Little Free Library

Hypertension
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath
Complications	Heart disease, stroke, kidney failure
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetics, diet, lifestyle
Risks	Obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the heart and arteries. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Causes

The exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

• Genetics
• Unhealthy diet, particularly high salt intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is generally considered high.

Treatment

Treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing salt intake
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking

Medications used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.

Complications

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Vision loss

Prevention

Preventing hypertension involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blood pressure
• Heart attack

External Links

• World Health Organization: Hypertension
• CDC: High Blood Pressure

The Little Free Library is a grassroots community movement that aims to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. It follows a simple model: take a book, return a book. The concept of Little Free Library was founded in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, as a tribute to his mother, a teacher who loved to read. Bol constructed a model of a one-room schoolhouse, filled it with books, and put it on a post in his front yard. His neighbors and friends loved the idea, and the initiative quickly spread.

The Little Free Library nonprofit organization was officially established in 2012, with the goal of inspiring a love of reading, building community, and sparking creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. As of my last update, there are over 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and over 100 countries.

Book exchanges housed in Little Free Libraries come in various shapes and sizes but are typically small wooden boxes of books. Anyone passing by can take a book to read or leave one for someone else to find. The content of these libraries is usually donated by individuals in the community, making each Little Free Library unique in its collection.

The movement has not only helped to increase access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds but has also fostered a sense of community and connectedness in neighborhoods. The Little Free Library organization supports the establishment of new libraries through its website, offering tips for building a library, as well as kits and pre-built models for purchase.

In addition to the standard book exchange model, the organization has launched several initiatives to further support literacy and community engagement. These include the Action Book Club, which combines reading with community service, and the Read in Color initiative, which aims to promote books that reflect diversity and provide perspectives on racism and social justice.

The Little Free Library movement has been recognized for its positive impact on literacy and community building. It has received praise from educators, librarians, community leaders, and readers worldwide. The organization continues to grow, with new Little Free Libraries being registered and built every day.

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