A Brief Discussion of Birth Defects

Baby being held by woman Ah, the miracle of giving birth, the significance of which can never be overstated.

Motherhood is a gift, but it is also an enormous responsibility, both when carrying and during upbringing. Parenthood means you are responsible for someone else’s life and you are bound to protect and care for your children.

Childbirth Definition

Childbirth is already an arduous task. Unfortunately, it can become a complicated one as well. Due to any number of reasons, a birth defect might arise. By definition, it is an unusual development of the fetus. The consequences of such anomalies include death, malformation, retardation, or functional disorders.

The statistics relating to birth defects in newborns are alarming. Nearly 150,000 children are born every year with some form of deficiency or deformity. Furthermore, roughly 3% of infants are prone to a malformation upon birth. Some of these adolescents do not exhibit signs until they are much older.

Causes

Despite their expertise, doctors are not always able to diagnose the actual reasons for birth defects. When it is possible, they cite the child’s genetic structure or environmental effects or a combination of both as justification for these congenital malformations. While the genetic makeup may mean the defect is hereditary, environmental issues can include exposure to chemicals or an infection while the child was developing in the womb.

Doctor Examining Woman Before Giving Child Birth — Doctor examining woman before giving childbirth. Bigstock

Let us elaborate on the science behind genetic causes. Each cell in the human body contains a chromosome that holds genes. Genes are the fundamental elements of a cell that determine the traits of a person. When a mother conceives her child, she bestows these genes to her offspring. Generally, a child receives one chromosome from each parent.

A failure or omission in the mechanism of this process is what causes birth defects. Either a child may have excess chromosomes or a scarcity of it. A familiar issue caused by a chromosome imbalance is the phenomenon of Down syndrome. If an extra chromosome is allocated to the child, they develop this condition.

Other genetic disorders include achondroplasia or dwarfism and Marfan syndrome, which is a disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. There are rare cases where a child can obtain a disease directly from their mother. The female genetic code is called the X chromosome. Typical examples include color blindness and hemophilia, a condition where the blood doesn’t clot normally.

Then there is the environment. A mother’s health is paramount during pregnancy. Caution is advised for the nine-month duration since any mishap can affect the child as well. Even if a mother exercises extreme caution, she is still prone to an infection or illness. Sadly, this can prove detrimental to the health of the child she is bearing.

If a mother suffers from chickenpox during pregnancy, her child may develop a defect. Similarly, toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a foreign parasite, can give the child a disorder. Thankfully, vaccinations are available which can improve the mother’s health and prevent the child from being harmed.

If a mother is particularly reckless in her pregnant phase and routinely consumes alcoholic beverages or indulges in recreational drugs, she will invariably cause damage to her child. It is better to be safe than sorry when you’re expecting a child.

Types

Baby at Birth — Photo by Frank Alarcon on Unsplash

There are various forms of birth defects. One instance is a congenital heart defect. One in eleven children is likely to suffer from a heart illness. These are caused by a genetic disequilibrium during the chrysalis in the fetus. The worrying part of heart defects is that they can often escape detection. A child is likely to experience an accelerated heartbeat and respiratory issues. Feeding may also be an inconvenience and there may also be swellings in the lower half of the body.

Another disorder is called clubfoot. It is more prevalent in boys than girls and involves a physical deformity that affects the ankles or feet of the child. It is likely a consequence of genetic and environmental determinants and does not manifest itself until the child begins to walk.

Moreover, a cleft lip is another common abnormality. A cleft lip occurs when the hard palate (roof of the mouth), soft palate (tissues at the back of the mouth), or the upper lip are split during fetal formation. For some reason, It affects Asian children more than North Americans.

A child who suffers from this condition requires a speech pathologist to aid his/her delivery of the speech. The severity of cleft lips can vary. While some are mild, others involve the lip and floor of the nostril and part of the dental arch as well.

Another birth illness is known as spina bifida. It is a less common disorder that affects one out of every 2,000 children. A malformation of the child’s neural lobe, which is the basis of their brain and spinal column, prohibits their backbone from closing properly. Fortunately, if the issue is detected during pregnancy, cesarean birth is organized so that experts can handle the baby immediately.

Immature limbs are the final defect we will discuss. Some children are born with a limb deviation. The professional opinion is that this is likely the result of an environmental factor rather than a genetic one. Nevertheless, an orthopedic specialist and therapist must be consulted to help the child cope. Infants who are affected are also fitted with a prosthesis to aid their movement.

The concept of birth defects is a lamentable scenario that makes an indelible impact on the lives of children. Although they cannot be prevented entirely, science has given mothers and children plenty of hope. First, mothers should be extraordinarily careful during pregnancy. Second, on the off chance that they observe an issue post-birth, they should immediately consult a doctor.

That about sums it up for this brief explanation of illnesses during birth, but with the advancements in medical technology, it is only a matter of time when all these abnormalities will come to an end and that will be a site to see!

The A-Z of Snoring

Woman in bed with snoring spouse — Photo by Wavebreakmedia – yayimages.com

Like the picture above shows, you may have had an unfortunate experience with snoring. If you share a bedroom with your spouse or had a sleepover with friends, chances are you may have heard one of those people wheezing while you’re trying to sleep. There is always the chance that you’re the one who really snores!

Although it may prove to be a nuisance, it begs the question. What does snoring actually entail and what causes it? We will delve into this issue in order to understand exactly what snoring is and what causes it.

Defining Snoring

Snoring is a hoarse, rattling noise a person exudes while sleeping. The science behind it is that the soft palate, uvula, tongue, tonsils, and muscles located at the back of the throat rub against each other. The resulting friction is what generates a rough sound during sleep. In other words, it is due to the obstructed air movement during breathing during sleep. The following video is a well-documented illustration of what happens if the muscles in the back of the throat contract too much.

As a matter of fact, snoring is a frequent occurrence in men and women. One in five adults have chronic snoring while 45% snore sporadically. In addition, the chances of snoring are directly proportional to age. As we grow older, so does the prospect of snoring. More than half of adults aged 60 and above snore regularly.

Furthermore, snoring may be a significant precursor to a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This phenomenon transpires when a portion of the airway is blocked when a person tries to inhale during sleep. This generally occurs on the back of the throat. The consequence is that breathing ceases for more than 10 seconds as a stretch before normal service is resumed.

The astonishing fact about obstructive sleep apnea is that it occurs several times during the average sleeping pattern at night. Naturally, patients with sleep apnea snore considerably and quite loudly for that matter. The contraction of the airways causes sleep apnea since the tissues of the throat are inflamed.

That is not all there is to snoring. The action may be connected to physical ailments or anxiety as well. One such case which may be hard to believe but truly exists is socially unacceptable snoring. This means that the snoring sounds are significant enough to inhibit others from sleeping.

Image of man snoring

Snoring Symptoms

We have already established that snoring may be linked to the disorder of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Now we can consider the signals of snoring that could potentially mean much more.

If an individual experiences breathing pauses while asleep and if they’re partner observes it or someone happens to witness it, then that could mean that they suffer from the condition. If a person is sleeping abundantly during the day then that could also mean that they might have OSA. The main concern that presents itself when trying to gauge symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is that they can occur with countless other ailments and infections as well.

Nevertheless, if other symptoms exhibit, then they must be dealt with by visiting a doctor. If an individual has debilitating headaches and trouble focusing, that could also be a sign of sleep apnea. Restless sleeping patterns and impromptu choking, particularly when asleep are other clues. Fatigue, high blood pressure, chest congestion, dry mouth and extraordinary snoring round out a major list of symptoms. If any combination of these begins to manifest themselves, then a specialist must be consulted.

Causes of Snoring

There are multiple determinants that are catalysts of snoring. One factor that induces snoring is the anatomy of the person’s mouth. Anatomy refers to bodily structures. In this particular case, having a low and dense soft palate can narrow the airways. Obese individuals are specifically at risk, since they may have extra tissues at the end of their throat. Also, if the triangular tissue which hangs from the uvula is elongated, it could barricade the flow of air.

Additionally, alcohol has the potential to engender a person with snoring. Most kinds of alcoholic beverages are a detriment to a person’s health. If they are habitual drinkers, specifically before bedtime, then that could incite episodes of snoring. This is because alcohol has the propensity to relax throat muscles and the natural defenses of the throat are weakened.

The position a person sleeps in can also be conducive to snoring. For instance, those who rest on their back are more likely to snore as gravity’s effect on their throats narrows the airways. The same principle applies to a lack of sleep. If you do not get sufficient sleep, it can relax the throat more than required, which can provoke snoring at night. Lastly, nasal allergies, especially of the chronic variety or even a crooked partition, referred to as a deviated nasal septum, between the nostrils can produce snoring in people.

Risks Associated with Snoring

Snoring has potential health risks. Those who do it chronically may eventually suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which we discussed in detail above. The risks of OSA include interruptions when breathing. These delays can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes, depending on severity. Obviously, this is caused by fragmented or total hindrance of the airways.

Sleep apnea can also initiate routine waking from sleep, which would involve the person not knowing the actual cause of why they suddenly woke up. They may just shrug it off without knowing that they could be suffering from a legitimate disorder.

Light sleeping is an extension of this occurrence. Individuals may awake several times during the night and often at the slightest sound even without a distraction in the room. This may impact their sleeping cycle as well. They will also be unable to have a deeper sleep and will spend their nights being disturbed.

Another risk brought about by snoring is that it could put a strain on the heart. Protracted suffering from obstructive sleep apnea can influence the cardiac organ. This would involve elevated blood pressure and greater risk of having a heart attack too.

Snoring does not mean you have OSA, but if you feel you might have it, speak to your doctor. He/She can recommend sleep studies (usually done at a hospital) to confirm if you have it and if you do, there are ways to correct it. If you don’t but you do snore, there are devices that may help you. Just Google snoring devices or a similar term to find a device that you think may work for you.

Dizziness and Vertigo Explained

Woman showing signs of dizzyness from veritgo — *Woman suffering from vertigo and dizziness. iStock*

Dizziness is a term used to describe the sense of feeling faint or unsteady. If you experience an augmented whirling sensation that makes it seem like your surroundings are spinning, that perception is called vertigo.

Both concepts are connected: dizziness refers to anything that makes a person feel like their head is spinning, while vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness related to a medical condition. In a nutshell, dizziness is a broad but loose term that includes vertigo (spinning), disequilibrium (imbalance), and lightheadedness (presyncope). Additionally, vertigo can cause a person to nauseate and vomit profusely, which is indicative of a severe form of dizziness.

Mechanism of Dizziness

We can further explore dizziness to comprehend the prospect. As mentioned before, dizziness can mean any likelihood, such as lightheadedness, imbalance, or motion sickness. Regardless of what causes the sensation, all of the perceptions, as mentioned earlier, are linked to balance or lack thereof.

An intricate interaction between multiple factors of the nervous system in the body upholds a person’s sense of equilibrium. These factors are listed below:

The inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, manages the directions of motion like forward, backward, side to side, and up and down
The eyes also facilitate the directions of motion and track the body relative to space, i.e., right side or left side
The joints, or more specifically, the pressure receptors located in the spinal cord, enable the body to realize which part of the body is in contact with the ground.
The proprioception or muscle sensory receptors inform which body part is immobile.
The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spine, processes the information and uses it to support balance.

In the event that the systems involved in this process give conflicting messages to the brain and spinal cord, the reaction is dizziness.

What Causes Dizziness

One of several sources of dizziness is when the brain fails to get sufficient blood flow. The consequence of this malfunction is an impression of lightheadedness. For example, some people are likely to experience this feeling if they are taking certain medications that have this side effect. The simple act of getting up quickly after lying down can incite this feeling.

A chronic deficiency in blood circulation can also cause dizziness. Arteriosclerosis, or inflammation of the arteries, is a frequent trait in patients suffering from ailments such as diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

In addition to defects in bodily functions, external determinants can also instigate dizziness. For instance, nicotine from tobacco or caffeine derived from coffee consumption are stimulants that can contract blood flow. Likewise, feelings of stress and trauma are also responsible for causing dizziness.

Neurological diseases are afflictions that affect the nerves connected to a person’s faculty of balance. Archetypes include multiple sclerosis and syphilis. Although it is less likely that such conditions can result in dizziness, it is known to happen in patients. Apprehension is yet another reason for dizziness. Hyperventilation is also linked to the feeling. If a person does not breathe properly for long periods, dizziness is a potential outcome.

Reasons for Vertigo

One version of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition in which there is a dramatic change in head position, such as looking up immediately. It lasts less than a minute and stops once the person is still. BPPV involves a displaced otolith entering the balance canals. It can typically last days or even weeks, depending on the particular case.

Meniere’s disease, one of the most common vertigo disorders, is another predicament that encourages attacks of vertigo in individuals. However, patients suffering from this disease may experience enduring attacks, which can last hours at a stretch as well. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Some patients acquire this illness after flying, as the change in air pressure severely affects them.

Yet another cause of vertigo is a migraine. In its simplest form, a migraine is a headache. However, patients who experience the plight of a migraine have excessive headaches sporadically. They range from mild to severe and can cause extraordinary discomfort when the severity increases. Augmented sensitivity brings about vertigo.

The Inner Ear

Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Infections are also a proponent of this disease, particularly those aimed at the inner ear. The ear’s nerve is connected directly to the brain, which are attacked by viruses. As a consequence, patients may have vertigo for days. Infections must be treated promptly since certain ailments like mastoiditis can actually obliterate a person’s ability to hear. Also, the ears play a critical role in promoting balance, which will also be eliminated under these circumstances.

An injury can also introduce vertigo to the equation, specifically those suffering from head wounds. A concussion or fractures are two cases where patients may suffer from debilitating vertigo. It is likely to be incapacitating and paralyzing for the patient. BBPV generally transpires in the aftermath of an injury. Moreover, allergies can also result in vertigo. If a person is allergic to pollen, it may incite an episode of vertigo.

Treatments

You should always get diagnosed by your physician first, but, in general, patients suffering from a bout of dizziness or vertigo can take different routes. The most common method is to medication. For instance, if a patient has Meniere’s disease, then specialists may prescribe medicines like water pills (diuretic).

Antihistamines such as meclizine (Antivert) and anticholinergics can also curtail dizziness. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies develop medications for nausea and anxiety. Examples include diazepam (Valium), which is the go-to medicine when it comes to treating apprehension.

Other ways to alleviate dizziness and vertigo involve therapeutic measures. Head position maneuvers like the canalith technique can assuage victims of BPPV. The head is carefully positioned in order to make the patients comfortable. It is known to provide fast relief to patients.

Balance and psychotherapy are other means if patients use therapy as opposed to medication. The former involves learning exercises that improve your balance and gradually make you less susceptible to lapses in balance. It is also called vestibular rehabilitation. Also, the latter can be particularly useful for people who get anxiety attacks.

Regardless of the method(s) you use, consult with your doctor or medical professional before taking any medications. A doctor or certified practitioner are the only ones who can prescribe the appropriate medication for you!

The Urinary System: Description and Diseases

The human anatomy is a marvel of nature which consists of a skeleton made of bones and multiple organs, each designated with its own functions. Besides the various bones, joints and muscles, there are 11 main systems, each comprised of its own organs.

You may have read or heard about the nervous system (brain and spine), circulatory system (heart), respiratory system (lungs) and digestive system (stomach and intestines). Another system which evades much discussion is the urinary or excretory system. As depicted in the diagram above, it includes the kidneys, ureter, prostate, and bladder.

Description

Also identified as the renal system or the urinary tract, the principal function of the structure is to dispose waste from the body and also to regulate the flow of blood. While the digestive system is responsible for the excretion of feces, the urinary system is in control of the urine discharge from the body.

Such is the mechanism of the human body that the urinary system works in tandem with the lungs and intestines to ensure that there is balance in the level of water and chemicals found in it. In fact, the average adult emits between 27 and 68 ounces of fluid. This is tantamount to 800 to 2000 milliliters per individual. This calculation is made under the assumption that they drink eight glasses of water daily. Furthermore, the urinary system also deals with the fluid which is lost to perspiration and respiration processes respectively.

Kidneys

The primary organ of the urinary system is the kidneys. A pair of bean-shaped organs, as shown above, they are located in proximity to the posterior wall of the abdomen. The left kidney can be found slightly higher than the right one since the liver on the right side is larger than that on the opposite side.

They are surrounded by a film of adipose which performs the dual functionality of supporting the kidneys and also safeguarding them from potential damage. Additionally, the kidneys carry out the filtration of metabolic waste, excessive ions and extraneous chemicals, all of which forms the urine.

Ureters

The ureters are also evident in the given diagram. They are a pair of tubes which disseminate urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Once the kidney completes the refining process, the ureters come in to play and transport the urine on to the bladder.

In terms of length, ureters are almost a foot long and they run parallel to each other on either side of the vertebral column. The urine is carried smoothly through the muscle tissue in the walls. The ureters extend on to the point of entry of the bladder where they are sealed by the ureterovesical valves. These valves also ensure that urine does not travel backward to the kidney.

Urinary Bladder

Speaking of the bladder, it has a sac-shaped appearance and is imperative for maintaining proper storage of urine. You may have heard people speak about having an active bladder in jest. This signifies the central function of the bladder. For instance, the more water you drink, the more urine will end up in your bladder.

Located along the body’s pelvic region, urine enters the bladder from the ureters and gradually fills the capacity of the bladder. This stretches the walls of the organ slowly as well. At any given point in time, the urinary bladder can hold between 600 to 800 milliliters of urine.

Urethra

A tube which allows the passage of urine from the bladder to an external destination is the urethra. When a male individual releases urine, it is the urethra which secretes the urine, thus completing the urinating process, which begins from the kidneys all the way to the urethra.

The female urethra is only two inches long whereas the male organ is eight inches in length and ends at the edge of their genitals. Additionally, for the male, the urethra also delivers the sperm out of the body, which makes it a part of the male reproductive system.

The actual circulation of urine through the urethra is governed by the internal and external urethral sphincter muscles. These muscles open when the bladder full to the brim. This movement creates the sensation of wanting to urinate. The external part of the sphincter is made of skeletal muscle which opens when urine passes through.

Diseases

Urinary tract infection

There are several issues which affect the urinary system. For instance, urinary tract infection (UTI) transpires when bacteria finds its way into the urinary tract. This makes the urethra, bladder and the kidneys susceptible. Occurring more regularly in women, urinary tract infections are generally treated with the consumption of antibiotics. In the United States, approximately eight million people develop such an infection each year, according to the American Urological Association (AUA).

High PSA

For men, prostate-specific antigen or PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. This is normal and a standard measurement of PSA levels can determine if there may be an issue in the urinary system, such as prostate cancer, but a high PSA level can indicate many other conditions, some of which are not serious. A high PSA level might be considered even be considered normal for a particular individual. Only your urologist can make the appropriate determination.

Incontinence

A frequent disease of the urinary system is incontinence. This happens when individuals feel the need to urinate more often than usual. They may be required to urinate in the middle of the night which would result in the emptying of their bladder. This is courtesy of an enlarged prostate in the body and is common among our older population since the prostate tends to enlarge.

Interstitial cystitis

Also known as painful bladder system, it is a chronic condition which usually affects women. They experience considerable agony in their bladder, which is often accompanied by pelvic pain as well. If the case is severe, it can cause the bladder to develop scarring, which makes it less elastic as a consequence.

Kidney stones

The kidney is where the entire process begins and it is also prone to diseases, the most common of which are kidney stones. These are deposits of calcium oxalate which germinate in the urinary tract. When chemicals found in the urine are concentrated enough, they turn from liquid to solid form. These are called kidney stones. They cause excessive pain in the back and sides of the body. Blood may also appear sporadically in the urine. To treat the stone, patients may undergo minor therapy which disintegrates the stone with shockwaves or as the case with many patients, they will urinate them out.

Kidney failure

The final disease we will discuss is an extreme condition. Kidney failure or renal failure can be a temporary condition or become a permanent state of affairs. In case of the latter, the kidneys are unable to perform the filtration process. These may be caused by experiencing trauma or hypertension. Kidney failure requires the patient to undergo elaborate dialysis treatment and in the worst case scenario, a kidney transplant.

If you think you may have urinary problems, speak to your urologist or medical professional with equivalent expertise in this area. Don’t wait. Although the issue may not be serious, you will not know until you are diagnosed properly.

How the Brain Affects Our Behavior – A Brief Overview

You may have heard in science class or in a casual conversation that we use only use 10% of our brain. People are often quoted saying “Imagine what you could achieve if you used the full capacity of your brain.” However, this is a myth that is even incorrectly attributed to scientists such as Albert Einstein.

Facts and Figures

While the exact percentage we use is not certified, the brain is a powerful and intricate organ which allows its host to perceive and control his/her functions. Its potency can be gleaned from the fact that certain individuals are blessed with an eidetic memory. This is known as the ability to vividly recount images and settings exactly as they were, almost with surgical precision.

Another interesting fact is that it is the largest brain in all vertebrates relative to its body size. This fantastic organ houses 86 billion neurons or nerve cells and are actually immune to pain, despite man’s ability to develop a headache.

Functions of the brain

No one will doubt that the brain is a marvel of evolution, so let’s delve into the discipline of biological psychology to better understand its principal functions. Biopsychology is the branch of psychology that studies the brain in relation to its central functions and how its neurotransmitters and other biological factors influence human behavior.

The human brain is an integral component of the central nervous system, which also includes the spinal cord. It consists of nerve tissues that govern the activity of our bodies. The outer region of the brain is called the cerebral cortex. This informs the cognitive, sensations and emotions of a person, which is yet another reason why the brain is such a vital organ.

A fully functional brain consists of four main lobes, which are listed below:

- - Frontal lobe
    This portion enables humans to exhibit motor skills, express language, and perform cognition.
  - Occipital lobe
    The occipital lobe is responsible for translating visual mediums into discernible information.
  - Parietal lobe
    This is the part that involves the sensibilities of a person. The sense of pressure, touch, and pain are processed in this component of the human brain.
  - Temporal lobe
    The fourth and final sector of the brain is the temporal lobe, which interprets the sounds and languages we hear. It also handles the memory of the person.

Neurons

Neurons are highly specialized cells that are the fundamental building blocks of life. They receive and distribute information from one part of the body to another through neural pathways that are built as new information is acquired.

Neurotransmitters

The way information travels through the neural pathways is known as neurotransmission. Chemical messengers are involved in the transmission of signals from one cell to another. This is how we interpret data and as we concentrate on more information, the neurotransmitters build more pathways so that we can successfully process the new information.

Science suggests that there are more than a hundred cells that perform this act of transmission. We can highlight some of the pertinent neurotransmitters, their effects, and potential disorders they are linked with it.

- - Acetylcholine
    This is connected to memory, muscle movement, and the ability to learn. A shortage of acetylcholine may result in Alzheimer’s disease.
  - Dopamine
    Dopamine is intrinsically linked to the thought process and feelings of a person. A lack of dopamine has been known to cause Parkinson’s disease and Schizophrenia. In case of scarcity, doctors recommend drugs to induce greater activity in the brain.
  - Endorphins
    A commonly heard term is endorphins, which revolves around emotions and the sensation of agony a person feels. When an individual experiences apprehension, their body releases endorphins in response.

Link to the Endocrine system

Suffice it to say, the anatomy of the human body is vast and complex. Any given part of the body functions in tandem with several other parts to inform the behavior of a person. The central nervous system is strongly linked to the endocrine system. The endocrine system includes the hormones and glands which transmit these into the circulatory system.

A network of neurons enables the movement of signals from the brain to various parts of the human body. The nervous system is comprised of almost a trillion of these neurons. They represent an intricate and regulated network.

The nervous system interacts with the endocrine structure in the human body in different ways. The brain consists of a portion called the hypothalamus. It is significant because it connects both the nervous and endocrine systems respectively. It is a small collection of nuclei that essentially control behavior.

They can be found in the front of the brain, towards its base, and coordinate basic requirements of the body, such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and sex. Additionally, it also manages the emotional and stress-related responses in humans, thus underlining how crucial it is to the body. These are essentially the two main functions of the hypothalamus.

Facts and Figures

Whether concise or extensive, we have discussed many attributes of the brain and what functions they perform. Our deliberation has included the cerebral cortex, four lobes, and the hypothalamus as well. We can now focus on the remaining aspects of the human brain.

Cerebellum

First up is the cerebellum. Called the little brain informally, it receives signals from the ears, nerves, and auditory and visual systems. It makes up nearly a tenth of the entire size of the brain and also monitors a person’s motor movements such as posture and balance.

Limbic system

The limbic system is next. It includes regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, septal area, and parts of the limbic cortex. Together, they connect with the aforementioned constituents such as the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus.

Basal ganglia

Finally, the basal ganglia are a combination of nuclei that envelop the thalamus. These are also involved in the movements a person makes.

In conclusion, we can gather that the brain is an unbelievably intricate organ. However, its significance cannot be overstated. We only need to look at the number of parts of the brain that influences our movement or our feelings to know that this complex organ is actually a well-oiled machine.

Health Benefits of Hot Water

Cup of Tea — Photo by eskaylim – yayimages.com

Do you like your coffee hot? There may be more benefits to drinking hot beverages than you might be aware of! Aside from air, water is the most abundant element on planet earth. Every living entity on the face of this earth can’t survive without H2O (yes, even camels). For humans, drinking plenty of water is no doubt healthy, for many different reasons.

However, the debate over human water intake is not ending with the amount of daily water consumed, but also its temperature. For some years, there have been discussions by researchers on the benefits of drinking hot beverages. So, in this article, we will focus on the possible health benefits of drinking some H2O in the less than cooler side.

Before we move ahead, however, let’s discuss the ideal temperature and daily intake of hot water.

Recommended Temperatures and Daily Intake

Don’t get carried away by the term ‘hot’ and start drinking water at such high temperature that it burns your taste buds. The temperature of drinkable hot water should be in between 120 to 140 Fahrenheit. Water with temperature exceeding 160 Fahrenheit is dangerous for human ingestion, so keep in mind these readings if you are going to adopt the habit of drinking your liquids hot.

Regarding the amount of daily intake, it depends on every individual as to how to get the benefits of drinking hot water. Some people drink hot water as the very first thing in the morning.

Others have it periodically consumed throughout the day and few imbibe it before going to bed. You can even have your entire daily water intake with recommended warmer temperatures.

However, you only have to take care of one thing i.e. don’t exceed your healthy daily water intake. Adjust the consumption of hot water in your overall daily intake, instead of going extra.

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water Aids Digestive System

Bowel movement is a major concern for a large chunk of the adult population, especially seniors. This problem can be addressed with a natural remedy of drinking more water, preferably hot. The small intestine absorbs the moisture content of solid food particles to fulfill the hydration needs of the body.

However, this homeostatic reaction results in difficult bowel movements leading to chronic constipation. Increased consumption of hot water prevents this dehydration of solid food particles in the small intestine.

Moreover, hot water is more beneficial than regular or cold water in breaking down food particles in the digestive system.

So, consumption of hot water over a long period of time can result in a healthy digestive system with agile digestion and swift bowel movement*. Speak to your family physician to get a precise accounting of how much hot water is good for you.

Detoxification and Improved Circulation

Hot water can instigate certain reactions, which leads to detoxification and better blood circulation. Both these phenomena are associated with healthy beings. The ingestion of hot water actually increases the temperature of the body for a brief moment. The resulting sweating and dilation of pores at this increased body temperature help in extracting toxins out of the body.
With a daily habit of drinking hot water, you can actually set a detoxification routine for your body. A detoxified body means good hair, clear skin, and healthy organs.

Even though it’s inconclusive, hot water momentarily does vasodilation i.e. a physiological reaction where blood vessels get dilated to improve blood circulation. Better circulation helps in relieving the muscle stress which aids in getting rid of chronic pain.

A catalyst for Weight Loss

It has been an established fact for a long time that increased daily intake of water helps in shedding some pounds. There are two factors which make increased water consumption a weight losing activity.

Increased feeling of satiation:

With more consumption of water, a person can kill his/her untimely appetites and cravings to reduce excess calorie intake.

Revved Up Metabolism: Increased water intake also helps in the process of thermogenesis within the body.

Moreover, a research study shows that replacing cold or regular drinking water with hot water can increase the metabolic activity by 40 percent for good 40-50 minutes. A revved up metabolism activity helps in efficient burning of calories which ultimately helps in reducing the weight.

Pouring Tea into a Cup

Helps in Improving the Condition of Sinuses and Cold

Have you ever had a cold and drank some hot tea and felt a bit relieved? Regular consumption of hot water can help with better movement of mucus and congested sinuses. This healthy routine will ultimately help you in alleviating the symptoms of seasonal cold and flu. People with chronic sinus issues might also experience improvement in their aggravated condition*.

Might Help in Reducing the Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee and tea are the two most popular global caffeinated drinks. They have also been studied for different health benefits. Nonetheless, the research only shows benefits with moderate consumption, but some people use them excessively which can incur the negative effects.

Risks or Side Effects of Drinking Hot Water

We have covered that drinking water that is too hot can have several repercussions. We are mentioning these side effects here so that one should carefully maintain the aforementioned levels of temperatures for healthy warm water.

Oral Scalding

In early days of enthusiasm, many people went overboard and drank hot water without caring much about its temperature. This reckless activity can lead to oral scalding and can affect your dietary routine for many days.

Injury to Inner Lining of the Digestive Tract

Consumption of hot water over a long period of time with temperatures exceeding healthy levels can damage the lining of the digestive tract. A damaged lining can lead to the onset of ulcer and other digestive complications.

So make sure that you are drinking warm water instead of boiling hot water. Don’t consider consumption of hot water as a medicinal remedy. However, if you are suffering from any serious medical condition, then don’t start drinking hot water without consulting your physician first to avoid any of its counterproductive effects.

*Note: The advice contained within this article is suggestive and is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this article should not be followed without the prior consultation of a medical professional!

The Mechanism of Eye Surgery

Vision represents one of the five basic senses we have been blessed with and the eyes are the second most intricate organs in the human body after the brain. Our eyes can get strained, infected and are prone to disease, so like all our organs, keeping the eyes healthy is of utmost importance.

Vision

You may have heard the megapixel capacity of the latest digital camera or smartphone camera being touted in its marketing campaign. A camera does not even come close to the equivalent of megapixels that naked eye can detect. If a person has 20/20 vision i.e. normal faculty of seeing and if they have a full perspective, it is estimated that their eye can see 576 megapixels. That dwarfs the capacity of any camera on the market and lays further emphasis that the eyes are a genetic wonder. In reality though, given the complexities of vision, the real measure could be much more.

Like all organs in the body, the eyes are also prone to disorders. The most common of these is a weak visual perception. This is when the eyes have a deficiency. In such cases, patients can either opt for glasses or they can avail the surgical route and undergo that procedure. We will analyze the basics of how the latter works.

Development

Before we look at the popular methods of corrective eye surgery, we will briefly chronicle its history. Refractive eye surgery became prominent in America in the 1980’s. At the time, the procedure was called Radial Keratotomy. The mechanics involved slicing incisions to level the surface of the patient’s eyes in a bid to rectify their nearsightedness. However, the operation was still a work in progress and patients regularly faced issues in the aftermath of the surgery. In particular, those with weaker eyesight experienced fluctuating and night vision dilemmas.

With the passage of time, Radial Keratotomy became redundant as significant advancements were made. Most notably, Photorefractive Keratectomy was successfully performed in the 90’s. It changed the curvature of the patient’s cornea and is still in widespread use in the modern era.

The most common procedure in use today is called LASIK. The acronym means Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. When people refer to laser surgery for the eyes, this is what they mean. The process is essentially an expedited edition of Photorefractive Keratectomy since the patients feel negligible discomfort and is able to recover vision within hours of the operation. Both procedures are used today based on the individual case.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

Photorefractive Keratectomy is a refractive procedure that can fix myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurred vision) respectively. It is the predecessor to LASIK, which we will discuss further below.

Photorefractive Keratectomy is recommended when an eye specialist, usually an ophthalmologist, deems that the patient does not qualify for LASIK. The actual procedure lasts mere minutes and consists of the removal of the cornea’s outer layer. The laser then molds the exposed cornea to rectify the patient’s vision.

In terms of gauging the suitability of patients for the procedure, they must be evaluated with an eye test. This includes observation of the size of their pupils, moistness of their eyes, the corneal curvature and thickness as well as the medical history of the patient.

A benefit of Photorefractive Keratectomy is that more patients can be treated. For instance, a case of dry eyes or irregular astigmatism would not be entitled to LASIK surgery but can go for this instead.

The reshaping of the cornea is done through an excimer laser which enables light to enter into the retina properly. The narrow film of the cornea called the epithelium is discarded before the corneal tissue is adjusted. The reason it takes patients a few days to recover vision is that the epithelium grows back gradually.

An alternate of Photorefractive Keratectomy known as LASEK (Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy), not to be confused with LASIK, is also available. The only difference is that the epithelial layer is lifted and not removed. Surgical equipment called a trephine is employed to preserve the layer during the procedure.

There are several advantages of Photorefractive Keratectomy. For instance, there is a lesser depth of laser treatment relative to LASIK. Patients with a slender cornea can undergo the procedure and no risk is attached to the process. There are no corneal flap complexities involved. Finally, there is also considerably lesser chance of the cornea’s thickness being affected.

LASIK

LASIK is a surgical method that also treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A thin flap is created in the cornea using a microkeratome blade or femtosecond laser. The ophthalmologist who performs the procedure folds the flap backward to expel the corneal tissue found below the flap. This is executed using excimer laser technology.

Once the tissue is removed, the flap is placed back in its original position. For those struggling with nearsightedness, LASIK flattens the cornea, which is too steep. Patients with far sight are the opposite since they require a steeper cornea. Finally, astigmatism issues can also be resolved since LASIK can fix an irregular cornea also.

Like Photorefractive Keratectomy, LASIK also requires an assessment of the patient beforehand. A specialist will evaluate the patient’s eyes, what procedure is best suited for them and the extent of laser ablation i.e. the removal of the corneal tissue needed. Additionally, the doctor will run a conscientious background check which will entail your medical history to ensure that you are the ideal candidate for LASIK. There are multiple cases where patients are not deemed fit for LASIK but they can undergo a Photorefractive Keratectomy instead.

Moreover, LASIK is an outpatient surgery, which means that patients are not required to stay in the hospital for a number of days. In fact, the actual procedure takes minutes since the surgeon uses a machine to adjust the laser for your particular prescription. While a patient looks at a specific target, the laser emits pulses of light which perform the operation. The patients are only exposed to the laser for mere minutes and do not feel any pain whatsoever. LASIK has a high success rate when it comes to patients. They recover their vision in a few moments and do not warrant any bandages or stitches at all.

Tips for Healthy Hair

Each constituent of the human body warrants different levels of care and it is not just for health reasons. Hundreds of millions of people spend sometimes hours at grooming themselves and as such, we will devote some time as well regarding how to look your best every day and conditioning. Every attribute of the skin to the nails requires attention.

In order to be properly be groomed, A person must devote adequate resources, such as time and money to ensure that their cosmetic needs are met.

We can gauge an idea of how important skin care is by looking at the statistics. In 2018, the global skincare market is was valued at an astonishing 135 billion dollars. This is projected to ascend to 180 billion by 2024! These breathtaking numbers are in part due to a shift in demand from older consumers to younger and more conscious ones.

Hair Care

The hair care market is not far behind as well. It is also a thriving business and it’s with an estimated, anticipated worth is of 88 billion dollars in 2018 and is this is expected to grow annually. The terminology signifies the sanitation and cosmetology of the hair.

Individuals can grow their hair to different lengths, ranging from a bald look to actual floor length hair. This encapsulates everything from a buzz or crop cut in men to shoulder and hip-length hair in women. Furthermore, people use a variety of equipment such as hair brushes, blow dryers, and hair straightening irons. They can also style their hair using products namely hair gels, conditioners, and sprays.

The Environment and Your Hair

Exposure to hair products infused with chemicals, the environment, and the changing seasons can often leave the hair in damaged condition. For example, females are known to struggle with trichoptilosis or split ends, as they are commonly known. Split ends occur when there is excessive fraying due to heat or chemicals.
Beyond that, individuals may also suffer from conditions such as dandruff, which is the phenomenon of flakes and mild itching on the scalp. Also, individuals, some people may have to endure a dry scalp or expedited hair loss as well. This brings us to useful tips and tricks which people can treat as gospel to protect their hair.

Protection

Given the flimsy nature of our hair, it is imperative to safeguard it from such environmental factors such as sunlight, strong winds, and rainfall. Also, exposure to pollutants like dirt and smoke affects the hair adversely. If dirt it accumulates on your head, it can lead to dryness in your hair and scalp, which leaves both increasingly prone to potential infections for instance. It is advisedExperts suggest to cover your hair when you are outdoors. Women can use accessories like a scarf or an umbrella as well, particularly when weather conditions are dire.

Gentle Handling

Another effective technique is to be tender when you are managing your hair. Quite often, people tend to take their hair for granted. A brisk shower is followed by quick drying or lack thereof, especially if the concerned person is in a hurry. This is one habit that can prove to be damaging in the long run.

Wet hair is specifically vulnerable to breaking. This explains why you may notice strands of your hair splintering when you are in the middle of a shower. It is not a major concern in isolation, but t. The hair reacts the same way your skin does. When you spend abundant time exposed to water, the skin on your fingers may appear differently. Likewise, your hair exhibits a reaction as well.

Therefore, it is advised to be careful when dealing with damp hair. Whether you are applying shampoo or drying it post-shower or brushing it before leaving for work, be placid with your hair otherwise it may sustain damage.

Conditioning

Besides shampooing, there is another way to improve the health of your hair. It is known as conditioning. Those who don’t know better may be forgiven for thinking they are one and the same. Separate conditioners are easily available in the market. It is better to apply a conditioner to your hair after a quick wash. This will shield your hair from becoming extra frizzy for instance.

Moreover, it is equally important to execute the conditioning properly. Conditioners are meant to seal the moisture content in your hair, which is why you should apply it 2 two inches away from your scalp. If you are not careful, then the conditioner may make your scalp oily.

Variety is Not Recommended

If a person is not satisfied with their current shampoo or conditioner, they may opt for a new brand. For example, if Head and Shoulders does not do the trick for you, then you may decide to purchase L’Oreal.

But, for the best quality of hair, it is suggested that you use a shampoo and conditioner with a similar formula from the same manufacturer. Of course, there are various shampoos available in the market. You can buy an anti-dandruff one or another that makes your hair voluminous and silky. However, you should guarantee that both are from the same label.

Exposure to Heat

Tip number five is to avoid exposing your hair to heat. Women in particular often use a hair straightening iron when they are preparing for an occasion. While the occasional flourish is alright, it should not be done on a regular basis. Naturally, heat eliminates the moisture from your hair, making it dry in the process. If you employ a straightening iron frequently, it may even burn your hair!

Tight Grips

The next advice on our list is to not tie your hair too tightly. This applies almost exclusively to women and the odd man with long hear as well. If you tie your hair in an extremely firm knot, it will tend to augment the friction in your hair. This can cause breakages.

When you are going to sleep, do not braid your hair tightly. A loose braid is better suited. You should not leave your hair open either since it will leave you in a mess in the morning.

Oiling

The seventh and final instruction is to apply oil to your hair and scalp regularly. Follow this routine with proper shampooing and washing of your hair. Oil is essential for stronger and shinier hair. It as it strengthens the protein in your hair. Moreover, a good oil massage can provide you with an extremely soothing sensation. Oiling also eliminates flakes of dandruff from your scalp.

As far as health for your hair and scalp is concerned, we’ll leave this for another article, but in general, applying standard and recommended health procedures will help in keeping your whole body clean night and day.

Health-Related Myths and Truths

Road sign that says Reality Check Ahead Re: Myths — Reality Check Ahead sign on desert road

Health issues and myths have a long history together. Half-cooked information paddled by some often becomes a universal truth for the masses. In the age of the internet, when many such long-existing myths have already been busted, there are still some misconceptions in connection to the medical sciences and health that persist.

In this article, we will outline some of these health-related myths as well as those that are true.

We Can Get More Ill in Colder Weather vs Warmer Weather – True

Girl sneezing in a tissue in the living room — Photo: iStock

There is a case (one of many) in November, 2022 where a 67 year-old man who hardly ever gets sick and never got Covid got pneumonia. The nurses and doctors said that there is a n abundance of respiratory illnesses going around, but no one could determine why this healthy man came down with this disease. Fortunately, with his case, a string of antibiotics successfully brought him back to health, but that is not always the case with other people.

The bottom line is this: Your body’s immune system does not work as well in cold weather. When cold air enters our nose and upper airways, our body does not work as effectively at fighting illnesses. That’s why more people tend to get colds, the flu and yes, even Covid too.

In winters, particularly during freezing outdoor temperatures, we prefer to remain indoors. But with limited ventilation, no sunlight and more close human interaction, the chances of bacteria and viruses thrive amplify, resulting in more illnesses.

So cold weather itself doesn’t cause sickness or disease, but the effects of it do. Of course, if you stay go outside in 10-degree weather wearing a short sleeve shirt and summer pants, don’t blame us if you start sneezing (or worse)!

You Can’t Get Covid If You Have Been Vaccinated – False

Not only through studies, but also through fact. If you have been vaccinated for the disease, you can still get Covid again. The vaccinations are beneficial in that your symptoms will be much less severe than if you were not vaccinated.

So with that said, you should still take precautions as if you never had it!

Humans Use Only a Fragment of Their Cognitive Ability – False

From motivational speakers to ‘psychiatrists’, many professionals have fed this myth to the masses that we don’t use our brain to its full capacity. One can say that it’s a way to persuade people to push themselves more, but there is no scientific evidence for this piece of information and advice.

In contrast, for some, this myth has become more of an excuse of consolation that they are not realizing their true potential because they are not using their full mental prowess.

EEGs (electroencephalogram) has been here for a long time and more modernized techniques have been developed to scan brain activity. So, if you still believe that you are only using a percentage of your brain, a neurologist can help you in busting this myth.

Dim Light Reading Affects Your Eyesight – False

Boy reading in low lit conditions — Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

This is one of the oldest health falsehoods. Reading in insufficient lighting surely makes it harder for the eyes to do their work, but no far-reaching consequences have been proven by science regarding reading in dim light.

Similar is the case of a misconception that sitting too close to the television can affect your eyesight. Of course, too much of anything is not good for you, so if you are a TV couch potato or your job involves constant work on a computer screen, you should take a break every 15-20 minutes and rest your eyes. With that said, you could experience a momentary soreness, but this should not be considered as dangerous.

Nevertheless, a good practice is to read in good light and watch the TV from a distance at regular intervals, because there is no good reason to push your eyes to overwork.

The 5-Second Rule Says Your Food is Safe to It – False!

Uh oh! You dropped your open candy bar on the floor. Quick – pick it up before 5 seconds and you can still eat it. Nope. This is entirely false. According to Kids Health, “Bacteria can attach itself to your food even if you pick it up super-fast.”

Bottom line – You drop food on the floor, throw it away!

Ulcers are Caused by Spicy Food – False

Peppers and spicy foods — Photo by Timothy L Brock on Unsplash

This is another misconception. Spicy foods can certainly can aggravate the symptoms of existing ulcers, but the onset of the disease is not caused by spicy foods.

For many years, healthcare experts also believed that spicy foods are the main reason for developing ulcers. However, science has disapproved this principle when researchers found out that a bacterium called H. Pylori is the real culprit for damaging the inner lining of the stomach.

This bacterium is also present in many prescription medicines. For that reason, patients who take a greater administration of drugs for a long time period often develop ulcers as a side effect.

Turkey Meat Causes Drowsiness – Possibly True

Curving a turkey — Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Blaming feasting on turkey for long naps of Thanksgiving is common because there is a widespread misapprehension that turkey meat causes drowsiness.

However, there is no truth to that excuse of dozing off on turkey meals. The amino acid tryptophan is present in turkey meat which is known to cause drowsiness, but it’s in the similar amount as in beef or chicken; however, as per WebMd:

“Consuming large meals stimulates the production of insulin, and insulin clears the bloodstream of all amino acids except for tryptophan. In effect, insulin clears a path that can flood the brain with tryptophan.” However, it is still unknown if tryptophan is the actual cause of drowsiness.

Some nutritional experts think that the overall festivity of the day might lead to those long siestas where average carbs and alcohol consumption is increased.

Pediatric ADHD Gets Worse by Sugar Consumption – Potentially True

Hyperactivity in children is sometimes linked to high consumption of sugar in the form of candies and chocolates in what is called a ‘sugar high’. There are studies that show that this could possibility be true.

With that said, parents should be vigilant on the amount of sugar they give their children regardless of whether it accelerates those with ADHD or not.

Excessive and reckless consumption of sugary items can harm oral health, add to obesity and be a potential risk for diabetes.

Brown Sugar is a Healthier Substitute for White Sugar – False

Spoon spilling sugar onto a cup — Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash

Many people who want to eat healthy replace their staple food items. For instance, they replace fine grains with whole grains, red meat with white meat. In the same manner, they substitute white sugar with brown sugar because it is less processed.

Brown sugar indeed is less processed and contains a few more micronutrients, but it causes the same physiological effects of regular table sugar. This means you can’t control your blood sugar levels by substituting white sugar with brown.

Understanding Hypertension

”Hypertension Warning Sign" — Photo by stuartmiles – yayimages.com

Have you ever felt your heart start to beat fast? You might have hypertension. Although a fast heartbeat can be the result of many things, let’s not rule high blood pressure as one of the reasons.

As the heart beats, it creates a pressure that pushes the blood through the arteries, veins, and capillaries.

This push, called blood pressure, is the result of two factors: The first force occurs as the blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries. The second force is created when the heart rests between beats.

Due to certain conditions, there are times when the heart must work harder to push the blood through the arteries, which subsequently results in less efficient circulation, as well as adding additional friction against the blood vessel’s walls.

One analogy is when you run water from a faucet down into a glass. If you turn the faucet higher, the water will run faster and if you are not watching what you are doing, the glass will overflow.

Now, what if the glass was covered except for the area where the faucet hits an opening at the top of the glass? At some point, something is going to happen and it won’t be a pretty sight. But what if you increase the water pressure? Whatever is going to happen is going to happen quicker. None of this is good.

Using a different analogy of water. Envision it falling against a set of rocks, if the water moves faster, over time, the rocks’ surface will become abraded. Similarly, blood moving through your veins at a faster than normal rate can cause unwanted damage to these vessels, not to mention that your heart has to pump harder and faster as well. This is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

As this extraneous force continues without remedy, the friction of high pressure can damage tissues inside the arteries and veins, (remember the rock abrasion comparison), consequently, it causes additional cholesterol which has nowhere to go but to stick to the arteries. This is called LDL (bad) cholesterol and as you may have guessed, it reduces the blood flow which will ultimately form plaque along with the damaged tears in the walls and resulting in atherosclerosis.

The more the plaque and damage that increases, the narrower the arteries become, which in turn, increases blood pressure because the body wants that blood to keep flowing, but this develops into a cycle that can do more damage to your arteries, as well as your heart and the rest of your body. In turn, dangerous conditions can occur, ranging from arrhythmia to heart attack and stroke.

High Cholostrial Illustration — Artery and Atherosclerosis illustration. High cholesterol. Blood clot.

There are numbers associated with blood pressure and it is used as a standard reference to determine when a person has hypertension. An elastic band is placed around the person’s arm, called a cuff and a manual pressure gauge is used to read the blood pressure of the individual. A rate of 120 over 80 (120/80) is considered normal. The first number represents the pressure of the blood when pumped out of the heart (called systolic) and the second number (called diastolic) represents the pressure between beats. Anything above 120/80 is considered higher than normal and would require treatment, usually medication.

As mentioned, hypertension can result in a plethora of different health complications. It’s important to note that stroke and heart disease are the leading causes of death in the US.

According to a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults, many of who are over 50 are suffering from this condition and nearly half of them are not aware of it.

Diagnosing High Blood Pressure — Doctor measuring blood pressure

Many people fail to control the issue of high blood pressure because they are not aware of the different attributes of the disease. For this reason, hypertension is also called a silent killer because most of its symptoms are not external in nature. A person may come to know of its effects after years that he/she has been suffering from it. However, by then, the significant irreparable damage might have already occurred.

Although high blood pressure can cause deadly occurrences, is can be easily controlled with the right medications and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we will cover the important points regarding hypertension so that one can tackle this ongoing medical condition efficiently.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

To list a few: Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, too much salt consumption, too much alcohol consumption, genetics and sleep apnea. Let’s take a closer look at how these health issues can cause your heart to pump harder.

Smoking

One of the most (and popularly know) entities that cause damage to your body is smoking. As far as high blood pressure is concerned, it increases the risk of the buildup of plaque inside your arteries. In general, every time you pick up a cigarette, it can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. This applies to second-hand smoke as well.

Excess Body Weight

Obesity begets many different health complications and hypertension is one of them. Aside from increasing inches of your waistline, obesity also makes the arteries stiffer and thicker. This distortion of the circulation system consequently results in increased blood pressure.

Unlike stress, obesity is an ongoing physical condition, which means the affected person will also constantly suffer from the perils of hypertension. As mentioned earlier, persistent high blood pressure can lead to fatal diseases.

Stress and Anxiety

Depression Sadly, we are living in a stress-ridden world and sometimes there is no way around it. But for people suffering from high blood pressure, increased levels of stress are not just bad for your mental health, they also aggravate many parts of the body and increased high blood pressure is no exception.

Cortisol is the hormone responsible for the psychological effects of increased levels of stress. The fight or flight response provoked by the increased secretion of cortisol in the bloodstream also results in increased blood pressure counts. You can try to limit your stress by following these recommendations.

Sodium Consumption

Sodium is an important mineral for intracellular activities. However, excess sodium in the body can be very detrimental to human health, particularly for people suffering from high blood pressure. We consume sodium in different forms of salt. The sodium present in it aids the kidney to increase water retention, which consequently results in hiked-up blood pressure.

Processed dietary products are rich in salts; therefore, it would be helpful to limit their use. Try to maintain your daily sodium intake by not more than 1500 mg. This amount of salt equals slightly less than one tablespoon. Even if you are not suffering from hypertension, gradually reduce your daily intake of sodium to make yourself less susceptible to develop this cardiovascular condition later in life.

Cautious Use of Medications

Drug Addiciton

Whether you are using prescription or OTC medications, both of them contain several side effects. Therefore, their cautious use is very important, even for people who are not suffering from any serious health condition.

Be aware of OTC drugs, especially those available for seasonal flu, cold and decongestants, which can raise blood pressure. Similarly, the administration of some supplements can result in high levels of blood pressure. Never consume any medication or nutritional supplement without prior consultation with your doctor, particularly if you are already suffering from this condition.

Controlling High Blood Pressure

In many cases, particularly if incurred in later years, hypertension becomes a lifelong medical condition where affected individuals have to make certain adjustments to their lifestyle in order to minimize the detrimental effect of it. By taking care of certain things, you can make sure that you are living healthy even with the ongoing condition of hypertension.

Adoption of the DASH Diet

Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a diet routine recommended by the Institute of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for the prevention and control of hypertension. This diet plan recommends the addition of whole grains, fruits (especially bananas, because they are rich in potassium), vegetables, white meat and nuts in daily meals and discourages the consumption of red meat, saturated fats, artificial, processed sweeteners and fat-enriched dairy products.

Eating the right foods can’t be stressed enough. Fruits and vegetables alone are highly recommended to help fight free radicals, as well as providing an assortment of healthy nutrients for your entire body – and that includes fighting high blood pressure. In addition to these healthy nutrients, dark chocolate and garlic have been found to assist in keeping your blood pressure in a normal state.

So don’t just read these recommendations. Make it part of your lifestyle starting today!

Exercise

Regular and increased physical activity helps in maintaining the well-being of the cardiovascular system. With more aerobic exercises, you can ensure that your heart’s activity remains unaffected in instances of high blood pressure. Fitness experts recommend that the inclusion of two and a half hours of moderate physical activity, which is spread throughout a week, can help in strengthening your cardiovascular system.

Furthermore, the increased physical activity also helps in reducing body weight, which can otherwise add to the aggravation of hypertension. Moderate physical activities can be performed in the form of brisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening and any other aerobic exercise of your preference.

Using Medication

There is an abundance of successful medications that are used to control high blood pressure. Metoprolol, Losartan, and Amlodipine are some of the more popular ones, but let’s have a look at these and others and how they help to maintain a steady heartbeat and pressure. Please note, all of these drugs MUST NOT BE administered without the consultation of a qualified physician.

Diuretics

Diuretics are a class of drugs used to catalyze the production of urine. It is usually recommended for acute hypertension patients for lowering their blood pressure levels with the exclusion of sodium and water from the body through urine.

Beta-Blockers

A beta-blocker is another class of drug prescribed to patients with abnormal heartbeat caused by increased levels of blood pressure. These drugs slow down heart activity to protect it from the detrimental consequences of hypertension.