Just who is at risk for developing high blood pressure? While anyone can have high blood pressure, heredity, race (African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure), sex, age, sodium sensitivity and weight are all considered risk factors. Heavy alcohol consumption and the use of other medications and inactive lifestyles can also contribute to high blood pressure.
Testing for high blood pressure is easy. Most people are familiar with the blood pressure cuff, or sphygmomanometer, which gently compresses an artery in the arm and allows the health professional to "hear" the systolic and diastolic pressure. What the health professional is "listening" for is the sound of your blood rushing through an artery. Your blood pressure is at its greatest when the heart contracts and is pumping blood - this is your systolic pressure. When the heart is resting between beats, your blood pressure falls - which is the diastolic pressure. A normal reading for adults is 120/80. If blood pressure goes above 140/90, however, your doctor may choose a treatment of diet or medication.
Not treating high blood pressure can lead to serious medical problems, such as arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which speeds the build up of cholesterol and fats, and may result in a heart attack. High blood pressure can also cause the heart to become enlarged, resulting in fluids in the lungs. The kidney also suffers when high blood pressure is left untreated. The kidney filters waste from the body, and reduced blood flow through the kidney can cause the waste to build up in the blood and even kidney failure. Dialysis or kidney transplants may be needed. High blood pressure can also result in strokes to occur in blocked of weakened blood vessels in the brain.
The good news is that high blood pressure is a condition that can be treated. Several types of medications are available to combat hypertension, but often doctors choose to combat high blood pressure with lifestyle changes.
"While we can not change who our parents are, our race or our age, there are some risk factors we can control," said Pat Larson, Marketing Director for Atrium Centers who own Roosevelt Park. "Loosing weight and increasing the amount of exercise that we get, while reducing the amount of sodium and alcohol that is consumed, can often bring high blood pressure down to a normal level without the use of medications," Pat explained. "However, if your doctor prescribes medication, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and stay on your medication."
Please feel free to stop by the Blood Pressure Clinic Atrium Centers sponsors on Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Village at Park Terrace, 1350 W. Hackley in Muskegon.
On a macro picture, what exactly does this mean? Does it mean that more people will begin to collect Social Security than ever before? Does it mean that as more people enter into retirement, there will be more opportunity for younger people to fill open jobs? Or does it acutely imply that our country must address an issue it never has had to deal with to this degree: a nation that will face crisis due to the fact that people are living longer?
Most feel the issue at hand will revolve around longevity. Many folks will simply live longer due to advances in medical technology. This scenario could present numerous situations where those who are surviving are unable to care for themselves. The family unit as most of us remembers it growing up has changed. Families no longer live in close proximity to one another. The impact of this has resulted in seniors moving out of their homes and into assisted living facilities, long term care facilities and, finally, end of life facilities. While this solution may enable parents to not become a "burden" to their children, it also can easily turn into a financial nightmare. If not handled properly a typical middle class family can become penniless in an extremely short period of time.
In order to combat this, those who are turning age 65 should begin proactive elder life planning and not just worry about retirement planning. Part of this planning includes funeral planning. This does not mean selecting your casket or urn and deciding what music is to be played, it means setting aside the maximum amount the state allows you to set aside that will be considered exempt as an asset if you should need any form of medical financial assistance for long term care, in your home or in a skilled care facility.
Did you know that, regardless of your financial scenario, most anyone, if they proactively position their asset base correctly, can leave a legacy behind for their children and qualify for Medicaid assistance? Yes, there are legalities that need to be adhered to. However, with proper planning which includes full disclosure of your asset base, these laws can be met and satisfied, therefore eliminating the "spending down" of one's assets or the private pay of a nursing home facility's fee until a person is penniless and qualifies for Medicaid.
Funeral planning is just one technique Clock Funeral Home can offer to preserve assets within Medicaid laws. Our referral base is strong and the solutions are there, you just have to know where to seek them out. The choice is yours. We are here to help you and help your family, today and for the future.
Getting plenty of physical activity is important to a healthy body. Physical activity, whether it is working out in the gym, or walking around your neighborhood, needs proper nutrition. "Combine healthy eating with a regular exercise program, and you're on the right path to a healthy lifestyle," Denise Rogers, Dietitian said.
When muscles are working they require fuel, and the best source is complex carbohydrates. Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, starchy vegetables and beans and add some lean protein to nourish your muscles before you use them during a work out. Chicken, turkey, fish, beans or low-fat dairy products are great sources of protein. Don't forget the importance of drinking plenty of water.
A healthy lifestyle is all about having a plan for change, making small gradual changes and enjoying a healthier way of living. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I follow the guidance of the Food Guide Pyramid?
- Do I get regular physical activity most days of the week?
- Do I keep portions in balance with my physical activity?
- Do I consume a variety of food choices?
If you answered "yes," you're on the right path. If you need some work, start with a plan that includes small changes.
Healthy eating helps you get the most out of life. A healthy lifestyle is the key to looking good, feeling great and being your best at work and at play. It all starts with a healthy eating plan.
- Individual needs and preferences determine your personal food choices. Match your food choices to your lifestyle and individual requirements, choosing enough to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Actively pursue variety. Eating a wide variety of foods not only promotes optimal nutrition, it provides the pleasurable aspects of eating.
What can you do? Here is the three step plan to make a big difference.
- As you make food choices "eat the rainbow." Include fruits, vegetables and snacks that are red, green, yellow, orange, blue and purple. Each gives you different vitamins and nutrients. Try it!
- Cut the portion size of what you eat. Eat just until satisfied. You'll be surprised how many calories you can cut daily with smaller portions.
- Move more! Do something everyday. Park farther away, walk around the house during the TV commercials, or come take Zumba at Tanglewood Park - but do something every day.
Here are some programs at Tanglewood Park free to anyone, to help keep you healthier this month.
Get information, resources and support at our Diabetes Support Group, March 26, 11:00 a.m. to noon.
Blood Pressure Checks are every Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hearing Tests are held the second Monday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Seniors: Prevening Phone and Email Scams is a class held March 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call (231) 733-8643 to register for this one.
Do something good for yourself to AgeWell!