IS YOUR PAIN MEDICATION HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH?
"In high doses, one of our most-trusted, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers – acetaminophen – can kill you. Acetaminophen overdose is the top cause of liver failure among Americans, and women are especially at risk." I am quoting from the article 'Pain Medications: Can You be Overdosing' by Diane Wedner, Lifescript Medical Detective.
If you're like me and you're taking over-the-counter pain medication like crazy you should read the full article. (click here). It scared the daylights out of me. I am in now in the process of finding ways to manage my migraines so I won't overdose on the pain relievers. I would rather do away with some awful habits to prevent sickness. That's a healthier alternative. Would you prefer to go through a liver transplant caused by pain reliever overdose.
There's really nothing wrong with pain relievers. Taken in moderation, it won't result to sickness or other health risks. But when you buy it over-the counter like vitamins and gobble them up regularly in high doses, then a health problem might be in the offing.
I don't want my simple sickness (migraine) to result to a serious liver health condition. I'm taking stock. I'm paying attention. I'm making changes. How about you?
Showing posts with label medical conditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medical conditions. Show all posts
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
In Sickness and in Health: PROTECT YOUR JOINTS
In Sickness and in Health: PROTECT YOUR JOINTS
Ever heard of osteoarthritis? Dictionary.com defines it as "the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring after middle age, marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling." It's a degenerative joint disease that can cause immobility and extreme pain. It's a health problem. It's a sickness that can be prevented.
Don't you get scared when you see people who look like this?
I do. I get really scared. And that's why I read articles about it. About health. About sickness. And how they can be prevented.
Lifescript.com published "12 ways to Protect your joints" and here's a summary of their suggestions:
1. "Lighten your load" - extra weight causes extra stress to our joints and we become more prone to fractures and injury. A lot of sickness can be avoided when healthy weight is maintained. Shedding off those extra pounds can do wonders for our health.
2. "Get Moving" - a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of osteoarthritis. We need to be physically active to have stronger muscles and to lubricate our joints. Do some housework. Park a little further away. Go around the block. Take those stairs. Dance if you must. (Or you can). Anything that will get us moving-away from sickness and toward robust health.
3. "Strengthen your Core" - great abs is not only sexy. It has a lot of health benefits. Firm abs is equivalent to a firm core. It gives us stability and better control which mean less pressure on our joints. A firm core is one sure way of staying in good health.
4. Try Tai Chi - This is a form of Chinese Martial arts that requires slow circular and streching movements. The slow, repetitive movements make us more flexible and strong which, in turn, causes less stress on our joints. Search youtube for some simple tai chi moves if you're not up to spending for a CD. On the other hand, wouldn't you rather invest on your health rather than spend on medicine and hospital bills because of sickness.
5. Run Smart - our joints will certainly get more pounding if we prefer running to walking. But it can be done without getting yourself injured. Check out this link for some safe running tips.
6. Load up on fish - Lifescript suggests "at least two servings a week – 3.5 ounces cooked or 3/4 cup canned." 3.5 ounces is almost 100 grams. That's not much considering the health benefits. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish helps in cartilage formation and reduces the risk of joint inflammation. I'm lucky I love fish.
7. Do not slouch - this is my biggest problem. I'm a sloucher. A big one. The chiropractor who treated me confirmed this. As I have slouched all my life, my neck bones and spinal chord are now misaligned. This causes my perennial headeaches, back pain, hip and knee pains. So, if you want to stay away from sickness and be healthy, be conscious of your posture. Slouching "strains our ligaments" while erect posture allows for "even distibution of our weight". Needless to say, when you stand and sit erect, there will be less pressure on the joints.
8. Minimize the use of stilletos - occasional high heels won't do much harm. But frequent use of shoes with very high heels puts a lot of pressure on knees and hips. In my younger days, I was a stilleto person. My health was put to risk and I have long ago switched to the comfortable flats. You don't need to hurt yourself to be stylish.
9. Go easy on the handbags - those heavy loads are hazardous to your health-to your "joints and wrists. I know that for a fact. Raid your handbags and carry only the essentials. If you must bring a heavy load, go for the backpack.
10. "Don't be a weekend warrior" - What's a weekend warrior? Someone who does no exercise on weekdays and tries to compensate on weekends. According to Lifescript, this is damaging to our health and suggests 30-minute exercises on non-weekends.
11. Avoid Processed Foods - Lifescript calls the fats in processed foods destructive. Do I need to say more? For obvious health reasons, the best way is to go natural.
12. Stop when you Have Joint Pain - Pain and swelling is a sign of too much stress. If you want to have healthy joints, give it some rest.
These are all very sensible reminders. If you're reading this, you'reprobably at that age where you're starting to feel the pressure on your joints. I hope we can influence the younger generation to take heed. Health is not like school exams and reports where we can cram and still, by sheer luck, pass. Avoiding sickness requires folowing the law of the harvest. You cannot harvest what you have not planted.
via Lifescript -
Ever heard of osteoarthritis? Dictionary.com defines it as "the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring after middle age, marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling." It's a degenerative joint disease that can cause immobility and extreme pain. It's a health problem. It's a sickness that can be prevented.
Don't you get scared when you see people who look like this?
I do. I get really scared. And that's why I read articles about it. About health. About sickness. And how they can be prevented.
Lifescript.com published "12 ways to Protect your joints" and here's a summary of their suggestions:
1. "Lighten your load" - extra weight causes extra stress to our joints and we become more prone to fractures and injury. A lot of sickness can be avoided when healthy weight is maintained. Shedding off those extra pounds can do wonders for our health.
2. "Get Moving" - a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of osteoarthritis. We need to be physically active to have stronger muscles and to lubricate our joints. Do some housework. Park a little further away. Go around the block. Take those stairs. Dance if you must. (Or you can). Anything that will get us moving-away from sickness and toward robust health.
3. "Strengthen your Core" - great abs is not only sexy. It has a lot of health benefits. Firm abs is equivalent to a firm core. It gives us stability and better control which mean less pressure on our joints. A firm core is one sure way of staying in good health.
4. Try Tai Chi - This is a form of Chinese Martial arts that requires slow circular and streching movements. The slow, repetitive movements make us more flexible and strong which, in turn, causes less stress on our joints. Search youtube for some simple tai chi moves if you're not up to spending for a CD. On the other hand, wouldn't you rather invest on your health rather than spend on medicine and hospital bills because of sickness.
5. Run Smart - our joints will certainly get more pounding if we prefer running to walking. But it can be done without getting yourself injured. Check out this link for some safe running tips.
6. Load up on fish - Lifescript suggests "at least two servings a week – 3.5 ounces cooked or 3/4 cup canned." 3.5 ounces is almost 100 grams. That's not much considering the health benefits. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish helps in cartilage formation and reduces the risk of joint inflammation. I'm lucky I love fish.
7. Do not slouch - this is my biggest problem. I'm a sloucher. A big one. The chiropractor who treated me confirmed this. As I have slouched all my life, my neck bones and spinal chord are now misaligned. This causes my perennial headeaches, back pain, hip and knee pains. So, if you want to stay away from sickness and be healthy, be conscious of your posture. Slouching "strains our ligaments" while erect posture allows for "even distibution of our weight". Needless to say, when you stand and sit erect, there will be less pressure on the joints.
8. Minimize the use of stilletos - occasional high heels won't do much harm. But frequent use of shoes with very high heels puts a lot of pressure on knees and hips. In my younger days, I was a stilleto person. My health was put to risk and I have long ago switched to the comfortable flats. You don't need to hurt yourself to be stylish.
9. Go easy on the handbags - those heavy loads are hazardous to your health-to your "joints and wrists. I know that for a fact. Raid your handbags and carry only the essentials. If you must bring a heavy load, go for the backpack.
10. "Don't be a weekend warrior" - What's a weekend warrior? Someone who does no exercise on weekdays and tries to compensate on weekends. According to Lifescript, this is damaging to our health and suggests 30-minute exercises on non-weekends.
11. Avoid Processed Foods - Lifescript calls the fats in processed foods destructive. Do I need to say more? For obvious health reasons, the best way is to go natural.
12. Stop when you Have Joint Pain - Pain and swelling is a sign of too much stress. If you want to have healthy joints, give it some rest.
These are all very sensible reminders. If you're reading this, you'reprobably at that age where you're starting to feel the pressure on your joints. I hope we can influence the younger generation to take heed. Health is not like school exams and reports where we can cram and still, by sheer luck, pass. Avoiding sickness requires folowing the law of the harvest. You cannot harvest what you have not planted.
via Lifescript -
Monday, May 23, 2011
HOW TO PREVENT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
How to Prevent Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Avoid These 8 Factors for Arthritis Prevention
By Carole Jacobs, Special to Lifescript
Published May 23, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects 1%-3% of U.S. women, is on the rise – and can be triggered by everything from caffeine to car exhaust fumes. But researchers around the world are discovering new ways to reduce your risks. Learn about the top 8 things that could raise your chances of needing RA treatment, and get expert advice on how to avoid them...
Women are three times as likely to get rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as men, according to the American College of Rheumatology – and the numbers are growing.
The prevalence of RA in women increased by 2.5% between 1995 and 2007, according to Sherine Gabriel, M.D., professor of medicine and epidemiology with the Mayo Clinic, who co-authored a 12-year study on the subject.
Unfortunately, no RA cure is in sight, and research is divided on the exact causes – but scientists are beginning to connect the dots.
Studies show a correlation between RA and family genes, smoking, pollution, environmental toxins, lower estrogen levels and viral infections, says RA researcher Katherine Molnar-Kimber, Ph.D., founder of Rheumatoid Arthritis Decisions, a website for women with RA.
“Studies suggest factors that affect your overall health also contribute to symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,” Molnar-Kimber says.
Read on for 8 possible reasons behind the rise of RA – and how you can reduce your risks.
Arthritis prevention method #1: Get tested early.
If one or both of your parents have RA, you have a greater risk of developing the disease – but odds are still small, says Steven Soloway, M.D., a rheumatologist and RA advocate in Vineland, N.J.
What to do: While you can’t change your parents, getting diagnosed and treated early and aggressively is the best way to minimize symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
“See a rheumatologist at least twice a year to get checked out, even if you have no symptoms,” Soloway says.
“That includes getting an MRI, which can detect joint disease much earlier than an X-ray.”
New medications can even halt RA when it’s caught early.
“Today’s cutting-edge biologic drugs can reverse the course of the disease and stop the destruction and erosion of bone. If caught and treated early, RA is more likely to go into remission,” Soloway says.
Arthritis prevention method #2: Increase estrogen.
Estrogen has been shown to help protect against RA.
The recent rise in women affected by the disease could be a result of lower estrogen levels in newer birth-control pills and hormone replacement therapy, according to the 2010 Mayo Clinic study.
Half of a group of pregnant women experienced relief from RA symptoms during pregnancy because of naturally higher estrogen levels, a 2008 study conducted in the Netherlands found.
What to do: If you want to have kids, no problem.
“Getting pregnant and breastfeeding puts many women with RA into a sustained or even a permanent remission,” Soloway says.
If not, birth control pills, while reformulated, “may also help reduce risk,” says Nathan Wei, M.D., a rheumatologist in Frederick, Md.
Already in menopause? Ask your physician about short-term estrogen therapy. While the landmark Nurses’ Health Study at Harvard University found an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took hormone replacement therapy (estrogen plus progesterone), estrogen therapy alone doesn’t increase the risk when taken for less than 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society.
Arthritis prevention method #3: Don’t smoke.
“Smoking can double your risk of RA,” says Fred Wolfe, M.D., a Kansas-based rheumatologist and former director of the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases.
A series of recent studies bears this out.
Environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and car and truck exhaust increased both inflammation and the risk of RA, a 2009 Harvard study conducted on 90,297 women found.
Women who smoked for at least 20 years were nearly twice as likely to develop RA than lifelong nonsmokers, according to a 2011 analysis at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan. Women who had smoked at any time (including those who quit) were also more likely to develop RA than women who never smoked.
“Any type of smoking constitutes a significant risk factor for the development of RA,” notes study author Shunichi Kumagai, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of clinical pathology and immunology at Kobe University.
The risk of developing RA increased proportionally with the number of “pack-years” smoked, defined as one pack of cigarettes or 20 cigarettes daily for each year, a 2007 study at Denmark’s Danish Epidemiology Science Centre found.
What to do: Quit smoking.
Ask your physician about nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressants like bupropion (Zyban) that decrease your desire to smoke, and hypnosis – all of which have been shown to help smokers quit.
Even if you’re already experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll boost the effectiveness of your RA treatment by kicking the habit. Smoking hurt the effectiveness of most RA meds, including methotrexate and biologic treatments, in a 2011 study on nearly 1,500 people conducted at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.
Arthritis prevention method #4: Boost your vitamin D.
A vitamin-D deficiency could increase your risk of RA.
“Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant and hormone, and deficiencies can lead to a host of diseases, including RA and multiple sclerosis,” says Michael Holick, Ph.D., M.D., a vitamin-D researcher, professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University and author of The Vitamin D Solution (Hudson Street Press).
Women who live in northern latitudes, which get less D-producing sunlight, are more likely to develop symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 2010 study conducted on 13,000 women at several universities, including Boston University and Harvard.
Another 2010 report, from Tufts Medical Center, noted that a vitamin-D deficiency has been linked to several autoimmune disorders, including RA.
And several other studies, conducted at Penn State University, Brigham Young University and the University of Genoa in Italy, found that women who suffered vitamin-D deficiency had an increased risk of inflammatory diseases, including RA, lupus, arthritis and Crohn’s.
What to do: The reaction of sunlight on your skin is the key source of vitamin D. Only a few foods contain vitamin D, including egg yolks, salmon, some mushrooms, and vitamin-D-fortified foods, Holick says.
If you don’t eat a lot of foods with D and/or you live in a cloudy climate or regularly use sunscreen (which blocks out most vitamin D), you should take a daily supplement, he adds.
The Institute of Medicine, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends 600 International Units (IU) a day for women under age 71 and a maximum 800 IU for women age 71 and older.
(For more information, read Are You Deficient in Vitamin D?)
Arthritis prevention method #5: Limit caffeine.
Too much caffeine can do more than give you the jitters.
A 2010 study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway found that heavy caffeine consumption increased RA risk, and a 2006 study conducted at the Danish Epidemiology Science Centre said the same thing about heavy coffee drinkers.
Interestingly, women who drank decaffeinated coffee also had an increased risk, according to a 2002 study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
What to do: Cut back to three or fewer cups daily. Moderate caffeine consumption (about 300-400 milligrams daily, or about three cups of coffee) isn’t likely to cause negative health effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prefer to cut caffeine out of your life altogether?
Don’t go cold turkey. Even light coffee drinkers can suffer withdrawal symptoms, while heavy drinkers could experience a killer headache, according to John Hughes, Ph.D., director of the Human Behavior Pharmacology Laboratory at the University of Vermont.
It’s safer to give it up gradually over several weeks.
Arthritis prevention method #6: Eat more fish.
If you’re not eating enough fatty fish, along with olive oil or nuts and seeds, you could be increasing your risk for RA.
The chance of getting RA was reduced by 20%-30% in women who consumed fatty fish at least 1-3 three times a week, a landmark 1990 study of nearly 2,000 patients at Scotland’s University of Glasgow found.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the inflammatory response, says study author Gail Darlington, M.D., a researcher with Epsom General Hospital in Glasgow.
What to do: Eat plenty of cold-water fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, tuna, lake trout, herring and mackerel – or else take 1-2 grams of fish-oil supplements per day. Extra virgin olive oil is another good source of omega 3’s, Darlington says.
Arthritis prevention method #7: Prevent viral infections.
“Several studies have shown that infection can be one of the initial causes of rheumatoid arthritis,” Molnar-Kimber says.
Some likely suspects include the hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, herpes simplex virus, human herpes virus type 6, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus B19.
In a 2009 study conducted at Institute of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zurich, researchers found that viral infection often triggered autoimmune diseases like RA.
Infections were responsible for RA symptoms in about 20% of patients, a 2005 study at Finland’s Helsinki University Central Hospital found.
What to do: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. When possible, avoid places germs are likely, such as public rest rooms, drinking fountains, public tables and shopping carts – or clean surfaces with antibacterial wipes.
“See your physician if you’re feeling ill, so infections don’t get out of control,” says Molnar-Kimber.
Arthritis prevention method #8: Avoid environmental toxins.
Scientists are investigating the link between RA and exposure to toxins such as man-made pesticides, organic solvents, compounds like formaldehyde, and heavy metals like cadmium and mercury, Molnar-Kimber says.
Exposure to insecticides was associated with the risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as RA in postmenopausal women, according to a 2010 study at the National Institute for Environmental Health Science in Durham, N.C.
The 2009 Harvard study of 90,297 women found that those who lived within 55 yards of a large road frequented by cars and trucks had a 31% increased risk for RA, compared with women who were less exposed to exhaust fumes.
What to do: “Several studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients have less ability to rid their bodies of toxins due to low levels of glutathione, a protein produced by your liver that plays a key role in neutralizing [harmful] substances in the body,” Molnar-Kimber says.
To beef up your glutathione activity, take a glutathione supplement; an amino acid called L-carnitine may also help raise levels. Also eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, prunes, beans and pecans, which help repair cell damage, she says.
MY THOUGHTS
I think I may be at risk. This runs in the family. I hate beans. But I love all those berries. Better go see a doctor first.
Avoid These 8 Factors for Arthritis Prevention
By Carole Jacobs, Special to Lifescript
Published May 23, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects 1%-3% of U.S. women, is on the rise – and can be triggered by everything from caffeine to car exhaust fumes. But researchers around the world are discovering new ways to reduce your risks. Learn about the top 8 things that could raise your chances of needing RA treatment, and get expert advice on how to avoid them...
Women are three times as likely to get rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as men, according to the American College of Rheumatology – and the numbers are growing.
The prevalence of RA in women increased by 2.5% between 1995 and 2007, according to Sherine Gabriel, M.D., professor of medicine and epidemiology with the Mayo Clinic, who co-authored a 12-year study on the subject.
Unfortunately, no RA cure is in sight, and research is divided on the exact causes – but scientists are beginning to connect the dots.
Studies show a correlation between RA and family genes, smoking, pollution, environmental toxins, lower estrogen levels and viral infections, says RA researcher Katherine Molnar-Kimber, Ph.D., founder of Rheumatoid Arthritis Decisions, a website for women with RA.
“Studies suggest factors that affect your overall health also contribute to symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,” Molnar-Kimber says.
Read on for 8 possible reasons behind the rise of RA – and how you can reduce your risks.
Arthritis prevention method #1: Get tested early.
If one or both of your parents have RA, you have a greater risk of developing the disease – but odds are still small, says Steven Soloway, M.D., a rheumatologist and RA advocate in Vineland, N.J.
What to do: While you can’t change your parents, getting diagnosed and treated early and aggressively is the best way to minimize symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
“See a rheumatologist at least twice a year to get checked out, even if you have no symptoms,” Soloway says.
“That includes getting an MRI, which can detect joint disease much earlier than an X-ray.”
New medications can even halt RA when it’s caught early.
“Today’s cutting-edge biologic drugs can reverse the course of the disease and stop the destruction and erosion of bone. If caught and treated early, RA is more likely to go into remission,” Soloway says.
Arthritis prevention method #2: Increase estrogen.
Estrogen has been shown to help protect against RA.
The recent rise in women affected by the disease could be a result of lower estrogen levels in newer birth-control pills and hormone replacement therapy, according to the 2010 Mayo Clinic study.
Half of a group of pregnant women experienced relief from RA symptoms during pregnancy because of naturally higher estrogen levels, a 2008 study conducted in the Netherlands found.
What to do: If you want to have kids, no problem.
“Getting pregnant and breastfeeding puts many women with RA into a sustained or even a permanent remission,” Soloway says.
If not, birth control pills, while reformulated, “may also help reduce risk,” says Nathan Wei, M.D., a rheumatologist in Frederick, Md.
Already in menopause? Ask your physician about short-term estrogen therapy. While the landmark Nurses’ Health Study at Harvard University found an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took hormone replacement therapy (estrogen plus progesterone), estrogen therapy alone doesn’t increase the risk when taken for less than 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society.
Arthritis prevention method #3: Don’t smoke.
“Smoking can double your risk of RA,” says Fred Wolfe, M.D., a Kansas-based rheumatologist and former director of the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases.
A series of recent studies bears this out.
Environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and car and truck exhaust increased both inflammation and the risk of RA, a 2009 Harvard study conducted on 90,297 women found.
Women who smoked for at least 20 years were nearly twice as likely to develop RA than lifelong nonsmokers, according to a 2011 analysis at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan. Women who had smoked at any time (including those who quit) were also more likely to develop RA than women who never smoked.
“Any type of smoking constitutes a significant risk factor for the development of RA,” notes study author Shunichi Kumagai, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of clinical pathology and immunology at Kobe University.
The risk of developing RA increased proportionally with the number of “pack-years” smoked, defined as one pack of cigarettes or 20 cigarettes daily for each year, a 2007 study at Denmark’s Danish Epidemiology Science Centre found.
What to do: Quit smoking.
Ask your physician about nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressants like bupropion (Zyban) that decrease your desire to smoke, and hypnosis – all of which have been shown to help smokers quit.
Even if you’re already experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll boost the effectiveness of your RA treatment by kicking the habit. Smoking hurt the effectiveness of most RA meds, including methotrexate and biologic treatments, in a 2011 study on nearly 1,500 people conducted at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.
Arthritis prevention method #4: Boost your vitamin D.
A vitamin-D deficiency could increase your risk of RA.
“Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant and hormone, and deficiencies can lead to a host of diseases, including RA and multiple sclerosis,” says Michael Holick, Ph.D., M.D., a vitamin-D researcher, professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University and author of The Vitamin D Solution (Hudson Street Press).
Women who live in northern latitudes, which get less D-producing sunlight, are more likely to develop symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 2010 study conducted on 13,000 women at several universities, including Boston University and Harvard.
Another 2010 report, from Tufts Medical Center, noted that a vitamin-D deficiency has been linked to several autoimmune disorders, including RA.
And several other studies, conducted at Penn State University, Brigham Young University and the University of Genoa in Italy, found that women who suffered vitamin-D deficiency had an increased risk of inflammatory diseases, including RA, lupus, arthritis and Crohn’s.
What to do: The reaction of sunlight on your skin is the key source of vitamin D. Only a few foods contain vitamin D, including egg yolks, salmon, some mushrooms, and vitamin-D-fortified foods, Holick says.
If you don’t eat a lot of foods with D and/or you live in a cloudy climate or regularly use sunscreen (which blocks out most vitamin D), you should take a daily supplement, he adds.
The Institute of Medicine, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends 600 International Units (IU) a day for women under age 71 and a maximum 800 IU for women age 71 and older.
(For more information, read Are You Deficient in Vitamin D?)
Arthritis prevention method #5: Limit caffeine.
Too much caffeine can do more than give you the jitters.
A 2010 study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway found that heavy caffeine consumption increased RA risk, and a 2006 study conducted at the Danish Epidemiology Science Centre said the same thing about heavy coffee drinkers.
Interestingly, women who drank decaffeinated coffee also had an increased risk, according to a 2002 study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
What to do: Cut back to three or fewer cups daily. Moderate caffeine consumption (about 300-400 milligrams daily, or about three cups of coffee) isn’t likely to cause negative health effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prefer to cut caffeine out of your life altogether?
Don’t go cold turkey. Even light coffee drinkers can suffer withdrawal symptoms, while heavy drinkers could experience a killer headache, according to John Hughes, Ph.D., director of the Human Behavior Pharmacology Laboratory at the University of Vermont.
It’s safer to give it up gradually over several weeks.
Arthritis prevention method #6: Eat more fish.
If you’re not eating enough fatty fish, along with olive oil or nuts and seeds, you could be increasing your risk for RA.
The chance of getting RA was reduced by 20%-30% in women who consumed fatty fish at least 1-3 three times a week, a landmark 1990 study of nearly 2,000 patients at Scotland’s University of Glasgow found.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the inflammatory response, says study author Gail Darlington, M.D., a researcher with Epsom General Hospital in Glasgow.
What to do: Eat plenty of cold-water fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, tuna, lake trout, herring and mackerel – or else take 1-2 grams of fish-oil supplements per day. Extra virgin olive oil is another good source of omega 3’s, Darlington says.
Arthritis prevention method #7: Prevent viral infections.
“Several studies have shown that infection can be one of the initial causes of rheumatoid arthritis,” Molnar-Kimber says.
Some likely suspects include the hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, herpes simplex virus, human herpes virus type 6, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus B19.
In a 2009 study conducted at Institute of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zurich, researchers found that viral infection often triggered autoimmune diseases like RA.
Infections were responsible for RA symptoms in about 20% of patients, a 2005 study at Finland’s Helsinki University Central Hospital found.
What to do: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. When possible, avoid places germs are likely, such as public rest rooms, drinking fountains, public tables and shopping carts – or clean surfaces with antibacterial wipes.
“See your physician if you’re feeling ill, so infections don’t get out of control,” says Molnar-Kimber.
Arthritis prevention method #8: Avoid environmental toxins.
Scientists are investigating the link between RA and exposure to toxins such as man-made pesticides, organic solvents, compounds like formaldehyde, and heavy metals like cadmium and mercury, Molnar-Kimber says.
Exposure to insecticides was associated with the risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as RA in postmenopausal women, according to a 2010 study at the National Institute for Environmental Health Science in Durham, N.C.
The 2009 Harvard study of 90,297 women found that those who lived within 55 yards of a large road frequented by cars and trucks had a 31% increased risk for RA, compared with women who were less exposed to exhaust fumes.
What to do: “Several studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients have less ability to rid their bodies of toxins due to low levels of glutathione, a protein produced by your liver that plays a key role in neutralizing [harmful] substances in the body,” Molnar-Kimber says.
To beef up your glutathione activity, take a glutathione supplement; an amino acid called L-carnitine may also help raise levels. Also eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, prunes, beans and pecans, which help repair cell damage, she says.
MY THOUGHTS
I think I may be at risk. This runs in the family. I hate beans. But I love all those berries. Better go see a doctor first.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
DO YOU HAVE ASTHMA?
Question: How Do I Know If I Have Asthma?
Answer:
While the typical person is diagnosed with asthma in early childhood, you can develop asthma at any age. Anyone with one or a combination of the following symptoms could have asthma:
Cough - often with symptoms worsening at night
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Decreased ability to perform normal activities
Frequent nighttime awakenings or symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to discuss asthma with your healthcare provider. Asthma can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms mentioned above can occur in diseases other than asthma.
MY THOUGHTS
So, do you think you should make a trip to your doctor's office?
Answer:
While the typical person is diagnosed with asthma in early childhood, you can develop asthma at any age. Anyone with one or a combination of the following symptoms could have asthma:
Cough - often with symptoms worsening at night
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Decreased ability to perform normal activities
Frequent nighttime awakenings or symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to discuss asthma with your healthcare provider. Asthma can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms mentioned above can occur in diseases other than asthma.
MY THOUGHTS
So, do you think you should make a trip to your doctor's office?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
HEALTH TEST: C-reactive Protein (CRP)
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP)
FROM THE ARTICLE 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Your liver produces this protein, and levels rise when arteries are inflamed or swollen. It’s a sign of cardiovascular disease.
A test called the hs-CRP (highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein) measures how much CRP is in your blood. People with high levels have twice the risk of heart attacks than those with low levels, according to the American Heart Association.
What’s optimal: An hs-CRP level of less than 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter) indicates low risk; 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L means average risk.
What’s not: An hs-CRP level more than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk.
CRP levels too high? Get doctor-recommended tips for a healthy heart.
MY THOUGHTS
I've never heard of this. I'm not sure if I've never taken the test or the doctor never discussed it with me. I'm taking that as a good sign.
FROM THE ARTICLE 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Your liver produces this protein, and levels rise when arteries are inflamed or swollen. It’s a sign of cardiovascular disease.
A test called the hs-CRP (highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein) measures how much CRP is in your blood. People with high levels have twice the risk of heart attacks than those with low levels, according to the American Heart Association.
What’s optimal: An hs-CRP level of less than 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter) indicates low risk; 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L means average risk.
What’s not: An hs-CRP level more than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk.
CRP levels too high? Get doctor-recommended tips for a healthy heart.
MY THOUGHTS
I've never heard of this. I'm not sure if I've never taken the test or the doctor never discussed it with me. I'm taking that as a good sign.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
EASING THE PAIN
Easing the Pain
Original Content | July 11, 2008
http://www.oprah.com/health/Know-Your-Body-Easing-the-Pain
There are some interesting genetic explorations that may provide more specific and targeted pain therapies in the future. The research in central (brain and spinal cord) pain mechanisms will help us to understand pain and perhaps lead the way to an objective assessment of this very important symptom. Until then, doctors recommend the following techniques for helping to ease your pain.
De-stressing
Mini-relaxations can be helpful for frequent de-stressing throughout the day. Techniques include taking a deep breath and blowing out through pursed or unpursed lips slowly to the count of 10. Children can pretend that they are blowing bubbles. Be aware that breath-holding and increased tension can increase pain. Here is an exercise that can demonstrate this point:
Make a fist and notice what happens to your breath. ... Most people hold their breath or breathe short, shallow breaths. Now make a fist and keep breathing. A fist is harder to make when the breath is allowed to flow in and out.
Repetitive relaxation
Focusing on a word, phrase or your breath for 10 to 20 minutes, once a day, can be helpful in balancing the stress caused by chronic pain and/or illness. Likewise, the use of relaxation tapes, prayers or activities such as yoga or Tai Chi can help relax the mind and body. Visualization and hypnosis techniques may help decrease pain symptoms or assist with relaxation.
These techniques all have the potential for eliciting the "relaxation response," a natural calming response that can be trained in humans. However, this repetitive focusing of your mind is not the same as "relaxing." Sleeping, reading a book, watching TV or listening to music will not produce the same results as this repetitive focusing of the mind.
Create a flare-up plan
People with chronic pain will have flare-ups, a worsening of their pain. Preparing for this inevitable event helps get through it. There are several ways that this can be approached. Writing down your pain treatment plans for the "everyday" pain and the flare-up pain can assist with assuring confidence that you can get through this. Identifying more than just medications to get through a flare and making those plans very detailed can give you the control back. For example:
•Medication: What medication and dose
•Call a friend: Who and their phone number
•Watch a movie: Which one and where to get it
•Stretch: Which exercises
•Lie down: How long and do what
Pacing activities
People in chronic pain must do their activities differently than when they weren't in pain. If they do, they will find that they can eventually be more active and have less pain. External cueing of uptime and downtime activities is important. Using a timer, for example, is helpful in the beginning.
A good example is a person with back pain who determines that standing increases pain after 15 minutes and sitting brings it back to baseline. They then rearrange their daily activities to alternate standing for 15 minutes with sitting for 20 minutes.
Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise, which requires oxygen, elevates heart rate through sustained movements of the body at moderate intensity. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming and stationary bicycling are considered aerobic exercise. There is a long list of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle, e.g., heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis. The risk of developing these disorders can be reduced by regular aerobic exercise. Being in pain doesn't mean you should neglect overall health and well-being.
For people in pain, water exercises can be especially relaxing because you lose about 70 percent of gravity's effect in water. Since movement is so much easier in water, there's a tendency to exercise longer and harder. It's always best to start out low and slow.
Journaling
Writing can be very therapeutic and doesn't need to be shared with anyone to have powerful effects. The narrative repair is the name given to the technique of writing about stressful or traumatic events. Writing in a diary or journaling is certainly not new, but research into the powerful healing effects of putting words down on paper is. There appears to be an evolving process as an individual continues to write, the narrative repair, that is associated with bringing coherence or meaning to a traumatic or life-changing experience. Bringing meaning to the pain experience can be an important step to healing, decreasing long-term disability or making peace with death.
MY THOUGHTS
I can only imagine how difficult chronic pain can be. And I can only pray that none of us will experience it.
Original Content | July 11, 2008
http://www.oprah.com/health/Know-Your-Body-Easing-the-Pain
There are some interesting genetic explorations that may provide more specific and targeted pain therapies in the future. The research in central (brain and spinal cord) pain mechanisms will help us to understand pain and perhaps lead the way to an objective assessment of this very important symptom. Until then, doctors recommend the following techniques for helping to ease your pain.
De-stressing
Mini-relaxations can be helpful for frequent de-stressing throughout the day. Techniques include taking a deep breath and blowing out through pursed or unpursed lips slowly to the count of 10. Children can pretend that they are blowing bubbles. Be aware that breath-holding and increased tension can increase pain. Here is an exercise that can demonstrate this point:
Make a fist and notice what happens to your breath. ... Most people hold their breath or breathe short, shallow breaths. Now make a fist and keep breathing. A fist is harder to make when the breath is allowed to flow in and out.
Repetitive relaxation
Focusing on a word, phrase or your breath for 10 to 20 minutes, once a day, can be helpful in balancing the stress caused by chronic pain and/or illness. Likewise, the use of relaxation tapes, prayers or activities such as yoga or Tai Chi can help relax the mind and body. Visualization and hypnosis techniques may help decrease pain symptoms or assist with relaxation.
These techniques all have the potential for eliciting the "relaxation response," a natural calming response that can be trained in humans. However, this repetitive focusing of your mind is not the same as "relaxing." Sleeping, reading a book, watching TV or listening to music will not produce the same results as this repetitive focusing of the mind.
Create a flare-up plan
People with chronic pain will have flare-ups, a worsening of their pain. Preparing for this inevitable event helps get through it. There are several ways that this can be approached. Writing down your pain treatment plans for the "everyday" pain and the flare-up pain can assist with assuring confidence that you can get through this. Identifying more than just medications to get through a flare and making those plans very detailed can give you the control back. For example:
•Medication: What medication and dose
•Call a friend: Who and their phone number
•Watch a movie: Which one and where to get it
•Stretch: Which exercises
•Lie down: How long and do what
Pacing activities
People in chronic pain must do their activities differently than when they weren't in pain. If they do, they will find that they can eventually be more active and have less pain. External cueing of uptime and downtime activities is important. Using a timer, for example, is helpful in the beginning.
A good example is a person with back pain who determines that standing increases pain after 15 minutes and sitting brings it back to baseline. They then rearrange their daily activities to alternate standing for 15 minutes with sitting for 20 minutes.
Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise, which requires oxygen, elevates heart rate through sustained movements of the body at moderate intensity. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming and stationary bicycling are considered aerobic exercise. There is a long list of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle, e.g., heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis. The risk of developing these disorders can be reduced by regular aerobic exercise. Being in pain doesn't mean you should neglect overall health and well-being.
For people in pain, water exercises can be especially relaxing because you lose about 70 percent of gravity's effect in water. Since movement is so much easier in water, there's a tendency to exercise longer and harder. It's always best to start out low and slow.
Journaling
Writing can be very therapeutic and doesn't need to be shared with anyone to have powerful effects. The narrative repair is the name given to the technique of writing about stressful or traumatic events. Writing in a diary or journaling is certainly not new, but research into the powerful healing effects of putting words down on paper is. There appears to be an evolving process as an individual continues to write, the narrative repair, that is associated with bringing coherence or meaning to a traumatic or life-changing experience. Bringing meaning to the pain experience can be an important step to healing, decreasing long-term disability or making peace with death.
MY THOUGHTS
I can only imagine how difficult chronic pain can be. And I can only pray that none of us will experience it.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL?
WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL HEALTH TEST?
FROM THE ARTICLE 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Cholesterol
The body needs some of this waxy, fatty substance to help it make hormones and vitamin D, for example. But too much cholesterol can accumulate on your arterial walls and “lead to heart attacks and strokes,” Wright says.
Your body produces two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or “high-density lipoprotein,” is good for you because it helps keep arteries clear. The higher this number, the lower your risk of heart disease.
Bad cholesterol, or LDL or “low-density lipoprotein,” can build up in arteries and form plaque, a hard substance that can slow or block blood flow. The bigger the LDL reading, the higher your cardiac disease risk.
Two other types of bad cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, also contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Learn how to lower your cholesterol levels.
What’s optimal: Total blood cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL (which means milligrams per deciliter of blood).
HDL should be over 50 for women
LDL, less than 100 is optimal; 100-129 is near-optimal
What’s not: Total blood cholesterol of 200-239 is borderline high; over 240 is high.
HDL: below 50 for women
LDL: 130-159 is borderline high; 160-189 is high; 190 or above is very high
MY THOUGHTS
Serious, huh? Scary how anything as simple as (wrong) fat deposits can lead to a deadly heart attack.
FROM THE ARTICLE 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Cholesterol
The body needs some of this waxy, fatty substance to help it make hormones and vitamin D, for example. But too much cholesterol can accumulate on your arterial walls and “lead to heart attacks and strokes,” Wright says.
Your body produces two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or “high-density lipoprotein,” is good for you because it helps keep arteries clear. The higher this number, the lower your risk of heart disease.
Bad cholesterol, or LDL or “low-density lipoprotein,” can build up in arteries and form plaque, a hard substance that can slow or block blood flow. The bigger the LDL reading, the higher your cardiac disease risk.
Two other types of bad cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, also contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Learn how to lower your cholesterol levels.
What’s optimal: Total blood cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL (which means milligrams per deciliter of blood).
HDL should be over 50 for women
LDL, less than 100 is optimal; 100-129 is near-optimal
What’s not: Total blood cholesterol of 200-239 is borderline high; over 240 is high.
HDL: below 50 for women
LDL: 130-159 is borderline high; 160-189 is high; 190 or above is very high
MY THOUGHTS
Serious, huh? Scary how anything as simple as (wrong) fat deposits can lead to a deadly heart attack.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEALTH TEST: BLOOD PRESSURE
WHAT YOUR HEALTH TEST RESULTS MEAN: BLOOD PRESSURE
from the article 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Your doctor ordered a blood test. But do you understand the results? Or if you’re bordering on a heart attack, diabetes or underactive thyroid? We asked the experts to explain those critical numbers – and what they say about your health...
You look and feel great, but are you really in tip-top health? Routine medical tests can tell you – if you know how to interpret the results.
“A person who understands the significance of tests and results is better able to make decisions about their care,” says cardiologist Janet Wright, M.D.
Read on to find out which tests you need, what’s being measured and the next steps to take if you don’t ace the exam.
1. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is simply a measurement of the force of blood pushing against artery walls as your heart pumps blood through the body.
Your doctor will read off two numbers. The top, or systolic, is the pressure that occurs when your heart beats. The bottom, or diastolic, measures pressure when your ticker rests between beats.
If your blood pressure is higher than normal, you have hypertension, which “damages arteries, leading to strokes, kidney failure, blindness and heart attacks,” Wright says.
What’s optimal: 120/80 mmHg. (That stands for millimeters of mercury, which is used to measure blood pressure.)
What’s not: A top number over 140 or a bottom number higher than 90 indicate high blood pressure.
A systolic number of 120-139 or a diastolic of 80-89 suggests pre-hypertension, which means you’re likely to end up with high blood pressure if you don’t exercise more or change your diet.
Some people have low blood pressure, but this is a problem only if it causes fainting or dizziness.
MY THOUGHTS
I don't think I have heard this health explained quite as clear as this. Hope this helps you gauge how healthy or sick (I hope not) your blood pressure is.
from the article 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
Your doctor ordered a blood test. But do you understand the results? Or if you’re bordering on a heart attack, diabetes or underactive thyroid? We asked the experts to explain those critical numbers – and what they say about your health...
You look and feel great, but are you really in tip-top health? Routine medical tests can tell you – if you know how to interpret the results.
“A person who understands the significance of tests and results is better able to make decisions about their care,” says cardiologist Janet Wright, M.D.
Read on to find out which tests you need, what’s being measured and the next steps to take if you don’t ace the exam.
1. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is simply a measurement of the force of blood pushing against artery walls as your heart pumps blood through the body.
Your doctor will read off two numbers. The top, or systolic, is the pressure that occurs when your heart beats. The bottom, or diastolic, measures pressure when your ticker rests between beats.
If your blood pressure is higher than normal, you have hypertension, which “damages arteries, leading to strokes, kidney failure, blindness and heart attacks,” Wright says.
What’s optimal: 120/80 mmHg. (That stands for millimeters of mercury, which is used to measure blood pressure.)
What’s not: A top number over 140 or a bottom number higher than 90 indicate high blood pressure.
A systolic number of 120-139 or a diastolic of 80-89 suggests pre-hypertension, which means you’re likely to end up with high blood pressure if you don’t exercise more or change your diet.
Some people have low blood pressure, but this is a problem only if it causes fainting or dizziness.
MY THOUGHTS
I don't think I have heard this health explained quite as clear as this. Hope this helps you gauge how healthy or sick (I hope not) your blood pressure is.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
DEALING WITH CHRONIC PAIN
Dealing with Chronic Pain
By Margaret A. Caudill-Slosberg, MD
Original Content | July 15, 2003
http://www.oprah.com/health/Know-Your-Body-Dealing-with-Chronic-Pain
Chronic pain is a very serious health concern that affects more than 50 million Americans. Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists a month or more beyond what is considered normal for recovery from an injury or illness, or that goes on for months or years because of a chronic condition.
Just a few of the diseases associated with chronic pain include: arthritis, nerve damage, cancer, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, shingles, phantom limb pain and coronary artery disease. Sometimes pain persists for reasons that are not clear. This sort of pain is related to a "broken" pain system and does not respond well to medications normally used for acute pain.
Depending upon its severity, chronic pain can cause all kinds of devastation if the person suffering has no confidence that she/he can control or manage it. The first principle of controlling pain is to seek medical advice regarding the cause. When the cause has been determined, or when the more serious causes like cancer or infection have been eliminated from the list of possible culprits, you can begin to deal with the realities of your particular problem. Reflecting on your responses to the following questions will help you and your health care provider determine the cause:
•When did it start?
•How long has it been?
•What makes it better?
•What makes it worse?
•What have you done to alleviate it thus far?
•Describe the quality of the pain: burning, aching, sharp, or throbbing can be very helpful in making a diagnosis.
•Acknowledging the emotional response is also helpful. Are you fearful, anxious, or angry?
MY THOUGHTS
I didn't know that shingles can cause chronic pain. But that's the least of my worries. I had it once a couple of years ago and so far has been free from it. I'm anxious about carpal tunnel syndrome. My right hand (and wrist) takes a lot of beating. I have to re-learn using the mouse with my left hand to lessen the pressure. Working on the computer for hours is not helping. Not at all.
By Margaret A. Caudill-Slosberg, MD
Original Content | July 15, 2003
http://www.oprah.com/health/Know-Your-Body-Dealing-with-Chronic-Pain
Chronic pain is a very serious health concern that affects more than 50 million Americans. Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists a month or more beyond what is considered normal for recovery from an injury or illness, or that goes on for months or years because of a chronic condition.
Just a few of the diseases associated with chronic pain include: arthritis, nerve damage, cancer, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, shingles, phantom limb pain and coronary artery disease. Sometimes pain persists for reasons that are not clear. This sort of pain is related to a "broken" pain system and does not respond well to medications normally used for acute pain.
Depending upon its severity, chronic pain can cause all kinds of devastation if the person suffering has no confidence that she/he can control or manage it. The first principle of controlling pain is to seek medical advice regarding the cause. When the cause has been determined, or when the more serious causes like cancer or infection have been eliminated from the list of possible culprits, you can begin to deal with the realities of your particular problem. Reflecting on your responses to the following questions will help you and your health care provider determine the cause:
•When did it start?
•How long has it been?
•What makes it better?
•What makes it worse?
•What have you done to alleviate it thus far?
•Describe the quality of the pain: burning, aching, sharp, or throbbing can be very helpful in making a diagnosis.
•Acknowledging the emotional response is also helpful. Are you fearful, anxious, or angry?
MY THOUGHTS
I didn't know that shingles can cause chronic pain. But that's the least of my worries. I had it once a couple of years ago and so far has been free from it. I'm anxious about carpal tunnel syndrome. My right hand (and wrist) takes a lot of beating. I have to re-learn using the mouse with my left hand to lessen the pressure. Working on the computer for hours is not helping. Not at all.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
ARE YOU AN ADHD ADULT
Are You an ADHD Adult?
It’s Not Just a Kids' Disorder
By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer
Published April 03, 2011
Got the lunches made. Oops, forgot to let the dog out. Need to pick up the dry cleaning. Anyone seen my keys? If these scatterbrained thoughts are a part of your everyday life, you may be one of the estimated 6-15 million adults with ADHD.
Your inattention and restlessness may not just be your quirky personality. You could have ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), a behavioral disorder that's mostly associated with unruly children. In fact, about 65% of children with ADHD carry the disorder into adulthood, making it an adult problem too.
Although ADHD adults may have better coping skills than they had as children, it's still a struggle to get through the day. Not only does ADHD interfere with organizing and completing daily tasks, but adults with the disorder are also prone to depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, even an increased risk of divorce and car accidents.
Even simple duties may demand great concentration and effort. In part, that’s because ADHD adults are easily distracted by sound, sight or touch. Whatever the stimulus, they're often knocked off course by even minor distractions.
Symptoms of ADHD
The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
The symptoms of inattention include:
Losing track of thoughts or focus in the middle of tasks
Missing details or making careless mistakes
Inability to complete work assignments
Forgetfulness
Difficulty following instructions
MY THOUGHTS
I am such a busybody I thought I might have ADHD. This article confirms I'm simply hyperactive. My focus is great. I hardly miss details. I complete work assignments and can still follow instructions to the letter. I can't remember some names and dates but I doubt I can be called forgetful.
It’s Not Just a Kids' Disorder
By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer
Published April 03, 2011
Got the lunches made. Oops, forgot to let the dog out. Need to pick up the dry cleaning. Anyone seen my keys? If these scatterbrained thoughts are a part of your everyday life, you may be one of the estimated 6-15 million adults with ADHD.
Your inattention and restlessness may not just be your quirky personality. You could have ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), a behavioral disorder that's mostly associated with unruly children. In fact, about 65% of children with ADHD carry the disorder into adulthood, making it an adult problem too.
Although ADHD adults may have better coping skills than they had as children, it's still a struggle to get through the day. Not only does ADHD interfere with organizing and completing daily tasks, but adults with the disorder are also prone to depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, even an increased risk of divorce and car accidents.
Even simple duties may demand great concentration and effort. In part, that’s because ADHD adults are easily distracted by sound, sight or touch. Whatever the stimulus, they're often knocked off course by even minor distractions.
Symptoms of ADHD
The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
The symptoms of inattention include:
Losing track of thoughts or focus in the middle of tasks
Missing details or making careless mistakes
Inability to complete work assignments
Forgetfulness
Difficulty following instructions
MY THOUGHTS
I am such a busybody I thought I might have ADHD. This article confirms I'm simply hyperactive. My focus is great. I hardly miss details. I complete work assignments and can still follow instructions to the letter. I can't remember some names and dates but I doubt I can be called forgetful.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
WAYS TO LOWER OSTEO RISK
8 Easy Ways to Lower Your Osteoporosis Risk
Building Bone Health Is as Simple as Going Outside
By Ellen Baskin, Special to Lifescript
Published February 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D
It’s never too early – or late – to build stronger bones. In fact, making smart choices now can lower your osteoporosis risk. Read on for 8 expert tips…
If you smoke, drink soda and skip workouts, you could be increasing your osteoporosis risk without even knowing it.
“Younger women should realize that lifestyle choices they’re making now could affect future bone health,” says Judi Chervenak, M.D., a gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist in the department of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can ward off osteoporosis and fractures – and reverse bone erosion you may already have.
Here are 8 expert tips for building stronger bones:
1. Stop smoking.
Smoking is at the top of every doctor’s “don’t” list because it causes lung cancer. It can also weaken bones.
“Smoking has been linked to lower rates of estrogen, which puts women at risk for lower bone density,” Chervenak says.
Lighting up can also trigger earlier menopause, although “no one can say why this happens,” she says.
“Bone loss is most significant in the first 5-8 years of perimenopause [the period before menopause],” she adds.
Decreased bone density in smokers can be tied to other lifestyle factors too. Smokers are often thinner and drink more alcohol, both of which contribute to bone erosion.
But here’s the good news: If you quit smoking today, your bone density could inprove in just one year, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health and conducted by the University of Connecticut and the Veterans Affairs’ Connecticut Healthcare System.
2. Take calcium with vitamin D.
A daily dose of calcium is essential for healthy bones.
“Calcium constantly flows in and out of bones to the bloodstream,” explains Pauline Camacho, M.D., director of Loyola University Chicago Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center.
If you have a calcium deficiency, “your system takes what it needs from the bones’ stored supply of the mineral, which can lead to bone erosion,” she explains.
The best way to increase your body’s calcium absorption is with vitamin D. Without it, much of the calcium you ingest could be wasted.
Sunlight is the most natural way to get vitamin D. Your body manufactures it when skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Up to a half hour outside each day may be sufficient for most women, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), although guidelines vary based on factors such as SPF usage.
If you’re light-skinned and worry about skin cancer, spread out your sun exposure across three 10-minute periods a day. And avoid sun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., when it's the strongest.
You can also get vitamin D through food sources, including saltwater fish and packaged goods labeled “vitamin-D fortified.” Fish-oil supplements work too. Look for vitamin supplements containing cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is considered most effective for raising D levels.
The recommended daily D allowance is 600 international units (IU).
Read our article Are You Deficient in Vitamin D? to learn more about this important nutrient.
3. Check your meds.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, cholesterol-lowering drugs and immunosuppressants, can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb minerals, including calcium.
Proton-pump inhibitors, which help control acid reflux, can also increase osteoporosis risk.
These medications eliminate stomach acidity, which is needed to absorb calcium, says Emily Fine, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist in private practice in Connecticut and assistant clinical professor at Yale Medical School.
People suffering from acid reflux often take proton-pump inhibitors daily, even if they’re not experiencing symptoms, Fine says. If that’s the case, ask your doctor if you can cut the dosage.
Injectable birth control (such as Depo Provera) has also been linked to lower bone density, because it decreases estrogen levels.
Eating calcium-rich foods or taking supplements can reverse the problem, according to a 2010 University of Texas study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. And once you go off injectable birth control, this risk goes away.
4. Lighten up on coffee.
Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day can weaken bones. That’s because caffeine interferes with calcium absorption, particularly as women age.
If you’re not ready to go cold turkey, take these steps:
* Be sure to get at least the daily recommended calcium intake (1,000 mg for women ages 19-50).
* Add skim milk to your coffee. Fat-free milk has more calcium than whole milk, according to the NIH.
5. Put down the cola.
More damaging to bone health than caffeine is phosphoric acid – a chemical additive that gives cola its tangy flavor and keeps it from going flat.
In women, cola consumption was linked to lower bone-mineral density in the spine and hip, according to a 2006 Tufts University study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Blame phosphoric acid, found in most brown colas but not many other carbonated soft drinks. The compound binds to calcium in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Get your fizzy fix by switching to clear soft drinks or mineral water. But first check the label; phosphoric acid is sometimes added for extra bubbles.
6. Cut down on alcohol.
“If you drink two or more alcoholic beverages a day, you could be putting bones at risk,” Camacho says.
Plus, being tipsy increases your risk of falls and bone fractures. Limit these damaging effects by eliminating alcohol or cutting back.
“One glass of red wine at dinner is fine if you’re eating properly and getting the calcium your body needs,” Camacho says.
7. Choose bone-healthy foods.
Milk and other dairy products aren’t the only calcium-rich foods.
“To assimilate calcium into bone, you need vitamin K, magnesium and a range of trace minerals,” says Debra Brammer, N.D., associate clinical dean of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Washington.
You’ll find these in leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and other vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
“Mix greens into soups and stews or just toss in oil and garlic and stir-fry,” Brammer says.
8. Get moving.
Exercise doesn’t prevent low bone density, but “it can improve posture and strengthen muscles, which are good secondary benefits,” says gynecologist Chervenak.
Weight-bearing exercises, like swimming, walking or lifting weights, are best for reducing osteoporosis risk.
“Any [activity] that pulls muscle away from bone and builds muscle mass is important, since women with good muscle structure are less likely to fracture if they fall,” Chervenak says.
Brammer suggests deep-water aerobics, because you’re supported by water and can get great resistance with small motions.
But just about any exercise that works arm and leg muscles, combined with back exercises that strengthen the spine, will help prevent osteoporosis-related dowager’s hump in the upper spine.
Your best bet to ward off osteoporosis? A daily 30-minute walk outside, where you’ll get exercise and a daily dose of vitamin D.
Make it a family event to set a good example for your daughters on the importance of bone health.
What’s Your Supplement IQ?
You know that taking calcium supplements can help build strong bones when you don't eat enough dairy foods, but do you really know all that you should about supplements? Beyond the world of basic nutrition, there's a different solar system of weird, wacky and wonderful facts about vitamins, minerals and herbs. Here's your chance to find out how much you know: Test your IQ with this supplement quiz.
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The information contained on www.lifescript.com (the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.
MY THOUGHTS
So many things to give up. If you're not willing (or unable) to do so, just remember the 'Law of the Harvest'. What you sow is what you reap. No sowing, no reaping. Unlike school, we can't cram to be healthy.
Building Bone Health Is as Simple as Going Outside
By Ellen Baskin, Special to Lifescript
Published February 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D
It’s never too early – or late – to build stronger bones. In fact, making smart choices now can lower your osteoporosis risk. Read on for 8 expert tips…
If you smoke, drink soda and skip workouts, you could be increasing your osteoporosis risk without even knowing it.
“Younger women should realize that lifestyle choices they’re making now could affect future bone health,” says Judi Chervenak, M.D., a gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist in the department of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can ward off osteoporosis and fractures – and reverse bone erosion you may already have.
Here are 8 expert tips for building stronger bones:
1. Stop smoking.
Smoking is at the top of every doctor’s “don’t” list because it causes lung cancer. It can also weaken bones.
“Smoking has been linked to lower rates of estrogen, which puts women at risk for lower bone density,” Chervenak says.
Lighting up can also trigger earlier menopause, although “no one can say why this happens,” she says.
“Bone loss is most significant in the first 5-8 years of perimenopause [the period before menopause],” she adds.
Decreased bone density in smokers can be tied to other lifestyle factors too. Smokers are often thinner and drink more alcohol, both of which contribute to bone erosion.
But here’s the good news: If you quit smoking today, your bone density could inprove in just one year, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health and conducted by the University of Connecticut and the Veterans Affairs’ Connecticut Healthcare System.
2. Take calcium with vitamin D.
A daily dose of calcium is essential for healthy bones.
“Calcium constantly flows in and out of bones to the bloodstream,” explains Pauline Camacho, M.D., director of Loyola University Chicago Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center.
If you have a calcium deficiency, “your system takes what it needs from the bones’ stored supply of the mineral, which can lead to bone erosion,” she explains.
The best way to increase your body’s calcium absorption is with vitamin D. Without it, much of the calcium you ingest could be wasted.
Sunlight is the most natural way to get vitamin D. Your body manufactures it when skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Up to a half hour outside each day may be sufficient for most women, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), although guidelines vary based on factors such as SPF usage.
If you’re light-skinned and worry about skin cancer, spread out your sun exposure across three 10-minute periods a day. And avoid sun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., when it's the strongest.
You can also get vitamin D through food sources, including saltwater fish and packaged goods labeled “vitamin-D fortified.” Fish-oil supplements work too. Look for vitamin supplements containing cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is considered most effective for raising D levels.
The recommended daily D allowance is 600 international units (IU).
Read our article Are You Deficient in Vitamin D? to learn more about this important nutrient.
3. Check your meds.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, cholesterol-lowering drugs and immunosuppressants, can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb minerals, including calcium.
Proton-pump inhibitors, which help control acid reflux, can also increase osteoporosis risk.
These medications eliminate stomach acidity, which is needed to absorb calcium, says Emily Fine, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist in private practice in Connecticut and assistant clinical professor at Yale Medical School.
People suffering from acid reflux often take proton-pump inhibitors daily, even if they’re not experiencing symptoms, Fine says. If that’s the case, ask your doctor if you can cut the dosage.
Injectable birth control (such as Depo Provera) has also been linked to lower bone density, because it decreases estrogen levels.
Eating calcium-rich foods or taking supplements can reverse the problem, according to a 2010 University of Texas study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. And once you go off injectable birth control, this risk goes away.
4. Lighten up on coffee.
Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day can weaken bones. That’s because caffeine interferes with calcium absorption, particularly as women age.
If you’re not ready to go cold turkey, take these steps:
* Be sure to get at least the daily recommended calcium intake (1,000 mg for women ages 19-50).
* Add skim milk to your coffee. Fat-free milk has more calcium than whole milk, according to the NIH.
5. Put down the cola.
More damaging to bone health than caffeine is phosphoric acid – a chemical additive that gives cola its tangy flavor and keeps it from going flat.
In women, cola consumption was linked to lower bone-mineral density in the spine and hip, according to a 2006 Tufts University study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Blame phosphoric acid, found in most brown colas but not many other carbonated soft drinks. The compound binds to calcium in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Get your fizzy fix by switching to clear soft drinks or mineral water. But first check the label; phosphoric acid is sometimes added for extra bubbles.
6. Cut down on alcohol.
“If you drink two or more alcoholic beverages a day, you could be putting bones at risk,” Camacho says.
Plus, being tipsy increases your risk of falls and bone fractures. Limit these damaging effects by eliminating alcohol or cutting back.
“One glass of red wine at dinner is fine if you’re eating properly and getting the calcium your body needs,” Camacho says.
7. Choose bone-healthy foods.
Milk and other dairy products aren’t the only calcium-rich foods.
“To assimilate calcium into bone, you need vitamin K, magnesium and a range of trace minerals,” says Debra Brammer, N.D., associate clinical dean of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Washington.
You’ll find these in leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and other vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
“Mix greens into soups and stews or just toss in oil and garlic and stir-fry,” Brammer says.
8. Get moving.
Exercise doesn’t prevent low bone density, but “it can improve posture and strengthen muscles, which are good secondary benefits,” says gynecologist Chervenak.
Weight-bearing exercises, like swimming, walking or lifting weights, are best for reducing osteoporosis risk.
“Any [activity] that pulls muscle away from bone and builds muscle mass is important, since women with good muscle structure are less likely to fracture if they fall,” Chervenak says.
Brammer suggests deep-water aerobics, because you’re supported by water and can get great resistance with small motions.
But just about any exercise that works arm and leg muscles, combined with back exercises that strengthen the spine, will help prevent osteoporosis-related dowager’s hump in the upper spine.
Your best bet to ward off osteoporosis? A daily 30-minute walk outside, where you’ll get exercise and a daily dose of vitamin D.
Make it a family event to set a good example for your daughters on the importance of bone health.
What’s Your Supplement IQ?
You know that taking calcium supplements can help build strong bones when you don't eat enough dairy foods, but do you really know all that you should about supplements? Beyond the world of basic nutrition, there's a different solar system of weird, wacky and wonderful facts about vitamins, minerals and herbs. Here's your chance to find out how much you know: Test your IQ with this supplement quiz.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
Talk to us on Facebook and Twitter!
The information contained on www.lifescript.com (the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.
MY THOUGHTS
So many things to give up. If you're not willing (or unable) to do so, just remember the 'Law of the Harvest'. What you sow is what you reap. No sowing, no reaping. Unlike school, we can't cram to be healthy.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
AVOIDING ALLERGENS
AVOIDING ALLERGENS
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
Avoiding Allergens
Here are 10 more things you can do to minimize your pollen exposure and reduce symptoms, according to allergist Tubiolo and UCLA’s Rachelefsky.
1. Don’t track in allergens. They can attach to your shoes. Cut down on indoor particles by parking shoes outside your door.
2. Change often. After spending time outdoors, change your clothes and put the dirty ones in the hamper.
3. Don’t wait till morning to shower. Showering when you get home erases any allergens you brought with you. This also helps keeps pollen out of your bedroom – a prime spot for allergens of all kinds.
4. Clear the air. To remove even tiny particles from the air, use air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Keep them running continuously, and change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
You should also use high-quality filters in your vacuum cleaner, air conditioner and furnace to keep the air in your home as allergy free as possible.
5. Shut your doors and windows. A HEPA purifier can’t keep up if you’re constantly letting in allergen-filled outdoor air. If you need fresh air, open windows in the evening when pollen counts are lower.
6. Wait to go outside. Schedule outdoor time when the pollen count is lower – cool afternoons and evenings are your best bet. Be careful on hot, windy days and after a rain, when the air may be full of allergens.
And find someone else to mow your lawn or rake leaves, both of which can stir up pollen.
7. Keep track of pollen levels. The AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau reports on pollen and mold levels around the country. Check it (or sign up for email alerts) to learn about high-allergen days when it’s better to stay indoors.
8. Change your workout schedule. Don’t avoid exercise just because you fear an allergy attack, Tubiolo advises.
But be smart about it: Schedule hikes and other outside exercise late in the day, and check the pollen count first. During peak season, take allergy medication before any outdoor activity, Tubiolo says.
Or find activities you can do indoors, such as swimming, basketball, weightlifting or yoga.
9. Protect your lungs. Pollution, fireplace smoke, dust and tobacco smoke have an adverse effect on your respiratory tract. These irritants will likely increase your susceptibility to seasonal allergies, Rachelefsky says, so avoid them as much as possible.
10. Travel wisely. Don’t let allergies sideline your vacation.
Use a pollen tracker to find destinations with the lowest counts. For example, heading to the beach or taking an ocean cruise probably won’t result in allergy attacks.
If you take a road trip, keep the windows and vents closed and the air conditioning on so that you breathe clean, dry air. (Worried about fuel consumption? Air conditioning gobbles gas, but so does driving with the windows down. And at highway speeds, there isn’t much difference, according to the Stanford University School of Earth Sciences.)
Take Your Medicine
It’s virtually impossible to avoid all allergens – which means you need medications in your allergy arsenal, Rachelefsky says.
“The best, first line of defense for an allergy attack is over-the-counter antihistamines, or an antihistamine/decongestant combination,” he says.
Antihistamines work by blocking your immune-system’s itchy and sneezy reactions, while decongestants reduce swollen tissue in the nose and elsewhere.
“Non-sedating antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), offer relief from three of the four major symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose,” Rachelefsky says.
Some sufferers also swear by natural remedies, such as saline nasal rinses that wash away allergens. (For more information, read How to Survive Your Allergies.)
After an allergy specialist determines exactly what your triggers are, you get a series of injections with a vaccine containing extracts of those allergens.
Eighty to 90% of patients experience dramatic improvements in their symptoms, Ellis says.
To learn more about seasonal allergies, visit our new Respiratory Health Center.
MY THOUGHTS
that's quite a list. but if i have pollen allergy, i will follow all 10. plus the meds. as i said, it can cause a huge amount discomfort. it's good to know there are ways to overcome this medical problem.
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
Avoiding Allergens
Here are 10 more things you can do to minimize your pollen exposure and reduce symptoms, according to allergist Tubiolo and UCLA’s Rachelefsky.
1. Don’t track in allergens. They can attach to your shoes. Cut down on indoor particles by parking shoes outside your door.
2. Change often. After spending time outdoors, change your clothes and put the dirty ones in the hamper.
3. Don’t wait till morning to shower. Showering when you get home erases any allergens you brought with you. This also helps keeps pollen out of your bedroom – a prime spot for allergens of all kinds.
4. Clear the air. To remove even tiny particles from the air, use air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Keep them running continuously, and change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
You should also use high-quality filters in your vacuum cleaner, air conditioner and furnace to keep the air in your home as allergy free as possible.
5. Shut your doors and windows. A HEPA purifier can’t keep up if you’re constantly letting in allergen-filled outdoor air. If you need fresh air, open windows in the evening when pollen counts are lower.
6. Wait to go outside. Schedule outdoor time when the pollen count is lower – cool afternoons and evenings are your best bet. Be careful on hot, windy days and after a rain, when the air may be full of allergens.
And find someone else to mow your lawn or rake leaves, both of which can stir up pollen.
7. Keep track of pollen levels. The AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau reports on pollen and mold levels around the country. Check it (or sign up for email alerts) to learn about high-allergen days when it’s better to stay indoors.
8. Change your workout schedule. Don’t avoid exercise just because you fear an allergy attack, Tubiolo advises.
But be smart about it: Schedule hikes and other outside exercise late in the day, and check the pollen count first. During peak season, take allergy medication before any outdoor activity, Tubiolo says.
Or find activities you can do indoors, such as swimming, basketball, weightlifting or yoga.
9. Protect your lungs. Pollution, fireplace smoke, dust and tobacco smoke have an adverse effect on your respiratory tract. These irritants will likely increase your susceptibility to seasonal allergies, Rachelefsky says, so avoid them as much as possible.
10. Travel wisely. Don’t let allergies sideline your vacation.
Use a pollen tracker to find destinations with the lowest counts. For example, heading to the beach or taking an ocean cruise probably won’t result in allergy attacks.
If you take a road trip, keep the windows and vents closed and the air conditioning on so that you breathe clean, dry air. (Worried about fuel consumption? Air conditioning gobbles gas, but so does driving with the windows down. And at highway speeds, there isn’t much difference, according to the Stanford University School of Earth Sciences.)
Take Your Medicine
It’s virtually impossible to avoid all allergens – which means you need medications in your allergy arsenal, Rachelefsky says.
“The best, first line of defense for an allergy attack is over-the-counter antihistamines, or an antihistamine/decongestant combination,” he says.
Antihistamines work by blocking your immune-system’s itchy and sneezy reactions, while decongestants reduce swollen tissue in the nose and elsewhere.
“Non-sedating antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), offer relief from three of the four major symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose,” Rachelefsky says.
Some sufferers also swear by natural remedies, such as saline nasal rinses that wash away allergens. (For more information, read How to Survive Your Allergies.)
After an allergy specialist determines exactly what your triggers are, you get a series of injections with a vaccine containing extracts of those allergens.
Eighty to 90% of patients experience dramatic improvements in their symptoms, Ellis says.
To learn more about seasonal allergies, visit our new Respiratory Health Center.
MY THOUGHTS
that's quite a list. but if i have pollen allergy, i will follow all 10. plus the meds. as i said, it can cause a huge amount discomfort. it's good to know there are ways to overcome this medical problem.
BASIC FACTS ABOUT ALLERGIES
BASIC FACTS ABOUT YOUR ALLERGY ATTACKS
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
The weather’s warming, blooms are bursting – and you couldn’t be more miserable. Find out how to stop sniffling and sneezing this allergy season…
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you’ll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it’s being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you’re one of them, here’s how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that’s the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms,” he says. “Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive.”
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don’t be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
“Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies,” Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called “priming.” Your body’s defenses are already lowered, so it’s harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you’re allergic to pet dander, for example, don’t let “Mr. Tinkles” sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
MY THOUGHTS
rhinitis, hay fever, allergies - whatever name you attach to it - can be very uncomfortable. 2 kids in the family seem to be suffering from this and it's a cosntant challenge to keep the allergies at bay. if you or any member of your family are in the same boat, watch out for the next blog. it will discuss pointers on how to avoid allergies.
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
The weather’s warming, blooms are bursting – and you couldn’t be more miserable. Find out how to stop sniffling and sneezing this allergy season…
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you’ll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it’s being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you’re one of them, here’s how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that’s the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms,” he says. “Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive.”
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don’t be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
“Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies,” Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called “priming.” Your body’s defenses are already lowered, so it’s harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you’re allergic to pet dander, for example, don’t let “Mr. Tinkles” sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
MY THOUGHTS
rhinitis, hay fever, allergies - whatever name you attach to it - can be very uncomfortable. 2 kids in the family seem to be suffering from this and it's a cosntant challenge to keep the allergies at bay. if you or any member of your family are in the same boat, watch out for the next blog. it will discuss pointers on how to avoid allergies.
Monday, March 7, 2011
BEFORE BUYING ANTIHISTAMINES
Before You Buy Antihistamines
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated January 08, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Find out everything you need to know about antihistamines. What symptoms they treat, who should take them and who should not.
Check your symptoms
Antihistamines treat:
* sneezing
* runny nose
* watery eyes
* itchiness
* scratchy throat
* Symptoms of Common Cold
* Symptoms of the Flu
Frequency and Duration for Antihistamines
There are prescription and non-prescription antihistamines. They can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Over the counter antihistamines used for occasional cold symptoms usually need to be taken every 4-6 hours.
Length of Use for Antihistamines
You should not take an over the counter antihistamine for more than 7 days before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, you may have developed something more serious.
Important things to tell your doctor
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking an antihistamine:
* asthma or chronic bronchitis
* high blood pressure
* glaucoma
* liver disease
* kidney disease or difficulty urinating
* prostate problems
* ulcers or other stomach problems
* other chronic illnesses
* pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
* ALL medications you are taking, including herbal supplements
Common Antihistamines
Some common names for antihistamines are:
Over the counter
* Benadryl - diphenhydramine (generic)
* Claritin - loratidine (generic)
* Zyrtec - ceterizine (generic)
* Triaminic - chlorpheniramine (generic) - for children
Prescription
* Allegra - fexofenadine (generic)
MY THOUGHTS
i must be weird. i love antihistamines. especially benadryl. makes me fall asleep in a jiffy.
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated January 08, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Find out everything you need to know about antihistamines. What symptoms they treat, who should take them and who should not.
Check your symptoms
Antihistamines treat:
* sneezing
* runny nose
* watery eyes
* itchiness
* scratchy throat
* Symptoms of Common Cold
* Symptoms of the Flu
Frequency and Duration for Antihistamines
There are prescription and non-prescription antihistamines. They can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Over the counter antihistamines used for occasional cold symptoms usually need to be taken every 4-6 hours.
Length of Use for Antihistamines
You should not take an over the counter antihistamine for more than 7 days before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, you may have developed something more serious.
Important things to tell your doctor
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking an antihistamine:
* asthma or chronic bronchitis
* high blood pressure
* glaucoma
* liver disease
* kidney disease or difficulty urinating
* prostate problems
* ulcers or other stomach problems
* other chronic illnesses
* pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
* ALL medications you are taking, including herbal supplements
Common Antihistamines
Some common names for antihistamines are:
Over the counter
* Benadryl - diphenhydramine (generic)
* Claritin - loratidine (generic)
* Zyrtec - ceterizine (generic)
* Triaminic - chlorpheniramine (generic) - for children
Prescription
* Allegra - fexofenadine (generic)
MY THOUGHTS
i must be weird. i love antihistamines. especially benadryl. makes me fall asleep in a jiffy.
Monday, February 28, 2011
WHY YOUR MEMORY MAY BE SLIPPING
Head Trip: Why Your Memory May Be Slipping
Mild brain injuries from an old fall may show up years later.
By Tim Jarvis
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the June 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Do you remember?
If that's starting to be a touchy, frustrating, panicky question, dementia is not necessarily nipping at your heels. "Many times when I'm dealing with patients who fear they have Alzheimer's, I find they have a history of head injuries," says Jonathan Canick, PhD, a neuropsychologist and the codirector of the Memory Clinic at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. In fact, researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City have been investigating the effects of unidentified traumatic brain injuries (TBI)—long-forgotten falls, sports injuries, or any accident that resulted in a blow to the head—since the early 1990s. One of their recent studies referred to TBI as a hidden epidemic, because often the symptoms, which can include both cognitive and behavioral problems, are attributed to other causes. Even mild TBIs cause noticeable brain tissue loss, according to a study in Neurology. Normal aging, Canick stresses, is not a process of mental decline, but changes in the brain can unmask the effects of prior injuries.
It's time for a brain check...
Red Flags
Are you easily able to multitask? Can you cope with everyday chores, like balancing a checkbook, without making elementary mistakes? Are you able to keep track of information? If you answer no to any of these, think back to whether you've ever had a hard knock to your head that left you disoriented, suggests Wayne A. Gordon, PhD, professor of rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Diagnosis
"Patients go misdiagnosed because their practitioners often rely on a test like the Mini Mental State Exam that may miss more subtle and vexing problems," Canick says. The best specialists are neuropsychologists (the National Academy of Neuropsychologists at www.nanonline.org has a directory).
Treatment
Options include stimulants (such as Ritalin and Provigil), dementia drugs (Aricept, Exelon), and cognitive rehabilitation programs. None of these treatments are cure-alls, says Canick; nor do they work for everyone. But with a proper diagnosis, he says, "they can either significantly improve a person's cognition or increase mental functioning in general."
MY THOUGHTS
The key is, probably, to exercise your mind. Go for mind games. Watch shows that will make you think. Read things of value. Get into blogging. (check out my tutorial) Have 'thinking' sessions with friends and family. Be aware of your stress levels. Stress can be a contributor to forgetfulness. So, relax and free your mind of anything that will bog it down.
When you do reach that point where you become forgetful, don't just accept it. Find ways around it. Organize yourself. Live with routines. Organize your things. Keep them labeled. Color code them. Whatever. What I'm saying is don't let memory loss cripple you. And don't make an excuse out of it. If you do, one day, you won't even be able to remember what you can't remember.
Mild brain injuries from an old fall may show up years later.
By Tim Jarvis
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the June 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Do you remember?
If that's starting to be a touchy, frustrating, panicky question, dementia is not necessarily nipping at your heels. "Many times when I'm dealing with patients who fear they have Alzheimer's, I find they have a history of head injuries," says Jonathan Canick, PhD, a neuropsychologist and the codirector of the Memory Clinic at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. In fact, researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City have been investigating the effects of unidentified traumatic brain injuries (TBI)—long-forgotten falls, sports injuries, or any accident that resulted in a blow to the head—since the early 1990s. One of their recent studies referred to TBI as a hidden epidemic, because often the symptoms, which can include both cognitive and behavioral problems, are attributed to other causes. Even mild TBIs cause noticeable brain tissue loss, according to a study in Neurology. Normal aging, Canick stresses, is not a process of mental decline, but changes in the brain can unmask the effects of prior injuries.
It's time for a brain check...
Red Flags
Are you easily able to multitask? Can you cope with everyday chores, like balancing a checkbook, without making elementary mistakes? Are you able to keep track of information? If you answer no to any of these, think back to whether you've ever had a hard knock to your head that left you disoriented, suggests Wayne A. Gordon, PhD, professor of rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Diagnosis
"Patients go misdiagnosed because their practitioners often rely on a test like the Mini Mental State Exam that may miss more subtle and vexing problems," Canick says. The best specialists are neuropsychologists (the National Academy of Neuropsychologists at www.nanonline.org has a directory).
Treatment
Options include stimulants (such as Ritalin and Provigil), dementia drugs (Aricept, Exelon), and cognitive rehabilitation programs. None of these treatments are cure-alls, says Canick; nor do they work for everyone. But with a proper diagnosis, he says, "they can either significantly improve a person's cognition or increase mental functioning in general."
MY THOUGHTS
The key is, probably, to exercise your mind. Go for mind games. Watch shows that will make you think. Read things of value. Get into blogging. (check out my tutorial) Have 'thinking' sessions with friends and family. Be aware of your stress levels. Stress can be a contributor to forgetfulness. So, relax and free your mind of anything that will bog it down.
When you do reach that point where you become forgetful, don't just accept it. Find ways around it. Organize yourself. Live with routines. Organize your things. Keep them labeled. Color code them. Whatever. What I'm saying is don't let memory loss cripple you. And don't make an excuse out of it. If you do, one day, you won't even be able to remember what you can't remember.
Monday, February 21, 2011
WEAKENING BONES
EXERCISE CAN WEAKEN YOUR BONES
from the Article "Is Exercise Weakening Your Bones?"
By the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Published January 24, 2011
Working out and dieting can get you in shape, but overdoing it puts bones at risk. Read on to learn how to stay fit without causing fractures…
Are you exercising too much? Eating too little? Have your menstrual periods stopped or become irregular? If so, you may be putting yourself at high risk for several serious problems that could affect your health, your ability to remain active, and your risk for injuries.
You also may be putting yourself at risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease in which bone density is decreased, leaving bones vulnerable to fracture (breaking).
Why is missing my period such a big deal?
Some athletes see amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods) as a sign of successful training. Others see it as a great answer to a monthly inconvenience. And some young women accept it blindly, not stopping to think of the consequences.
But missing your periods is often a sign of decreased estrogen levels. And lower estrogen levels can lead to osteoporosis, a disease in which your bones become brittle and more likely to break.
Usually, this doesn't happen until women are much older. But some young women, especially those who exercise so much their periods stop, develop brittle bones and may start to have fractures at a very early age. Some 20-year-old female athletes have been said to have the bones of an 80-year-old woman.
Even if bones don’t break when you’re young, low estrogen levels during the peak years of bone-building – the preteen and teen years – can affect bone density for the rest of your life. And studies show that bone growth lost during these years may never be regained.
Broken bones don’t just hurt – they can cause lasting physical malformations. Have you noticed that some older women and men have stooped postures? This is not a normal sign of aging. Fractures from osteoporosis have left their spines permanently altered.
Overtraining can cause other problems besides missed periods. If you don’t take in enough calcium and vitamin D (among other nutrients), bone loss may result. This may lead to decreased athletic performance, decreased ability to exercise or train at desired levels of intensity or duration, and increased risk of injury.
MY THOUGHTS
anything excessive is never good. and it pays to take heed while you still can. osteoporosis is,indeed,a debilitating illness. never mind that you look deformed. i know some people suffering from osteoporosis and they claim that the pain is indescribable.
from the Article "Is Exercise Weakening Your Bones?"
By the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Published January 24, 2011
Working out and dieting can get you in shape, but overdoing it puts bones at risk. Read on to learn how to stay fit without causing fractures…
Are you exercising too much? Eating too little? Have your menstrual periods stopped or become irregular? If so, you may be putting yourself at high risk for several serious problems that could affect your health, your ability to remain active, and your risk for injuries.
You also may be putting yourself at risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease in which bone density is decreased, leaving bones vulnerable to fracture (breaking).
Why is missing my period such a big deal?
Some athletes see amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods) as a sign of successful training. Others see it as a great answer to a monthly inconvenience. And some young women accept it blindly, not stopping to think of the consequences.
But missing your periods is often a sign of decreased estrogen levels. And lower estrogen levels can lead to osteoporosis, a disease in which your bones become brittle and more likely to break.
Usually, this doesn't happen until women are much older. But some young women, especially those who exercise so much their periods stop, develop brittle bones and may start to have fractures at a very early age. Some 20-year-old female athletes have been said to have the bones of an 80-year-old woman.
Even if bones don’t break when you’re young, low estrogen levels during the peak years of bone-building – the preteen and teen years – can affect bone density for the rest of your life. And studies show that bone growth lost during these years may never be regained.
Broken bones don’t just hurt – they can cause lasting physical malformations. Have you noticed that some older women and men have stooped postures? This is not a normal sign of aging. Fractures from osteoporosis have left their spines permanently altered.
Overtraining can cause other problems besides missed periods. If you don’t take in enough calcium and vitamin D (among other nutrients), bone loss may result. This may lead to decreased athletic performance, decreased ability to exercise or train at desired levels of intensity or duration, and increased risk of injury.
MY THOUGHTS
anything excessive is never good. and it pays to take heed while you still can. osteoporosis is,indeed,a debilitating illness. never mind that you look deformed. i know some people suffering from osteoporosis and they claim that the pain is indescribable.
Sugar on your Fingers Affect Blood Tests
Fruit salad and blood sugar meters don't mix
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/hOOp3B Diabetes Care, online January 31, 2011.
Published February 09, 2011
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Listen up, diabetics: invisible bits of fruit on your hands can mess up your finger-prick blood tests, making your blood sugar level look higher than it really is.
That's because sugars from fruit will stay on your fingers until you wash them with tap water, a new study shows.
Even alcohol swabs don't solve the problem.
The researchers say that peeling fruit right before you use a blood sugar meter, or eating some juicy fruit with your hands, could lead to an inaccurate reading even if you rub your finger with alcohol first.
Blood sugar meters work by taking a drop of blood from the tip of the finger and testing the sample for how much sugar is in the blood. Many people with diabetes have to use these meters a few times a day to monitor their blood sugar levels and determine how much insulin to take.
Getting an inaccurate reading from sugar on the outside of the finger "could lead somebody to take insulin when they don't need it," Cohen said. "They could run the risk of running a low sugar from having misleading data."
The message, the authors say, is to wash your hands before using a blood sugar meter and not rely on alcohol swabs, especially if you've been handling any fruit.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/hOOp3B Diabetes Care, online January 31, 2011.
MY THOUGHTS
this is very important information. if you want confirmation, check the website. the research is described in the full article.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/hOOp3B Diabetes Care, online January 31, 2011.
Published February 09, 2011
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Listen up, diabetics: invisible bits of fruit on your hands can mess up your finger-prick blood tests, making your blood sugar level look higher than it really is.
That's because sugars from fruit will stay on your fingers until you wash them with tap water, a new study shows.
Even alcohol swabs don't solve the problem.
The researchers say that peeling fruit right before you use a blood sugar meter, or eating some juicy fruit with your hands, could lead to an inaccurate reading even if you rub your finger with alcohol first.
Blood sugar meters work by taking a drop of blood from the tip of the finger and testing the sample for how much sugar is in the blood. Many people with diabetes have to use these meters a few times a day to monitor their blood sugar levels and determine how much insulin to take.
Getting an inaccurate reading from sugar on the outside of the finger "could lead somebody to take insulin when they don't need it," Cohen said. "They could run the risk of running a low sugar from having misleading data."
The message, the authors say, is to wash your hands before using a blood sugar meter and not rely on alcohol swabs, especially if you've been handling any fruit.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/hOOp3B Diabetes Care, online January 31, 2011.
MY THOUGHTS
this is very important information. if you want confirmation, check the website. the research is described in the full article.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
WHAT CAUSES FEVER?
WHAT CAUSES FEVER?
from the article 'Check Your Symptoms - What to do for Fever Symptoms'
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated October 19, 2009
Causes of Fever
Once you have decided that you don't need to see a doctor, you may want to know what could be causing the fever. First, you should check your other symptoms.
Do you have a cough, chills, congestion and exhaustion?
Do you have a severe sore throat?
* It May be Strep Throat
* It Could be Tonsillitis
Have you had a cough for a few weeks that is painful?
* It May be Bronchitis
* It Could be Pneumonia
Do you have ear pain or is your child tugging on his or her ears and not sleeping well?
* It Could be an Ear Infection
Do you have pain and pressure around your eyes, congestion and a headache?
* It May be Sinusitis
It is important to note that if you think you have any of these illnesses, you should contact your doctor and see if you need to be seen. This is information is not intended to diagnose any disease or condition.
MY THOUGHTS
that's clear enough! and convincing enough. some fevers cannot be treated at home. bronchitis? pneumonia? ear infection? i wouldn't risk it. i will make that trip to the doctor no matter how much i hate doing it.
from the article 'Check Your Symptoms - What to do for Fever Symptoms'
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated October 19, 2009
Causes of Fever
Once you have decided that you don't need to see a doctor, you may want to know what could be causing the fever. First, you should check your other symptoms.
Do you have a cough, chills, congestion and exhaustion?
Do you have a severe sore throat?
* It May be Strep Throat
* It Could be Tonsillitis
Have you had a cough for a few weeks that is painful?
* It May be Bronchitis
* It Could be Pneumonia
Do you have ear pain or is your child tugging on his or her ears and not sleeping well?
* It Could be an Ear Infection
Do you have pain and pressure around your eyes, congestion and a headache?
* It May be Sinusitis
It is important to note that if you think you have any of these illnesses, you should contact your doctor and see if you need to be seen. This is information is not intended to diagnose any disease or condition.
MY THOUGHTS
that's clear enough! and convincing enough. some fevers cannot be treated at home. bronchitis? pneumonia? ear infection? i wouldn't risk it. i will make that trip to the doctor no matter how much i hate doing it.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
HOW TO REDUCE FEVER WITHOUT MEDICATION
HOW TO REDUCE FEVER WITHOUT MEDICATION
from the article: Check Your Symptoms - What to do for Fever Symptoms
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated October 19, 2009
How to Reduce a Fever Without Medication
There are a few options if you would prefer to try to reduce a fever without medication. These may also help if medication is not reducing the fever quickly enough.
* Taking a bath in lukewarm water -- be sure the water is not cold, if it causes shivering, that may cause the body temperature to increase.
* Cool packs or cool rags under the arms, on the forehead and in the groin area -- be sure the packs are not too cold.
* Be sure not to wrap the person with a fever in blankets or warm clothes. Although they may feel cold, added layers will only prevent the body temperature from dropping like it should. Dress the person in one layer of comfortable clothes, provided the environmental temperature is comfortable.
MY THOUGHTS
funny how we used to do exactly the opposite. windows closed, no ventilation. wearing the thickest of clothes. with socks. wrapped in layers and layers of the heaviest blanket. now, we know better, don't we? i hope so.
from the article: Check Your Symptoms - What to do for Fever Symptoms
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated October 19, 2009
How to Reduce a Fever Without Medication
There are a few options if you would prefer to try to reduce a fever without medication. These may also help if medication is not reducing the fever quickly enough.
* Taking a bath in lukewarm water -- be sure the water is not cold, if it causes shivering, that may cause the body temperature to increase.
* Cool packs or cool rags under the arms, on the forehead and in the groin area -- be sure the packs are not too cold.
* Be sure not to wrap the person with a fever in blankets or warm clothes. Although they may feel cold, added layers will only prevent the body temperature from dropping like it should. Dress the person in one layer of comfortable clothes, provided the environmental temperature is comfortable.
MY THOUGHTS
funny how we used to do exactly the opposite. windows closed, no ventilation. wearing the thickest of clothes. with socks. wrapped in layers and layers of the heaviest blanket. now, we know better, don't we? i hope so.
Monday, January 24, 2011
RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Your health: Get help for Restless Leg Syndrome
By Alberto Espay, Guest columnist 12:38 PM Friday, January 7, 2011
It makes no sense: You’ve had a long day, and you’re ready for a restful night’s sleep. But as you lie in bed, you experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs—perhaps accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as tingling, crawling or even pain.
You may have Restless Leg Syndrome, a neurological condition that is classified as a movement disorder, like Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor. There is no known single cause, but it is associated with dysfunction of the neurotransmitter known as dopamine at the spinal cord level.
The actual prevalence of RLS is not known, but according to the RLS Foundation, positive response rates for the question, “Do you have a creepy, crawly sensation in your legs at night when you attempt to sleep?” are between 3 and 15 percent.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of people don’t necessarily look for treatment for RLS. They may feel like it’s all in their head, or decide that it’s something they’re willing to live with rather than see a doctor. But RLS does respond to treatment in a majority of people, enabling them to improve the quality of their sleep substantially—and with it, enjoy an improvement in their daytime functioning.
A diagnosis of RLS usually involves four criteria, according to the RLS Foundation: An uncontrollable urge to move your legs, accompanied by uncomfortable sensations; the sensations begin or get worse during periods of rest; the symptoms get better when you move your legs; and the symptoms are worse in the evening.
RLS often runs in families, researchers say.
There are no lab tests to determine if you have RLS. If you visit a doctor, he or she will likely review your medical history, conduct a diagnostic interview and rule out any conditions that might be confused with RLS. In addition, you might be asked to stay overnight in a sleep lab.
Dopamine agonists, which mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain, are the first line of pharmacological treatment. The two commercially available (by prescription) are pramipexole (brand name Mirapex) and ropinirole (brand name Requip).
Other drugs, such as those used to treat nerve disorders, are prescribed if dopamine agonists are ineffective or have intolerable side effects. Also, gabapentin, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam or, if needed, opioids such as oxycodone and propoxyphene — medications typically associated with the treatment of pain—can be helpful for those who are unable to benefit from dopamine agonists.
Treatment for RLS typically relies on a low dose of medication taken by pill at bedtime, and people may not ever need an adjustment. So it’s really a good idea to consider visiting a doctor if you have any kind of symptoms that are taking you away from a good night’s sleep.
Alberto Espay, MD, is a UC Health neurologist. For an appointment with UC Health Neurology in West Chester Twp., call (513) 475-8272.
MY THOUGHTS
i'd probably be restless tonight trying to test if i have the restless leg syndrome. sometimes i get those tingly, numb feeling. but crawly?
By Alberto Espay, Guest columnist 12:38 PM Friday, January 7, 2011
It makes no sense: You’ve had a long day, and you’re ready for a restful night’s sleep. But as you lie in bed, you experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs—perhaps accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as tingling, crawling or even pain.
You may have Restless Leg Syndrome, a neurological condition that is classified as a movement disorder, like Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor. There is no known single cause, but it is associated with dysfunction of the neurotransmitter known as dopamine at the spinal cord level.
The actual prevalence of RLS is not known, but according to the RLS Foundation, positive response rates for the question, “Do you have a creepy, crawly sensation in your legs at night when you attempt to sleep?” are between 3 and 15 percent.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of people don’t necessarily look for treatment for RLS. They may feel like it’s all in their head, or decide that it’s something they’re willing to live with rather than see a doctor. But RLS does respond to treatment in a majority of people, enabling them to improve the quality of their sleep substantially—and with it, enjoy an improvement in their daytime functioning.
A diagnosis of RLS usually involves four criteria, according to the RLS Foundation: An uncontrollable urge to move your legs, accompanied by uncomfortable sensations; the sensations begin or get worse during periods of rest; the symptoms get better when you move your legs; and the symptoms are worse in the evening.
RLS often runs in families, researchers say.
There are no lab tests to determine if you have RLS. If you visit a doctor, he or she will likely review your medical history, conduct a diagnostic interview and rule out any conditions that might be confused with RLS. In addition, you might be asked to stay overnight in a sleep lab.
Dopamine agonists, which mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain, are the first line of pharmacological treatment. The two commercially available (by prescription) are pramipexole (brand name Mirapex) and ropinirole (brand name Requip).
Other drugs, such as those used to treat nerve disorders, are prescribed if dopamine agonists are ineffective or have intolerable side effects. Also, gabapentin, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam or, if needed, opioids such as oxycodone and propoxyphene — medications typically associated with the treatment of pain—can be helpful for those who are unable to benefit from dopamine agonists.
Treatment for RLS typically relies on a low dose of medication taken by pill at bedtime, and people may not ever need an adjustment. So it’s really a good idea to consider visiting a doctor if you have any kind of symptoms that are taking you away from a good night’s sleep.
Alberto Espay, MD, is a UC Health neurologist. For an appointment with UC Health Neurology in West Chester Twp., call (513) 475-8272.
MY THOUGHTS
i'd probably be restless tonight trying to test if i have the restless leg syndrome. sometimes i get those tingly, numb feeling. but crawly?
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