Health and Fitness Blog » Stroke

Avoid the Silent Killers: Heart Attack and Stroke

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:28:30 +0000

Heart attacks and strokes from two leading global cause of death and disability. Clearly, not enough people know about the risks surrounding these two medical emergency and factors. For example, many believe that as long as they do not smoke, consume alcohol, and usually have a number of training them from this fatal disease is immune. However, many individuals do not watch their diet, from the greasy food and fast food orders are sometimes formed. These facts should not be rightly so. Read to find ways to protect themselves and loved ones from this fear of the disease.

Development of a heart attack, when the arteries become blocked, the delivery of oxygen and thus prevent the heart from the basic nutrients to reach the blood. Insufficient oxygen supply, or permanent damage to the heart of the region. Some heart attacks are sudden and severe, but the majority of cases, slowly, often developed with minor pain or discomfort. Affected individuals may not be sure of the symptoms and they are looking for treatment, when it ’s been Queen Mother.

The following are possible warning signs that can mean a heart attack is taking place:

More than a few minutes can be uncomfortable in the center of the chest too. This may feel like to squeeze the pain away and then come back; discomfort or pain in the upper body area like the lower jaw, neck, one or both arms, stomach or back; may occur with or without chest pain, shortness of breath; and cold sweat, cough , nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.

Stroke or “brain attack” occurs because of the absence of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) and, in some cases, there is bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). According to medical experts, blood vessels in the brain are damaged because if fat deposits or blood clot that may block a part of the brain. With insufficient blood that carries oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die and cause permanent damage.

The warning signs of stroke include:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg. These numbness usually occur in one side of the body; Severe headache with unknown cause; Swallowing difficulties or drooling; Uncontrollable eye movements, eyelid drooping; Loss of balance or coordination; and Personality changes, like depression.

Individuals who experience these signs, they should act fast and go to the hospital immediately. Getting urgent treatment may save the victim’s life and reduce the chances of developing disability. Medical specialists advice patients to receive therapy three hours after the stroke. Stroke should be treated with intensive care and life support that only hospitals can support.

A healthy lifestyle is crucial in the prevention of heart attack and stroke. Some factors that may contribute to the risks of stroke include age, family history of stroke, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. In addition to these risks, alcohol and drug abuse, head injury, and bleeding disorder may increase the risks of stroke.

The possibility of recovering most or all of body functions of those who survived from stroke is only 10 percent. Most even experience long-term disabilities. Therefore, the best immunity when it comes to stroke is having a healthy and active lifestyle.

Using Rhodiola to Fight Stress and Anxiety

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:24:09 +0000

The following article covers a topic – herbal remedies for stress and anxiety- that has recently moved to center stage–at least it seems that way. If you’ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here’s your opportunity.

Rhodiola Rosea is the latest natural remedy to join the arsenal of natural anxiety and stress reducers.

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as Golden Root, is a native plant of arctic Siberia. For centuries it has been used by eastern European and Asian cultures for physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders.

The first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamed Rhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in 77 C.E. in ‘De Materia Medica’. Rhodiola Rosea has been included in official Russian medicine since 1969.

Despite its long history, the Western world has only recently become aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention of many natural health practitioners because of studies which tested its affects on combating anxiety and stress.

Rhodiola Rosea is considered an adaptogen. This means it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability to normalize hormones may be effective for treating depression and anxiety.

Studies of Rhodiola Rosea show that it stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain. This includes the ability for the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress.

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Since adaptogens improve the body’s overall ability to handle stress, it has been studied to identify it’s effects on biological, chemical and physical stress.

A study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when stress is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such tests concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved the amount and quality of work, increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.

The effects of Rhodiola Rosea have also been tested on stress and anxiety from both physical and emotional sources. A report by the American Botanical Council states that “Most users find that it improves their mood, energy level, and mental clarity.” They also report on a study that indicated Rhodiola Rosea could increase stress tolerance while at the same time protecting the brain and heart from the physical affects of stress.

This report included details of studies which highlight the overall health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.

The generally recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.

It is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone with depression or anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating these symptoms.

Understanding Cholesterol Levels and Decrease the Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:42:55 +0000

Fact:

* heart disease claims about ½ million lives in America per year
* high cholesterol levels play a ignificant role in heart disease
* studies show if you lower cholesterol levels, the risk of heart disease is reduced by up-to 40%

What is Cholesterol?
Before we go into how to reduce your cholesterol, let’s take a look at what exactly cholesterol is.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by the liver and its job is to:-

* produce bile acids to help with the digestion of fat
* build and repair cells and
* produce estrogen and testosterone hormones

Therefore cholesterol is an important function of the body, but too much cholesterol in the body becomes a risk
as it can clog up arteries and this can be the cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol Symptoms

It is surprising to learn that there are virtually no symptoms to diagnose if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol is normally identified by a blood test.

However, if you are having health issues such as coronary disease, vascular disease or stroke, then this could be the end result of high cholesterol levels in your body.

Symptoms of:

Coronary Disease
* Angina
* Chest pains
* Nausea
* Shortness of breath

Vascular Disease
* A tightening sensation in the lower extremities
* Ulcers or open sores on the lower extremities

Stroke
* loss of balance and dizziness
* slurring of speech and difficulty in understanding
* numbing sensation of the face, arm or leg
* this can be a sudden event with little or no warning

People who are overweight and do no exercise at all tend to be the ones with higher cholesterol levels.

Therefore, it is recommended that you have a cholesterol blood test every three years if you are overweight and every 5 years if you are a normal healthy weight.

How to Lower Cholesterol

If your blood test shows that your cholesterol levels are too high, then you should take immediate measures to help
lower your cholesterol. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but initially it is the norm for
you to follow a low cholesterol diet.

A low cholesterol diet is normally a diet which is low in saturated fat and will include eating:-

* skinless poultry
* lean meats
* fish and shellfish
* low fat dairy products
* fruit
* vegetables
* whole grain foods

Cook your food by either

* grilling
* baking
* steaming
* boiling
* poaching
* microwave

Do not fry your food in lard or oil.

Your doctor also might prescribe you with a cholesterol lowering medication if he/she feels that the low cholesterol diet will not be enough.