To stay fit,cycle or walk more: Study

  To stay fit,cycle or walk more: Study

                     People who walked or cycled to work had a better chance of keeping chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and high BP at bay, says a recent study.
Researchers from the Public Health Foundation of India and London's Imperial College looked at the health parameters of 4,000 male workers - 1,366 rural and 2,536 urban - and the way they travelled to work, to reach this conclusion.

Rural workers who cycled or walked to work were healthier than those who had their own transport or took the bus to work in urban areas.

Cities with their car lanes and gadgets for reducing daily workload could adversely affect people's health. "Our study shows that mechanized world does harm your heart,'' said epidemiologist Sutapa Agrawal from the Public Health Foundation of India.

Consider Mumbai, where people dial services to receive every essential item—be it grocery, medicines or food— at home. Walking is at a minimum; climbing bridges at railway stations is at best the only exercise that Mumbaikars consciously undertake. Preventive cardiologist Dr Aashish Contracter said, "The built-up environment of any place is important. Mumbai's environment isn't supportive for health. Forget greenery and parks, Mumbai doesn't even have footpaths for people to walk.''

Cycling and walking to work are concepts that are linked to a person's socio-economic status in India. "If a person has the money, he will buy a car. It doesn't matter whether he is from an urban or rural area,'' said Agarwal. Her study found that 68.3% of people in rural areas bicycled and 11.9% walked to work, compared with 15.9% cycling and 12.5% walking in towns and cities.

The team took up the study to underline that walking and bicycling were associated with reduced cardiovascular risk in the Indian population. "Efforts to increase active travel in urban areas and halt declines in rural areas should be integral to strategies to maintain healthy weight and prevent non-communicable diseases in India,'' she said.

Dr Contracter gave the example of France where people can hire bicycles at kiosks at street corners. "People can ride for a kilometre to two and deposit the cycle at a kiosk close to their destination. Clearly, more advanced the city, there is a better understanding on the need to promote public or active transport (such as cycling or walking),'' he said.

While the government could construct footpaths, the doctor said that Mumbaikars could run small errands themselves to stay healthier. "Instead of dialing your chemist to deliver medicines, walk yourself to the shop. Perform three-minute physical activity at least 15 times a day to stay fitter. These activities could range from climbing the stairs or getting off the bus at one stop earlier,'' he advised.

Health check

* The Indian Migration study covered 4,000 men.

* Health parameters of 1,366 rural and 2,536 urban workers and the way they travelled to work, were studied.

* People in rural areas were found to be healthier as they cycled or walked to work more often than urban counterparts.

* Doctors advise a three-minute physical activity regime at least 15 times in a day.  Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/To-stay-fit-cycle-or-walk-to-work-Study/articleshow/20611128.cms

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings – Know your Numbers

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings  Know your Numbers

 

Do you know what your blood pressure is and what it means?

If  you answer “no,” and might be wondering why you need to know that…..Right, then please read on and do get your BP checked.

Blood pressure refers to how much force your blood is putting on the walls of the arteries in your body. When there is a large amount of force on the walls of your arteries it is called high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease and is often called the “silent killer” because symptoms are often not felt or noticed by the person who has the disease.

It is very important for you to know what your blood pressure is so that you can take action to keep yourself healthy.

For now, concentrate on what your blood pressure is, and in what category your reading places you.

NORMAL BP

Starting at age 20, the American Heart Association recommends a blood pressure screening at your regular healthcare visit or once every 2 years. A normal systolic pressure is less than 120, and a normal diastolic pressure is less than 80. What this means is that a normal blood pressure would be anything less than 120/80. If even one of your numbers is higher than what is considered normal, you should think about making some lifestyle changes.

PRE HYPERTENSION 

If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. This means that you don't have high blood pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future. You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle. However check it at least every year or more often as your doctor suggests.

HIGH BP  

If your blood pressure reading is higher than normal, a single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above over time, your doctor will likely want you to begin a treatment program. Such a program almost always includes lifestyle changes and often prescription medication.

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
If, while monitoring your blood pressure, you get a systolic reading of 180 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic reading of 110 mm HG or higher, you should seek immediate emergency medical treatment for a hypertensive crisis or have someone drive you to the hospital right away.

Take care Get your blood pressure mointored regularly.