Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Could Help Lower Blood Pressure
Patients in the study practiced MBSR for eight weeks, led by an instructor for 2 hours a week and up to an hour a day on their own. They were compared to pre-hypertensive patients who received another therapy, called progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and then relaxing muscle groups in a prescribed order. Although this is not a treatment for high blood pressure, it is considered a credible placebo to compare with the targeted treatment, the researchers said. Those who used MBSR lowered their blood pressure measurementsan average drop of 4.8 points for the systolic blood pressure or top number, and an average drop of 1.9 points for the diastolic, or bottom number– which is comparable to modified diet and exercise programs, the study authors noted. Other studies of the technique have found mixed results, however. A 2009 summary of trials on the topic completed by the independent non-profit Cochrane Collaboration pointed out that while some relaxation techniques seem to produce positive results, many of the available studies are poorly designed and some of the reduction in blood pressure was almost certainly due to aspects of treatment that were not related to relaxation, such as frequent contact with professionals who were trying to help. A recent report published in the American Journal of Hypertension by researchers from the University of Toronto and York University, found no effect of MBSR on about 100 pre-hypertensive patients who practiced for about eight weeks, compared to those who did not.
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And the new times and place are inconvenient for seniors. “Its a service and I dont think its asking the city so much,” said Martin. “It shows an interest in the health of their seniors and I think its a slap in the face to the seniors” to cut it back. The city has not made a decision about the future of the clinics at the Senior Center, though they could be brought back after the vaccination season. The public health nurse resigned in the spring and the position has been redesigned as a public health nurse/educator. Zaleznik said shes interested in other preventative measures that could be offered with this new position, including possible education and assistance for issues pertaining to nutrition, diabetes and cognitive decline in seniors.
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Reduced blood-pressure screenings questioned by Newton seniors
Research has shown that the strategies could decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, lessen pain for people with certain chronic conditions, lower risk of depression and even improve sleep. Also on HuffPost: Loading Slideshow Meditate Meditation can help maintain a calm and focused mind, but one side benefit of that relaxation could also help with blood pressure. When relaxed, the body produces more nitric oxide, which in turn helps blood vessels to open up, reducing the pressure of the blood flowing through. Adopt A Pet Research shows that pet owners have lower blood pressure (also: lower cholesterol and heart disease risk), thanks to the anxiety-reducing qualities of an animal companion. Work On Your Marriage In one 2008 study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that happily married adults had better blood pressure than happily single and unhappily married adults. Get Moving This one’s a no-brainer, but exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure.
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