Take your meds the right way, every day
As Sharron’s experience shows, high blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it can be easy to forget to take needed medication. Here are some helpful tips from Gregory Pokrywka, MD, FACP, Director of the Baltimore Lipid Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine read more »
A program to lower cholesterol
Part I
Understanding the Problem
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed literature to help people with unhealthy levels of blood cholesterol. It is part of the National Cholesterol Education Program, which provides guidelines for making therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) in diet, physical activity, and weight management to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. Even when drug treatment is needed to lower blood cholesterol, the TLC Program should still be followed.
Coming up read more »
Alternating heat and cold speeds stroke rehab
American Heart Association has deemed a study of 46 stroke survivors a major milestone in that it showed alternating cycles of heat and cold (thermal stimulation) to significantly improve the function of paralyzed upper limbs. The study participants either underwent standard rehabilitation therapy for stroke or had standard treatment plus thermal stimulation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Hot packs (at 167° F) and cold packs (slightly below 32° F) were first wrapped in towels to prevent tissue damage from the packs’ extreme temperatures. read more »
Dietary fats and stroke: Is there a link?
Scientists are puzzled…they don’t know how big—or small—a role certain “bad fats” play in raising stroke risk. What does this mean for you? read more »
Make the most of your meds
Taking medicine correctly isn’t always easy—especially if you’re taking multiple medications. It can be hard to remember how and when to take each medicine. read more »
Stroke: Acting quickly is key
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death in the US. Clot-busting drugs known as fibrinolytics are available to treat ischemic stroke. read more »
Ways to protect yourself
Before your next visit, tell your doctor you’d like an assessment of your fasting lipid profile. read more »
Lowering cholesterol levels cuts heart attack risk
Lowering cholesterol levels cuts heart attack risk read more »
Hold the (cell) phone...but not too close, High-tech tips for cardiac device users
Electrical and strong magnetic devices can interfere with signals put out by pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). read more »