Archive for April, 2009

Snoring and High Blood Pressure – Can One Cause the Other?

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Most all of us have at one point in our lives, snored. Usually it’s a spouse or partner who let’s us know (mostly because he or she didn’t get good rest because of the snoring). This is an annoying habit but it could be more than that.

Occasional snoring that isn’t loud usually isn’t of concern and can generally be corrected by having the person snoring roll onto his or her side.

When the snoring is very loud, and one snores every night, there is likely cause for concern.

This type of snoring is likely indicative of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of sleep disorders. Sufferers actually stop or “pause” their breathing when sleeping, up to two or three breaths.

When the person eventually does take a breath, a loud snore is heard. More than just aggravating to whomever is lying next to you, chemicals which are released to control breathing get interrupted.

This leads to oxygen levels dropping severely and adrenaline and other hormones being released. It is these hormones which can lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension. Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even blindness.

If you are overweight, you are more likely to suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. This is compounded if you smoke, drink alcohol or consume large meals at night.

OK, so snoring and sleep apnea could be causing your hypertension. What about the reverse? Could your high blood pressure be causing your snoring?

Studies have shown that those with cardiovascular issues tend to also suffer from water retention. This can occur in the legs, lungs and throat tissues.

This in turn, can circle back again and cause or inflame sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.

If you or someone you love consistently snores or suffers from sleep apnea, I recommend my Stop Snoring program. It’s all natural and proven to be effective. If you feel your high blood pressure or weight is causing the issue, I also recommend both my High Blood Pressure Program and my Weight Loss Breeze program.

EL331002

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High Diastolic Blood Pressure – Cause for Concern?

Friday, April 24th, 2009

So much is said about high blood pressure and the potentially disastrous health consequences if left untreated (heart attack, stroke, blindness, and all sorts of other scary health concerns) that almost everyone over the age of thirty knows at least something about it.

I have written extensively about this, having suffered from high blood pressure in the past, and will continue to do so because it is so treatable.

Many of us have memorized the “bad” range – a blood pressure reading higher than 140/90 equals high blood pressure, or hypertension and a blood pressure reading 120/80 to 139/89 equals pre-hypertension.

What fewer know is that a high systolic blood pressure reading (top number – measuring the force of the blood through the arteries as one’s heart beats) even with a low diastolic blood pressure read can have ill effects on one’s health as well.

What even fewer still don’t know is that a high diastolic reading (bottom number – measuring blood pressure when the heart is at rest) can also be of concern in terms of health.

In fact, after one of my recent posts about systolic high blood pressure, a few of my readers asked specifically about high diastolic blood pressure.

When the diastolic reading is over 90, it’s considered high blood pressure. When the reading is between 80 and 89, it’s considered borderline high diastolic blood pressure, or pre-hypertension.

For most people, as they age, their diastolic blood pressure will go down. This can provide an inaccurate sense of wellness so it’s important to take into account both numbers in a blood pressure reading.

To know for sure if your blood pressure is in a normal range, you should have it checked at least once a year. If it’s high, your doctor is very likely to prescribe some form of prescription medication.

This is why you should be absolutely honest with your doctor. Let him or her know that you are aware of the many negative side effects of prescription medication (ALL of them have them and they aren’t nice – extreme muscle pain, liver damage, headaches, sexual dysfunction, skin rash, nausea and diarrhea to name a few) and discuss a plan to avoid or reduce the amount of medication.

The urge for a “quick fix” is understandable especially with so many people’s busy, yet amazingly sedentary lifestyles. Do keep in mind though that the cure shouldn’t be worse than the disease.

This is why I am so proud to be able to offer my High Blood Pressure program. With simple to do breathing and relaxation mind/body exercises, my clients have seen amazing results quickly. They have the proof (lowered blood pressure readings) to take back to their doctor! If you have high blood pressure, I highly encourage you to try my program now.

EL331002

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Vertigo and Eye Surgery

Monday, April 20th, 2009

I would not be anything or be able to do anything without listening to others or accepting feedback. Nothing from nothing makes nothing - no matter how much anybody wants to believe he has somehow thought of every possibility.

Often it’s in the form questions from my peers, family, friends and most importantly – my clients. One great question that has come up from several people is regarding side effects of eye surgery. Specifically, I’ve been asked more than once if vertigo can result from corrective surgery.

This is a great question and I’m delighted to have a forum to discuss it.

Vertigo is the result of tension around the balance system in your ears. This tension prevents the body from determining your body position properly. It also blocks the blood flow up to the head, so your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrition.

The worst problem of this condition is that all the muscles in the head work together in creating the imbalance.

In researching the connection to eye surgery, I’ve found that numerous people complain of vertigo, dizziness or light headedness post surgery. Some suffer to the point of near or complete incapacitation.

Especially disconcerting to those who complain of vertigo following a procedure is that physicians tend to be quick to dismiss the possibility that the surgery could be the cause.

My intention is not to suggest that such surgery is not beneficial, or that it should never be considered. Many people credit corrective eye surgeries with vastly improving their vision if not their lives.

However, with just about all medical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects. So, it is important to understand all consequences (good and bad) that can accompany surgery.

One important aspect of eye surgery I’ve come to learn is that it can involve weeks if not months of lingering after effects including dizziness and vertigo.

Some problems dissipate over time, but others need to seek additional treatment.

Because of the potential harmful after effects, some people choose to explore alternative treatments such as corneal reshaping techniques and even acupuncture.

Again, the treatment or treatments you choose to improve your eye sight are very personal and what is effective for one certainly may not be for others.

However, I strongly encourage you to thoroughly investigate all potential benefits and weigh them against the risks.

Do not hesitate to talk to more than one surgeon when considering surgery. Be very up front about your concerns. Ask what the process is should you experience negative side effects. “If I find that I am experiencing dizziness or vertigo following surgery, how are you prepared to help me?”

If you do not find the answers increase your confidence, keep searching.

For anyone suffering vertigo or dizziness, I strongly recommend my Vertigo/Dizziness Program. It solves the problem of vertigo and dizziness by working on relaxing and strengthening every muscle in and around your head, from the inside out. It is all natural and has proven very helpful regardless of the cause of your vertigo or dizziness problems.

EL331001

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Our Health and the World We Live In – Both Can Change

Friday, April 17th, 2009

These are trying times for a lot of people. Maybe its health worries for some and likely the economy for many. There’s so much uncertainty that accompanies these things.

Traveling so much, I’ve talked to many people who fear the future and are struggling with the present. There is the stress of trying to achieve “perfection” in their jobs, for fear of losing them. There is added frustration when working with others who are in the same plight.

Added to this personal stress is the news. It seems the news broadcasts are nearly always bad (perhaps since most good news doesn’t seem to have a place in broadcasting.) And lately, the bad news has been even more intense than before. This alone seems to make the news itself more depressing than whatever the story was about.

I have to ask, how can all of this negativity possibly be good for our health – both mental and physical? Actually, it’s a rhetorical question. I’ve done enough research and experienced life enough to know that it’s not!

Stress leads to so many disorders – most of them in my opinion. Physical problems range from headaches to hypertension. So now a person is juggling economic woes along with health problems if it gets too bad. So, what to do?

I’m a big believer in positive thinking. I don’t mean living a fantasy life where you deny every problem. You have to address things you want to be different but it’s important that you do it in a positive way. There is nothing you can’t do something about. All it takes is time and energy.

Remember, problems are not always problems. Research has shown that six months after a major event, say a person winning the lottery and a person losing both legs in a car accident, are pretty much equally happy.

I’m not talking about maintaining a positive attitude here. This is the general average statistic – they are just as happy. What we believe will make us happy, doesn’t always work out that way – at least not for the long term.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do things to improve our lives. But do it with the awareness that the act of going after what we want (be it a new sofa, vacation, new house, collage degree etc.) is probably going to create more happiness than the actual prize. So remember to enjoy the ride.

Many people, in a misguided effort to address their stresses end up worrying more rather than focusing on the positive steps and actions they can take to alleviate the problem.

But, I’ve found that many people are extremely happy when they are working on a health problem. Numerous people have told me that while working one of my program and steadily seeing their health improve, (doesn’t really matter what they were working on), felt such a great level of accomplishment and relief.

Apply this same logic to money and relationship problems. Again, simply taking positive action, however small it may seem, seems to do more for a person’s long term well being than being handed a “magic pill.”

Like one person told me “There are so many out there born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They never have to fight for anything - just get everything they want automatically. These are not the winners. I on the other hand had lots of problem - mostly health problems - some that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. But I fought them all and won every time and that’s a true accomplishment and I believe what makes me a winner.” I’ll never forget the shine in his eyes as he proudly told me this. And he was right.

I too gain true satisfaction in knowing that my work is reducing stress and increasing happiness among my customers. It is worth more than anything I could possibly imagine. The work, as frustrating as it can be sometimes is still my personal reward.

The world really is a great place, so let’s enjoy it.

If you are struggling with stress or health issues, please check out my all natural programs. They have proven extremely successful and require nothing more than a little effort and commitment toward improving your health and well being. You can find the details on all of my programs on the right hand column of my blog.

EL331001

Posted in Genera Natural Health, High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches | No Comments »

Can Migraine or Headache be Causing My Weight Gain?

Monday, April 13th, 2009

A client recently wrote to me and asked if her migraine headaches could be the source of her weight gain. She explained that she had suffered from migraines for most of her life but within the past 2 years, she had gained over 90 pounds.

That is a considerable amount of weight to gain, especially considering the brief span of time in which she gained the weight. I set out to perform research while at the same time, asked my client about any other medical conditions such as sleep problems and any medications she might be taking for the migraines or other medical conditions.

My client responded, letting me know that she had, over the course of the last 2 years, been put on 4 different migraine medicines, only to build a resistance to the drug and weight gain along the way.

This was not surprising as I know from previous research that most prescriptions for migraines carry the unfortunate weight gain as a side effect. In fact, many prescriptions for conditions from depression to high blood pressure carry with them a side effect of weight gain (among other serious side effects).

Additionally, these same medications also carry the potential for headaches. The same medications which treat the migraine cause a “rebound” effect and can trigger a headache.

For some, a thyroid condition (including hyperthyroidism) can be the cause of both weight gain and migraines. To know for sure, you should see your doctor.

Another reason the migraine headache could appear to be causing the weight gain is the sedentary lifestyle one tends to adopt to deal with the triggers (light, loud noises, certain smells, changes in weather or air pressure) of migraines.

As if that weren’t bad enough, there is the “chicken vs. the egg” dilemma of weight gain and migraines. While the drugs that treat migraines can cause weight gain, obesity itself can trigger migraines.

Most of all, one of the biggest triggers of migraine is lack of oxygen delivery to the brain. At the same time, one of the biggest reasons for weight gain is lack of oxygen in the body. So you see there is a obvious connection between the two.

While everyone knows that I believe in all natural therapies for health conditions (including migraines, headaches and weight gain!), I do want to stress that if you are currently taking prescription medicines for a health condition, do not just stop taking them. Suddenly stopping a prescription medication can bring about serious and even life-threatening effects.

What I would suggest instead is that you try my all natural Migraine and Headache program or my Weight Loss Breeze program. They offer breathing and relaxation exercises and results are seen immediately! Many of my clients have been able to gradually reduce and even stop taking prescription medicines to treat their conditions after using my programs.

EL331002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Weight Loss | No Comments »

How Natural Migraine Treatment Can Help a Sinus Headache

Friday, April 10th, 2009

A good friend of mine, whom I’ll admit I am only able to see once a month or so had been battling a sinus infection. Not strange, until I recently realized she’d been battling the SAME infection for over three months!

In asking her about her symptoms (fever, sweating, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion and headache in the beginning) they seemed accurate, however, her doctor prescribed her an antibiotic which cleared up all of the side effects but the headache and nasal congestion.

I encouraged her to see her doctor again to ensure this wasn’t a lingering infection. Sure enough, what my friend was now suffering from was sinus congestion, not sinus infection.

Sinuses are air-filled spaces or cavities in the cheekbones, forehead, and behind the bridge of the nose. Normal sinus cavities produce thin mucus which then drains out of the nose.

Sometimes, though, sinuses can become inflamed (typically as a result of infection or allergies) and it will prevent the mucus from properly draining out of the nose, which leads to a buildup.

This buildup can result in pain, usually in the cheekbones, forehead and bridge of the nose where the sinuses are located. In fact, my friend’s doctor, in diagnosing her actually pressed in on her cheekbones to illicit a response.

For some, the buildup can also cause symptoms of nasal discharge, difficulty hearing and swelling in the face. For my friend, a sudden movement of her head either forward or backward, would intensify her headache.

After awhile, my friend’s headache spread to one side of her brain, then the next and she experienced pain, nausea and an “aura” she’d never felt before. Her only relief was to lie still for several hours until it passed.

Having performed much research into the different types of headaches and treatments involved, what she was describing to me, sure enough, sounded like a migraine. Her doctor, in fact, said that constant sinus congestion can lead to migraines.

Medications were prescribed for this but lead to “rebound” headaches, and other side effects including dizziness, and dependency. I was more than confident that my migraine/headache program would provide relief and her doctor also recommended oxygen therapy when the headaches would occur.

To her doctor’s credit, he also asked her about her sleeping habits, exercise habits and work habits.

My friend likes to keep the house cooler in the winter to reduce energy waste and save on utility bills. So, this means when she’s sleeping, she tends to pull the covers over her head and breath in the warmer air under the covers. What she’s actually doing is breathing in carbon dioxide she’s actually just exhaled.

When my friend exercises, she tends to do a lot of cardiovascular routines and headaches often result suddenly.

Finally, when my friend works, she tends to lean forward in her chair (I’ve witnessed it) with her head unaligned with her neck.

What we discovered together is that my friend is actually, in all of the above three situations, severely limiting her oxygen intake.

Given my years of research of headaches – all types, there are two constants. The biggest being LACK OF OXYGEN to the brain. The second, body position, ties into how oxygen is being delivered to the brain.

For my friend, simply changing her sleeping habits, and body position while working weren’t enough. She refused to give up on exercise and who could blame her, so I asked her to try my Migraine and Headache Relief program.

Sure enough, with my all natural breathing and body position exercises, she was able to live her life the way she wanted without the plague of headaches, sinus or otherwise. The moral of the story is that we need oxygen and assuming that just breathing in and out isn’t always the delivery method we need.

EL3001002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches | No Comments »

What if I Just Have Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure?

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Blood Pressure is understandably a major concern for many people. I personally, battled it and have spent more hours researching and developing treatment for it than I or my wife (who’s really smart by the way) could ever count.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually considered a reading over 140/90. 120/80 to 139/89 is considered pre-hypertension. The top number is called the systolic which is considered high if it is 120 or above.

Why is this important? Two-thirds of people over the age of sixty-five have high blood pressure. Some experts even consider this number conservative. In fact, many people who are age 50 or older, have pre-hypertension.

Left untreated, high blood pressure puts too much strain on the heart which can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This, in turn, can lead to heart attack or stroke.

In addition to the heart being affected by high blood pressure, high blood pressure can also lead to kidney disease and even blindness.

The systolic reading measures the force of the blood through the arteries as the heart beats. The diastolic pressure (force of the blood in the arteries as the heart “rests”) reading need not be high for one to have high blood pressure when the systolic reading is high. This is known as isolated systolic high blood pressure.

While both readings are important for an accurate diagnosis of high blood pressure, keep in mind that as we age, the diastolic reading tends to go down, therefore, it is especially important to know what one’s systolic pressure is.

To know if you have high blood pressure (systolic or not), you should see your doctor. He or she can perform a quick blood pressure test to let you know.

Keep in mind that you do not have to feel “bad” to have high blood pressure. This is why high blood pressure and heart disease in general is known as the “silent killer.” Oftentimes, by the time a person knows something is wrong, that person is having a heart attack or stroke.

For those of you, who are concerned that your doctor will simply prescribe medicine to lower your blood pressure and you are concerned about the very real and potentially very serious side effects of the medication, express your concerns to your doctor.

That’s not to say that your doctor won’t still prescribe medication. This is a complaint about many Western doctors. It’s not necessarily their fault though.

Their concern is that their patients won’t follow through on advice to lose weight, stop smoking, drink alcohol in moderation only, and follow an exercise and breathing program. Who can blame them? It’s hard for many of us, especially older adults with a lifetime of bad habits to break them.

If your systolic blood pressure reading is high, you know you have high blood pressure or you are pre-hypertensive, I highly recommend my High Blood Pressure program. The response to my all natural program, consisting of breathing and relaxation exercises has been overwhelming! I cured my own high blood pressure using this program (without drug intervention) and it has remained normal ever since.

In fact, I have had hundreds of clients who have been on high blood pressure medication (with those nasty side effects) for years. After starting my program, their blood pressure immediately started to lower and in time, they were able to get off the medication altogether.

EL331002

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Teeth Grinding – Much Worse than Just a Habit!

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

How many of you have been told by your spouse, or sleep partner that you grind your teeth in your sleep? How many times have you woken with a dull aching headache and sore jaw and wondered why?

Like millions of others, you are likely suffering from teeth grinding, or Bruxism. While most of us grind our teeth occasionally, this is not a major concern.

The problem is that most people who grind their teeth do it while sleeping and don’t realize it.

It’s not until one wakes with the above mentioned headache or sore jaw that realization sets in. For some, only a dentist examining the whittling effects on the teeth or someone hearing the person grinding in his or her sleep notifies the person of what he or she is doing.

Why is this a problem? For many with chronic Bruxism, they will eventually grind their teeth down or fracture them to the point that they need crowns, bridges or even dentures.

Additionally, constant grinding can lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). This is a disorder in which the joint connecting the jaw gets out of alignment, causing progressively severe pain and difficulty chewing and sometimes even swallowing.

For some, teeth grinding occurs as a result of an abnormal bite. Your doctor can determine if tooth mis-alignment is the cause and will take steps to correct this. Your dentist will also likely prescribe a custom-made tooth guard to protect your teeth.

For many, the cause of teeth grinding is stress, pure and simple. I know of one client who has to wear her bite guard in traffic just because her stress level is so high and she grinds her teeth (even though awake) without realizing it.

While a tooth guard is a good short term fix for tooth grinding, even if stress induced, the more attractive solution would be to find a way not to grind one’s teeth.

While this may seem impossible, given that most grind their teeth when they don’t realize it, it is possible.

Some simple tips to help include: positioning your tongue in between your teeth to avoid grinding (for daytime grinders), avoiding alcohol, limiting caffeine, and not chewing on anything that isn’t food, including gum. When getting ready to fall asleep remember, “mouth closed, teeth open.”

While the above mentioned tips will help, a plan to remove the stress causing Bruxism is key. This is why I recommend my TMJ No More program. It’s an all natural program designed to reduce stress and works not only for TMJ disorder but also for teeth grinding. Try it – it’s amazing!

EL331002

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