Friday, November 16, 2007

Random Acts of Kindness

I'm a member of BlogCatalog. On December 17th, participating BlogCatalog members are devoting themselves to acts of kindness.

The excitement and community input has been uplifting. BlogCatalog has members from all corners of the globe. What a wonderful way to spread good will. Kudos to the administrators for their promotion of such an endeavour.

Watch the video that this community has put together. Join in. How could this ever be anything but sooo right?



What do you think is most needed?

Tell me what you think. If you were the recipient of that act of kindness, would it open your eyes and heart? Would you believe that the world is indeed a better place because of this?

Please join us.

Here's a wonderful video from anoher member of BlogCatalog.

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Hypertension

High Blood Pressure Vaccine Shows Promise

There is a vaccine in the making to control hypertension. The vaccine works against angiotensin II by creating antibodies, and is effective for four months. It has been studied in persons with mild to moderate hypertension.

Drugs currently on the market to treat high blood pressure block the release of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical that causes narrowing of the blood vessels. Angiotensin II also causes the release of the hormone Aldosterone. Aldosterone stimulates fluid and sodium retention in the body. Blocking the release of angiotensin allows the blood vessels to relax, or widen, providing an effective means of blood pressure control.

One problem is that medications wear off after 24 hours. Most cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke occur in the morning, when blood pressure tends to run highest. Another problem is that many people don't take their medication. Hypertension is difficult to control. It's estimated that only 25% of blood pressure problems are adequately treated.

Treatment with the vaccine, given in high doses, showed a significant reduction in both morning and daytime blood pressures. The study was conducted over a four month period.

The only side effects reported with the vaccine (CYT006-AngQb) was headache. Both the placebo and vaccinated group reported pain and redness at the injection site, an expected issue. Following the first injection, a strong antibody response to Angiotensin II was measureable.

Further research is necessary to refine the dosing. Hypertension also needs to be better understood, but the vaccine is reported as showing promise for treatment of a chronic and significant problem.

Ref: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2007: Abstract 2519. Presented November 6, 2007.


Walk for Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure problems seem to be worse in the winter months. The report comes from a study presented at the American Heart Association's 2007 Scientific Sessions.

Speculation suggests that blood pressure medication adjustments might be necessary during the cold season. It's not clear why this happens, but thoughts lean toward weight gain and lack of exercise as a possible culprit.

I would think that dietary intake might play a role. Fresh fruits and vegetables aren't as abundant in the winter months. Also, I don't know about you, but I'm sure my salt intake increases around the winter holidays. Canned goods, full of sodium make their way out of the cupboard during the winter months. We should all remember that frozen vegetables are a better dietary choice. Buy freshly canned fruits vegetables whenever possible.

This is a good time to reinforce the importance of maintaining a proper diet. Find ways to continue exercise even when the cold and damp arrives. Many people walk by going to the Mall. Walk for 30 minutes three times a week to maintain your weight, improve circulation and maintain a healthy immune system. Walking at your local Mall is great way to socialize, avoid costly gym membership and maintain health throughout the winter. Make a vow to yourself and please stay well as winter approaches.

About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is on the rampage. It's estimated that by the year 2025 1.5 billion people will be diagnosed with high blood pressure - that's staggering. Present statistics estimate that 50 million people are affected with hypertension in the United States.

Many people think high blood pressure is cured with medication and stop their treatment when blood pressure values return to normal. Guidelines for blood pressure have changed in recent years. High blood pressure is not benign just because it doesn't always make people feel bad. Your blood pressure should be kept under control. Hypertension "silently" damages the kidney, heart and major blood vessels. Over time, every organ in the body is adversely affected when blood pressure levels are high. Once this happens, the damage that occurs cannot be reversed.

Blood pressure can be controlled by exercise, reducing salt intake, weight loss and limiting alcohol use, but people don't adhere to any of these. Medication treatment then becomes necessary, but not everyone responds the same to medication. High blood pressure is now being diagnosed in children!

Adult blood pressures need to be less than 140/90. If you have kidney disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease or other disease of the blood vessels, it should be less than 130/90. For those with heart failure it's advisable to lower blood pressure even further. In fact, blood pressures greater than 130/85 greatly increase your risk of heart disease.

Prevention is the best approach of course. Stop smoking, lose weight, eat healthy foods and hopefully you won't find yourself on multiple medications. Lose abdominal fat. Even if you're just a bit "pudgy" in the middle, thinning down around the waist yields great benefits for overall cardiovascular health, decreases your chances of being diagnosed with diabetes and reduces your risk of many other illnesses, such as cancer.

Helpful Link:
Hypertension – EverydayHealth.com
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