Despite the risks, just about everyone can benefit from some level of exercise. Moderate walking (100 steps per minute) is probably safe for most people. However, it's a good idea to ask yourself the following questions before embarking on a new exercise regimen, especially if you plan to include more vigorous activity:
Am I a man over age 45 or a woman over age 55 who hasn't been physically active in the recent past?
Have I experienced chest pain in the last month?
Have I ever had chest pain or pressure during or right after exercise?
Do I ever lose consciousness or fall over because of dizziness?
Do I get breathless from even mild exertion?
Has a doctor ever told me I have a heart condition?
Have I ever suffered a heart attack or stroke?
Has a doctor ever told me I can perform only medically supervised physical activity?
Do I regularly take medicine for high Blood Pressure, stroke, or a heart condition?
Do I have or suspect that I have muscle, joint, or bone problems that might be worsened by exercise?
Do I take insulin or other medication for Diabetes? Do I have another medical condition not mentioned here that might interfere with an exercise program?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, visit your doctor for a checkup.
You may need more in-depth physical testing, and possibly an exercise stress test, before starting your exercise program.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will let you know what kind of exercise program is safe for you.
(C)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Rh Factors: Are You Positive or Negative?
Scientists sometimes study Rhesus monkeys to learn more about the human anatomy because there are certain similarities between the two species. While studying Rhesus monkeys, a certain blood protein was discovered. This protein is also present in the blood of some people. Other people, however, do not have the protein.
The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor.
If your blood does contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh positive (Rh+). If your blood does not contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh negative (Rh-).
This Rh factor is connected to your blood type. For example, your blood may be AB+ which means that you have type AB blood with a positive Rh factor. Or, you might have O- blood which means that you have type O blood with a negative Rh factor.
It is particularly important for expectant mothers to know their blood's Rh factor. Occasionally, a baby will inherit an Rh positive blood type from its father while the mother has an Rh negative blood type. The baby's life could be in great danger if the mother's Rh negative blood attacks the baby's Rh positive blood. If this happens, an exchange transfusion may save the baby's life. The baby's blood can be exchanged for new blood that matches the mother's.
The presence of the protein, or lack of it, is referred to as the Rh (for Rhesus) factor.
If your blood does contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh positive (Rh+). If your blood does not contain the protein, your blood is said to be Rh negative (Rh-).
This Rh factor is connected to your blood type. For example, your blood may be AB+ which means that you have type AB blood with a positive Rh factor. Or, you might have O- blood which means that you have type O blood with a negative Rh factor.
It is particularly important for expectant mothers to know their blood's Rh factor. Occasionally, a baby will inherit an Rh positive blood type from its father while the mother has an Rh negative blood type. The baby's life could be in great danger if the mother's Rh negative blood attacks the baby's Rh positive blood. If this happens, an exchange transfusion may save the baby's life. The baby's blood can be exchanged for new blood that matches the mother's.
'Know Your Risk', Prevent Heart Disease
India is clearly lagging behind in the prevention of heart diseases as the World Health Organization has predicted that heart diseases in the country will increase by 100% by 2015. This is the essential message on the World Heart Day, whose theme is "Know your risk."
According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure.
The major causes of heart disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.
Smoking continues to be one of the prime lifestyle choices contributing to the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases globally. In fact many studies have shown quitting smoking may significantly reduce heart disease risk.
The WHO further says that 17.5 million people died from heart causes the world over in 2005. Alarmingly this figure represents 30% of all deaths across the globe. If the current situation continues unabated some 20 million people may succumb to heart disease by 2015.
Here are some tips to protect your heart and know your risk factors:
* Diabetes is a major complicating factor that leads to high blood pressure and heart disease. India is the haven of diabetes given the major lifestyle chances in the recent past. Diabetic individuals need to know they are at risk and take steps to prevent the development of heart complications.
* Obesity is another compounding factor leading to heart disease. Sedentary lifestyle practices are the leading cause of obesity and overweight. Eat a healthy, but balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain recommended weight.
* Consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
* Limit salt intake. This is the single most important factor to prevent heart disease. Reducing salt consumption also accounts for a 20 percent reduction in the risk of dying from heart disease,
* Cardiovascular risk of women is high particularly after menopause. Such women need to take extra care to modify lifestyle factors and prevent heart disease.
* Remember heart attacks and strokes are major - BUT preventable - killers worldwide.
(C)
According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure.
The major causes of heart disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.
Smoking continues to be one of the prime lifestyle choices contributing to the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases globally. In fact many studies have shown quitting smoking may significantly reduce heart disease risk.
The WHO further says that 17.5 million people died from heart causes the world over in 2005. Alarmingly this figure represents 30% of all deaths across the globe. If the current situation continues unabated some 20 million people may succumb to heart disease by 2015.
Here are some tips to protect your heart and know your risk factors:
* Diabetes is a major complicating factor that leads to high blood pressure and heart disease. India is the haven of diabetes given the major lifestyle chances in the recent past. Diabetic individuals need to know they are at risk and take steps to prevent the development of heart complications.
* Obesity is another compounding factor leading to heart disease. Sedentary lifestyle practices are the leading cause of obesity and overweight. Eat a healthy, but balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain recommended weight.
* Consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
* Limit salt intake. This is the single most important factor to prevent heart disease. Reducing salt consumption also accounts for a 20 percent reduction in the risk of dying from heart disease,
* Cardiovascular risk of women is high particularly after menopause. Such women need to take extra care to modify lifestyle factors and prevent heart disease.
* Remember heart attacks and strokes are major - BUT preventable - killers worldwide.
(C)
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