Fitness | Healthy Heart Net

Improve Your Heart Health with Prescription Drug Rehab

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If you have a drug problem, you could be doing a lot of damage to your internal organs. You won’t see the damage, of course, and you might not even feel it for some time. Eventually it can catch up with you, and by that time it can be very hard to treat. For some people, the damage will have gone too far and there won’t really be anything that can be done. Everyone’s heard of things like alcohol abuse causing liver damage, but most people aren’t aware of the damage that drugs can do to your heart.

If you’re taking a lot of drugs and medications for various things, it’s possible to begin to overuse them. That’s especially true of things like muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and antidepressants, as well as pain medications. Over time, you often need more of these to get the same effect. Because of that, it can become a real problem for some people who aren’t able to control how much they use. They want the relief that comes with taking them, but they don’t realize the dosage that they’ve gotten to. They also don’t realize how hard all of these medications are on their bodies, so they don’t pay attention to their heart health.

If you want to protect your heart, there’s more you can do than just exercising and eating right. Regular checkups are very important, and you should also check yourself into prescription drug rehab and get clean as soon as possible. If there’s been any damage done, it may be possible to reverse it. Even if it can’t be reversed, it can be stopped now and not allowed to continue. You’ll be able to live a longer, happier, healthier life by getting – and staying – drug free.

Filed Under: Cancer, Drug Addiction, Exercise, Fitness Tagged With: Drugs, Drugs and Medications, Health, Oxycodone, Pharmaceutical drug, Pharmacy, Prescription drug, United States

Brains Workings Part 2

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Another very interesting part of the brain working is the process of networking and communication by the brain and the different parts of the body. This is carried out by the remarkable neurons, axons, brain cells, etc. that communicate with each other through electrical and chemical pathways. The electrical signals travel through the axons to nerve endings which out branch to other parts of the body. The ends of axons or the branches release chemicals which are because of electrical simulations. These electrical simulations make the nerve ending to secrete out chemicals which in turn simulate other dendrites. The space between the dendrites and axons is called as a synapse. The dendrites then convert these chemical signals in to electrical signals and transport it to wherever they are going. After the chemicals pass through the axons to the dendrites, they turn into liquids form gels, in the liquid state synapses are not as effective as when gelled. It takes a little time for the synapses to get for them to be able to recreate the memory. A protein works to solidify these synapses back to gel form; these are known as transforming growth factor-B. This protein is calcium based and required adequate calcium in diet for the brain connections to be working properly. Too much of calcium completely clogs the synapses and is not recommended. Acetylcholine is that chemical that is exchanged between axons and dendrites so that communication is possible. It also helps in degrading the excess transforming growth factor-B protein that blocks the synapses. Acetyl choline is the protein that is responsible for Alzheimer’s in old people where it is completely absent. Its complete absence in old age leads to memory loss and no recalling power. Acetylcholine is also responsible for the proper shutting of eyelids. Hence the next time you think about anything, think about the complex processes going on inside.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Acetylcholine, Chemical synapse, Dendrite, Neuron

Shopping For Heart-Healthy Foods

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It today’s very busy world it is sometimes easier to settle for convenience. And many of us choose to eat those easy to prepare or fast-food drive through options. Unfortunately these food choices are high in sugar, salt and fats, among other things. In addition, these choices do not usually contain heart healthy things such as fiber and emega-3 fatty acids.

So can you believe that you can actually eat a healthy diet that is also convenient? Fruits, vegetables and good fats can help us lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These foods will also prevent some cancer, heart disease, and stroke and can boost our immune systems.

Next time you head for the grocery store, keep these tips in mind:

Foods You Should Purchase
In addition to heart healthy foods, look for “functional” food that contain added nutrients such as orange juice that has had calcium added.

Colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, apples, broccoli and the like are very good choices because they basically act as the foundation of your healthy diet.

Whole grains such as oats, and barley will provide complex carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Pastas, breads and cereals that are made with whole grains are the best option, although make sure that they are also low in sugar and fat content.

Lean meat and proteins are the best bet. This includes poultry breasts, beef sirloin and tenderloin. Chose meets that are labeled to be at least 96 percent fat free. Beans that are high in protein such as soy, kidney and black beans are also a great option.

Food that are rich in omega-3 fats are an important part of any healthy diet and a lot of us don’t get a sufficient amount in our diets. Cold-water fish including halibut and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts such as walnuts and flaxseed are also a good source.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Food, Healthy Diet, Heart Disease, Omega-3 fatty acid

New Information From The Heart Association For Heart Health

Recently the American Heart Associated presented some steps that can be taken to achieve heart health. These steps will take some work, but good cardiovascular health is definitely worth it.

The Association identified three categories outlining heart health: ideal, intermediate or poor. To give you an idea of what the Association deems idea, that person would be defined by having these characteristics:

–Non-smoker, or someone who quite over a year ago
–Has a good body mass index
–Engages in regular physical activity or exercise.
–Has a blood pressure reading below the 120/80 levels
–Their total cholesterol is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter
–Has a blood glucose level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter.
–Eats a heart healthy diet, including vegetables and fruits, whole grains and limits sodium intake.

The American Heart Association says that these seven indicators can improve the heart health of Americans by almost 20 percent and will increase deaths by the same percentage.

The Association says these goals are the first time it adopted a healthier lifestyle as a goal and as such developed a new online resource that can be found at 111.hart.org/mylifecheck. At this site you can complete an assessment to help you determine the steps you may need to engage in to improve your heart health.

The president of the Heart Association states that up to this point, heart disease and stroke deaths have been decreased due to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, he says that so many people are engaging in unhealthy and risky lifestyles that we may see an increase in the numbers of people developing these diseases. The president also stated that it is an alarming trend that needs to cease. This is one of the main reasons that the Association released these new guidelines.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: American Heart Association, Health, Heart Disease, United States

Does Insurance Coverage Affect Seeking Medical Treatment?

Health insurance is in the forefront of media coverage as well as in the minds of most Americans. Health insurance costs are on the rise and many people can either not qualify or afford coverage. Many of us, those that have coverage and those that do not, worry about the cost of medical care. As a result, many people delay seeking medical attention during a heart attack.

It is a fact that those that are either underinsured or uninsured access medical treatment for chronic conditions including diabetes at a far lower rate that those who are insured. A new study suggests that concerns about cost are affect decision concerning potentially lifesaving care.

Nearly 50 percent of heart attack patients that are uninsured, and about 45 percent of those who are underinsured did not seek treatment for more than six hours after the onset of heart attack symptoms.

Co-author of the study, Paul S. Chan, MD says that there are treatments in place that can prevent damage, but after the first six hours the benefits are limited. He says that there is likely to be no benefit at all of these treatments if the treatment is delayed more than 12 hours.

President Obama’s healthcare reform is projected to provide coverage to about 32 million Americans who are not currently insured. However, Chan says that there might not be any changes in people seek coverage due to the out-of-pocket costs that have continued and most likely will continue to rise.

In another study published in 2009 by the Harvard Medical School indicated that 45,000 yearly deaths were a result of inadequate insure. Basically the study showed that approximately every 12 minutes some dies due to no or inadequate insurance.

Study researchers say the findings are not surprise but are nonetheless disturbing.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Harvard Medical School, Health care, Health insurance, Insurance, United States

Links to Obesity and Heart Disease May Be Understated

A study published in 2009 says that the link between heart attack deaths and obesity may be more severe than initially thought. In addition, health problems caused by being underweight may be inflated as well.

Previous studies and data indicated that those with an above normal body mass index, had higher death rates from heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Links were also shown to people with a very low BMI had increased mortality risks from lung cancer, respiratory diseases and other similar diseases.

But the study from the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) and the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) indicates that the risks for overweight people could be too low while those with the low BMI have been exaggerated.

The study used subjects that were related —father-son and mother-son — all over the age of 50. Some of the data from the study looked at the correlation between the children’s BMI and the death rate of the parents from heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. The data from the study also pointed out that there was no correlation between those with low BMIs and death from lung cancer or other respiratory ailments.

The pointed out that this is important because obesity and the BMI of people have been rising especially in industrialized countries. These increases will negatively affect the trends and the increase of mortality due to heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

The researchers say that the conclusions present by the study is important for public health agencies to understand. The Reduction of overweight and obese populations as well as putting programs into place that will reduce the rise in rates will benefit the general populations.

In conclusion, the researchers stated that this is important data and that any contrary theories are most likely misguided.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Body mass index, Heart Disease, University of Bristol

Stress-Related Health Problems

Stress is not something you want to be stressed out about. But that stress could actually make you ill. Director of the Stress Management Program for Sansum Clinic in California says that stress can intensify many heath problems.

It is a known fact that there are many medical conditions that can be linked to stress such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, asthma and many more. Here’s a look at a few of those health problems related or linked to stress:

–Heart disease has long been linked to those stressed-out personalities. This population group may be at a higher risk for heart problems and high blood pressure. The possibility exists that this stress level is related to other things like smoking or obesity that increases the possibility of heart disease.

–Obesity, especially when the weight is carried mainly in the belly area, causes a high-risk level. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol that may cause fat to be deposited more frequently in the belly area.

–Asthma may be worsened by stress. Some studies indicated that a parent’s stress may cause their children to be at a higher risk for developing asthma.

–Diabetes may be worsened due to stress in a couple of ways. First the stress can cause a person to engage in unhealthy eating or drinking. And the glucose level seems to rise in people that are stressed.

–Anxiety and depression should not be surprising problems that are linked to stress. Some studies indicate that people with stressful jobs may have as much as an 80 percent chance of becoming depressed.

–Alzheimer’s disease may be worsened if a person is at a high stress level because the stress may be causing an increase in the growth of brain lesions.

There are many other conditions that are stress related as well.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: California, Diabetes mellitus, Heart Disease, Stress

Living With Heart Disease

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There is no cure for coronary artery disease, a chronic disease. If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, it is imperative that you take care of your heart. This is even more important if you have had surgery or another medical procedure to improve your heart’s blood flow. These and other procedures will not cure this disease. You must take the necessary steps to stop any possible progression.

Living with heart disease does not need to be difficult. Here are some ideas to help you:

–You need to recognize the symptoms and be sure to call your physician if you feel an increase in severity or frequency. If after 15 minutes of rest or medication do not alleviate the symptoms, call for emergency assistance. Do not ever wait!

–Make sure you take your medications. These drugs are to help you control your symptoms as well as help your heart. Always follow your doctor’s prescription when taking your medications.

–Take the steps to reduce risk factors. If you have risk factors such as smoking or you are overweight you run the risk of having more problems.

–Visit your doctor on a regular basis for check-ups. Even if you are not exhibiting any symptoms, make sure you have regularly scheduled appointments with both your heart specialist as well as your primary physician.

You may need to make changes in your lifestyle in order to reduce your risk factors. You may need to quit smoking — this takes dedication and a lot of discipline. You should eat a heart-healthy diet and you may need to cut out all those runs to the fast food joints.

When making these changes make sure you have a plan that includes realistic goals. Take one step at time and be prepared for some relapses.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Coronary circulation, Disease, Heart, Heart Disease

Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Heart

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Keeping a healthy heart can be the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When a person’s heart is affected by unhealthy habits it can cause stress to the body and lead to more serious medical conditions. People of all ages should try to maintain a healthy heart, including those who are on an Alzheimer’s care treatment as well as a cancer treatment. Those who are elderly should take special care to maintain a healthy heart. Heart disease has a great impact on elderly individuals, so it is important for people to start a healthy lifestyle early and maintain it.

The keys to maintaining heart health is basically by adapting a healthy lifestyle. Individuals should determine their body mass index. This number can help a person better understand where his or her weight falls in relation to their height. This tool can help them determine if they are underweight, overweight, or within normal range. Staying within a normal range can improve heart health.

A heart healthy diet consists of low fat and low salt foods. Items such as vegetables and fruits should play a large role in one’s diet. Other foods such as salmon, nuts, and beans can help improve heart health as well. Individuals should avoid trans and saturated fats. When choosing meats, he or she should look for leaner cuts of meat with little to no fat. Also, foods high in fiber and low in sugar are healthy choices.

Besides maintaining a healthy diet, individuals should also exercise and consider quitting smoking. Individuals can also help keep their heart healthy by monitoring blood sugar levels and his or her blood pressure. By doing this they can become aware of any problems such as diabetes or hypertension. They should also focus on keeping their cholesterol within a normal range. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be crucial in maintaining a healthy heart.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Body mass index, Health, Heart Disease

Understanding Heart Health Numbers

We are all aware of those heart-health numbers that we are all trying to maintain. Those numbers that can help us either maintain or reduce our risks of developing cardiovascular disease. Waist size, cholesterol levels and blood pressure are all numbers that we need to know, and perhaps we need to improve. Even a small improvement in these numbers can drastically decrease the risk for heart disease. So just exactly what do these numbers mean?

Blood Pressure
There are two numbers that make up a blood pressure reading: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the amount of pressure of blood on the walls of your arteries when the heart is pumping blood out. The diastolic pressure measures the same thing when the heart is filling with blood. It is important to note that you need to have both numbers be in the normal range.

Approximately 74 million Americans suffers from high blood pressure and the number of deaths has increased since 1996 by about 48 percent.

Cholesterol
There are three different types of cholesterol: HDL, triglycerides and LDL. When combined together these number produce a lipid profile, but the individual numbers are very important. LDL is the one that most heart specialists’ focus because each time this number decreases you are making an important step in decrease your risk levels.

Waist Size
Measuring your waist is even more important that knowing your body mass index or even your weight. This is due to the fact that waist size is a good predictor of heart disease risks. Women with a waist size of 35 inches or more and men with a waist of 40 or more inches are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Even just a loss of one inch will also create an improvement in all other numbers for heart health.

Filed Under: Fitness, Heart Care Tagged With: Blood pressure, High-density lipoprotein, Low-density lipoprotein