Why You Can Sleep 8 Hours and Still Wake Up Tired

You went to bed at a reasonable time. You slept for eight hours. Yet when morning comes, you still feel like you could use another night of sleep. What happened? The answer may be that sleep duration is only one part of healthy sleep. Sleep deficiency can happen when you don’t get enough sleep, sleep at the wrong time, don’t get good-quality sleep, or have a sleep disorder that interferes with your rest. (NHLBI, NIH) Eight hours doesn’t always mean restorative sleep Two people can spend the same amount of time in bed and wake up feeling very different. You may spend eight hours in bed but wake repeatedly during the night, have difficulty staying asleep, or experience poor-quality sleep. The next morning, you may feel tired or unrefreshed despite having spent what seems like enough time asleep. (NHLBI, NIH) For most adults, experts generally recommend around 7–9 hours of sleep per night, although individual needs can vary. (NHLBI, NIH) What can leave you tired after sleeping? 1. Your sleep may be interrupted You may not remember every brief awakening during the night. But repeated interruptions can affect how restorative your sleep feels. Noise, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, an inconsistent routine and other factors can interfere with sleep. (nhs.uk) 2. Your sleep schedule may be working against your body clock Your body has an internal clock that helps regulate when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy. Light, darkness and your daily routine all provide signals that help regulate this rhythm. (NHLBI, NIH) Frequently changing your sleep and wake times can make it harder for your body to maintain a consistent rhythm. 3. Stress can affect your sleep A busy or stressful mind does not necessarily switch off simply because you have gone to bed. Stress and other life challenges can contribute to tiredness and sleep problems. (nhs.uk) 4. Your sleep environment matters A bedroom that is too bright, noisy, hot or uncomfortable can make quality sleep more difficult. Creating a quieter, darker and more comfortable sleep environment may help support better sleep. (nhs.uk) 5. Sometimes, there may be an underlying health issue Persistent tiredness isn’t always a lifestyle problem. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, anaemia, thyroid problems and some other illnesses can contribute to ongoing fatigue. Some medicines can also affect sleep or cause drowsiness. (nhs.uk) One example is sleep apnoea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, frequent waking and significant daytime tiredness can be warning signs. (nhs.uk) What can you try? You don’t need to completely redesign your life overnight. Start with the basics: Keeping a simple sleep diary can also help you notice patterns in your bedtime, waking times, night-time awakenings and how rested you feel the next day. (NHLBI, NIH) When should you pay closer attention? If you regularly sleep for an adequate amount of time but still don’t feel rested, don’t automatically assume you simply need more sleep. Consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional if tiredness continues for several weeks, affects your daily life, or occurs alongside symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, unexplained weight changes, shortness of breath or other concerning changes. (nhs.uk) Persistent fatigue deserves attention—not self-diagnosis. Takeaway How long you sleep matters. But how well you sleep matters too. If you regularly wake up tired despite getting enough time in bed, pay attention to the pattern. Your sleep routine, environment, stress levels, medications or an underlying health issue may all be relevant. Good sleep isn’t just about spending more hours in bed. It’s about giving your body the opportunity to rest and recover. VitaGuardia Wellbeing FoundationPromoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing Health information provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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5 Health Numbers Adults Should Know-And Why They Matter.

Knowing a few basic health measurements can give you useful information about your health even when you feel perfectly well. A number on its own does not tell the whole story, and it should not be used to diagnose a condition without appropriate medical assessment. But tracking certain health measurements can help identify potential risks early and give you useful information to discuss with a healthcare professional. Here are five numbers worth knowing. 1. Blood Pressure Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is recorded using two numbers: For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg has a systolic value of 120 and a diastolic value of 80. High blood pressure, or hypertension, often causes no obvious symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious conditions including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. That is why checking your blood pressure periodically can be important, even when you feel well. One reading also does not necessarily tell the full story. Blood pressure can vary depending on factors such as activity, stress, caffeine and the circumstances in which it is measured. 2. Blood Glucose Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the amount of glucose in your blood. Your body needs glucose for energy, but blood glucose that remains too high can damage the body over time. Two commonly used tests include: Changes in blood glucose can develop without obvious symptoms, particularly in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Knowing your risk and discussing appropriate testing with a healthcare professional can help identify changes earlier. 3. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to function. It helps with important processes including making hormones and building cells. But having too much of certain types of cholesterol in the blood can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries. A cholesterol test, often called a lipid panel, can provide information about different types of cholesterol and other blood fats, including: Your healthcare professional can interpret these results alongside other factors such as your age, blood pressure, medical history and overall cardiovascular risk. 4. Body Mass Index (BMI) BMI is a measurement calculated using a person’s weight and height. It is commonly used as a screening tool to place adults into weight categories. However, BMI is not a complete measure of health. It does not directly measure body fat and cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. It also does not tell you where body fat is distributed. So while BMI can provide useful information, it is best considered alongside other factors rather than treated as a diagnosis or a complete picture of your health. 5. Waist Circumference Where body fat is stored can matter as well as how much body fat a person has. Fat stored around the abdomen is associated with an increased risk of several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Waist circumference is therefore another measurement that can provide useful information about health risk. As with BMI, it should not be interpreted in isolation. Health professionals may consider waist circumference together with other measurements and individual risk factors. Why These Numbers Matter The purpose of knowing your health numbers isn’t to become obsessed with measurements. It is about awareness. Some health conditions can develop gradually without causing noticeable symptoms. Regularly checking appropriate health measurements can help identify changes and provide an opportunity to take action. For example, knowing your blood pressure can help identify hypertension. Understanding your blood glucose can help identify possible problems with blood sugar regulation. Cholesterol measurements can contribute to an assessment of cardiovascular risk. The important thing is not simply knowing a number, it is understanding what the number means for you. Numbers Are Not Diagnoses It is easy to see a result online and immediately wonder whether it means something is wrong. But health measurements need context. Results can be affected by factors such as age, medications, pregnancy, existing health conditions, recent activity and how or when the measurement was taken. A single unusual reading does not necessarily mean that you have a disease, just as one normal reading does not guarantee that everything is fine. If you receive a result that concerns you, discuss it with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on self-diagnosis. What Should You Do With Your Numbers? You don’t need to measure everything every day, instead: Your age, family history, lifestyle and existing health conditions can all influence which measurements you need and how often you should have them checked. Takeaway Your health is more than a collection of numbers. But numbers can provide valuable information that you cannot always get from how you feel. Blood pressure. Blood glucose. Cholesterol. BMI. Waist circumference. Knowing these measurements and understanding their limitations can help you become more informed about your health and have better conversations with healthcare professionals. Know your numbers. Understand what they mean. Take action when it matters. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This Resource is for general health education and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Diabetes Is More Than Just Sugar: Understanding Your Risk

“If you don’t eat much sugar, you can’t develop diabetes.” It sounds logical, but it is not that simple. Diabetes is often reduced to one idea: eating too much sugar. While diet can influence blood glucose and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, diabetes is a complex condition influenced by several factors. Understanding those factors can help us move away from myths, blame and oversimplification and towards better prevention. First, what is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood glucose, or blood sugar, becomes too high. Glucose is an important source of energy for the body. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells so it can be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may not produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. This can cause blood glucose to remain elevated. So, does eating sugar cause diabetes? Not by itself. Eating foods or drinks high in added sugars can contribute to an unhealthy diet and may make it easier to consume excess calories. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. But it is important to note that type 2 diabetes is not caused by sugar alone. A person’s risk is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, lifestyle and environmental factors. Blaming diabetes on one food or one habit can make the condition seem much simpler than it really is. What can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes? Family history Having a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes can increase your risk. Genetics can influence how the body regulates blood glucose, although having a family history does not mean that you will definitely develop diabetes. Physical inactivity Regular physical activity helps the body use glucose more effectively. Being physically inactive is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Overweight or obesity Having overweight or obesity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly when excess body fat affects how the body responds to insulin. However, diabetes can also occur in people who are not overweight. Body size alone does not determine whether someone will develop diabetes. Age The risk of type 2 diabetes generally increases with age. However, type 2 diabetes can also occur in younger adults and, increasingly, in children and adolescents. Previous gestational diabetes Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Other health factors Certain health conditions and metabolic factors can also increase risk. This is why understanding your individual risk is more useful than judging your risk based on one habit or one characteristic. What about the food we eat? Food still matters. A healthy eating pattern can support healthy blood glucose levels and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Rather than focusing only on whether a food contains sugar, it is useful to consider the overall quality of your diet. A balanced eating pattern can include: It is also helpful to limit excessive intake of foods and drinks high in added sugars, unhealthy fats and excess calories. The goal is not to fear sugar or completely eliminate every food that contains it. The goal is to build eating habits that support your overall health. What can you do to reduce your risk? You cannot change every risk factor. You cannot change your age or family history, for example. But there are steps that can support better health and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. You cannot always tell what is happening with your blood glucose simply by how you feel. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can develop with few or no obvious symptoms. If you have risk factors or have been advised to have your blood glucose checked, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate testing. Don’t turn diabetes into a blame game Someone developing diabetes does not mean they simply “ate too much sugar” or “didn’t take care of themselves.” Health is influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. Understanding this does not remove personal responsibility. It simply gives us a more accurate and compassionate understanding of health. Take Home Instead of asking: “How much sugar do I eat?” ask: “What is my overall health pattern, and do I know my risk?” Prevention begins with understanding. Know your risk. Make informed choices. Get appropriate health checks. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Foundation Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This article is intended for general health education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sources

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Why Your Blood Sugar Matters—Even If You Feel Fine.

When was the last time you checked your blood sugar? If you feel healthy, you may not think there is any reason to. But some changes in blood sugar can develop gradually, and people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes may have few or no noticeable symptoms at first. That is one reason paying attention to blood sugar is an important part of preventive health (CDC). What is blood sugar? Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main type of sugar found in your blood. Your body uses glucose as an important source of energy. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells, where it can be used for energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, blood glucose can become too high. (World Health Organization) Why does high blood sugar matter? Persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and affect different parts of the body over time. Diabetes is associated with serious complications involving the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. It can increase the risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and vision loss (World Health Organization). The important point is that these problems do not necessarily begin with a dramatic warning sign. In particular, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild or absent and may take years to become noticeable (World Health Organization). What Signs Should You Pay Attention To? These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not automatically mean that someone has diabetes. However, persistent or unusual changes are worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional. (World Health Organization) Who May Have a Higher Risk? The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is influenced by several factors which can include: Some risk factors, such as age and family history cannot be changed. Others can be influenced through lifestyle and health-supporting choices (CDC). Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop diabetes. It simply means that understanding your risk and discussing appropriate screening with a healthcare professional may be worthwhile. Why testing matters You cannot reliably know your blood sugar level simply by how you feel. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can occur without obvious symptoms, which is why blood-glucose testing can be important, particularly for people with relevant risk factors (CDC). Common tests include the A1C test, which gives an indication of average blood glucose over approximately the previous two to three months, and other blood-glucose tests such as fasting blood glucose (CDC). The appropriate test and testing schedule depend on your individual circumstances. A qualified healthcare professional can advise you on what is appropriate and help interpret your results. What Can You Do To Support Healthy Blood Sugar? There is no single habit that guarantees healthy blood sugar. However, several lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and support overall health. Eat a balanced diet Aim for a varied diet that includes nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, while limiting excessive amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats (World Health Organization). Stay physically active Regular physical activity can help support healthy blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. WHO recommends regular physical activity as part of type 2 diabetes prevention (World Health Organization). Maintain a healthy weight For people who have overweight or obesity, achieving and maintaining a healthier weight can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (World Health Organization). Avoid tobacco Not using tobacco is another important step in protecting your overall health and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications (World Health Organization). Keep up with appropriate health checks If you have risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, speak with a healthcare professional about whether you should be tested and how often testing may be appropriate (CDC). Feeling fine is not the same as knowing your numbers It is easy to assume that if nothing hurts and you feel energetic, everything must be okay. But preventive health works differently. Some health conditions can develop quietly. In the case of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, symptoms may be mild or absent, which means testing can identify changes that you might not notice yourself. (CDC) You do not need to wait until you feel unwell before taking your health seriously. Your health deserves attention before a problem becomes an emergency. For more practical health information and resources, visit vitaguardiaonwellbeing.com. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Foundation Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This article is intended for general health education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sources

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Changing the Conversation: Why Talking About Suicide Matters

Some conversations are difficult to start, suicide is one of them. The fear of saying the wrong thing, stigma, misunderstanding or the belief that talking about suicide will make things worse can make people avoid the subject altogether. But silence does not make difficult experiences disappear. World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on the 10th of September, reminds us that suicide can be prevented and that changing the way we talk about it is part of prevention. The 2024–2026 global theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” (World Health Organization) What does “changing the narrative” mean? It means moving away from silence, shame and harmful assumptions and towards conversations built on understanding, compassion and support. It means recognising that someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress may need support rather than judgement. It also means creating environments where people feel safer saying, “I’m not okay,” and where others are willing to listen. Start the Conversation You don’t need to have all the answers to check in on someone. Sometimes, starting with a simple: “How are you really doing?” can open the door to a conversation. If someone tells you that they are struggling, try to listen without immediately judging, dismissing or trying to solve everything. You can: The goal is not to become someone’s therapist. It is to listen, take them seriously and help connect them with appropriate support. What We Should Avoid Comments such as: May be intended to encourage someone, but they can make a person feel misunderstood or less willing to speak. A compassionate response can be much simpler: “I’m glad you told me.” “I’m here to listen.” “Let’s find someone who can help.” Prevention Is Everyone’s Concern Suicide is a major public-health issue that affects individuals, families, workplaces and communities. WHO reports that more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year and emphasises that suicide is preventable. (World Health Organization) Prevention therefore goes beyond one conversation or one day of awareness. It includes reducing stigma, recognizing distress, improving access to appropriate care, strengthening support systems and creating communities where people can ask for help. Start the Conversation We may not always know what someone is carrying. But we can choose to listen. We can choose compassion over judgement. We can make it easier for someone to say that they are struggling. And when someone needs more help than we can provide, we can help them connect with appropriate professional support. Changing the narrative starts with how we respond when someone says, “I’m not okay.” This World Suicide Prevention Day, Start the conversation. Listen without judgement. Take people seriously. Help connect them to support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, seek urgent professional or emergency assistance in your area. VitaGuardia WellbeingPromoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This Resource is for health education and does not replace professional mental-health or medical care. Sources: World Health Organization (WHO); World Suicide Prevention Day campaign.

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Sleep Myths: What Your Body Actually Needs.

Sleep is often treated as something we can sacrifice when life gets busy. A late night here, an early morning there and sometimes, we convince ourselves that we can simply get used to it. But getting used to feeling tired does not necessarily mean your body has adapted to functioning well on less sleep. Let’s look at a common sleep myth. Myth: “You can train your body to function normally on very little sleep.” Fact: While some people may feel that they can manage on little sleep, regularly getting less sleep than your body needs can affect how you function during the day. Insufficient sleep can affect: How much sleep do you actually need? Sleep needs vary by age and individual circumstances. For most adults, around 7–9 hours of sleep per night is generally recommended. However, sleep quality matters too. Getting enough hours does not always mean you are getting restorative sleep. What if you regularly struggle to sleep? Occasional difficulty sleeping can happen. Stress, changes in routine, illness, travel and other factors can temporarily affect sleep. But if difficulty sleeping, waking frequently, or feeling excessively tired during the day becomes persistent, it is worth paying attention to the pattern and discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional where appropriate. Getting used to tiredness isn’t the same as getting enough sleep You may become familiar with functioning while tired. You may even feel that you are “fine” after several nights of limited sleep. That doesn’t necessarily mean your body is receiving what it needs. Sleep is not simply time when nothing is happening. It is an important part of maintaining physical and mental function. Key takeaway: Don’t measure your sleep only by how well you think you can push through the day. Pay attention to how consistently you sleep, how rested you feel and whether poor sleep is becoming a pattern. Give your body the opportunity to rest. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This article is for health education and does not replace professional medical advice. Source: World Health Organization; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Your Body May Be Telling You Something: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore.

When was the last time you noticed that something about your body had changed and actually paid attention to it? A symptom that keeps returning. Tiredness that doesn’t seem to go away. A change in your sleep, appetite or weight. Breathlessness during an activity that used to feel easy. It is easy to dismiss these changes especially when life is busy. Sometimes, they may be temporary and harmless and other times, your body is signaling that something needs your attention. Paying attention doesn’t mean assuming the worst. It means knowing your body well enough to notice when something is different. Some Signs Worth Paying Attention To Persistent Tiredness It is normal to feel tired after a busy day but when it becomes frequent or unexplainable, especially when it affects your ability to carry out your usual activities, is worth paying attention to. Recurring fatigue can have multiple causes including lifestyle factors, poor sleep, stress and underlying health conditions. If it continues unexplainably, consider discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional. Recurring or Unusual Headaches Headaches can happen for many reasons, including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep and other everyday factors. However, headaches that occur frequently, become increasingly severe, feel different from your usual headaches or interfere with normal activities should not simply be ignored. A healthcare professional can help determine whether further assessment is needed. Unexplained Changes in Weight Weight can naturally fluctuate. However, significant or unexpected weight loss or gain without a significant change in diet, activity or other circumstances may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Rather than trying to identify the cause yourself, it is better to pay attention to the change and seek appropriate advice if it persists. Changes in Sleep Your sleep can be affected by stress, changes in routine, your environment and many other factors. Persistent difficulty sleeping, sleeping considerably more than usual, or regularly waking up feeling unrefreshed can affect your overall wellbeing and may be worth addressing. Changes in Appetite or Digestion Changes in appetite or digestion can sometimes be temporary. But constant changes, continuous stomach discomfort, repeated digestive problems, or other unusual symptoms should be monitored. If these changes continue or begin to interfere with your normal activities, consider seeking professional advice. Unusual Breathlessness or Reduced Physical Capacity It is normal to become breathless after strenuous physical activity. What may deserve attention is breathlessness that is unusual for you, occurs with activities that previously felt manageable, or continues without an obvious explanation. A sudden or severe change in breathing should receive urgent medical attention. Pay Attention to Patterns, Not Just Individual Symptoms Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have a particular illness. Many symptoms can have several possible causes, and some may be temporary. What matters is noticing patterns and changes. Ask yourself: Keeping a simple record of when a symptom occurs, how often it happens and whether it is changing can also be useful when speaking with a healthcare professional. When Should You Seek Medical Help? Consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional when a symptom is: Some symptoms require urgent or emergency care, particularly sudden severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, or sudden signs of a stroke. If you are unsure about a significant or rapidly changing symptom, it is safer to seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on self-diagnosis. Don’t Ignore What Keeps Coming Back Your body does not always communicate through dramatic symptoms. Sometimes, the signal is simply that something has changed and remain changed. You don’t need to panic over every ache, tired day or unusual feeling. But you also don’t have to dismiss persistent changes simply because you are busy or hoping they will go away. Notice what is different. Pay attention to what persists. And when something doesn’t feel right, seek appropriate professional advice. Your health deserves your attention. Start paying attention today. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This Resource is intended for general health education and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Stress: When Your Body Is Telling You to Slow Down

Stress is a normal response to challenging or demanding situations. It can help you start alert and ready to respond when something requires your attention. However when stress becomes more frequent, intense or prolonged, it can begin to affect your physical and mental wellbeing. How Can Stress Affect You? Stress can show up in a different ways. You may notice: Experiencing stress do not necessarily mean something is wrong with you. It is often your body’s way of responding to pressure. The important thing is to recognize when stress is becoming difficult to manage. What Can Help? Health ways of managing stress can include: Taking regular breaks: Regular physical activity can support both physical and mental. Staying physically active: Regular physical activity can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Getting enough sleep: A consistent sleep routine can help your body and mind recover. Eating regular and maintaining a balanced diet: Good nutrition supports overall health and wellbeing. Staying connected: Talking with someone you trust can make difficult situations easier to manage. Making time to relax: Activities such as reading, listening to music, spending time outdoors or practicing relaxation techniques may help you unwind. When Should You Seek Help? If stress is persistent, overwhelming or interfering with your daily life, relationships, work or sleep, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional. You do not have to wait until your are completely overwhelmed before asking for support. Takeaway Stress is a part of life, but living under constant pressure should not be ignored. Paying attention to how your body and mind are responding can help you to recognize when you need to pause, make changes or seek support. Pause when you need to. Pay attention to how you feel. And remember that seeking help is part of taking care of your wellbeing. Vitaguardia Wellbeing Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This artcle is for health educattion and does not replace professional medical advice.

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High Blood Pressure: You May Not Feel It. You Should Check It.

High blood pressure also known as hypertension, is a common health condition where the pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels remains consistently too high. One of the challenges with hypertension is that many people do not experience noticeable symptoms. Meaning that someone can have high blood pressure and feel completely well. Regular high blood pressure checks are important because they can help identify high blood pressure early and support appropriate management. Why Does High Blood Pressure Matter? When high blood pressure remains uncontrolled, it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of serious health problems including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. What Can Increase The Risk? Some risks factors cannot be changed, but healthy lifestyles choices can help reduce those that can be modified. Understanding Your Blood Pressure Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. For adults, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines hypertension as 140/90 mmHg or higher when on two different days. A diagnosis should be made via appropriate clinical assessment instead of from a single reading. If you have not checked your blood pressure recently, consider making it a part of your routine health checks. You may feel fine. Checking still matters. VitaGuardia Wellbeing Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing This article is for health education and does not replace proffesional medical advice. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

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Hello September!

A new month is an opportunity to pause, reset and be intentional about our health. As we step into September, remember that caring for your health is not only about responding when something goes wrong. It is also about the small choices we make every day: resting when needed, staying active, eating well, checking in with ourselves and paying attention to our overall wellbeing. May this month bring you renewed strength, healthier choices and moments and support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Welcome to September. A new month. A fresh opportunity to choose wellbeing.

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