Archive for September, 2009
Knowing the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Everyone takes for granted how important it is to have a healthy heart. Everyone seems to agree that there a number of things in general you should do to be "heart healthy". But what does that really mean? In what ways can you actually change your diet and lifestyle to make a difference when it comes to heart and cardiovascular disease? Risk factors are just that: factors. There is a number of different combinations of things that have to happen to heighten or lower your chances of contracting such diseases. Here are the main cardiovascular disease risk factors that you need to know, and also, what to do about them.
First of all, know that not all cardiovascular disease risk factors are changeable. Some can’t be changed. For instance, age is a major factor; very few cases of heart disease are contracted under the age of 35, and the majority are among people 55 and older. That said, these unchangeable cardiovascular disease risk factors only make the ones that you can change all the more important.
One of the most potent cardiovascular disease risk factors is cigarette smoking. Regular smokers of tobacco products have two to four times the risk of contracting heart disease as non-smokers. That fact alone should really make you consider quitting as soon as possible.
High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are related cardiovascular disease risk factors. In fact, most of the other cardiovascular disease risk factors are intertwined. For instance, obesity is a common symptom among those with heart disease. Obesity usually stems from a inactive lifestyle and a diet high in fats and processed sugars. This combination of a poor diet and lack of exercise is also the chief causes of high blood cholesterol (and subsequently, high blood pressure). In other words, the easiest way to avoid cardiovascular disease risk factors is simple and twofold.
One: you should immediately change your diet. Remove as much fat as possible, stop or substantially decrease the amount of red meat, butter and other dairy products from your diet. Eliminate the pre-cooked meals, processed foods (frozen meals and packaged cookies), and fast food from your menus. And start jogging, walking, bicycling or other activity. The more vigorous the workout, the most the risk factor is decreased, but even a daily thirty minute walk can go a long way in reducing your cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Tags: cardiovascular disease risk factors, cardiovascular disease
Information About Alzheimer’s Disease
The devastating thing about Alzheimer’s Disease is the amount of suffering in not just those afflicted, but also in those that care for them. That is not to say that there is anything easy about Alzheimer’s when it affects you, but that it also is a very trying mental and emotional toil for the caregivers and loved ones as well. What is worse is when the disease hits and people don’t know enough about Alzheimer’s. So here is some basic information about Alzheimer’s to help you prepare if this unfortunate disease ever appears with you or your loved ones.
The first thing to understand about Alzheimer’s is that it is a lethal brain disease without a cure. Everyone, currently, that has Alzheimer’s does pass away; in the United States, it is the seventh leading cause of death in adults. It is also a progressive disease. This means that, unlike an illness such as cancer, which has improvements and declines in health, Alzheimer’s is a relatively steady descent towards death; as time progresses, the disease invariably worsens.
The most prominent fact about Alzheimer’s is, of course, the dementia that follows. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. This severe form of memory loss is usually the most tragic thing about Alzheimer’s; patients forget who they are, and who they people are around them. This is painful, as many patients are elderly and have been involved with their loved ones or family members for decades.
While scientists are not clear what exactly causes Alzheimer’s, there are a few risk factors that you can control. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t known, medical experts agree that brain health is of paramount importance. Taking precautions against head injuries, such as wearing a helmet during any appropriate activity and always wearing a safety belt in moving vehicles are a couple of steps that will prevent serious head injuries, which have been linked to cases of Alzheimer’s. Scientists have also found a strong link between heart health and brain health. Taking appropriate dietary and exercise measures to promote healthy heart function can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Finally, Alzheimer’s is a disease that is found most often in the elderly, so healthy aging strategies such as minimizing alcohol and eliminating tobacco and drug use as well as a healthy diet and weight should go a long way to preventing Alzheimer’s.
Knowing more about Alzheimer’s is crucial for those either diagnosed or close to someone that has succumb to this life-altering and life-ending disease. While there is no cure, there is a lot of treatment available and with the medical attention about Alzheimer’s at its highest levels ever, the cure for the disease may be right around the corner.
Tags: about alzheimers, alzheimers disease
