We Just Keep Getting Fatter and Fatter. Why??

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

“The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased substantially since the 1960s. From 1976–1980 to 2007–2008, obesity prevalence increased from 15% to 34% among adults and from 5% to 17% among children and adolescents.”

Oregon has the 31st highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Oregon’s adult obesity rate is currently 29.4%, up from 19.9% in 2000 and from 11.2% in 1990. Portland and Gresham are smack dab right in the middle of the epidemic.

Gresham and Portland, Oregon had an adult obesity rate of 22.10% in 2015.

OREGON

 

SUGAR is big part of the problem and we can get it in a can, or a bottle and, a huge single use cup.

The average American consumes nearly 20 teaspoons of sugar every day, well above the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 per day for men.

Harvard School of Public health shared this information:

  • Before the 1950s, standard soft-drink bottles were 6.5 ounces. In the 1950s, soft-drink makers introduced larger sizes, including the 12-ounce can, which became widely available in 1960. By the early 1990s, 20-ounce plastic bottles became the norm. Today, contour-shaped plastic bottles are available in even larger sizes, such as the 1.25-liter (42-ounce) bottle introduced in 2011.
  • In the 1970s, sugary drinks made up about 4% of US daily calorie intake; by 2001, that had risen to about 9%.
  • Children and youth in the US averaged 224 calories per day from sugary beverages in 1999 to 2004—nearly 11% of their daily calorie intake. From 1989 to 2008, calories from sugary beverages increased by 60% in children ages 6 to 11, from 130 to 209 calories per day, and the percentage of children consuming them rose from 79% to 91%.
  • On any given day, half the people in the U.S. consume sugary drinks; 1 in 4 get at least 200 calories from such drinks; and 5% get at least 567 calories—equivalent to four cans of soda.  Sugary drinks (soda, energy, sports drinks) are the top calorie source in teens’ diets (226 calories per day), beating out pizza (213 calories per day).

Sugary drinks increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and gout.

  • A 20-year study on 120,000 men and women found that people who increased their sugary drink consumption by one 12-ounce serving per day gained more weight over time—on average, an extra pound every 4 years—than people who did not change their intake. Other studies have found a significant link between sugary drink consumption and weight gain in children. One study found that for each additional 12-ounce soda children consumed each day, the odds of becoming obese increased by 60% during 1½ years of follow-up.
  • People who consume sugary drinks regularly—1 to 2 cans a day or more—have a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who rarely have such drinks. Risks are even greater in young adults and Asians.
  • A study that followed 40,000 men for two decades found that those who averaged one can of a sugary beverage per day had a 20% higher risk of having a heart attack or dying from a heart attack than men who rarely consumed sugary drinks.  A related study in women found a similar sugary beverage–heart disease link.
  • A 22-year study of 80,000 women found that those who consumed a can a day of sugary drinks had a 75% higher risk of gout than women who rarely had such drinks.  Researchers found a similarly-elevated risk in men.

Did you know recent research shows that sugar can be even more addicting than cocaine.  Sugar activates the opiate receptors in our brain and affects the reward center, which leads to compulsive behavior, despite the negative consequences like weight gain, headaches, hormone imbalances, and more, lots more.

So, the question is do you want help with your weight reduction goals?  Do you have a sweet tooth? Hypnosis can help.  Gresham Hypnosis Center can help you meet you challenges and kick those sugar cravings right out the door.

Do you live in the Portland Metro or Gresham area?  Call today for your free consultation! Together, we can do it, call today!

Hypnosis: An Alternative Approach to Stress Reduction

We all know what stress can do to us, right? Poor sleep, no appetite, anxiety, agitation and a host of other symptoms.

There are several anti-stress medications out there and the drug Citalopram (CeleXA) is the most prescribed to help people deal this the stress in their lives. That’s good, right? But what isn’t so good are the possible side effects of this and other stress reduction medications. Check this out:

Commonly reported side effects of citalopram (CeleXA) include: drowsiness, ejaculatory disorder, nausea, insomnia, and diaphoresis (excessive, abnormal sweating).

But it gets better (not really). Someone taking this medication might also experience suicidal tendencies, agitation, diarrhea, impotence, sinusitis, anxiety, confusion, intensification of depression, lack of concentration, tremor, vomiting, anorexia, and xerostomia (dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow).

And, don’t hesitate to call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • problems with memory or concentration
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
  • severe nervous system reaction–very stiff (rigid) muscles,  sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors;
  • agitation, hallucinations, high fever, overactive reflexes,  loss of coordination, fainting; or
  • low levels of sodium in the body–headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, feeling unsteady.

YIKES!!

And these are just the commons possible side effects. You might have noticed a lot of the side effects are very similar to stress symptoms. Is there a better way to deal with stress, you ask?  Why, yes, there is.  Hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

“The tremendous volume of research provides compelling evidence that hypnosis is an efficacious treatment for state anxiety (e.g., prior to tests, surgery and medical procedures) and anxiety-related disorders, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome.” University of Utah School of Medicine

Hypnotherapy is such a powerful weapon against stress because, unlike medication, it’s entirely natural. There are no side-effects. There is no possibility of addiction, although the experience of hypnosis is very pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable.

And, instead of just covering up the symptoms of stress, hypnotherapy gets at the root of the problem. It changes the way you respond to stress. It also provides techniques to deal with the physical and emotional stress in your everyday life, and it can happen quickly!  Sometimes within one to two hours, you’ll begin to notice how you respond differently.  Plus, hypnosis isn’t just a quick fix and band-aid (like the pills), Hypnosis puts you back in control by reprogramming your brain.

At Gresham Hypnosis Center, we specialize in Stress Reduction.  Call today for your free consultation and find out how wonderful life can be when you’re in control and relaxed!

 

Smoking Isn’t Sexy

At Gresham Hypnosis Center we offer a fully guaranteed Hypnosis Stop Smoking Program.  All my clients can tell you; anyone who smokes knows there are so many well documented reasons to stop smoking, right?  Well there are some less publicized reasons and over the next couple of weeks I’ll be letting the cat outta the bag and what you can do to make things right.

Smoking impairs sexual ability.

Guys, here’s something that will keep you up nights; men who smoke have a harder time getting and staying up.  A study published in Addiction Behavior showed that smoking just two cigarettes could cause softer erections. And numerous studies have shown that men who smoke have as much as a 60 percent higher rate of ED (erectile dysfunction) than nonsmokers. Think this one over; smoking cigarettes may even cause the male equipment to shrink.

Why does this happen?

Nicotine functions as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it constricts blood vessels, impairing blood flow. (This effect is responsible for the “rush” that sometimes comes with smoking.) Since erections depend on blood flow, it makes sense that smoking would affect a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection. The damage is cumulative, and nicotine has been shown to cause, over time, permanent damage to arteries.

What happens when you stop smoking?

It depends how long you’ve smoked, how much you smoke, and whether permanent damage has occurred to the arteries. But doctors report that many men who quit smoking notice an immediate improvement in the strength and length of their erections. The good news is the sooner you quit smoking, the less long-term damage you do to arteries and blood flow to vital parts.

CALL NOW to Schedule your FREE Stop Smoking Hypnosis Screening and learn about Our Stop Smoking Hypnosis Package: 503.319.7142

10 Common Symptoms Of Depression

 

Every year approximately 9.5 percent of the American population suffers from depression.

Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life-threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self-worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by a loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then, if required, he will recommend that you consult a qualified doctor, psychologist or therapist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self-confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However, do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or healthcare provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

 

 

8 Different Stress Management Techniques

Stress, burnout and physical exhaustion have become a way of life for many people.

You need to feel that you can get a handle on what stresses you, and diffuse this stress in different ways so as to maintain both your physical and emotional health.

The ways we and others cause stress can come from habits or our own thoughts and feelings about how things are going. Or perhaps your own actions can be adjusted to cause less stress.

If you want to be calm and relaxed, with less stress then be sure to read these different stress management techniques for some ideas to help.

1. Be organized. You can plan all you want, but if you cannot find the project, list or information you were to work with, it is pretty stressful.

2. Make a list of what you want to accomplish, and then decide which are the most important things to do on that list. Do that first and then go to your less important items.

3. Allow for interruptions and changes. If you schedule yourself so tight that you can’t be interrupted for the 15 minutes you spent talking to an unexpected caller, you may find yourself highly stressed. Chill out and realize that there will be some interruptions and you can handle that.

4. Have realistic expectations of yourself and others. No one is superman. You cannot get three days work done in one day. Don’t wait till the last minute and put so much stress on yourself with huge amounts of work.

5. Take some time for a break a couple times a day. It is like changing gears and allows your mind to rest for a few minutes while you do something you enjoy, not something you have to do.

6. Find some time each day to exercise or take a walk. This helps to burn off more stress.

7. Learn self-hypnosis, from a qualified hypnotherapist, to help you manage the stress in your life.

8. Once you are done for the day, take some time to relax. Find hobbies that you enjoy and that reduce your stress.

Stress is a part of life, but you also need ways to de stress and not let it get the best of you. Gresham Hypnosis Center can help you learn to manage your stress and along with thses tips you, too, can have a stress-less life!

Stress In The Workplace – How To Cope With It

Most of us readily acknowledge that stress is an inescapable part of life in our modern society. It’s in the home, the schools, and the workplace.

Workplace stress management is becoming a buzz word of sorts, as more companies seek ways to cope with workplace stressors. But what is it?

Defining Workplace Stress

“Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.” (Managing stress at work: Discussion document, United Kingdom Health and Safety Commission, London, 1999)

Stress in the workplace can be either positive stress that results in greater productivity, or negative stress that cuts productivity. Our definition does not say that stress in the workplace is a reaction to pressure, but to excessive pressure. It is when stressors are too demanding, exerting too much pressure on us, that they become negative.

Workplace stress of a harmful nature is intense, continued, or repeated.

Who Is Affected by Workplace Stress?

Everyone is affected at some time or other. As the world tries to increase output and limit time required, workplace stress hits both blue and white-collar workers. Evidence indicates that work that was once considered non-stressful is now approaching high-stress ratings.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, increasing numbers of occupations are inching up toward the scale’s top. A recent table prepared by the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology lists law enforcement officers at the 7.7 level. Airline pilots are close behind at 7.5. And while they may seem to cause patients stress, dentists are rated 7.3. Even teachers have a high stress level of 6.2.

Adolescents and older workers often have more trouble coping with workplace stress – women may have more trouble than men. People who have high levels of stress in the family will be more affected by workplace stress.

Family Stress Increases Workplace Stress

When a balance between work and family is missing, workplace stress is increased. Two-income families and single parent families are especially affected. Time-sensitive work can make greater demands than the worker can handle. Work schedules may change, creating stress in handling children. Harsh or bullying treatment at work can cycle into family stress, and back to workplace stress.

Health Impacts of Stress

It is well accepted that stress produces a “fight-or-flight” response in humans. The heartbeat picks up speed. Breathing rhythm changes. Blood is sent to muscles and other vital organs. Adrenaline and noradrenaline is released into the blood, raising levels of energy-providing nutrients. Our bodies are ready to fight the enemy or run from him.

The trouble is, we cannot easily fight workplace stress. We might want to land a punch on the nose of the boss that makes unreasonable demands, but we cannot. We might want to quit on the spot, but we need the income, so we are not able to carry through on our “fight-or-flight” response.

Frustrated body systems trying to cope with this dilemma may give in to consequences such as chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, migraine, insomnia, hypertension, heart disease, substance abuse, and a host of other problems.

Some employers have instituted workplace stress management programs, with more or less success. In many cases, though, a program of self-help for workplace stress, without individual research, might be more effective.

Self-Help for Workplace Stress

If you were to take a self-help course entitled, as this article is, “Stress in the Workplace – How to Cope with It”, you would expect to learn practical things you could do to cope with workplace stress. Reports and research aside, you would want specific self-help. You would want steps that could help you begin to cope today.

The following practical steps will get you started. Write your answers.

1. Analyze your job. Do you have a clear job description that tells what is expected of you? Are you sufficiently qualified for the work expected? Do you have the tools you need? Does the job use your talent?

2. Analyze your workplace. Is it clean and safe? Is it attractive and laid out well? Are things easy to find? Is it quiet enough for work? Is there a quiet room where you can take a break? Can you take a 5-minute break every hour or so? Are your work hours reasonable?

3. Analyze your feelings. Do you feel that your job is meaningful? Do you think you get enough feedback from others as to whether or not you are doing well? Do you feel as though people see you as an individual rather than a resource? Do you feel that you have the right to say “no” when the workload becomes too heavy?

Once you have answered every question, decide what action you will take to change unwanted situations.

You can, for example, request a clear job description if you don’t have one. You can ask to discuss job expectations. You can request missing tools that would reduce stress.

You can often clean or rearrange a workplace. You can make ergonomic changes for physical safety. With thought, you can create better work flow, or relocate needed tools.

Finally, learn to say “no” to unnecessary demands. Were you asked to “help” a habitual-long-lunch co-worker by adding part of her work to your own? Agree to do it once, but explain respectfully why the practice is unfair to both of you. Are you expected to remain at work until the last person leaves, even though you arrive an hour before anyone else? Ask respectfully if consideration can be given, since your work is done early.

You will best cope with workplace stress when you learn how to respond to the stress differently. Gresham Hypnosis Center can help you with workplace and other stress, giving you tools such as self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to “de-stress” your life.

 

Eye-Opening Facts About Stress

Lack of sleep may throw the body’s system off balance.

It is one of the factors that may contribute to stress and fatigue. In the long run, lack of sleep hampers a person’s emotional well-being, mental abilities, productivity, and performance.

Lack of sleep actually increases the production of a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). The production of this hormone is the body’s response to stress. After the hormone is released, it prompts the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The ACTH is the messenger that prompts the adrenal gland to release adrenaline and other stress hormones. These hormones give a person a feeling of being “stressed out.”  If left unaddressed, a person under stress is bound to have other stress-related ailments like migraines, insomnia, high blood pressure and even heart problems.

Loss of sleep has long been associated with poor physical coordination, weak memory or poor concentration, sluggishness, depression, and other negative conditions and behaviors. People who do not get enough rest and sleep are often found struggling with their work and daily chores because they feel tired all the time.  Studies also show that people who sleep less than eight hours a night are more prone to experience nightmares.

Not surprisingly, recent medical research has established links between sleep deprivation, cigarette smoking, and alcohol abuse.  As a way to induce sleep, many insomniacs and even those with milder sleeping problems resort to drinking alcohol.  By drinking alcoholic beverages, they expect to get a feeling of relaxation and inebriation, which eventually leads to sleep.  After waking up, some would have to counter the effects of sluggishness by puffing on a cigarette. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a substance that serves as a strong stimulant.  Nicotine, however, has been found to be toxic and is considered to be carcinogenic along with at least 30 other harmful chemicals and by-products of cigarettes.  At least a billion people around the world smoke cigarettes which explains why the annual production of the product can reach as much as 5 trillion individual cigarettes.

It is now common knowledge that excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption can lead to the development of several serious ailments such as depression, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.  Indeed, both alcohol and cigarette consumption should not be viewed as viable options for dealing sleep deprivation.

Individuals who suffer from sleeping problems have other options that are not harmful to their health and well-being.  A simple lifestyle change may enormously help in promoting sound sleep. Minor adjustments like “winding down” after a hard day’s work would be found effective by just about every person who wants to get a good night’s sleep.  Not working at home, reducing the number of phone calls, and avoiding other stimulating or stressful activities an hour or two before bedtime can do wonders. The bedroom should be a place for sleep, and not for activities like working or watching TV. Avoiding caffeine, cigarettes, and other stimulants at least six hours before bedtime may help prevent insomnia. In addition to these adjustments, adding exercise and other physical activities into one’s lifestyle may relieve stress and lead to better sleep — as long as these activities are not done near one’s bedtime.

If these adjustments don’t work, people with sleeping disorders should consult a physician and inquire about alternative options, such as hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can help restore  normal sleep cycle, enabling a person to get much-needed rest.

Of course, a person with a sleeping disorder should also strive to do the basics:  avoid excessive intake of stimulants, engage in regular exercise, and get professional help when confronted with serious anxieties or stress.

Gresham Hypnosis Center has a Stress Reduction program that can be tailored to your needs.  Call today to set up your free Hypnosis Consultation.

What is Hypnotension?

doctor drawing a heart with hypnotension logolower high blood pressure

What is Hypnotension?

The Hypnotension™ program is a one-to-one therapy between you and a specially trained Certified Hypnotension Practitioner at Gresham Hypnosis Center.  Together, you will address the emotional and lifestyle factors which contribute to your high blood pressure so that you can take back control and lower high blood pressure naturally.

The Hypnotension™ program uses proven cognitive techniques and behavioral coaching to help you make the changes that can make high blood pressure a thing of the past.

Your progress is carefully monitored and we work directly with your doctor so you get the most benefit as soon as possible, and so that you both know what is working best in your particular case.

Why is the program called Hypnotension?

The name, Hypnotension, reflects the fact that all our Certified Practitioners are qualified Hypnosis practitioners who are trained to deal with the emotional and lifestyle factors causing high blood pressure.

Will it work for me?

If you have Primary (or Essential) hypertension, are committed to lowering your blood pressure, willing to work with your Certified Hypnotension Practitioner and you do the tasks that they set, it should certainly work for you. Not everyone can return their blood pressure to ‘ideal’ levels in a short period of time, but even a modest reduction can slash your chances of having a stroke or heart disease by 10% or more. Find a Hypnotension practitioner.

I’m on blood pressure medication, can I still use the Hypnotension program?

YES. Blood pressure medication manages the symptoms of high blood pressure whereas Hypnotension works with the underlying emotional “x factors” and aggravating factors. So, as the causes of your high blood pressure disappear, your doctor may be able to reduce your medication over time.

These x-factors include:

  • Anger
  • Conflict
  • Control issues
  • Fear of Death
  • Environment
  • Guilt
  • Identification

How do I get started?

Gresham Hypnosis Center works directly with your doctor. Learn how, together, we can help Lower High Blood Pressure or call us today at 503.319.7142

High Blood Pressure, the Silent Killer

New High Blood Pressure guidelines could put you in danger.

“The American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and nine other groups redefined high blood pressure as a reading of 130 over 80, down from 140 over 90. The change, the first in 14 years, means that 46 percent of U.S. adults, many of them under the age of 45, now will be considered hypertensive.”

High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that affects approximately 46%  of Americans, causing up to 75,000 deaths per year. Called “the silent killer” because typically, high blood pressure has no symptoms until after it has done significant damage to the heart and arteries.

Nearly 20%  of Americans who have high blood pressure don’t know they have it and, therefore, don’t know that they are at risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even eye disease.

The two numbers in your blood pressure, systolic and diastolic are defined:

Systolic is specifically the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. This is the top number.

Diastolic is specifically the minimum arterial pressure during relaxation and dilatation of the ventricles of the heart when the ventricles fill with blood. This is the bottom number in your blood pressure reading.

Learn how we can help Lower High Blood Pressure or call us today at 503.319.7142”

Blood pressure categories in the new guideline are:

  • Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
  • Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
  • Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
  • Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.

“We’re recognizing that blood pressures that we in the past thought were normal or so-called pre-hypertensive actually placed the patient at significant risk for heart disease and death and disability,” said Robert M. Carey, co-chairman of the group that produced the new report. “The risk hasn’t changed. What’s changed is our recognition of the risk.”

Gresham Hypnosis Center works directly with your doctor to lower high blood pressure naturally. Call us today 503.319.7142

 

 

4 Aggravators to High Blood Pressure

New High Blood Pressure guidelines say 130/80 is now considered pre-hypertensive.

Over 90% of high blood pressure is what doctors call “Primary or Essential Hypertension.  That means, quite probably, there is no medical cause for the condition.  The remaining 5-10 % describes “Secondary Hypertension“.

What can agravate primary hypertension? Many things, including high alcohol consumption, excess salt in your diet, little or no exercise, and painkillers.

Alcohol

The Mayo Clinic tells us “Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases your blood pressure, but repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases. … If you have high blood pressure, avoid alcohol or drink alcohol only in moderation.”

And the American Heart Association says limiting alcohol consumption can also help to prevent high blood pressure.

Excess Salt

A lot happens to your body if you eat too much salt. The extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the greater the strain on your heart, arteries, kidneys, and brain. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney disease.

Some people say “I don’t use table salt, so I’m in control of my sodium intake and my blood pressure. Well, the American Heart Association says;

“In some people, sodium can increase blood pressure. But controlling sodium means more than just putting down the salt shaker. It also means checking labels, because up to 75 percent of the sodium we consume is hidden in processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods and prepared mixes. When buying prepared and prepackaged foods, read the labels. Watch for the words “soda” and “sodium” and the symbol “Na” on labels. These words show that sodium compounds are present.”

Lack of Exercise

The human body is the only machine that gets better the more you use it! Lack of exercise can have detrimental effects on many of the bodies systems including the heart and circulatory system. Exercise can help you manage blood pressure.

The AHA offers these exercise guidelines for good heart health and to lower high blood pressure.

For overall health benefits to the heart, lungs, and circulation, perform any moderate to vigorous aerobic activity using the following guidelines:

  • Aim for at least 90 to 150 minutes of aerobic and/or dynamic resistance exercises per week and/or three sessions of isometric resistance exercises per week.
  • For most healthy people, get the equivalent of at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. You can incorporate your weekly physical activity with 30 minutes a day on at least five days a week.
  • Physical activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week.
  • Include flexibility and stretching exercises.
  • Include muscle-strengthening activity at least two days each week.

Pain Killers

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others all have the capacity to increase blood pressure. While the average increase is small, the actual amount of blood pressure increase can vary widely from individual to individual. This effect occurs at doses that are typically used for pain relief and reduction of inflammation.

WebMD has these recommendations about taking painkillers and high blood pressure.

  • Take the safest medicine. Unless your doctor has told you it’s OK, do not use over-the-counter ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or ketoprofen for pain relief. Instead, use a painkiller less likely to increase your blood pressure, like aspirin or acetaminophen.
  • Use as directed. Follow the directions for the recommended dosage. Most painkillers shouldn’t be used for more than 10 days. If you’re still in pain by that point, see your doctor.
  • Get your blood pressure checked regularly. This is good advice for anyone with high blood pressure. But it’s crucial if you use any of the pain relievers that can make your high blood pressure get worse.

Gresham Hypnosis Center works directly with your doctor. Learn how we can help you Lower High Blood Pressure or call us today at 503.319.7142“