How your doctor treats your hypertension, or high blood pressure, really depends upon just how high your blood pressure is when your doctor discovers that it is too high. Here are the readings that doctors consider when they begin to treat you for hypertension: * Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 * Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89 * Hypertension: greater than 140/90 * Stage 1 Hypertension:140-159/90-99 * Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 or greater/100 or higher For a reading in the prehypertension range, your doctor will likely only recommend some lifestyle changes. He or she will tell you to quit smoking, lose weight, and get more exercise. If the doctor s advice is taken and these lifestyle changes are implemented, it will probably return to normal within a few weeks. For a reading in the hypertension range, your doctor will also recommend the above-listed lifestyle changes. He or she will also probably prescribe one of the many diuretic drugs, and if one doesn t work, he or she will prescribe a different one. If the diuretic drugs and the lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure, or if your reading is in the Stage 1 or Stage 2 range, you doctor will prescribe blood-pressure-lowering medications. He or she will monitor the levels of these drugs that are in your system very closely. There are many kinds of drugs that your doctor can use to help lower your blood pressure. Different drug types work in different ways. Some of the drugs that your doctor might prescribe to lower it other than diuretics are: * Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors * Angiotensin || receptor blockers (ARBs) * Beta-blockers * Calcium channel blockers If your doctor does prescribe blood-pressure-lowering medications for you, it is extremely important that you take the medications in the exact doses that are prescribed. It is also important that you do not stop taking the medication without your doctor s approval and guidance. Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Hypertension an High Blood Pressure and has helped thousands of high blood pressure sufferers lower their score in weeks. For more articles and resources on hypertensions symptoms, cures and natural medications visit his site at: http://myhypertension.info/

BMI Over 40? You Could Literally Be Eating Yourself To Death - Why Being Overweight Is No Joke As a general rule, we tend to address a weight issue by measuring the lbs on the scales or inches on the tape measure but BMI or Body Mass Index is another important indicator of just how serious your weight problem might be. What is it? Its a calculation that tells you if you are a healthy weight for your height. Its not a perfect science since you might be a body builder with plenty of rippling muscles (which as you know muscle weighs more than fat) so it will look like you have a high BMI but actually be very lean and healthy. However, for most of us it is a good general indicator of how your weight may be impacting your health. Let me spell it out: BMI 18.5 or less = Underweight BMI 18.5 - 24.99 = Normal Weight BMI 25 - 29.99 = Overweight BMI 30 - 34.99 = Obese - Class l Obesity BMI 35 - 39.99 = Obese - Class ll Obesity BMI 40 or above is classed as Class lll Obesity also known as Morbidly Obese- You are seriously overweight and your weight is seriously impacting your health. You are more likely to be suffering from (or at risk of developing) a weight related illness such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease and even cancer. Your internal organs are probably surrounded by fat, your liver may be marbled with fat. You may be shortening your overall lifespan by a number of years. It is essential that you see a professional and lose weight. Losing only 10% of your body weight will have a positive impact on your health. If you know your height and your weight type in BMI calculator into any search engine and you can quickly find out your own BMI. You will then be able to see if you are within the healthy range or if you need to take action. Linda Stewart BSc http://www.HealthyLivingCoach.Net http://www.Weight-Loss-Expert.Net Linda Stewart, is a London based health coach, complementary therapist, and stop smoking specialist. Linda offers health and wellness programs and solutions to busy women who want to make positive adjustments to their personal health and wellbeing. Find out more at http://www.healthylivingcoach.net or email: info@healthylivingcoach.net

Galbanum (Ferula gummosa) is mentioned only once in the Bible: “The Lord said to Moses: Take sweet spices, stacte,[another name for myrrh] and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy; and you shall beat some of it into powder, and put part of it before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you; it shall be for you most holy. When you make incense according to this composition, you shall not make it for yourselves; it shall be regarded by you as holy to the Lord.” Exodus 30:34-36 In ancient times Galbanum was burned as incense, used in holy anointing oils and in various medicines and perfumes. It was considered spiritually uplifting yet very grounding. It was used for treating wounds, inflammations and skin disorders, pain relief, spasms and cramps, and used as a diuretic. Today we could use this oil for abscesses, acne, asthma, chronic coughs, cramps, indigestion, muscular aches and pains, scar tissue, wrinkles, wounds, and also for emotional balancing. Although Galbanum has a low vibrational frequency, when combined with other oils like frankincense or sandalwood, the frequency rises dramatically. It is called a sacrificial fragrance that allows for the shedding of old ideas and attitudes. Its odor helps in seeing the path ahead. It is grounding, yet leads to a surrendering to God. Galbanum can be used topically and orally as well as diffused. More than likely, this will not be one of your frequently used oils in healing work unless it is blended with other oils. The fragrance reminds me of plain old dirt! Yet when I am need of grounding, I can t get enough of this oil. This is a non-toxic and non-irritating oil to the skin. Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and galbanum essential oil in Linda Smith s books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You can find these books and much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx

Frankly speaking you do not need any kind of accessories to perform meditation. The only requirement, probably, is quiet environs. But, there are many people who believe in the need for meditation supplies. If you are serious about performing meditation successfully, then there a few things you should take care about. The first and foremost among them is space. Ideally, you should keep a separate room with adequate space to put a cushion, a mat or a bench. It should also give a relaxed feeling so make sure it is neat,clean and clutter free. When you are actually performing meditation, it is important that you keep you back straight and do not get into a posture where you are leaning forward or backward. There are supports available in different sizes and colors. You can put up a few picture frames, put your photos and those of your family members and place the frames on the table. More so if you are doing meditation for you and your family. Alternatively,use images of nature like the ocean, the rain forest, the mountains or the clouds so as to get a feeling of relaxation. It is also a good idea to burn incense and play music. You will get incense is a variety of odors. Similarly you have a wide option for type of music to play. Next, decide upon lighting as a means to create right atmosphere. A dimmer will ensure the right kind of light.If you prefer to use candles, make sure they are placed in strategic areas of the room. The candles could be scented or unscented if you have already decided to use incense sticks. Alternatively, you can use flowers to add to the nice aura created by the arrangement so far done. You will find that the smell of flowers does a lot to bring a sense of calm to the room. You can buy a nice vase from the store then buy these from the florist or cut them from your own garden. Once you have created a good feeling with right meditation supplies and furniture, you will find it easy to close your eyes, drift off to that special place and come back feeling refreshed. There is no need to panic of you are frequent traveler.You can carry your meditation supplies with you. You can buy an inflatable cushion, some candles or oils then put this into a bag and maybe upload the music to your iPod or other favourite MP3 player. Mastering meditation is not a one day job. It takes patience and time to master it.Right kind of meditation supplies will really help a lot. These days you can easily source them online. Or if you look around a bit, you can locate a specialty store so you can replenish them when you are almost out. Laxmi Keshav gathers information about solutions to every day problems. You can get more information here - meditations health benefits and free guided meditation mp3 downloads

Exercise and High Blood Pressure - How Does Exercise Helps? There is a direct correlation between our age and the risk of getting high blood pressure (Hypertension). We cannot control our aging process, but we can take steps to lower our chances of getting high blood pressure. Exercising regularly is beneficial to our health. Besides preventing high blood pressure, it can also help us to lower the possibility of getting cardiovascular disease and stroke. If you are a high blood pressure patient, exercising regularly helps to control your condition. How does exercise helps? Doing physical exercises regularly can decrease your blood pressure pressure by an average of 10 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). This is equivalent to some of the high blood pressure medicine that people are taking. For some patients, this drop in their high blood pressure is adequate for them to eliminate the need for those medications. A person who exercises regularly has a stronger heart compared to a person who does not exercise regularly, ceteris paribus. A stronger heart has the ability to pump a greater amount with lesser effort. Therefore, your heart will have a lighter workload and thus in turn less pressure will be on your arteries. If your blood pressure is within the healthy range: less than 120/80 mm Hg. Then, exercising regularly will maintain your healthy blood pressure as you grow older. Another useful point is that you will be able to possess a healthy weight which is another key factor in having healthy blood pressure. The critical thing is that you need a period from one to three months of regular exercise to be able to see an effect on your high blood pressure. This effect will disappears when you stop exercising. What counts? Flexibility and strengthening exercises are key components in a fitness plan, but aerobics are actually needed to control your blood pressure. However, there is no need for you to spend a huge amount of time. One easy way is to introduce moderate physical activities in your daily life. Any physical activity that increases your heart and breathing rates is considered aerobic. Examples are: swimming, walking, jogging, sweeping the floor, mopping the floor. Devote at least half an hour daily to such activities. If you are really tight for time, do bear in mind that shorter period of such activities are also beneficial. Keep exercise safe If you have not been exercising regularly, you should start slowly. Warming up and cooling down are important. Increase the intensity of workouts slowly. Always seek your doctor advice when you want to try strength training or other resistance exercises. These exercises might raise your blood pressure especially if you hold your breathe while doing them. Stop and seek immediate medical care if you experience any warning signs during exercise, including: ” Severe shortness of breath ” Chest pain or tightness ” Dizziness or faintness ” Excessive fatigue ” An irregular heartbeat ” Pain in an arm or your jaw Monitor your blood pressure by checking it regularly either by visiting a doctor or use a home blood pressure. Check the blood pressure before exercising to ensure accurate readings. Alvin Hopkinson is a leading and avid researcher of high blood pressure treatment . He runs an informational website that provides free tips to lower your hypertension and unbiased reviews on medications such as Toprol XL . To grab your FREE report on how to prevent and treat high blood pressure, make sure you visit Alvin s site at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

It s fast becoming a problem in many corners of the world, and perhaps most notably in the U.K.: Obesity. The numbers are staggering. According to the BBC, almost a quarter of the adults in the United Kingdom are obese, a fifty percent increase over the last decade. But, it doesn t stop there. One out of every six children, between the ages of two and fifteen, are obese in the United Kingdom compared to one in ten children a decade ago. The bad news is obesity has been linked to such diseases and illnesses as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and blood clots. Studies have even found that obesity can lead to a shortened life span. The good news is you can fight obesity and learn to control your weight if you re willing to commit yourself to it. Following are several ways you can effectively control your weight: 1. Set goals: What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to add physical activity to your schedule? Do you want to cut out the fatty and sugary foods? Set your goals for losing weight before you do anything else. 2. Exercise regularly. The fact is only 40 percent of men in the United Kingdom and 28 percent of women exercise a minimum of a half an hour each week. Exercise is essential to weight loss and to maintaining your ideal weight. Exercising can be as simple as walking instead of taking the bus. Talk with your physician to devise an exercise regiment that is best for your needs. A word of caution: Before you adjust your diet or begin a regular exercise regiment, be sure that you consult your physician first to determine how many calories a day you should intake and to ensure that you are healthy enough to begin exercising. 3. Drink plenty of water. Cut out the sugary drinks and those drinks that contain caffeine - both also contain plenty of fat. The general rule of thumb is to drink eight glasses of water a day. 4. Create a meal plan. Some medical experts advise, rather than eating three meals a day, eating small meals throughout the day. Talk with your doctor to determine what is best for your individual needs. 5. Surround yourself by those who support you. Combating obesity and losing weight isn t easy, and it s essential that you have a strong support system. In addition to friends and family who support you, you may also want to consider finding a support group in your local community. Support groups are an excellent means of sharing the ups and downs of weight loss with others who are going through the same thing. 6. Keep a daily journal documenting how you ve dealt with food each day: For example, write down what you ate, how you felt before you ate, and how you felt after you ate. A daily journal will help you identify behaviours you want to avoid (i.e. overeating because you re upset) and will ensure you remain focused on your goals. 7. Diet Correctly. The word diet strikes fear in the heart of many of us, but diet doesn t have to be a bad word. Learning how to eat healthy is a diet habit that we can do for the rest of our lives. Most people think of diet as being something that you do until your lose a certain amount of weight, and then you go back to regular eating. This is the precise reason why most diets fail; they are impossible to sustain in the long run. Learning how to diet right will help you get to a healthy weight and stay there. Staying away from fad diets is vital to losing weight successfully. Low carbohydrate diets are a good example of this. Millions of people swear by the latest low carb craze, but how many of us know a friend or co-worker who had lost a shocking amount of weight in a short period of time, only to gain it back in an even shorter period? Carbohydrates are an important part of a complete and healthy diet, so they certainly can t be omitted forever. While your body may lose weight while on the diet, you re bound to gain it back when you start eating carbs again. Everyone knows that too much fat is a bad thing. While certain fats are very good for us, many people on low carb diets are getting too much of the bad fats, i.e. animal fats. It is a shame that people are so concerned with losing weight that they lose sight of the fact that their wonder diet may actually be doing their body harm. Losing weight can be a struggle, but you don t have to go through it alone. Follow the preceding tips, and you ll be well on your way to a new, healthier you. Remember, in the end, losing weight is all about you becoming healthier: It s not about becoming thinner. Barry Share is the Founder and editorial director of “The New Lifestyle Programme”. Where you can get your copy of the amazing “Design for your Success” a 7 step plan to achieving wealth health and happiness => http://newlifestylepro.com/dfs-s.html

HDL Cholesterol - Cholesterol That s Good For Your Health Cholesterol is produced in the liver and is essential for various cellular functions. There are two types of cholesterol in the body, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can damage arteries and lead to heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, is considered the “good” cholesterol. Recent scientific studies have shown that increased levels of HDL cholesterol reduced the risk of heart disease. Here s how it works. “Good” cholesterol removes excess LDL cholesterol from your blood and transports it to your liver so it can be eliminated from the body. This means that the higher your HDL, the lower your LDL will be. While these studies focused on the benefits of using drugs to raise HDL levels, natural methods can achieve more holistic benefits without the risk of serious side effects. One of the most powerful methods of raising HDL levels is by increasing cardiovascular exercise. According to controversial author Dr. Joseph Mercola, thirty minutes a day walking is not enough to significantly improve HDL levels in the blood. He advises that there should be enough exertion that it is difficult (but not too difficult) to talk to a person next to you. Jogging or running outside will do this, however for most people an indoor cardiovascular routine that lasts for about an hour at a time is best. This should be done as many times during the week as possible. However, he warns that if a person already has heart disease they should not attempt this unsupervised. According to Mercola most people need to exercise six or seven days a week for maximum benefit. Although exercise is one of the most significant activities you can undertake to raise HDL and therefore to lower LDL, there are other important lifestyle decisions you can make to manage your cholesterol levels. Firstly, eat a diet that is low in saturated fats and high in mono-unsaturated fats such as virgin olive oil. Although canola oil is also mono-unsaturated it should be avoided because of the massive influx of genetically modified product entering the market. It also alters at high heat. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have been found to raise HDL levels. These include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. Purified Omega-3 supplements can ensure you have enough of this essential fatty acid in your diet. Avoid margarine and processed, sugary and fatty foods. These simple changes can improve your HDL levels very quickly. Smoking lowers HDL levels, so if you want to improve your cholesterol levels it is important to quit. By simply not smoking, your HDL will improve. Obesity is also linked to high LDL and low HDL. It is therefore very important to manage your weight. If you are overweight, your LDL levels will be higher than they should be. As you lose weight you will find your HDL levels gradually increasing. Stress can also negatively affect both good and bad cholesterol levels, so it is also necessary to include stress management in your lifestyle. Learn to relax and if you are in a chronically high stress situation, change it or leave it. If you follow these simple steps you will find your “good” HDL cholesterol will improve and your risk of heart disease will dramatically reduce. Getting a cholesterol test is one way to make sure your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are where they should be. For more information on cholesterol visit http://www.reduce-high-cholesterol.com, a popular website designed to help people live a better life. You ll also learn more information about the effects of a high cholesterol diet .

Many people are searching for natural alternatives to prescription drugs for lower blood pressure. And rightly so; blood pressure medications are among the most frequently prescribed drugs and yet they are also responsible for some of the most numerous and unpleasant side effects. What s more, they are not as effective as previously believed and some types have even been shown to be dangerous, actually increasing the risk of stroke and diabetes. Of course, blood pressure drugs can be lifesavers when all else has failed but they should be a treatment of last resort instead of the routine treatment that they are. So it s very understandable that people turn to the Internet in search of natural options. There you will find all manner of natural remedies, herbs, supplements, “superfoods” and “miracle” formulas. These range from the practical and sensible to outright quackery. But do any of them really lower high blood pressure… and in a meaningful and lasting way? Sadly, it s extremely unlikely that any single remedy or method is going to make a significant difference. The reason is that high blood pressure is a complex condition with numerous causes, many of them still unknown. In fact, doctors estimate that the cause is a mystery in up to 90% of hypertension cases. And if you don t know the cause how can you identify the solution? For example, taking magnesium is widely touted as an effective natural way to lower blood pressure. The fact is that, yes, it can be very effective… if you happen to be deficient in magnesium . That s because too much sodium or too little magnesium in your diet upsets the natural balance of these minerals, which raises your blood pressure. Taking a magnesium supplement is a good way to correct the imbalance and lower your blood pressure. So magnesium is a very cause-specific remedy. It will have little or no effect on your blood pressure if its origin is something other than this specific mineral imbalance. Beetroot juice is another very timely example of a natural remedy enjoying a lot of media hype. It s getting loads of coverage as a “superfood” that beats (no pun intended) high blood pressure. Beetroot contains nitrates that are converted in the mouth to nitrite, which can temporarily lower blood pressure . But many other foods, as well as drinking water and our own saliva, contain nitrates. Aside from the fact that the method and cost of consuming beetroot juice is totally impractical for the true level of benefit it can offer, you re not likely to get much out of it at all if you eat a balanced diet including nitrate-rich foods. That s because your high blood pressure will not be a result of a lack of nitrite in your body. This specificity is, in fact, the shortcoming in most blood pressure remedies, including drugs. Each class of blood pressure drug targets a specific cause or mechanism behind high blood pressure. Diuretics and not beta-blockers, for instance, are the best treatment for hypertension caused by excess sodium and fluid in the body. Any doctor will tell you that determining the right drug and dosage for each particular patient can be a frustrating process of trial and error. And this is exactly what most people experience with natural remedies as well. Out of the masses of people who try them there will always be raving reports from the few who were “cured” by this or that. But finding one that will work for you is not much different from taking shots in the dark. So is it all just a waste of time and, very often, money? Are there no natural remedies you can rely on? The answer is yes, and it s called lifestyle. Many doctors admit that up to 95% of high blood pressure cases can be treated successfully with lifestyle changes. (So why they still insist on writing prescriptions immediately upon diagnosis is a good question!) The sensible approach to natural blood pressure control is simply a varied diet of quality, whole foods, regular moderate exercise, weight control and all the other elements of a healthy lifestyle. It s a well-known prescription and if you need more advice there s plenty of it available free on the web. Benefiting from lifestyle doesn t require draconian action. For example, sometimes losing just a small amount of weight or changing your diet can make a dramatic difference in your blood pressure. There are also a number of lifestyle-related practices that can benefit blood pressure in a general way in contrast to the majority of remedies that only work in specific, limited cases. These include any effective form of relaxation and stress relief as well as a promising new method called slow breathing, to which up to 82% of participants responded in clinical trials. So instead of trawling the Internet for each new “miracle” cure that comes along you re better off investing your time in learning about healthy lifestyle, stress relief and slow breathing. Contrary to what many people may fear, it doesn t require becoming a saint or health fanatic. David O Hara is a researcher and product developer in the field of natural health and blood pressure control. Click here to find out more about effective natural ways to lower blood pressure .

Anti TNF - The Next Generation Of Treatment For Your Crohns Symptom? A number of recent medical studies have found that anti-TNF may be an effective way to treat those who suffer from moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. What exactly is anti-TNF and how is it beneficial? The following information will help you better understand this medication and why it may be a breakthrough treatment for Crohn’s sufferers. What is anti-TNF and how does it work? It is a group of medications that have been specially designed to locate tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) a cytokine protein created by the immune system. Anti-TNF works to find TNF-alpha in the bloodstream, and then removes it by binding it to blood cells and cell membranes before it reaches the intestine and causes inflammation. This treatment does not directly treat inflammation; it targets the immune system which helps alleviate inflammation. Studies have found that cells which are affected by Crohn’s disease contain TNF-alpha, leaving many researchers to believe that the overproduction of TNF-alpha may be the leading cause of intestinal inflammation that results in Crohn’s disease. Thus, the theory is that by stopping TNF-alpha from reaching the intestines of Crohn’s sufferers, they’ll be able to find relief from their symptoms and prevent future attacks. In addition, studies are also finding that the use of anti-TNF for treating Crohn’s appears to be helpful in preventing and healing fistulas. How can anti-TNF treatment help fistulas? It can help prevent the formation of fistulas by reducing attacks of Crohn’s and putting the disease in remission. As far as healing fistulas, anti-TNF medication is found to be effective when used in combination with surgery, particularly in those who suffer from complex fistulas. Studies found that using anti-TNF treatment with surgery successfully healed the fistula without recurrence. The most studied anti-TNF drug used for treating Crohn’s patients is Infliximab, also known as Remicade. Multiple studies have proven that infliximab is both an effective and well tolerated treatment for managing acute Crohn’s disease. In fact, because this particular anti-TNF has been so successful, it has obtained the approval of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency and the FDA. Of course, like any radical treatment, infliximab still presents some problems even though it is considered to be a medical breakthrough for treating Crohn’s. For instance, due to the fact that it contains a mouse protein, it can cause a delayed allergic reaction in some people. Furthermore, it increases the risk of infection, and is not deemed a safe remedy for people who suffer from or have had certain conditions including, cancer, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and seizures. In addition, there are concerns about immunogenicity occurring with the anti-TNF antibody which could cause the development of lymphoproliferative disorders and human antichimeric antibodies (HACA). Thus, more studies need to be conducted to further establish what the exact role anti-TNF antibodies play in maintaining the remission of Crohn’s, and how long the treatment will remain effective in patients who respond well to it. Although Infliximab is the primary anti-TNF treatment used for Crohn’s, other anti-TNF medication being studied for possible treatment for Crohn’s disease include etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira). Only time will tell if anti-TNF antibodies is the breakthrough treatment that Crohn’s symptom sufferers have been waiting for. Neverthless, the future looks bright. By Sharon Dobson. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for managing Crohn s Disease naturally at Natural Crohn s Disease Relief . On the site you ll also find more about crohns relaxation and information on crohns treatments .

The much maligned substance known as cholesterol is actually a vital part of a normally functioning body. Not only does cholesterol give strength and stability to the cells in our bodies but it can increase the amount of vitamin D, it helps serotonin receptors to function and acts as a transport for antioxidants like vitamins E and A. However you rarely hear about this. More than likely you hear about cholesterol because too much is bad for your health. Specifically, too much can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. As you get older you might be advised by your doctor to make lifestyle changes that lower cholesterol. One such way is to reduce your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol. This article will discuss foods that cause high cholesterol and ways to replace such foods. There are two categories of food that need to be considered when thinking about cholesterol. There are animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy goods. These types of products have cholesterol from the animals that produced the foods. The second category are foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. These are normally processed foods that are cooked in oil or use trans fats as a flavor enhancer or preservative. In some cases, like a pre-cooked meat pie, the food may fit into both categories. It has to be remembered that unless you are a vegan, it will be probably impossible to avoid eating food with cholesterol in it. The important thing is to eat it in moderation and exercise adequately. You can also follow some simple tips like drinking reduced fat milk. Or eating margarines with plant sterols in rather than butter. Also trim skin and fat off meat products and try grilling them rather than frying them. Only eat the whites of the eggs and leave thew yolk. In terms of saturated and trans fats, look carefully at the processed foods you eat. Things like potato chips are high in saturated fats. Cakes and biscuits often utilize trans fats for flavor and as a preservative. Deep fried foods such as French fries should be eaten in moderation. Check the food labels on the packets. If there is a lot of saturated and trans fats then look for an alternative or avoid that type of product all together. Another aspect of the cholesterol debate, is the eating of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give us energy however if we don t use this energy each day, it is generally converted into fat. This can be converted to cholesterol. Thus, eating less carbohydrates and taking on regular exercise are also equally important as avoiding or moderating the intake of high cholesterol food. It is a simple formula. Avoid fatty foods and try to eat fresh. Consume the right amount of carbohydrates for the level of activity you will be exerting and try to get regular exercise if your job is a low impact, physically undemanding role. High cholesterol is usually treated by making changes in your lifestyle. Find out how to reduce cholesterol by eating low cholesterol food diets at http://www.lowcholesteroldieting.com Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to cholesterol, including at home cholesterol tests

ADD & ADHD Drugs - Will They Kill Your Child? The chance that your child will be killed by an add/adhd drug are about million-to-1. This is as likely as winning the lottery and as life changing. If you are faced with a life or death condition, these are good odds and acceptable. Add/adhd is not life threatening. Add/adhd is a attention disorder problem, a behavior problem, a poor grade problem, and more noise than you like problem. Add/adhd untreated will not lead to death. Why would you expose your child to even a one-in-a-million chance. Perhaps for a little ease. Or more likely, we have been convinced by others, who are not motivated by the welfare of our children. These people accept the odds as part of doing business. There are many ways to lose the life of your child. And we go to some efforts to prevent it. We lock up our guns, use seat restraints in cars, lock up cleaning supplies, block electrical outlets, make them wear helmets, and others preventive measures. With all this effort, you would think that we would do a internet search on add/adhd deaths and determine the risks of this non-life threatening condition. Add/Adhd is a lack of nutrition problem. Our life style causes us to use up neurotransmitters. And our current food supply (as great as it is) is limited in nutritions which the body needs to make more neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are used in the communication process between the brain and the body. Shortage of neurotransmitters can cause unclear or scrambled messages to be received by the body. These confusing messages or commands are the symptoms which we identify with add/adhd. This is add/adhd simply explained. Life is full of risks which we must take to live. This risk is small. Are you motivated to take it? What would you do if your child was the “one”. Someone must be the “one” who dies to make the odds of a million-to-one. This small risk has a very easy solution. Get a natural supplement designed to give the body what it needs to replace the lost neurotransmitters. No drug, no risk, increase the neurotransmitter production and the add/adhd symptoms may decreased or even go away. Ed Grinder is working with a company devoted to using proven, safe, patented, natural supplement designed for add/adhd , stress , weight loss , depression, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

Intro Bacteria are every where in and on our body. Some bacteria are bad and if not kept in check by our immune system, will disturb the delicate balance between good and dangerous bacteria. Good bacteria are key components in our immune system. When balance is disturbed, the good bacteria can make us sick. Sicknesses can take the form of pneumonia, strep throat, poor digestion, urinary tract (bladder and kidney) infections, diarrhea, etc. An inflamed stomach which can be caused by bacterial infection can lead to a decrease in Vitamin B12 absorption. Super bugs such as MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus) are on the rise due to antibiotic resistance and overuse. Don t forget about the secondary exposure to antibiotics we get in our non-organic meat supply. Probiotics are good bacteria that are in the food we eat or added to a dietary supplement. One good example is lactobacillus which is found in yogurt. It can help us fight or prevent infection. So, yogurt contains a probiotic and plain yogurt is better than flavored. Why a Probiotic Supplement is Needed A lot of food sources may contain only one strain or limited amount of probiotics. In today s fast paced and often crowded environments, you need a source of probiotics with multiple strains or multiple types of pribiotics to support the body in preventing infection and maintaining that delicate balance between good and bad bacteria. Probiotics will help the body make some B vitamins and vitamin K. They will help clean up toxins which can increase the risk of cancers such as colon cancer. Still, they can lower the effects of lactose intolerance and are key players in the immune system in fighting viruses and fungal overgrowth (for exampe vaginal yeast infection). Probiotics can enhance the body s ability to fight colitis and irritable Bowel Syndrome. Finally, probiotics can enhance nutrient absorption by the intestines. One way it does this is by helping us to make important enzymes (proteins) necessary for digestion. As we age, the number of probiotics in our body decline. This is one reason why the elderly are at greater risk for infection, cancer, and Vitamin B12 and other vitamin deficiency. Other factors that can lower the probiotics in your system includes: Stress, carbonated beverages, antibiotic overuse, toxin build up, certain birth control pills, and laxatives. Obtain a Potent Probiotc Supplement called Vital Probiotic (over 8 Probiotics): http://www.healthandwellnessmarketing.com/2.html (then click on Nutrition Supplements) Help for Managing your Stress: Tunguska Blast: http://www.healthandwellnessmarketing.com/9.html Orville Campbell, MD is an internist and nephrologist. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and trained at Emory University. His expertise include: health and wellness, hypertension, diabetes, vitamin D metabolism, and kidney diseases.

Before explaining the benefits of cardio interval training let me first introduce the Reader to some risk factors concerning the human heart. Threats to the heart can be broadly categorized into two main groups. The one is unfortunately beyond the control of the individual, for example, age, sex and heredity factors. Secondly circumstances that are able to be controlled by the individual, and certain things that can be avoided to maintain a healthy heart. The second category embodies what is commonly referred to by Cardiologists as “the triple threat.” Hypertension or high blood pressure. Cigarette smoking; and thirdly high cholesterol levels in the blood. With a strong personality and mind it is possible to control the first (hypertension) without the use of medication. The problem is that most of us give up far too easily and opt for the lazy route - popping pills. It is a well documented fact that taking pills introduces a certain degree of risk factor, such as side-effects and what the dangers to the individual are. Cigarette smoking is without any shadow of doubt a highly anti-social and dirty habit. Don t men and women realize what this means to the non-smoker? Smoking is a strong deterrent to a healthy and happy sex life. What enjoyment is there for the non-smoking partner in kissing a woman/man who smokes? One must really be sex-starved to enjoy it. Cigarette smokers, create passive smokers who do not have filters at their disposal, whilst the smoker is able to filter the smoke through the use of filter-tipped cigarettes! Cigarette smoke permeates ones clothing, curtains and carpets inside your household. Something that is indelibly imprinted on my mind is when returning home from a holiday my house-sitter told me in no uncertain terms that he was forced to open all the windows and doors inside the house for a period of several days. Furthermore he was forced to spray the inside of the house several times to get rid of the “stink” as he put it. That I was embarrassed is putting it mildly. My next step was to throw the packet of cigarettes away and since then I have never smoked again. Do you need help or assistance to give up smoking? One sure way is to visit a hospital and watch a loved one dying from emphysema and his/her hopeless fight to get oxygen into his or her lungs. It is a terrible and heartfelt experience in the extreme. The third item affecting the heart are high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Here again try to improve your diet first before resorting to pills to bring down the “bad” cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol is currently a hotly debated subject, and what to believe is beyond my ken. It is argued that too much is being made of the high cholesterol scare. The drug companies and the huge amount of capital involved is to blame for all the hype and mystique surrounding the threat of high cholesterol levels. The other side of the argument is that it is nothing more than scare tactics because the body and certain important organs cannot function properly without certain levels of fat in the blood stream. Among the highest risk factors are males , aged over 35, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high levels of certain blood fats, and a family history of cardiovascular disorders. The United States Public Health Service, after a long and exhaustive study concerning the health of the population of the USA documented the chances of developing heart disease among the various groups before any symptoms appeared. Epidemiological research could identify high-risk groups. The Healthy Heart I have already pointed out the risk factors but what enhances the well-being of the heart and improves the odds of it working well, long and hard. Firstly quit cigarette smoking, change to a healthy and low fat diet. The heart comprises a group of muscles, in many ways similar to the muscles found in your legs and arms. Logically the same way exercising strengthens these muscles in your arms and legs so also your heart muscles are strengthened. Exhaustive research, which I will not explain here, because it is a weighty subject on its own, has shown without any doubt whatsoever that cardio interval training is the modern way of creating a healthy, happy heart and body. To allow a damaged heart muscle to heal, the heart relies on new small blood vessels for what is called collateral circulation. Exercise will create a better blood supply to all the muscle tissues of the heart, and provide blood to the portion of the heart that was damaged by, for example, a heart attack. Exercise seems to stimulate the development of new connections between the impaired and the nearly normal blood vessels. Further studies have shown that moderate exercise several times a week is more effective in building up auxiliary pathways around the heart than extremely vigorous exercise done often. The study attributed a third of that risk to sedentary lifestyle alone. In other words those that sit around most of the time leaving little or no time for exercising. Take a look at all the beautiful and stunning bodies of the film stars and others. Please don t let jealousy cloud your vision, people like, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Christie Brinkley, and Madonna. There are many, many others whom I love and admire. To maintain their loveliness and attractiveness takes dedication and many, many hours of exercising daily. Most of them have trainers helping them to maintain their disciplines. Employing cardio interval training, you can absolutely expect positive results not only on areas that concerns your cardiovascular system but on the overall status of your health as well. Cardio interval training is definitely good for the heart … is a cycle of “repeated segments” that is of intense nature. In this process, there is an interchange periods of recuperation, and inactivity. It can both be comprehensive activity and moderate motion. Consequently, the benefits of engaging into this kind of activity can bring you more results than you ever expected. These are: 1. The threat of heart attacks are lessened, if not eliminated. 2. Increase metabolism, increase the chance of burning calories, therefore, assist you in losing weight. 3. Improves lung capacity. 4. Helps lessen or eliminate cases of stress. In conclusion, cardio interval training is the modern way of creating a healthy, happy heart and body. From the desk of Chris Nagel Chris Nagel is an avid researcher of health and fitness programs and supplements, including GenF20 Human Growth Hormone supplement, that helps to improve the quality of life, and runs a successful website dedicated to reviewing health and wellness products for the benefit of the consumer.

Meditation In the hectic, fast paced lives we live in, meditation can be more of a distractions then the quietness of inner solace. It can be a challenge, but if you practice and plan for meditation time, the rewards will be beneficial beyond your imagination. To start meditation at home you need to create a personal sanctuary that will assist you in blocking out the “chaos” that surrounds our every day lives. By doing this for yourself, you will create an atmosphere that will reinforce your desire to nature yourself, relax and become quiet in your mind. An added bonus is that this will also allow you practice in setting boundaries with those around you. The personal sanctuary can be as simple or elaborate as you would like to make it. Figuring out where to “build” this sanctuary is the most difficult part of meditation. Here are several points to consider in creating your personal sanctuary: Find a place where you can go and ensure privacy A separate area with a door that can be closed or weather permitting a quiet place outside Setting a time schedule to follow will ensure that you build meditation into your daily routine. Discover the practical way that is most comfortable for you to be in during meditation. For some it is sitting in a relaxed position with their feet on the floor, for others it may be laying down. There is no right or wrong way to meditate. Try to set up meaningful symbols to focus upon whether it is a simple lit candle or a complete altar of items. If outside, find a flower or tree that is stationary to focus on. Dim light rather than bright light usually works best. Creating a personal sanctuary should be enjoyable. Use meaningful items you already own as your focal points. The important key is to find where you can connect with your inner self the best. Again for some it will be a quiet, clutter free space inside and for others it will be a place in nature that soothes their soul. Either way, the most important aspect is create the space and follow through with an action plan of practicing meditation daily. Bright blessings, Ashira http://www.ashira.ws ashira.ws Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at Asknow.com. The Witches Child Author Bacon Bits Author FFWA Member Cassel Network of Writers Member

How to raise HDL cholesterol levels is an important issue to understand because it can lower your risk for heart disease. The main defence against heart disease was to lower high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.It is now evident that a low level of HDL is a major risk factor for cardiovascular heart disease. If your HDL level is less than 35mg/dl you are at risk. The three bad boys are total cholesterol, ldl cholesterol and hdl cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol. This high density lipoprotein removes excess cholesterol from your blood and takes it to the liver for further decomposition. You should remember that an over abundance of cholesterol results in the formation of plaques in your arteries and causes blockage to blood flow. HDL is the agent which facilitates the remaoval of LDL cholesterol. Your objective is to raise HDL and lower LD Tips to raise HDL: -Do not eat foods that contain trans fats. -Avoid foods with labels that say hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. -Stay from snacks like cookies, donughts and potato chips. -Use monosaturated fats such as in canola and olive oil. -Avoid refined carbohydrates–sugar, white flour. -Eat soluble fibers–whole grains, oats, oat bran, brown rice, fruits and vegetables. -Increase your intake of fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids–salmon, tuna. -Eat onions. -Develop a regular exercise program. -Loose weight. -Quit smoking Remember that you can reduce your risk for a heart attack by increasing your HDL level. A life style change is the key to managing your health. You should always consult your doctor for any proposed change to your normal routine. It has been observed that if you exercise, follow a healthy diet and do not smoke your chances for health prolems diminish. You should do things in moderation and not bull doze into anything. Norman Kay is a contributing health care writer. He has created a website dedicated to cholesterol information

It is necessary to understand the right way to create a well balance diabetic cooking to prepare a nutritious meal for one suffering from diabetes. As one with diabetic condition, the body is slightly more fragile, and one needs to watch what one is eating in a meal. You cannot eat too heavy a meal or intake too much sugar as this will push up your blood sugar level, which is bad for you as your body cannot break down these foods easily. It is also important people with diabetes to eat more fruits and vegetables in their meal. Although it is good for people with diabetes to eat more vegetables, you do not really need to take a totally vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet can be high in carbohydrates, and can make normal blood sugar to fluctuate. By eating a vegetarian diet, you need to make sure that your carbohydrate level is in check. You also need to make sure you need to eat enough protein by eating food such as nuts, soybeans, or tofu. If you cannot change your diet to a vegetarian one, all you need to do is to add more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for everyone as these foods contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber which is good for the body. These nutrients can help protect the body from other diseases such as heart disease, stroke and hypertension. It can also help protect against cancer in many ways. So what are the foods that we should be including in diabetic cooking? It can be fruits and vegetables, grains such as bread, rice, pasta and cereal, and potatoes, and beans and peas. Other than eating more vegetables for healthy reasons, eating vegetables can also help reduce obesity. Another reason why you need to eat more vegetables if you got diabetes is that the fiber you plant foods is good for people with Type II diabetes. Soluble fiber is an important ingredient in the control of blood glucose level in the body. It forms a gel inside the intestinal tract, which slow down carbohydrate absorption and reduce the increase in blood glucose and insulin level after a meal. Soluble fiber also leaves the stomach slower, hence it can cause one to feel full for a longer period of time and prevent one from eating too much or too many times. So you see, when doing your diabetic cooking it is definitely good to put in more vegetables in your cooking. It is not only good for your diabetic condition, it is also good for your health in general. So start eating more leafs now to a healthier well being. Want more info on diabetes? Click for more top and latest info on Diabetic Food now or go to http://diabetic.greenhealthinformation.com Christopher Wen is the webmaster for http://www.greenhealthsearch.com where he provides you latest articles, news, and remedies to current health issues. Check out his site now to sign up for his newsletter and get a free specially prepared 5 part health course. So sign up for it now!

If you have a high cholesterol reading for any length of time then there is an increased risk that you will get thickening of the artery walls. This can ultimately lead to other cardiovascular problems, in particular heart disease. Heart disease is a leading cause of death of people in many developed countries thus there is plenty of information on how to lower cholesterol. In general, it involves eating foods with less cholesterol and taking on regular exercise. There is another approach to reducing cholesterol that involves taking foods and supplements that can combat cholesterol. One such foodstuff that can help is niacin. This article will discus how niacin can be used to control cholesterol. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 or nicotonic acid. It is soluble in water and can be found in a range of foods. It can be found in leaf vegetables, avocados, broccoli and many other foods. Most people that eat a balanced diet will get enough niacin for it to be effective within the body. Niacin is believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol in two ways. However, before covering this we need to understand how cholesterol is transported throughout the body. The nutrients, sugar and other elements of food, including cholesterol, are absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestine. However cholesterol cannot be moved throughout the body because it is not soluble in water (or blood). Thus it is attached lipoproteins. They act as cholesterol transporters. There are various types of lipoproteins that are responsible for different parts of this transport. Very low density lipoproteins (or VLDL cholesterol) transports cholesterol from the liver. Low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) transports cholesterol throughout the body but often bind with the artery walls. This leads to thickening of the artery walls or atherosclerosis (which is bad for the body and is dubbed bad cholesterol). High density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol) transports cholesterol back to the liver where it is removed from the body (this is good for the body and therefore is called good cholesterol). Niacin is believed block the breakdown of fats in the body. This causes a decrease in free fatty acids in the blood. This means that the levels of VLDL and cholesterol produced by the liver are decreased. By decreasing the level of VLDL, niacin also causes the level of HLDL cholesterol to be increased. By reducing VLDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol niacin is effectively reducing the bad cholesterol in the body. Niacin supplements are sometimes prescribed when a person has low levels of HDL cholestrol but in most cases a person can get their daily requirement of niacin by eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. High cholesterol is usually treated by making changes in your lifestyle. Find out how you can reduce cholesterol by starting a cholesterol diet at http://www.lowcholesteroldieting.com . Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to reducing cholesterol and how to monitor cholesterol levels.

Meditation has long been ignored as a therapeutic device in the West, but is now gaining favor as an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. This article will help you to understand the possible benefits of meditation and how you can access them. The art of meditation is a complex process, not easy to study or understand. Yet it is a practice that can be helpful in a number of ways. Rewards And Benefits Meditators experience a special state of consciousness — different from ordinary consciousness — where they feel an exalted sense of well being, understanding, joy and serenity. They report a deepening awareness of life s beauty and a powerful and intense sense of unity with all life. It takes years of disciplined practice to achieve the greatest rewards (some of which are difficult to put into words), but it s possible to start reaping benefits when just starting out. Meditation may be helpful for those who have difficulty concentrating, breaking stubborn habits, or learning to relax. In addition, meditation may help with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, chronic pain, anger and hostility, obsessive thoughts and low self esteem. And there are many other applications under study. Mediation can be used as a therapeutic tool to help a client succeed in reaching therapeutic goals. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, has helped some clients to decrease depression. Mindfulness therapy is a combination of cognitive therapy and mindfulness, and helps in reducing depression. It is not the mood that harms us, but the way we react to it. So, in mindfulness-based meditation we focus on altering our habitual reactions. Or, meditation can be used as a general method of self-help, enhancing one s inner horizons and leading to greater awareness and wisdom. How To Learn If you want to learn meditation to improve the overall quality of your life or as an anecdote for a particular condition or problem, you have several options: 1. Reading articles and books on meditation 2. Watching instructional DVDs 3. Taking meditation (or possibly) yoga classes 4. Working with a private instructor, teacher or coach 5. Engaging in counseling or therapy with a properly trained therapist Meditation is worthwhile even if you have no special goal in mind. It is a restful and restorative experience that makes you feel so good, and one that can deepen your spiritual life. Yet, meditation can be difficult for some people to learn because it involves sitting still and doing something they are not used to doing — quieting the busy, noisy mind and moving into the silence of inner spaces. Case Example Once I worked with an elderly client, a physician who had traveled the world, and showed her how to reach an inner state of tranquility and calm through hypnotherapy and meditation . . . and she told me that, of all her life experiences, none had made her feel more deeply relaxed or more at peace. It was a joy to watch her move into the mysterious reaches of this fascinating inner experience, and to embark on an incredibly rewarding journey at such an advanced age. And that s what makes meditation so wonderful. Once you have the experience of entering a profoundly beautiful, enjoyable and blissful state of consciousness, you won t regret it . . . one so special it eludes description. Get busy meditating, and you ll soon find out why meditation is a wonderful therapeutic method . . . and truly therapy for the soul. Richard Hamon is a professional therapist and coach with over 25 years of experience. Richard s Relationships For Success Coaching helps people to enjoy truly satisfying relationships and find great success in all areas of their lives. Richard has written a unique eBook, The Ultimate Relationship Solution: How Secrets Discovered From A Near Death Experience Can Help You Ignite Passion and Realize Success in All Your Relationships. The eBook tells about an actual Near Death Experience the author had in 2003, which transformed his life and led to a series of insights, revelations and secrets about building extraordinary relationships. You can find Richard s eBook, The Ultimate Relationship Solution at: LINKED TEXT

A Day in the Life of a Buddhist Forest Monk (Evening) Evenings are a blessed relief in Thailand; warm, but without the smothering heat of the day that gratefully surrenders to the night s relative coolness. If I wasn t in my solitary hut meditating in the evenings, I would be in the main hall at dusk chanting along with the other monks, or maybe sitting out in the jungle meditating (hoping to high heaven that a snake wouldn t crawl in my lap, or that a rabid village dog take a bite out of me). At other times, we would find ourselves gathered under the abbot s hut for a Dhamma talk. His hut is fancy, with a profusion of tropical plants and flowers on all sides. The hut itself is small, but because it is built in the middle of a large, ornate, elevated veranda supported by high, elaborate pillars, instead of the ordinary four by four stilts that propped up our huts, the whole structure has an appearance of a massive building. The living quarters inside the hut are about the same size as ours; but because it is built on a large platform, the structure is large enough for the entire community to sit beneath it. The abbot is perched on a high seat, being fanned slowly with giant banana leaves by one or two senior monks, and except for fierce mosquitoes preparing to feast on us (and hopefully not carrying any bad strains of malaria), all is deadly quiet, as the monks continue to fan their abbot. The humidity is tangible; the still air heavily laden with moisture as a storm brews during this rainy season. Nobody speaks or moves after we all file in and find a seat on the concrete floor; it is perfectly silent, a powerful silence with monks and nuns sitting peacefully, not making a sound. Shaving my head is a twice a month ordeal, and with no mirror and safety razors with the safeties removed, it was an interesting experience. After the trauma of shaving my own head and mopping up the blood, I meet in the main hall at midnight with the rest of the community. One of the monks volunteer to recite the two hundred and twenty seven rules in Pali (by memory), which takes about forty-five minutes reciting as fast as he can. Then we sit up all night meditating in the hall until daybreak when we go on our alms rounds. A few families from the villages always attend these all-night vigils, sitting up with us and waiting for the three a.m. talk by one of the monks. The villagers would then go back to work in the fields the next day, not the least bit concerned about the lack of sleep. These full moon nights, where we would immerse ourselves in meditation, are one of my fondest memories of Thailand, as well as the serene mornings sitting together in the hall, the trips to the villages, and the days we gathered to dye our robes. My fellow monks nursed my body when it was ill, as well my spirits. They fed me honey and bananas for the dysentery, and they even convinced me to drink my own urine to cure my many other maladies. The solitary life of these monks and nuns leave few footprints on this earth, making little karma through their selfless actions and peaceful existence. It s unfortunate that few, outside of Thailand, know about their efforts. Perhaps the quality that rang so true with these selfless meditators was that nobody was home. No “self” was inside. Their outward attention was always directed toward others, toward peace, toward compassion, and they themselves no differently from whatever arose in their consciousness. I admire them more than the wealthy and famous that I now find in America. My heart will always go out to them. E. Raymond Rock of Fort Myers, Florida is cofounder and principal teacher at the Southwest Florida Insight Center, http://www.SouthwestFloridaInsightCenter.com - His twenty-eight years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents, including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Theravada Buddhist monk. His book, A Year to Enlightenment (Career Press/New Page Books) is now available at major bookstores and online retailers. Visit http://www.AYearToEnlightenment.com

A Popular High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Medication Review What is Combipres? Combipres is mostly prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It is a combination medication containing clonidine and chlorthalidone. How does Combipres Work? The two medications in Combipres (clonidine and chlorthalidone) work together. Clonidine relaxes the vessels that carry blood and regulates the blood pumped from the heart to parts of the body with the minimal possible resistance thereby reducing stress on the heart. Chlorthalidone increases water and salt in the body to help patients reduce problems like swelling (edema). It works like a diuretic and replenishes the body with water and salt that are lost through urination. Precautions Combipres works differently in patients depending on their medical needs. Only your physician can determine if this medicaiton is the right choice for your hypertension and will do so only after a proper assessment and medical history. It is contraindicated for patients with a history of liver diseases. If you have an allergy to sulfa you should avoid Combipres. If you have been diagnosed with or are being treated for kidney disease, gout, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high cholesterol, pancreatitis, collagen vascular diseases like systemic lupus, or have dangerously high levels of triglycerides in the blood stream you may not tolerate it well. If you doctor has prescribed Combipres and you suffer from any of the afformentioned conditions you will more than likely need special monitoring while on therapy. Combipres has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a pregnancy risk category B. This means that it has been proven to have little negative effect on the fetus of pregnant women. However, it is still important to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Combipres is not approved for use in children. This medication is excreted in breast milk so nursing mothers are encouraged to not use it. Dosage Instructions Never take more of Combipres than the dosage that has been prescribed for you. Overdoses of this medication have been proven to cause death. If you miss a dose and it is time for you next dose then skip the first dose and continue on your regimen. You should never take two doses of Combipres or take two doses close together as it can lead to problems that require immediate medical attention. Signs of overdose include nausea, seizures, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, and other similar effects. If you experience any of these symptoms seek immediate medical attention. You should never mix it with any other medications including over the counter medications and dietary supplements without first consulting your doctor. While this medication has a proven track record for helping to improve high blood pressure it should be administered with great care. Maryann is an avid researcher of hypertension (high blood pressure) treatments and medications such as Combipres and runs a successful website dedicated to providing consumers with answers to their hypertension medication questions. For more information on the different types of hypertension medications please visit Maryann s site at hypertensionmedsreview.com .