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From the time she was young, Naah Allotey was always passionate about one thing above all others: healthcare.

She's currently working as a nurse practitioner at Harlem Hospital in New York City - the largest facility of its type in the area. Prior to that, she worked with a plethora of other highly-regarded medical organizations, including but not limited to Korlebu Teaching Hospital in Ghana, West Africa and the esteemed Merwick Rehab Center.

Throughout her career she's done it all - from wound care to research to women's health and everything in between. During this period, one topic has come up time and again that she is eager to shed some light on: blood pressure, and why it's always critical to keep an eye on yours whenever you have the opportunity to do so.

Why Blood Pressure Matters

At its core, a person's blood pressure is exactly what it sounds like - a measurement of the force of the blood that is circulating along the walls of the arteries in their body. It is taken using two distinct measurements that, when taken together, paint a clear picture of what is actually going on.

The first is systolic, which is measured when the heart beats. This is important, because this is the time when blood pressure is at its highest. The second is diastolic, which is measured in between those beats, which is typically when blood pressure is at its lowest. 120/80 (read as "120 over 80") is considered to be an average blood pressure.

For Naah Allotey, perhaps the biggest reason why people should be keeping a pulse on their blood pressure has to do not with the numbers themselves, but with what those numbers can tell us. Tracking blood pressure helps indicate what a person's risk will be for heart disease and even stroke, for example.

If a situation like high blood pressure is allowed to go totally undetected for long periods of time, it could significantly increase a patient's risk of a heart attack as well. Consistent high blood pressure can easily damage arteries, causing them to become blocked. This prevents the appropriate amount of blood from getting to the heart at all. The same is true of the arteries and vessels that get blood to the brain. If they become blocked to a significant degree, a patient's risk of a stroke dramatically increases.

Low blood pressure is dangerous as well, but for different reasons. If your blood pressure were to suddenly drop, it could cause dizziness. In certain extreme situations, it could even cause fainting. Big drops can also be life-threatening depending on their initial cause.

Low blood pressure in particular is important to watch out for, especially if you're monitoring from home. Sometimes, people misinterpret what the numbers are trying to tell them and low blood pressure can give them a false sense of security about their overall health and wellness. All of this is why Naah Allotey believes it's so important to consistently monitor blood pressure, regardless of whether or not you're dealing with other medical conditions. 

 Fitness,Health In the 1960's chefs started to experiment with cooking without meat. But the meals were often tasteless. But now-a-days after experiencing for more than a quarter of a century, cooks are combining fruits, vegetables grains, and legumes in exciting new ways. The tastes are so good that even large restaurants are now offering meatless meals. As a result, more than 30 million Americans, including one in three teens, have tried vegetarian meals, according to the American Dietetic Association. They like the health benefits and how good the food tastes. Vegetarian diets have changed, but one thing stayed the same: a plant based diet , which is low in saturated fat, high in fiber,vitamins, antioxidants, and a powerful array of protective chemicals. This is the ultimate prescription for a longer and healthier life, according to Virginia Messina, MPH, R.D. a dietitian in Port Townsend, Washington, and coauthor of The Vegetarian Way. Research results have showed that vegetarians have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, type two diabetes and obesity than people who eat meat. According to British researchers, vegetarians have a 20% lower risk of fatal heart disease and a 40% lower risk of cancer.

Other studies found more positive facts. Fifty years ago a large study of 27,530 Seventh-Day Adventists, whose religion advocates a vegetarian diet, provided the first scientific link between vegetarian diets and better health. Researchers were amazed to discover that among the vegetarian Adventists, death rate from cancer were 50 to 70% lower than among other Americans. Since then, study after study has confirmed the benefits of vegetarian eating. In China, where people eat little or no meat, diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes, are far less common than in the United States. Naturally lean Something that makes vegetarian meals so healthy is that they don't have all the saturated fat and cholesterol that comes from meat. In fact, while most Americans get about 36% of their total calories from fat, vegetarians get less, usually between 30% and 34%. And most of the fat they get is the healthier polyunsaturated and monounsaturated type - and not the dangerous saturated fat that comes from animal foods. In one study, researchers put 500 people on a vegetarian diet. After twelve days, cholesterol levels had dropped an average of 11%. Besides the fact that vegetarian meals don't contain saturated fat that makes vegetarian meals so healthy, they also contain the "good" fats. According to studies, both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds, and many other plant foods, can lower the level of cholesterol when they're used to replace saturated fat in the diet. And the omega-3 fatty acids found in some plant foods, such as walnuts and flaxeed, can further protect against heart disease by helping to keep artery walls flexible and supporting the electrical "system" within the heart that regulates a healthy heartbeat.

The Power of Plants Doctors in the US have been pleading with Americans for years to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, the same foods that vegetarians eat in abundance. Most plant foods are loaded with antioxidants, like beta-carotene and vitamin C and E. They are essential to protect you against diseases. Also, plant foods contain an abundance of phytonutrients, which are natural plant compounds that have been shown to lower the risk of cataracts, heart disease, and many other serious problems. In another study researchers found that people who got the most carotenoids, the plant pigment that are found in dark green and deep orange, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables, had half the risk of developing macular degeneration (the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults) as people getting less. Vegetarian diets cut the risk of breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer in a number of studies. The magic ingredients include a number of cancer-fighting phytochemicals. The naturally lower levels of saturated fat in most vegetarian diets (except those that rely heavily on cheese) avoid a problem which is connected with meat-rich diets: High-saturated fat diets seem to promote the production of a form of estrogen called estradiol, which is linked to breast cancer.

In a study it showed that women who ate the most animal fats had a one-third higher risk of breast cancer than those who ate the least. Another study found that vegetarians have higher levels of "natural killer cells" - special white blood cells that attack cancer cells - in their bloodstreams. But even if you took all the nutrients out of plant foods, the vegetarian diet would still have an edge, because of all the dietary fiber it contains. The average American gets only 12 to 15 grams of fiber per day, while vegetarians are getting as much as three times that amount. It is almost impossible to exaggerate the importance of getting enough dietary fiber. because it isn't absorbed by the body, fiber passes through the digestive tract, adding bulk to stools and helping them to move more quickly. This does more than preventing constipation. The more quickly stools and any harmful substances they contain move through the colon, the less likely they are to do cellular damage that could lead to cancer. Also, one type of fiber called soluble fiber, forms a gel in the intestine that helps to prevent fat and cholesterol from passing through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. In a study of more than 43,000 men, for example, researchers found that those who added just 10 grams of fiber a day to their diets - about 25% of the amount vegetarians get each day - decreased their risk of heart disease by almost 30%. Vegetarian diets also guard against other health issues, like kidney stones, gallstones, and asthma. Because high-protein diets with much meat prompt your body to excrete more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid - which are the main building blocks of kidney stones. Diets with a lot of meat increase the change of getting gallstones in women and could threaten bone density by prompting the excretion of calcium. In a Swedish study of 24 women and men, vegetable-based meals cut the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Balance is the Key A vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs, including protein. This is even true for strict vegetarians, who may avoid eggs, milk and other animal foods all together.

The proteins in meat are complete, that means they contain all the amino acids your body needs. The proteins in legumes and grains, however, may be low in one or more of the amino acids, but because legumes and grains contain some amino acids, eating a variety of these foods throughout the day will provide the proper balance. However, vegetarians have the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which the body needs to make red blood cells. It's only found in animal foods. People who don't get enough vitamin B12 feel weak and tired. You can get plenty of vitamin B12 by eating foods which are fortified with this nutrient, such as fortified cereals, or/and you can take vitamin B12 supplements. Why don't you try Vegan Cooking? It's one of the best things you can do for your health! click here!

Indirect contact with surfaces contaminated with infectious droplets containing bacteria is the most common transmission route for infectious diseases, according to the World Health Organisation.

So, for example, every time someone with a cold or flu, for example, coughs or sneezes some of the bacteria are released into the air. While a ducted air system in a large building such as an office or hospital may be constantly refreshing the breathable air the bacteria may end up on the internal surfaces of the ductwork.

Research has found that the embedded bacteria can remain there for considerable periods of time and that the dust and debris that inevitably collects inside the ductwork of an extraction system provides the ideal nutrition for microbes and bacteria to survive on.

Building facilities managers are well aware of the various sets of regulations that require regular air duct cleaning of such systems to ensure a comfortable and breathable atmosphere for the building's users. They also know that a regular cleaning routine can help improve their performance to keep energy costs under control.

There are additional services offered by professional cleaning services that can help to protect the system and further reduce the risks from bacteria and the spread of infection.

The first of these is to ensure that there are adequate access point for cleaning to be as thorough as possible ensuring no corner is missed. It may be worth getting a company that observes the HVCA TR19 industry standards for duct cleaning to carry out a thorough inspection of the system and install additional access points if needed.

A second option is to ensure the cleaning company uses the appropriate cleaning devices such as air jets and brushes specifically designed for the purpose. As a means of extra insurance the cleaning can be reinforced by the application of a polymeric emulsion sanitiser (PDS) which can be atomised into the ventilation system.

The sanitising polymer forms an internal lining on the air duct to protect it from corrosion but it also reinforces the effects of the initial ductwork cleaning by preventing microbes from establishing themselves in the longer term.

Tests have shown that the application of a PDS, especially one that continues to release bacteriocides over time can kill up to 90% of the bacteria and microbe content of E. coli and a variety of other common sources of infection.

It is worth considering the use of sanitised coating for all large buildings where many people work because a reduction in microbes will result in fewer days lost through sickness, but it is particularly important in buildings where there are people who are especially vulnerable either through illness, such as hospitals, or age and reduced immunity, such as residential homes for the elderly.

Copyright ?? 2012 Alison Withers

Piles or hemorrhoids are a painful condition in which there is swelling of the veins in and around the region of the rectum. It could be either internal or external. Constipation and force applied while passing stool could cause a rupture in the veins and consequent loss of blood. External piles, in particular can be very painful.

Piles are a fairly common condition brought on due to dietary habits which are rich in fats and deficient in fibres. It is not a disease, but most people shy away from consulting a doctor possibly because they feel embarrassed. It is a condition if diagnosed correctly is fully curable. Though there are various medicines which promise quick relief, it is essential to address the underlying reasons for the symptoms to have occurred in the first instance.

Causes Chronic constipation and bowel disorders are seen to be the primary causes of piles. However, pregnancy and certain liver conditions can also cause piles. Prolonged sitting or standing, mental stress and hereditary factors can also contribute to this condition.

Constipation besides being a contributory factor enhances the pain factor by causing irritation in the veins and consequent burning sensation. So taking laxatives is helpful. But since laxatives sold over the counter on your doctor's prescription could induce lazy colon syndrome, it would be wiser and safer to take natural laxatives such as dates and other natural foods rich in fibre which would help in passage of the stool without harmful side effects.

Obesity has been identified as a contributory factor. Change in dietary habits and regular exercise are therefore very helpful. Exercise flexes the abdominal muscles. Circulation in the rectal region increases with exercise and so provides relief from constipation. Lifestyle changes should be made instead of depending only on medication.

Symptoms The initial symptoms begin with pain in the rectum while passing stool. Bleeding may also occur in some cases. Soreness and itching are accompanying symptoms of piles. Before concluding that the symptoms are an indication of piles it is necessary to undergo a detailed medical examination before commencing treatment.

Fruit Remedies There are several home remedies which have been found to be effective in the treatment of piles. One or two teaspoonfuls of crushed and powdered mango seeds have been found to reduce swelling. Ensure that the seeds are thoroughly dry and take the powder at least twice a day. Similarly three or four dry figs soaked in water overnight help in bowel movement. Figs can be had in the evening too. The treatment should be repeated for at least three to four weeks to be effective. The seeds of the figs stimulate bowel movement and help to keep the intestines from getting congested. Bleeding piles have been effectively treated by consuming Java Plum or Rose Apple each morning for a period of two months.

A Fruit Diet which can be taken for 7 days cleanses the intestines and helps to remedy chronic constipation which is the main cause of piles. Once this cleansing has been accomplished a soft diet can be renewed so that constipation is kept at bay.

Vegetable Remedies Radish and turnips have also been found to be useful. Grated White Radish (100g) taken with a teaspoon of honey, or juice of radish taken twice a day helps give relief. Radish made into a paste with milk can also be applied externally. Juice made from turnip leaves when mixed with juice of carrot, spinach and watercress also alleviates symptoms.

Fresh ginger juice (half teaspoon) mixed with honey and fresh lime juice or fresh mint juice has been found to be beneficial. So also 30 grams onions crushed in water and mixed with 60 grams sugar taken twice daily helps in bleeding piles. A skinned and crushed onion roasted in ashes should be applied for dry piles. The leaves of bitter gourd are an effect home remedy too. Three teaspoons of the juice should be taken with buttermilk in the morning for fast relief. A paste made from roots of the bitter gourd can be applied externally to the piles.

Enema with Wheat Grass juice for 15 minutes helps in detoxifying the walls of the piles. An enema with lukewarm water should be followed by enema with wheat grass juice for 15 minutes. Sesame seeds too are valuable in treating piles. A decoction can be made by boiling twenty grams of seeds in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by 1/3 rd or as sweets. They are particularly useful in treatment of bleeding piles when ground into a paste and given with butter.

A very popular home remedy revolves around the herb Chebulic Myroblan. It is effective as a laxative and its astringent properties help in healing the masses. The fruit is roasted in cluster oil, powdered and stored. Half a teaspoon taken at night is effective for bowel movement. A paste is useful as an external application. Bleeding piles should be washed with the water made from boiling 10 seeds of this fruit.

Ulceration in stomach and damage to the esophageal area occurs when our body encounters the hyper-acidity condition where the digestive acids start getting generated and secreted in higher degree that couldn't controlled within the specified vicinity and start to move in to the esophagus area through the back flow motion. In the initial stage this dysfunction in often indicated through the burning sensations surrounding our throat and chest area after the consumption of meals. But if this indication isn't considered seriously and not treated in the desired way then the severity may be enhanced to a higher degree in order to cause ulceration to the stomach and damage to the esophagus areas. So the proper treatment should be imputed in order to treat as well as to prevent such undesired developments. To prohibit the excessive formation of gastric juice and to help our stomach as well as esophageal damages to be recovered in the effective manner the implementation of Generic Protonix is used to be suggested by maximum number of physicians as this drug is crafted with the beneficial powers in order to overcome the health hurdles developed due to acidic movements. Therefore whenever you feel these health disorders immediately consult your doctor to be treated with this solution and to avail a quick recovery.

If you get yourself continued with the regular intake of spicy and oily foods then this may bring certain chemical changes in our body and the bad impacts can enhance the secretion of gastric juices. Therefore with a proper regulation over the intake foods a long lasting inhibitor in the form of medicament is required to be applied in order to bring the acidic generation in to the controlled level. To avail this output the medical teams researched and developed Generic Protonix. This solution comes under proton pump inhibitor class that has been researched to be the desired and efficient drug class to treat all the health disorders resulted due to the malfunction of stomach acids. This drug has been discovered to be an effective pattern in providing the victims with the desired and anticipated output through the treatment. By reducing acid production in stomach this not only helps to relieve the symptoms of heartburn but also treats stomach ulcer and esophagus damage efficiently by relieving these parts from the constant hit of acidic moment. This drug if consumed in routine basis for the prescribed time then can treat you in full extent to come out from the acidic effects.

Because of all these capabilities in carrying out the remedial activities in the significant way Generic Protonix is prescribed to treat major number of reflux victims. So keep yourself properly aware about this solution and carry out the implementation exactly as advised by the physician. Negligence in the drug intake or a little violation in the consumption way may cause the user to encounter certain complex health issues like nausea, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, sleeping disorder or joint pains. So try to avoid these health conditions by taking proper precautions.