Health Pulse Can you trust your blood pressure readings? Go ahead and buy that home blood pressure machine − but don’t bet the farmon its accuracy. In 2017, University of Alberta researchers tested dozens of home monitors on 85 patients and found that the readings were off by more than 5 mmHg in 7 out of 10 cases. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your device should go out the door on the next garbage collection day. To increase the odds of an accurate reading: • Make sure that your bladder is empty before taking the reading. • Relax in a chair for 5-10 minutes, with your arm resting comfortably at heart level. • The cuff should be snug (not tight), with the lower edge about an inch above the bend of your elbow. • Hold your arm straight when taking the measurement. • If you think that you got a false reading, remove the cuff and wait for a minute before trying again. • At least once a year, have your doctor test your device against the one at the office. Not that going to the doctor guarantees an accurate reading. If you’re one of the 20% of people affected by white-coat hypertension − the nerves that cause people’s blood pressure to spike in the examining room − you’re better off taking your blood pressure at home or on that cruise ship. After memorizing the above bullet points, of course. Sources: peoplespharmacy.com, webmd.com Shingle savvy When you have chicken pox, the virus remains in your system and, years or decades later, can resurface as the painful, blistery rash known as shingles. Myths about the conditions abound, and knowing the facts could spare you from serious trouble. Myth #1: Shingles always starts with a rash. In reality, it may start with a headache, fever or chills, the telltale rash not showing up until several days later − or not at all. Myth #2: The shingles rash always starts on the torso. While that’s the norm, shingles can also appear on your face and around your eye. Ocular shingles could damage your vision, so get treatment stat. Myth #3: You can only get shingles once. Second bouts aren’t common, but they do happen, most likely on different parts of your body. Myth #4: Shingles can’t be treated. Taking an antiviral medication early on may help you get over the shingles sooner. The earlier you start, the better the outcome. Myth #5: Shingles can’t be prevented. The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of getting shingles by 90%. If you’re over 50, talk to your doctor about your vaccine options. Sources: webmd.com, Health Canada Why your joints get stiff − and what to do about it Woke up with stiff joints this morning? You’re in good company. In a national U.S. survey, about a third of adults reported having joint pain within the past 30 days. Possible culprits include osteoarthritis – a common though not inevitable side-effect of aging – rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout and injuries such as sprains and strains. Joint pain is rarely an emergency and DIY treatment will get you through most mild cases. The basics: anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day, and a warm bath or shower to relax your muscles and increase circulation. If you’re overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight can relieve joint pain. And don’t let the pain keep you fromphysical activity. Swimming is an obvious choice, and bicycling – whether on a trail or on a stationary bike at the gym – also gives most of your joints a break. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice swelling, redness, warmth and/or tenderness in the painful joints. Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD CSANews | WINTER 2018 | 41
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