Lupus and Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

A systematic review of 28 different studies by researchers from Harvard Medical School assessed two things:  the risk of heart disease and stroke among patients with lupus compared to those without the disease, and which factors can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke for those with lupus.

The findings:

• those with lupus had at lease a two to threefold increased risk of heart disease and stroke compared to those without lupus
• if those with lupus had added risk factors (smoking, increased age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) there was even a higher risk

For those with lupus, the above facts underscore the importance of prevention:  regular exercise, not smoking, eating a healthy dies to control cholesterol, and controlling blood pressure.  Those with lupus must work with their physicians to monitor their health status and potential risk factors.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Feel and Be Better with Exercise

Remember what it was like to be young and active?  Actually, regular physical activity, at any age, has the benefits of feeling better and having more energy.  Exercise improves your life by:

• controlling weight by burning calories--to prevent weight gain or maintain weight loss
• improving muscle strength and endurance, thereby increasing energy with greater oxygen supply to your tissues and organs
• lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, metabolic syndrome, arthritis
• stimulating brain chemicals that make you happier, more relaxed, more confident
• helping you sleep better
• energizing your sex life

And, above all, make it fun!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Did You Hear The One About Breakfast?

As reported in the journal Circulation, researchers calculated that men who skipped breakfast had a 27% greater risk of heart disease than men who ate breakfast.  The Harvard University Health Professionals Follow-up Study records statistics on over 51,000 men, mostly white, who are questioned every two years about their health and habits.  Researchers also found that those individuals who ate late at night had a 55% greater risk of heart disease.  The group that skipped breakfast or were late-night snackers also shared other characteristics:  more often younger, single, and more likely to smoke and exercise less, and sleep less than seven hours a night.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309