Simple Steps Can Keep Families Healthy During Cold And Flu

With the flu vaccine shortage, parents are searching for answers on how to keep their children healthy during the cold and flu season.

Many parents confuse the flu with a rotavirus infection. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that causes symptoms such as high fever, headache, dry cough and sore throat.

Rotavirus, often confused with the flu, is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. It is more prevalent than the flu in children from 6 months to 5 years old. More than 3 million cases of rotavirus are diagnosed every year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Unlike the flu, there is no vaccine currently available for rotavirus.

Parents can teach and practice defensive measures to decrease the chances of infection and keep their children healthy this season.

Because germs and viruses tend to stay on the hands, frequently washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, using hand sanitizer, and using disposable diapers for infants can help prevent the spread of illnesses among friends and family members.

It also is important for parents to stock up on the necessities to fight the flu and rotavirus head-on and to keep surfaces clean, especially those on which food is prepared, such as countertops and tables.

One of the primary challenges for children who have rotavirus is the threat of dehydration. When vomiting or diarrhea occur, excessive amounts of fluid and electrolytes can be lost. Giving an oral electrolyte solution formulated especially for children at the first sign of infection can help reduce a child’s risk of dehydration.

“Common household beverages like sports drinks, soda and juices contain large amounts of sugar which can draw water into the intestines and away from the rest of the body, making diarrhea worse and increasing the risk of dehydration,” said Dr. Robert Murray, a professor of gastroenterology and pediatrics at the Ohio State University and a medical director with Abbott’s Ross Products Division. “I cannot stress enough the importance of staying well-hydrated during an episode of diarrhea and vomiting. Drinks such as Pedialyte are an excellent source for re-hydration since it is formulated specifically for young children.”

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Exercise And Asthma

If you suffer from asthma, you probably think that you can’t exercise properly or safely. Contrary to what many think of this subject, there are ways that you can get in shape and exercise, even if you suffer from asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is marked by characteristics such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma tends to occur with people who are genetically or environmentally presdisposed to the condition.

Some of the triggers that may start or make an attack worse include exposure to allergens, viral respiratory infections, airway irritants, exercise, and exposure to things such as dust mites or cockroaches.

You can prevent asthma attacks by doing the following:

1. Bathe your pets weekly.
2. Don’t smoke or permit smoking in your home.
3. When mold or pollent counts are high, you should stay inside with air conditioning.
4. Wash your bedding and any stuffed toys at least once per week in hot water.
5. Wash your hands every chance you get.
6. Get a flu shot.
7. Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in the winter months.
8. Be proactive and know your triggers and how you should avoid them.

Now that you know what you know about asthma, you may be wondering where exercise fits in. As most doctors will tell you, you shouldn’t give up on sports or exercise at all. You just have to be smart about how you play and take special pre cautions to avoid attacks.

Almost all doctors agree that the best way to prevent attacks during exercise is to keep your inhaler and medication close by. You should never use the inhaler more than 3 times during a game or exercise session. If you are up the previous night with coughing and wheezing, it’s always best to go light with your exercise the next day.

For something known as IEA (Exercise Induced Asthma), the symptoms are somewhat different, in the fact that they appear after 6 – 10 minutes of exercise and will often be worse in cold or dry air.

If you have IEA, there are several activities that you can enjoy such as swimming, walking, biking, downhill skiing, and team based sports. There are many activities for you to choose from, to ensure you get the exercise you need as well.

Keep in mind that the condition of asthma isn’t “all in your head”, it is a real physiological medical treatment that will require treatment to prevent and treat. Even though your doctor will be your best friend in treating asthma, you are the one who can prevent your symptoms.

Always be smart, take your medication, and be proactive. Don’t let it put you in a life of misery – as you can enjoy exercise just like everyone else.

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Live Happier And Healthier Herbally With Herbal Vitamins

Herbal products have become extremely popular in recent years. There are herbal supplements, herbal vitamins, herbal weight loss pills, and even herbal Viagra. Most herbs are geared toward better health and improved stamina without the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications; however, herbal products should still be used with caution. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular herbal products and see what each has to offer.


Herbal Weight Loss Products

Probably one of the most popular uses for herbal products is to enhance weight loss. There are natural appetite suppressors such as Hoodia and its equivalent extracts, fat burners, nutritional supplements, carb blockers, laxatives, and other products that can help enhance weight loss if used correctly. Herbal appetite suppressors can help keep your appetite to a minimum throughout the day, thus, causing you to eat less than usual. Nutritional supplements can be taken to replenish your body of much-needed vitamins. Fat burners can enhance your metabolism and cause it to burn more fat.

Herbal weight loss products are not meant to replace food or to assist you in starving yourself to lose weight. Instead, they help you control your portions at each meal and resist the urge to snack in between meals. Your weight loss rewards can be even greater if you use herbal supplements along with healthy food choices.

Herbal Energy Vitamins for Mind and Body

You may also benefit physically and mentally by taking herbal energy vitamins. These help stimulate mind and body to improve your physical strength and mental state. Some ingredients used in energy herbs include extracts such as Avena Sativa, Guarana Seed, Panax Ginseng, and many others. These types of herbal products enable you to exercise more and be more active while also clearing and sharpening your mind.

Herbal Vitamins for Men and Women

There are a variety of herbal products designed to help men and women with their specific needs. For example, women who suffer from hormonal imbalances, menstrual or menopause problems, and even sexual problems may benefit from herbal vitamins.

The herbal vitamin Femline helps balance hormones and reduces mood swings using ingredients such as St. John’s Wort and Magnesium. Menoplay combines extracts equivalent to Wild Yam, Black Cohosh, and others to reduce menopause symptoms. For men, there’s herbal Viagra or similar herbs to help improve libido.

There are also herbal vitamins for calming purposes, improved heart health, lower cholesterol, colon cleansing, liver tonic, antioxidants, improved memory, decreasing stress, and many others.

As with any herbs or medicines, check with your doctor before trying herbs if you have a pre-existing health condition or if you are currently taking medications. Some herbs do not mix well with certain medications, or can be harmful if taken while suffering from certain health conditions. Choose herbal products wisely and check labels or read product descriptions online to see what ingredients are included.

With so many online herbal stores and local health stores that carry a variety of herbal vitamins, you can easily find herbs to meet your needs. Visit an online herbal store today to start living happier and healthier herbally.

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Exercising During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn’t too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 – 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you’ll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.
1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.

2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.

3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.

4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.

5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms. 

6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you’ll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don’t exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don’t hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you’ll do a world of good for your pregnancy.

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Acne Myths True Or False

Here's the article about Acne Myths True Or False

We’ll just come out and say it; there is a lot of misleading and downright wrong information out there about acne. Thankfully, scientific research has dispelled a lot of these ‘acne myths’. We now have a pretty good idea of what does and does not cause acne. Let’s take a look at seven of the biggest of these acne myths.

True or False? Find out the truth about common acne and its myths

Acne Myth #1: Acne is caused by eating certain foods
This one has been around a long time yet is supported by exactly no scientific proof. Although certain individuals may seem experience outbreaks when they eat certain foods, there is no universal laws that apply to everyone. Eating pizza, chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods will not increase your acne.

Acne Myth #2: Acne is related to dirt or having dirty skin
Although having clean skin has other benefits, dirt does not cause acne. Acne is formed under the surface of the skin and is due to build-ups of sebum and dead skin cells. It’s not dirt that clogs your follicles.

Acne Myth #3: Washing your face all the time will clear up acne
This kind of relates to myth #3. Having clean skin is not the answer to preventing acne. Overdoing it as far as washing your face can actually make matters worse. Stripping your skin of oil could lead to future breakouts.

Acne Myth #4: Only teenagers get acne
It is true that 9 out of 10 teenagers experience acne, but it is also true that about 1 in 4 adults get it also. Acne seems to be connected with hormones which would explain why teenagers have such a high incidence of acne, but adults are also going through hormonal changes at various times in their lives.

Acne Myth #5: Stress causes acne
Scientific evidence shows that stress is not that large of a factor in acne. It was believed for many years that stress caused bouts of acne but it simply isn’t so.

Acne Myth # 6: Acne can be cured
Many people view acne as a disease that can be permanently cured. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Acne can be controlled and prevented through proper skin care, but it cannot be cured.

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13 Foods To Help You Lose Weight

Here are 13 Foods To Help You Lose Weight

Every year, thousands of dollars are spent on every imaginable diet program, slim-down products, and weigh loss pills. For many women, money is no object since the need to shed those extra pounds far outweighs any concern for finances.

Statistical data indicate that obesity rates had risen in 31 of the 50 American states. The data came from surveys conducted by different local health departments on the height and weight of people from different states. Another result of the survey pointed out a close relationship between obesity and heart disease among the respondents. Due to the serious health implications of the study, state funding had been allocated to educate people about the dangers of being obese and overweight. The government-sponsored weight loss programs also focused on simple information campaigns about good eating habits. People were provided flyers and other reading materials that contained information on how to make proper food choices. This strategy made sense since there are types of food that can actually curb one’s appetite and stop your sugar cravings. These food groups also boost metabolism which helps consume stored fat in the body which, in the process, leads to weight loss. Shown below are some of the “good food” that should be part of a weight watchers eating plan:

1. Beans – Beans contain cholecystokinin, a digestive harmone that acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Beans also keep blood sugar on an even keel and helps stave off hunger longer. High-fiber bean varieties can even lower cholesterol levels.

2. Salad – Eating salad is highly recommended by the American Dietetic Association because the vegetable-based meal is rich in vitamins c and e, lycopene, folic acid, and carontenoids. However, it is best to cut down on the dressing when eating salad. Some salad dressings can actually be high in calories.

3. Eggs – Eaten in moderate amounts, eggs are good for the health since these contain protein that helps prevent spikes in blood sugar. Weight watchers are often advised to eat only egg whites.

4. Green Tea – This type of tea is an antioxidant and helps stimulate metabolism which, in turn, burns fat. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins.

5. Soup – Having a little chicken soup is good for the body because it helps decrease hunger. Chicken soup is considered a folk remedy for colds and flu.

6. High-fiber Cereals – Cereals which are high in fiber help improve digestion and are good for reducing hunger pangs.

7. tofu – If you eat tofu, you tend to eat less food. Tofu is considered as an appetite-quashing protein.

8. lean beef – Lean beef contains an amino acid called leucine which helps provide energy, regulate blood sugar, and repair muscles.

9. Olive Oil – Cooking food in olive oil is healthy because it contains mono-unsaturated fat which is widely accepted as a product that helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

10. Pears – This fruit is a good source of fiber and fructose which does not cause spikes in blood-sugar levels.

11. Nuts – Research released by Purdue University showed that adding about 500 calories of peanuts to their regular diet helped them eat less food that could cause weight gain.

12. Vinegar- Acetic acid found in vinegar slows the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine, thereby causing satiety (a feeling of fullness in the stomach). Vinegar also helps improve blood glucose control which is needed by diabetics.

13. Red Hot Pepper – A bowl of spicy chili can help a person lose weight due to an ingredient called capsaicin. This ingredient actually helps suppress appetite.

Indeed, being in control of one’s weight involves the simple act of choosing to eat good food. Having a regular exercise program and controlling the number of calories consumed each day will go a long way in helping a person win the Battle of the Bulge.

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7 Tips For Healthy Life

Here are 7 Tips For Healthy Life

As good as modern medical technology is, it can never save you from the problems caused by a life style that is unhealthy. Instead of getting a modern medical fix for every problem, it is far better to live in such a way that you will hardly ever fall ill.

An ounce of prevention is certainly better than a pound of cure. Here are 7 tips on how to healthy life. In addition, the same life style that helps you to avoid illness also helps you to lose weight.

1. Get Enough Exercise 

In the past people had to use their physical bodies in the course of their normal work. But today someone may get up, go to work in a car, then sit down, get up to go home in the car and when arriving at home, sit down again for the rest of the day. In such a life there is no physical labor. This physical inactivity is one of the main reasons for a host of diseases. Sport, running. walking and other things must be added to our life if our normal work does not require us to exert ourselves physically. I

2. Go to sleep when you feel sleepy 

This may sound simple, but many people stay up late even when their body is telling them that it is time to sleep. Yoga and Ayurvedic doctors also say that it is better to sleep in the night and be active during the day. However, people such as students will take coffee and stimulants to study late into the night. Others develop the habit of remaining active at night and sleeping during the day. While we can do this, it eventually takes a toll on health. Alternative health doctors say that this kind of unnatural living is one of the contributing factors in the causation of cancer and other diseases

3. Eat when you feel hungry 

This is also a simple idea, but once again we often go against the messages of the body. If you eat out of habit or due to social pressure at certain time of the day, even when you have no real appetite, then you will not digest your food properly. Acidity and indigestion begin, and this contributes to the likelihood of other more complex diseases taking root. Having an appetite is actually a sign of good health, but if you have no appetite you should wait a bit and then eat. (If you have no appetite even after awaiting a reasonable amount of time, then you should consult a doctor because something is wrong.)

4.Fast on a Regular, Systematic BasisIf you would ask any person to work 365 days per year without any rest, they would complain and say that they must have some rest or else they will break down. But we have never bothered to ask or to think about our digestive organs which we compel to work day after day without a rest. They cannot protest the way a person would to his boss, but they do give us signals that they cannot work non-stop. When we ignore those signals and still compel them to work, those organs break down. That is why periodic fasting is necessary. Refrain from eating for one complete day. This gives a rest to your digestive organs and also helps in the elimination of wastes from your body. Regular fasting allows a person to gain extra time for intellectual or spiritual pursuits. Fasting is not for hermits in a cave, but is a sensible practice that anyone can practice.

5. Wash with cool water before going to bed 

As mentioned above, proper sleep is essential for the maintenance of health. If you wash your important motor and sensory organs (hands, arms, eyes, legs, mouth, genitals) before sleep using cool water, this will relax you and prepare you for deep sleep.

6. Perform meditation on a regular basis 

Your body is linked to your mind. Many of the diseases of this era are psychosomatic. Stress and anxiety take their toll on our physical health. Meditation is a mental exercise which, among other things, allows you to detach yourself from the worries of life. Learn a simple technique and do it regularly.

7. Get up early every day 

Once again the old proverb, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise.” I don’t know if it will make you wealthy, but it will certainly make you healthy. Your body needs just enough sleep, not too much and not too little.

I hope these tips can be useful for you.

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