High blood pressure is called the silent killer for a good reason.  It both strains the heart and damages delicate organs such as the kidneys, eyes, and the brain.   Yet very often, it causes no symptoms at all until the damage is done.

Diagnosing high blood pressure is pretty straightforward.  We’re all used to having our blood pressure checked as part of a routine exam, and now you can find screening booths in places such as pharmacies and health fairs, or even buy a machine that lets you check at home yourself.

Once diagnosed, the standard medical response is, as usual, drug therapy.

Yes, the drugs work, but at a price.  They have side effects such as dizziness, electrolyte imbalance, impotence, fatigue, and more.  We all would just as soon avoid any of them.

The fact is, if a person is willing to adjust their lifestyle, most people can lower their blood pressure without resorting to drugs.  The only side affect of this approach is increased overall health.

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High Blood Pressure - Natural Treatments

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It doesn’t take a fancy study to realize there’s an epidemic of childhood obesity in this country – a drive past any school yard offers proof enough.  The question is what we do about it?  A new study offers some suggestions.

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Childhood obesity and infant sleep patterns

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You may have heard about lycopenes before.  These are compounds found mainly in brightly colored vegetables and especially in tomatoes.  There have been studies in the past suggesting that men who ate several servings of tomato products a week had a lower risk of prostate problems than those who didn’t. 

Now there’s a study from Germany showing even stronger proof of the benefit of adding lycopene to your diet.

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Protect Your Prostate With This Safe Supplement

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It’s bad enough to decline physically.  Even worse is mental decline. The idea of losing cognitive power frightens everyone.  It’s especially frightening if you’ve witnessed anyone descend into the abyss of Alzheimer’s.   Our ability to think makes us human.  Our memories are the record of our life.  When dementia robs a person of these, they’ve lost something truly precious.

Take the case of Edith, one of my elderly patients.  She had a shuffling gait and a vacant gaze.  Because of her live-in caregiver, she was neatly dressed and groomed.  As she sat, she looked at the woman next to her, her daughter, and asked: “Where’s Kate?  Do you know where Kate is?”  “I’m here Mom.  I’m Kate.”  “No you’re not, my Kate is a little girl.  Where’s Kate?”

Sadly, I’ve seen too many people like Edith.  Fortunately, it doesn’t have to happen.   You can stay mentally clear and crisp well into old age. You know this to be true – you’ve seen it.   I’m sure at some point you’ve met a person with plenty of years who was still sharp as anything.  Aren’t those people a delight?  Don’t they exude life?

It’s possible to grow old and age minimally.  But it doesn’t happen by accident.  Habitual choices carry long term consequences.  Research gives us some pretty strong suggestions on how to stay sharp as we grow old.

Here’s a quick run down of some ways to maintain your mental edge over time.  You’ll see some familiar recommendations.  A healthy lifestyle benefits all of you, including your brain. Continue Reading »
Stay Mentally Sharp as Time Goes By

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