LOW BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPOTENSION)

Low blood pressure or hypotension is an abnormal medical condition in which an individual's blood pressure is abnormally lower than 90/60mmHg. A sudden drop in blood pressure can be very dangerous because the body can't bring blood pressure back to normal or can't do it fast enough and this can restrict the amount of blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs which can cause unsteadiness, dizziness or fainting.

Main indicator:
Increased vascular elasticity with or without reduced vascular resistance
Other factor:
Increased coronary artery elasticity

Types of low blood pressure

1.  Low blood pressure on standing up (orthostatic hypotension) This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting position or from lying down, such persons may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision and even fainting, this happens because enough blood did not return to the brain immediately after standing up. Orthostatic can occurs for reasons such as dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, diabetes, heart problem, excessive heat etc
2. Low blood pressure after eating (postprandial hypotension) This sudden drop in blood pressure after eating affects mostly older adults who are likely to have high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease
3. Low blood pressure from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension) This disorder causes a blood pressure drop after standing for a long period, it occurs because of miscommunication between the heart and the brain, young adults and children are mostly at risk
4. Low blood pressure due to nervous system damage: It is a rare disorder that causes progressive damage to the autonomic nervous system

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Patients who experience associated side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness and excessive thirst need to be further investigated, these symptoms are a results of hypoperfusion of vital organs, which can lead to organ damage in the long run. In more serious cases patients may faint, it can also confine one to bed and sudden drop in blood pressure can be life threatening.

Causes of low blood pressure

Hypotension can be caused by a change in either the cardiac output or pulmonary vascular resistance, this can be the result of drugs or combination of drugs

1. Severe dehydration
2. Reaction to alcohol or medication
3. High blood pressure
4. Low blood temperature
5. Heart muscle disease
6. Loss of bloodblood
7. Lack of nutrients in diet

Low blood pressure table

Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure in the arteries during the active and resting phases of each heart beat. 

Systolic pressure:- this is the top number in the BP reading, it is the amount of pressure the heart generate when pumping blood through the arteries to the rest of the body

Diastolic pressure:- it is the bottom number in the blood pressure reading, it refers to the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Treatment

1. Chilly pepper
2. Alligator pepper
3. Salty food (confirm with your doctor)
4. Enough sleep
5. Water
6. Acupuncture therapy
7. Acupuncture therapy

Healthy tips

1. Get adequate sleep
2. Increase your water intake
3. Reduce stress
4. Practice breathing techniques
5. Do regular exercise to promote blood flow

Caution

1. Avoid prolong standing
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages
3. Avoid heavy lifting

Low blood pressure can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out it's normal functions leading to damage to your heart and brain.







It is health that is real wealth

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure normally referred to as hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the force of the blood against the arteries is consistently abnormally high and If blood pressure rises and stays high overtime it can damage the body in many ways and may eventually cause health problems. Hypertension is considered a major public health problem, it is known as the silent killer because it does not usually come with symptoms but the warning signs are:

1. Headache
2. Sweating
3. Shortness of breath
4. Rapid pulse
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Palpitation
9. Blurred and double vision 
10. Feeling of pulsation in the neck or head

To diagnose your blood pressure, you need a device called sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor, the test is better done in the morning as you step down from the bed and must be repeated throughout the day for accuracy, in order to make a correct diagnosis. Sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor comes in different shapes, types and sizes. It's periodic usage tells how much pressure it takes to move the flow of blood through the arteries, it help determine; your state of health and enable you to take charge of your health situations.

Basic guidelines for blood pressure numbers are:

Normal -  120/80mmHg

Pre hypertension -  120-139/80-89

Stage 1-  140-159/90-99

Stage 2 -  160/100
Study the table below: under (know your blood pressure)

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. It is the narrowing of the arteries that makes blood circulation through the vessels difficult, as a result blood pressure becomes elevated.

Whether blood pressure is high, low or normal depends on several factors suchlike:

1. The output from the heart
2. The resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels
3. The volume of blood
4. Blood distribution to various organs

All of these factors can be affected by the activities of the nervous system and certain hormones. 

Types of hypertension

1. Primary hypertension

This is a high blood pressure for which there is a no known cause, but result in hardening of the arteries, risk factors have been identified as; smoking, stress, obesity, drug abuse, excessive use of stimulants and high sodium intake. 

2. Secondary hypertension

This is high blood pressure that arises due to underlying health problem, such as hormonal abnormality, constricted blood vessels or have lost elasticity from a build up of fatty plaque on the inside wall of the vessel. 

Complications of high blood pressure

1. Heart failure
2. Stroke
3. Obesity
4. Diabetes
5. Hyperthyroidism
6. Coronary heart disease
7. Kidney disorders
8. Poor kidney function resulting in retention of excess sodium and fluid in the body
9. Arteriosclerosis I.e hardening of the artery walls 

The main indicator for high blood pressure  

Increased vascular resistance with or without reduced vascular elasticity

Other factors:

1. Increased blood viscosity
2. Increased cholesterol crystals
3. Increased blood fat
4. Increased liver fat
5. Increase in low density lipoprotein
6. Increase in total cholesterol

Know your blood pressure
Blood pressure is represented as a pair of numbers and measured in millimeters of mercury mmHg with systolic number above the diastolic number, the combined blood pressure reading is expressed as 120/80 mmHg. (The mmHg is the units used to measure blood pressure)

Systolic - refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood into the blood vessels

Diastolic - refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between the beats

Knowing your blood pressure number is important it helps you put your blood pressure in check and this may help prevent damage to your body organs.

Stability

Blood pressure does not stay the same all the time, it lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up, it also rises when you are excited, nervous, or active. if your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you are at risk of health problems, the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rises. 

Controlling your blood pressure

As we get older, our arteries get harder and lose their elasticity, this is not good, because arteries need to be elastic and flexible to efficiently deliver blood. 

People with high blood pressure can take steps to control it and reduce their risk for related health problems.

Treatment

1. Following a healthy lifestyle
2. Dietary change
3. Exercise
4. Living a stress free life
5. Herbal therapytherapy
6. Eat a low sodium diet
7. Water therapy
8. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
9. IncreaseIncrease your potassium intake
10. Acupuncture 

Food that controls high blood pressure

1. Cucumber
2. Celery
3. Banana
4. Parsley
5. Watermelon
6. Seeds and nuts
7. Broccoli
8. Papaya
9. Cayenne
10. Grapes
11. Onion
12. Beetroot

Herbs and supplements

1. Garlic and honey
2. Turmeric
3. Ginger
4. Omega 3 fatty acids
5. Flaxseeds
6. Cordyceps
7. Calcium techniques

Healthy tips

1. Get adequate sleep
2. Take lots water
3. Reduce stress
4. Daily walk (exercise)
5. Coughing exercise
6. Breathing techniques

PAIN

When everything is functioning properly, the body stays in a state of balance and homeostasis, but when the body is not working right; aches, pains and discomfort takes over the body and a sensation of distress is transmitted to the nerves which inturn sends signals to the brain and body that something is not working right. Pain can make one incapable of performing daily activities in personal and professional areas, making one incapacitated and unproductive.

Pain is a general symptom in medical conditions and can be classified into two categories depending on the severity

Types of pain

1. Acute pain
2. Chronic pain  

Acute pain
Acute pain occurs when there is tissue damage it is also a sign of any physical damage or sickness in the body, in most cases it does not last a longer than 3 months when the initial injury has healed, it can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of tissue damag, it is also the result of the body doing everything it can to protect and heal an injured area. If acute pain is not treated it may become chronic pain and can affect happy and healthy life.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is pain that persist after the original injury has healed sometimes there maybe no experience of injury yet a person experiencing chronic pain will still feel discomfort that ranges from mild to excruciating pain, the result of chronic pain is stiffness, limited motion and overall reduction in quality of life.
All of these falls under both acute and chronic pain:

1. Visceral pain - pain arising from internal organs
2. Neuropathic pain - pain caused by damage to nerves in the nervous system, often described as burning, shooting or stabbing
3. Somatic pain - pain felt due to stimuli such as burning or crushing
4. Nociceptive pain - pain more likely to be spontaneous like electric shock or burning
5. Hyperalgesia pain - increased pain from a stimulus that normally provoke pain.

Causes of pain

1. Nerve damage
2. Tissue damage
3. Muscle damage
4. Illness
5. Injuries
6. Aging
7. Surgery
8. Burns and cuts
9. Poor posture
10. Overweight
11. Wearing uncomfortable shoes
12. Sleeping on bad mattress
13. Some diseases 
14. Pinched nerves
15. Lifting heavy weight etc.

Pain affects a lot of people for many reasons, it can also obstruct a persons quality of life and general functioning, in the condition of musculoskeletal twinge one may not find relief easily especially if the pain increase day after day due to lack of effective treatment. 

Muscle pain is commonly caused due to muscle inflexibility, muscle tremor, muscle fault, disturbances of bones, muscle spasticity, wear and tear of the tissues from time to time, this unbearable pain makes one feeble and irritating.

Pain pathway and degree of pain

Pain is a vital function of the nervous system in providing the body with a warning of potential or actual injury. 
It messages travel from the nerve endings of injury site  which is the receptor pain signal to the spinal cord, the spinal cord then send the messages through the brainstem to the brain. 
Any pain or ache in any part of the body could be a result of an ailment existing in another part of the body this is known as reffered pain, this could mean that the pain or wound we sometimes pass as normal or just nothing can be serious health issues.

Knowing your body is as important as knowing your abc, do not ignore any sign your body tries to give you through pain.
The degree of pain vary from mild to moderate to severe to very severe.

Pain you must not ignore

1. Sudden head or neck pain
2. Muscle cramp or muscle pull
3. Sharp back and ankle pain 
4. Fatigue
5. Extreme levels of hunger
6. Feeling light headed
7. Relentless shin pain

Pains to watch out for to avoid any serious health issues

1. Heart - Pain in the chest area, around the heart and reffered pain shooting down the left arm or in the upper middle portion of the back, these are the symptoms of heart disease
2. Lung and diaphragm - Pain in one side of the neck or upper shoulder area is caused by issues with lungs and diaphragm
3. Liver and gall bladder - Pain in the neck or upper shoulder areas and in the right side of the body below the nipple are caused by both the liver and the gall bladder
4. Stomach and pancreas - Pain in the upper part of the naval of the right side of the stomach and the lower part of the thoracic  may mean serious organ issues
5. Small intestine - Pain in the abdominal area near the belly button indicates small intestine issues
6. Colon and appendix - Appendicitis and problems with the colon often show themselves with referred pain in this specific areas of the abdomen
7. Kidneys - Kidney problem cover a large area of the body that includes the lower back, abdomen, pelvis and other portions of the legs
8. Bladder - Serious bladder problems can be traced if you experience pain on the lower pelvis, on the front or back side
9. Ovary - Ovarian cysts can cause sharp, stabbing pain usually on one side of the abdomen

Treatment

Body pain can be treated without the use of drugs but in most cases we want immediate relief from the pain so we tend to go for over the counter drugs which we brand as analgesics or pain relievers, and they come in various forms. These medicines may offer quick relief from pain, but they also come with their side effects such as; insomnia, stomach agony, ulcers, nausea, fast heart beats, difficulty in swallowing, and difficulty breathing, while its constant usage can cause liver and kidney damage and increase blood pressure, according to WHO.

Pain is treated depending on the cause of the pain and this include:

• Herbs and spices e.g clove, turmeric, ginger
• Food and fruits e.g pineapple, apple
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Relaxation technique
• Electrical stimulation (TIENS) 
• Hot and cold water bags
• Massaging
• Physical exercise

Pain! Pain!! Pain!!!

Pain is the worst guest a body could have

Uninvited guest that tend to stay longest

And also demand the most attention

It disregards whatever your plan for the day is

You cannot even excuse yourself for a minute

It reaps through every muscle and burns through your bones

It teases you and laugh in your face

It dares you to pray it away, medicate it away, wish it away

But the one good thing pain does is;

It reveals to you who you really are

It reveals to you the state of your health

It helps you to tidy up the loose screws

Though not invited, it is the best scanner to your health 

Before it stops you

FEMALE MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a period of natural cessation of monthly menstruation, which is a natural part of woman's life cycle, at this point the woman stops ovulating, indicating the end of fertility. The average age of unset for women to experience menopause is 51, but the most common age range is between ages 48-55. Some women starts at age 40 and some continue to have menstrual period into their 50s, some women experience premature menopause, this occur in women younger than 40 years and may be caused by premature ovarian failure or cancer; this is why every premature menopause should be well investigated to rule out complications, lifestyle can also accelerate ovary decline resulting in earlier menopause.

Every woman will experience menopause because of a complex series of hormonal changes her body goes through monthly and due to decreased production of estrogen and progesterone hormone which a woman experience because of age and decline of ovary function.

Symptoms

Menopause symptoms vary from one woman to another even in the same family, which means each individual will need to manage her own menopause

1. Hot flashes
2. Mood swings
3. Night sweats
4. Heart palpitations
5. Insomnia
6. Fatigue
7. Anxiety
8. Depression
9. Poor concentration
10. Vaginal dryness
11. Premature aging
12. Irregular period
13. Low libido
14. Oedema
15. Weakened fingernails
16. Itchy skin
17. Lapse memory
18. Achy joints and muscles
19. Headaches
20. Incontinence
21. Digestive issues
22. Dizziness
23. Bloating
24. Tingling of extremities
25. Ringing ears
26. Osteoporosis
27. Heavy menses
28. Nervousness
29. Tender breast
30. Irritability

3 Stages of menopause

1. Peri menopause stage - is the period when the body begins to transit into menopause, it begins several years before menopause as the ovaries gradually make less estrogen, during the period, a woman may experience menopausal symptoms even though she still menstruate, peri menopause last up till menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
2. Menopause - A woman enters menopause 1-2 years after cessation of her last mentrual period, at this stage the ovaries have stoped releasing eggs and making most of their estrogen
3. Post menopause - These are the years after menopause, during this period, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes ease for most women but some health risk are related because of the decline in estrogen production, such as:

• Osteoporosis - decreased estrogen is associated with the bones no longer retaining much calcium, bones becomes weak and can be easily fractured
• Heart diseases - decreased estrogen is also associated in an increase risk of heart disease, the level of bad cholesterol is raised, and palpitation occurs often.
• Headaches - when hormone levels flunctuate, blood vessels expand and contract sparodically and this can result in headaches
• Urinary incontinence - many women experience lose of bladder control because of decline in estrogen and frequent visits to the bathroom, especially at night.
• Vagina changes - lack of estrogen make the skin of vagina thinner causing vagina dryness, itching, burning and it can also cause pain during intercourse
• Weight gain - many women gain weight during menopausal transition and after menopause because of slow metabolism
• Alzheimer's - most menopausal women experience lapses in memory from time to time, though mostly attributed to normal aging but sometimes they can be a sign of Alzheimer's             
• Wrinkles - the body decline in making of collagen during menopause making skin elasticity to drop thereby causing sagging and wrinkles
• Breast changes - changes in breast and soreness could be because of decline in estrogen production apart from the fact that these may also happen during pregnancy or a signal that period is about to start      
• Weakened vision - menopause is the common cause of vision loss in both male and female, it is at this midlife stage that most people over age 40 visit the opthalmologist, the following are the common eye diseases associated with menopause: 

a. Cataracts

b. Glaucoma

c. Dry eyes

d. Age related macular degeneration

Treatment

Menopause is not a disease that has a definite cure or treatment, but changes in lifestyle will help relieve many of the symptoms, herbal treatment, supplements and acupuncture are all helpful in decreasing hot flashes and treatment.
1. Hot flashes:

All women experience hot flashes during menopause but in different degrees, making it the most common symptom, hot flashes can occur anytime and several times of the day and at night. During a hot flash the body's temperature rises and the rush of the heat is accompanied by palpitations, sweating and dizziness, sometimes after the hot flash you may feel cold allover, all these will last from about 3 seconds to a few minutes.To prevent hot flashes, avoid all triggers.
Hot flashes triggers are:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Stress
• Spicy foods
• Hot weather
• Smoking

2. Acupuncture

3. Supplements, foods and herbs

• Essential fatty acids
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Holy basil
• Turmeric
• Vitamin 
• Coenzyme Q10
• Iron
• Flaxseeds
• Aloe vera gel
• Water
• Fruits and vegetables

4. Regular exercise
5. Reduced stress
6. Enough sleep
7. Discuss with your immediate family, you need their understanding, love and affection

Be calm
Be patient
Live your life fully throughout menopause

MALE MENOPAUSE

The male menopause is real though men do not go through a well defined period reffered to as menopause, it is the most important health change that many men go through, but it is not recognised by many as important health problem that should be given much attention. The male menopause is all about a drop in testosterone production in men, it is an age related changes in male hormone levels which is also known as testosterone deficiency or an androgen deficiency, factors such as disease, stress, diet, obesity, and general health problem, change the signals that the pituitary gland sends to the testes, causing the production of testosterone to drop.

Testosterone is an hormone produced in the testes, it is responsible for mental and physical energy, sex drive and regulates key evolutionary features in men. Male menopause is different from female menopause because it does not involve a complete shut down of the male reproductive organs as it is in women, however sexual complications will arise as a result of lowered hormone levels. Low levels of testosterone associated with male menopause have also been linked to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.

Signs and symptoms
Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, emotional and psychological problems, theses includes:

1. Low energy
2. Depression
3. Lower self confidence
4. Decreases motivation
5. Poor concentration
6. Insomnia
7. Fatigue
8. Night sweat
9. Decreases mental clarity
10. Increased body fat
11. Abdominal fat
12. Physical weakness
13. Development of breasts
14. Decreased bone density
15. Erectile dysfunction
16. Reduced libido
17. Infertility
18. Swollen or tender breast
19. Decrease in testicle size
20. Loss of body hair
21. Hot flashes

It is normal to experience a decline in testosterone levels as you get older.
Your testosterone levels are low as a child but increases as you sexually mature, but as you age; your testosterone levels begin to drop. It is believed medically that testosterone level drops at average of one percent per year after men turns 30, while in some men it drops earlier causing drastic decline in testosterone levels.

All stages of life have their cchallenges, but at about the age of 40 to 55 years men begin to experience midlife changes, it is a normal development stage for men because of the psychological and physiological changes involved. It is at this time a man question is health and sexual ability which may have finally caught up with his bad habits and lifestyles, these reality of life are the unavoidable consequences of ageing, some men handle it well while others don't, it can be a frightening midlife crisis which it's transition from one phase of life to another can cause some negative effects in some men.

• Some men cope poorly by using drugs
• Some by engaging in alcohol
• Some men try cooping by seeking company of younger women

But it can be a liberating and exciting time if you choose the right way to deal with the situation by exploring life experiences with joy, peace and satisfaction with families, friends, nature and God.

Treatments

Some men can easily manage the symptoms while some may have to see the doctor to rule out the chances of diabetes, heart related diseases, erectile dysfunction and other complications due to nerves damaged.

How to increase testosterone

1. Deal with your cholesterol
2. Get enough sleep and rest
3. Take vitamins and minerals
4. Avoid foods that spike blood sugar
5. Get sun, or take vitamin D supplement
6. Lift weight
7. Take zinc supplements

A more holistic approach is one that include:

1. Change of diet 
2. Water
3. Regular exercise
4. Reduction in stress levels
5. Change in perspectives
6. Overall healthier attitude  
7. Acupuncture treatment

These lifestyle habits can benefit all men and can help improve the overall health of men experiencing menopause already.

Friendly foods

1. Flaxseeds - help balance hormone and remove hot flashes as well as mood disturbance
2. Tomatoes - rich in lycopene, carotenoids and red carotene, it protect against prostate cancer
3. Omega 3 fatty acids - stabilize mood swings, and help improve memory and concentration.
4. Zinc rich foods - helps the body deactivate aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen
5. Vitamin C rich foods - lower level of vitamin C is a midlife risk, makes testosterone level to drop.