The Links Between Headache, Hypertension And Stroke

There is a direct link between headaches, high blood pressure (or hypertension) and stroke. If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing constant headaches, chances are that you are well on your way to having a stroke.

Of course, not all headaches are due to high blood pressure, but all high blood pressure causes headaches. Although headaches may be due to several maladies, including tension, migraine, eye strain, dehydration, low blood sugar, sinusitis and common cold, much rarer are headaches due to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, which is a bacterial infection of the brain covering, encephalitis – an infection of the brain; cerebral aneurysms (an expansion of the blood vessels in the brain), extremely high blood pressure and brain cancer.

Headaches can also be due to brain injury, while many women also get headaches during or just before their monthly cycle. Pains in the neck or upper back can also be considered as headaches.

The types of headaches that are usually associated with hypertension are the ones you may get in the early mornings on waking up. When you have high blood pressure that is not treated properly, you may have headaches in the mornings, blurred vision and, sometimes, depression. What makes high blood pressure dangerous is that it can lead to a stroke, which is life-threatening; and can lead to death or severe physical and/or mental incapacitation. Only very few lucky and healthy individuals make a full recovery after a stroke.


Hypertension

Hypertension is commonly referred to as high blood pressure, where the blood pressure is chronically high. Hypertension occurs when blood is forced through the arteries at an increased pressure. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to all other tissues and organs of the body. If you have high blood pressure, it does not necessarily mean that you are under excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase your blood pressure. In fact, some people may lead totally stress-free and laidback lives and still have high blood pressure because they have familial hypertension – that is, it runs in the family and is genetic.

Generally, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk of damage to several organs of the body, including the heart, kidney, arteries, eyes and brain.

Untreated hypertension affects all organs and can shorten life by up to 10 to 20 years. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart and kidney diseases, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), eye damage and stroke (brain damage).

By the time your blood pressure is above 140/90, you are considered to be hypertensive. Increase in diastolic pressure, which is the bottom part of the reading, is more important in defining someone as hypertensive. However, patients with diabetes mellitus or kidney disease with blood pressure as high as 130/80 mmHg should be considered in danger and in need of urgent treatment.

Proper diagnosis of high blood pressure is important, so that you can get the needed treatment to normalise the blood pressure and avoid associated complications. For older people over 50 years old, the systolic readings (upper readings) are more important. Systolic hypertension represents a greater risk for people over 50. Unless you have your blood pressure measured, you may never know you have hypertension. There are no symptoms, except that ‘nagging’ headache. That is why it is called the silent killer.


Stroke

A stroke is the sudden reduction of blood flow to a portion of the brain. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic, also known as thrombotic, which is caused by a blood clot in the brain; and haemorrhagic, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.

A stroke of any type is an extreme medical emergency and prompt treatment is imperative if the patient is to survive. Although haemorrhagic strokes account for 15 per cent of all strokes, patients suffering from this type of stroke are more likely to die. Sometimes, it is difficult for non-medical people to recognise that somebody is having a stroke, but immediate help is essential. A person suffering from stroke must get help no longer than three hours after the stroke for his life to be saved. So, it is important for family and friends to know the signs of a stroke by doing the following simple tests:

1. Ask him/her to smile.
2. Ask him to talk. He must say a simple sentence coherently.
3. Ask him to raise both arms.
4. Ask him to stick out his tongue. The tongue should not be twisted.


If he is having trouble doing any of these simple things, then he may be having a stroke.

Steps against stroke

° If you have persistent headaches, visit your doctor, especially if you are over 40.
° Once you are diagnosed as hypertensive and you are placed on medications, you must continue taking the medication for life.
° Hypertension is not a problem; the problem is usually the bad management or careless use of medication. Try to take your medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor.
° Stroke will usually occur in hypertensive people who forget to take their medication for a very long time and then get into a stressful situation.
° Regular exercise can help to lower your blood pressure.
° A good diet with low salt, low carbohydrate and moderate protein without red meat is very good for your health.
° Do not self-medicate with over the counter drugs to treat your headaches without first checking with your doctor, to rule out more serious illnesses.
° If you are over 50, you may take one tablet of aspirin daily to avoid blood clots, but take it with a meal to avoid stomach ulcer.
° Check your blood pressure regularly.
° Determine your stressors such as food intolerance or toxins
° Do annual medical check-ups around the month of your birthday.
° Regular detoxification ensures low blood pressure.

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Common Foods That Cause Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a relatively common problem that many people face at some point in their life, and although in most cases it’s not fatal, it is serious and can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and pregnant women. Sources of food contamination are various and include bacteria salmonella and listeria, which can be eliminated through cooking, but not all food we eat goes though heat treatment. Here are common food items that pose a major risk to your health and could lead to food poisoning.

Raw eggs

Raw eggs are very likely to give you food poisoning, accounting for more than hundreds of thousands of food-related illnesses in the last few years. Although the likelihood of getting food poisoning from raw eggs has decreased over the past couple of decades, they are still one of the “riskiest” foods you could be consuming.
It is the bacteria called salmonella that is to blame for food poisoning coming from raw eggs, and the trouble lies in the fact that salmonella can’t be detected before it enters the body and wreaks havoc.
Salmonella penetrates the eggs before they are even hatched, contaminating your food and posing a potential threat. Eggs are consumed raw when certain cakes or sweets are made or in instances in which people drink them for various reasons. The truth is, eggs are best consumed scrabbled, hard-boiled or coddled if you want all the benefits without exposing yourself to any risks.

Chicken

Although chicken is definitely one of the most popular foods around, it is also one of the biggest offenders when it comes to food-borne illnesses. All poultry can cause food poisoning, but chicken accounts for the largest number of instances of stomach problems. If chicken is not defrosted or cooked properly it can lead to serious disease.
Anyone who handles raw chicken must make sure the meat doesn’t come into contact with other foods, especially if they aren’t cooked, because the bacteria found in chicken, such as campylobacter and salmonella, can cause dreadful food poisoning.
These bacteria are located in the intestines of the poultry and can come into contact with the human body after the bird is slaughtered. Chicken must be cooked for the right amount of time and at a certain temperature to protect everyone who will eat it.

Leafy green vegetables

Produce in general ranks as one of the top causes of food-borne illnesses, and leafy greens pose the largest risk when it comes to leading to stomach problems. Vegetables such as lettuce and spinach must be washed thoroughly to eliminate that risk. One of the ways to make sure your leafy greens are safe to eat is to soak them in water in which you add a teaspoon of baking soda.
Almost half of all food-borne illnesses are caused by produce, so you have to make sure you are well aware of the risks brought on by the foods you are feeding your family, as well as the ways in which you can avoid them.
Cooking your veggies for the right amount of time will definitely lower the risk of food-related illness, and so will purchasing produce from accountable sources. Although food-borne illnesses caused by leafy greens are usually not as dangerous as those caused by meat, they can still lead to diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Water Melon

Watermelons may not be the obvious choice, but pose a serious threat when it comes to causing food poisoning simply because they are not washed before they are consumed.
Watermelons need to be scrubbed thoroughly before being cut, simply because if they are cut without being washed, the knife that goes through the rind picks up the bacteria and takes them right to the meat of the fruit.
Listeria and salmonella are the two bacteria responsible for watermelon-related illnesses and they need to be washed well before served to anyone, especially children and older individuals. Wash melons under running water, scrubbing with a brush if you feel that’s necessary.

Tuna

Tuna fish can pose a serious threat to your health and is one of the foods often left out of the lists of dangerous foods that can cause food poisoning. Tuna fish may carry scombroid toxins, which are the agents responsible for food-borne illnesses.
Scombroid toxins can occur in tuna that is left in a warm place for too long, so handling this fish properly is crucial for eliminating the risk. In most cases, scombroid toxins are found in fresh or raw tuna rather than canned tuna, which means canned tuna is safe in this aspect.
It should be noted that these toxins can’t be destroyed through the cooking process if they exist in the raw fish in the first place. The most common symptoms of food-borne illness brought on by tuna include nausea, cramps and diarrhea. Make sure you purchase tuna from reputable vendors that won’t leave the fish sitting at room temperature for too long.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a type of food that many people are sad to see on this list, but the truth is ice cream poses a major risk to your health because it’s made out of dairy products. If the eggs or milk, for instance, used to make the ice cream contain salmonella, consuming such food will most likely lead to food poisoning.
Ice cream may be contaminated in various ways, from using contaminated ingredients to make the pre-mix, to not keeping the scoops clean. Listeria is another bacteria found in ice cream that can lead to large-scale food poisoning, while it is crucial to mention that ice cream products, such as sorbets and ice cream sandwiches, can also be affected.

Potatoes

Potatoes are unlikely offenders, however, bacteria such as salmonella and listeria are to blame for stomach problems associated with eating potatoes, and they are usually found on the kitchen counters and other areas where food is handled.
In the majority of cases, it’s not the potatoes that lead to a bacteria outbreak, but rather other contaminated foods that potatoes often come into contact with, such as salads, especially those containing dairy products or mayonnaise.
Washing potatoes properly and making sure never to use the same knives, cutting boards and other utensils when handling raw meat and other foods is one of the best ways to prevent food-borne illnesses, especially those associated with produce.

Cheese

One of the main reasons why cheese is a food that is responsible for many food-related illnesses is the fact that several steps are necessary to make it, include including curdling, salting, and processing, leaving plenty of room for contamination.
Other more obvious reasons include using contaminated raw milk and milk not pasteurized properly, but the correct pasteurization process is usually what eliminates all the harmful bacteria and keeps cheese safe for consumption.
It should be noted that softer cheese, such as brie or camembert, are more likely to contain listeria, and they need to be purchased from reputable vendors to avoid any risks and unpleasant effects of contaminated food.

Tomatoes

Most people don’t associate tomatoes with food-borne illnesses, yet tomatoes are often a source of disease because they are consumed raw and are seldom subjected to high temperatures.
Not washing the produce that is eaten raw properly, including leafy greens and in this case, tomatoes, leaves everyone susceptible to serious stomach problems associated with bacteria that are commonly found in fresh produce but were never meant to enter the human body.
When it comes to tomatoes, it’s salmonella that is responsible for most illnesses, followed by Norovirus. Keep in mind that eating fresh fruits and veggies is necessary for a healthy diet, but so is purchasing them from accountable sources and serving them correctly.

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HEALTH TALK: Food And Eating

All humans have to eat food for growth and maintenance of a healthy body, but we humans have different requirements as infants, children (kids), teenagers, young adults, adults, and seniors. For example, infants may require feeding every four hours until they gradually age and begin to take in more solid foods.

Eventually they develop into the more normal pattern of eating three times per day as young kids. However, as most parents know, kids, teenagers, and young adults often snack between meals. Snacking is often not limited to these age groups because adults and seniors often do the same.

Tips:

• Eat three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); it is important to remember that dinner does not have to be the largest meal.
• The bulk of food consumption should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
• Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts (with emphasis on beans and nuts).
• Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars; look at the labels because the first listed items on the labels comprise the highest concentrations of ingredients.
• Control portion sizes; eat the smallest portion that can satisfy hunger and then stop eating.
• Snacks are OK in moderation and should consist of items like fruit, whole grains, or nuts to satisfy hunger and not cause excessive weight gain.
• Avoid sodas and sugar-enhanced drinks because of the excessive calories in the sodas and sugar drinks; diet drinks may not be a good choice as they make some people hungrier and increase food consumption.
• Avoid eating a large meal before sleeping to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and weight gain.
• If a person is angry or depressed, eating will not solve these situations and may make the underlying problems worse.
• Avoid rewarding children with sugary snacks; such a pattern may become a lifelong habit for people.
• Avoid heavy meals in the summer months, especially during hot days.
• A vegetarian lifestyle has been promoted for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss; vegetarians should check with their physicians to be sure they are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and iron in their food.
• Cooking foods (above 165 F) destroys most harmful bacteria and other pathogens; if you choose to eat uncooked foods like fruits or vegetables, they should be thoroughly washed with running treated (safe to drink) tap water right before eating.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats of any type.

Tips for special situations:

• People with diabetes should use the above tips and monitor their glucose levels as directed; try to keep the daily blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
• People with unusual work schedules (night shifts, college students, military) should try to adhere to a breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine with minimal snacking.
• People who prepare food should avoid using grease or frying foods in grease.
• People trying to lose weight (body fat) should avoid all fatty and sugary foods and eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and nuts and markedly reduce his/her intake of meat and dairy products.
• Seek medical advice early if you cannot control your weight, food intake, or if you have diabetes and cannot control your blood glucose levels.
• Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/
  

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Samsung to Launch Solar-powered Telemedicine center, Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic in Nigeria

Samsung Electronics West Africa has announced plans to launch a  Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre, Solar Powered Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic, a Solar Power Generator, as well as an Administrative Centre. These are part of the company’s Digital Village that will be launched next month in Calabar.

The initiative is part of the company’s strategic Corporate Citizenship program, will provide access to innovative healthcare and educational needs for the community, with the aim of improving health outcomes, strengthening education delivery and increasing the economic potential of Oban.

Highlighting the unique features of this solution, Brovo Kim, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, said that the Samsung Digital Village is innovative in its design due to its use of alternative energy, which remains a major challenge in Nigeria and is often an obstacle in implementing such initiatives in rural communities. “The Digital Village demonstrates our innovative approach to investing in people and their communities. This initiative offers a complete educational infrastructure, comprehensive healthcare solution and power generation capabilities that will spur the growth of small businesses and harness the energy of the sun to minimise running costs, among others,” Kim said. The launch is scheduled for May 7, 2015.

The Digital Village consists of five key integrated solutions that work together to benefit a community in the delivery of health care services, education and employment. They include: a Solar Powered Internet School, Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre, Solar Powered Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic, a Solar Power Generator, as well as an Administrative Centre.

The Solar Powered Internet School consists of a container fully equipped with complete education curriculum and smart school technology; it seats 24 students, providing them with access to education using interactive technology.

The Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre is equipped with ear, eye and mother and child assessing facilities, while the Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic has a state-of-the-art blood analysis machine for on-the-spot diagnosis, as well as tools to treat dental complications. Specifically designed for rural areas, the centre offers professional medical treatment, quick medical diagnosis and health education. It also helps minimise the need for rural dwellers to travel to urban areas for medical attention.

A Solar Power Generator has also been deployed to supply power to the host community to boost small businesses in the area. The generator does not emit pollutants and has negligible maintenance costs, which will lower the environmental impact and reduce overall operating costs. Finally, the Administrative Centre will serve as the coordinating hub for all the Digital Village activities in the Oban community.

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