Posts Tagged high blood pressure
The Battle Against Obesity Goes On…
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on December 8, 2010
The FDA is close to approving a new diet medication and some doctors are saying, “Finally!” No, it’s not approved yet and certainly isn’t perfect so stay on your diet! But, as Americans continue to struggle with weight problems and the huge range of health issues they bring with it, doctors may have something they could prescribe to obese patients who can’t lose weight on their own. The medication, Contrave, combines two previously tested drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, although they weren’t originally developed or tested for weight loss efficacy. Naltrexone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction and alcohol dependence, is being combined with buproprion, a drug used to treat depression and smoking cessation. In combination the drugs appear to be effective for weight loss. 3,200 obese patients participated in a clinical trial and 30% lost 5% of their body weight. This is the minimum amount of weight loss required for the FDA to judge a weight loss drug effective. It isn’t as much as many people will hope for and also raises blood pressure.
Some doctors say that the weight loss is counteracted by the health risk of increased blood pressure. It still looks like the most effective and safest way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. The participants in the control group, those not taking Contrave, who lost weight saw a drop in their blood pressure. There are weight loss methods that have been available since the 1950s, but key is eating less and getting moving. Start now and don’t wait for the perfect solution! You are your own best weapon.
Calorie Restriction and Longevity
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on September 14, 2010
If you are interested in a long, healthy life, calorie restriction may be a way to achieve it. We are all aware of the large numbers of overweight or obese people. We hear it in the news and see them all around us every day. There are groups who promote calorie restriction (CR) as a lifestyle, not to look good, but to increase life span, reduce disease and increase mental agility. The Blaylock Wellness Report focuses this month on the benefits of CR. The studies done on rats and monkeys have shown that a diet 30-40% lower in calories than a “normal” diet reduces inflammation which leads to metabolic syndrome in humans. Metabolic syndrome includes higher risks for Type 2 diabetes, stroke and artery disease. Other groups, including CRON (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) provide information on how to maintain a low calorie diet that provides the right nutrients.
Exercise in combination with CR is thought to increase the size of the hippocampus, possibly staving off Alzheimer’s and maybe even reversing it. Although there isn’t much research done on humans yet, the evidence suggests that there may be a tremendous health benefit beyond just preventing diseases caused by obesity. Living longer may only be worth it if we’re healthy enough to enjoy it. Eating fewer calories than a “normal” American diet has got to be good for most of us!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Choose You Campaign Focuses on Putting Yourself First
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on May 7, 2010
Just in time for Mother’s Day, when we all say “Thanks Mom”, the American Cancer Society is encouraging women to take better care of themselves. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 women will contract cancer during her lifetime. Moms spend so much time taking care of everyone else, they often neglect their own health. Carving out time to exercise, go to the doctor, or even choose healthier foods can be a struggle for busy people. Ellen Pompeo, of Grey’s Anatomy, launched the effort this week in Times Square and focused on this specific idea: Busy mothers need to make the time to stay or get healthy. In a new national survey, out of 2000 women aged 25 to 64, 90% say they “fall short” of eating a balanced diet and 85% fail to squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week.
“Women hold the keys to cancer prevention because they are the Chief Medical and Chief Operating Officers of their individual households. But they really struggle to make their own health a priority,” said Elizabeth T.H. Fontham, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., immediate past volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. Women are encouraged to go to the Choose You website and sign a Choose You commitment to meet a specific personal health goal from 5 different categories: Eat Right, Get Active, Get Recommended Health Screenings, Protect Your Skin or Quit Smoking. Choose You participants and visitors will also have access to online tools and support such as a virtual dietician, a calorie counter and more.
On May 12th, large employers will support the Choose You campaign by encouraging employees to support the campaign and to take a 30 minute walk during the workday to focus on their own personal health. Employees can choose to take a walk, attend a yoga class or attend another program provided by their employer. If you were waiting for some encouragement to get started on a improving your health, here it is!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Do You Know Your Diabetes Risk?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests on March 23, 2010
Today is a day set aside by the American Diabetes Association to alert people to their risk for Type 2 diabetes. 57 million people are currently at risk for developing this condition that has no cure and causes many other health issues if left untreated. They ask, “What will you do to stop diabetes?”. On their website, the ADA offers a Diabetes Risk Test, an online quiz that asks a few quick questions to help determine your potential risk for developing diabetes. Key things that increase your risk is being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle and having hypertension, or high blood pressure. If you worry that you or a loved one may be at risk have your blood sugar tested today and get the answers you need to protect yourself.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
CDC H1N1 Flu Updates:- Press Briefing Transcript: Dr. Thomas Frieden's Remarks at the 2010 Influenza Workshop for Journalists
- HHS News Release: WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
- WHO Statement on H1N1 in post-pandemic period
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update