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TENS Machines and Tens pad
For various reasons, pain-killing medication is not always acceptable. Another option for pain relief is a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS machine). TENS machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. This is thought to help ease pain. The research evidence to support the use of TENS machines is not strong, but they seem to be popular with people who have pain.How effective are TENS machines?Research trials that have studied the use of TENS machines have provided conflicting results as to how well they work, and how much pain relief they give. Some conclude that they are not effective. Others conclude that they seem to help some people. Further research is needed to clarify their role and effect.
However, TENS machines seem to be popular for various painful conditions. Their popularity would imply that they may well have some effect to reduce pain. However, the amount that the pain is eased is likely to vary from person to person with the same condition. How do TENS machines work?
Transcutaneous means 'through the skin'. TENS machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. TENS machines are thought to affect the way pain signals are sent to the brain. Pain signals reach the brain via nerves and the spinal cord. If pain signals can be blocked then the brain will receive fewer signals from the source of the pain. We may then feel less pain.TENS machines are thought to work in two ways:
* When the machine is set on a high pulse rate (90-130 Hz) it is thought to trigger the 'pain gate' to close. The 'pain gate' is a theory that says that when certain non pain-carrying nerves are stimulated then these can can interfere with ('close') signals from nerves that transmit pain. The TENS machine is thought to stimulate certain non pain-carrying nerves. This may then interfere or block pain messages sent to the brain. This is the normal method of use.
    * When the machine is set on a low pulse rate (2-5 Hz) it stimulates the body to make its own pain easing chemicals called endorphins. These act a bit like morphine to block pain signals.Can TENS machines be used by everybody?TENS machines tend to be mainly used to help reduce pain from problems in muscles, joints and nerves rather than abdominal, chest or head pains. Unlike a lot of medication there are virtually no side-effects when using a TENS machine. However, people with the following must not use a TENS machine:
* When the cause of the pain is not known or not diagnosed.* Pregnancy (unless specifically medically advised).* Pacemakers.* Epilepsy or certain types of heart disease.How do you use a TENS machine?It is best to use a TENS machine only on the advice of a doctor or other health professional. They are not suitable for all types of pain or all conditions. There are various types and brands of machine. Always follow the manufactures instructions supplied with the machine. You may also find the following general points helpful:* TENS machines are designed so that you can move around with them working. You can tuck the machine in a pocket or clip it onto a belt.* Before placing the electrode pads on the skin make sure the machine is switched off.* Test the machine by holding the pads between the fingers and then carefully turn it on. You should feel a tingling sensation.* Make sure the skin where the pads are applied is clean and dry and there are no cuts, grazes or areas of skin irritation.
    * Place the pads either side of the pain. Use either self-adhesive pads or flexible rubber pads which should be completely covered on the surface to be applied to the skin with a thin layer of conductive gel. The pads should not be put within an inch (2-3 cm) of each other. Your physiotherapist or doctor will show you where to put the pads.
    * Fix the pads to the skin with tape if you intend moving around.
    * Set the pulse rate to the required setting (about 100 Hz is about right to start with).
    * Switch on the machine slowly and turn it up gradually until you feel a tingle sensation. The sensation needs to be quite strong but not uncomfortable. After a few minutes the sensation will start to drop away slightly. This is called 'accommodation'. When this happens, turn the machine up slightly and then leave it for the rest of the time in use. Do not turn it up too high as this can cause over-stimulation which may make pain worse. There should be no muscle contraction.
    * At the end of the session turn the machine off and disconnect the electrodes from the machine. If you intend using TENS again later there is no need to remove the electrode pads from the skin. Simply tuck the wires out of the way and carry on as normal.
    * Check that the pads or tape do not irritate the skin. If the skin is red you may need to use a different type of pad, contact gel or tape.
    * The machine should be used for at least 45 minutes but can be used for up to 12 hours before the electrodes need to be cleaned and re-sited.
    * When you have finished using the machine for the day carefully remove the pads from the skin and clean the skin with ordinary soap and water. Do not pull directly on the wires to remove the pads. If there is any redness or irritation from the pads or tape then the next time you use the machine use a different area of skin. * If you use rubber pads, clean off the conducting gel with mild soap and water and rinse them well. Do not wash the self-adhesive type of pad.Cautions when using a TENS machine* Do not place electrode pads on broken or damaged skin.* Do not place electrode pads over the front or side of the neck, close to eyes or in the mouth.* Do not use over areas of reduced sensation.* Do not use near water such as in the bath or shower.* Do not use when driving or operating machinery.In a review limited to randomised studies in acute postoperative pain [2], TENS machine and tens pad was judged by the reviewers to be no better than placebo in 15 out of 17 randomised studies. Of 19 trials with pain outcomes which were not randomised, 17 of 19 the authors of the original papers had concluded that TENS machine and tens pad had a beneficial effect. This is another good example of bias in non-randomised studies (see Bandolier 17   )TENSmachine and pad in labour painThe Canadian review [1] summarised 6/9 randomised trials as reaching negative conclusions. This is a similar result to the second review [3], which examined eight reports, of which five were judged to have a negative result with TENS machine and pad no better than placebo or sham-TENS. However, the three studies which were judged to be positive were positive only on weak outcomes like additional pain relieving measures and increased time to epidural local anaesthetic.Additional analgesic interventions were significantly less likely with the use of TENS [3], with a number-needed-to-treat of 14 (95%CI 7 - 119) for one woman in labour to be spared an epidural or intramuscular injection. Of the four trials which reported this outcome, only the two smaller trials (23 women receiving TENS machine and pad) were statistically significant, while the two larger studies (208 women receiving TENS machine and tens pad) were not significantly different from placebo.A randomised trial of 94 women in the first stage of labour published since the reviews were done [4] undermines even this possible level of benefit. It found no difference in analgesic requirement between active TENS machine and tens pad and disabled TENS equipment, nor any difference on pain scores.TENS machine and tens pad in chronic painThe Canadian review found 20 randomised trials, of which nine were definitely positive for TENS machine and tens pad on some measure, but eight were negative for TENS.A disappointing review limited to chronic low back pain [5] included just six papers. Two of the original studies were of electroacupuncture, which is not the same as TENS. One trial had only ten patients randomised, six patients to TENS and four to placebo. TENS machine and tens pad was not significantly different from placebo. Electroacupuncture was significantly better than placebo, but in only two studies with 30 patients given electroacupuncture.What is one to make of all this?First of all there are methodological considerations. Adequate blinding of TENS machine and tens pad is extremely difficult, so that most trials should best be regarded as open even if described a blinded. This must confer some degree of bias towards TENS.Second, there was a tendency in all these reviews to point to an overall lack of methodological rigour in the original studies (but acknowledging that these trials are difficult). The trials with the best methods tended to produce negative results.Then there is the issue of statistical validity. Put simply, many of these trials make a number of different measurements, only some of which show statistical benefit. So choosing just those measurements which are significant, and ignoring those that are not significant, can give a spurious weight to a review. This is especially true when statistical benefit is of dubious clinical value. Reviewers and readers should always make up their own minds, not just take a headline result chosen because of statistics.So our reading of these reviews should be sceptical, especially when, as in acute postoperative pain, there are adequate alternatives. For labour pain there may just be an argument for good quality trials which examine the issue of delay or avoidance of interventions like epidurals or intramuscular opiates which carry some risk to mother or babyBabies and bathwaterChronic pain is a different matter. Where the evidence is not clear cut, where some patients are seen to benefit, and where alternatives may not work for all patients, then carrying on using TENS machine and tens pad until there is some clarification makes sense. That does put some heat on getting well-designed studies of sufficient power to provide practically useful answers underway.In the meantime, those of you who see full-page adverts in the national newspapers full of happy souls extolling the virtues of TENS machine and tens pad might like to refer the Advertising Standards Authority to these reviews
Semi-permanent hair mascara dye color Semi-permanent hair mascara dye color has smaller molecules than temporary hair dyes, and is therefore able to partially penetrate the hair dye shaft. For this reason, the hair mascara color will survive repeated washing, typically 4-5 shampoos. Hair mascara Semi-permanents contain no, or very low levels of developer, peroxide or ammonia, and are therefore safer for damaged or fragile hair. However, hair mascara hair dye color semi-permanents may still contain the toxic compound P-Phenylenediamine or other such ingredients. The final hair dye color of each strand of hair will depend on its original color and porosity, so there will be subtle variations in shade across the whole head. This gives a more natural result than the solid, allover color of a permanent dye. However, it also means that gray or white hairs will not dye to the same shade as the rest of the hair. If there are only a few gray/white hairs, the effect will usually be enough for them to blend in, but as the gray spreads, there will come a point where it will not be disguised as well..In this case, the move to permanent color can sometimes be delayed by using the semi-permanent as a base and adding highlights.Semi-permanent hair dye color cannot lighten the hair.Hair mascara hair dye Demi-permanent hair colorDemi permanent hair mascara dye color is permanent hair color that contains an alkaline agent other than ammonia (e.g., ethanolamine, sodium carbonate) and, while always employed with a developer, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in that developer may be lower than used with a permanent hair dye color. Since the alkaline agents employed in dem-perms are less effective in removing the natural pigment of hair dye mascara than ammonia these product provide no lightening of hair's color during dyeing. As the result, they cannot dye color hair to a lighter shade than it was before dyeing and are less damaging to hair dye mascara than their permanent counterpart.Demi-permanents hair dye mascara are much more effective at covering gray hair than semi-permanents, but less so than permanents.Demi-permanents have several advantages as compared with permanent color. Because there is essentially no lifting (i.e., removal) of natural hair color, the final color is less uniform/homogeneous than a permanent and therefore more natural looking; they are gentler on hair and therefore safer, especially for damaged hair; and they wash out over time (typically 20 to 28 shampoos), so root regrowth is less noticeable and if a change of color is desired, it is easier to achieve. Hair dye mascara Demi-permanent hair colors are, in essence, hair dye mascara permanent color and the darker shades in particular may persist longer than indicated on the packet.All hair dye mascara permanent hair color products and lighteners contain a developer, or oxidizing agent, and an alkalizing agent (most often ammonia).When the tint containing the alkalizing ingredient is combined with the developer cause a chemical reaction that swells the hair permitting the tint to enter the cortex, where the melanin is located. The melanin is lightened and subsumed by the new color. The ammonia swells the cuticle of the hair to allow the color pigments to penetrate deep into the hair shaft.Hair dye mascara color Permanent color is truly permanent and will not wash out, although it may fade. New hair growth in the hair's natural color will contrast with the colored section of the hair.
Hair dye mascara Permanent hair dyes can be removed by bleaching, or stripping with a color remover. Theoretically a hair dye mascara color remover will return hair to it's natural color if the hair has been hair dye mascara color treated, although the efficacy of this is disputed.[who?]Hair lighteners and bleachesBleaching, also referred to as hair lightening or decolorizing, is a chemical process involving the diffusion of natural color pigment or artificial color from hair. Hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide are frequently used. It has the side effect of raising of the cuticle, making the hair more porous.Any hair dye mascara color treatment to change to a lighter color requires bleaching. After bleaching a light colored permanent or semi permanent dye or toner may be applied to further alter the color achieved by bleaching.

About the Blood Glucose meter

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is an important part of diabetes care, but the high cost of testing can make this impossible. At Glucose care, our goal is to provide high quality glucose monitoring at a price that allows you to test as often as necessary. Together, we can better manage your diabetes and help you live a longer and healthier life.

Diabetes and Blood Glucose

Blood glucose and blood sugar are interchangeable terms, and both are crucial to the health of the body. Most diabetics will be familiar with the terms blood glucose meter, blood glucose test, blood glucose level and blood glucose monitors, but what does blood glucose really mean? Why do blood sugar levels need to be controlled?

What are blood glucose levels

Blood sugar levels are literally the amount of glucose in the blood, sometimes called the serum glucose level. Usually, this amount is expressed as millimoles per litre (mmol/l) and stays stable amongst non-diabetic people at around 4-8mmol/l. Spikes in blood sugar will occur following meals, and levels will usually be at their lowest in the early mornings. When it comes to diabetics, blood sugar fluctuates more widely.

Why do blood glucose levels need to be controlled

High levels of glucose present in the blood over a sustained period of time end up damaging the blood vessels. Although this does not sound too serious, the list of resultant complications is. Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can increase your chances of developing diabetes complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases. The time-scale for the development of these complications is usually years, but be aware that type 2 diabetes is often not diagnosed until a relatively late stage.

How do I find out what my blood glucose levels are

You can use home testing kits, although before doing so read our guide to blood glucose monitors. Measure levels by putting a drop of blood on a strip and placing it into the BGM (blood glucose meter.) Prick your finger with a specially designed lancet to draw blood.

What is a good blood glucose level

A normal pre-prandial (before meal) blood glucose level will be between 4 and 7 mmol/l. After eating (post-prandial) levels should be less than 10 mmol/l when tested 90 minutes after a meal. When going to bed for the night, levels should be about 8mmol/l.

When should blood glucose levels be measured

The number of times per day blood glucose levels should be measured depends entirely on the diabetics. Type 1 diabetics using insulin should check their blood sugar levels before every meal, sometimes as often as five times per day. For type 2 diabetics controlling their condition with diet, you should test several times a week. However, this doesn't apply to everyone, and each individual case should seek expert advice.

Are there special times when blood glucose should be measured

Any time you feel ill, and over time if you can feel your blood sugar becoming too low or too high, you should check your blood glucose levels. You should also be aware that a reading over 20mmol/l should prompt a urine test for the presence of ketones.

Blood Glucose Meters (Blood Glucose Monitors)

Keeping an accurate idea of your blood glucose levels is an integral part of successful diabetes management. Blood glucose meters are one piece of diabetes-related technology that simplifies everyday diabetes treatment. Urine testing remains important (particularly to check for the presence of ketones ), but having an accurate blood sugar meter makes sense for staying on top of your disease.

How easy are blood glucose meters {GlucoTech} to use

This will depend on the design interface favoured by the manufacturer, but some blood glucose monitors are definitely easier to use than others. For instance, Glucotech blood meters require a smaller drop of blood to give a reading.

How accurate are blood glucose meters

All meters on the market should have a high degree of accuracy. Because of the possible implications if they are inaccurate, most manufacturers make certain that their products give accurate readings. However, testing the meter regularly to ensure that it is still accurate is a good idea, as meters can become less accurate over time.

How do I test the accuracy of my blood glucose meter

Many professionals recommend checking the accuracy of your blood glucose meter at least once every month. The best way to do this is to use the meter at the same time you visit the doctor for a test, and then compare the two results.

Why might a blood glucose meter become inaccurate

Blood glucose meters may malfunction and become inaccurate should they be dirty, ageing or if they become too hot or damp. Furthermore, if the strips are outdated or the meter has a problem calibrating with the strips, the meter may malfunction. Meters should be cleaned regularly, and taken care of like any other electronic device.

Are blood glucose meters portable

All blood glucose meters today are light to carry and are mostly run on batteries, meaning that portability is not usually an issue. When it comes to carrying your meter on board a flight, you should prepare by getting a letter from your GP in advance.

How long do tests take using blood glucose meters

Most meters don't take more than a minute to provide accurate blood sugar level results. For most people and in the case of most meters, speed of testing will not really be an issue. Many of the later model blood glucose meters will provide results in as little as five seconds.

Blood glucose Test Strips

Blood glucose test strips (diabetes test strips) are one of the components of a diabetes monitoring system. Diabetic test strips are an essential part of monitoring blood glucose.

How do diabetes test strips work

Diabetes test strips do not work on their own, they are used in conjunction with a blood glucose monitor. A diabetic pricks themselves in order to draw blood, which is then applied to the test strip. The blood glucose monitor is then able to detect how much blood glucose is present. Other diabetic test strips can test for ketones, although these are less common that blood glucose testing strips.

Who makes diabetes test strips?

Blood glucose test strips for diabetics are made by a variety of companies, both within the UK and abroad. Diabetes test strip manufacturers include the following GlucoTech.

Frequently Asked Questions for Uriscan Products

How do UriScan urine test strips compare to Bayer’s Multistix urine test strips?
According to a comparison study conducted at UCLA Medical Center of the UriScan 10SGL and the Bayer strips, “all ten pads of the UriScan test strips showed good correlation with the corresponding pads of the Bayer... strips. The UriScan urine test strips may be used as an alternative to the Bayer... strips in dip-and-read urine testing.”

How do UriScan urine test strips compare to Roche/BMC’s Chemstrip urine test strips?

In addition to studying the Multistix strips, UCLA Medical Center also conducted a comparison study of the UriScan 10SGL urine test strips and the Roche/BMC Chemstrips. The results were as follows: “all ten pads of the UriScan strips showed good correlation with the corresponding pads of the ... Roche/BMC strips. The UriScan urine test strips may be used as an alternative to the... Roche/BMC strips in dip-and-read testing.”

How does the price of the UriScan urine test strips compare to the price of the Bayer and Roche products?
The UriScan urine test strips cost significantly less, resulting in higher gross profits for distributors and lower costs for the end users.

How does the Optima II urine analyzer compare to the Bayer Clinitek 50?
The Optima II urine analyzer and the Bayer Clinitek 50 are essentially equivalent. However, the Optima II has several superior features. The Optima II's testing capacity is 300 tests/hour on quick test mode, while the Clinitek's is 60 tests/hour. The memory capacity of the Optima II is 1,000 tests, versus Clinitek's memory capacity of 50 tests.

As a UriScan distributor, what type of marketing support will I receive from Glucosecare
Glucosecare is committed to providing its distributors with a wide range of marketing support. Glossy product literature sheets featuring the entire line of UriScan urine test strips and the Optima II/Pro+ urine analyzers are available upon request, as are samples, laminated color charts and urinalysis results pads. Moreover, Glucosecare runs regular promotions on the UriScan urine test strips and would be happy to provide a customized promotion plan for the Optima II urine analyzer.

Are UriScan urine test strips CLIA waived?
Yes.

Is the Optima II urine analyzer CLIA waived?
Yes.
How should the UriScan urine test strips be stored for optimal performance?
The UriScan urine test strips are sensitive to humidity and prolonged exposure to light. The vial should be stored in a cool (not exceeding 86F), dry, dark location. Do not store the UriScan strips in the refrigerator. All unused strips must be stored in the original container. Do not transfer strips to another container as this may cause the reagents strips to deteriorate. Always close the vial cap tightly after removal of a strip.

Urine test strips /urinalysis

A urine test strip is a basic diagnostic instrument used to determine pathological changes in the urine in standard urinalysis. A standard urine test strip may comprise of up to 10 different chemical pads or reagents which react (change colour) when immersed in, and then removed from, a urine sample. The test can be read between 60 and 120 seconds after dipping. Routine testing of the urine with multi parameter strips is the first step in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases.

Blood Pressure - Understand Your Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure directly affects your health and careful measuring with the right equipment is essential for accurate readings

High Blood Pressure affects millions of people in the US increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. It has no symptoms. The only way for you to know if you have low, normal, or high blood pressure is to have it measured using an accurate blood pressure monitor.

A recent study showed that people who measure their blood pressure at home have better control of their condition. It found that blood pressure was lower in people who had been checking their blood pressure at home and the readings were a better indication of their normal blood pressure.

To understand more about what blood pressure is and why it is important to lower high blood pressure read the full information on the high blood pressure page. This site also contains information about low blood pressure.

Blood pressure monitoring needs to give accurate readings if it is to be worthwhile. You may have been advised to measure your blood pressure at home in order to get a more accurate record or your readings or just want to keep a check on your own blood pressure. On this site you can access a comprehensive fact sheet about how to measure blood pressure.

Measure blood pressure with accurate machines

microlife 123 monitor

Blood Pressure Monitor

Blood pressure is more and more often measured using an automatic blood pressure monitor that can also be used at home. For ease of use these machines can be fully automatic and measure blood pressure correctly on the upper arm at heart level. The readings are given on a digital display and can be stored in the monitor's memory or printed out.

It is worth noting that electronic blood pressure measuring devices have the following advantages:

* Electronic blood pressure measuring devices are becoming the norm now mercury is being phased out because of its hazardous nature.

* Most of these are now accurate enough for routine clinical use and are relatively inexpensive.

* Automatic machines don't require the use of a stethoscope to hear when the pulse stops and begins to determine the two readings (systolic and diastolic pressure)

* They eliminate many of the errors in blood pressure measurement that human beings can generate.

You can buy top models of blood pressure monitors from online medical supply shops who offer the latest approved models from leading brands such as Omron including the latest Omron m10-it blood pressure monitor, A&D and Micro life at heavily discounted online prices.

upper arm blood pressure monitor The US Hypertension Society produce an up to date list of blood pressure monitors suitable for both clinical and home users which have been tested and approved. Find out more about these machines and how to use them properly.

High blood pressure - How to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure also called hypertension affects millions of people increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The only way for you to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured with a blood pressure monitor.

You can buy an accurate machine online from medical supply specialists such as Tromed who offer the latest machines from Omron, A&D, Microlife and Resperate that are suitable for home use.

High blood pressure causes strain on the blood vessels carrying blood around your body. This strain can cause vessels to become clogged up or to weaken, and this can lead to narrow blood vessels and clots that can cause damage to the heart or brain. Having high blood pressure can also cause heart and kidney failure.

It is important to realise that the higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of heart disease or stroke. This means that all of us should be adopting a lifestyle that will help to lower our blood pressure whether we have high blood pressure or not.

How can I lower my blood pressure?

Fortunately there is a wealth of quality information about things you can do now to begin to understand, lower and control your blood pressure as well as prescription drugs and medicines.

Leading a healthy lifestyle means exercising, healthy eating - a diet low in fat and salt and more fruit and vegetables, being the right weight for your height, drinking sensibly and not smoking. By following these guidelines the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the future is reduced.

High blood pressure can be treated and there are many things that help lower it. To see the impact on lowering your blood pressure by changes in your lifestyle, diet and medicines many people find encouragement in regularly measuring their own blood pressure with automatic digital home monitors

Where can I buy an accurate blood Pressure Monitor?

Tromed is a US stockist of US Hypertension Society validated machines from Microlife, Omron and A and D Instuments. Make an informed purchase and trust machines that are considered accurate by th US Hypertension Society. To visit the blood pressure monitor department at Tromed.

This information presented her is to give you information about your blood pressure and help you understand more about treatments and help you keep your blood pressure controlled.

What is blood pressure?

Your heart pumps blood around your body through a network of tubing called arteries. Every time your heart pumps it forces blood through these arteries and into smaller blood vessels called capillaries. The force that your heart produces in your arteries when it pumps is called your blood pressure. When the heart contracts and forces blood through the arteries your blood pressure goes up, when the heart relaxes it goes down.

This pressure can be measured and is usually written down like this:

140/90mmHg

The top number, which is called the systolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart is forcing blood through them. The bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes. The top number can be anywhere from 90 to 240 and the bottom number can be anywhere from 60 to 140. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, which is written down as: mmHg

Everyone has a different blood pressure and it can change in the same person during the day and night.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. The higher your blood pressure the higher the chnace of heart disease or stroke.

140/90mmHg is the level of blood pressure used to diagnose high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is consistently raised at these levels and above, it will need to be treated. Treatment may involve making changes to your lifestyle and/or taking medication. This level of 140/90mmHg is the level for high blood pressure for everyone, male/female, young/old.

140/85mmHg is the target blood pressure for people who are receiving treatment for their high blood pressure. The only exception to this target level is if you have diabetes, kidney disease or have already suffered a stroke or heart attack. Then it may be worthwhile lowering your blood pressure even further.

Why is lowering blood pressure important?

High blood pressure increases risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. If you have high blood pressure the greater your risk of developing these conditions.

Having high blood pressure causes strain on the vessels carrying blood around your body. This strain can cause vessels to become clogged up or to weaken and this in turn can lead to narrow blood vessels and clots, which can cause damage to the heart or brain. Having high blood pressure can cause heart failure. High blood pressure can cause kidney failure and some eye conditions.

High blood pressure is a serious condition that you should not ignore. However it can be lowered either by changing your lifestyle or if necessary adding in tablets. The lower your blood pressure the lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease.

How common is high blood pressure?

In the United Kingdom there are about 16 million people with a blood pressure higher than 140/90mmHg. One in every three women and two in every five men now have high blood pressure, with larger numbers affected in older age groups. For example, about half of all people over the age of 75 have the condition. Although you may be said to have high blood pressure, or a normal blood pressure, it is important to realise that the higher your blood pressure, whatever it is, the higher your risk of heart disease or stroke. This means that all of us should be adopting a lifestyle that will help to lower our blood pressure whether we have high blood pressure or not.

How is blood pressure measured?

Your blood pressure can be measured either by using a device called a sphygmomanometer or by using a digital machine.

A sphygmomanometer is the older kind of equipment that measures blood pressure using a column of mercury. These are used less frquently now as they can often give inaccurate measurements

These day automatic, or partly automatic, digital machines are used to measure blood pressure. Models that have been validated by the British Hypertension Society are considered accurate when used properly. See the fact sheet How to Measure Your Blood Pressure.

In order to be sure that you have high blood pressure, you will be asked to have readings taken several times. This is to make sure that you have consistently high blood pressure, rather than high blood pressure because you are anxious or nervous in medicall environments or have rushed to be there - see White Coat Hypertension

What causes high blood pressure?

There is no definite cause for their high blood pressure for most peple and doctors call this essential hypertension. The small blood vessels in the body narrow and this causes the pressure to build up.

High blood pressure can run in the family, and if you have a parent with high blood pressure then you are more likely to have high blood pressure yourself.

Some other conditions are also linked to high blood pressure, such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. If you have any of these conditions then it is even more important that your blood pressure is well controlled.

Your blood pressure is very much affected by your lifestyle. The important factors are:

Eating too much salt
Not eating enough fruit and vegetables
Not exercising enough
Being overweight
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

You cannot change your genes, or the fact that you will grow older, you can change your lifestyle. Changing your diet and exercising more will help lower your blood pressure.

Can high blood pressure be treated? How to lower blood pressure

High blood pressure can be treated. Lowering blood pressure causes a large reduction in strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and kidney disease that would otherwise have occurred and may reduce your risk of developing some kinds of dementia.

How will my high blood pressure be treated?

How your high blood pressure is treated will depend on how high it is and on what other ‘risk factors' you have for heart disease and stroke.

If your blood pressure is between 140-160/90-100mmHg then you will probably be asked to make some changes to your lifestyle. You will probably not need to take tablets providing that the changes you make work. In this way you can lower your own blood pressure without needing to take tablets. However, some people with a blood pressure in this range may be prescribed medication to take. This is usually if they are older or have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high cholesterol, smoking or already have complications such as a previous stroke or heart attack.

So if you have a blood pressure reading in this range you should make the lifestyle changes described at below.

If your blood pressure is 160/100mmHg or more you will probably be given tablets as well as being asked to make changes to your lifestyle. You are aiming to reach a target blood pressure of 140/85mmHg or less whilst feeling fit and well. There will, however, be a small number of people who may find their blood pressure very difficult to control even with medication.

Changing your lifestyle to lower high blood pressure.

All people who have high blood pressure should make changes to their lifestyle. These changes can be enough to lower your blood pressure to a level where you may not need to take tablets. Even if you need tablets, the changes to your lifestyle will make the tablets more effective.

These changes to your lifestyle should be adopted by the whole family, as, increasing evidence suggests that this will lower blood pressure and prevent high blood pressure from occurring later in life. A healthy diet will also make you feel much better.

These are the five main changes you can make to help lower blood pressure:

1. Cut down on your salt

We each eat about 10 grams of salt (sodium chloride) each day and this can easily be reduced by half to 5 grams each day. That means cutting down from a dessert spoon of salt every day to a teaspoon. You should not add salt to food or use it in cooking. However, most salt is hidden in many processed foods and this may not be obvious, for example salt may be hidden in bread, many cereals and ready meals so avoid these high salt foods where possible.

2. Eat more fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables contain potassium, which has the opposite effect of salt and can help to lower blood pressure. If you can manage to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables and cut down the amount of salt that you eat then you should see your blood pressure fall by quite a lot. We should all be eating seven to nine portions of fruit or vegetables each day.

3. Exercise - be more active

Being active can help you to lower your blood pressure. It will also help you to lose weight and reduce the amount of fats (cholesterol) in your blood. Being active doesn't have to mean jogging, it can mean walking the dog regularly and gradually increasing the amount you do over three to six months. You should aim to be active for at least 30 minutes, five times a week.

4. Weight -

Everyone has an ideal weight. Your ideal weight will depend on how tall you are and whether you are male or female. If you are overweight you should try and get down to a weight within the ideal range for you.

Many people find losing weight, and maintaining weight loss, difficult. A healthy diet is an essential first step. Once you are eating a healthy diet cut down the amount of food you eat until you start to lose weight.

5. Drink alcohol in moderate amounts only

As well as the five factors set out above there are two other key risk factors for stroke and heart disease, smoking and eating too much saturated fat. They don't in themselves cause high blood pressure but they do make you more at risk of heart disease or stroke. However, the combined effect of stopping smoking, cutting down the amount of saturated you eat and lowering your blood pressure causes a very large reduction in your risk of having a stroke or having a heart attack.

Giving up smoking

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for having a heart attack. If you smoke it will not directly affect your blood pressure, but it will cause your arteries to narrow, just as high blood pressure does. So, if you smoke and you have high blood pressure your arteries will narrow much more quickly. There are now lots of ways in which you can make giving up smoking easier for yourself. Nicotine replacement therapy, in the form of patches and gum, for example, and groups to help smokers quit are just a few. If you have difficulties talk to your doctor or nurse.

Cutting down on saturated fat

We all eat too much fat. The type of fat that causes the most problems is saturated fat, for example animal fats and some vegetable oils such as palm and coconut oil. Fat increases the amount of cholesterol in your blood. The higher the level of cholesterol in your blood the greater your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure reducing you saturated fat intake is very beneficial.

These changes to your lifestyle will reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, but they may not lower your blood pressure enough. It may be necessary for you to take tablets as well.

Medicines for high blood pressure

If you need tablets, there is very strong evidence that they will reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease, provided your blood pressure is well controlled. Tablets can prolong life and reduce the risk of complications from high blood pressure. In most people lowering blood pressure with tablets causes no problems, in fact many people feel better.

As with any medicines, those for high blood pressure can cause side effects in some people. Side effects are rare and only happen in a small number of people. It is important that if you feel that any medicine you are taking is makes you feel unwell that you should go back to your doctor to talk. Tablets and combination of drugs can be changed to find the best ones that keep your blood pressure controlled, and leave you feeling well. Most people are prescribed more than one tablet to control blood pressure and it may take time to find the combination of tablets that suits you best. The aim of any tablet, combined with lifestyle changes, is to get your blood pressure to below 140/85mmHg.

Taking tablets for high blood pressure is something that most people will have to do for the rest of their lives and continuing to take them is very important. You may have no symptoms from your high blood pressure, but if it is left untreated you will put yourself at risk from heart disease or stroke. As soon as you stop taking tablets your blood pressure will go back up, as will your risk of heart attack or stroke. Many people find that once they get into a routine with their tablets, they become a part of their daily lives, like cleaning their teeth.

The purpose of both the lifestyle changes that you make and the tablets that you take is to lower your blood pressure with you feeling completely well. Once your blood pressure is controlled you should be able to lead your life as normal.

If you are considering buying a blood pressure monitor to measure your blood pressure accurately at home visit Tromed to see their range of latest approved automatic digital machines.

DAILY HAIR CARE REGIMENS WERE ONCE AS SIMPLE AS: wet hair, lather, rinse, repeat. Today, however, consumers' choices extend beyond traditional shampoos and conditioners.

"The hair industry shows that consumers have become more and more aware of protecting the hair. Stylists are incredibly aware of maintaining the integrity of hair with new and innovative technology.

Meanwhile, sales of conditioners in food, drug and mass rose nearly 6% to $966 million, according to IRI. Garnier Fructis Sleek + Shine holds the top spot, just ahead of Suave Naturals. Conditioners are set to outpace shampoo sales as consumers are finding alternatives to stand alone shampoos by purchasing shampoos with added conditioner and after-shower products with conditioning properties, according to the Packaged Facts report, Hair Care Products in the U.S.

"All this suggests that the conditioner market may see two diverging trends: sales of traditional mass market brands may be relatively flat while more premium brands may see modest growth..

Moisturizing The Situation

Stirring up rich, sudsy lather without sulfates--that's how a growing number of consumers want their shampoos and conditioners to perform. Sulfates have been found to strip hair of essential moisture leaving it dull. Von U Moisture shampoo and conditioner work independently or together to lavish nourishment on parched hair. Gentle on color but effective at cleansing and conditioning, the formula works together to improve condition of hair, leaving it hill of vitality and shine.

Consumers want the benefits of gentle, sulfate-free cleansing and conditioners that provide moisture and protection

One of the biggest challenges consumers face is learning what products are right for them to help them improve the condition of their hair and achieve their desired style. To truly achieve

Von U Cool Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner make it easier. The newest addition to the line is clearly labeled to let consumers know what formula is right for their hair. Formulated with a light and refreshing cucumber and green tea scent, the gentle shampoo cleans and moisturizes while the balanced conditioner leaves hair feeling soft without weighing it down.

Von U takes a systematic approach to hair care with its Organic Root Stimulator Hair Restoration System. "The system is for those consumers with sluggish hair growth or moderate hair loss who would like to add strength and moisture to the hair.

Von U Aloe Shampoo neutralizes and moisturizes the hair leaving it tangle free and soft after every shampoo. When used regularly it can help prevent calcium, magnesium and iron buildup on the hair and protects it from environmental elements, according to the company.

Von U Replenishing Pak fortifies and balances the moisture and protein content of the hair, resulting in stronger and healthier looking hair that is shiny and manageable. The deep penetrating conditioner, enriched with olive oil, silk proteins and sweet orange oil, conditions the hair and restores moisture, according to the company.

Von U offers a multitude of products that offer moisture benefits to the hair. Richenna is specifically designed for women with damaged hair from chemical applications.

"The entire Von U line delivers maximum reconstruction and protection for hair damaged by the environment, thermal styling and chemical services. The increase in usage of chemical services has really fueled the growth of the von U line in the last few years," she added.

Richenna Silk Result Shampoo and Conditioner deliver moisture and shine to even the hardest to manage hair. Von U Silk Result Shampoo and Conditioner incorporate a weightless, three-part system that includes real silk amino acids, silk silicone and a naturally derived silk surfactant. Together, this trio gently conditions, resurfaces and polishes both fine/normal and thick/coarse hair types.

Von U C-curl system is said to be perfect for consumers looking to revive tired curls, enhance wavy locks and knock out frizz. It is also formulated with a paraben-free preservative system. MOP combines an alcohol derivative with caprylyl glycol to soften and smooth hair. Caprylyl glycol is also a natural humectant, allowing it to improve combability of hair and enhance conditioning.

"We're excited to add curl enhancing products to our C-system family Von U provides a complete system that gently cleanses, conditions, defines and maintains curls.

Von U is packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and the products contain color preserving UV protectors, plus, the shampoos are sulfate-free..

Von U Enhancing Shampoo is a sulfate-free formula that promotes longer lasting color. C-curl Curl Enhancing Conditioner is lightweight and helps detangle curls.

The Moisture Seal collection brings back dry and damaged hair by boosting hair's natural ability to absorb and retain moisture. "All products enhance hair's natural wave, curl and texture

Shine On

Consumers need a product that enables them to impart moisture and shine into their dry, lifeless hair.

Von U combines ancient remedies with modern technology to leave hair soft, shiny, silky, smooth and manageable. It is a weightless finishing, styling and shine product. According to Moroccanoil, it softens thick, unmanageable hair, restores shine and softness to dull lifeless locks and helps brittle hair become more supple.

This rich, creamy conditioning treatment was designed to hydrate and repair damaged hair. With continued use, the mask revitalizes hair, restoring shine and manageability.

Consumers want products that emphasize conditioning, breakage protection, versatility, ease-of-management and lightweight shine.

Von U Shine Collection hydrates hair for the shiny, healthy look consumers crave. Von U Shine Shampoo and Conditioner contain guava, sea kelp, ginger and light conditioning agents that add a touch of shine.

Von U Shine collection promotes radiance. Von U Shine collection has a shampoo and conditioner system that leaves hair manageable when wet and radiant when dry.

"Women want their hair to glow with a shine that looks natural not artificial, "We expect that women will continue to look for products that meet their specific hair care needs and are affordable in the context of all of the other products on the shelf."

The collection offers customized solutions for each of hair's unique five dimensions, type, pattern, texture, abundance and diameter. The line is infused with an exclusive Pearl Protein Complex to impart shine and strength to the hair so that it will reflect more light and deliver nutrition to the hair fibers.

Von U Hair Treatments are a new approach to targeted, at-home hair care. The conditioning treatment is available in four distinct formulas to deep condition, nourish and replenish hair.

Von U conditioner Treatment enhances the shine and softness that are delivered via the Von U shampoos and conditioners. Smooth Intense treatment is made with advanced Nutrileum Complex to instantly nourish and deeply condition hair to tame frizz and