Are you getting nervous any time you’re in a doctor’s office? And is your blood pressure too high, especially when checked by a doctor or a nurse? You might have high blood pressure white coat syndrome. Read on to discover a way to relieve the stress and the anxiety that’s contributing to the problem.

We know high blood pressure is dangerous. That’s why doctors take it very seriously and measure your blood pressure every time you come in. And if you’re anxious about what they might find, your blood pressure might be higher at that time than it would normally be. That’s because stress raises blood pressure. So what can you do?

How about trying to stay calm. Sure, that’s easier said than done, but why not give it your best shot? There are a number of things you can do to stay calm when you go to see your doctor.

Breathing

First and foremost among the things you should do is some slow and rhythmic breathing. Take a deep breath and then let it out very slowly, about as slowly as you comfortably can. Then repeat about a dozen or two times.

This way of breathing will stimulate the Vagus nerve, which in turn will activate your body’s calming hormone production. The result? You’ll feel calmer.

Calming Herbs

The second thing you can do to help yourself calm down is to use the calming power of herbs. You can use them as aromatherapy or by drinking calming teas. They are also available as nutritional supplements. If you use lavender essential oil or a general calming oil as aromatherapy, it will act directly on the limbic system, bypassing your conscious brain, and help you get calmer fast. A cup of calming herb tea will help as well.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping)

The most powerful technique, however, to be used alone or in combination with the above, is EFT. EFT is an energy healing technique that can be a powerful stress reducer if used correctly.

It works on the body’s energy meridians, similar to acupuncture, but there are no needles involved. Instead, you tap on various specific points while repeating a series of statements.

You may find that your high blood pressure white coat syndrome will be replaced with a greater sense of calm after you use some of the above techniques or after a few rounds of tapping, which should lead to more accurate results in your doctor’s office.

Circulatory problems do not begin in a day. In other words, you could call the heart a very patient organ, which can take years of abuse and when it can not take it any more, breaks out in to early symptoms.

At the outset, we need to remember that poor circulation is an outcome of certain lifestyle choices which we make which are detrimental to our health. Coupled with these are factors like imbalanced diet and lack of physical exercise. All these factors lead to fatty deposits on the arterial walls, which when hardened are called plaques. These plaques then block or create obstructions to the smooth passage of blood to and from the heart.

Plaques take a long time to be formed; that is the reason, we find circulatory problems affecting the elderly more often than they affect children. Our food habits also add to an unhealthy build up of cholesterol which may increase the viscosity of the blood, which again creates anomaly in the smooth flow through arteries and veins.

Since the circulatory system covers our entire body, the problems can also be manifested in numerous ways. For instance,

Brain – Our brain receives 20% of the blood circulated in our body. With a drop in the flow, our brain functions sub-optimally, resulting in feeling lethargic, loss of memory, lack of mental clarity, etc. Frequent unexplained headaches and sudden attacks of dizziness are also seen as symptoms of poor blood circulation to the brain.

Heart – When poor blood circulation affects the heart, the symptoms would be chest pain, high blood pressure and rise in the level of cholesterol. Difficulty in performing any common task like climbing stairs, walking a stretch could make you very tired and breathless.

Liver. When you suffer from lack of appetite or experience sudden weight loss and your skin looks luster-less, it is quite possible that your liver is getting ‘sluggish’ and these are the early symptoms of poor blood circulation to the liver.

Kidneys – This organ plays an important role in regulating and monitoring our blood pressure other than eliminating the waste and excess water from our bodies. When poor blood circulation affects the kidneys, we notice swelling of hands, feet and ankles, rise in blood pressure, altered heart rate and we feel tired all the time.

Limbs – Poor blood circulation can have serious impact on our arms and legs. We can experience sudden numbness of our hands, feet and fingers or suffer painful leg cramps. Symptoms of serious blood circulation problems can be varicose veins or a condition called cyanosis – which is when part of our skin turns blue or black due to lack of adequate oxygen to the concerned tissues.

Sex drive – Poor blood circulation can affect our reproductive organs as well. The symptoms are lack of sex drive and fatigue. Symptoms would also include lack of vitality also. Serious blood circulation problems could make one impotent also.

When you are diabetic, it is important for you to regularly test your sugar, or blood glucose, levels. The readings that the blood glucose meter gives you can help you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle, exercise and diet. There are several different ways for you to test your blood glucose:

1. The Finger-Stick Method involves using a single drop of blood from your fingertip, which is then placed on to a small test strip and inserted into an automated blood glucose testing meter. The reading is displayed on the meter’s digital window display.

2. The Alternate-Site Method involves obtaining blood from either the forearm or thigh, because there are fewer nerve endings in these locations than can be found in the tips of your fingers. There is significantly less pain when it comes to testing in this manner.

3. The Hemoglobin A1C Test is actually meant to monitor your diabetes treatment and management plan over a period of two to three months to make sure you’re managing it correctly. This test measures your total glycated hemoglobin, known as GbA1c, which will reflect the average blood glucose level registered over a longer period of time. This is a test that can be taken at the doctor’s office or purchased at a pharmacy and done in your home. If you qualify, Medicare will cover this test 100%. Most people who take this test are hoping for a Hemoglobin A1c test of 7% or less.

Tips for Testing your Blood Glucose Level:

o Make sure that your hands are washed and dried thoroughly before any testing is done. Using warm water will help to keep your blood flowing.

o Use a fresh alcohol wipes to clean the skin surface where you plan to obtain your blood.

o Make sure that your meter is calibrated every time you start a new box of testing strips.

o Make sure that you are using fresh, non-expired test strips with each and every reading.

o The lancets that come with your testing kit are also meant for single usage, just like the test strips. So make sure you are always using a fresh, new lancet with every test.

It is always advisable that you stay silent, seated, relaxed and calm when taking your blood pressure reading. Avoid taking the reading right after your meal as it will slightly lift up the reading. Make sure your arm is relaxed and at the level of the heart. Clenching your fist can elevate your blood pressure, hence, your fist should be relaxed. Avoid chewing gums and pushing against anything with either arm. No coffee, cigarette or over-the-counter drug which containing caffeine or phenylpropanolamine should be taken. Phenylpropanolamine is a medicine used to restrain appetite.

The blood pressure cuff should fit comfortably around the upper arm and just above the elbow. Also, it should be at your heart level and not hanging down low. Normally for the first time, doctor will take your pulse at the wrist. He or she will put one hand on your pulse while the other hand pumping up the blood pressure cuff. And the doctor will be continue pumping until the pressure has obliterated the pulse. Once it is above the systolic pressure, the doctor will let the pressure out of the cuff and listening for the first sound with the stethoscope.

It is recommended to measure your pressure in both arms. This is because there are some diseases causing the pressure to be different and hence, different pressure in both arms can be an important diagnostic clue. During your first visit, if encounter your blood pressure is raising up in both arms, it is advisable to measure for your both legs too. If it is low in the legs, a diagnosis of coarctation may be made. Coarctation is a localized narrowing of the aorta.

In order to combat hypertension, getting the right blood pressure reading is an important first step.

With the rising epidemic of obesity and diabetes in the world, it is important to take steps to prevent these serious diseases. Here are some foods that can help to lower and control your blood sugar, if they are added to your diet:

Pickles

A recent Swedish university study showed that eating pickles or adding vinegar to your meal can reduce your blood sugar levels by up to 50%. In addition to pickles, most anything with acetic acid in it, such as vinegar, has a similar effect. It’s relatively easy to incorporate vinegar into a meal, just use a vinegar based salad dressing on your salad or use it as a dip for vegetables. Pickles and vinegar works by slowing down or stopping the carbohydrates you ate with the meal from breaking down in your stomach, thus it is absorbed slowly, which stops it from being converted to sugar quickly. The effect is not the same if you consume bread and butter type pickles, as those contain sugar.

Almonds

A recent study testing the effects of almonds on blood sugar had surprising results. People who ate about 2 ounces of almonds after eating a piece of sliced white bread had significantly lower blood sugar than those who did not eat the almonds. The study also showed similar results when testing with mashed potatoes and rice. Almonds are rich in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals, so they are an excellent addition to anyone’s diet, whether you have blood sugar problems or not.

Sweet Potatoes

High in fiber and carotenoids, sweet potatoes are also high in antioxidants that have been shown to help your body better respond to insulin. Skip the brown sugar and syrupy canned varieties, however, as they won’t have the same effect.

Flaxseed

This includes flax seeds and flax oil supplements. Some studies have shown a stabilization of blood sugar levels with supplementation or increased consumption of flax seeds and flax seed oil.

Cinnamon

A study in Pakistan showed that diabetics who took small does of cinnamon, from just 1/4 teaspoon to 2 teaspoons per day, had their bodies natural insulin production increase. The study also showed beneficial effects on cholesterol.

So, why not try baking some sweet potatoes and don’t forget the cinnamon! While you’re at it, have a big salad with a tasty and tangy dressing of olive oil and vinegar.

The hallmark of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. The function of insulin is to help sugar enter into the body’s cells so it can be converted and used for energy. Although the pancreas frequently makes a normal or above normal supply of insulin, the muscle and organ cells are resistant to it and unable to take in sugar. Sugar remains outside the cells where it causes high blood sugar levels.

Researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, looked at brewer’s yeast food supplements as a possible way to help control blood sugar levels. Their study, reported on in October 2013 in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, included 84 Type 2 diabetics between 40 and 52 years of age. It was found the diabetics given six 300mg tablets of brewer’s yeast per day showed improvements that were not seen in any of the diabetics given a placebo.

Over a twelve week span, the participants taking the yeast showed:

• lowered fasting blood sugar levels,
• better blood sugar control, and
• improved insulin sensitivity.

From this information it was concluded dietary supplementation with brewer’s yeast in conjunction with regular treatment could be of benefit in controlling Type 2 diabetes.

Workers at the University of Maryland suggest brewer’s yeast’s high chromium content could be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. In 2010 Current Diabetic Reports published an article suggesting chromium supplementation could be beneficial in Type 2 diabetics with high fasting blood sugar levels.

Brewer’s yeast, also known as baker’s yeast also contains:

• some zinc, copper, and iron, as well as
• some B vitamins.

It is also known to provide the B vitamins:

• B6,
• folate,
• niacin,
• riboflavin, and
• thiamine.

Sources vary as to whether it contains vitamin B12. (Red Star nutritional yeast is a known source of vitamin B12).

Two tablespoons of brewer’s yeast contains about 100 calories.

Yeast is a type of fungus, so anyone allergic to fungi should avoid it. Little is known about possible effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals with Crohn’s disease should not take yeast because it can make this disease worse.

Brewer’s yeast is available in pills, capsules, and powder. The powder form can be sprinkled onto popcorn, where it is said to give the popcorn a cheese-like flavor. It can also be added to soup, noodles, pancakes, or mashed potatoes (easy on the portion sizes). Brewer’s yeast can be sprinkled over vegan pizza in place of cheese. Sprinkle it on just after removing the pizza from the oven.

Nutritionfruition.com suggests making a tasty shake with vegan milk, chocolate, brewer’s yeast, flax seeds, green tea leaves, almond butter, and ice cubes.

Ask your doctor or dietitian how you can incorporate brewer’s yeast into a healthful diet designed for good nutrition and diabetic control.

The Hemoglobin A1C test, created in 1976, is used to measure long-term success at blood-sugar control for diabetics. The test detects the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. Glycated hemoglobin forms when glucose binds to hemoglobin (blood cells).

The test results are typically returned either as a number or percentage, both representing essentially the same thing. For example, a non-diabetic would be expected to have an A1C of between 4.0 and 6.0 or expressed differently, between 4% and 6%. For diabetics, a desire A1C is less than 7.0, and diabetics may experience increased risk of complications if their number is greater than 8.0. Complications due to high blood-sugars levels include peripheral neuropathy, loss of limbs, kidney damage, loss of vision, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

This test can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of new diabetics or pre-diabetic patients. An A1C of 6.5 or higher is generally considered sufficient for such a diagnosis. To administer the test, a small amount of blood is collected in a clinical setting and analyzed in a laboratory. The blood required is generally somewhat more than used for daily blood-sugar testing, but may be drawn or taken with a lancet prick. Home testing is available and may in the future these kits may be considered essential diabetic testing supplies. Results are not as rapidly available as with regular blood-sugar testing devices.

The HBA1C test, unlike daily blood-sugar monitoring, can provide long-term information about levels that can be useful in adjusting medication dosage, fitness routines, and diet for both Type I and Type II diabetics. The test should be administered every three months to present the clearest picture of success in controlling blood-sugar levels. More often will not likely provide additional information. Consistent testing and adjustments to treatment regimens can reduce the likelihood of complications and improve overall quality of life for a diabetic. However, even with regular A1C testing, diabetics must continue daily testing, especially those administering insulin.

Some circumstances and conditions can affect the accuracy of the HBA1C test, including taking high dosages of certain supplements, such as vitamins C and E. High cholesterol may also influence test results. Diabetics should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking, including supplements. Kidney and liver disease may also impact test results. HBA1C is generally not used to identify gestational diabetes due to the relatively quick onset of this type and other factors.

The art of drawing blood is called phlebotomy, and is a very delicate and intricate skill in the medical world. Health care workers have to draw blood carefully so that the patient does not feel any discomfort or extra pain during the process. Here are the procedures to be followed to safely draw blood, using a vacutainer and needle.

The first thing you have to do is not to start drawing blood, but to find out the patient’s name and date of birth. This is to ensure their identities, as you will be marketing all specimen tubes using this information. Next, you have to wear protective gloves for protection from bodily fluids. You then have to arrange all the tubes you will require for drawing blood, along with the necessary tools like a tourniquet and alcohol swabs.

Locate the right vein

The most common point to draw blood from is the median cubital vein, found on the inner part of the forearm. The reason this is considered to be the optimum vein is because it is located closest to the skin surface. In addition to this, there are not many nerves found surrounding it.

The chosen spot now has to be made ready by placing a tourniquet on its upper part. Make sure the tourniquet is so tight that the vein starts bulging. Then, you have to pat the vein to take a look at its size. The part which bulges most is the best place to draw blood from; however make sure you decide on the best angle to draw blood.

Insert the needle with a fast motion

Make sure you insert the needle into the vein using a smooth, but fast motion. This way, the patient experiences minimum pain when you draw blood. This done, the vacutainer, or in layman’s terms, the blood specimen tube has to be pushed into the holder while the needle is kept steady.

You see the vacutainer getting filled with sufficient blood for the specific blood test. If you are not using a vacutainer, but an old fashioned syringe and needle, all you have to do is manually pull the syringe back till it gets filled with blood. It is basically better to use the old fashioned syringe and needle system for people with small or compromised veins. Old adults, young children and people with small veins are more comfortable with the butterfly needle and syringe.

Mix specimens thoroughly

Once the last blood specimen is collected, the needle has to be pulled out at the same angle as it was inserted. The vacutainer has to be always removed last before the needle is pulled out of the arm. Make sure you immediately dispose of the needle and apply some gauze to the patient’s wound, with some pressure.

Gently swish the specimens around to thoroughly mix them. Specimens have to be thoroughly mixed lest you end up with false test results. In addition, make sure you label each specimen correctly before sending them for testing.

If you are looking to buy a Blood Pressure Monitor to keep a check on your BP levels and you do a lot of travelling, then a wrist monitor like the Omron HEM-650 may be worth checking out. It would also be a good backup monitor to take with you when on vacation, giving the convenience of portability due to the unit being powered by 2 x Triple A batteries giving approx 300 measurements.

Omron HEM-650

This is a Wrist Fitting Blood Pressure Monitor that has the Display Unit and Cuff combined, it also includes APS (Advanced Positioning Sensor)

The advantage of this type of monitor is that anyone with large arm circumference can still use this, providing their wrist size is between 5.25 and 8.5 inches.

The Digital Display is a good size and very easy to read. Information displayed is Systolic (taken when the heart is beating) Diastolic (when the heart is at rest) Pulse and Date & Time.

There are a number of symbols indicating various functions including:

• Irregular Heartbeat
• Cuff Deflation
• Right Wrist Measurement
• Position Sensor Alarm
• Low Battery Alert

There are also a number of Error Messages that are displayed with an “E” on the top line. If the display shows an error then refer to the User Manual to find out what the cause is and how to correct it.

The Omron HEM-650 is capable of detecting an Irregular Heartbeat. This will happen if it detects 2 or more irregular heart rhythms within a measurement period. If the heartbeats increase or decrease by 25% or more this is considered irregular.

If the Irregular Heartbeat Symbol is displayed in conjunction with a reading, it is advisable to inform your Doctor.

The Omron HEM-650 can be used on either wrist to make measurements, but it is advisable to always use the same wrist for consistent readings. If the Right Wrist is used then the Right Wrist Measurement must be selected. This is indicated by the letter “R” in the bottom LHS of the display.

The unit has built in IntelliSense technology exclusive to Omron that automatically inflates the Cuff to the optimum level for both comfort and accuracy of measurement. Once the reading is complete then the Cuff is deflated.

As with all Omron Blood Pressure monitors, accuracy is second to none, the Omron HEM-650 being no exception. In order to get the best readings an averaging system is built into the unit. Up to 3 readings can be averaged providing they were taken within a 10 minute period of the last reading.

This unit will store up to 90 measurements including Time and Date stamps. These measurements can be retrieved and viewed on the display, starting with the most recent and ending with the oldest.

Advanced Positioning Sensor

One of the most important features of the Omron HEM-650 is the Advanced Positioning Sensor. This clever device can detect when the monitor is level with the heart. If anyone tries to take a reading and the monitor is not at the correct level, then the Cuff will not inflate. When you move your arm to the correct position the Cuff will now start to inflate.

Most people who intend to buy a Blood Pressure Monitor will go for an Upper Arm fitting unit, due to the accuracy that can be obtained. If you have a job where you are constantly on the move then this may not be the best choice, and a wrist blood pressure monitor may be a better option. With the Omron Technology including the Advanced Positioning Sensor, the Omron HEM-650 wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is capable of the same degree of accuracy and consistency, and may be worth further investigation.