Pittsburgh is known as the Most Livable City, but what many do not know; it is also considered a top Hot Spot. Not for vacation destinations, but for hypertension. A recent analysis conducted by Sperling’s BestPlaces, an independent research firm, in partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals North American Inc., found Pittsburgh to have the sixth highest rate of hypertension and hypertension risk factors in the country for Hypertension Hot Spots.

BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING

Hypertension, or high blood pressure as it is commonly known, is a condition of elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. It is the second leading preventing risk factor for death in the United States and like many other diseases, hits African-Americans the hardest. It is also considered a silent killer, because it virtually has no exact symptoms. If untreated it can lead to serious problems, such as heart or kidney disease, stroke, congestive heart failure or even death.

(ARA)—Diabetes is a serious disease that affects nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States. Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.

This year, T-fal has joined the American Diabetes Association’s Stop Diabetes movement to educate and teach consumers about healthful eating. By following the simple steps below, families can better understand their risk and take the necessary steps to help combat this disease.

by Sandy Cohen

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Despite all the “Biggest Loser”-type shows on TV, all the pounds shed by their contestants and all the weight-loss products purchased by viewers, America continues to be the Biggest Gainer.

At least 10 weight-loss shows are airing these days, and on “The Biggest Loser” alone, this season’s three top finalists dropped a combined 365 pounds. Yet the rest of us are just getting chubbier, with obesity rates in the United States now the highest of any industrialized nation. In fact, more people are obese today than when “Loser” premiered in 2004.

So why aren’t these reality shows helping in the fat fight?

by Marilyn Marchione

SAN DIEGO (AP)—We’re becoming a nation of bum knees, worn-out hips and sore shoulders, and it’s not just the Medicare set. Baby boomer bones and joints also are taking a pounding, spawning a boom in operations to fix them.

Knee replacement surgeries have doubled over the last decade and more than tripled in the 45-to-64 age group, new research shows. Hips are trending that way, too.

And here’s a surprise: It’s not all due to obesity. Ironically, trying to stay fit and avoid extra pounds is taking a toll on a generation that expects bad joints can be swapped out like old tires on a car.