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much higher than average risk of suffering heart-attack. Early detection of high blood-pressure can bring it under control.
Vasodilation (widening of the diameter of the bloodvesels as a result of the relaxation of the vascular smooth muscles) decreases the blood-pressure. People can be taught to lower their blood-pressure by learning the technique of relaxation and the use of bio-feed back equipment. In time, the person is gradually able to lower the B.P. at will.
Anemia is characterised by deficiency of haemoglobin due either to a decreased number of red blood cells or to an insufficient amount of haemoglobin per cell. It can be caused by a variety of factors. The average red blood cell lives only about 120 days. Thus, an entire new supply of functioning red cells, each with the appropriate cargo of haemoglobin must be constantly produced. If insufficient raw materials are available, and if blood cells are lost faster than new ones can be produced, anemia can result.
Vitamin B12 is a key compound in process of DNA formation and is essential in the maturation of the red blood cell. It is supplied by a well-balanced diet. If it is lacking in the diet or is not properly absorbed, anemia can result.
Radiations, certain industrial chemicals and some drugs may damage the bone marrow and prevent it from forming new red cells. II. Disorders of the Respiratory
System
The respiratory tract is one of the gateways into the body. Despite the formidable array of defences, it is vulnerable to a variety of illnesses caused by the insidious onslaught of airpollution and other environmental dangers. Besides, a surprising number of people choke to death, because an insufficiently chewed piece of food is mis-swallowed and it blocks the trachea.
Modern immunization programmes, increased standards of sanitation and antibiotics have brought freedom from fear of many diseases that used to be scourges. Infections such as
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