Tag Archive for 'Heart disease'

Get in control of your health by knowing your numbers

Published on January 9, 2013 in BCBSNC and Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Do you think you might be at risk for diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases?  How can you find out? Well fortunately there is a system of “numbers” we can use to tell us how we compare to healthier individuals. By knowing your numbers, you can take action to make positive changes that will help prevent the onset of chronic health conditions. Considering the likelihood that many individuals will develop a chronic, preventable disease resulting in poor quality of life, declining productivity, and higher health care costs has become a major concern and priority for health care providers, insurers, and employers, especially Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Every person is unique and requires personalized assessment based on the best medical evidence.

Preventive screenings help you get familiar with your numbers and tackle health concerns before they become more serious—or to prevent health problems in the first place.

For example, a high waist circumference number indicates a greater level of abdominal fat which is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services women with a waist circumference of more than 35 inches, and men with a waist circumference of more than 40 inches are at increased disease risk.

Of course, you inherit some risk for these diseases from your family. But the majority of chronic disease risk is in the lifestyle we lead – specifically linked to smoking, poor diet and an inactive lifestyle. These are things you can change.

Before you visit your doctor for your next health checkup, try to be prepared to talk about which preventive screenings you need:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Fasting glucose (blood sugar)
  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Blood Pressure – This is one of the strongest markers for heart disease risk. It is measured as two numbers. Systolic pressure is the first number and is the pressure when the heart is contracting. Diastolic is the second number and is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 / 80 or below.
  • Cholesterol Levels – Too much bad cholesterol can lead to a hardening of your arteries. This can put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. When it comes to cholesterol, there are two important numbers you should know. LDL, is the bad cholesterol, and should be below 130 mg/dL, and lower is better. HDL, is good cholesterol, and should be above 40 mg/dL. Your total cholesterol (TC) level should be below 200 mg/dL.
  • Blood Sugar – A blood sugar test is commonly used to diagnose the presence of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar (taken when you haven’t eaten for 12 hours) should be below 100 mg/dL.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) – This is calculated from two other numbers that you probably know – your weight and height. Your BMI will be one way to gauge if you are classified as being overweight. However, it is not a perfect measure. In people with above normal muscle mass, like bodybuilders, the BMI may indicate the individual is overweight when they are in great condition. For most of us, however, BMI is a great way to gauge how our weight compares to recommended levels. Here is an easy way to calculate your BMI.

If you know your numbers, solving the total health equation is a lot easier.

Trans-fats may be a trigger for depression

Published on December 27, 2012 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Most doctors will tell you that trans-fats are the very worst type of fat. They raise our risk of developing heart disease by increasing our “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and lowering our “good” cholesterol. Also, it has recently been discovered that reducing artery-clogging trans-fats in our diet can have a huge effect on lowering our risk for depression.

New eye-opening research done at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in Spain, revealed that people who ingested more than 2 grams a day of this type of fat, were about 50 percent more likely to suffer from depression. This type of fat can be found in stick margarine, fast food, and packaged baked goods like cookies, crackers and cakes.

Researchers found that a diet that is high in transfats may lead to inflammatory changes inside the body. These changes seem to interfere with the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. This interference has a negative affect on mood.

If you are not sure whether a particular food contains trans-fat, look for the words “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil”. This is simply another word for trans-fat.

Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and legumes. When you want to eat meat, make sure it is baked, broiled or grilled; never fried. When you cook, use a healthier fat like olive oil. The participants of the study who consumed more than 20 grams of olive oil per day had a 30 percent lower risk for depression than those who consumed a very low amount.

BCBSNC, the American Red Cross, the North Carolina Council of Churches and Cardiac Arrest Survivor Rep. Becky Carney Team Up to Save Lives

Published on August 29, 2012 in BCBSNC and Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

News Releases

August 07, 2012
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is leading an effort to expand its Strive to Revive program, which kicked off in Charlotte in 2010, to make a difference in the fight against heart disease. The program will now help prevent even more deaths related to cardiovascular disease by providing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to 150 places of worship across North Carolina. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming up to 450,000 lives each year.i Places of worship may apply by visiting healthandwholeness.org/strive-to-revive.
“Imagine how scary it would be to stand by and watch a loved one go into cardiac arrest because you didn’t know CPR,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “We want North Carolinians to feel prepared to react in a situation like this. Strive to Revive gives our communities the tools and training they need to take action in case of a cardiac emergency.”
Strive to Revive has already awarded AEDs to organizations in Charlotte, N.C. Over the next three years, BCBSNC will work with the American Red Cross, the North Carolina Council of Churches and Rep. Carney to expand the program’s reach by distributing 150 additional AEDs, certifying 500 people in CPR and training them to properly use an AED. In addition to serving organizations that attract large groups of people, the program focuses on populations that are more affected by heart disease, cardiac arrest and other health risk factors, including African Americans, Latinos, women and seniors.
“When a person experiences cardiac arrest, each minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation dramatically decreases their chance of survival,” said Rep. Carney. “Fast response and an AED saved my life in 2009, after I collapsed in the legislative building. That’s why I’m working with BCBSNC, the American Red Cross and the North Carolina Council of Churches to expand Strive to Revive so we can save even more lives.”
The American Red Cross is instrumental in providing AEDs, proper equipment training and CPR certification.
“As a trusted training provider, the American Red Cross is excited to share our knowledge about AEDs and CPR with places of worship in North Carolina,” said Stan Morris, executive director of the Central North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Giving people knowledge and confidence to save lives is a valuable part of what we do as an organization.”
The North Carolina Council of Churches is facilitating Strive to Revive through its faith-based health initiative, Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW).
“The North Carolina Council of Churches is proud of the great work happening across the state to protect the health of people of faith and all North Carolinians,” stated Willona Stallings, PHW program coordinator. “With large numbers of individuals attending places of worship throughout North Carolina on a weekly basis, we have the potential to make a real difference.”
As of August 2012, the following 33 organizations have been selected to participate in the expanded Strive to Revive program.
 
Organization City
Cameron Grove AMEZ Church Broadway
Johnsonville AMEZ Church Cameron
Mount Vernon Baptist Church Durham
Mount Zion AMEZ Church Eastover
Davis Chapel AMEZ Church Erwin
Holly Springs Baptist Church Franklin
Evangel Fellowship Greensboro
Immanuel Baptist Church of Greensboro Greensboro
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Greensboro
St. Julia AMEZ Church Jacksonville
Palmer Grove Baptist Church Kingston
Now Faith Community Baptist Church Knightdale
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Laurinburg
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Lincolnton
First Baptist Church Lumberton
First Christian Church Macclesfield
Calvary Lutheran Church Morganton
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh Raleigh
West Raleigh Presbyterian Church Raleigh
Mount Nebo Holiness Church Ramseur
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Reidsville
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Seven Springs
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Shelby
New Covenant Baptist Church Shelby
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Warrenton
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Winston-Salem
Knollwood Baptist Church Winston-Salem
Konnoak Hills Moravian Church Winston-Salem
Mount Zion Baptist Church Winston-Salem
Parkway United Church of Christ Winston-Salem
Reynolda Presbyterian Church Winston-Salem
Trinity United Methodist Church Winston-Salem
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston Winston-Salem
To learn more about Strive to Revive or to apply for an AED and CPR training, visit healthandwholeness.org/strive-to-revive or follow @BCBSNC on Twitter.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.6 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 78 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About the North Carolina Council of Churches:
Founded in 1935, the North Carolina Council of Churches is a statewide organization representing 18 Christian denominations and committed to the twin goals of ecumenism and social justice. More than 1.5 million North Carolinians are members of congregations under the Council’s umbrella. The Council’s faith-based health initiative, Partners in Health and Wholeness, is designed to promote health as a faith issue and to improve the health of clergy and congregants through increased physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco use prevention and cessation. To learn more about Partners in Health and Wholeness, please visit healthandwholeness.org. More information about the North Carolina Council of Churches is available at nccouncilofchurches.org.

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iNational Center for Early Defibrillation

Four benefits from chocolate

Published on May 28, 2012 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Much to most people’s delight, scientists are increasingly finding more and more positive things about chocolate. The obvious benefit is the wonderful taste and satisfaction that you feel when you eat it. Here is a brief list of some other benefits that come with eating chocolate:

  1. Ladies, chocolate could be good for your skin! A study in Germany found that women who ate cocoa every day for a three month period had moister and softer skin. The researchers believe it was the result of improved blood circulation.
  2. According to recent research, chocolate may boost mental ability by increasing blood flow to the brain. They concluded that chocolate may improve memory and attention functioning and could also make reaction times faster.
  3. Some level of protection against heart disease could come from chocolate. Researchers discovered that eating dark chocolate decreases hypertension, lowers cholesterol levels and provides protection against blood clots.
  4. Finally, chocolate just seems to help people feel better. Athletes who consumed chocolate had faster recovery times after extreme exertion. Most people know that chocolate can be an aphrodisiac, and women revealed this who ate chocolate on a regular basis, by having better sexual experiences.

What you should know about kids and cholesterol

Published on February 29, 2012 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

When you think about heart attacks and having to watch your diet for prevention, you usually think of those who are middle aged or older. This said, the most recent research indicates that cholesterol can begin to build up in the arteries of kids as young as age 2. Due to this finding, a National Institutes of Health panel recommended that doctors start screening children around the ages of 9 and 11 for high cholesterol and other risk factors related to heart disease.

Since there has been an increase in elevated cholesterol levels in children, some doctors are concerned that children will be prescribed  cholesterol-lowering statins such as Lipitor. The worry is over the lack of extensive studies on the effects these statins have on the developing bodies of young children. However, Stephen R. Daniels, M.D., a University of Colorado pediatrician, is not concerned and believes that  the probability of children being prescribed these statins is very unlikely. He estimates that a mere 1 percent of children or less will have levels that are elevated enough to necessitate prescription drugs. An elevated number would be 190 mg/dL or more, or at least 160 mg/dL if there already exists a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like being obese. So what should the majority of children do? Simply eat right and exercise.

If your child’s cholesterol number happens to be high and his or her doctor recommends a prescription for a statin, it would probably be wise if you get a second opinion from a specialist such as a pediatric cardiologist. These types of specialists can determine whether a statin is absolutely necessary by looking at all the elements such as your family medical history and if your child has ever been diagnosed with any conditions that may effect cholesterol.

Surprising benefits of watermelon

Published on October 3, 2011 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

When we think of summer, we often think of a delicious wedge-shaped cold piece of juicy watermelon. This said, watermelon can be found all year round.

There are many benefits to eating watermelon. First of all, they are a great way to get many of your vitamins. Vitamin A, good for maintaining eye health and also an antioxidant; Vitamin C, a plus for strengthening our immunity and encouraging healthy teeth and gums, and Vitamin B6, great for boosting brain functioning and converting protein into energy.

In the past, tomatoes have been given a lot of credit for a great source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant which helps to fight heart disease and several types of cancer – prostate cancer in particular. However, watermelon actually has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable! It is also a great source of potassium, which helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Watermelon also contains the two amino acids citrulline and arginine. These amino acids help to maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function. And don’t forget, watermelon is not only low in calories, it is even high in fiber.

So even though many of us think of watermelon as a dessert or snack option, when you think about all the nutrition it packs, you might want to have it as a main part of your cuisine.

 

Health risks are linked to access to restaurants

Published on June 16, 2011 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

A new study has concluded that the chance of early death from heart disease or diabetes increases with dining out too often. There is particular concern with dining out at fast-food restaurants.

It was found that early deaths from diabetes rose by 8 percent in neighborhoods near fast-food restaurants. The report also said that premature deaths from heart disease increased by 5 percent.

Unfortunately the study also found a link with full-service restaurants and health risks. According to the study, dying earlier from diabetes climbed by 3 percent for each full-service restaurant in or near a neighborhood.

Elizabeth Racine, the lead researcher for the Mecklenburg County Community Food Assessment, said “the number of restaurants that are available within an area is related to premature deaths. Although she said this, she does admit that more data is required to know for sure if restaurants have a direct link to mortality rates. She also said “You’d have to look at people over time to see if that exposure causes these things.”

These findings are very substantial considering that Americans spend 48 percent of their food dollars on average at restaurants based on estimates from the U.S. Departure of Agriculture, according to Racine.

Of course it is noteworthy to mention that many restaurants now offer healthy options. It is simply up to the customers to make healthy choices. Another thing to think about is that you can eat just as badly at home as you would in a restaurant.

Women who seek other protein sources can lower their risk for heart disease

Published on October 12, 2010 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Sometimes there is nothing better than a hot, juicy steak or hamburger for dinner. Well if you are a woman, you may just want to decrease your love for red meat. Why you ask. Well there was a recent study at Harvard that found that women who attain their protein from foods other than red meat are much less likely to develop heart disease.

Women who ate just one daily serving of nuts instead of meat decreased their risk by an astounding thirty percent (30%). It was also discovered that replacing one serving of meat with fish brought the risk down to twenty-four percent (24%).

Women who were putting themselves in the most dangerous category were the ones who were eating two or more servings of red meat each day. These women were at the highest risk.

Hypertension may be a culprit in developing dementia

Published on January 27, 2010 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

New research has found that one of the best ways to keep from getting dementia is to control your blood pressure.

During the study, scientists scanned the brains of people to reveal that hypertension causes some kind of scarring that is related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The scars can begin to form in middle age, years before memory problems are apparent.

The new evidence is so strong that the National Institutes of Health is planning on studying thousands of people with hypertension to see if vigorous treatment will help protect their hearts and their brains. This aggressive treatment will involve getting blood pressure lower than normal recommendations.

The largest factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is age. Dementia affects about one in eight people who are 65 and older.

For a long time now, scientists knew that many of the triggers for heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes appear to increase the chances for getting dementia. This said, they thought that the link was with “vascular dementia”, which are memory problems related to small strokes; not the frightening Alzheimer’s disease. Now, specialists are finding that many patients have a mixture of both types of dementia.

Having hypertension, which is a blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 or higher, weakens arteries and  also seems to spur Alzheimer’s disease-like activity. One culprit could be the scarring known as white matter lesions. White matter works like the brain’s telephone network with a system of  nerve fibers that permit the brain cells to communicate with each other. Unfortunately even small increases in blood pressure can cause harm to the tiny blood vessels that sustain the white matter. This damage causes interruptions to those signals.

The new studies found that MRI scans revealed that women 65 and older with hypertension had notably more white matter lesions in their brains eight years later. The journal Stroke just published comparable evidence from a John Hopkins University-led study that observed 983 people for more than 15 years, beginning in middle age. The results showed that the more time people spent with uncontrolled high blood pressure, the more white matter harm they incurred.

All this said, hypertension by itself doesn’t mean one is condemned to get dementia. There are far more people with hypertension than dementia; about one in three adults in the U.S.

Stretching found to be beneficial to the heart

Published on November 4, 2009 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

We all know that any aerobic exercise is good for your heart and research has revealed that it can delay the hardening of arteries that often occurs during the aging process. New discoveries now indicate that flexibility may also have a positive effect on keeping the arteries healthy.

Your risk for getting heart disease and stroke may be able to be predicted from a basic flexibility test. The American Physiological Society has published a new study giving evidence to the fact that with women and men over the age of 40, the capability to touch one’s toes can reveal the hardness of the arteries.

Hardening of the arteries may increase blood pressure and is a huge factor in the cause of heart disease. Past research has shown us that aerobic exercise can assist in slowing the process of stiffening arteries as we age. Now researchers are discovering that staying flexible is definitely beneficial to the arteries.