Rather than focusing on specific meal categories this year, we're offering supper suggestions that adhere to heart-healthy recommendations. The emphasis will be on simple, plant-based recipes, though a few will incorporate fish or modest amounts of poultry. Additionally, we will highlight popular or signature meals from across the United States, ranging from the Pacific Northwest to the Florida Keys.
Is it possible to have a silent stroke?
I've heard about silent heart attacks, but is it possible to suffer a stroke and be unaware of it as well?
Indeed, this is possible. According to a joint statement made by the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association, up to a quarter of octogenarians may have had one or more strokes without experiencing symptoms. These episodes are frequently noticed only after a person has brain imaging for another reason.
Do seasons have an effect on blood pressure?
Seasons do have an effect on blood pressure. During the winter, some patients with borderline hypertension experience elevated blood pressure readings. And their blood pressure can rise to dangerous levels, necessitating medication to maintain control. They may be able to lessen the dosage in the spring or discontinue the medicine entirely in the summer.
The predominant idea for increased blood pressure in colder temperatures is that it is caused by artery tension. When our bodies become cold, blood vessels constrict to retain heat. This can result in an increase in blood pressure in certain individuals. However, additional things may contribute to your elevated winter blood pressure. For instance:
Do you have relatives or friends who live in assisted living facilities? Finding the ideal gift can be challenging. Certain gifts may be prohibited due to health concerns: people who must maintain a healthy blood sugar level should avoid sweets or chocolates. There is little space in the apartment or place for an additional stuff. Your giftee's physical or mental capacities (or both) may be deteriorating in some circumstances.
Any gift you offer will almost certainly be appreciated. However, it helps if the item is something the recipient can actually use and enjoy. Make it specific to their diseases, requirements, and interests. The following is a compilation of gift ideas for the holidays – or any other occasion.
Social engagement gifts
People who live in assisted living homes often find themselves feeling lonely and isolated. Maintaining social connections with loved ones combats this and also aids in the prevention of chronic disease and cognitive decline. Among the possible gifts are the following:
A simple phone. The simpler a phone is to operate, the more likely it will be used by your loved one. Purchasing a landline phone that has large and easy numbers (starting at $25), a flip phone (starting at $35), or a smartphone that has few buttons and apps for easy navigation (starting at $50). Bear in mind that cell phones require a monthly service fee; rates vary by carrier.
A smart speaker. If using a phone is too difficult for your loved one, consider investing in a smart speaker ($20 and up) that can be set to dial important numbers (like yours). At any time, commands can be spoken aloud to initiate a call. Ascertain that your loved one has internet access, which is required for smart speaker use.
A photo album. A loose-leaf picture album (about $20) or an easily manufactured photo book ($10 and up) filled with recent photos of family and friends can serve as a warm reminder of connections, or as a present to give to others in the senior living home. This type of social engagement is critical for wellness. Additionally, it will make the individual feel good to see all of the images of folks who care about them.
Gifts to aid independence
Simple actions can become difficult as a result of health difficulties. These gifts might provide a measure of independence for your loved one.
Tools that are adaptable. With a long-handled shoehorn, a button hook, or a zipper pull (all under $10), your loved one may regain some control overdressing.
A magnifier. A magnifying glass ($5 and up) is very useful for those with poor vision (and who hasn't misplaced their reading glasses?). It's also useful for reading or seeing little objects. Make it a lighted magnifying glass ($15) for a wonderful enhancement.
Aids to writing. Writing becomes difficult due to hand arthritis or neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's disease). Adaptive pens with ergonomic shapes ($10 and higher) can assist your loved one in jotting down facts or thoughts.
What Is Acute Prostatitis
In men, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder. This gland produces a fluid that when combined with sperm forms semen. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (the tube that transports pee from the bladder to the outside of the body), diseases that cause the prostate to expand or enlarge may press on the urethra, causing pain or difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that manifests itself suddenly. Acute prostatitis is caused by an infection, most commonly by bacteria that migrate up the urethra and into the prostate. Several of these bacteria are common pathogens found on and inside the human body. Other infections are spread sexually.
Prostatitis affects the majority of men who have a normal prostate gland, although the infection may be more prevalent in older men as the gland grows larger with age. Prostatitis and prostate cancer are not known to be associated.
Symptoms
Acute prostatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
Urination causes burning or dribbling.
Having difficulty initiating the urine stream or being completely unable to pass urine at all.
Urine that is cloudy or contains blood.
Pain in or around the penis, in or around the scrotum, in the back, or in the rectum.
Chills and fever.
Symptoms are similar to the flu, such as muscular aches and general weakness.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will gently insert a finger into your rectum to examine your prostate. Generally, when the prostate is infected, it feels swollen. When slight pressure is applied to the gland, you may feel pain or have a strong urge to urinate. Additionally, your doctor will perform a general exam to determine whether the infection has migrated to other organs, such as the kidneys.
A urine specimen will then be examined for signs of infection, such as white blood cells and bacteria. Urine will typically contain white blood cells in a typical case of acute prostatitis. Additionally, blood tests may be performed to determine your kidney function and blood cell count. If your doctor suspects that your swollen prostate is causing urinary obstruction, he or she may perform an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Identifying and addressing underlying issues, as well as making lifestyle adjustments, will aid in recovery.
Many people develop hypertension as they age, and it can be difficult to regulate. This is referred to as resistant hypertension – blood pressure that remains above a predetermined target, such as 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), despite the use of three distinct classes of blood pressure medications (including a diuretic) at the maximum tolerated doses. The disorder is a significant risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and dementia, among other complications. How can you bring it under control?
All drugs should be reviewed.
Bring a list of all the prescriptions you are currently taking to your doctor or a bag with all the medication bottles. Include OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements. The list, or bag, of medications, might assist your doctor in determining which medications or supplements may be increasing your blood pressure.
For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) might cause an increase in blood pressure. Decongestants (such as phenylephrine, which is present in a variety of cold medications), some antidepressants, and corticosteroids can also help. For instance, "alternative drugs or physical therapy can help minimize or eliminate the need for NSAIDs in some patients," according to Harvard cardiologist Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, editor-in-chief of the Harvard Heart Letter.
Alternatively, the doctor may determine that your medications can be simplified: fewer pills overall or fewer pills that must be taken more than once a day.
Treat the underlying causes
Additionally, underlying disorders can contribute to persistently high blood pressure (see "What causes resistant hypertension?"). It is critical to bring them under control. However, determining whether or not you have one may necessitate some detective work as well as a comprehensive medical examination.
For instance, you may be unaware that you have a condition that increases blood pressure, such as sleep apnea – breathing pauses during sleep. Sleep apnea symptoms include chronic loud snoring, a momentary cessation of breathing (and possibly gasping for air), and excessive sleepiness during the day. A sleep study conducted in a laboratory or at home (with a portable device) can give information.
What factors contribute to resistant hypertension?
Resistant hypertension (high blood pressure that does not decrease despite various drug treatments) can have a variety of causes. The most common reasons include consuming too much salt, which can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs; and missing doses or modifying them on your own. Additional reasons include the following:
gaining weight
obstructive sleep apnea
excessive alcoholic consumption
chronic pain
atherosclerosis is a condition in which arterial walls become inflamed.
interactions between medications
Panic attacks
elevated aldosterone levels (which causes the body to hold on to sodium and water)
kidney issues
consuming licorice noir (which contains a compound that can increase blood pressure).
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly.
The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It is responsible for the production of digesting enzymes and hormones.
Pancreatitis occurs when enzymes normally released into the digestive tract begin to cause damage to the pancreas. The gland swells and becomes inflamed. Enzymes are released into the surrounding tissues and circulation in greater quantities. More enzymes are released into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
As a result, digestion becomes slow and painful. Additional bodily functions may be impacted. If attacks are severe, prolonged, or frequent, the pancreas can become permanently damaged and scarred.
It is unknown precisely why the enzymes begin to cause harm to the pancreas. However, there are a number of known causes of acute pancreatitis.
Gallstones are one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Gallstones that pass through the gallbladder may obstruct the pancreatic duct. (From the pancreas to the small intestine, the pancreatic duct transports digestive enzymes.) Enzymes cannot flow normally when the pancreatic duct becomes clogged. They have a tendency to back up into the pancreas. This results in inflammation of the pancreas.
Another frequent cause of acute pancreatitis is a complication of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) surgery. An endoscope is used to perform ERCP. This is a flexible tube with one end equipped with a small camera and a light and the other with an eyepiece. ERCP is used to visualize pancreatic ducts, liver, and gallbladder and to diagnose stones and tumors. The other major cause of pancreatitis is excessive alcohol consumption. The vast majority of people who consume alcohol never get pancreatitis. However, certain individuals will develop pancreatitis as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can occur over time or in a single binge. Combining alcohol and smoking raises the risk of developing acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis can also be caused by the following factors:
Usage of a wide variety of medications, including Sulfa medications
Water pills (hydrochlorothiazide, others)
Immunosuppressive medications (azathioprine)
HIV medications
Abdominal surgery
Catastrophic trauma
Metabolic problems, such as elevated calcium or lipid levels in the blood
Certain infections, for example, mumps or viral hepatitis
Often, no reason can be identified.
Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain is the most prevalent sign of acute pancreatitis. It might be mild to severe.
The pain is typically felt in the center of the body, directly beneath the ribs. However, it might be felt on either the left or right side at times. This is a continuous, drilling, or "boring" type of pain. Radiating pain may occur in the back, flank, chest, or lower abdomen.
Pain reaches its peak severity rapidly, frequently within 30 minutes. The pain associated with alcohol-induced pancreatitis typically begins one to three days following a binge.
Finding a comfortable position may be challenging. By bending over or sleeping on your side, you may be able to alleviate the pain. Generally, eating worsens the pain.
Additional symptoms of acute pancreatitis include the following:
Vomiting and nausea
Appetite loss
Bloating in the abdomen
Fever, trouble breathing, weakness, and shock may develop in severe cases.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will make the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis based on the following:
Your signs and symptoms
A physical examination
Certain laboratory examinations
Blood tests typically demonstrate elevated levels of two pancreatic enzymes.
A computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed in some instances. The scan can detect pancreatic swelling and fluid collection in the belly.
Additionally, the scan may reveal whether you have pancreatic pseudocysts. Pseudocysts are enzyme-filled sacs. They occur in some situations of severe pancreatitis or following a series of attacks. Severe complications can occur if the pseudocysts rupture and spill enzymes onto exposed tissues.
An ultrasound of the gallbladder may be performed if gallstones are suspected.
As you may already be aware, probiotics are live bacteria present in specific foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and some cheeses that are necessary for proper digestion. Consuming these meals benefits your digestive system and overall health by supporting a healthy mix of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut microbiome, a collection of 100 trillion microscopic organisms that live in your intestines.
Numerous studies continue to show the Mediterranean diet's health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The nutritional benefits of the diet are likely derived from a variety of sources, but the frequent use of olive oil appears to be a significant contributor.
Olive oil, regardless of the variety, is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, accounting for around 75% by volume. Monounsaturated fats help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol when they are substituted for saturated fat. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of olive oil have been attributed to its health advantages. Indeed, observational studies have demonstrated a link between increased olive oil consumption and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, certain malignancies, and even dementia in those who consume little or no olive oil.
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