If your employer made fresh produce available at reasonable prices just down the hall, would you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables? Would a few health tips sweeten the deal? A new Brown University study will investigate what it takes to help people eat better.

Good to Go If the price is right, the produce is fresh, and the market is just down the hall, will people eat more fruits and vegetables? Research now under way will find out. Credit: Mike Cohea/Brown University

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Drop that doughnut. In a study called “Good to Go,” health researchers at Brown University will test whether setting up a low-priced, fresh produce market within workplaces will motivate higher employee fruit and vegetable consumption.

“There have been no other studies like this,” said Kim Gans, research professor of community health at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and interim director of the Institute for Community Health Promotion. “We’re reducing prices and bringing it to people where they work, year-round.”

Kim Gans. Interim Director, Institute for Community Health Promotion

Gans knows that eating more fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of several types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. A major focus of public health research is to determine the best ways to help people heed that advice. Good to Go is one of four studies now underway by Gans to learn about what might motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables.

“There are many people who know they should eat more fruits and vegetables but can’t seem to do whatever it takes to make it happen for a variety of reasons, including convenience, habit, taste, cost, availability, family likes and dislikes, cultural norms,” she said. “Meanwhile, there are other people out there who just don’t know about the benefits. Through advertising, we get hit over the head with other good-tasting, cheap, easy-to-find foods that are not very healthy for us.”

In Good to Go, funded by the National Cancer Institute, Gans will take away at least three excuses: cost, convenience, and ignorance. In parallel she’s also doing that on the streets of Providence with a program called “Fresh to You,” where her team has set up weekly low-priced fresh produce markets in a variety of community locations including an outdoor market in downtown Providence.

Efforts such as these might be what’s needed to reverse consumption habits in Rhode Island. According to the Centers for Disease Control, from 2000 to 2009 the percentage of state residents who ate fruit two or more times per day decreased from about 43 percent to 37 percent and the percentage that ate vegetables three or more times per day decreased from about 29 percent to 26 percent.

Workplace produce-ivity

For the workplace study, Gans is looking to recruit 24 employers with at least 200 workers at a single site in either Rhode Island or surrounding communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Each company would participate for a year.

The participating workplaces will be assigned to one of three groups. Eight companies will get an onsite produce market, eight will get the produce market plus educational programs on healthy eating, and the remaining eight companies will receive health promotion and education programs on health topics other than healthy eating. After the first year, the companies in this group would then have the option to host a market.

In each case, about 100 employees will be asked to fill out surveys on their households’ fruit and vegetable consumption and other related topics at the beginning of the year, midway through and at the end of the year. Employees will receive $20 for each survey they complete. Gans and her team will be measuring changes in fruit and vegetable consumption in each of the three groups.

While the health benefits for employees remain to be seen, the sheer convenience of being able to walk down the hall to a conference room to buy oranges or a head of lettuce should delight at least some workers. Because the vendor is a wholesaler, Gans says, the produce is fresher than what’s in the supermarket and almost always less expensive. She said her team monitors prices weekly and beats all but the loss-leader prices in local markets.

For employers, Gans said, the program is a way of providing an employee health promotion and morale-boosting program for free. She will also share her aggregated program data with employers (but not any individual employee data), so they can gain insight into the health of their workforce.

“Employers pay the health insurance for their employees,” she said. “If this program does have effects in improving people’s health, that affects the bottom line. It’s a win-win.”

Employers looking for additional information or interested in taking part can reach Gans by e-mail at goodtogo@brown.edu

*  The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Brown University 
** More information at Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island, USA) 

Would convenient access to affordable fresh produce improve eating habits? is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

- MedicinEzine.com is a carefully selected collection of articles about alternative or complementary forms of medicine products. MedicinEzine.com provides free registration, customer reviews and information, allows customer comments, user comments. MedicinEzine.com
- MedicinEzine.com is a World Journal of medicine articles and reviews, product reviews, customer reviews and opinions. MedicinEzine.com provides the latest medical news and headlines from the world of medicine and healthcare today and tomorrow. MedicinEzine.com News

Related articles / reviews:

1. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … Process of preparing a fresh fish … its head.
2. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … Process of preparing a fresh fish …
3. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce …
4. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … Process of preparing a fresh fish … finally cutting away the fillets.
5. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … Pregnant woman in the process of washing a batch of assorted …

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) increases your chances of having a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Anyone can get it, and as you get older, the likelihood of your developing high blood pressure increases. If you are overweight or obese or if you have diabetes, the odds are even higher.

What is considered high blood pressure?

A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. This means that you don’t have high blood pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future. You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

High blood pressure causes

The causes of high blood pressure vary. Causes may include narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of these conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery walls. High blood pressure might also be caused by another medical problem. Most of the time, the cause is not known. Although high blood pressure usually cannot be cured, in most cases it can be prevented and controlled.

High blood pressure symptoms

High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” because there often are no symptoms. Your numbers are your only warning. Some patients do experience the typical signs of high blood pressure:
- headache
- dizziness
- pounding in the ears
- bloody nose

If you can just picture pressure in your head, then you would remember the signs of high blood pressure.

Systolic and diastolic high blood pressure

Systolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. It is shown as the top number in a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure is 140 and higher for systolic pressure. Systolic high blood pressure is the most common form in middle-aged or older people.

Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. It’s shown as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

The diastolic blood pressure has been and remains, especially for younger people, an important hypertension number. The higher the diastolic blood pressure the greater the risk for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. As people become older, the diastolic pressure will begin to decrease and the systolic blood pressure begins to rise and becomes more important.

High blood pressure chart

High blood pressure medicine

There are several meds that can lower blood pressure. The one chosen depends on such things as: if you have other medical problems; if you take other medication; possible side-effects of the drug; your age; your ethnic origin; etc. Some medicines work well in some people, and not so well in others. One or two drugs may be tried before one is found to suit.

One medicine reduces high blood pressure to the target level in less than half of cases. It is common to need two or more different types to reduce high blood pressure to a target level. In about a third of cases, three medicines or more are needed to get blood pressure to the target level. In some cases, despite treatment, the target level is not reached. However, although to reach a target level is ideal, you will benefit from any reduction in blood pressure.

Best high blood pressure treatments

Alistrol Herbal Blood Pressure Treatment

Alistrol is a  a brand-new, all-natural approach to mitigating stubborn and dangerous high-blood-pressure conditions.

Alistrol is truly different blood-pressure reducing supplement — is not your run-of-the-mill blood-pressure supplement.

Its ingredients have been used in Tibet for literally thousands of years, and only recently ‘rediscovered’ by one of today’s most innovative nutritional formulators, Dr. Stacey Miller, ND.

Alistrol works for people who have tried many other remedies without success. It has no known interactions with prescription high- blood-pressure medicines; you don’t have to risk stopping your other therapies in order to try out Alistrol.

Alistrol‘s patented, natural, organic formula includes:
- Holly Leaf Extract – an in ingredient that contributes to lowering the blood pressure by promoting artery health, blood circulation and calming nervous the system. Human clinical studies confirms the effectiveness of this holly leaf for supporting healthy blood pressure.
- Daikon Seed Extract – Radish seed, raphanus sativus, is used for thousands of years to help promote digestion, release constipation, diarrhea, cough, and asthma, and enhance energy and blood circulation. Modern research finds that radish seed is effective for lowering blood pressure.
- Premium Hawthorne Fruit Extract – an ingredient contributing to lowering the blood pressure by promoting artery health, blood circulation and calming nervous the system. Human clinical studies confirms the effectiveness of this holly leaf for supporting healthy blood pressure. It is also a good antioxidant and have anti-inflammatary and anti-cancer effects.
- Garlic Extract – garlic contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. It has been proven to lower blood cholesterol levels, slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), help lower blood pressure and more.

Click here to get Alistrol now!

Alistrol Reviews and Results

Independent customer reviews and opinions of Alistrol found on forums:

John Henderson – The laboratory that produces Alistrol conforms to or exceeds all Current Good Manufacturing (cGMP). In addition, Alistrol formulators who are based in Sunrise Florida, USA and operate under full compliance from DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards and is duly registered with all governmental agencies. Alistrol is produced within a 130,000 sq.ft state-of-the-art facility. The current annual production capacity exceeds two billion sold doses and 8.4 million bottles.

This stringent set of regulations encompasses every aspect of the manufacturing process; from the way raw materials are received and stored to climate control, employee training, record keeping and more.

Clay Wallis, (Calgary, Canada) - Alistrol is great! When I did my research on natural alternatives to the crappy prescription based medicines, Alistrol fit what I was looking for. There are no side effects, it’s 100% effective (my opinion) and it provides more oxygen flow to your heart and expand’s arteries. I’ve gone to my doctor after using Alistrol for 4 weeks and the results we’re astounding. I feel very calm, relax and my stress levels are gone. I recommend Alistrol to anyone who is suffering from high blood pressure/hypertension. Try it and you will appreicate this amazing natural herbal supplement.

—————-

Sean Mahal - Alistrol is a suitable product for people looking to lower high blood pressure but must be informed that because it’s a natural herbal supplement, it takes at least 2 months before their BP goes down and stays down.

For me, it was 6 weeks of regular use of 6 capsules a day everyday before I saw significant gains. It has stayed down ever since and I do appreicate the benefits. I never had any side effects.

The reason why I chose Alistrol over all others was due to their certifications of which their competitors don’t have.

Samson Jones (Buffalo, NY) – Aaahhh Alistrol…this product has turned my world upside right!! No more constant headaches, night sweats, and a feeling like I am dragging a hundred pound bolder with me everywhere I go. I am forever grateful to the care team who got this product out there! Rock on Alistrol!

Sean Scott – I agree. I have been taking all natural Alistrol since 2003. It’s an amazing product and has saved my life. I now take 3 capsules twice daily to maintain healthy blood pressure. I do believe I have noticed many other benefits from taking this supplement. I have clearer, soft skin, my sleep is solid. I have breath deeper and feel more calm and relax all the time.

The great thing about their product and company is they are open 24 hours a day and have a toll free number where you can call anytime. I spoke with a Ms. Loralee Rees who was very friendly and supportive.

I recommend this product 100%

Click here to get Alistrol now!

-

High blood pressure treatments. Alistrol. is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

- MedicinEzine.com is a carefully selected collection of articles about alternative or complementary forms of medicine products. MedicinEzine.com provides free registration, customer reviews and information, allows customer comments, user comments. MedicinEzine.com
- MedicinEzine.com is a World Journal of medicine articles and reviews, product reviews, customer reviews and opinions. MedicinEzine.com provides the latest medical news and headlines from the world of medicine and healthcare today and tomorrow. MedicinEzine.com News

Related articles / reviews:

1. Omega 3 Index Home Blood Test Kit
2. Chamonix skin care. Neck Treatments.
3. Grape Seed Extract Intake Benefits
4. Garlic as a Dietary supplement
5. Caffeine. Facts on caffeine consumption.

Common Name—grape seed extract

Latin Name—Vitis vinifera

What Grape Seed Extract Is Used For

• Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
• Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
• Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

How Grape Seed Extract Is Used

Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it is still unclear how grape seed might affect human health.
• Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is available.
• A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
• NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
• NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
• Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
• The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Grape Seed Extract Intake Benefits is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

- MedicinEzine.com is a carefully selected collection of articles about alternative or complementary forms of medicine products. MedicinEzine.com provides free registration, customer reviews and information, allows customer comments, user comments. MedicinEzine.com
- MedicinEzine.com is a World Journal of medicine articles and reviews, product reviews, customer reviews and opinions. MedicinEzine.com provides the latest medical news and headlines from the world of medicine and healthcare today and tomorrow. MedicinEzine.com News

Related articles / reviews:

1. Garlic as a Dietary supplement
2. Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … Process of preparing a fresh fish … finally cutting away the fillets.