High Blood Pressure: What Does It Mean?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries), as your heart pumps blood, is consistently too high. We are able to gauge blood pressure by taking a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure readings are written like a fraction with one …

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Eczema: Treating the Winter Itch

Atopic Dermatitis, or eczema, causes a red skin rash that leaves skin itchy and dry. The patchy rash most commonly occurs on the arms and behind the knees, but can appear anywhere. Winter is often dreaded by eczema sufferers as dry air and harsh temperatures can trigger an eczema flare. While eczema flare-ups are common …

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Managing Gout Through the Holiday Season

Surviving the holiday season can be a stressful task on its own. When you add gout to the mix, it certainly kicks things up a notch. The pain the accompanies a gout attack can be excruciating. Redness, swelling, and inflammation in the affected joints are all symptoms you may experience. While the big toe is …

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Winter Weather and High Blood Pressure

For some, changes in weather or seasonal changes can have a big impact when it comes to medical conditions. With winter upon us, those suffering from high blood pressure(HBP) may wonder what the colder temperatures mean for them. Unfortunately, blood pressure tends to be higher in the winter and lower in the summer. What accounts …

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome: What’s the Link?

You’ve probably heard of the chronic autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA. The inflammatory disorder affects joint linings causing painful swelling, and can even cause joint deformities over time. RA can also affect many structures aside from joints including the skin, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerve tissue. Signs and symptoms may vary and can even …

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What Happens to Blood Pressure During a Heart Attack?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, affects nearly half of all American adults. HBP refers to the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels being consistently too high. Many times there are no obvious symptoms, however left untreated HBP does significant damage to the circulatory system. High blood pressure is a …

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Managing High Blood Pressure During the Holidays

Over 85 million Americans have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, usually has no symptoms but can increase your risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and family history are all determining factors for developing hypertension. Managing HBP can be difficult all year round, but …

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Diet Do’s and Don’ts for Gout Sufferers

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis affecting around 2 million American women and 6 million American men. Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The acid then forms crystals in joints causing sudden and severe episodes of pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness known as gout attacks. The affected joints …

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Does Smoking Affect Osteoarthritis?

Otherwise known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis(OA) is the most common form of arthritis affecting over 27 million Americans. It occurs when the cartilage (flexible, protective tissue on the ends of bones) wears down resulting in joint pain and stiffness. OA can occur in any joint, but is most common in weight-bearing joints, …

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How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Effect Eyes?

Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect many joints, causing painful swelling and joint deformities. However, RA can impact other areas of the body as well, like the eyes. Around 30-40 percent of people suffering with …

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