What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic (mm Hg)		Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal	less than 120	and	less than 80
Prehypertension	120–139	or	80–89
High
Stage 1	140–159	or	90–99
Stage 2	160 or higher	or	100 or higher

*Taken from the American Heart Association

Reflecting on the Years

HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine                 
http://www.heartlight.org/


Reflecting on the Years, by Teresa Bell Kindred


"Where have the years gone?" my elderly friend asked me when I
visited her at the nursing home recently.

I replied that I wasn't sure; sometimes the past is like the
blurred view outside the window of a speeding train. My years have
gone by so fast that parts of my journey are just hazy distant
memories, while other events are frozen so clearly in my mind that
they could have happened yesterday. My friend's question and the
fact that I was at a nursing home -- which is the one place where
almost everyone is older than me (if you don't count the people who
work there) -- caused me to reflect about the past year as I drove
back to work.

It's already 2008, but what about last year, I wondered. "What, if
anything, have I accomplished this year?"

 * Did I make anyone's burdens lighter?

 * Did I share with those less fortunate?

 * Was I a good example for my children, my co-workers, and my
   neighbors?

 * Did I invite anyone to church?

 * Was I kind and considerate of others and did I go out of my way
   to comfort those who needed comfort?

 I can't go back and change one single thing!

 * Was I strong for my husband/wife when he/she needed to lean on me, and
   did I remember to tell him everyday how much I love and
   appreciate him?

 * Did I praise my Savior and give thanks for blessings to
   numerous to count?

I can't go back and change one single thing that I did or didn't do
in 2007! However, with God's help and if it is His will, I can do
better in the coming year. Reflection is only beneficial when we
learn from it and use that knowledge to make positive changes in
the future.

Have you ever thought about what the preacher will say when you
come to the end of your life and you are the "main attraction" at
the funeral? I suppose there are lots of people who prefer to
ignore the fact that one day they will die, but I think it can be a
valuable way to remind ourselves of what is really important.

If I were to die tomorrow, I know that it won't matter how many
articles I wrote for Heartlight, how many books I've published, or
how many places I was invited to speak. I don't care if the word
"author" or "writer" is even mentioned at my funeral, but I do want
to be remembered as a strong and faithful Christian, a loving wife
and mother, and a loyal friend. If I can manage all that with God's
help, I will have lived a full and purposeful life -- a life in
which my Father in heaven will be proud. I want to have lived for
Him.

 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it
 up for me, you will find it. (Matthew 10:39 NLT)

Life is Beautiful

Ever felt that you're in the verge of breaking up and feel like dying? That you have nothing to cling to and no one to talk to and you just wanted to disappear? Well I have felt the same thing too before. That's what really comes in to your mind when you are depressed. In science, It is the result of chemical imbalance in the brain often triggered by psychosocial stressors. But in reality, it is the absence of God in your life. People with good spiritual relationship with God don't get depressed, why? Because they have faith, they believe that they have a friend/father/companion whom they can pour or channel out their deepest emotions which is a form of catharsis,which is known to be therapeutic according to Freud.

Well whatever explanation there is, before you come to think of ending your life. Pause, take a deep breath, and try to take a glimpse in your life since you were a child,think of all the good things that God gave you, well if not financially, try to think more important things like health and most of all the breath of life. If you can't still think of something good because you have lived "in hell" then try to think of the cross and remember what Jesus actually did for you. He suffered hard and died so that sinners like you and me could live! He redeemed us from our sins and gave us the gift of salvation out of His unconditional love for us. And then what? You'll just waste it and make all His efforts futile? How dare you! He is the author of our lives and He alone knows when to take it according to His plans. He gave us life to experience the beauty of His creation and to feel His love through His unending provisions. God love's you and you are precious in His eyes! Just allow Him to come inside your heart and begin to face life's challenges with your faith in Him! There are countless ways of making life more meaningful and fruitful.

If you can't still figure out just what to do, go to the hospital nearest you and try to see all the people who would like to trade places with you...

Janette M. Laurente

MOTHER

HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine http://www.heartlight.org/


Mother, by Teresa Bell Kindred


When you are young, she is cookies and milk after school.

She is a comforting hug after a bad dream in the middle of the
night.

She is the cold rag on a feverish forehead.

A calm strength when you are frightened.

By the time you are a teenager, she is nosy and bossy.

She has more advice than Dear Abby.

She is old and out of touch.

She insists you go to church and prays daily you will not stray too
far from the principles she has taught you.

She is the first to jump to your defense when someone criticizes
you, and the first to tell you when you are wrong.

Years pass. You are a young woman and it is your wedding day.

She is more than your mother; she is your friend and she rejoices
at your happiness.

The proud look on her face tells the world how much she loves you.

When she becomes a grandmother, the advice she gave you when you
were a child suddenly takes on new meaning.

She never tires of hearing about her grandchildren's antics or
accomplishments, and she relishes in relating stories about them
over and over to anyone who will listen.

When she holds her grandchild in her arms, you see the same look of
love on her face that was there for you when you were a child.

More years pass and time begins to take its toll.

Her hair is now gray and her face lined with wrinkles. Her eyesight
and hearing are failing.

Her body is bent and her step unsure.

Now it is your turn!

She is forgetful and frail and then one day ... she is gone.

She is memories of comforting hugs in the middle of the night,
cookies and milk after school, the proud look on her face the day
of your wedding, the loving way she held your child.

She's gone, and yet she is with you because when you look in the
mirror, you see the woman she molded, as well as the little girl
who still longs to run to the comfort of her mother's arms.

Now it is your turn to do the things she did, and when you do them

You remember her love and realize that at last you know her secret.

A mother is mortal, with imperfections and failings.

She cannot solve the problems of the universe, nor can she protect
her children from every danger.

She can only try.

You wish with all your heart that you could tell her "thank you"
one more time.

And you can almost hear her whisper, "Thank me by loving your
children as much as I loved you."

She has given you something priceless, the legacy of her love.

This is taken from Teresa's great new book, Mom: PhD.
---------