after age 50 largely reduce their risk of dying early. The argument that it is too late to quit smoking because the damage is already done is not true. It is never too late to quit smoking!" the ACS concluded.

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About the Author

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com.