Lifestyle Blogger


Q. I manage my high blood pressure with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) and long-acting metoprolol (a beta-blocker). I feel fine, but my heart rate doesn’t go up like it used to before I started taking the metoprolol. Does that mean I am not getting as much health benefit whenever I exercise?



A. All beta-blockers slow down your heart rate. The slower rate happens at rest and also when you exercise. To get the most from aerobic exercise, you would normally want your heart rate in a moderate-intensity zone for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Moderate intensity means exercising at a heart rate that is 60% to 75% of your maximum.

An easy formula to find your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. So, if you are 60, your maximum heart rate is 160. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise measured by your pulse is 96 to 120 beats per minute. While this formula usually works well to help gauge the aerobic intensity of exercise, it doesn’t work for people who take a beta-blocker. And unfortunately, there is no simple way to adjust for the slower rate of the drug.

Instead, you can use your breathing to gauge your effort. With moderate-intensity exercise, you should be able to talk, but with pauses to catch your breath. If you are breathing very hard and unable to speak during exercise, you are at high intensity.

Can beta-blockers affect your ability to work out? Studies that have addressed your question have not provided a definitive answer. A competitive athlete’s performance likely could be diminished by taking a beta-blocker. However, for most of us who exercise to stay healthy, the evidence tilts toward no decrease in benefit, even though you may not hit the standard heart rate goals.

The difference between fruits

 
As with other foods, different fruits include a variety of nutrients. In general, whole fruits are high in fiber, whereas fruit juices are not. And a cup of fruit juice, even 100% fruit juice, contains far more sugar than a single piece or serving of real fruit. Additionally, whole fruits provide greater satiation than juices. When consuming the appropriate amount of fruit and vegetables, it is preferable to eat them whole rather than drink their juice. However, one should not completely avoid juice—if it is 100 per cent juice—but consumption should be limited to no more than 4 to 8 ounces per day.
 
The freezer department of the supermarket is frequently supplied with an array of frozen fruits. These are frequently already peeled and chopped (like mango), making them handier and frequently less expensive than fresh fruits. Frozen fruits are typically selected and quickly frozen near the point of harvest, which preserves the nutrients. Additionally, certain seasonal fruits, such as blueberries, are easily accessible frozen. The key to selecting is choosing unsweetened frozen fruits.
 
Numerous fruits are available dried, including raisins, apricots, and pineapple, to name a few. Additionally, they have high nutritional content, maintain their freshness for an extended period of time, are handy to carry, and are abundant in calories, making them a favorite of hikers and campers. Some, particularly mango and pineapple, are frequently sweetened throughout the drying process. Dried cranberries nearly always contain extra sugar due to their naturally sour flavour. Even without added sugar, the small size and sweetness make it fairly simple to consume a large quantity in one sitting, and the calories can soon pile up.
 
Sulfur dioxide is also used to maintain the freshness and color of some dried foods, such as raisins and apricots. While this is not a worry for the majority of people, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, are sensitive. Because sulfur dioxide treatment is clearly labelled on the container, it is easy to avoid if necessary.

 
Consider purchasing organic.

 
We have a variety of organically and conventionally cultivated fruits to choose from, whether they are fresh, frozen, or dried. There is insufficient nutritional difference between the two to warrant choosing one over the other, yet consumers may prefer one over the other depending on growing practices and environmental impact. Although the United States has pesticide laws, some fruits have more residual pesticides than others. It is therefore always advisable to properly wash fruits before eating them.

Products with plant stanols are an alternative to butter, but the health claims might not stand up.

To keep your arteries clear, nutritionists frequently recommend limiting your daily intake of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Is it true that butter substitutes made from plant stanols are a superior option?

Plant stanols are generated from the membranes of plant cells. Nuts, beans, fruits, and vegetables are examples of foods that contain them naturally. Supplements containing these naturally occurring chemicals have been proven to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol by up to 14 percent in adults taking 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams (mg) per day in previous trials. However, butter-replacement products frequently lack sufficient plant stanols to achieve a therapeutic effect.

 

cholesterol improvement

 
According to Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, you'd need to take at least four tablespoons each day to notice a reduction in cholesterol levels. A tablespoon of a butter substitute containing plant stanols, on the other hand, contains roughly 70 calories. Using that arithmetic, you'd need to ingest 280 calories' worth of the alternative to show a benefit. It's probably not a good idea to eat so much unless you're underweight, "McManus agrees.
 

Types of plant stanols

 
Plant stanols are available in pill form. However, like with other supplements, the quality and quantity of the active components is always a concern. Some plant stanols are available in chewable form; however, keep in mind that these products have a significant drawback: each serving contains approximately 10 grams of added sugar. "It's like candy," McManus says. "As a result, people should be aware of that." According to McManus, the greatest method for lowering cholesterol is to rely on tried-and-true strategies. These include following a plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods, lowering saturated fat consumption, and aiming to maintain a healthy weight. If you want a healthier alternative to butter, try using liquid oils llike olive or avocado oil, or nut butter as a spread. According to McManus, peanut butter and almond butter are two good possibilities.
 
Traditional butter can still be used, but only for rare events or recipes that require a pure butter flavour, she advises.
 



It's a lovely Monday morning, and I'd like to give you a quick rundown of the Bliss mint chip mania cooling and smoothing ice creamy-textured mask. There are various types of beauty masks, and they have become increasingly popular as a fundamental component of facial care, with many individuals using them daily.

  
This ice cream face mask was given to me by a friend, and I've been using it. I wouldn't call it a miracle mask, but the result is evident. It's a product that may be used daily, at any time of day. I didn't use it much at first because I was attempting to get rid of acne spots, and I was unsure how effective or useful it would be. I was apprehensive about using a product that would exacerbate the condition.
 
In the last three weeks, I've used it regularly. It has been great for my skin. The texture is smooth and ice cream-like, the color is appealing owing to the minty green hue, and the scent is quite gentle, soft, and friendly, with a tender sensation.
 

A lady wearing rings




Every piece of jewellery ornament adds up to a memory to be cherished forever. So selecting the right jewellery for events like weddings, engagement ceremonies, business parties, or a hot night date is essential. In addition, jewellery is an accessory that states the personality of the person. From a delicate pair of studs earrings to the big chunky piece of statement rings, the gemstone jewellery has always added glamour to women’s appearance. Each of the gemstones and their meanings is very unique. For thousands of years, they have been revered for their power and beauty. In this blog, we will know about a few gemstones rings that sparkle to runaway the fashion with their gorgeous magnificence. Let us dive in.



Larimar

Another blue colour gemstone loved for its appearance is the Larimar. It is a gemstone that has white swirls on the surface. People admire wearing Larimar rings because of their healing energies, and it is one of the soothing stones which will bring calmness and peace into the wearer’s life. This stone is only found in one place in the whole world, that is, the Dominican Republic. It is composed of the pectolite mineral, which is abundant in the world, but the Larimar stone is rarest. In addition, it could be worn daily to make life happy and prosperous. In addition, pairing the agate ring, on the other hand, will add beauty to the existing look of the wearer.


Moonstone

Moonstone is believed to have the energies of goddess Diana as it they are the moonbeams that have fallen to earth. They have a beautiful sheen that attracts every eye and makes a place in the viewer’s heart. They are available in the shades of blue, pink, white, orange, yellow, multi-colour, and colourless. People often gift the moonstone ring to their spouse as this crystal has the energy to make their bond stronger with mutual understanding. In many countries, they are even used as engagement rings, as it enhances the love between the couple and makes their life better.

 

Turquoise

We know that women always adore the jewellery given to them by their mothers, as they have the love and glory from the past. But we have another exciting stone that is the Turquoise stone. It is one of the oldest stones mined and has wonderful energies of sky and ocean in it. The statement Turquoise ring looks fantastic when worn on the left hand’s third finger. This gemstone is usually bought for wearing on an everyday basis as it brings good fortune with health and wealth. It is a bluish-green stone with a matrix on the surface. Adding it to your collection would be an ideal choice.



There are numerous exercises available, including strength training, indoor cycling, and kickboxing. Other popular activities, such as yoga and Pilates, emphasize flexibility and deliberate movement and are less likely to leave you overheated and out of breath. Now, a new trend has emerged: stretching-only studios. What services are these studios providing, and how will this assist you?

 
What services do stretch studios provide?
 
StretchLab, StretchMed, and LYMBYR are just a few of the studios that provide assisted stretching sessions, either one-on-one or in small groups. The purported advantages range from acceptable goals such as increased flexibility and range of motion to more dubious claims such as injury prevention and chronic pain elimination.
 
"If you participate in certain activities that demand flexibility, such as dancing or gymnastics, stretching may be necessary to preserve a range of motion," says Dr Adam Tenforde, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and a sports medicine physician at Spaulding Rehabilitation and Massachusetts General Brigham.
 
However, if your goal is to improve your overall health, the evidence for stretching is woefully insufficient, particularly in comparison to the wealth of research supporting the advantages of frequent, moderate physical activity.
 
"Contrary to common assumption, there is no consistent evidence that stretching aids in injury prevention," Dr Tenforde states. Additionally, if you already have an injury, such as a muscle or joint strain, excessively extending the tissue may aggravate the injury, he says.
 
Although the "stretch therapists" and "flexologists" at stretching studios may have certain certifications and training, they are unlikely to be trained to identify and treat health-related causes of pain or stiffness. If you've had a musculoskeletal injury in the past or are currently experiencing one, you're much better off seeing a physical therapist who has the experience and training to treat you properly.
Old woman

Did you know that over two-thirds of the 6.2 million people in America who have Alzheimer's disease are women? This means that women are nearly twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease as men. Alzheimer's disease is more common among women, but why is this so?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain ailment that gradually impairs memory and thinking abilities, eventually impairing the capacity to do even the most basic tasks. In the majority of patients with the condition—those with late-onset symptoms—symptoms begin in their mid-60s.



Women live longer than men.


The primary reason is that women live longer than men. When actuarial life tables are consulted, it becomes clear that a baby girl born in 2019 is anticipated to live five years longer than a baby boy: 81 versus 76 years.

Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease; the older you get, the more likely you are to get the condition. For instance, the incidence (the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year) varies according to age:

Each year, four out of every 1,000 people aged 65 to 74 get Alzheimer's disease.
Each year, 32 people aged 75 to 84 develop Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease affects 76 out of 1,000 adults aged 85 and older each year.

Thus, one reason there are more women with Alzheimer's disease than men is that our society has 5.7 million older women than older men, and the older you are, the more susceptible you are to having Alzheimer's disease.

However, this is not the complete explanation.

Alzheimer's disease is more prevalent in women.


Women have a somewhat higher risk of having Alzheimer's disease later in life than men. One study monitored 16,926 people in Sweden and discovered that women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease than men of the same age, beginning at age 80. Similarly, a Taiwanese study discovered that women had a larger likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease over a seven-year period than men. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of the Alzheimer's disease incidence in Europe discovered that roughly 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's disease per year, compared to only seven men.

Thus, women living longer than men cannot be the whole explanation for why women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease even among individuals of the same age.
 


Women do not have a higher incidence of non-Alzheimer’s dementia than men.


One hint to the solution to this issue is that women do not have a higher risk of having dementia from causes other than Alzheimer's disease. For instance, a study of dementia rates in Sweden discovered that women and men were equally likely to develop non-dementia Alzheimer's as they aged. The fact that Alzheimer's disease rates vary by gender but not for non-dementias shows that there must be a unique connection between Alzheimer's disease and gender.


Amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease may represent a defense mechanism against infections.


Another piece of the puzzle comes from Harvard researchers, who believe that amyloid, one of the pathological components of Alzheimer's disease, is deposited in the brain to combat infections. If this hypothesis is right, we may consider Alzheimer's disease to be a result of our brain's immune system.


Gülizar Nisa Uray, Engin Altan Düzyatan, and Belçim Bilgin feature in the Turkish film My Father's Violin (Turkish: Babamin Kemani), directed by Andaç Haznedaroglu and released in 2022. Netflix released the film on January 21, 2022.

Is it a good idea for you to watch the movie My Father's Violin? Yes, this is a film with a novel plot and a fantastic conclusion. Two brothers were abused by their alcoholic stepfather and intended to flee, but things didn't go as planned. Years later, one has made a reputation for himself as a musician (after being separated, but acceptance was not easy due to past events.
 
Azman, the daughter of one of the brothers, is a really gorgeous and loving spirit. Her father, Ali Riza, left her with her uncle, Mehmet, who refused to seek custody of her and his trusted friends when he died. Will the uncle accept her, despite the fact that her father's friends want custody of the little 8-year-old girl, Ozlem, or will social services take over?
 
The summary of this movie is about an orphaned girl who bonds with her emotionally distant, successful violinist uncle through their common sadness and affinity for music.
Illustration of people wearing masks

COVID-19 rates are rising across the country and in many parts of the world, making it more critical than ever to protect ourselves and others. The greatest defence against COVID-19 is a multi-layered approach, beginning with vaccines and boosters for everyone who is eligible.

 
People who have been vaccinated and boosted are significantly more protected from serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, is at risk of contracting a highly contagious variation like Omicron if they contract it. Experts estimate that if we all agree to follow mask rules and other conventional preventive measures in places where vaccination rates are low or COVID cases are on the rise, we can save thousands of lives and help limit the pandemic.
 
Why do we think masks are effective?
 
The benefits of medical and nonmedical masks are backed up by a growing amount of information. These reviews (here and here) and observational studies (here, here, here, and here) provide some of the most compelling evidence that wearing a mask reduces infection rates. Masks help trap bigger respiratory droplets as well as some of the smaller particles known as aerosols, as shown in this graphic from the New York Times.
 
Wearing a mask can help protect you from viruses that spread through the air, such as COVID-19 and colds and flu. Some individuals believe that masks trap CO2 or limit the amount of oxygen inhaled. This is not the case. When you breathe out through a mask, CO2 escapes; when you breathe in, oxygen enters.
 
There is no such thing as a perfect or definitive study; in fact, such studies would be impossible to conduct. However, there is a lot to be said about wearing a mask, and there is little to no evidence that it causes harm.


 
What is the best type of mask?
 
Wear the most protective mask you can find, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Wearing masks that filter out very minute particles on a regular basis provides the best protection against highly contagious versions like Omicron. Some examples are:
 
N95 masks, which are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), are comparable to KN95 masks, which are certified in China but not by NIOSH.
 
Counterfeit N95 and KN95 masks have become all too popular. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some helpful tips on how to recognize fake masks.
 
Surgical masks are useful, but they are less protective, mainly because of their loose fit. If you're using surgical or cotton masks, some experts recommend double-masking.
 
What about tightly woven cloth masks that totally cover the nose and mouth, have a wire bridge, and at least two layers of washable, breathable fabric? Gaiters and bandanas may provide little protection and aren't usually the first choice because they weren't designed to provide tight facial coverage and may only have one layer.
 
Virus particles can more easily escape through masks with vents or valves, hence they are discouraged.

Prima Real Estate Advisory has this property on the market for €2,400,000.


A BEAUTIFUL FARMHOUSE IN THE AREA OF PIENZA IS FOR SALE.

A turnkey Tuscan farmhouse in the heart of the Val d'Orcia is available with Prima Realestate for €2.4 million. The Val d'Orcia region, located in the province of Siena, is widely regarded as the best section of Tuscany. For centuries, the UNESCO world heritage site has remained untouched, its natural vistas and breathtaking landscapes serving as a time capsule from Renaissance times. Authentic Tuscan farmhouses, such as this one, are among Tuscany's most sought-after properties. The 8396-square-foot property has eight bedrooms and is divided into two independent sections with the option of merging them. With beamed ceilings and terracotta tile floors, the refurbished turnkey home retains much of its original charm. The property's swimming pool has an unusual indoor/outdoor design. The home is surrounded by gardens and includes an annexe that may be turned into a yoga studio or gym. The property, which sits on 12+ acres, is in a fantastic location, just a short drive from the famed Italian cities of Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. See more on the blog, including a link to the original listing!


Turnkey Tuscan Farmhouse in the Val d’Orcia

Distances between towns/cities: 7 km to Pienza, 50 km to Siena, 85 km to San Gimignano, and 125 km to Florence.

Airports: Florence (135 km), Pisa (200 km), and Rome (200 km).



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