General Health Tips !

Seeing that we are a "young at heart, active & health conscious" group of people, I am posting an item on "General Health Tips" so we can all exchange ideas on how to stay fit & well, while enjoying our badminton & social activities. I am starting off with an interesting "toy" which a friend purchased for me. It's a blood pressure reader which gives you a good indication of what your blood pressure is. It's real cool strapping it on & taking readings to see what your blood pressure is. It's quite interesting to note how it changes during the day! There are many of these useful "toys" in the market today! Please feel free to email me with ideas & pictures of any such useful health "toys" so we can share it among ourselves!











It is important to ensure your blood pressure is within the norm. I am not a doctor so don't take my word for it. Here are some extracts below from various websites which make interesting reading. At Greenhearts we aim to keep healthy, fit & strong so we can have a good game of badminton!

Internet Extracts Below:

"Your Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure?

See link below:-
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/
pub/guide/prevention/htn/yourbp.htm

Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard. This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work extra hard for an extended period of time, it tends to enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the arteries, causing arterial disease." There is no "ideal" blood pressure reading. However, there is a range of "normal" blood pressure reading. Generally, a reading that is less than 140 over 90 indicates that you don't need to worry. If either or both numbers are equal to or greater than 140 over 90 for an extended period of time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard. This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work extra hard for an extended period of time, it tends to enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the arteries, causing arterial disease.

http://sln.fi.edu/biosci/healthy/pressure.html

WHAT IS NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE?
In general, a normal blood pressure reading for healthy adults is below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, or below 120/80. While you may not feel any symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure may put you at risk for serious medical conditions. As your blood pressure numbers go above the normal range, so does your risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Every 20-point increase in your systolic (top) number or 10-point increase in your diastolic (bottom) number doubles your risk of heart attack or stroke. Ask your doctor for your ideal blood pressure numbers.

While high blood pressure cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Talk to your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) as well as medicines that can help lower your blood pressure — and follow up with them regularly. Sticking to the regimen you develop with your healthcare provider is the best way to keep your numbers under control.

http://www.diovan.com/info/answers/normal_blood_pressure.jsp?checked=y