PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Dec 10-14, 2007
Brian from Ypsilanti emails-asking what he can do to reduce his blood pressure?
Brian, you may want to throw away the salt shaker. Researchers put a group of adults with hypertension on a “no salt added diet” for 6 weeks. They found half the group decreased their systolic number by 12 point 1 and their diastolic by 6 point 8 by reducing their salt intake to only 3 to 7 grams a day. Experts say avoiding pre-salted foods and not adding salt to food can significantly reduce your blood pressure and don’t forget to exercise!
Peggy from Romulus emails asking what she can do to relieve the pain from Osteroarthritis?
Peggy, you can’t cure osteoarthrities, but there are some things you can do to slow its progression, reduce pain and improve your function. The first thing you need to do is exercise. I know you’re saying, Peter you’re crazy i can’t even move. But exercise will help ease pain and stiffness and maintain mobility. Exercise will also strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility, balance and overall health. I would recommend an exercise routine which includes cardiovascular exercise, some light weight training and stretching.
Neil from Plymouth emails wondering if the cooler weather could be affecting his blood pressure?
Neil, new studies have shown blood pressure can be harder to control in the winter. Researchers studied more than 440 thousand americans with hypertension in 15 cities. They found fewer people saw their blood pressure levels return to normal when treated in the winter months compared to the summer. In fact about 60 percent of the patients saw a change in blood pressure control in the winter. Experts believe the cause could be weight gain, different eating habits and less exercise during the winter months.
With snow just around the corner Mike from Taylor emalls for safety strategy tips.
Mike, each year dozens of local residents die needlessly from exertion brought on by snow shoveling. It's a potent reminder of the dangers middle aged men and women face from heavy shoveling. Local researchers took a look at sudden cardiac death before and after two heavysnow storms. The results say it all! 36 outof 211 subjects who died of cardiac arrest were shoveling snow at the time. 4 others were using blowers or other snow removal equipment. The reason may be the sheer bulk of the job. During ten minutes of shoveling the average person will displace up to a ton of snow. The catalyst may be a boost in heart rate and blood pressue that dislodge cholesterol, triggering an attack. Until you have a check up be sure to hire someone to do the heavy work for you!
Dan from emails that he's heard diabetes called "the silent killer". He wants to know why it has such a deadly reputation.
Dan, diabetes deserves it's dangerous reputation and more! It's similar to high blood pressure in one key way, patients often don't know they have it until serious damage has already taken place. Millions of americans who have diabetes don't know it until they suffer from the terrible effects of the disease. One of the most dangerous is damage to the heart tissue. Other complications include blindness, kidney damage and nerve damage. Amputations are sometimes necessary. Type two diabetes is the most common form. It usually targets the elderly and minority groups. The good news is that with proper diet and treatment, recovery and control is a good possibility. It all depends on a healthy lifestyle- talk to your doctor for more important diabetes facts.
