High blood pressure is also called hypertension. This is a medical term which, by definition, means an individual has a numerical measurement of pressure that is greater than 140/90. These numbers represent a systolic pressure greater than 140 mm of mercury and a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm of mercury. Chronic hypertension has often been called the silent killer because it has little to no signs and symptoms and will not be picked up unless an individual is screened with a blood-pressure measurement. It can cause blood vessel changes in the back of the eye which lead to cataracts and blindness. In it can also cause an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle which leads to heart failure and congestive heart failure or it can lead to kidney failure and brain damage.

There is no substitute for measuring blood pressure in the physician’s office and without it you are only inviting hypertension into your life. At this time physicians have not been able to find a reason for 95% of the diagnose cases of hypertension. However they do know that with medication, weight reduction, salt restriction anaerobic exercise most people are able to reduce their blood pressure and control it.  Read more...

Cramps are a reality for most teens and women in their 20s and early 30s. They are caused by strong uterine contractions triggered by prostaglandins. These strong contractions cause the blood supply in the uterus to temporarily shut down and then increase the contractions and pain.

Menstrual cramps are the single biggest reason for lost school and work hours among women. Cramps can be mild to debilitating and don’t require a doctors attention unless the pain isnt controlled by over the counter medications and other home remedies.

Women can use a menstrual calendar to predict their periods, chart their pain and emotional responses to the hormonal changes that happen each month. Using this calendar a woman can begin taking ibuprofen 2 times a day the day before she expects her period. Ibuprofen blocks the prostaglandin receptors in the uterus and significantly decreases the pain and cramping.

Some women also suffer from constipation during the beginning of their period. Eating 8 servings of fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy colon, at least 3 days before she expects her period, will decrease the pain and discomfort from constipation.  Read more...

PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a term used to describe a set of hormonal changes that trigger a syndrome in a significant number of women for up to two weeks before the start of her period. More than 5 million women require treatment for symptoms of PMS such as marked mood changes and behavioral changes.

Symptoms of PMS will often taper off with the start of her period and then she remains symptom free until approximately two weeks prior to the next period.

There are over 150 symptoms that have been attributed to PMS. The most common physical PMS symptoms are crying spells, headache, fatigue, fluid retention, constipation, backaches, cramping and weight gain. Emotional symptoms of PMS include behavior changes, anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks, tension and altered libido.

PMS symptoms can vary from month to month and women can be symptom free during some months.  Read more...

PMS Depression or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS and is diagnosed by the pattern of PMDD symptoms. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a group of approximately 150 different symptoms that happen in the 2 weeks prior to the start of a woman’s period. The PMDD symptoms can be both physical and emotional and are very real and prompt many women to find an effective PMDD treatment.

PMDD symptoms were once thought to be hysterical and only in the mind of the woman, but after years of research scientists have found that over 50 million women suffer from these PMDD symptoms each month. PMDD  symptoms, including PMS depression, can significantly interfere with social, occupational and sexual functioning.

For a diagnosis of PMDD to be made, the woman must have a symptom-free period during her follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to distinguish it from other pre-existing anxiety and mood disorders.

The symptoms of PMDD and depression have considerable overlap. Approximately 30-75% of the women diagnosed with PMDD also have a lifetime history of depression, compared to the 15% of women without PMDD who suffer from depression.  Read more...

Diabetes Self-Management publishes instructive “how-to” information that has immediate application for people with diabetes.

Articles focus on exercise and fitness, nutrition and diet, and the techniques, products, and strategies that help readers take charge of their well-being and live happier, healthier lives…. More >>

Diabetes Self-Management

Exercise can be fun but many people don’t know that. The best exercise is the one that you will continue to do long after you have reached your goals. Cycling may be that exercise for you.

Obesity is an epidemic in the world today. Far too many men, women and children are sedentary. They don’t get enough exercise and that leads to many disease processes taking over their lives. The world needs to get back on its feet and back into shape.

Cycling is an exercise that is beneficial for all age groups. Most people learn to ride a bike as kids, but you can learn at any age. It requires balance and an adventurous spirit.

It seems too good to be true, but the best exercises are often the simplest. You don’t have to invest in all of the infomercial products, just a bicycle that is adjusted to your height and fits your size. Don’t forget your helmets and comfortable gel seat pads for long rides.  Read more...