Research Organism Superheroes: Fruit Flies
Credit: iStock.
Those pesky little bugs flying around the overripe bananas in your kitchen may hold the key to understanding something new about how our bodies work. That’s right, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is a widely used research organism in genetics because of its superpower of reproducing quickly with similar genes to people.
Researchers have been studying fruit flies for over a century for many reasons. First, they’re easy to please—just keep them at room temperature and feed them corn meal, sugar, and yeast (or those bananas on your counter!). Second, they reproduce more quickly and have shor...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - January 17, 2024 Category: Research Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: STEM Education Tools and Techniques Cool Creatures Research Organisms Source Type: blogs
A Periodic Look at Elements
It’s National Chemistry Week! To celebrate, we’re looking back at a few recent blog posts highlighting elements important for human health and scientific research. Check out the posts and tell us what your favorite element is in the comments section!
Credit: Adapted from Compound Interest. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Got Calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. It’s essential for lots of important functions—including keeping bones strong and allowing muscles to move. Even clicking on this post to learn more about its many roles requires calcium!
Credit: Adapted from Compound...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - October 18, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Element Source Type: blogs
Handling Heat On Blood Pressure Medication: Your Summer Health Guide
Conclusion
Summing it up, individuals taking blood pressure medication must be cautious during the hot weather season. Heat exposure can significantly impact blood pressure and may amplify the effects of medication, leading to potentially harmful health conditions.
These risks, however, can be managed with the right precautions such as staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day.
Importantly, each person’s response to heat and medication varies. Hence, a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t ideal. Your healthcare provider is an invaluable resourc...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 26, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
Potassium: The Silent Ally In Your Battle With Hypertension
Conclusion: Balancing Potassium Intake As Part Of An Overall Healthy Lifestyle
While elevating your potassium intake can be instrumental in your battle against high blood pressure, it’s essential to remember that it’s part of a broader health strategy. There’s no magic bullet in managing blood pressure. A symphony of lifestyle adjustments working in harmony is what lays the groundwork for victory.
Eating an overall healthy diet, limiting your sodium intake, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking if needed – all these factors dance hand in hand with your potassium intake. These habits f...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 26, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
Banana Bread (with Chocolate Bits)
I’m generally not a fan of bananas eaten anything other than in vivo, ie., peeled and popped into the mouth, fresh but not too ripe. I don’t like them in ice cream, oatmeal, cereal, cakes or even in fruit salads. Certain foods, in my opinion, just need to be enjoyed one-on-one, you know?
But last week, in my mother-in-law’s kitchen, a few over-ripe bananas were calling out not to be wasted, so my daughter and I decided to make banana bread. I figured that since others were there with us that evening, I would be under no obligation to eat the thing I was making, and my daughter and I would have a littl...
Source: The Blog That Ate Manhattan - July 10, 2023 Category: Primary Care Authors: Margaret Polaneczky, MD Tags: Bread Breakfast Desserts Banana bread Chocolate chips Source Type: blogs
8 Risk Factors Of Low Blood Pressure
Conclusion
In a nutshell, understanding the risk factors associated with low blood pressure is essential for maintaining good health.
Individuals with certain risk factors, such as age, medication usage, underlying medical conditions, dehydration, prolonged bed rest, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, and inherited factors, should be particularly aware of the potential for low blood pressure.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure, communication with healthcare providers, and appropriate management strategies are important for individuals with these risk factors to ensure their well-being.
Furthermore, diet pla...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 23, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
Can You Drink A Juice Cleanse With Hypertension?
Conclusion
Navigating the crossroads of popular health trends and chronic conditions can be challenging. So, can you drink a juice cleanse with hypertension? Yes, but with an asterisk. The nature of the cleanse, your individual health, and the involvement of healthcare professionals all play a pivotal role.
The answer lies in striking the right balance – not too much sodium or sugar, an eye on potassium levels, and regular monitoring of blood pressure. As the experiences of Mark, Sarah, and John demonstrated, the journey is unique for everyone.
In the words of Dr. Naomi Fisher at Harvard Medical School:
...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 23, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
Pump Up the Potassium
The element potassium plays a pivotal role in our bodies. It’s found in all our cells, where it regulates their volume and pressure. To do this, our bodies carefully control potassium levels so that the concentration is about 30 times higher inside cells than outside. Potassium works closely with sodium, which regulates the extracellular fluid volume and has a higher concentration outside cells than inside. These concentration differences create an electrochemical gradient, or a membrane potential.
Potassium is the primary regulator of the pressure and volume inside cells, and it’s important for nerve transmiss...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - June 21, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Molecular Structures Cellular Processes Element Proteins Source Type: blogs
10 Methods To Prevent Low Blood Pressure: Steps Toward Optimal Health
Conclusion
To sum things up, preventing low blood pressure is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and avoiding potential health complications.
By adopting preventive measures, individuals can take control of their health and make informed choices to promote stable blood pressure levels.
Incorporating practices such as staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and monitoring medications can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing low blood pressure episodes and associated symptoms.
Prevention not only reduces immediate he...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 18, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
Avocado Study Reveals 17% Drop In Hypertension Rates
Conclusion
Avocado, a vibrant green fruit loaded with health-boosting nutrients, holds a pivotal role in the dietary management of high blood pressure.
Its impressive nutrient profile, including high potassium content, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, makes it an essential addition to a heart-healthy diet.
The promising findings from the British Journal of Nutrition study underline the potential of avocados as a natural and delicious strategy for managing hypertension.
Remember, the key lies in consistent, moderate consumption, aiming for five servings per week.
And as always, if hypertension is a concer...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 9, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: News Source Type: blogs
Can You Eat Spicy Foods With Hypertension?
Conclusion
In conclusion, for those who can tolerate it, the regular consumption of spicy foods might be more beneficial for people with hypertension than one would think.
However, the key to managing hypertension is a balanced, heart-healthy diet complemented by regular exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or starting any supplement regimen, especially if you are managing a health condition like hypertension.
References
Enjoyment of Spicy Flavor Enhances Central Salty-Taste Perception and Reduces Salt Intake and Bloo...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 5, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
10 Effective High Blood Pressure Treatment Methods: Your Essential Guide To Beating Hypertension
Conclusion
To summarize, early detection by watching out for symptoms of high blood pressure and prompt action are vital when it comes management.
Consulting a doctor to identify the cause of hypertension and addressing it at the root is crucial in preventing its recurrence.
While lifestyle factors contribute significantly to its development, high blood pressure can also coexist as a comorbidity with other health conditions.
While prescription medications prescribed by a doctor are highly effective, alternative approaches can be considered for non-critical conditions.
Incorporating lifestyle changes, such as...
Source: The EMT Spot - May 16, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
10 Effective Blood Pressure Treatment Methods: Your Essential Guide To Beating Hypertension
Conclusion
To summarize, early detection by watching out for symptoms of high blood pressure and prompt action are vital when it comes management.
Consulting a doctor to identify the cause of hypertension and addressing it at the root is crucial in preventing its recurrence.
While lifestyle factors contribute significantly to its development, high blood pressure can also coexist as a comorbidity with other health conditions.
While prescription medications prescribed by a doctor are highly effective, alternative approaches can be considered for non-critical conditions.
Incorporating lifestyle changes, such as...
Source: The EMT Spot - May 16, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
poem
Op Note XXXVIIAfter surgery she had a lot of questions. Mostly to do with eating. Can I have milk? Can I have cheese? Can I eat a salad? What about meat? Fried or grilled? When can I have nuts again? Or fruit? Ones with seeds? Bananas that are still a little green? Should I cut my carrots into dimed slivers? Popcorn without butter? Popcorn with butter? Mushrooms. Beef jerky. Cereals with marshmallows. Cereals that turn the color of the milk aquamarine. Chocolate covered cherries. Chocolate covered strawberries. Chocolate dripped into my mouth like candle wax. A hot candle next to my leg. The taste of tiramisu on a lo...
Source: Buckeye Surgeon - March 5, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Jeffrey Parks MD FACS Source Type: blogs
Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
Lower high blood pressure with these effective home remedies that are easy to apply, whether you’re dealing with mild or more severe cases of the condition.
If you’re searching for natural ways to lower your blood pressure, a few home remedies may help.
From making some lifestyle changes to eating mindfully, these tips can help you get your numbers down.
Talk to your doctor before trying new treatments, and read for more information.
Quick Summary
Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure by making the heart stronger and more efficient.
The DASH diet is a tried-and-tested eating pa...
Source: The EMT Spot - November 1, 2022 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: bpscore-sibera Tags: Guides Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs
