For more information on Cardiac Care Group, Click Here.Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition that can lead to serious health problems, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.Most people with high blood pressure are unaware, since the symptoms can stay below notice for years at a time. For this reason, its important to visit your doctor regularly for a general medical check-up.When blood pressure reaches life-threatening levels, the following symptoms may be noticeable:HeadachesTirednessConfusionDizziness or lightheadednessPounding in the head or chestSharp chest painsElevated blood pressure may be inherited or related to other factors including:Being overweightSmokingDiet high in saturated fat and/or sodiumAgeExcessive drinkingDiabetesPhysical inactivityBeing maleHigh stress levelsYou can manage your hypertension and lower your risk of stroke with lifestyle changes and medications prescribed by your cardiologist. So don't hesitate! Get checked for hypertension today.

For more information on Jones & Co. Realty, Click Here.Selling a Home with Pets?Be Sure to Follow this ChecklistDogs, cats, and other pets are beloved members of the family but when your home is on the market, their presence can make getting ready for showings more difficult. Buyers tend to respond best when they can envision themselves living in your home, and noticing pet odors, hair, or other messes can be off-putting. Here is a quick checklist to help ensure that your furry friends do not deter potential buyers:- Hide all pet accessories before photos or showings. Search your home for pet beds, toys, dishes, and other items, and stash them out of sight before showings and listing photos are taken.- Deep clean and deodorize. Even if you don't notice any pet odors in your home, its possible that you have simply become accustomed to them. Having your rugs, comforters, and any upholstery professionally cleaned or at least spraying them with pet-specific deodorizers or enzyme cleaner swill help eliminate any unwanted scents. In addition, consider changing air filters and setting up an air purifier with a HEPA filter to absorb odor-producing particles, such as pet dander and allergens. A thorough cleaning of your environment is preferable to trying to mask odors with scented candles or sprays, as many people are sensitive to perfumed products.- Repair any damage caused by pets. Minor damage to your home, such as scratched floors and door frames or shredded curtains, is a normal part of having pets. However, it is also unsightly and can make your home look poorly maintained. Examine each room in your home for needed repairs, and cover or replace stained or damaged furnishings. - Don't forget the yard. Your exterior living space is just as important as the inside of your home, so make sure that it is free of any evidence your pets may have left behind including waste, toys, and holes.

For more information on the author Home Instead Fort Myers, CLICK HERE.Seniors who receive a diagnosis of diabetes may feel they have to give up all the foods they love. Thats not entirely true. Sure, they may have to say no to ice cream and white bread, but you can help the senior you care for adapt by offering new choices that will satisfy his or her desire for sweets and starches while keeping blood sugar levels stable.Say yes to these 10 choices the American Diabetes Association calls diabetes superfoods:1. BerriesSome fruits contain as much sugar as candy does, but berries go on the safe list for seniors with diabetes. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries -- they all offer a sweet touch to any meal without elevating blood sugar levels too much.2. Skim milk and fat-free yogurtChoose milk fortified with Vitamin D, which can help seniors maintain bone health. When it comes to yogurt, look for sugar-free varieties. A fruity cup of yogurt makes a great dessert for seniors with diabetes.3. Citrus fruitsAvoid fruit juices (which almost all contain added sugar) and go for the whole fruit. Oranges, lemons and limes can be eaten whole or used to add zest to other dishes. The exception? Grapefruit. Most seniors should avoid this citrus fruit because it contains compounds that may interact with medications. Be sure to talk with your loved ones physician or pharmacist to understand how foods might affect medications.4. Sweet potatoesSweet potatoes satisfy that craving for a starch with the meal but don't cause post-meal blood sugar spikes the way white and red potatoes do.5. Whole grainsWhole grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice and barley allow your senior to enjoy bread with meals. Slow-digesting whole grains taste great and generally don't negatively affect blood sugar levels the way refined grains like white flour can.6. TomatoesSeniors with diabetes can consume tomatoes to their hearts content. Tomatoes are loaded with Vitamins C and E, along with iron. Eat them raw or cooked. (Read the labels of canned tomatoes and spaghetti sauces, which can contain undesirable levels of added sugar and salt.)7. Dark Green Leafy VegetablesThese nutrient powerhouses include spinach, kale, collard greens, beet greens and many others. Seniors who take a blood-thinning medication like warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid dark green leafy vegetables, but all others can consume these with abandon. Again, be sure to talk with your loved ones physician or pharmacist to understand how foods might affect medications.8. BeansPacked with fiber, beans of all types -- navy, kidney, pinto -- provide protein along with the essential minerals magnesium and potassium.9. Fatty fishChoose fresh or frozen fish like salmon once a week or more to garner the healthful effects of its Omega-3 fatty acids. Canned salmon and tuna count, too, and may provide a more affordable option.10. NutsAlmonds, walnuts, pecans and other tree nuts provide nutrients and protein, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Go for unsalted varieties.Changing ones eating pattern can be very difficult, especially for elderly loved ones. Instead of telling them what they cant eat, help your senior with diabetes overcome dietary challenges by suggesting foods they can say yes to every day.

If you live in Florida, you are likely familiar with our seasons: tourist, summer and hurricane.  Each year hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts five months, with peak season occurring between Aug. and Oct. Bringing powerful winds and torrential rain, hurricanes are said to be the most violent storms on Earth. Even low category storms can often lead to the loss of essential services such as electricity, water, gas and communication channels. If outages are prolonged, they can potentially impact health and safety.   Given the sunshine state, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has sustained an astonishing 40% of all U.S. hurricanes, with 120 hits and 37 major hits, everyone should develop a hurricane preparedness plan. A plan is especially crucial for those with chronic health conditions, disabilities and seniors who have complex needs. These individuals not only need to prepare for the storm but should consider the days following as recovery could be delayed.  If you are an older adult, managing a chronic condition or disability or are a caretaker, the following tips should be considered when creating your hurricane preparedness plan.   Tip 1: Create a shelter plan Should I stay or should I go? If a hurricane strikes, will you be able to safely shelter in place? Now is the time to discuss shelter and evacuation options with family and friends, especially if you cannot evacuate on your own or if you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity.  Evacuate. If possible, evacuate with family, friends or to a motel outside of the storm area. Let family and friends know your evacuation plan.  Transportation. If you require transportation or accessible transportation to go to an emergency shelter, you should work with local County services to identify public transportation, paratransit or private accessible options.  Special Needs Shelter. If you are medically stable but require help with basic tasks or rely on an electronic medical device, or on oxygen, and have no other evacuation options, you may be eligible to evacuate to a Special Needs Shelter at no cost. Contact your local Emergency Management office, or Health Department for eligibility and to complete the required pre-registration. County and Health Department staff will conduct a review of your situation to determine whether or not the shelter is suitable for your unique medical needs.    Tip 2: Create a medical plan Medical care. If you receive regular medical treatment for a chronic health condition such as chemotherapy or dialysis, talk to your provider about a backup plan. Also, work with your care team to outline your current treatment plan in case you need to seek medical treatment from your evacuated location.    Medications. Be sure to have at least two weeks supply of prescriptions. According to Florida law, you can obtain a 30-day refill on your prescription medication, even if you just had a refill, when you live in a county that: is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service  is declared to be under a state of emergency by the Governor has activated its emergency operations center and its emergency management plan.  Medical history. Make sure you have copies of important papers personal id, medical and immunization records, Social Security card, health insurance cards, prescriptions, insurance policies, and contact information for doctors and family numbers in your travel medical kit.  Medical Id. If you have a condition that might cause a medical emergency, you should consider purchasing a medical bracelet or tag to relay vital health information in the event you become unconscious or incapacitated.  Travel medical kit. Make sure you include the above items in your medical supply kit. Due to the vulnerability of paperwork and medications, you should invest in a waterproof container. Additionally, your medical supply kit should include necessary medical equipment such as blood sugar monitoring equipment, hearing aids, eyeglasses and extra batteries. Furthermore, to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as the flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 while staying in a community shelter consider packing face masks, hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes.  Individual conditions. As you prepare, consider additional supplies or services needed to support a specific condition. For instance, if you are deaf or hard of hearing perhaps your travel medical kit includes a dry erase board to help you communicate with someone who does not know sign language. Or, if you have a mobile disability and require a walker, wheelchair or electric scooter consider keeping extra batteries, patch kit for flat tires and air pump on hand. If you use oxygen, ask your oxygen provider to help you secure a backup cylinder, a portable tank and necessary supplies in case of evacuation.   Tip 3: Create a basic supply kit: A basic supply kit can help you evacuate more quickly or support you as you hunker down from the storm. Basic supplies should be stored in an easily accessible and moveable container such as a suitcase or box with wheels.   Recommended items include: Your stocked waterproof travel medical kit (see above)  At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person), food (non-perishable food) Flashlights  Battery operated or hand crank radio  Extra batteries  Cash and important documents (store in waterproof container)  Manual can opener Lighter or matches Cell phone with charger and battery back up Sleeping bag or blanket  Complete change of clothing  Whistle or other help signal  Personal hygiene items and sanitation items Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable Books, magazines, games for recreation  Hurricanes can be unpredictable and disastrous; the best course of action is to be prepared and plan ahead. By following these tips, you can ensure you and your loved ones are safe during hurricane season.  Caring for children, adults and seniors, Healthcare Network provides integrated health where medical and mental health professionals work side-by-side to address patients physical, mental and emotional health. To make an appointment call 239-658-3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org   About the authors Written by Healthcare Networks Director of Marketing, Gabrielle OBoyle, with medical expertise from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Corin DeChirico, DO, FACP, CPE, and Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Dr. Martine Wooley, PHARMD.