How you feel

How you feel, is more important than anything else. This statement by itself puts our feelings in an important place in our life. and is an interesting statement. However, according to David Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy; and director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California, Ultimately, feelings can annoy us or delight us, but that is not what they are for.

He goes on to say that "Feelings are for life regulation, providers of information concerning basic homeostasis or the social conditions of our lives. Feelings tell us about risks, dangers, and ongoing crises that need to be averted. On the nice side of the coin, they can inform us about opportunities. They can guide us toward behaviours that will improve our overall homeostasis and, in the process, make us better human beings, more responsible for our own future and the future of others."

According to Dornsife, the brain is constantly receiving signals from the body, registering what is going on inside of us. The brain processes these signals into neural maps, which it then compiles in centers in our brain. Feelings occur when these maps are read by the brain and we become aware that emotional changes have been recorded, like a snapshot of our physical state.

As our brain receives this information we choose how we react to our physical state, and so we have the ability to choose, moment by moment how we feel.

You may live in Canad if....

Thanks to my cousin Irene for sharing this from Lana 

Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Canadians, during a recent appearance at Caesars in Windsor:

If someone in a Home Depot store 
Offers you assistance and they don't work there, 
You may live in Canada.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You may live in Canada.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation 
With someone who dialled a wrong number, 
You may live in Canada.

If 'Vacation' means going anywhere 
South of Kelowna for the weekend, 
You may live in Canada.

If you measure distance in hours, 
You may live in Canada.

If you know several people 
Who have hit a deer more than once, 
You may live in Canada.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' 
On the same day and back again, 
You may live in Canada.

If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow 
During a raging blizzard without flinching, 
You may live in Canada.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, 
But leave both unlocked, 
You may live in Canada.

If you carry jumper cables in your car 
And your wife knows how to use them, 
You may live in Canada.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume 
To fit over a snowsuit, 
You may live in Canada.

If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km -- 
You're going 95 and everybody is passing you, 
You may live in Canada.

If driving is better in the winter 
Because the potholes are filled with snow, 
You may live in Canada.

If you know all 4 seasons: 
Almost winter, winter, still winter, 
and road construction, 
You may live in Canada.

If you have more miles 
On your snow blower than your car, 
You may live in Canada.

If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly', 
You may live in Canada.

If you actually understand these jokes, you definitely are Canadian and proud to be.

Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?

I was not aware that I had high blood pressure until my doctor told me and at first it was a shock. I did not know what the risks for high blood pressure were and when I found out what they were, I was still surprised by my diagnosis. There are many different causes of high blood pressure. 

Your blood pressure is high if it is over 120/80, which is the normal level of blood pressure. There are many everyday lifestyle habits that raise your pressure that you might not be aware of. One of those is being overweight. If you are overweight you are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

Try to start a healthy diet or start exercising. Even losing a measly ten pounds can help you drastically and keep your blood pressure normal. Physical inactivity is also another lifestyle habit that causes many of us to develop high blood pressure.

If you are not very physically active, consider starting. You can easily adapt any exercise to your everyday routine; you just have to plan it out. Try to do at least thirty minutes of exercise a day. This will help lower or control your blood pressure.

Many people are not concerned with what they eat, yet they want to be healthy. These two do not go together. If you want to stay healthy, you have to watch what you eat. Having unhealthy eating habits can cause high blood pressure as well. Try to eat less salt or sodium and more vegetables and fruits.

If you are using tobacco products there is a great risk of developing high blood pressure. Smoking is a very common habit in the world and many people who smoke, might have high blood pressure and not even know it. There are many ways to help rid the habit of nicotine or use of any tobacco product. 

Everyone is stressed at some point during their lives. You might be stressed every day or just once in a while. Whatever the case may be, you can still develop high blood pressure through stress. If you find yourself stressed more often than not, consider some relaxation techniques. Meditation is a great way to start. If this doesn't work, consider something different.

Drinking alcohol also causes high blood pressure. Do you drink quite a bit? More than two drinks for a man and more than one for a woman can raise their blood pressure. If you drink more than this, consider cutting back. Once again, if you are addicted to drinking, or smoking, you can find many ways to help you quit.

These are very common lifestyle habits that cause high blood pressure. If you are at risk for high blood pressure or already have it, consider purchasing a home blood pressure monitoring device. This can help ensure that whatever habits you are changing or modifying are working.

Sometimes this change is not enough. You might have to use medication or incorporate medication with your exercise routine, etc. The best way to know this is to visit your doctor. Ask any and all questions you might be concerned about. They will happy to assist you in helping you have a healthier and active lifestyle.

High Blood Pressure?

I have high blood pressure and once I was diagnozed I realized that I had to take control of my blood pressure so I could take control of my health. Who doesn't want to have a healthy and long life? Taking care of your body can help ensure you get to enjoy a  long and healthy lifestyle.

You should be receiving regular blood pressure checks at your regular doctor visits. If you want to check it more often than you go to the doctor, you can purchase a home device that lets you monitor your blood pressure. There are different kinds to choose from.

Two of those are the aneroid and digital monitor. There are ups and downs to both monitors so you want to choose which one is best for you. The aneroid monitor uses a pointer to let you read your blood pressure. The digital monitor displays your reading on a screen which makes it easier to read. I use a digital monitor which I find easier, but it is more expensive than the aneroid monitor. Check them out and even discuss with your doctor which one might be better for you. Once you purchase it, have your doctor show you how to effectively use it.

Among taking your own blood pressure readings, you can double check your lifestyle habits. Are you on a healthy diet? Eating healthy will help keep your blood pressure low and normal. Cut back on salt and sodium if you can't get rid of it altogether. Opt for seasonings instead.

Introduce more vegetables and fresh fruits into your diet. Once you become used to eating certain foods, it will be easier to do it every day. Before you know it you will be in the habit of eating healthy foods and won't think twice before doing so.

If you use tobacco or drink excessive amounts of alcohol try to cut back or refrain completely. These will raise your blood pressure putting you at more risk for a stroke or heart disease. 

If you cannot quit these on your own there are plenty of resources and medications to help you. Talk with your doctor about the best way to go about quitting.

Would you consider yourself at a healthy weight or overweight? Overweight people are more prone to developing high blood pressure and if this is your case, try to lose at least ten pounds. You should see results in your blood pressure as well as the way you feel. 

If you are not already regularly physically active, try to do at least thirty minutes of physical activity or exercise every day. This will help lower your blood pressure as well as make you feel a whole lot better. 

If you find yourself lacking the motivation to do some of these things, talk with a friend or relative that could buddy up with you. Having someone to exercise with or take on a challenge such as quitting smoking or drinking can help drastically.

Having high blood pressure puts your health at risk and that alone should be motivation but to some, it isn't. Do not be discouraged, there are many ways to help lower your blood pressure.

If these lifestyle changes do not help, consider medication. There are many different kinds of blood pressure medications and sometimes they need to be combined with a healthy lifestyle to work more effectively.

If you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure talk with your doctor. Let them know what you want and they can help find the way that is best for you to control or maintain your blood pressure letting you control your health as well.