Waving Health - our journeys into health and wellness

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms and can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for hypertension. What is Hypertension? Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Normal blood pressure is typically defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher and a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. Causes of Hypertension There are several factors that can contribute to the development of hypertension,

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in the blood and is essential for good health. It plays a crucial role in building healthy cells, producing hormones, and digesting fats. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can increase the risk of developing heart diseases. In this blog post, we'll explore the good and bad aspects of cholesterol, and how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat-like substance, that is found in the bloodstream and in all cells of the body. It is essential for good health, as it helps build healthy cell membranes and plays a critical role in producing hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream by two types of lipoproteins, known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol, as high levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of plaqu

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart's functioning. Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.9 million people die annually due to heart disease. Heart diseases can affect people of all ages and genders, but they are more common among older adults and men. Understanding heart diseases is crucial to prevent and manage these conditions. Image credits: Bermix Studio Types of Heart Diseases Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. The plaque buildup can cause the arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If left untreated, CAD can lead to a heart attack. Heart Failure Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood

 Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people die each year due to cardiovascular disease. This includes heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential for living a long, healthy life. In this blog post, we will discuss what cardiovascular health is, its importance, and how you can improve your cardiovascular health. Image credits: Coen van de Broek What is Cardiovascular Health? Cardiovascular health refers to the health of the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. The heart pumps blood through the arteries, veins, and capillaries, and the blood vessels transport the blood throughout the body. Good cardiovascular health is essential for maintaining good overall health and preventing cardiovascular disease. Importa

Pilates is a workout system that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to tone and strengthen muscles while also providing a low-impact workout. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and was originally used to help injured dancers and athletes recover from injuries. Today, it is used by people of all ages and fitness levels to improve their overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what Pilates is, its benefits, and how you can get started. Image credits: Alex Shaw What is Pilates? Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on controlled movements that engage the core muscles of the body. It emphasizes the development of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Pilates exercises are typically done on a mat or with specialized equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, or Wunda Chair. One of the unique features of Pilates is that it is a low-impact form of exercise. This means that it is easy on the joint

Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation over the years, and for good reason. Yoga is not just a physical exercise, but also a practice that has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.  Image credits: Carl Barcelo In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of yoga and how it can help improve your overall well-being. Physical Benefits of Yoga Increased Flexibility One of the most well-known benefits of yoga is increased flexibility. Yoga poses or asanas, involve stretching and twisting your body in various ways that can help improve your flexibility. Regular practice of yoga can help you move your body more easily and comfortably, which can prevent injury and improve your overall mobility. Improved Strength Yoga poses require you to hold and maintain positions for extended periods of time, which can help build strength in your muscles. Practicing yoga regularly can help increase your muscular endurance, and can also help prevent a