THURSDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- For people with high blood pressure, exercise can be the most important lifestyle change they can make, researchers say.

Yet two-thirds of doctors don't take the time to tell their patients with high blood pressure about the importance of exercise and physical activity, a new study finds.

TUESDAY, Aug. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics who lose weight soon after their diagnosis gain better control of their blood pressure and blood sugar, a benefit that lasts even if they regain that weight.

"If you lose weight after diagnosis, you can achieve some long-term benefits in terms of blood pressure and glycemic control that extend even beyond the point at which you regain weight," said Gregory A. Nichols, co-author of new research published online Aug. 12 in the journal Diabetes Care.

MONDAY, Aug. 11 (HealthDay News) -- A Swiss study of 50 children found that almost half of those who were small at birth -- about 5.5 pounds or less -- had a significant increase in blood pressure when they ate a high-salt diet, a condition known as salt sensitivity.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The blood pressure, nerve, and hormonal changes wrought by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of heart attack during the night, new research suggests.

OSA is a common problem in which tissues in the back of the throat temporarily collapse during sleep causing numerous, brief episodes of interrupted breathing. The condition, which can cause extreme daytime sleepiness, can be effectively treated with a special breathing device that alleviates the blockage by pushing air into throat.

THURSDAY, July 17 (HealthDay News) -- Eating more fiber during the first trimester of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition characterized by elevated blood pressure.

The finding appears to be another good reason for pregnant women to maintain good fiber intake, one expert said.

By Ed Edelson
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- A seldom-used test that measures blood pressure in the ankle and the arm can help improve assessment of the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, an international research group reports.

SATURDAY, July 5 (HealthDay News) -- A few simple safety precautions can help ensure your summer fun doesn't lead to the hospital emergency department, says Dr. Jeff Kalina, associate director of emergency medicine at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

The next time you're offered a choice between Earl Grey and green tea, you might want to go green.

A new study shows that the beverage, which is more popular in Eastern cultures, can protect heart arteries by keeping them flexible and relaxed, and therefore better able to withstand the ups and downs of constant changes in blood pressure.

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Not too long ago, a friend of mine told me that she might have diabetes. She was clearly surprised and taken aback at the potential diagnosis and was sucking in air. So was I, quite frankly, when she told me what was going on.

Coincidentally, less than a week later, my physician told me that my fasting blood sugar level from my latest round of blood work was too high. I started sucking in air all over again. In addition, my thyroid levels were off again.

For our Dallas-area members, here's a free health event happening today that you might want to know about ....

CVS, located at 2101 W. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano (972-943-0601), is offering free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings for the public today until 8:00 pm. Please visit our new Health Events calendar at http://events.empowher.com for more information on this as well as other events.

There are wonderful free and low cost health events such as this one happening every day all over the country. Find them on Health Events!