Dr. Chet’s Health Memos
If it’s in the health news today, I’ll be writing about it as soon as I read the research, both old and new. With my email Health Memos, you’ll know more about making lifestyle choices that will help you get and keep good health. These free, concise updates on health are emailed to subscribers twice a week. Subscribe today and get a free MP3, in English or Spanish, of Dr. Chet’s Top Ten Tips—Small Changes for a Healthier Life.
What Is ACE?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme—ACE—is the enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II (ANG2). You’re probably thinking, “Well, that clears it up!” Here’s the problem: under the right conditions, ANG2 causes vasoconstriction and sodium and water retention, and the result can be hypertension because the overwhelmed kidneys can’t get rid of sodium or fluids. However, it gets […]
High Blood Pressure and COVID-19
If you have hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, and you’re taking a medication called an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), make sure you take it regularly. It may—and I repeat, may—provide some protection against the COVID-19 virus. I’ll spend the rest of the week explaining why, but I want you to have that information […]
Not So Smartphones
Many variables that were included in the smartphone study weren’t reported, and there’s a good reason for that: they were non-significant. I don’t mean not statistically significant—I mean not significant in the real world either. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a study with so many variables that were non-significant. The one that […]
Limitations of the Smartphone BP App
In the examination of a smartphone application to help lower blood pressure, the results were a little surprising. Take a look at the graphic representation above of the study, including the results. More and more journals are going to that type of graphic summary. They’re great summaries, but they don’t always tell the entire story. […]
Get Health Support via Your Smartphone
Paula has an appointment with her primary care doctor this morning, and she’ll be right here on the sofa when it happens. Telemedicine is now a part of everyday life, but your phone can be an asset to your health even beyond speaking to your doctor. For example, hypertension is still a significant problem in […]
Observations and Questions About the Step Study
Most research papers such as the step study I began to review on Thursday have a main point, sometimes a couple points, and that’s all we take from it. But there some interesting things that may not get headlines but are still worth mentioning. Let’s take a look at some other results from the steps […]
Step It Out!
By the looks of it, “Stay Home and Stay Safe” will extend through the beginning of May and perhaps longer. As we adapt to our new normal, here is a little incentive to make exercise a regular part of your life from now on. Researchers analyzed data from the 2003–2005 National Health and Nutrition Education […]
Adjusting to Your New Normal
Today is the end of the month; it’s also the end of the first quarter of the year. I would guess that due to COVID-19, you may have to set new and perhaps different goals. I know I am; my seminar schedule has blown up completely—for now. The challenge is that we really don’t know […]
Sorry, but Some Health Writers are Scammers
The typical research paper may have findings that are controversial, but researchers are using the techniques of their profession. I may disagree with their conclusions for a variety of reasons, but at least it’s contained. Following the threads this author created was a challenge but fruitful, especially the first one. The readers of her columns […]
Investigating Supplements
Let’s turn to what the author I wrote about on Tuesday said and examine it in detail. She interviewed a variety of experts; I checked them out and they were most definitely legit, especially those who worked in the research arms of the NIH. She asked them a simple question that went something like “Which […]
