Yup- that pretty much sums it up-the holidays blow in and out like a flash of light. It is hard sometimes to stop and think about what the true meaning is and to not get caught up in the hub bub!

And what 2 days of the year do you think have the highest incidences of heart attacks and heart related deaths? I’m sure you guessed it…

The two riskiest days of the year for heart-related deaths Dec.25 and Jan. 1. Christmas and New Year’s, it appears, can line up alongside smoking, obesity and high blood pressure as risk factors for cardiac mortality, said the study.

Please take a deep breath and remember that is all about your family and friends and being with the ones that you truly care about and love. If the cards don’t make it to the post office- oh well. You can always send New Years or Valentine’s day cards out! And the cookies- the stores around my parts make some darn good homemade knockoffs. Cut yourself some slack and just enjoy!

via China View

Post from: Blisstree

What Are The Two Riskiest Days For Heart Related Deaths?

High blood pressure among our children… Working in an urgent care facility, I see every single age group and demographic every single time I work. But I am getting very bothered by the number of children whose blood pressure is alarmingly high! I mean like 152/96 and 146/94. That is no joke high!! What will happen to these children if there are no changes made?

And I know that this is not very clinical and exactly factual, but most of these kids are overweight. Before you write a comment saying that I shouldn’t make generalizations, remember that I said it was a very broad statement and observation, and I said the word MOST.

Have you come across this? Have you heard anything first hand? Is your child’s blood pressure normal? Do you worry about heart disease among your children?

Post from: Blisstree

Our Children’s Blood Pressure Really Worries Me!

Eating garlic is one of the best ways to lower high blood pressure and protect yourself from cardiovascular disease. A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) shows this protective effect is closely linked to how much hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is produced from garlic compounds interacting with red blood cells

I hear everybody loud and clear and love me some stinky garlic but… is it whole garlic, fresh garlic, minced garlic, garlic powder or does it matter if the garlic is heated to a certain temperature? This is what I ponder on a Saturday night. How sad! Haha.

So what have you heard? I did catch something on television last week stating that the garlic pills are no good because it is a certain part of the garlic that is imperative in helping in heart disease. Have you heard that same thing? Just thought I would put it out there before I go “funkafying” my breath in a bad way.

via University of Alabama at Birmingham

Post from: Blisstree

Garlic And Blood Pressure- What’s The Real Deal?

What is the reason behind this very, very frightening little statistic…

One of the biggest reasons that hypertension is missed in children is that normal blood pressure values change based on a child’s age, gender and height. So, while 120/80 mm/Hg is a normal reading for an adult and for some older children, that same reading could indicate high blood pressure in a younger, shorter child.

So my suggestion is to be that pushy parent. Yes, take it from a nurse mommy of 3 that has had her fair share of hospital stays and doctors appointments. If you have a question or concern, bring it to the clinicians attention. And if you don’t like the answer or explanation, get a second opinion. Hypertension is scary to begin with, but when you throw children into the mix it becomes terrifying!

via Everyday Health

Post from: Blisstree

Hypertension Often Missed In Children

So, what states topped the list? By the way, this is not the list to be bragging about! Anyway, Mississippi has won the gold on this one. They are now considered the most obese state in the US with over 30% of persons meeting the criteria. Alabama and West Virginia took second and third place. Colorado is the leanest state with only 17%.

Childhood obesity was also measured and District of Columbia weighed in with over 20% of their children overweight. The leanest children in the US can be found in Utah. If you care to read more about how childhood obesity can prove to be fatal, check out what I had to say at Diabetes Notes today. Boy, I guess I am on a roll!

via healthamericans.org

Post from: Blisstree

Obesity Rates Continue To Climb In The US, So Does Heart Disease