(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure occurs in almost half of American adults, and you may not know you have it until you experience complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss or sexual problems. In addition, having high blood pressure could contribute to worst COVID-19 outcomes, according to the American Heart Association.

"The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to monitor it. Having your blood pressure monitored by a health professional at least once per year and regularly monitoring it yourself at home and discussing your numbers and a healthy lifestyle plan with a doctor is a great way to control your blood pressure," says Willie Lawrence, M.D. cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer expert.

Know how to measure accurately

Whether you're measuring your blood pressure at home or having it measured in a doctor's office or someplace else, here are important things to know to get the most accurate reading:

- Get ready. Don't smoke, consume caffeine, or exercise within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder, and rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring.

- Get set. Sit up straight on a firm chair with a back. Place your feet flat on the floor and uncross your legs. Your arm should be on a flat surface with your upper arm at the level of your heart. Place the bottom of the monitor cuff just above the bend of the elbow directly on your skin, not over clothing.

- Go. Take your blood pressure measurement at about the same time each day. Take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results on paper. Some blood pressure monitors will save results or let you upload them to a secure website. Share your results with your doctor.

Know the meaning of your numbers

In most cases, a normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If you have readings that are consistently higher than 130/80, that's considered high blood pressure. A reading of 180/120 or higher could be a crisis! Wait five minutes and check it again. If it doesn't come down, see a doctor right away. If you experience symptoms such as headache, weakness, trouble seeing, chest pains, back pains or other health problems call 9-1-1, immediately. Don't wait for your pressure to go down. You could be having a serious health problem.

Know how to reduce your risk

You may reduce your risk of high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthfully, reducing alcohol or not drinking and not smoking. However, if you do develop high blood pressure, don't give up. Knowing your blood pressure numbers, monitoring them regularly, taking medication as prescribed and working with a healthcare professional on a plan to improve your blood pressure and keep it under control, may help you to live a long and healthy life.

Many local businesses and organizations, such as churches, barber and beauty shops and community health centers are working with the American Heart Association to control blood pressure in communities and can be good places to get your blood pressure checked and to access resources and information at no cost to help you to live a healthy life.

For more information visit heart.org/hbpcontrol.

by John Hansen - Solar energy isn't new, but like any worthwhile technology, it has been upgraded. When you think of solar panels, do you think of unsightly blocks marring the lines of your roof? Today's solar energy panels are a clean and sleek source of renewable energy that increasing numbers of homeowners embrace as a way to save the planet and save on their energy bills.

Installing solar panels could save a homeowner as much as 35% on energy bills in the first year of use, according to Solar Energy Partners, a community-focused solar company based in California. "We strive to grant homeowners the peace of mind to live their lives without interruption through the power of Earth's most renewable resource," according to the company.

Solar energy is an environmentally sound energy source that reduces air pollution, reduces water use, reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy, and reduces energy costs to consumers.

The experts at Solar Energy Partners (SEP) act as true partners when it comes to helping homeowners enjoy the benefits of green energy, with a commitment to community and customer service that sets them apart. SEP offers not only a cost-free savings analysis, but also a computer-generated image to show potential customers exactly how their solar panels will look on their roof. SEP installers work flexible days and times to suit any schedule, they are committed to an unintrusive process that customers appreciate. Solar panels are durable and require almost no maintenance. The SEP panels are designed to generate power for 25 to 35 years, and can be installed on almost any type of roof. Although a southern-facing roof is ideal, SEP experts can create a workaround as needed

SEP's service-oriented business model extends to the community at large; in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SEP partnered with the Salvation Army through their California South Division to provide local families in need with groceries, school supplies, and assistance with rent and utility bills. SEP currently serves communities in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and New Jersey.

Visit solarenergy.partners to learn more the value of solar energy, and check out the company's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SolarEnergyPartnersUSA/.

(NewsUSA) - Today's consumers are looking for beverage choices that offer far more than just great taste. Whether for increased energy or hydration, the "functional beverages" category is expanding rapidly as America's middle age and older persons are focusing on nutrition and other positive lifestyle changes to live healthier lives. For those over 45 years, maintaining healthy blood sugar is increasingly important. Many in this age group are pre-diabetic and at future risk for heart disease, stroke and other complications.

Until recently diabetic friendly beverage choices have been limited to dairy shake beverages which, while healthy and nutritious, are not refreshing or thirst quenching. Unlike many other consumer categories, the diabetic friendly beverage category has not been served with a wide selection of beverages such as flavored waters, iced teas, as well as delicious coffees and sodas.

One brand expanding consumer choice for diabetic friendly beverages is GLUCODOWN®, manufactured by Glucose Health, Inc. of Bentonville, Arkansas. What sets GLUCODOWN® apart from other sugar-free powdered beverages is a breakthrough ingredient, a special form of soluble fiber, clinically demonstrated to reduce rising blood sugar after meals. Not only is GLUCODOWN® attracting the attention of diabetic consumers, it's also gaining popularity among persons following KETO diets for weight loss and better health.

The GLUCODOWN® product line-up consists of diabetic friendly iced teas in the four most popular flavored iced teas sold in America -- Lemon, Peach, Raspberry and Super Berry (blackberry & blueberry). Additionally, four new GLUCODOWN® "enhanced water" flavors are now available including Peach-Mango, Watermelon, Strawberry-Banana and Cherry. Like the GLUCODOWN® iced teas, the new "enhanced waters" flavors are dietician recommended to maintain blood sugar in a healthy range - -- especially after meals.

These diabetic friendly beverages are distributed nationally in pharmacies such as Walmart and CVS and are a top-seller seller at Amazon.

The beverage is manufactured by publicly traded Glucose Health, Inc. (Ticker: GLUC). For more information on the Company, visit glucosehealthinc.com or GlucReport.com for investor information.

For product information or to purchase, visit Amazon and type GLUCODOWN in the Amazon search bar, or visit www.shopglucodown.com

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)