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| HEALTH & FITNESS |
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Managing high blood pressure
Women over 60: Need for gynaecological care is even more!
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Managing high blood pressure Blood pressure can be simply explained as the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it whereas hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated and makes the heart to work harder than normal. About 90 to 95 per cent cases of high blood pressure are classified as of primary hypertension with no basic cause of the disease. The remaining cases known as secondary hypertension are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or the endocrine system. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and aneurysms of the arteries. Researchers tell that worldwide one in three adults have high blood pressure and its incidence increases with age. Whereas one in 10 people in their twenties or thirties may suffer from hypertension, the ratio makes a steep rise to five in 10 people who are past their 50 and are found
hypertensive. In the Indian context, the findings are no way better, but the most sad point is that there is lack of awareness among general people about the preventive aspect of this disease. Like most of other chronic diseases, dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated complications. Though drug treatment becomes necessary in people for whom these measures prove insufficient, nevertheless seasoned physicians opine that lifestyle modifications augment the basic treatment and yield better results. It is not that any of these alterations is difficult to carry, the only requisite in this direction is the resolve of the patient. Since the word “lifestyle” includes several points and in broader sense it comprises the daily routine, the dietary habits and the mental attitude. Though all of these factors are equally important for the overall well-being of a person, it is the diet which is the foremost thing to keep a person healthy. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and is easily digestible is good for hypertensive patients. Even a small reduction of salt in the diet can reduce the blood pressure by 10 mm Hg. Packed foods and snacks are rich in sodium and these should be avoided as much as possible. The consumption of alcohol should also be reduced to the minimum. Obesity is also a risk factor of hypertension. But being overweight is again related to a number of conditions like the diet pattern, daily activity, endocrinal health and the heredity preponderance of a patient. Additional fat tissues in the body need oxygen and nutrients and more blood vessel and the increased workload of the heart results in higher pressure on the artery walls. So efforts should be made to reduce obesity in order to control hypertension. Regular exercise has both a preventive and curative role for high blood pressure. It not only strengthens the heart and the cardiovascular system but also increases endurance, reduces obesity and improves muscle tone and strength. Starting from simple walking to jogging and running, exercise can be of many types like swimming, cycling and doing aerobics. For all able-bodied persons 30 to 40 minutes of suitable workout should be adopted at least five days a week, if not daily. Modern lifestyle has given us enough worries and our expectations have soared like anything. Managing or avoiding stress is the most important preventive prescription for the hypertension and one should also avoid negative feelings of anger, jealousy and emotional despondency. Apart from adopting yoga and meditation which have a proven anti-stress and blood pressure lowering effect, understanding the need of time management, setting right the priorities and taking time out for relaxation immensely help achieve overall good health. The writer is a
Ludhiana-based senior ayurvedic physician and Guru at the Rashtriya Ayurveda
Vidyapeeth.
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Women over 60: Need for gynaecological care is even more! MANY people think that women need to care for the health of their genital tract only till the reproductive phase lasts and that after menopause their gynaecological health care can be given a go-by. Older women commonly fail to undergo a routine gynaecological examination and screening procedures. The truth is that the need for the care of their gynaecological health increases manifold in the twilight years. The delicate genital tract, unprotected by estrogen and other hormones, is vulnerable to injury and infections almost as much as that of toddler and nubile girls. Female sexual dysfunction Decreased ovarian functions and decreased estrogen result in short-term symptoms like hot flashes and irritability. Atrophic changes set in affecting all tissues, especially vagina with decreased lubrication and shrinking of the tissues and organs. The four categories of female sexual dysfunctions include hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder and sexual pain disorders. The vagina becomes pale, shortened and narrowed, with weakened walls. Vaginal tissues become thin, dry, with scant lubricating fluid and decreased protective acidic pH. A combination of disuse and estrogen deprivation results in the narrowing of the opening with resultant problems during sexual contact. The breast tissue shrinks. Decreased estrogen levels are associated with increased levels of cholesterol and consequent problems like hypertension and heart attacks or brain bleeds. There are also symptoms like insomnia, depression and cognitive decline. The skin texture becomes rough and dull and hence unattractive.
A plan for gynaecological health care Symptoms such as pain on sexual contact, incontinence, bleeding, discharge, or itching may require attention to particular gynaecological problems. Since there is a psychological and physical resistance to examination and the tissues are thin and delicate, the gynaecologist has to be over-bearing and considerate and not push things around in a hurry. This will prevent physical and emotional injury to the patient. An integral part of adequate care is careful discussion with the patient and her husband, who has to undergo a change of the mindset and has to develop patience and understanding as per the changed scenario. Let us look at some common problems 1. Uro-genital problems: Besides postmenopausal bleeding, infections, genital prolapse and alterations in bladder function are common. With vaginal opening becoming narrow and rigid and intercourse becoming painful or impossible, symptoms of burning, itching, bleeding, leukorrhea and pain may arise. With atrophy of the bladder and urethral tissue, symptoms like dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence can occur. All symptoms respond to low-dose systemic and vaginal estrogen therapy given for months. Fungus vulvovaginitis is frequent, especially in the diabetic patient or one recently treated with antibiotics, which needs early attention. 2. Uterus prolapse: Symptoms of prolapse are a sensation of pelvic heaviness or vaginal mass, back pain, urinary incontinence or bleeding of the exposed mucosal tissues. Mild relaxation may be treated with Kegel exercises to increase the muscle tone of the pelvic floor. Vaginal surgery is the usual therapy for complete uterine prolapse, but when surgery is medically contraindicated, a trial of a pessary for support is practical. Pessary care includes periodic removal and cleansing, pelvic examination and replacement with a new pessary as needed. There is an increased incidence of urinary tract infection in older women due to increased vulnerability of atrophic tissues to bacterial invasion and to an increase in residual urine after voiding. Symptoms include frequency and pain or burning with urination. 3. Cancers of genitals: Fifty per cent of all malignancies occur in the 11 per cent of the population older than 65 years of age, according to a study in the US. Cancer of the cervix is the most common in India. The risk of a woman over age 65 developing ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer compared with women aged 40 to 65 is nearly three times more than others. Despite the differences in opinion, hormone replacement (HRT) has benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, genital atrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, mental acuity, osteoarthritis and tooth loss. However, HRT should be taken under strict medical supervision only. The writer is a Chandigarh-based senior gynaecologist.
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Simple ways to tackle seasonal allergies
Washington: One sinus expert at the University of
Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) said despite a late spring, the summer
allergy season will be strong. To take on the days ahead, Richard
Waguespack, clinical professor and newest addition to the UAB Division
of Otolaryngology, said avoidance is the best line of
defense. “When it is reasonable and consistent with your lifestyle,
if you have outdoor allergies, you should stay indoors when everything
is in bloom,” Waguespack advised, adding that checking the pollen
counts online before heading out can help with decision-making. Other
ways to battle allergies: Keep windows shut at night, use
non-sedating, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines like loratadine,
cetirizine, or fexofenadine, a visit to the doctor. “Visiting your
family doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist when allergies are
not readily treated with OTC medications is vital for reduction of
symptoms,” Waguespack said. — ANI
Health benefits of tea
Washington: Studies continue to unlock the medicinal benefits of
tea, which has been touted to help with everything from headaches to
depression since Ancient times. Nutritionist Patricia Bannan has
provided eight reasons to why we should drink tea. Tea contains a
small amount of natural fluoride, a chemical that can help prevent
tooth decay, she said. When fluoride mixes with saliva, bacteria
can't produce the acid byproducts that promote cavities. Additionally,
fluoride works to repair teeth in the early stages of tooth decay, she
explained. Studies also show catechins (antioxidants) in green tea
extract may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn
calories and decreasing body fat, especially in the abdominal (belly)
area. Thanks to its polyphenols (the antioxidants found in tea),
sipping on a cup may have cancer-fighting effects. While the overall
research is inconclusive, evidence shows the polyphenols in tea,
particularly catechins, have biological activities that may be
relevant to cancer prevention, Bannan noted. — ANI
Golden rules
to live longer revealed
London: A few simple changes to diet and
lifestyle can protect you against a string of killer diseases and add
years to your life, a landmark study has shown. Following seven golden
rules not only cut the risk of dying from cancer by 20 per cent, it
also slashed risks of lung disease by half and heart attacks by 44 per
cent, the study of nearly 380,000 people by scientists at Imperial
College London found. The researchers noted that those who stick
closely to the rules, which also govern exercise and alcohol
consumption, will cut their risk of dying from any of the major
circulatory or respiratory diseases, including stroke and angina, by
at least 34 per cent. The rules were drawn up six years ago by the
World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research,
the Daily Express reported. — ANI
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LAST fortnight we celebrated the World Health Day to mark the 65th anniversary of the WHO. Highlighting the priority areas of public health in the world, this year’s celebrations were focused on creating awareness about the rising incidence of high blood pressure. Medically known as hypertension, high blood pressure is seen as a silent killer and, if uncontrolled, can seriously affect the quality of life of a person and holds the potential to help many more diseases to emerge.