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Seniors – hear this and speak up

(NC)—Seniors represent the fastest growing segment of our population, expected to make up 1/4 of the country's population. Many of these individuals are significantly affected by communication disorders and experience problems with their speech, language, swallowing and hearing. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic disability among older adults and 6-12% of seniors experience speech, language or voice difficulties.

The services of speech-language pathologists and audiologists help seniors to improve their ability to communicate which allows them to optimize their health, independence, safety, socialization and overall quality of life. Speech-language pathologists provide assessment, treatment and follow-up for: difficulties speaking or understanding, voice problems, thinking and memory problems and swallowing difficulties. Audiologists provide assessment, treatment and follow-up regarding: hearing loss, balance problems, tinnitus (noises or ringing in the ears) and related disorders.

Consumers should seek the services of a qualified professional. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are important collaborative partners in the primary health care system, working to maximize communication and, in turn, participation in the community.

Using the services of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist helps ensure seniors can continue to enjoy engaging, productive and rewarding lives. Early detection is vital! If you suspect a problem consult your yellow pages or visit the Find A Professional area of our website to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you: www.caslpa.ca.

- News Canada

Healthy diet, healthy brain

(NC)—More and more experts say that the daily diet—what you eat and how much you eat—plays a big role in mental alertness. Eating the right diet can help the brain make the right connections - at all ages. Foods play a big role in maintaining a healthy brain, like these:

• Proteins in the diet affect brain performance because they provide the amino acids from which neurotransmitters are made. Eat low fat yoghurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter, whole-wheat cereals, skinless chicken, eggs, turkey, beans, fresh nuts and seeds.

• Carbohydrates calm the body and help you resist distractions. In the evening eat potatoes, whole grain rice and pasta, couscous, wild rice and beans.

• Avoid saturated fat and trans fats, as they can easily cause fatigue.

• Take the appropriate vitamins and supplements, such as a daily multivitamin/ mineral supplement. Some natural health products, such as caffeine-free Remember-fx, have been shown to increase mental alertness.

• Drink green tea. It is strong in antioxidants and helps lower plaque in the brain. Consuming at least 2 cups daily can improve your cognitive function and keep your mental faculties from declining.

- News Canada

Is diabetes in YOUR future?

(NC)—It should come as no surprise that North America is facing a Type 2 diabetes epidemic. Just consider the combination of easy access to low nutrient, high calorie foods, and lifestyles that involve eight hours or more in front of a computer. People are getting fat and their bodies are trying to compensate. You should be aware of your own risk for pre-diabetic conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome, or Syndrome X, and insulin resistance, so you can prevent them and protect your health.

One of the most exciting scientific developments for blood sugar control is called PGX, for PolyGlycopleX (www.pgx.com). This is a tasteless, odourless natural blend of highly absorbent soluble fibres from plant sources. PGX can be added to foods or taken before meals to provide a sense of satiety and fullness. But it does more than that. By slowing the digestion of food PGX levels out those sugar highs and lows that can cause cravings, mood swings, insulin resistance and, if left unmanaged, Type 2 diabetes.

Take steps to control your blood sugar naturally. Reduce your intake of simple sugars. Increase your dietary fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Add soluble fibre to help you control your weight, without starving.

- News Canada

Healthy Seniors: Control, don't ignore joint pain

(NC)—Many of us assume that joint pain is a normal part of aging and therefore, the pain is likely here to stay. Nothing could be further from the truth, say medical professionals, especially with the advancement in treatment options that include exercise, foods, and alternative dietary supplements.

The first step however is to accurately diagnose the source of your pain. It might surprise you to learn that many people try to ignore it. For example, research data reveals that one in five people say they do have chronic pain (like that caused by arthritis) but nearly half say they don't know what's causing it. Many people wait hoping the body will heal itself, but that's no remedy. If you do have joint pain, it's important for a doctor to examine you and tell you why.

Treatments range from improving life quality, to medication, to surgery—and preferably in that order. Here are the most important initial steps you can take to control joint pain:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Experts say that losing as little as 11 pounds can cut the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%. A healthy body weight reduces the small tears that break down cartilage.

2. Exercise with guidance. Pain victims often get caught in a vicious cycle: aching joints prevent them from exercising, which in turn causes joints to weaken and deteriorate further. Instead, work with a therapist to develop the right program for you. This will likely include low- or no-impact aerobic exercises (swimming, walking, cycling, dancing) along with a strength building routine (with light weights) plus stretching and relaxation exercises. To manage pain and swelling, apply ice to your joints after exercise.

3. Eat beneficial foods. Top of the list is fish with omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, research shows that vitamin D may help protect your joints with its anti-inflammatory effect – and natural health products like Cell-fx are a soluble source of chondroitin sulphate, a critical building block of cartilage. Professional athletes are known to use this daily supplement to help reduce bone and joint pain.

4. Wear correct, comfortable footwear. Bone experts advise that every shoe should have an extra layer of protective padding.

5. Quit smoking. Research shows that besides disease, smoking has an effect on both bone health and on an individual's response to treatment.

- News Canada

What you need to know when it comes to measuring blood pressure at home

(NC)—Hypertension or high blood pressure affects nearly one in four Canadians, and is a leading cause of death in this country. While physicians across the country can provide healthy tips and medication information, blood pressure can be easily measured in and out of the doctor's office.

Canadians today are independent, empowered and educated about their health. Home monitoring is an excellent way to work together with your health care provider, to understand what lifestyle choices and medications will benefit your heart.

At-home monitoring means you can measure your blood pressure in a comfortable, familiar setting. Checking your blood pressure at home helps you and your health care provider understand how to control your blood pressure on a day-to-day basis. It can also reduce the number of clinical visits you need.

World Hypertension Day on May 17th, will help bring awareness to the importance of monitoring your blood pressure at home. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get an accurate reading:

• Buy a blood pressure instrument that is recommended by the Canadian Hypertension Society

• Blood pressure monitors can be purchased at most pharmacies

• Ensure that the blood pressure cuff fits your arm. Choose a cuff size that covers 80% of your arm. Ask your pharmacists to determine the right cuff size

• Only buy an instrument that measures blood pressure in the upper arm; wrist and finger units may not provide accurate readings

• Before measuring your blood pressure at home, have your doctor or nurse compare your home monitor with the office model. Also, have him or her watch how you use the device to see if you're doing it properly

• Take your blood pressure at consistent times, such as in the morning and in the evening

• Use the same arm whenever you take your blood pressure. Remember that many digital monitors are meant for use only on the left arm

• Wait an hour or so after you wake up in the morning to measure your blood pressure

• Do not measure your blood pressure when you are uncomfortable, cold, anxious, stressed or in pain

• Wait at least two hours after a big meal, and at least half an hour after drinking coffee or smoking

• A full bladder can increase blood pressure slightly; make sure you use the washroom first.

• Rest and relax for 5 minutes before taking a measurement

• Sit in a chair that supports your back and beside a table that can support your arm at heart level.

• Keep your legs and ankles uncrossed

• Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing

• Tight, rolled sleeves can result in an inaccurate reading

• Sit comfortable, and avoid talking while taking your blood pressure

• Take a second measurement two to three minutes after the first reading to check accuracy

• If the blood pressure monitor does not save readings, record the measurement right away in a journal

• Single or first day home blood pressure values should not be considered

- News Canada

Highjacked by fear of the doctor's office? What it may say about your high blood pressure
Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)—Hypertension or high blood pressure affects one in four Canadians, and more than one billion people worldwide. It is suggested that Canadians monitor their blood pressure regularly, as hypertension can lead to a variety of complications including heart attack, stroke, and heart and kidney failure.

But, how accurate is a blood pressure reading?

Some people have high blood pressure when they visit a doctor's office, but have normal blood pressure otherwise. This phenomenon, referred to as "white coat hypertension," is believed to be a result of anxiety or apprehension felt at the doctor's office.

Other people see the opposite trend — normal blood pressure in a doctor's office, but high blood pressure elsewhere.

On May 17th, World Hypertension Day, Canadians are urged to "Measure Your Blood Pressure at Home", which is the theme for this year's campaign. When blood pressure is measured at home, it helps to understand how to control blood pressure on a daily basis along with one's healthcare provider. It also shows how lifestyle changes and medication help to control blood pressure.

In honor of World Hypertension Day, Canadians are urged to measure their blood pressure at home, to track day-to-day changes, recognize variations and understand the factors that influence blood pressure readings. A doctor can help select the at-home monitor that is right for you.

Types of Home Monitors and Accessories

Cuff : The blood pressure cuff has an inflatable inner layer that fills with air and squeezes the arm. The cuff's outer layer is usually made of nylon, and has a fastener to hold the cuff in place. The cuff is attached to a mercury manometer, which gives a mm Hg reading.

Gauge: Blood pressure monitors are either digital or aneroid. The aneroid monitors have a gauge with a dial on it that points at a number related to your blood pressure.

Stethoscope: Used with a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope can be used to listen to the sounds your blood makes as it flows through the brachial artery. Because it can be difficult to interpret these sounds, digital blood pressure cuffs can be used to record the information for you.

Manual devices: Manual blood pressure monitors consist of a stethoscope and an inflatable arm cuff connected by a rubber tube to a gauge that records the pressure. To measure blood pressure, you manually inflate the cuff that goes around your arm by pumping a bulb at one end of the tube. You also manually check your blood pressure with a stethoscope, while listening to the sound of your blood through the arteries and counting your own heart rate. Manual monitors are usually less expensive than digital monitors.

Digital devices: Digital monitors consist of a cuff and a gauge that records the pressure. The cuff automatically inflates, and records heart rate and blood pressure. Advanced devices will alert you if you are using the cuff improperly. Digital monitors can be fitted on the upper arm, wrist or finger. Arm devices are most accurate. Avoid measuring blood pressure in your finger. Wrist blood pressure devices are more accurate than finger devices, but not recommended for precise readings.

For more information on World Hypertension Day and this year's theme of "Measure Your Blood Pressure at Home", please visit: www.worldhypertensionleague.org or www.hypertension.ca

- News Canada

Do you know your numbers?
Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com
Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)—Like some Canadians, you may know that normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). But do you know what these numbers really mean?

Saturday, May 17th is World Hypertension Day, and Canadians are encouraged to participate by getting to know their blood pressure numbers and learning how to measure their blood pressure at home.

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of blood vessels, called arteries. It is measured with two numbers, and both are important to your health.

The top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts and pushes out blood. This is called systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. This is called diastolic blood pressure.

Blood pressure that is consistently more than 140/90 mmHg is considered high. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls causing scarring that promotes buildup of fatty plaque. This plaque can eventually block the arteries, leading to heart attack or stroke. It also strains and weakens the heart muscle.

One in four Canadians has high blood pressure, yet nearly 43 per cent of sufferers do not know they have it. In fact, adults over age 55 have a 90 per cent chance of developing high blood pressure.

In honor of World Hypertension Day, events will be held across Canada and worldwide, to call attention to this global epidemic and communicate public information on prevention, detection and treatment.

For more information on World Hypertension Day and this year's theme of "Measure Your Blood Pressure at Home", please visit: www.worldhypertensionleague.org or www.hypertension.ca.

- News Canada

Six easy steps to high blood pressure control

Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)—High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects one in four Canadians. It is the number one risk factor for stroke, a major risk factor for heart disease and a leading risk factor for death in this country.

While many high blood pressure sufferers require medication to get their blood pressure within healthy ranges, take note of these six little lifestyle steps that can also have a positive impact on your heart health.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, lower-fat milk products, and lower-fat meat and alternatives

2. At the grocery store, look for this symbol which indicates the item has been given the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health CheckTM symbol. The symbol is given to foods that meet criteria based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

3. Instead of salt, which can raise blood pressure, try fresh or dried herbs with your favourite recipes

4. Monitor blood pressure at home. This helps track the lifestyle and medication changes that can affect blood pressure

5. Add 30 – 60 minutes of physical activity to your daily routine

6. Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks, such as sliced vegetables, fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and lower-fat dairy snacks

Saturday, May 17th is World Hypertension Day. As many as forty-seven countries around the world, including Canada, will join forces to educate the public and provide information on hypertension detection and prevention.

If you are one of four Canadians who has high blood pressure, do your part by choosing May 17th as your start day for incorporating these six small steps into your life to help you gain control of your high blood pressure. Your friends and family will be happy you did!

- News Canada

Do you hear what I hear?
Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)—More than half of Canadians will experience some degree of hearing loss in the years after age 65. However, it's not just a problem affecting seniors. More and more young people are showing signs of hearing loss as early as their 30's and 40's. According to The Canadian Academy of Audiology, as much as 10 per cent of the Canadian population suffer from some form of hearing loss.

It is common for people with hearing loss to stop communicating with family and friends because they are unable to hear and understand what is being said. However, help is available and people with hearing loss can stay connected. Recognizing hearing loss is the first step in treatment and knowing the warning sign's is vital for early detection.

To help you identify the signs and symptoms of hearing loss, Phyllis Bensoussan, registered CASLPO Audiologist and Energizer offers the following tips:

• Do family members complain about your inability to hear?

• Do you frequently ask people to repeat what they have said?

• Do you have trouble hearing the television and/or radio? Do you prefer the television and/or radio louder than other people?

• Do you experience ringing, pain or fullness in one or both ears?

• Do you have a history of exposure to loud noise (loud concerts, guns, construction, etc.)?

• Do you have difficulty understanding what people are saying in noisy places?

If you experience any or all of these problems on a sudden or consistent basis, you may have some form of hearing loss. Experts recommend getting your hearing tested every two years. If you have questions about your hearing or suspect you have a hearing loss, contact an audiologist, who can test your hearing and provide you with information.

Energizer, a leader in dependable, portable power, has been crafting and perfecting hearing aid batteries like the Energizer Perf Pack and EZ Change for decades. For more information on products and information visit: www.energizer.ca.

- News Canada

So, your concern is Heart Health

(NC)—Looking for ways to keep your heart healthy? Many of us are — for good reason! Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease accounts for the death of more Canadians than any other disease. In 2002, thirty-two percent of all male deaths in Canada were due to diseases of the heart, blood vessels and stroke. For women, the number was even higher, at 34%.

So what can be done? Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. Keeping blood cholesterol levels on target is another key in lowering the risk of heart disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help us protect our hearts against cardiovascular disease by providing protective substances such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, as well as plant compounds called phytochemicals.

Fresh Mushrooms Can Help! Cut the Cholesterol

• Fresh mushrooms contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre has been shown to help prevent and manage cardiovascular disease by lowering the levels of total and LDL cholesterol.

Watch that Weight

• Fresh mushrooms are a perfect choice for weight management, since they have high water content, are low in fat and contain some fibre: three factors that will help you feel full with fewer calories. That means less room for calorie-laden foods.

Adding the Antioxidants

• Fresh mushrooms contain significant levels of l-ergothioneine, which acts as an antioxidant.

• Ergothioneine doesn't break down when it's heated, which means you can enjoy mushrooms raw or cooked and still benefit from this powerful phytochemical.

Mushrooms Make a Difference

• Add 1/2 cup white button mushrooms to your omelet or scrambled eggs.

Benefit: one (1) extra gram of fibre.

• Mix 1 cup of diced portabella mushrooms into pasta or pasta sauce.

Benefit: three (3) extra grams of fibre.

• Include 11/2 cups sliced crimini (brown) mushrooms in risotto or other rice dishes.

Benefit: five (5) extra grams of fibre.

Recipe Suggestion:

Mushroom and Vegetable Tacos

For more mushroom nutrition information, great tips and delicious recipes visit www.mushrooms.ca.

- News Canada

Strong immune system important for seniors

By J.C. Carroll

(NC)—The ability to fight off infection diminishes significantly as we age. Medical professionals explain that the body's immune system functions less effectively in older adults than it does in the young.

Specifically, lymphocytes (cells produced in the lymph glands) are essential to the production of infection-fighting antibodies—and as we age, we are less capable of producing them. An important recommendation therefore is to keep the immune system strong — and fortunately, due to the on-going advancements in the understanding of human health, there are several every day measures we all can take:

• Maintain an active social life. Loneliness, loss, bereavement and depression pose serious challenges to the immune system. The opposite is true however if seniors remain busy, productive, mentally stimulated and socially engaged.

• Eat well. Good nutrition is important for optimum immune function and that includes lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, fibre, and calcium rich foods.

• Add dietary supplements: Check with your doctor to determine which supplements are recommended. The proprietary extract of North American ginseng root (found in the natural health product Cold-fx) is scientifically proven to boost the immune system.

• Establish a regular sleeping pattern: Sleep not only provides rest and rejuvenation for our physical body, it also helps reinforce and replenish the immune system.

- News Canada

Your Health: The secrets of aging well

(NC)—Many of the components that deliver longevity are within our control, researchers say. While we can't stop our mind and body from aging, we can slow the process down—and that in turn, keeps us in the best shape possible.

Lifestyle choices are proving to be as important as genetic history in determining longevity. Even if your present lifestyle isn't what it should be, it's never too late to change. Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy as you age.

1. Avoid cigarettes. In addition to disease risk, smoking accelerates aging, causes wrinkling, and makes you look and feel older.

2. Keep a healthy weight. Learn about the benefits of antioxidants, omega-3, calcium, increased fibre, phytochemicals, vitamin A and E, dark chocolate, red wine.

3. Exercise regularly. Make daily activity as important as brushing your teeth. Include: cardio workouts, weight training, stretching. Do yoga, play sports, swim, cycle, dance.

4. Enjoy and initiate the company of others. Research has found that those with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert.

5. Pursue education. Curiosity and creativity slows the aging process down. Read, do puzzles, take classes. You can increase your learning-and-memory neurotransmitter, called acetylcholine, with natural health products like Remember-fx.

6. Adjustment skills. Try to find humour in difficult situations. Research shows that a positive outlook will produce a more productive life and make you less prone to illness. A flexible attitude will keep the weight off your shoulders.

- News Canada

Seniors Quick Tip: How to protect your joints

(NC)—Don't lose your independence due to mobility problems. It's true that your joints will undergo a certain amount of wear and tear as you age, but treating them with care could keep them pain free. Here are some quick tips from joint health specialists:

• A sufficient intake of minerals and vitamin C is important for the synthesis of healthy connective tissue. Minerals shown to give a positive impact are copper, zinc, manganese, and boron. One of the best ways to obtain a complement of these minerals is to add fresh nuts, seeds, and non-citrus fruits to the diet.

• Research shows that vitamin D, with its anti-inflammatory effect, may help protect your joints – and natural health products like Cell-fx are a soluble source of chondroitin sulphate, a critical building block of cartilage. Professional athletes are known to use this daily supplement to help reduce bone and joint pain.

• Regular exercise is key in keeping connective tissue healthy, strong and supple. Research shows that people who exercise regularly experience 25% less muscle and joint pain in their old age than people who are less active. Isometrics, or resistance exercise, is recommended for strengthening a joint. It works by contracting the muscles surrounding the affected area, but with no movement at the joint.

• Flexibility and stretching exercises are vital to the maintenance and rebuilding of supple connective tissue. Strengthening the joint and connective tissue within its full range of motion is extremely important for maintaining pain free functionality.

- News Canada

Weight out of control? Maybe you need more fibre

(NC)—Did you know that "glycemic index" or GI is a way of ranking carbohydrate foods according to their effect on blood sugar levels? A "high GI" food is not necessarily sweeter, but it is turned into blood glucose more quickly than a "low GI" food, and it produces higher fluctuations in insulin levels. Balancing blood sugar highs and lows is absolutely key to preventing blood glucose related disorders and reducing risk of diabetes and its complications (heart disease, nerve damage, blindness). It is also key to successful, long-term weight management.

An easy, natural way to level out the blood sugar "rollercoaster" is by adding soluble fibre to your diet. Do you automatically think of bran? While it is a good source of fibre it is not soluble; a soluble fibre blend like PGX (www.pgx.com) absorbs water and expands gently in the digestive tract. PGX is not one fibre but a blend that is so absorbent you would have to eat 4 bowls of oatmeal to get the same fibre benefits as you get from only 5 grams of PGX. When consumed before or with a meal, this soluble fibre blend makes you feel full and satisfied even when you have eaten less. Perhaps even more important, adding soluble fibre slows digestion, so a high GI food virtually becomes a low GI food. Derailing the blood sugar roller coaster has a wide range of health benefits.

Reach for fibre first and feel full without over-eating.

- News Canada

Unique new fibre improves insulin control

(NC)—A blend of highly purified water-soluble polysaccharides, plant fibres, has been shown in randomized clinical trials to produce unparalleled physiological benefits for controlling blood glucose levels. A fibre blend, called PolyGlycopleX (PGX), has been developed with a level of viscosity 3 to 5 times higher than any single known polysaccharide. What does that mean in layman's terms? You would have to eat 4 bowls of oatmeal to produce anywhere near the fibre benefits available from 5 grams of PGX (www.pgx.com).

And what are fibre's benefits?

A soluble fibre like PGX can absorb a great deal of moisture. In the digestive tract this means expansion of food volume and slowing of digestion. Expansion makes you feel fuller faster, so you can be satisfied with eating less. Slowing of digestion means that blood sugar levels won't rocket up and down; the blood sugar "rollercoaster" effect can cause cravings, excessive hunger, insulin resistance and weight gain, Metabolic Syndrome and, if left unmanaged, Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Michael Murray, an expert in natural health solutions and appetite control, explains, "This is exciting science that will touch the lives of millions. PGX research has repeatedly shown that this soluble fibre blend can improve appetite and weight control, as well as contributing to cholesterol improvements and diabetes prevention." Dr. Murray is co-author of Hunger Free Forever from Atria Press, a recently released book on appetite, weight control, the science behind soluble fibre and diabetes prevention.

- News Canada

What's all the fuss about fibre? Benefits beyond bran

(NC)—Did you know that the right type and amount of dietary fibre could help you lose weight, balance cholesterol, prevent blood sugar problems and even change the glycemic index of the foods you eat?

Everyone knows that fibre is important for regularity, but when most people think of fibre, they think of only one kind, insoluble fibre like bran. While bran is an excellent food, it can't compare to newly developed soluble fibres like PGX, a proprietary fibre blend that is being called a 'super fibre' for its unique properties. Dr. Michael Murray explains, "Bran and other non-soluble fibres add bulk for better elimination and, like tiny brushes, they help clean out the lower digestive tract. The new combinations of highly soluble fibres, like those that make up PGX, are more like sponges - they can absorb hundreds of times their weight in water — giving them incredible health-enhancing benefits." More about the benefits of soluble fibre can be found at pgx.com.

Dr. Murray, co-author of a new book from Atria Press called Hunger Free Forever, explains that soluble fibre can make a person feel full even with a small amount of food. Soluble fibre combines with food and water and expands in the digestive tract, slowing digestion and therefore helping the body receive nutrition, especially glucose, at a more controlled rate. This is extremely helpful for anyone with blood sugar problems such as Metabolic Syndrome, pre-diabetes or Type II diabetes.

"When blood sugar soars and then plunges, you have a virtual blood sugar roller coaster. Extreme high or low levels of blood glucose are dangerous. Research indicates that the blood sugar roller coaster contributes to excessive cravings and weight gain, heart health problems and of course diabetes and its complications. We've shown that PGX, because it is a highly soluble fibre, helps 'derail' the blood sugar roller coaster, so people can get their appetite and blood sugar under control," explains Dr. Murray.

If you always feel hungry; if you have irresistible food cravings; if you often feel exhausted or low on energy; consider getting OFF the blood sugar roller coaster. Talk to any natural health practitioner or your medical professional about adding more soluble fibre to your diet.

- News Canada

May 17th is D-day for one in four Canadian adults who have high blood pressure

(NC)—If you are one of the estimated 5 million people in Canada with hypertension or high blood pressure, mark May 17th on your calendar!

May 17th of each year is designated as World Hypertension Day (WHD) by the World Hypertension League (WHL). The WHL is comprised of member organizations, including Canada, all of whom celebrate WHD worldwide.

According to a recent editorial in the journal Hypertension, high blood pressure is the most common, reversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet awareness about hypertension is very poor among the public. 42% of Canadians who are hypertensive are not aware of their condition.

Part of the problem stems from the fact that hypertension is often called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain or kidneys.

The purpose of WHD is to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications, and to provide information on prevention, detection and treatment.

Each year, the WHL identifies a theme for WHD and this year's theme is "Measure Your Blood Pressure at Home". When you measure your blood pressure at home it helps you and your health care provider to understand how to control your blood pressure on a daily basis. It also shows how lifestyle changes and medication help to control your blood pressure.

According to Dr. Arun Chockalingam, the secretary general for the WHL, WHD is about putting a stake in the ground to combat this preventable condition. "It is our hope that this campaign continues to educate and create dialogue among stakeholders, physicians and patients who are at-risk so that everyone is empowered to continue to address and control high blood pressure," says Chockalingam.

For more information on this years' campaign, please visit: www.worldhypertensionleague.org or www.hypertension.ca

- News Canada


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