In a press release issued Wednesday by the Department of Health and Human Services, regulations were issued requiring new private health plans to cover evidence-based preventive services and eliminate cost-sharing requirements for such services (deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments).

Salt has long been the enemy for people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), but now another white granular substance will be joining its ranks on the restriction list: sugar. High consumption of sugar-based products—including those made from high-fructose corn syrup—has been shown to increase the risk of high blood pressure, while cutting back on such products can lower the risk. read more

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Blood Pressure Adversely Affected by Diets High in Sugar

One of the common sights we see these days is that of people with their mobile phones next to their ears. A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumors, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors.

CELL PHONES AND HEALTH

Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the suspicion, or fear of the same is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more intimidating. 
Possible hazards: 
•    Two minutes of exposure to emissions from mobile phones can disable a safety barrier in blood causing proteins and toxins to leak into the brain, could increase chances of developing Alzheimer’s multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. (Scientists at Sweden’s Lund University) 
•    Scientists say exposure to the phones’ low-level radiation causes red blood cells to leak hemoglobin and can lead to heart disease and kidney stones. 
•    Recent studies suggesting a link between cell-phone use and brain tumors, and the possibility that the microwaves could ignite petroleum fumes at gas stations. 
•    A cell phone unit, or communications tower, has so many of thee radiation emanating gadgets. This can be a problem for its immediate environment.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Cancer / Tumors
Studies have been conducted suggesting that rats that have been exposed to microwaves similar to the sort generated by mobile phones but more powerful, showed breaks in their DNA which could indicate an adverse effect. Also, mice exposed to radiation for 18 months developed brain tumors. Though of course, these studies are not concrete proof. 

Blood Pressure
It was observed that people using cell phones were prone to high blood pressure. Again, there isn’t any concrete evidence of the same. 

Headaches, Heating Effects, Fatigue 
A study brought out that longer the people used mobile phones; the more likely they were to report symptoms such as hot ears, burning skin, headaches and fatigue. The study did not include a control group (that is people who do not use mobile phones, to make a comparison); therefore the symptoms reported could have been caused by any number of other factors in the mobile phones users’ environment, such as working with computers, stress, driving or reading. 

Memory 
There have been various studies into the connection between mobile phones and memory loss. A study looked into the effect of radiofrequency (RF) on the section of rats’ brains that is linked with the memory. The results showed that RF could modify signals in the cells in a part of the brain that is responsible for learning and short term memory. 

Posture (holding phone between raised shoulder and ear) 
Some researchers claim that holding a mobile phone between the raised shoulder and the ear could have a damaging effect on muscles, bones, tendons and discs. These problems would apply equally to a cordless phone or a landline phone as to a mobile phone and are the effect of bad posture.

Mobile Phones and Children 
Because of their smaller heads, thinner skulls and higher tissue conductivity, children may absorb more energy from a given phone than adults.

PREVENTION TIPS

•    Cell phones should be used for emergencies, and not for long conversations. 
•    A small chip-like cell phone microwave radiation protection device is available, which has the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy waves from your mobile phone. It helps in reducing the potential harmful effects of these emissions to the human body. 
•    Using a mobile headset is a good idea, you don’t have to hold phones next to your ears all the time 
•    Use a hands free mobile car kit while driving, without taking your hands off the steering wheel

THE WHO (World Health Organization) RULES

•    Mobile phone users should limit their exposure to harmful radio frequencies by cutting the length of calls. 
•    Hands-free devices cut exposure by keeping the instrument away from the head and body. 
•    Driving cum mobile phone talking should be banned. 
•    Mobile phones should not be used in Intensive Care Units of hospitals as they can pose a danger to patients by interfering with the working of pacemakers and defibrillators. 
•    People with hearing aids should not use mobile phones. 
•    Base stations, which have low powered antennae on their terrace to communicate with cell phones, should not be located near children’s schools and playgrounds.

Natural remedies can tackle high diastolic blood pressure but doctor may suggest medicines to lower down. If high diastolic blood pressure is not treated by the doctor it may damage organs in the body.

High Diastolic Blood Pressure Remedy:Medicines

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): There is some proof that the supplementations CoQ10 may help to bring down high diastolic blood pressure. This is one of the high diastolic blood pressure remedy. A 12 week test, placebo-controlled trial of many people with systolic hypertension proved the result of CoQ10 supplements (60 mg twice daily). After the 12 weeks, there was a average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the Coq10-treated group.
Garlic: This is another high diastolic blood pressure remedy. In a meta-analysis of seven irregular checked trials of garlic supplementations, three trials showed a substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers reasoned out that garlic powder supplementation may be of objective use in patients with gentle high blood pressure.

Garlic supplementations should only be used under the inspection of a certified health practician. Garlic can reduce the blood (reduce the power of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may act with numerous drugs and supplements such as the prescription drug “blood-thinners” drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is normally suggested that people taking garlic stop in the weeks ahead and after any kind of surgery.
Hawthorn: The herb hawthorn is oft used by traditional herbal practicians for high diastolic blood pressure. This is used for high diastolic blood pressure remedy. In an irregular checked trial carried on by researchers in Reading, UK, some patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to have either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract a day or placebo for 16 weeks. Medicine for high diastolic blood pressure was taken by most of the patients. At the last of the 16 weeks, patients taking the hawthorn supplementation had a substantial reduction in average diastolic blood pressure (2.6 mm Hg). No herbal drug interactions were reported.

Fish oil: Preliminary studies recommend that fish oil may have a low effect on high diastolic blood pressure. Though fish oil supplementations oft contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some proof that DHA is the component that lowers high diastolic blood pressure.
Folic acid: Folate is a B vitamin essential for shaping of red blood cells. It may help to lower high diastolic blood pressure in some people, potentially by decreasing raised homocysteine levels.
Four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure and this is found in a small study of 24 cigarette smokers.

Everyone wishes to live a healthy and happy life, but very few really take efforts. Only when one is ill, does he know the value of good health. Nature has provided us with a variety of food, which we can include in our diet in its natural form. A diet containing fruits juices  and vegetables is not only good for the health but also gives a glow to your skin and rejuvenates the body. They help flush out unwanted toxins. Fruit and vegetable juices should not be taken together at the same time.

• Oranges are rich source of Vitamin C. It prevents constipation. They work as cleansers and improve the skin and supports the immune system.

• Carrots have vitamin A and are very good for the eyes. They are one of the richest source of beta carotene. Carrot juice if taken in the morning on an empty stomach is very beneficial. It develops immunity. Prevents premature aging. It has anti-cancer properties.

• Beetroot is very good for anemic persons. It does wonders to your  skin. It purifies the blood and is rejuvenating.

• Grapes are effective for constipation and gives relief  in piles. It prevents dryness of skin and it purifies the blood. Its juice can be applied on wrinkles under the eyes.

• Pineapple juice is very rich in vitamin C. It also contains Vitamins A&B. Taken with honey it is effective for sore throat.

• Tomatoes contain iron and is rich in vitamin A. Recommended  for  those who want to reduce their weight. It combats cancer.

• Watermelon cools our body and are excellent cleansers.

• Cucumber cools our body and is very good for those who want to lose weight. They work as astringents, cooling and brightening agents of the skin. It can be used in natural face packs also.

• Lemons protect your heart, control your blood pressure and is excellent for the skin and hair. Works as a bleach for the skin. Lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey can be taken daily the first thing in the morning to have a clear complexion. It can be taken for weight reduction also.