HELPFUL HINT:

When it comes to High Blood Pressure, be sure to take a little extra care of yourself. Remember to check with your Primary Care Physician on a regular basis to get your diagnosis under control. There are many remedies available that are manageable to incorporate into your lifestyle. High blood pressure is treatable and you don't have to live with it forever.




WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit





To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

High Blood Pressure Greatly Increases the Risk for Heart Attack & Stroke

20 million Americans undiagnosed

High Blood Pressure is a serious, potentially fatal condition that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated. Did you know, according to the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, that an estimated 20 million Americans are running around undiagnosed? These people need to realize that they are in great danger of experiencing possible Heart Attacks, and Strokes; which are only 2 of the main affects of the medical term, Hypertension. It is known as the "silent killer" because, for the most part, there are no symptoms or warning signs. The following information is for those whom are, know or care for any of the possible 20 million Americans that are undiagnosed.
First you might ask, why should we care about hypertension or high blood pressure? It's not a condition that needs immediate attention, right? One can put off going to the doctor's for a check up because "what I don't know can't hurt me", right? WRONG. It can hurt you and it will hurt you, if untreated. More importantly, not only you will be affected but the people you care about and the people who care for you will be affected.
Here is what can happen:

Hypertension is the result of tightening of arterioles, tiny arteries, causing the heart to pump harder to get blood through a smaller area, which increases pressure and over time affects larger arteries. The scenario is similar to the domino effect of a snowflake becoming an avalanche. As the smaller arterioles constrict, the larger arteries work harder causing the muscles to thicken on the arterial walls, then shrinking the size for blood flow. Deceasing the size of blood flow increases the chances of interruption by possible clots; like clogging a pipe or pinching a hose. Without proper blood flow to the heart and brain, conditions will be right for attacks. back to top
For example, one may experience a heart attack or a myocardial infarction. This will happen when there is not enough blood reaching the heart, a condition known as ischemia. A person will feel the sensation of chest pain in the form of squeezing or crushing, discomfort in other areas in the upper body, nausea, shortness of breath, cold sweat and/or dizziness. If blood flow supply to the heart is mostly cutoff, cells within the heart will die without oxygen, causing heart damage. When it comes to heart attacks, here is a startling realization: "Each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack. About 460,000 of those heart attacks are fatal. About half of those deaths occur within 1 hour of the start of symptoms and before the person reaches the hospital," says the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. People need to pay timely attention to symptoms and/or treat an undiagnosed disorder called high blood pressure. Something to give you thought. And keep in mind, high blood pressure doesn't always follow this course. back to top
For instance, another person may be affected by a "brain attack", also known as a stroke. In one sense, a stroke is virtually the same as a heart attack, except, it's ischemia of the brain. A person will feel anything from blindness or dimming of sight in one or both eyes, to difficulty in communicating-esp. speech, to loss of feeling or numbness throughout the face, to difficulty swallowing. Just like the heart, if brain cells do not get enough oxygen, they will die, causing brain damage. "Stroke is the third largest killer in the United States, after heart disease and cancer," says American Heart Association and National Stroke Association. "Each year, about 700,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Of those, about 25% die within a year, and about 15% to 30% have some degree of permanent disability." It is the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. There is no absolute correlation to hypertension and strokes, however, it is known high blood pressure is significantly related to increased risk. The risk can be lessened, even eliminated by properly diagnosing and treating hypertension. back to top

No one wants to be sick, it's a sign of weakness (it doesn't feel too good either). No one wants to go to the doctor, it's a sign that you could possibly be weak. But on the other hand, no one wants to fall into cardiac arrest or find themselves with severe brain damaged because of untreated hypertension. It's a simple precautionary measure to get checked out. Treatments for high blood pressure are manageable and promote all around healthier life styles. You would have to eat better food and actually taste something without salt; you might like natural flavor. You would have to exercise regularly, eventually feeling more energetic; get you off the couch, enjoy the world. And learn how to live with less stress; relax those forehead muscles and flex your smile. It's better than the possibility for an avalanche of a fatal attack. You can even manage hypertension at home, on your own time, by purchasing an affordable home blood pressure kit. Don't let yourself or someone you know be one of the 20 million Americans undiagnosed.back to top

WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



This information is from

http://www.texasheart.org/HIC/Topics/Cond/hbp.cfm, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/actintime/haws/haws.htm, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053 and http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=STROKE

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

High Blood Pressure Common Misconceptions

 

1. Common symptoms of high blood pressure include nervousness, sweating and difficulty sleeping.
2. Every time I go to the doctor, my blood pressure is high, but that’s just because I’m nervous. I’m sure my blood pressure is OK at home.
3. If you have high cholesterol, you automatically have high blood pressure.
4. These days everyone has high blood pressure. It’s just a fact of life, and I don’t need to worry about it.
5. I took my high blood pressure medication for a while, but I’m feeling much better now. I figure it’s OK to cut it back or even quit.
6. High blood pressure is a man’s problem. I’m a woman so I don’t have to worry.
7. I can take any kind of over-the-counter medications when I have a cold or the flu.
8. You don’t need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach middle age.

1. Common symptoms of high blood pressure include nervousness, sweating and difficulty sleeping.

Wrong. High blood pressure has NO symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” The only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked. Some people who look and feel fit and healthy may find that they have high blood pressure. Likewise, some people who have other risk factors for heart disease and/or stroke (such as being overweight or smoking) may not have high blood pressure. According to recent estimates, about one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, and nearly one-third of them don’t know it. That puts them at risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness in some cases. Have you had your blood pressure checked recently? Learn more about getting your blood pressure checked.

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2. Every time I go to the doctor, my blood pressure is high, but that’s just because I’m nervous. I’m sure my blood pressure is OK at home.

Some people may experience what’s called “white-coat hypertension” when they’re at the doctor’s office. This means their blood pressure is elevated temporarily due to nervousness. Many things can affect your blood pressure, including physical exertion, emotional fluctuations and stress. Monitoring at home may be one way to measure your true blood pressure and give your doctor a log of blood pressure measurements over time. Even though there are factors that can affect your blood pressure, you should never ignore several readings that indicate you may have high blood pressure. Learn more about monitoring your blood pressure at home.

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3. If you have high cholesterol, you automatically have high blood pressure.

False. High blood cholesterol doesn’t automatically lead to high blood pressure, but many of the same lifestyle habits that may increase blood cholesterol levels also may cause elevated blood pressure. Examples include a diet high in saturated fat, lack of physical activity and drinking too much alcohol. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, hardening of the arteries, congestive heart failure and/or kidney disease. In some cases, it can cause blindness. High blood pressure can only be detected by having it checked. Learn more about risk factors for high blood pressure.

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4. These days everyone has high blood pressure. It’s just a fact of life, and I don’t need to worry about it.

These are stressful times, and stress may add to your risk factors for high blood pressure. That’s why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked. About 69 percent of people who have a first attack, 77 percent who have a first stroke, and 74 percent who have congestive heart failure have BP higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Also, high blood pressure is the No. 1 modifiable risk factor for stroke. Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. That means about 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year; about 150,000 of them will die. Stroke is our nation's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. To learn more about other factors that can increase your risk of stroke and how to help prevent stroke, visit the American Stroke Association.

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5. I took my high blood pressure medication for a while, but I’m feeling much better now. I figure it’s OK to cut it back or even quit.

Absolutely not. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease. It can be controlled but not cured. If your doctor has prescribed medication for you, take it exactly as prescribed for as long as the doctor tells you to take it. Decreasing dosage or not taking the medication is dangerous. It’s also important to make the right lifestyle changes by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain high-fiber products; choosing fat-free and low-fat dairy products, legumes, poultry and lean meats; and eating fish, preferably omega-3 containing fish (e.g. salmon, trout, herring). Such a diet is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium (salt), and high in potassium. Dietary potassium from fruits, vegetables and fat-free or low-fat dairy may help lower your blood pressure. You should also attain and maintain a healthy weight, get plenty of physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity on most or all days of the week) and stay away from tobacco products. This will help control your blood pressure and thus reduce your risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. Learn more about blood pressure medications.

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6. High blood pressure is a man’s problem. I’m a woman so I don’t have to worry.

High blood pressure can be anyone’s problem. In fact, women need to be aware of certain things that may put them at a greater risk for high blood pressure than men. If you’re on the Pill, pregnant, overweight, postmenopausal, African American or have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to have high blood pressure. It’s important to get the facts so you can reduce your risk for stroke, heart disease or kidney disease by controlling as many high blood pressure risk factors as you can. Read more of the American Heart Association’s special message to women.

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7. I can take any kind of over-the-counter medications when I have a cold or the flu.

That’s not true. People with high blood pressure should know that taking certain cold, cough and flu medications could be dangerous. Decongestants have been reported to increase blood pressure and may interfere with blood pressure medications. Many over-the-counter drugs can have a dangerous effect on certain heart conditions and increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. If you’re one of the 65 million Americans who have high blood pressure, make sure to choose cold and flu medications that don’t contain decongestants. Learn more about safe over-the-counter medications.

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8. You don’t need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach middle age.

It’s a good idea to start having your blood pressure checked at an early age — even children as young as 6 can have high blood pressure. When kids reach the teen years, they should certainly have their pressure checked. According to research, teenagers with the highest blood pressure and extra pounds have thicker arteries by age 30. Preventing fatty buildups in artery walls may depend on keeping boys and girls from becoming overweight as adolescents, or helping them lose excess weight if they’re already obese. Age, body size and the degree of sexual maturation determine blood pressure levels in adolescence. Heavier and more sexually mature teenagers tend to have higher blood pressure. Learn more about children and high blood pressure.

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WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



This information is from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3008517

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

High Blood Pressure in Children

 
Children, even babies, can have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that all children have yearly blood pressure measurements. Detecting high blood pressure early will improve a child's health.

Some diseases — usually heart or kidney disease — can cause high blood pressure in children. This is called secondary hypertension. If the disease is successfully treated, blood pressure usually returns to normal. Some medicines can cause high blood pressure, but when they're discontinued, blood pressure usually returns to normal.

At one time, doctors thought that most high blood pressure in children was secondary (caused by other disease). Now they know this isn't so. Some children have higher blood pressures for unknown reasons. These children are said to have primary or essential hypertension.

Research scientists don't know why some children have higher blood pressure than others. Children who are overweight usually have higher blood pressure. Some children inherit the tendency toward higher blood pressure from one or both parents. High blood pressure is more frequent and more severe in families of African Americans than in whites. The reasons aren't fully understood.

Assessing dietary and physical activity behaviors and modifications may be recommended by the doctor to lower high blood pressure in overweight children. The doctor may also prescribe medication if modifications to diet and physical activity behaviors don't bring the high blood pressure under control.

Cigarette smoking isn't directly related to high blood pressure, but youngsters who smoke should stop for a variety of health reasons. Smoking increases the overall risk for cardiovascular disease. Parents should set a good example by not smoking and help educate their children about the dangers of smoking.


WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



This information is from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=214

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.

High Blood Pressure In Women

 
High blood pressure has no symptoms. Beginning at age 55, women have a much higher prevalence of HBP than men do.

If You're Taking the Pill...

Medical researchers have found that taking birth control pills is linked with high blood pressure in some women. It’s more likely to occur if you're overweight, had high blood pressure during pregnancy, or have a predisposing condition, such as mild kidney disease or a family history of high blood pressure. The combination of birth control pills and cigarette smoking may be especially dangerous in some women. It’s smart to ask your doctor to measure your blood pressure before prescribing the Pill. Then have your blood pressure checked every six months or so.

If You're Pregnant...

Physicians usually keep a close watch on blood pressure during pregnancy, because hypertension can develop rapidly in the last three months. If untreated, it's dangerous to mother and baby. This kind of hypertension usually disappears after delivery. If it doesn't, it should be controlled with careful, long-term treatment as with all other hypertension.

If you already have high blood pressure, pregnancy could make it more severe. Careful treatment helps ensure a normal pregnancy and a normal baby.

If You're Overweight...

Being overweight or gaining a lot of weight increases your chance of developing high blood pressure. This is one reason why it's important to maintain normal weight throughout your life.

After Menopause...

As a woman grows older, her chance of having high blood pressure becomes greater than a man's. You may have had normal blood pressure most of your life, but after menopause your chance of getting high blood pressure increases considerably.

If You're African American...

Nobody knows why, but studies show that African American women — even very young African American women — are much more susceptible to high blood pressure than white women are. Not only is the disease more common among African American women, but often it’s more serious.

If Your Family Has a History of High Blood Pressure...

If your parents and other close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, there's a good chance that you have it or will develop it. And if you have it, it's quite possible that your children also may develop it. Like adults, children should have regular blood pressure checks.


WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



This information is from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2123

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure

 
High blood pressure is a lifelong disease. It can usually be controlled but not cured. Once you begin to manage it and start a treatment program, maintaining a lower blood pressure is easier. By controlling your high blood pressure, you'll lower your risk of diseases like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. You can do it!

The first thing to do is to have your blood pressure checked. If you have high blood pressure, you can do a lot to reduce it. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

• It may include reducing the fat (particularly saturated fat) in your diet, eating less salt and changing your lifestyle by losing weight and getting regular physical activity.
• Quitting smoking is also important to reduce your overall risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Your doctor may recommend reducing how much alcohol you drink.
• Many medicines also can help reduce and control high blood pressure. Your doctor will decide whether you need medicine in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes.
• Monitor your blood pressure with a blood pressure kit

WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit


This information is from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2133

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Inexpensive Blood Pressure Kits

 
Many blood pressure kits costing $10 or less are cheaply made and highly inaccurate. A&D Medical/Lifesource, Accu-Chek, Bayer are all good brands. Good home blood pressure kits start around $25 and range anywhere between $25 and $200. There are three different types of blood pressure kits.

• Mercury Sphygmomanometer (Manual Blood Pressure Kit)
• Aneroid Equipment (Manual Blood Pressure Kit)
• Automatic Equipment (Digital Blood Pressure Kit)

(Digital blood pressure kits are easier to use and manual blood pressure kits are more accurate)

Order A Manual Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit

Types of Blood Pressure Kits

Mercury Sphygmomanometer - This has always been regarded as the standard for blood pressure measurement, but this is likely to change in the near future. The mercury sphygmomanometer is durable, easy to read and doesn’t require readjustment. It has a simple mechanism and works by gravity to give consistent, accurate readings. It has a long, tubular gauge, usually made of plastic to prevent breakage. It's not often recommended for home use due to the hazards of mercury.

Disadvantages include:

• May be bulky to carry
• Mercury spills can be hazardous
• Must be kept upright on a flat surface during measurement; the gauge must be read at eye level for accuracy
• May not work well for the hearing or visually impaired or for those unable to perform the hand movement needed to squeeze the bulb and inflate the cuff

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Aneroid Equipment - This is often inexpensive, lightweight and more portable than mercury sphygmomanometers. The aneroid gauge will work in any position if the reader is able to view it directly. Some models have an easy-to-read, extra large gauge; D-ring cuff for one-handed application; built-in or attached stethoscope; and a self-bleeding deflation valve for increased reading accuracy.

Disadvantages include:

• Has a delicate and complicated mechanism
• Less accurate than mercury sphygmomanometers and requires calibrating at least once a year or when dropped or bumped
• Can be easily damaged without the user’s knowledge and requires factory repair and readjustment
• Gauge can be clumsy to position, and without a D-ring cuff can be difficult to apply by oneself
• May not work well for the hearing or visually impaired or for those unable to perform the hand movement needed to squeeze the bulb and inflate the cuff

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Automatic Equipment - This is contained in one unit, so it's easier to handle than systems with a separate gauge and stethoscope. It’s easy to use, minimizes human error and is good for people with hearing or vision loss. Most units are very portable and have a D-ring cuff for one-handed application. The cuff may fit around the wrist or arm. More expensive models have automatic inflation and deflation systems; large, easy-to-read digital display and error indicator; reading printouts; and built-in pulse (heart rate) measurement.

Disadvantages include:

• Complex, fragile and sensitive mechanism
• Must be checked for accuracy at regular intervals
• Even the most accurate devices don’t give accurate readings on certain people
• Body movements may influence accuracy
• Can be expensive, requires batteries and an AC adapter for large arm cuffs and may require factory repair and readjustment when faulty
• Requires careful cuff placement and arm positioning for accurate operation, especially the wrist cuff model. (Some models are designed for use on only the right or left arm.)
• Large cuffs may be relatively expensive or difficult to obtain.

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WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



Portions of this information are from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=576

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

High Diastolic Blood Pressure and High Systolic Blood Pressure

 
Blood pressure is measured in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. On a standard blood pressure kit, the systolic blood pressure is displayed over the diastolic blood pressure. High systolic blood pressure is when your hearts' beating blood pressure is too high. High diastolic blood pressure is when your heart's resting blood pressure is too high.

A normal systolic blood pressure reading would be less then 120. A normal diastolic blood pressure reading would be less than 80. Usually, the lower your blood pressure the better. There is no cause for alarm if you have low blood pressure unless it produces symptoms like, lightheadedness, dizziness or unusual weakness.

However, there may be cause for alarm if you have high blood pressure or suspect that you may have high blood pressure. Symptoms for high blood pressure usually occur after it's much too late!


WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Causes of High Blood Pressure

 
In 10% of all high blood pressure cases, secondary hypertension is the cause. Some causes of secondary hypertension are kidney abnormality, structural abnormality, or a narrowing of the arteries.

The high blood pressure causes in the other 90% of all high blood pressure cases are actually unknown. However, we do know that certain factors do seem to be linked to high blood pressure.

• Obesity
• Heavy Salt Usage
• Heavy Alcohol Usage
• Birth Control Pill Usage
• Lack of Exercise
• Certain Drugs
• Heretical Factors

How Does High Blood Pressure Develop?

Your heart pumps blood through the body's arteries. The large arteries that leave your heart taper into smaller arteries called arterioles. The arterioles then taper into smaller vessels called capillaries, which supply oxygen and nutrients to all the organs of your body. The blood then returns to your heart through the veins.

Certain nerve impulses cause your arteries to dilate (become larger) or contract (become smaller). If these vessels are wide open, blood can flow through easily. If they're narrow, it's harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases. Then high blood pressure may occur. When this happens, your heart becomes strained and blood vessels may become damaged. Changes in the vessels that supply blood to your kidneys and brain may cause these organs to be affected.

Your heart, brain and kidneys can handle increased pressure for a long time. That's why you can live for years without any symptoms or ill effects. But that doesn't mean it's not hurting you. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure.


WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



Portions of this information are from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2152

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.