Health Expert Lisa Nelson, RD, LN shares health management news and commentary at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/42538/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/42538/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/42538/index http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149655/affects-men Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:10:33 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where there are abnormal stops (interruptions) in breathing or abnormally low breathing during sleep. Each stop (or pause) in breathing is called an apnea. This apnea can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes and can occur repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea results in excessive daytime tiredness, impaired alertness, slower reaction time, vision problems, and behavioral effects (i.e. moodiness,... http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149655/affects-men http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149654/cons Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:03:12 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN If you have high blood pressure, one of the most important nutrients to increase in your diet is potassium.   If you've looked into the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) you'll see that it is extremely high in fruits and vegetables. This is partly due to fruits and vegetables being rich sources of potassium . . . among other beneficial nutrients.   It's recommended by the Institute of Medicine that adults consume... http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149654/cons http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149532/schedule Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:43:13 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN We are three weeks into the new year, how are you doing with your New Year's resolution?   If you are working to improve your health, physical activity must be a part of your plan. There are numerous benefits associated with physical activity, such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved arthritis, pain management, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness.   Research indicates that you need at least 150 minutes of moderate... http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149532/schedule http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149531/white Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:38:11 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN There are several different varieties of rice. Most people were raised eating white rice and continue to do so. However, the different types of rice provide different nutritional benefits. Let's look specifically at white rice, brown rice, and wild rice.   White Rice   White rice has been milled so that the husk, bran, and germ are removed leaving you with a refined product. During this process, the rice is polished giving it the... http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149531/white http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149164/overeating Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:22:48 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN I struggle to not overindulge during the holidays. I find the weeks following Christmas it is difficult to get back into my routine of healthy meals. . . well, the healthy meals aren't so difficult, but eliminating unnecessary snacks is. I know I'm not alone in this struggle.   Why does holiday overeating make it hard to return to normal eating habits?   1 - Stomach is physically larger - Overeating causes the stomach to become... http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/149164/overeating http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149163/blood Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:43:11 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN There are times it is normally for the heart to beat harder, such as if you are out hiking and encounter a bear. Your blood pressure will jump so larger levels of oxygenated, nutrient rich blood is sent through your system and you are able to react. All part of the flight or fight response.   When you are diagnosed for high blood pressure your blood pressure is not just high for limited periods of time. It is consistently elevated. This... http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/149163/blood http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/148319/9-support Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:59:36 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN There has been a worldwide increased emphasize on health and fitness, this means businesses in this industry are going to do all they can to take advantage of this growing market of consumers. . . us. According to the "Mobile Devices and mHealth" report by ABI, it's projected that mobile health care application will grow from a $120 million dollar marketplace in 2010 to $400 million in 2016. It's anticipated that new technologies will enhance... http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/148319/9-support http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/c/42538/148281/spirulina Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:04:38 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN Are you familiar with spirulina? I've heard of this food being referred to as a super food, but I've not looked into it much until today. Let me share what I've learned. What is spirulina? Spirulina would be comparable to a sea vegetable such as kelp or wakame. It is both a human and animal food or supplement. Spirulina is a member of the "blue-green" family, but it's not considered algae. It's actually a type of bacteria - cyanobacteria. Its... http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/c/42538/148281/spirulina http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/148225/5-disease Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:49:39 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN Heart disease is a lifestyle disease. Your diet and lifestyle choices are a major factor in determining your likelihood of developing heart disease.   Heart disease develops as a result of inflammation and oxidative damage. So, let's cover steps you can take to decrease inflammation and oxidative damage to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.   1. Decrease your sugar intake.   When I say sugar, I'm also referring to... http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/42538/148225/5-disease http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/148059/beve Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:39:54 -0500 Lisa Nelson, RD, LN Losing weight will promote a lower blood pressure. If you are working to lose weight you need to make adjustments to your food choices. However, don't forget what you drink has an impact on your success also. There can be a surprising amount of calories in beverages.   Let's say you are reducing your calorie intake to 1500 calories per day. If you stop at Starbucks for a 16 oz Vanilla Frappucino with 2% milk, a 12 oz. can of Dr. Pepper... http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/c/42538/148059/beve