High blood pressure means a persons blood pressure is consistently too high which in turn means the heat needs to work harder in order to pump blood around the body. While the condition doesnt pose any serious health risks in the beginning, overtime, a consistently high blood pressure reading could lead to potentially life-threatening conditions including heart and circulatory diseases like heart attack or stroke.

Drinking as little as a half-cup of green tea per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50 percent, according to a new study of Chinese tea drinkers.

Researchers found that men and women who drank tea on a daily basis for at least a year were much less likely to develop hypertension than those who didnt and the more tea they drank, the bigger the benefits.

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What makes green tea so healthy

Green teas contain organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant.

Polyphenols can be broken down into many subcategories, including a group called flavonoids, which contain catechins.

Catechins are tiny powerhouse antioxidants found in green tea that destroy free radicals and improve the vascular system.

Catechins help to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which means it helps to increase the size of the arteries, lowering a persons blood pressure. Arteries narrow with age when the endothelium lining of arteries cease to function properly.

Because of this, different medical conditions such as plaque build-up can occur, which in turn raises blood pressure.

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High blood pressure: Drinking this tea every day could lower your reading - what is it? - Express

Intermittent fasting has been on our minds a lot this past year, and apparently, it's been on everyone else's as well. Google revealed their most-searched diets of 2019, and IF reigns at No. 1.

Celebrities like Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Aniston have been vocal about liking intermittent fasting (or time-restricted eating), but beyond the celebrity status, IFhas proven health benefits, which is why it's not surprising that it's climbed from the eighth spot last year to the top.

Intermittent fasting is a far cry from the fat-and-carb-fearing diets of the past. While there has been some debate about how long people can safely practice intermittent fasting and the potential dangers of fasting for women, most doctors have acknowledged the diet as more than just a trend. "This isn't a passing fad: It's a 5,000-year-old fad. All of the mechanisms of fasting are deeply, intrinsically human, Jason Fung, M.D., told us in our beginner's guide to IF.

This is because intermittent fasting is more about changing your lifestyle and promoting long-term healthlike decreasing your risk of diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and high blood pressurethan a quick-fix for weight loss.

This movement of overall well-being versus weight loss alone was evident in most of the top 10 diet searches. These included Dr. Sebi diet (No. 2), which promotes plant-based foods and supplements that claim to support alkalinity within the body; the Noom diet (No. 3), an app that allows users to track their meals, consult with health coaches, set goals, and track their workouts; and the Sirtfood diet (No. 7), created by two nutritionists who encourage people to drink red wine and eat dark chocolate and other foods that release sirtuins (or sirts), a protein that regulates metabolism.

While we were not surprised by what we did see, we were a bit surprised by what we didn't. The Mediterranean diet was named No. 5 most searched last year and is still a commonly utilized meal plan that promotes healthy aging and brain health. Somehow, it did not make this year's list. Similarly, the keto diet was No. 1 last year and didn't even end up in this year's top 10.

We're already eager to see what people are searching for in 2020!

The rest is here:
Intermittent Fasting Is (Unsurprisingly) The Most Searched Diet Of 2019 - mindbodygreen.com

BLARNEY woman and centenarian Peg Curtin, nee Morrissey, has friends in high places.

The 100-year-old, a resident at East Cork care home, Oaklodge, recently found out she has links to a former U.S President.

When the Morrissey relations came along to celebrate my 100th birthday here on November 21, one of them mentioned that they had done the family tree, tracing the family history, and that we were related to President Reagan, says Peg, aka, Margaret Mary Morrissey, who gave an impromptu speech on her big day and sang a song or two as well.

Isnt that something! says Peg, who at 100 years old is hale and hearty.

It is a big deal.

It is a very big deal, agrees Peg, delighted with life. Im connected to a man who was President of the United States of America!

It is quite something that Peg has had need of very little medical intervention during her long and happy life. The reason? She believes whole-heartedly in divine intervention.

God is my best buddy! she says smiling.

I prayed all my life. I believe in the power of prayer and going to Mass. I go to mass every day.

She was also blessed with a happy marriage to Laurence, who passed away in 1995.

I met him at the Arcadia dance hall in Cork, says Peg, who had five siblings and who is the only surviving member of her immediate family.

We were very happy together. We got married in 1942 during World War Two. After living in Limerick for a while, we moved to Blarney and we settled there, raising our five children, Edith, twins Phyllis and Sheila, Paddy and Joy.

Sadly, Peg lost two of her children, Edith in 2011, and Shiela in 2017.

Mams faith was always her passion, says Pegs daughter, Phyllis.

She was always a very devout Catholic and she donated generously to the church all her life. And she is still very involved with the church to this day.

Peg paced herself.

Mam always had a nap between 2pm and 3pm every day, no matter what, says Phyllis.

And she kept active. Reading was a great hobby of hers and she loves meeting people. Shes very chatty.

Peg knows her own mind.

Mam was always very independent, says Phyllis.

And she lived independently until the age of 98.

Peg also likes her style. Phyllis and Joy bought their mother a lovely new dress to wear for her 100th birthday.

Its gorgeous, says Peg.

The colours in the dress are really beautiful. I love it. I looked very glamorous on my birthday! I was just amazed at the turn-out.

All my family and grandchildren came to enjoy the day with me. My relations travelled from Dungarvan and Waterford.

All the staff here made my birthday a very special occasion. It was really lovely.

And I got lots of lovely presents. I never expected such a mighty reception.

She loves the portrait that Cork artist Gillian Cussen painted for her, to mark Pegs amazing milestone reaching the age of 100 years old. It is a good likeness.

I suppose it is, says Peg, examining the portrait close-up.

And the painting is a lovely keepsake.

She has another valuable keepsake.

I got the letter from the Irish President himself! says Peg. Michael D wrote to me from the Ars!

The honorary cheque given to all Irish citizens who reach 100 years, 2,540, is safely in Pegs bank account.

But its her good health all her life which has made her rich beyond measure.

My mother always had great health, says Phyllis.

She always took her vitamins and she was very tuned in to what she should be eating, having a healthy diet with lots of fruit and veg.

Peg, a former librarian, who has 13 grand-children, had another valuable asset a positive outlook on life.

Nothing worries me, she says.

And I never believed in rowing with people. Life is too short.

Does she like living near the sea now?

I moved into an apartment in the city when I left my house in Blarney, says Peg.

I was nearer to my grandchildren and to the church. God is very important to me.

When you are on the planet for 100 years, you get used to anything!

How does a mere mortal live to be 100?

Living a good life, says Peg. Not having too many stresses in life, or worrying about things too much.

Looking after yourself. I smoked a bit in my younger days and I took an odd drink, but very little.

Peg, who was born in Cork to Paddy and Edith Morrissey on November 21, 1919, is intent on enjoying her centenary year.

I love being around people, and the people here at Oaklodge couldnt be nicer, says Peg.

And I can sing in the choir at church every day.

What is her favourite hymn?

I sang twice on my birthday! she says. It is a beautiful hymn.

With that, this great lady, who has friends in lots of places, is off to 3pm mass, still enjoying her favourite and precious pursuit at 100 years old.

Read the original:
Cork woman: The secret to living to 100 is... - Echo Live

0 of 5

UFC 245 includes three championship fights, several legendary all-time greats and a slew of up-and-coming challengers looking to make huge splashes by winning the biggest fights of their careers.

That's not a bad way to end 2019, and probably an even better way to get the jump on all the massive promotions that are already scheduled to happen early next year.

But with so many good fighters competing in such important matchups, which of the 10 UFC stalwarts throwing down on the main card this weekend at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will walk out of the Octagon with important victories under the belts?

Your favorite MMA media crew here at Bleacher Report is back again with UFC 245 main card staff picks.

1 of 5

Kelsey McCarson

I'm sure UFC would love to see Urijah Faber try for the UFC title he never won during his earlier run with the company, but Petr Yan just seems like too much for the 40-year-old former WEC featherweight champion to handle at this point.

Yan has won eight straight fights entering the contest, and it seems like the 26-year-old is on the verge of getting his first title shot. Faber would be wise to take Yan to the mat as much as humanly possible, but I don't think he'll be able to trap Yan there enough based on how strong Yan is and how he most assuredly will do everything in his power to keep the fight from going there.

Yan, unanimous decision

Jonathan Snowden

Faber turned 40 this year. That's about 127 in fighter years, especially considering some of the grueling fights the "California Kid" had over the course of his long career.

Suffice to say, that's not a good thing. I see Yan backing the legend up against the cage and turning his lights off when an overhand right.

Yan, KO, Round 2

Tom Taylor

As Jonathan reminds, Faber is 40 years old. This isn't The California Kid we're talking about, but a full-grown, child-rearing California Man whose best fighting days are behind him. I realize that sounds a little harsh, but I just don't see him being able to compete with the apex predators of today's bantamweight division.

Yan, a rabidly aggressive 26-year-old who trains at the suitably named Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand, is one of those predators. He hasn't been much of a finisher recently, but I expect him to win this one decisively.

Yan via unanimous decision

2 of 5

Kelsey McCarson

Older fighters going down a weight class after successful campaigns in higher divisions almost always ends badly. Jose Aldo is 33, and some people consider him the best featherweight in UFC history. But Marlon Moraes isn't just some random trial horse Aldo is facing to get his feet wet at bantamweight.

Moraes looked great for two rounds against UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo in his last fight before the tide suddenly turned and he suffered the knockout. The 31-year-old needs to make a big statement to get another crack at the title, and beating Aldo will go a long way toward helping him do that.

Moraes via unanimous decision

Jonathan Snowden

Aldo is the most accomplished featherweight in history, a living legend whose name is mentioned in elite company when you start listing off the greatest to ever do it. Long-time fans likely feel like they've been watching him foreverand it's kind of true. His eight-second knockout of Cub Swanson with a spectacular flying knee was more than a decade ago, and he won what would become the UFC featherweight title in hisnext fight.

All this is just a prelude to set up this amazing tidbit: Despite all this history, Aldo is just 33 years-old. That's why, even though he looks like the poster child for a diet pill gone wrong as he tries to drop to 135 pounds, I'm going with the veteran. It's too soon to give up on greatness.

Aldo via unanimous decision

Tom Taylor

I'm part of the large and vocal group of fight fans that think Aldo is making a mistake by dropping down to bantamweight. He was always a pretty slender featherweight, and it's hard to imagine him safely stripping any more mass off his body without compromising his durability and endurance. But you know what? He says the drop has been "easy" so far, and I'm going to take his word for it.

So long as the weight cut doesn't kill him, I see Aldo winning this one pretty handily. Moraes isgood, no doubt, but Jose Aldo is truly great. Even at 33, even after an extra-tough weight cut, he's great. I suspect the difference between very good and great will manifest itself in some kind of late stoppage, perhaps when Moraes starts to slow down.

Aldo, TKO, Round 3

3 of 5

Kelsey McCarson

Part of me wants to go full hipster mode and pick Germaine de Randamie via shocking upset. The 35-year-old hasn't lost since Amanda Nunes stopped her in the first round back in 2013, and she's a good enough kickboxer to present some problems for Nunes assuming she can withstand the early barrage this time around.

The problem for De Ranamie is that Nunes seems to be peaking right now, and that says a lot since Nunes is already considered the greatest women's division MMA fighter ever. History will repeat itself this weekend when the two fight for the second time, only this time it will probably happen ever faster. Because everyone seems to make the same mistake against Nunes as of late. They show up for the fight.

Nunes, KO, Round 1

Jonathan Snowden

The first time these two met, six years ago at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Nunes pushed her opponent up against the cage, took her to the mat, calmly moved on to full mount and dropped punches and elbows until referee Herb Dean felt compelled to step in.

I'm not sure how much has changed since then.

If Nunes feels compelled to engage in a standing battle, this could be a five-round grind. But I think she'll eventually take the bout to the floor and walk away with another line item on her GOAT resume.

Nunes, TKO, Round 3

Tom Taylor

At this stage, Nunes is as close to a sure-thing as you'll find in fighting. She should be massively favored to beat any fighter she's matched up with, especially De Randamie. After all, she's done it before.

Yes, De Randamie has improved since that fateful night at Fort Campbell, but Nunes has done more than change. She's evolved into the kind of fighter you can't possibly pick against. She's smart, she's confident, she's powerful and she's experienced. All signs point to another decisive win from the woman who made Miesha Tate, Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg look mediocre.

Nunes, Submission, Round 2

4 of 5

Kelsey McCarson

Max Holloway has won 13 straight contests in the featherweight division and is attempting the fourth defense of the undisputed featherweight title he won by defeating the legendary Jose Aldo at UFC 212 in 2017. He's been one of the very best fighters of the last half-decade, and he's still only 28 years old. But Alexander Volkanovski has been on a serious tear. He's powerful, aggressive and smart, which is the right combination of things that typically give Holloway trouble. I expect this one to be the best fight of the night, with Volkanovski pulling the upset in a fight that people argue over for years to come.

Volkanovski via split decision

Jonathan Snowden

The 28-year-old Holloway should be coming into his prime years. But he's seen some things in those 28 years, especially the seven spent in UFC's Octagon. He took quite a walloping against Dustin Poirier in April and those kinds of beatings can have lasting effects.

He survived in the immediate aftermath against Frankie Edgarbut he won't be lucky enough to walk away a second time unscathed. Look for Volkanovski to become just the fourth man to win featherweight gold.

Volkanovski via split decision

Tom Taylor

I completely understand why Kelsey and Jonathan are leaning toward Volkanovski in this fight. Poirier showed that Holloway can be beaten with the right combination of aggression, volume, and power, and it's easy to imagine the tankish featherweight title challenger Volkanovski putting those things together Saturday. Furthermore, I feel like Holloway's time is coming. As Jonathan pointed out, the kind of punishment he absorbed against Poirier has a lasting effect.

I don't think Holloway's reign will end at UFC 245, though. I think his range, his height, and speed should keep him out of the range of Volkanovski's C-4-packed fists. Even if he absorbs a few impacts, I think he's probably still durable enough to survive. It might not be the kind of decisive win we've gotten used to from the champ, but I think he'll do enough to keep the belt in Hawaii.

Max Holloway via unanimous decision

5 of 5

Kelsey McCarson

Grudge matches are great, but what's even better is when two elite fighters match up so well against each other that it's almost impossible to pick a winner headed into the fight.

That's what I think we're getting in the main event on Saturday night with Kamaru Usman's welterweight title defense against Colby Covington. Usman looks like he might be physically stronger than Covington and is for sure the harder puncher. But Covington is probably the better wrestler from a technical standpoint, and he's one of the best pressure fighters the sport has to offer.

If Usman can make this fight about strength and power, he should be able to compete. But I think Covington will outwork him over the course of the five rounds and press Usman into making some key mistakes down the stretch that end up giving Covington the biggest win of his career.

Covington via split decision

Jonathan Snowden

These men are both outstanding wrestlers. Veteran observers know that can mean only one thingfive rounds of kickboxing.

It's Covington's output against Usman's power. It's a real toss up, but they won't be celebrating at the White House on Sunday morning.

Usman via unanimous decision

Tom Taylor

I think all of the trash talk has distracted from how good this fight actually is. As Kelsey mentioned, these dudes are evenly matched on paper. About the same age, about the same height, both 15-1, both wrestlers with bottomless cardio and high striking outputs. It's definitely hard to confidently pick a winner.

Having had to do just that for another B/R article earlier this week, though, I've had some time to think about this one, and I'm sticking to my guns. On the feet, I see Covington landing more. On the mat, I see him performing better. He has more submission wins than Usman, and he was a D1 wrestler, while the champ was D2. It's definitely not much to go on, but in a matchup that's this close on paper, you take what you can get.

Covington via unanimous decision

See original here:
UFC 245 Predictions: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Picks - Bleacher Report

This article, written byLangis Michaud, Universit de Montral, originally appeared on The Conversation and has been republished here with permission:

Monique is 77 years old. I met her when she came to the eye clinic at the University of Montral, where I am a professor. A retired teacher, Monique has enjoyed an active and full life with her students and family and considers herself lucky to be in good health.

She is concerned, however, about a recent visual loss that prevents her from reading and enjoying her painting workshops. It also prevents her from driving safely, which is important if she wants to maintain her independence.

A complete examination of Moniques vision and eye health quickly revealed the cause of her problems: she has developed cataracts and her retina shows early signs of macular degeneration.

Cataracts are a normal phenomenon, resulting from the aging process of the eye and affecting everyone, without exception. They occur when the lens of the eye gradually loses its transparency, like a window that gets dirty with the seasons.

The light that enters the eye passes through opaque areas and generates blurred vision, without the possibility of improving it with glasses, lenses or magnifiers. Only surgery can restore the clarity of the eye.

The aging of the crystalline lens

The crystalline lens is particular and its metabolism is very fragile. When disturbed, the lens accumulates deposits and loses its transparency. This lens also absorbs a large part of the suns ultraviolet rays to protect the retina at the back of the eye.

The amount of UV absorbed accumulates over the years, contributing to the premature aging of the lens. That is why it is recommended to protect yourself with sun lenses from an early age.

Other factors that disrupt its functioning include the use of certain medications such as oral cortisone, the presence of diseases such as diabetes or a shock to the head, which can contribute to the arrival and progression of cataracts. Very rarely, cataracts are transmitted during pregnancy, especially following infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis and herpes.

Finally, very strong links have been established between smoking and cataracts. Food, on the other hand, does not seem to have an impact. Quitting smoking and protecting your eyes with good sunglasses are therefore considered effective ways to delay the onset and progression of cataracts.

Implants to the rescue

Cataract treatment is quite simple. The ophthalmologist will perform surgery to exchange the natural lens of the eye with a new lens, called an implant. This surgery is very safe and can be performed at any time during cataract development, although surgery will usually only be offered if there is a significant impact on the patients vision and quality of life.

Implants are permanent and remain clear for life, without the need for replacement. They can be used to correct distance vision, including astigmatism, which would be accomplished through the use of a specially designed toric implant. Also, nearsightedness can be fixed via bifocal or multifocal implants, thus avoiding the need for glasses later on, in most cases.

However, the patient may be subject to seeing halos and may be more sensitive to light. It is also necessary to ensure that the retina is in good health, otherwise the final result will not be very good.

This is particularly the case for Monique, who also has the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a phenomenon affecting one per cent of people exceeding 40 years of age, but whose prevalence reaches 30 per cent at 80 years of age.

The at-risk population is composed of Caucasians (those of European origin) and women more than men. Systemic diseases everything that affects blood vessels such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are important risk factors, as are oxidative causes such as smoking, high saturated fat nutrition and UV exposure.

Prevent macular degeneration

Essentially, the best retinal cells, which allow good vision (macular area), degrade over time if not well nourished by the vascular network and accumulate deposits that prevent their normal functioning.

These deposits become visible as small yellow spots at the fundus the part of the eyeball opposite the pupil. These deposits, known as drusen, can become confluent. The degradation of cells is accompanied by a change in their colouring (pigment reworking), a phenomenon that is also visible when the retina is examined. This is called dry macular degeneration. Vision is more or less affected depending on the number of affected cells.

Over time, the systems response can lead to the formation of new blood vessels to supply dying cells. These are fragile and have no real place to stay. They can easily burst. Their membrane formation, like roots invading a pipe, and their flow (bleeding) contribute to a very severe reduction in vision. This is when we speak of wet degeneration. This more severe form affects 10 per cent of AMD cases, but anyone with the dry form can progress at this stage.

Nutritional supplements

AMD treatments are limited and aim to limit the progression of the disease. They cannot cure it. Quitting smoking, good nutrition, regular exercise and following the doctors recommendations in the control of vascular diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, can delay the progression of the dry form of AMD.

Wearing sunglasses also helps, even on cloudy days. Taking omega 3 at the right dosage and fish oil extracts may help although more recent results have called this strategy into question.

In more advanced stages of the dry form, taking oral nutritional supplements including vitamins and antioxidants are recommended, except in some patients with a particular genetic profile.

The wet form has recently been effectively treated by injecting drugs directly into the eye, to prevent the formation of new blood vessels. These injections must be repeated periodically and restore vision when the procedure is performed at the appropriate time.

Moniques case is a mixed one. On the one hand, it is possible to greatly improve her short-term vision with cataract surgery, for which she will be referred to ophthalmology. Implants protect against UV rays, another factor in preventing the progression of macular degeneration. This will allow her to drive safely and resume her activities. She will also monitor her diet, which she admits is deficient, and take omega supplements. Her AMD is at a stage that is too early for vitamins or antioxidants.

Monique does not smoke and is not taking medication for vascular problems. If she does one day, she will follow her doctors recommendations and begin a light exercise program. Walking may be enough. Finally, she will be followed every six months in an optometry office, will perform simple home screening tests and will come in for a consultation as soon as a change is noted.

Monique is reassured! She will be able to remain active and independent to enjoy the good times of life.

Langis Michaud, Professeur Titulaire. cole d'optomtrie. Expertise en sant oculaire et usage des lentilles cornennes spcialises, Universit de Montral

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Link:
BEYOND LOCAL: Age-related eye problems and how to treat them - CollingwoodToday