Wellness/Prevention: Blood Pressure Program Could Save Millions of Lives Globally.

Experts claim that treating half of individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure may prevent 10 million heart attacks and strokes worldwide over the next decade. In an attempt to get individuals around the globe into treatment and reduce their risk of premature death, a new program called the Global Standardized Hypertension Treatment Project has been launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization. CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden adds, “Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and the question is not whether treatment of hypertension should be undertaken on a global scale, but how quickly effective programs can be established.” The Lancet, February 2015

Quote: “Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that’s what makes you strong.” ~ Sarah Dessen

Chiropractic: Chronic Pain May Increase Fall Risk for Seniors!

Serious injuries resulting from falls can significantly impact both independence and quality of life among elderly patients. While impaired motor function is typically associated with greater fall risk, a new report finds that older adults with normal motor function and chronic musculoskeletal pain in multiple body sites also have an elevated risk for falling down. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, March 2015

Health Alert: Watching Two or More Hours of TV a Day Increases Hypertension Risk in Children.

A new study indicates that spending more than two hours a day in front of a TV screen increases a child’s risk for high blood pressure by 30% and performing less than one hour a day of physical activity increases a child’s risk for hypertension by 50%! The authors of the study write, “The figures are worrying, given that sedentary behaviors are common in infancy and subsequently, later in life.” International Journal of Cardiology, February 2015

Mental Attitude: What Do Adults Prefer in a Partner?

A survey of 327 adults found friendliness, intelligence, humor, and a sense of fun are the most desirable characteristics for future or potential long-term relationship partners. The researchers note that women found a sense of humor more important than men did and men found an exciting personality more important than did women. They add that individuals who described themselves as playful valued playfulness, humor, a laid-back attitude, a sense of fun, and creativity in potential partners. Study author Dr. René Proyer comments, “Although we should be cautious while interpreting the data, this could be an indication that playful people are actually perceived as more attractive partners or that playfulness increasingly develops in the relationship.” American Journal of Play, February 2015