DEALING  WITH  HYPERTENSION,  THINGS  TO  DO:


Hypertension also known as high blood pressure or arterial hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated.

Hypertension is present if the blood pressure is persistently at or above 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) for most adults; different criteria apply to children.

TYPES

Hypertension can be however classified into two: name essential and non-essential or primary/secondary hypertension. It is essential/primary when there is no any identifiable cause, and its said to be secondary non-essential when there exist an underlying identifiable disease condition like kidney disease, endocrine disorders and many more. 

 But it is unavoidably sad that in this part of the world hypertension has come to stay probably due to the fact that being a black man is one of the non-modifiable risk factor, or probably due to the nature of our rigorous day to day activities. 

Things to do in order to decrease the health risk and complication brought about by hypertension:

Lifestyle modification:  This is the key factor in the prevention and control of this prevailing medical issue common among our elders today.By adhering to this, you are not just saving your self from hypertension, but also lowering the risk of developing a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease,ophthalmic problems and the likes.

Here's how play your part:

• Eat a well balanced diet which may include reducing salt intake
  
• Engage in regular physical activities
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Take a good rest/sleep after work hours
• Avoid smoking
• Check your blood pressure regularly
• Handle situations flexibly and be less anxious
• stop or reduce alcohol intake
• Avoid self medication
• Always consult a medical personal or visit the hospital for any obvious change in your health
• always comply to drug prescription from you health care provider
• Work with your healthcare professional to determine your treatment goals and map out your best action plan for HBP prevention and management.

REMEMBER;
Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment; make a pledge to do so starting from today for yourself and for your love ones who hope and believe in you. Listen to your doctor, read the sound medical information on this blog, and act on the information to live a heart-healthier life.

Thank you very much.

 

Have you ever had whitlow sometime before? if no, i bet you ll not want to witness this very painful inflammatory finger/nail  infection.

What is whitlow? : Whitlow also known as paronychia is an infection of the tip of the finger. It can be intensely painful, and it can feel as if the area infected is squashed, pinched, and about to burst. For children, it can be very hard to calm their pain. This is a serious infection that prevents you from doing most of your daily chores, at this time you will definitely appreciate the enormous importance of your little finger. 

What causes whitlow:  whitlow is cause primarily by a type of virus known as herpes simplex virus type (1/2), and it can also be caused by bacteria or fungi.

 Whitlow can be caused by nail biting, thumb sucking, dishwashing,palm oil processing mill, manicuring, diabetes mellitus, contact with chemicals, or being in an occupation requiring your hands to be in water frequently (e.g., dentists, nurses, doctors, beauty therapists, etc.). 

Signs and symptoms of whitlow:  

Swelling around the fingernail

Redness

A rash

A pus-filled white or off-white blister or abscess forms next to the fingernail

Tenderness, pain is noticeable, with increases in intensity if left untreated.

Fever or chills may also be present.

How can whitlow be treated?

Home remedies:

 Soak the infected area. Fill a bowl with fifty percent warm water and fifty percent liquid anti-bacterial soap. Soak the finger in this for 15 minutes, 3–4 times daily. This is best started at the first signs of redness appearing around the nail.

Use magnesium sulphate  paste, clean the infected area using a suitable antiseptic. Apply a generous amount of magnesium sulphate paste available from all chemists. Cover with lint or cotton wool, then bandage. Change daily and repeat.

Use analgesic like tramadol or paracetamol to lessen the pain while the inflammatory process also subsides. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist, as you'll probably need antibiotics.

Things to do to avoid getting whitlow:

The following measures should assist with preventing a repeat infection:

• Use clean towels and change all linen, especially if you are experiencing an oral/genital herpes outbreak.
• Stop biting your fingernails or sucking thumbs or fingers, especially if you have herpes simplex virus 1 or 2.
• During an oral or genital herpes outbreak, wash hands thoroughly after using the restroom or touching the face/genital area.
• Take care when cutting nails to not cut the quick or skin.
• During a HSV outbreak, cover even a small break in the skin with a bandage in order to prevent spreading of the HSV to the broken skin.

Thanks for the rapt attention. 

 

LEMON GRASS AND ITS MEDICINAL VALUE.

 

Lemongrass is a common plant in our environment today, but to my surprise many still weed this herb considering it to be an unwanted plant.

The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine, as indicated by various health conditions.

Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.

Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.

By inhalation, the essential oil of lemongrass is used as aromatherapy for muscle pain.

In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as “lemon” flavoring in herbal teas.

In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citrate.

How does it work?

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking lemongrass oil by mouth for 90 days does not reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush). Early research suggests that drinking a lemongrass infusion for 10 days decreases thrush symptoms in people with HIV/AIDS better than applying a solution of gentian violet to the affected area.

Stomach and intestinal spasms.

Stomach ache.

High blood pressure.

Convulsions.

Pain.

Vomiting.

Cough.

Achy joints (rheumatism).

Fever.

Common cold.

Exhaustion.

Headache.

Use as an antiseptic and astringent.

Other conditions.

More evidence and scientific prove is needed to rate the effectiveness of lemongrass for these above uses.

Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin short-term for medicinal purposes. However, there have been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect repellent.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take lemongrass by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass seems to be able to start menstrual flow, so there is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage.

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking lemongrass if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

NO INTERACTION:  We currently have no information for lemongrass Interactions even with other medical pills when taking appropriately.

DOSING:

The appropriate dose of lemongrass depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lemongrass. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.Therefore ingenuity is very importance in determining the right dosage.