Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Blog
Home blood pressure monitoring is essential for managing heart health. But when it comes to choosing a device, not all options are equal. While wrist blood pressure monitors may seem convenient, there's a compelling case for opting instead for validated upper-arm models. Let’s get to it! 1. Accuracy Concerns with Wrist Monitors • Wrist monitors are highly sensitive to positioning. If your wrist isn’t exactly at heart level, readings can be significantly skewed. You must align the cuff precisely with the radial artery and keep your wrist still to even attempt accuracy. • A clinical study found that wrist readings were on average 16 mmHg higher systolic / 6 mmHg higher diastolic than standard upper-arm readings—a substantial divergence. • Another analysis concluded that wrist self-measurement often leads to falsely elevated…
Read More
Save Money On Your Blood Pressure Monitor

Save Money On Your Blood Pressure Monitor

Blog
Save Money On Your Blood Pressure Monitor. High blood pressure can be a silent problem—but keeping track of it doesn’t have to break the bank. If your doctor has recommended checking your blood pressure at home, you may be wondering: Do I really have to spend a lot of money on a monitor? The good news is, you don’t. With a little know-how, you can find an accurate monitor and even get help paying for it. 1. Check Your Insurance Coverage Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states, cover part or all of the cost of a home blood pressure monitor if your doctor prescribes it. Call your insurance company and ask: Is a home blood pressure monitor covered? Do I need a prescription from my…
Read More
How People Are Lowering Their Blood Pressure Naturally

How People Are Lowering Their Blood Pressure Naturally

Blog
How People Are Lowering Their Blood Pressure Naturally. What is the RESPeRATE Device? RESPeRATE is an FDA-cleared, non-drug device designed to help lower blood pressure naturally. It works by guiding you through slow, paced breathing exercises. The device uses a small sensor and headphones: it measures your breathing and plays musical tones that gradually guide you to slow your breaths down. Over time, this type of breathing relaxes the constricted blood vessels, reduces stress, and can lower blood pressure. Unlike medications, RESPeRATE doesn’t have side effects, and it can be used at home for about 15 minutes a few times a week. Studies have shown it can produce an additional drop in blood pressure when used alongside lifestyle changes or prescribed treatment. Patient Story "Hi, my name is Maria. I’m…
Read More
Save Money and Time on Prescription Medications

Save Money and Time on Prescription Medications

Blog
Managing prescription costs is a key concern for many, especially for those with chronic health conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of opting for a 90-day supply of medication, how to take advantage of savings programs like the $4 list and GoodRx, and share five proven ways to save money on prescription drugs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using private mom-and-pop pharmacies. Why Choose a 90-Day Supply Over a 30-Day Supply? A 90-day supply of medication can offer significant advantages over the traditional 30-day prescription refill schedule. Here’s why: 1. Cost Savings Many insurance plans and pharmacies offer lower pricing for a 90-day supply compared to three separate 30-day supplies. For example, insurers may charge two co-pays for a 90-day supply instead of three for…
Read More
Understanding the Stages of COVID-19 and Effective Treatment at Each Stage

Understanding the Stages of COVID-19 and Effective Treatment at Each Stage

Blog
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can manifest in a variety of ways, from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress. The disease progresses through several stages, each requiring different treatment approaches. Early and accurate diagnosis, timely testing, and careful management are crucial to preventing complications and improving outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore the stages of COVID-19, treatment options, and key recommendations based on evidence-based medicine. Stage 1: Early Stage (Days 1-3) Symptoms: During the early phase, individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and mild shortness of breath. This stage can be asymptomatic in some cases, but it is still highly infectious. The virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation.Paxlovid is the drug of choice for many people. Click here…
Read More
Lower Your Blood Pressure with Isometric Exercises: Evidence-Based Insights That’s Unbelievable

Lower Your Blood Pressure with Isometric Exercises: Evidence-Based Insights That’s Unbelievable

Blog
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. While medications are a cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle changes, including specific exercises, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of isometric exercises in reducing blood pressure. What Are Isometric Exercises? Isometric exercises involve muscle contractions without movement. Unlike dynamic exercises like running or weightlifting, isometric movements focus on holding a position or engaging a muscle without changing its length. Common examples include planks, wall sits, and handgrip squeezes. The Science Behind Isometric Exercises and Blood Pressure A recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine compared the effects of isometric exercise training (IET) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure. The study analyzed 38 randomized controlled trials involving…
Read More
How GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight

How GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight

Blog
How GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide are making waves in the medical community, and for a good reason. These groundbreaking medications, initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes, have become some of the most effective tools for weight loss. But their benefits don’t stop there. Studies show these medications may also reduce cravings for alcohol and even impulsive behaviors like shopping. Let’s explore how GLP-1 drugs work, their surprising effects on the brain, and what this means for managing compulsive habits. What Are GLP-1 Drugs? GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by stimulating insulin release and slowing digestion, keeping blood sugar stable after meals. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic…
Read More
How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure and Managing Alcohol Withdrawal for Hypertension

How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure and Managing Alcohol Withdrawal for Hypertension

Blog
Excessive alcohol consumption is closely linked to elevated blood pressure, often leading to hypertension and a greater risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. For people dependent on alcohol, quitting can trigger withdrawal symptoms that may even worsen blood pressure. This blog explains the effects of alcohol on blood pressure, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and tips for safely managing withdrawal for those with hypertension. How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure and Hypertension Alcohol and High Blood Pressure Research shows that regular, heavy drinking can elevate blood pressure and lead to long-term hypertension. Here’s how this happens: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Increases: Alcohol triggers the release of stress hormones, like adrenaline, which can cause blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster, ultimately increasing blood pressureid Retention**: Alcohol…
Read More
Why Taking Blood Pressure Pills at the Same Time Every Day Matters

Why Taking Blood Pressure Pills at the Same Time Every Day Matters

Blog
Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) is essential for maintaining good health, and one of the most important factors in effective management is medication adherence. Consistently taking blood pressure medication at the same time every day can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous blood pressure spikes—sudden and severe increases in blood pressure. In this blog post, we'll explore why consistent timing matters, what happens during a blood pressure spike, and how both can impact your overall health. 1. Why Consistent Medication Timing is Crucial Blood pressure medications are most effective when taken regularly. Establishing a daily routine helps maintain stable medication levels in your bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of fluctuations that can lead to spikes. When patients take their medication at the same time each day, they can: Ensure Optimal Effectiveness:…
Read More
How to Choose a Validated Blood Pressure Monitor and Monitor Your Blood Pressure Effectively

How to Choose a Validated Blood Pressure Monitor and Monitor Your Blood Pressure Effectively

Blog
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you keep it under control and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. However, the first step is choosing a reliable, validated blood pressure monitor. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to pick the right monitor and provide tips on monitoring your blood pressure accurately to take charge of your health. Why Home Blood Pressure Monitoring is Important If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or prehypertension, your healthcare provider may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home. Regular monitoring allows you to: Track your progress: You can see if lifestyle changes or medications are effectively lowering your blood pressure. Detect changes…
Read More