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Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the arteriole arteries narrow, making it difficult for blood to pass through them. This forces the heart to pump harder to get the blood through. As the pressure increases above normal and is sustained, the result is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common problem. It is the most common chronic illness in the United States. Almost twenty five percent of Americans have it, and a significant number of them do not realize they have it. That is because high blood pressure causes few, if any symptoms, until it has reached an advanced stage. This makes it important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is a very dangerous disease to have and leave untreated. High blood pressure significantly increases a person s risk for stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, vision impairment, dementia, and premature death. Left untreated, high blood pressure can shorten a person s life by up to twenty years. Despite...

It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, yet with no obvious symptoms, many people never even know they have it. Left undetected, though, certain types of the human papillomavirus HPV can lead to cervical cancer, a disease that will strike more than 10,000 women in the U.S. Recent medical advancements have been made, however, to help stop this disease. The FDA approved the first HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that the vaccine be given to girls aged 11 and 12. But what does this mean for other women. Is the vaccine just for preteens. And do women no longer need to get Pap tests. Pathologists-physicians who study tissues and cells to identify and diagnose cervical cancer, HPV and other diseases-offer some guidelines: The HPV vaccine is most effective for those individuals who have not been sexually active, said Paula Szypko, M.D., FCAP, a pathologist at North State Pathology Associates, PA in High Point, N.C. And, while the vaccine is a medical advancement, it does not protect against all strains of HPV. Women should continue to get regular Pap tests...

While most Americans visit their doctor annually and their dentist twice a year, a new survey shows that many adults do not prioritize, for themselves or their children, two of their most vital body parts-their eyes. The survey also reveals alarming statistics that demonstrate among certain ethnic groups, a gap between vision care knowledge and behavior, which may be preventing those who are at the greatest risk of certain eye conditions from seeking proper treatment and diagnosis. More than nine out of 10 respondents agree that maintaining proper vision is an important priority to them and three-quarters agree that taking care of their eyes is as important as other health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Yet, 14 percent say they do not have a regular eye care professional and one-quarter say it has been more than two years since their last eye exam. Further, one-third of parents report that their child has never seen an eye care professional. More than 3,700 adults of varying ethnic backgrounds Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Caucasians expressed their attitudes toward, perceptions of, and experiences with vision care in the...

In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions: 1. I can t handle my pain. I am unworthy and unlovable. Others are my source of love. I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me. Part 2 was about the first of these beliefs learning how to handle pain. Part 3 addressed the second and third beliefs I am unworthy and unlovable and Others are my source of love. This section, Part 4, explores the fourth belief, I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me. If I had to choose one false belief that causes the most pain for most people, it would be the belief that we can control how important people in our lives feel, think and behave. In my work with individuals and couples dealing with addictive behavior, I encounter this belief and the many ramifications of it over and over. It seems very difficult for most people to accept the truth about their lack of control over others. The pain, frustration, loneliness and aloneness that result from not accepting your lack of control may be the underlying cause of your addictions. Take a...

Fibromyalgia is also know as chronic fatigue syndrome . Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr have since been diagnosed and recognized as two different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached to both. We will cover fibromyalgia in this article and leave Epstein-Barr for another. Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread body aches, sensitivity and pain when touched even gently , fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, tenderness in the back and shoulders, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, painful menstruation, irritable bladder and dry eyes, skin, and mouth. There has not, at the time of this article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia. However, many doctors believe that the following are contributing factors: - Chemical changes in the brain - Sleep disturbances - Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine - Changes in muscular metabolism - Abnormalities of the autonomic sympathetic nervous system. Risk of developing fibromyalgia seems to be higher in women and the age groups most affected tend to be those in their early and middle adulthood. No conclusive evidence has been found as to...