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You can’t beat a healthy heart...

More than 14 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure resulting in an increased risk of heart diseases and stroke...

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Check Your Blood Pressure

One in three people in the UK has high blood pressure (hypertension), however many people are unaware of it as there are usually no symptoms. High blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it measured. We explain what blood pressure is and provide some tips for keeping your blood pressure healthy.

What is high blood pressure?

When blood pressure is measured, two numbers are generated. An ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The first number is the systolic blood pressure (higher number), which is the force at which blood is being pumped around your body. Ideally, this will be below 120. A systolic blood pressure of 140 or more is regarded as high. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure (lower number) which is the pressure when your heart is at rest, in between beats. Ideally this will be 80 or lower. A diastolic reading of 90 or above is regarded as high. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Get your blood pressure checked

The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked. Blood pressure checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy. You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor.

Don’t make excuses

If you are over 40 years off age you should have your blood pressure checked every five years regardless of your health status.

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure is anything less than 90/60mmHg.

Normal Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is normally based on a reading of 150/90mmHg however, if you are over 80 years old a reading over 140/90mmHg would indecate high blood pressure.

What can I do to maintain a healthy blood pressure?

• Maintaina healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of physical activity. • Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to no more than 6g a day (1 teaspoon). Look at the amount of salt on food labels and avoid choosing snacks that are high in salt. • Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. • Keep your alcohol consumption within the recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days. • Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity (e.g. brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g. running) each week plus some strengthening activities (e.g. lifting weights) at least twice a week. • Get a good night’s sleep.

In the last 10 years, Heart Research UK has funded over £10.2m in medical research in hospitals and universities across the UK, as well as £2.2m on innovative community-based lifestyle projects to improve the heart health of the nation If you’d like to support Heart Research UK’s vital work into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for inspiration on how you could help

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

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Summer Skin

Expert reveals the secret for glowing skin this summer...

Omega-7 for Dry Skin

For very dry skin I love sources of omega-7. It helps to redistribute the moisture in our bodies by nourishing and moisturising us from within. This helps to keep our skin looking and feeling plump and sleek. It can help to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation which are all symptoms associated with dry skin. Dry skin is also more prone to infections, which omega-7 can help to minimise. Omega-7 also helps to protect our mucous membranes which line areas like our mouth, nose, and eyes.

Comfrey for Mature Skin

I love the herbal ingredient Comfrey for aging skin. Comfrey is super moisturising which means it can help to ease the appearance of fine lines, smoothing, strengthening, and invigorating your skin with new life as a result of its array of naturally occurring antioxidants and tannins; helping to brighten your natural complexion.

Neem for Sensitive Skin

The herbal ingredient Neem is great for calming sensitive or even eczema-prone skin. The naturally occurring, antiinflammatory properties of Neem seem to make it wonderful at relieving stubborn discomfort or itchiness often associated with dry, sensitive skin. If skin is prone to angrier infections, echinacea within creams can help as a result of this herb’s antimicrobial properties, similar to coconut oil which is my everyday goto.

Hyaluronic Acid for Oily Skin

Interestingly, even if we suffer from oily skin, this can actually be a sign of underlying dryness as your body is trying hard to overcompensate. One other ingredient that can work well for issues with dryness and even feeling oily, is hyaluronic acid. This ingredient helps to keep the skin hydrated and retains water where it’s needed most. Just watch out for how hyaluronic acid is produced. In some cases, it can come from animal origin which I’d say for people to avoid. Look out for herbal and non-GMO sources instead, such as with some of A.Vogel’s products.

Credit: Emma Thornton

For more information please visit: https://flawless.org/

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