It's over but for the game -- nearing the end of the biggest week on the North American sporting calendar -- as the hype and beer cans are swept out of downtown Indy to make way for the Giants and Patriots on centre stage.
The city and citizens of Indianapolis have been the stars this week, putting on a down-home Super Bowl with lots of Hoosier hospitality.
Indy threw out the template and kept everything in a tight circle around Lucas Oil Stadium. Media, the NFL and both teams took up four huge downtown hotel complexes. Other cities spread it out from downtown to the suburbs and it's too hard to take it all in.
This Super Bowl was easy to touch, smell and taste. In a word, super. Here's a little from the seen and heard file after a week at the Super Bowl.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? Indy has done an incredible job of hosting the Super Bowl and on Friday more than 200,000 people attended the NFL Experience in the city's downtown. The entire Super Bowl has felt like a Grey Cup on steroids. Far less corporate and more about the fans. It's been incredible and if Indy wants it back the NFL will return.
The usually perfect Tom Brady dropped a bomb on the city of Buffalo during Tuesday's media day, saying, "My dad even came to games in Buffalo where the hotels aren't very nice." Brady apologized the next day.
NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young said he would have loved to have played a few years in the CFL.
"I would have loved the game. I would have taken (Doug) Flutie down," he said with a laugh. "I would have liked to win a couple Grey Cups. I love the Canadian game."
Comedian and Fox Sports contributor Frank Caliendo on Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw's weight-loss commercial: "Have you seen the ad? Terry talks about how he used to be fat and ugly until he lost all this weight. I have news for him. Ugly doesn't go away with the pounds."
Indianapolis still allows smoking in its bars. Novel at first for an ex-smoker. Yes, I sucked in deeply when I first whiffed that old, familiar stale scent, but by the end of the night my throat was sore and eyes red. Many drunk people in an enclosed room smoking just isn't a good idea.
Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock invited folks to sample his dad's BBQ with this tweet and hashtag: "Also, don't forget everyone invited 2 Masterpiece Lounge Saturday noon to 6 pm.
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Dan Pastorini was forced to spend 16 years in court to get money owed to him by late Raiders owner Al Davis.
"It's in the book (Taking Flak) how I feel about Al Davis and I don't pull punches," said Pastorini. "I don't pull punches in the book. Yes I inhaled and yes I had sex with that girl. Al Davis? I can tell you this. I guarantee the devil was holding his hand when he died."
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU: Legendary NFL placekicker Morten Andersen talking about the big personalities like Ken Stabler of the old NFL. "Those guys, they believed you can't attach a U-Haul to a hearse," he said. "It's not about collecting stuff but making memories for them. You can't take it with you."
MOVE OVER, CHIPMAN: Comedian Jay Mohr, who may or may not have suggested a year ago that the Atlanta Thrashers should move to Winnipeg on Winnipeg radio.
"I don't want to take credit for you guys getting the Jets but really, it was me," he said.
"I told you guys last year you would get the Thrashers. I'm coming up there. Get me a gig at Rumor's and I'll drop the puck at a Jets game."
Giants coach Tom Coughlin on how tough it is to get to this point in the season.
"Anyone who goes through this experience and doesn't grab a hold of it or grasp the significance of it doesn't understand that there are great, outstanding coaches and players who haven't been to a Super Bowl game, and get to this point," he said.
"You thank God for the opportunity and you never, ever tire or even possibly think this happens on a normal basis. It doesn't. It's tough to be in this position and get to this point. You have to constantly be aware of that. The way I look at it, there are many outstanding players and coaches who never get to this point."
2012年2月5日星期日
2012年2月1日星期三
Best options for beating the bugs of cold and flu season
Though it may have started off mild in many parts of the country, cold and flu season is now in full swing and staying healthy this time of year can be a challenge. For those suffering, identifying the type of illness - cold, flu, sinus infection, etc. - and finding the right over-the-counter medications are key in helping to alleviate symptoms.
The common cold and flu are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses but it's often difficult to differentiate between the two. According to experts, a chest cold or head cold can be caused by any one of more than 100 viruses. Symptoms of a cold may vary and can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes and congestion.
Cold symptoms can last for a week, and although there is no cure, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help provide relief from symptoms. Medications containing pseudoephedrine (located behind the counter in the pharmacy), including many national and store-brand decongestants sold at leading retailers, can be used to address nasal congestion, while pain relievers containing active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with other symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or fever.
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection affecting the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is not triggered by the same virus that causes the "stomach flu," which is an infection in the digestive system. Initially, the flu may feel like a common cold. However, the flu tends to come on suddenly and with more severe symptoms, whereas a cold generally develops slowly.
Additional common signs and symptoms of the flu include a fever over 100 F, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry cough, fatigue, weakness and nasal congestion. The flu and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses.
The best defense against influenza is prevention by getting an annual flu vaccination. For the unlucky ones who've contracted the flu this year, there are a few steps to take to combat the symptoms, including getting plenty of rest and taking in a lot of fluids. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu.
To effectively address the achiness associated with the flu, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help. It's important to remember to never give aspirin to children or teens due to the risk of a rare, but potentially fatal disease called Reye's Syndrome.
"There's a wide selection of over-the-counter treatments available to help ease the symptoms of the common cold or flu," says Dr. Mark Armstrong, a physician with more than 26 years in family practice medicine. "In fact, I recommend many of the 'store-brand' cold and flu medications at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Tussin cough syrups and effervescent cold relief tablets. These products are regulated by the FDA and use the same active ingredients, but cost significantly less than the brand names."
Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-the-counter medications sold under store-brand labels at leading national retailers, club stores, grocers and pharmacies. According to Perrigo, these products are the primary treatments available over-the-counter for cold and flu symptoms:
"If you continue to experience cold or flu symptoms for a prolonged period of time, or your respiratory symptoms have worsened and you have difficulty breathing, I suggest scheduling an appointment with your doctor immediately, so he or she may evaluate you and suggest the best course of treatment for your situation," Armstrong says.
The common cold and flu are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses but it's often difficult to differentiate between the two. According to experts, a chest cold or head cold can be caused by any one of more than 100 viruses. Symptoms of a cold may vary and can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes and congestion.
Cold symptoms can last for a week, and although there is no cure, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help provide relief from symptoms. Medications containing pseudoephedrine (located behind the counter in the pharmacy), including many national and store-brand decongestants sold at leading retailers, can be used to address nasal congestion, while pain relievers containing active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with other symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or fever.
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection affecting the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is not triggered by the same virus that causes the "stomach flu," which is an infection in the digestive system. Initially, the flu may feel like a common cold. However, the flu tends to come on suddenly and with more severe symptoms, whereas a cold generally develops slowly.
Additional common signs and symptoms of the flu include a fever over 100 F, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry cough, fatigue, weakness and nasal congestion. The flu and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses.
The best defense against influenza is prevention by getting an annual flu vaccination. For the unlucky ones who've contracted the flu this year, there are a few steps to take to combat the symptoms, including getting plenty of rest and taking in a lot of fluids. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu.
To effectively address the achiness associated with the flu, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help. It's important to remember to never give aspirin to children or teens due to the risk of a rare, but potentially fatal disease called Reye's Syndrome.
"There's a wide selection of over-the-counter treatments available to help ease the symptoms of the common cold or flu," says Dr. Mark Armstrong, a physician with more than 26 years in family practice medicine. "In fact, I recommend many of the 'store-brand' cold and flu medications at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Tussin cough syrups and effervescent cold relief tablets. These products are regulated by the FDA and use the same active ingredients, but cost significantly less than the brand names."
Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-the-counter medications sold under store-brand labels at leading national retailers, club stores, grocers and pharmacies. According to Perrigo, these products are the primary treatments available over-the-counter for cold and flu symptoms:
"If you continue to experience cold or flu symptoms for a prolonged period of time, or your respiratory symptoms have worsened and you have difficulty breathing, I suggest scheduling an appointment with your doctor immediately, so he or she may evaluate you and suggest the best course of treatment for your situation," Armstrong says.
2012年1月31日星期二
Biological Warfare- Fight those Colds Back With Effective Weapons
It seems after the Christmas holiday with all those late nights, rich foods and probably way more sugar than usual, the infamous flu is back wreaking havoc on those taxed immune systems!
So, I thought I would write an article on dealing with potent bacteria that are taking advantage of our neglectful ways.
There are natural compounds as close as the kitchen cupboard that are potent antidotes against biological warfare. These natural antibiotics and anti-oxidants give people who have been exposed to bacteria or viruses, the ability to treat themselves. If the cold/flu lasts more than a week, you need to seek professional care.
The Garlic Information Center in Britain indicates that deadly anthrax is most susceptible to garlic.It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that even blocks toxin production by germs.
Garlic was found to be a more potent antibiotic than penicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, streptomycin and cephalexin, some of the same antibiotic drugs used in the treatment of anthrax.
Therefore, whenever you get that first inkling of a cold or flu with a scratchy/sore throat, sinus congestion, runny nose, fever, decreased energy or achey muscles, start adding it to food and buy capsules that are high in allicin. Allicin content should be certified on the bottle. This is the active ingredient that kills the bacteria.
The anthrax bacterium's toxicity is its’ ability to kill macrophage cells, which are part of the immune system. Studies have shown that sulfur-bearing antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, taurine) and vitamin C, which elevate levels of glutathione, a natural antioxidant within the body, counters the toxicity produced by the bacteria.
Vitamin C should be a neutral form (not ascorbic acid based otherwise it will make the body too acidic) and can be combined with bioflavinoids, which prolong vitamin C's action in the blood circulation.
The powdered form of vitamin C is recommended to achieve optimal dosing. I have people start with tsp and dose this every hour with the first symptoms of a flu, until you get gassy or loose stools and that is what your body is using up to fight the virus or bacteria.
You can then decrease it by tsp the next day and continue this until no symptoms of the cold are present.
Virtually all bacteria, viruses and fungidepend upon iron as a growth factor. Phytic acid (IP6), derived as an extract from rice bran, is the most potent natural iron chelator (remover of iron) and has strong antibiotic and antioxidant action.
The antibacterial, antiseptic action of plant oils has been described in recent medical literature and may be helpful in fighting biological toxins. A potent natural antibiotic, more powerful than many prescription antibiotics, is oil of oregano. You can add this to water & use it as a throat gargle before swallowing.
Natural antibiotics and anti-toxinsare well documented in the medical literature, but often overlooked.
So, these antidotes are readily available and should be the first thing you think of when those symptoms start!
So, I thought I would write an article on dealing with potent bacteria that are taking advantage of our neglectful ways.
There are natural compounds as close as the kitchen cupboard that are potent antidotes against biological warfare. These natural antibiotics and anti-oxidants give people who have been exposed to bacteria or viruses, the ability to treat themselves. If the cold/flu lasts more than a week, you need to seek professional care.
The Garlic Information Center in Britain indicates that deadly anthrax is most susceptible to garlic.It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that even blocks toxin production by germs.
Garlic was found to be a more potent antibiotic than penicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, streptomycin and cephalexin, some of the same antibiotic drugs used in the treatment of anthrax.
Therefore, whenever you get that first inkling of a cold or flu with a scratchy/sore throat, sinus congestion, runny nose, fever, decreased energy or achey muscles, start adding it to food and buy capsules that are high in allicin. Allicin content should be certified on the bottle. This is the active ingredient that kills the bacteria.
The anthrax bacterium's toxicity is its’ ability to kill macrophage cells, which are part of the immune system. Studies have shown that sulfur-bearing antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, taurine) and vitamin C, which elevate levels of glutathione, a natural antioxidant within the body, counters the toxicity produced by the bacteria.
Vitamin C should be a neutral form (not ascorbic acid based otherwise it will make the body too acidic) and can be combined with bioflavinoids, which prolong vitamin C's action in the blood circulation.
The powdered form of vitamin C is recommended to achieve optimal dosing. I have people start with tsp and dose this every hour with the first symptoms of a flu, until you get gassy or loose stools and that is what your body is using up to fight the virus or bacteria.
You can then decrease it by tsp the next day and continue this until no symptoms of the cold are present.
Virtually all bacteria, viruses and fungidepend upon iron as a growth factor. Phytic acid (IP6), derived as an extract from rice bran, is the most potent natural iron chelator (remover of iron) and has strong antibiotic and antioxidant action.
The antibacterial, antiseptic action of plant oils has been described in recent medical literature and may be helpful in fighting biological toxins. A potent natural antibiotic, more powerful than many prescription antibiotics, is oil of oregano. You can add this to water & use it as a throat gargle before swallowing.
Natural antibiotics and anti-toxinsare well documented in the medical literature, but often overlooked.
So, these antidotes are readily available and should be the first thing you think of when those symptoms start!
2012年1月19日星期四
Mitt Romney's 'Authenticity' 'Problem'
Jonah Goldberg's syndicated Tribune column "Romney's Authenticity Problem" has stuck in my craw for a few days, like a cold sore that I can't take care of but can't ignore. I think it's this:
Romney's claim that he's just a businessman called to serve -- Cincinnatus laying down his PowerPoint -- is nonsense. Romney, the son of a politician, has been running for office, holding office or thinking about running for office for more than two decades. "Just level with the American people," Gingrich growled. "You've been running ... at least since the 1990s."
For some reason Romney can't do that. Or at least it seems like he can't. His authentic inauthenticity problem isn't going away.
It's not the sentiment; Romney has been flopsweating presidential ambition since he stepped down as governor and national office for long before that. It's that word "authenticity." Luckily, the great local historian of the conservative movement, Rick Perlstein, just kicked off his new Rolling Stone series with a short, compelling psychobiography of Mitt Romney in relationship to his famous father that helps put it in context:
The truth was a dull weapon to take into a knife fight with Richard Nixon – who kicked Romney's ass with 79 percent of the vote. When people call his son the "Rombot," think about that: Mitt learned at an impressionable age that in politics, authenticity kills. Heeding the lesson of his father's fall, he became a virtual parody of an inauthentic politician. In 1994 he ran for senate to Ted Kennedy's left on gay rights; as governor, of course, he installed the dreaded individual mandate into Massachusetts' healthcare system. Then he raced to the right to run for president.
He's still inauthentic – but with, I think, an exception. Every time he opens his mouth on the subject of capitalism, he says what he sincerely believes, which happens to fit neatly with present-day Republican ideology: that rich people deserve every penny they have, and if people complain about anything rich people do, it's only because they're envious.
Perlstein uses the word to describe Romney's conscientious-capitalist father and his devotion to unwavering political principles, in contrast with his son's, um, fluid ones. This sheds some light on why Romney's authenticity problem may not be a problem, per se, in the context of the current GOP field. Jon Huntsman got killed, in part, because of his open, unwavering moderation; Santorum and Paul, Romney's most serious opponents, face something of a ceiling because of their open, unwavering immoderation. Romney's teflon ideology may not be a strength, but it's not exactly a liability in a divided party.
Even still, Perlstein's use of the word authentic trips me up. It's appropriate in the sense of authenticity representing a devotion to a set of moral or ideological principles, but another way of reading the word is this:
In keeping my promise I act in accord with duty; and if I keep it because it is my duty, I also act morally (according to Kant) because I am acting for the sake of duty. But existentially there is still a further evaluation to be made. My moral act is inauthentic if, in keeping my promise for the sake of duty, I do so because that is what “one” does (what “moral people” do).
By Perlstein's reading, Romney's chameleon-like political persona was forged early in his life: "Then, just over a year later, [George Romney] was humiliated with a suddenness and intensity unprecedented in modern American political history (of which more below). His son was 19 years old. What makes Mitt – né Willard – Romney, run? Much, I think, can be understood via that specific trauma." Further, it forged a man whose ideology was winning. And that happened to coincide with a shift in the business world from postwar American capitalism to contemporary American capitalism: "his vision of how capitalism should work was in every particular the exact opposite of the one pushed by the vulture capitalist he sired."
Romney's claim that he's just a businessman called to serve -- Cincinnatus laying down his PowerPoint -- is nonsense. Romney, the son of a politician, has been running for office, holding office or thinking about running for office for more than two decades. "Just level with the American people," Gingrich growled. "You've been running ... at least since the 1990s."
For some reason Romney can't do that. Or at least it seems like he can't. His authentic inauthenticity problem isn't going away.
It's not the sentiment; Romney has been flopsweating presidential ambition since he stepped down as governor and national office for long before that. It's that word "authenticity." Luckily, the great local historian of the conservative movement, Rick Perlstein, just kicked off his new Rolling Stone series with a short, compelling psychobiography of Mitt Romney in relationship to his famous father that helps put it in context:
The truth was a dull weapon to take into a knife fight with Richard Nixon – who kicked Romney's ass with 79 percent of the vote. When people call his son the "Rombot," think about that: Mitt learned at an impressionable age that in politics, authenticity kills. Heeding the lesson of his father's fall, he became a virtual parody of an inauthentic politician. In 1994 he ran for senate to Ted Kennedy's left on gay rights; as governor, of course, he installed the dreaded individual mandate into Massachusetts' healthcare system. Then he raced to the right to run for president.
He's still inauthentic – but with, I think, an exception. Every time he opens his mouth on the subject of capitalism, he says what he sincerely believes, which happens to fit neatly with present-day Republican ideology: that rich people deserve every penny they have, and if people complain about anything rich people do, it's only because they're envious.
Perlstein uses the word to describe Romney's conscientious-capitalist father and his devotion to unwavering political principles, in contrast with his son's, um, fluid ones. This sheds some light on why Romney's authenticity problem may not be a problem, per se, in the context of the current GOP field. Jon Huntsman got killed, in part, because of his open, unwavering moderation; Santorum and Paul, Romney's most serious opponents, face something of a ceiling because of their open, unwavering immoderation. Romney's teflon ideology may not be a strength, but it's not exactly a liability in a divided party.
Even still, Perlstein's use of the word authentic trips me up. It's appropriate in the sense of authenticity representing a devotion to a set of moral or ideological principles, but another way of reading the word is this:
In keeping my promise I act in accord with duty; and if I keep it because it is my duty, I also act morally (according to Kant) because I am acting for the sake of duty. But existentially there is still a further evaluation to be made. My moral act is inauthentic if, in keeping my promise for the sake of duty, I do so because that is what “one” does (what “moral people” do).
By Perlstein's reading, Romney's chameleon-like political persona was forged early in his life: "Then, just over a year later, [George Romney] was humiliated with a suddenness and intensity unprecedented in modern American political history (of which more below). His son was 19 years old. What makes Mitt – né Willard – Romney, run? Much, I think, can be understood via that specific trauma." Further, it forged a man whose ideology was winning. And that happened to coincide with a shift in the business world from postwar American capitalism to contemporary American capitalism: "his vision of how capitalism should work was in every particular the exact opposite of the one pushed by the vulture capitalist he sired."
2012年1月8日星期日
Got joint pain? It could be osteoarthritis
No doubt, you are referring to osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability in the U.S., with more than 20 million sufferers. It most often affects the hips, knees, spine and hands. The cause of osteoarthritis is usually unknown, though it is mainly related to aging. About half of those over 65 have some degree of osteoarthritis, reflecting a lifetime of wear and tear on cartilage.
However, osteoarthritis can be inherited, and injuries or certain diseases can lead to the condition. Being overweight is known to increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, ankle and foot joints. It is also important to rule out other types of arthritis that at times resemble osteoarthritis, such as chronic gout, pseudogout or rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to consider these other causes of arthritis because the treatment can be quite different.
Osteoarthritis is usually recognized by the onset of pain and stiffness in the affected joints, more commonly seen after exercise or when placing weight or pressure on the joint. The affected joint or joints may be tender at times and lose some of their flexibility. Morning stiffness lasting up to 30 minutes can be noted and followed by relief with mild activity.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, allowing the bones to glide over one another, deteriorates over time, breaking down and wearing away. This lets the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. This in turn results in the ligaments and muscles around the joint becoming weaker.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis and it will most likely get worse over time. However, there is much that can be done to slow its progression, control its symptoms and maintain or even improve joint function. Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement, and results in less pain. Swimming and biking are especially good. Walking can be effective — a padded heel can cut in half the force with which your foot hits the ground with each step. Weight loss, if overweight, can be of great help for lower extremity osteoarthritis. Resting a particularly sore, swollen joint should also be considered. Applying heat or cold to the joint may help. A physician or physical therapist can outline an exercise program that strengthens the ligaments and muscles around a joint, leading to significant symptom improvement.
Unlike in rheumatoid arthritis, there are no disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs yet, but the search goes on. Over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines can help osteoarthritis symptoms — acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually tried first, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can be helpful. For more severely involved joints, steroid injections into larger joints (knee) can reduce swelling and pain. Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream can help relieve pain in smaller joints. Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) may be effective for a few months for knee joints, but not in cases of severe, bone-on-bone arthritis.
Of even more concern is the large number of expensive, ineffective and unproven preparations and treatments that are touted on the Internet, magazines, TV and radio, which may have no more than a short-term placebo effect. These include: glucosamine and chondroitin combinations, SAMe, Instaflex and collagen supplements (Genacol), to name a few. There is no convincing evidence that supplements do anything for joints. Acupuncture, magnets and copper bracelets have no more than a placebo effect. Procedures such as microfractures in bone to induce cartilage growth or cartilage implants are not there yet. When conservative therapies no longer work, excellent surgical procedures and joint replacements are effective, especially for pain relief.
However, osteoarthritis can be inherited, and injuries or certain diseases can lead to the condition. Being overweight is known to increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, ankle and foot joints. It is also important to rule out other types of arthritis that at times resemble osteoarthritis, such as chronic gout, pseudogout or rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to consider these other causes of arthritis because the treatment can be quite different.
Osteoarthritis is usually recognized by the onset of pain and stiffness in the affected joints, more commonly seen after exercise or when placing weight or pressure on the joint. The affected joint or joints may be tender at times and lose some of their flexibility. Morning stiffness lasting up to 30 minutes can be noted and followed by relief with mild activity.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, allowing the bones to glide over one another, deteriorates over time, breaking down and wearing away. This lets the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. This in turn results in the ligaments and muscles around the joint becoming weaker.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis and it will most likely get worse over time. However, there is much that can be done to slow its progression, control its symptoms and maintain or even improve joint function. Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement, and results in less pain. Swimming and biking are especially good. Walking can be effective — a padded heel can cut in half the force with which your foot hits the ground with each step. Weight loss, if overweight, can be of great help for lower extremity osteoarthritis. Resting a particularly sore, swollen joint should also be considered. Applying heat or cold to the joint may help. A physician or physical therapist can outline an exercise program that strengthens the ligaments and muscles around a joint, leading to significant symptom improvement.
Unlike in rheumatoid arthritis, there are no disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs yet, but the search goes on. Over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines can help osteoarthritis symptoms — acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually tried first, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can be helpful. For more severely involved joints, steroid injections into larger joints (knee) can reduce swelling and pain. Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream can help relieve pain in smaller joints. Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) may be effective for a few months for knee joints, but not in cases of severe, bone-on-bone arthritis.
Of even more concern is the large number of expensive, ineffective and unproven preparations and treatments that are touted on the Internet, magazines, TV and radio, which may have no more than a short-term placebo effect. These include: glucosamine and chondroitin combinations, SAMe, Instaflex and collagen supplements (Genacol), to name a few. There is no convincing evidence that supplements do anything for joints. Acupuncture, magnets and copper bracelets have no more than a placebo effect. Procedures such as microfractures in bone to induce cartilage growth or cartilage implants are not there yet. When conservative therapies no longer work, excellent surgical procedures and joint replacements are effective, especially for pain relief.
2011年12月28日星期三
Mumbai cold to fast, Anna health a govt headache
As Lok Sabha debated and passed the Lokpal bill late on Tuesday, worry mounted in Mumbai over Anna Hazare’s health which deteriorated sharply over the evening.
The viral fever that had laid him low in the days leading up to today’s protest fast spiked to 102 degrees F, and his blood pressure rose. Doctors attending on Hazare said his pulse rate had risen to 98, and he had a cold and a chest infection.
Well past midnight, Hazare’s health remained delicate, and there were indications that he could be moved to hospital from the fast venue at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra-Kurla Complex overnight.
A team of doctors from JJ Hospital visited him and drew his blood for tests. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan spoke to him and appealed to him to end his fast. The chief minister said Hazare had told him that he would do as his doctors advise him to.
Officials in Mumbai and Delhi said the government was watching the situation closely. Given earlier experiences with the agitation in Delhi, the government, they said, was wary of appearing to force its will on Hazare, or take any action in a hurry.
Earlier in the evening, Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare’s close aide and member of Team Anna’s core committee, said he had made a fresh appeal to the activist to call off his fast but the 74-year-old was unrelenting.
Kejriwal and fellow activist Kiran Bedi had implored Hazare to end his fast in the morning as well, but Hazare had insisted that the crowds gathered in his support gave him the energy to carry on.
In fact, there wasn’t much of a crowd to speak of.
For an agitation that has always based its claims of legitimacy in numbers, be it at public meetings or on the web, the financial capital provided a significant reality check. None of the numbers freely bandied around by Hazare and his team —“lakhs”, “crores”, and poll ratings in the nineties — were in evidence at the MMRDA grounds, where the peak attendance did not appear to have gone beyond 10,000 at any point.
Until Hazare’s speech began around 3 pm, no more than 5,000 people were scattered around the 20,000-sq metre ground. A separate 10,000-sq metre area reserved for parking was almost entirely deserted. By 4 pm, about 8,000 to 10,000 people had gathered, a far cry from the 50,000 to 75,000 that India Against Corruption, the organisation spearheading the campaign, had predicted.
From his fasting podium, Hazare gave his familiar call for a sustained people’s movement to demand, after the Jan Lokpal bill, a law giving citizens the right to reject all candidates in an election. He also repeated his plan to tour the country in 2012 to campaign against the UPA government if it did not pass a strong Lokpal bill.
The government, Hazare told a modest gathering that was not estimated to have crossed 10,000 at any point during the day, was betraying not Team Anna but the people — and the people would strike back.
“Dilli ke parliament se jan parliament badi hai... Dilli ka parliament janata ke parliament ne banaayi hai,” he said.
A government that baton charges or fires on protesting farmers is autocratic, Hazare said, adding that a ‘right to reject’ law would ensure “goondas” would stay out of parliament and vidhan sabhas. Those who lose in such an election should not be allowed to contest again, he said.
Doctors said the activist was weak from having not eaten well for the past five days, and medicines would work well only if he ate solid food. Dr Devlat Pote, Hazare’s personal physician, said the activist had slept through much of Tuesday, which was unusual.
Hazare’s fast was shifted from Delhi to Mumbai to escape the capital’s harsh winter, but the weather in Mumbai has not been kind either. Mumbai’s suburbs, where Hazare is fasting, saw a record minimum of 11.4 degrees C before he began his fast today, and witnessed a huge variation during the day, with the maximum touching 30.3 degrees C. The forecast is for similar lows in the coming days.
Following the uncertainties surrounding Hazare’s health over the past few days, a fully equipped team of health specialists was present at the MMRDA grounds. In the morning, Pote had said that although Hazare’s health had improved over the past two days, it continued to be fragile.
“Anna’s blood pressure, pulse and weight is normal as of now. His last meal was yesterday’s lunch. We have advised him to drink plenty of water. Although his fever has subsided, the fluctuating weather condition has caused him a sore throat but overall, his condition is fine,” Pote had said in the morning.
The viral fever that had laid him low in the days leading up to today’s protest fast spiked to 102 degrees F, and his blood pressure rose. Doctors attending on Hazare said his pulse rate had risen to 98, and he had a cold and a chest infection.
Well past midnight, Hazare’s health remained delicate, and there were indications that he could be moved to hospital from the fast venue at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra-Kurla Complex overnight.
A team of doctors from JJ Hospital visited him and drew his blood for tests. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan spoke to him and appealed to him to end his fast. The chief minister said Hazare had told him that he would do as his doctors advise him to.
Officials in Mumbai and Delhi said the government was watching the situation closely. Given earlier experiences with the agitation in Delhi, the government, they said, was wary of appearing to force its will on Hazare, or take any action in a hurry.
Earlier in the evening, Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare’s close aide and member of Team Anna’s core committee, said he had made a fresh appeal to the activist to call off his fast but the 74-year-old was unrelenting.
Kejriwal and fellow activist Kiran Bedi had implored Hazare to end his fast in the morning as well, but Hazare had insisted that the crowds gathered in his support gave him the energy to carry on.
In fact, there wasn’t much of a crowd to speak of.
For an agitation that has always based its claims of legitimacy in numbers, be it at public meetings or on the web, the financial capital provided a significant reality check. None of the numbers freely bandied around by Hazare and his team —“lakhs”, “crores”, and poll ratings in the nineties — were in evidence at the MMRDA grounds, where the peak attendance did not appear to have gone beyond 10,000 at any point.
Until Hazare’s speech began around 3 pm, no more than 5,000 people were scattered around the 20,000-sq metre ground. A separate 10,000-sq metre area reserved for parking was almost entirely deserted. By 4 pm, about 8,000 to 10,000 people had gathered, a far cry from the 50,000 to 75,000 that India Against Corruption, the organisation spearheading the campaign, had predicted.
From his fasting podium, Hazare gave his familiar call for a sustained people’s movement to demand, after the Jan Lokpal bill, a law giving citizens the right to reject all candidates in an election. He also repeated his plan to tour the country in 2012 to campaign against the UPA government if it did not pass a strong Lokpal bill.
The government, Hazare told a modest gathering that was not estimated to have crossed 10,000 at any point during the day, was betraying not Team Anna but the people — and the people would strike back.
“Dilli ke parliament se jan parliament badi hai... Dilli ka parliament janata ke parliament ne banaayi hai,” he said.
A government that baton charges or fires on protesting farmers is autocratic, Hazare said, adding that a ‘right to reject’ law would ensure “goondas” would stay out of parliament and vidhan sabhas. Those who lose in such an election should not be allowed to contest again, he said.
Doctors said the activist was weak from having not eaten well for the past five days, and medicines would work well only if he ate solid food. Dr Devlat Pote, Hazare’s personal physician, said the activist had slept through much of Tuesday, which was unusual.
Hazare’s fast was shifted from Delhi to Mumbai to escape the capital’s harsh winter, but the weather in Mumbai has not been kind either. Mumbai’s suburbs, where Hazare is fasting, saw a record minimum of 11.4 degrees C before he began his fast today, and witnessed a huge variation during the day, with the maximum touching 30.3 degrees C. The forecast is for similar lows in the coming days.
Following the uncertainties surrounding Hazare’s health over the past few days, a fully equipped team of health specialists was present at the MMRDA grounds. In the morning, Pote had said that although Hazare’s health had improved over the past two days, it continued to be fragile.
“Anna’s blood pressure, pulse and weight is normal as of now. His last meal was yesterday’s lunch. We have advised him to drink plenty of water. Although his fever has subsided, the fluctuating weather condition has caused him a sore throat but overall, his condition is fine,” Pote had said in the morning.
2011年12月27日星期二
How to Tell If It’s Allergies, a Cold or the Flu
Understanding what illness you have is important in figuring out how to treat it, and how to get rid of it.
Garyl Hester of New York City thought he had a sinus infection when he went to the doctor – but he had it all wrong.
“I couldn’t get rid of it, I couldn’t shake it,” said Hester, 48. “So (my doctor) tested me and found out I was allergic to dust mites, which I never knew before.”
Hester said he now has an air purifier in his house and he bought hypoallergenic sheets – and his headache is gone.
New York-based allergist Dr. Jonathan Field said most patients get confused and often do not know what kind of medical condition they are dealing with.
“If they have a fever, if the headache tends to be more extreme or if they lost their sense of smell, then it sounds to me like a sinus infection,” Field said.
If you are prone to sinus infections, try an irrigation rinse to prevent them or get tested for allergies.
Field said colds and sinus infections are often triggered by indoor allergies, such as dust, mold and pet dander.
“Colds tend to be mild, and you have typical symptoms like a running nose, itchy eyes – a little bit of a sore throat and mild muscle aches, but generally you feel well,” Field said.
Cold symptoms should not last longer than a week, he added. Taking zinc at the onset of a cold can decrease the duration of the illness and severity of symptoms.
However, the flu is much worse – symptoms are more pronounced in terms of muscle aches and fatigue, and you will definitely have a fever.
The onset of the flu is very sudden, Field added.
Prescribed medication is the only cure for influenza, which can be deadly. Up to 36,000 Americans die each year from influenza, so if you think you may have it, see a doctor immediately. A flu shot is the best prevention.
Garyl Hester of New York City thought he had a sinus infection when he went to the doctor – but he had it all wrong.
“I couldn’t get rid of it, I couldn’t shake it,” said Hester, 48. “So (my doctor) tested me and found out I was allergic to dust mites, which I never knew before.”
Hester said he now has an air purifier in his house and he bought hypoallergenic sheets – and his headache is gone.
New York-based allergist Dr. Jonathan Field said most patients get confused and often do not know what kind of medical condition they are dealing with.
“If they have a fever, if the headache tends to be more extreme or if they lost their sense of smell, then it sounds to me like a sinus infection,” Field said.
If you are prone to sinus infections, try an irrigation rinse to prevent them or get tested for allergies.
Field said colds and sinus infections are often triggered by indoor allergies, such as dust, mold and pet dander.
“Colds tend to be mild, and you have typical symptoms like a running nose, itchy eyes – a little bit of a sore throat and mild muscle aches, but generally you feel well,” Field said.
Cold symptoms should not last longer than a week, he added. Taking zinc at the onset of a cold can decrease the duration of the illness and severity of symptoms.
However, the flu is much worse – symptoms are more pronounced in terms of muscle aches and fatigue, and you will definitely have a fever.
The onset of the flu is very sudden, Field added.
Prescribed medication is the only cure for influenza, which can be deadly. Up to 36,000 Americans die each year from influenza, so if you think you may have it, see a doctor immediately. A flu shot is the best prevention.
2011年12月19日星期一
Through their eyes, it’s more magical
It’s hard to believe Christmas is less than a week away. Let the chaos begin!
I spent most of my weekend getting my Christmas shopping completed. Just a few more gifts for relatives, two for my daughter and one for my son and then I’m ready. I’m not panicked; in fact, I’m rather content about it!
As far as decor, I didn’t do much this year. A wreath on the door, a slate sign out front and candles with the Nativity set in the window. The tree is being decorated tonight, but no worry. We will enjoy it into January. Twelfth Night reigns in my household (and usually for a few days after that).
Oddly enough, the season has been an enjoyable one. We’ve taken the children to Christmas outings and listened to enough Christmas music in the car and at home. I’ll admit, however, it’s been difficult for me to get into the spirit of the season for a lot of reasons. When my children light up about it, however, all of that changes.
My 2-year-old son, sans the day he got his picture taken with Santa, has grown to love the Jolly Old Elf. He says, “ho, ho, ho” often and much when he hears Santa and sees him on TV, in print or in person.
We ventured to Hershey last evening to enjoy Christmas Candylane and endure the chilly temperatures. During that time, we had to visit Santa. It was truly a wonderful experience despite the cold and sore arms from holding my son, who decided he didn’t want to walk or ride in his stroller once the rides kicked in.
When it was out turn to greet Santa, Jacob ran to him and hugged him, and he and his sister, Amber, settled onto his lap for some chatter about last-minute wishes. Before we left, Jacob turned around and gave Santa a high-five. I don’t think the smile left my face for awhile.
We visited Santa’s Stables to see his reindeer, including Rudolph, whose nose, Amber was told, doesn’t light up until it has to — on Christmas Eve. The kids really enjoyed watching the antlered creatures saunter around the stable and even make their way to the guide we were talking with. Rudolph was one of them, along with Blitzen. They both wanted some feed, and gladly ate some from the bucket the guide was holding.
Watching my children enjoy the reindeer, a visit with Santa, the lights all aglow in the chilly darkness and the rides (oh, some of the fast-moving ones made our faces burn!) put me in the Christmas spirit. Perhaps the neatest thing on the way into the park was that Amber and Jacob were happy to approach a Nativity scene set up with Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, the Three Kings and shepherds and animals. As we were leaving the park at closing time, Jacob, in my arms, turned in the direction of the Nativity and said, “Baby!” in reference to the Baby Jesus. I told him to say goodbye, and that we would see the Baby Jesus later this week at church.
Actually, he will see the baby this evening as we place my daughter’s Precious Moments Nativity under the tree — a tradition that we have done since Amber received the set as a gift from my parents a few years ago.
It’s through their eyes wide with wonder and belief at this time of year that embrace the spirit that is Christmas, and I never want to let it go.
I spent most of my weekend getting my Christmas shopping completed. Just a few more gifts for relatives, two for my daughter and one for my son and then I’m ready. I’m not panicked; in fact, I’m rather content about it!
As far as decor, I didn’t do much this year. A wreath on the door, a slate sign out front and candles with the Nativity set in the window. The tree is being decorated tonight, but no worry. We will enjoy it into January. Twelfth Night reigns in my household (and usually for a few days after that).
Oddly enough, the season has been an enjoyable one. We’ve taken the children to Christmas outings and listened to enough Christmas music in the car and at home. I’ll admit, however, it’s been difficult for me to get into the spirit of the season for a lot of reasons. When my children light up about it, however, all of that changes.
My 2-year-old son, sans the day he got his picture taken with Santa, has grown to love the Jolly Old Elf. He says, “ho, ho, ho” often and much when he hears Santa and sees him on TV, in print or in person.
We ventured to Hershey last evening to enjoy Christmas Candylane and endure the chilly temperatures. During that time, we had to visit Santa. It was truly a wonderful experience despite the cold and sore arms from holding my son, who decided he didn’t want to walk or ride in his stroller once the rides kicked in.
When it was out turn to greet Santa, Jacob ran to him and hugged him, and he and his sister, Amber, settled onto his lap for some chatter about last-minute wishes. Before we left, Jacob turned around and gave Santa a high-five. I don’t think the smile left my face for awhile.
We visited Santa’s Stables to see his reindeer, including Rudolph, whose nose, Amber was told, doesn’t light up until it has to — on Christmas Eve. The kids really enjoyed watching the antlered creatures saunter around the stable and even make their way to the guide we were talking with. Rudolph was one of them, along with Blitzen. They both wanted some feed, and gladly ate some from the bucket the guide was holding.
Watching my children enjoy the reindeer, a visit with Santa, the lights all aglow in the chilly darkness and the rides (oh, some of the fast-moving ones made our faces burn!) put me in the Christmas spirit. Perhaps the neatest thing on the way into the park was that Amber and Jacob were happy to approach a Nativity scene set up with Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, the Three Kings and shepherds and animals. As we were leaving the park at closing time, Jacob, in my arms, turned in the direction of the Nativity and said, “Baby!” in reference to the Baby Jesus. I told him to say goodbye, and that we would see the Baby Jesus later this week at church.
Actually, he will see the baby this evening as we place my daughter’s Precious Moments Nativity under the tree — a tradition that we have done since Amber received the set as a gift from my parents a few years ago.
It’s through their eyes wide with wonder and belief at this time of year that embrace the spirit that is Christmas, and I never want to let it go.
2011年11月29日星期二
The Voice Interviews Valeska Paris
Yesterday, a story about an Australian woman who says she was held for 12 years against her will aboard Scientology's floating cathedral and cruise ship Freewinds hit the Scientology-watching world like a depth charge.
Last night, we had a lengthy conversation over Skype with Valeska Paris, and learned much more about her upbringing in Scientology, her time on the ship, and in particular, what it was like when church leader David Miscavige brought aboard his best pal, Tom Cruise, for the actor's big birthday celebration in 2004.
We also talked about how she decided to speak out even though she had previously signed confidentiality agreements with the notoriously litigious church.
"They're cowards. They always threaten, but they never follow it up," she says.
Valeska left the Freewinds in 2007, and later left Scientology itself. In 2010 she first went public with her defection at the blog of former high-ranking Scientology executive Marty Rathbun. Then, yesterday, she appeared on the Australian network ABC's program Lateline, saying that she was held against her will aboard the cruise ship for more than a decade. A fellow former member of Scientology's hardcore Sea Organization, Ramana Dienes-Browning, backed up her version of events.
The church has denied all of the allegations by Paris and Dienes-Browning, and spokeswoman Karin Pouw's full statement can be found below. At the end of the statement, Pouw writes to ABC's Steve Cannane: "Your source is doing this because she and Chris Guider apparently cannot get their life in order and move on."
In fact, Valeska and her husband Chris -- who was the subject of his own Lateline program -- are getting on with their lives quite nicely, and even have a bit of an announcement...
"They say we're not getting on with our lives? We both have jobs, we have a boy," she told me last night from Sydney, "And I'm pregnant with another baby."
What a change from her time in the Sea Org, where having children is prohibited, where she signed a billion-year contract at only 14 years old, and where she was pulled away from her own mother and put aboard what she says was a floating prison.
Valeska Paris was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1977. She had two younger siblings -- Melissa (1979) and Raphael (1982) -- and their lives changed radically when their parents, who were both Scientologists, split up and her father, Jean-Francois Paris, decided to join the church's Sea Org in England. At only 6 years of age, Valeska was put into a former Scientology organization known as the "Cadet Org." (Her sibs joined too -- Melissa was only 4, and Raphael barely 2, she points out.)
Her sister, Melissa, has written that the Cadet Org was a sort of "mini Sea Org," where even the youngest children were treated like future hardcore church workers, and were "assigned all sorts of manual labor: scrubbing walls, floors, cleaning the toilets...not stuff that kids would normally do." (We're going to be interviewing Melissa, who has her own story to tell about growing up in Scientology and living in a family torn apart by the church.)
Scientology believes that each of us has lived countless lives over billions of years -- our souls, which Scientology calls "thetans," are ancient, and so even when we inhabit a new body in a new life, as a child, there is actually an adult soul inside.
"We were just future Sea Org members that needed to be molded into 'good' SO members which meant breaking us down into robots," Melissa writes.
Valeska did join the Sea Org, at only 14 years old, signing its standard billion-year contract, promising to come back, lifetime after lifetime, to serve the church by working incredible hours for only 50 dollars a week.
Last night, we had a lengthy conversation over Skype with Valeska Paris, and learned much more about her upbringing in Scientology, her time on the ship, and in particular, what it was like when church leader David Miscavige brought aboard his best pal, Tom Cruise, for the actor's big birthday celebration in 2004.
We also talked about how she decided to speak out even though she had previously signed confidentiality agreements with the notoriously litigious church.
"They're cowards. They always threaten, but they never follow it up," she says.
Valeska left the Freewinds in 2007, and later left Scientology itself. In 2010 she first went public with her defection at the blog of former high-ranking Scientology executive Marty Rathbun. Then, yesterday, she appeared on the Australian network ABC's program Lateline, saying that she was held against her will aboard the cruise ship for more than a decade. A fellow former member of Scientology's hardcore Sea Organization, Ramana Dienes-Browning, backed up her version of events.
The church has denied all of the allegations by Paris and Dienes-Browning, and spokeswoman Karin Pouw's full statement can be found below. At the end of the statement, Pouw writes to ABC's Steve Cannane: "Your source is doing this because she and Chris Guider apparently cannot get their life in order and move on."
In fact, Valeska and her husband Chris -- who was the subject of his own Lateline program -- are getting on with their lives quite nicely, and even have a bit of an announcement...
"They say we're not getting on with our lives? We both have jobs, we have a boy," she told me last night from Sydney, "And I'm pregnant with another baby."
What a change from her time in the Sea Org, where having children is prohibited, where she signed a billion-year contract at only 14 years old, and where she was pulled away from her own mother and put aboard what she says was a floating prison.
Valeska Paris was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1977. She had two younger siblings -- Melissa (1979) and Raphael (1982) -- and their lives changed radically when their parents, who were both Scientologists, split up and her father, Jean-Francois Paris, decided to join the church's Sea Org in England. At only 6 years of age, Valeska was put into a former Scientology organization known as the "Cadet Org." (Her sibs joined too -- Melissa was only 4, and Raphael barely 2, she points out.)
Her sister, Melissa, has written that the Cadet Org was a sort of "mini Sea Org," where even the youngest children were treated like future hardcore church workers, and were "assigned all sorts of manual labor: scrubbing walls, floors, cleaning the toilets...not stuff that kids would normally do." (We're going to be interviewing Melissa, who has her own story to tell about growing up in Scientology and living in a family torn apart by the church.)
Scientology believes that each of us has lived countless lives over billions of years -- our souls, which Scientology calls "thetans," are ancient, and so even when we inhabit a new body in a new life, as a child, there is actually an adult soul inside.
"We were just future Sea Org members that needed to be molded into 'good' SO members which meant breaking us down into robots," Melissa writes.
Valeska did join the Sea Org, at only 14 years old, signing its standard billion-year contract, promising to come back, lifetime after lifetime, to serve the church by working incredible hours for only 50 dollars a week.
2011年9月29日星期四
Opera singer performs despite his illness
There was an audible groan through the audience at Wednesday night’s performance of Iphigenia in Tauris when it was announced that baritone Russell Braun had a cold.
But the Canadian Opera Company audience was quickly elated — and some clapped with joy — when they learned Braun was going to perform anyway.
A cold can do serious damage to a singer’s vocal chords, Braun says in an interview from his Georgetown home Thursday, so he was cautious about performing when he felt ill.
The 46-year-old performer, who has only once withdrawn from a performance due to ill health, first noticed he was getting a sore throat on Monday night after being asked to sing “O Canada” at his son’s sporting event.
“I’ve been around a lot of colds with the kids back at school and at the opera too,” says Braun, adding he set out immediately on Tuesday morning to fight the cold with everything that he had.
Vitamin C, Cold FX, Echinacea and oil of oregano are Braun’s standard cold treatments. A few years ago the family built a steam room in the basement and, while it seemed a luxury at the time, Braun says it comes in handy to fight congestion.
“Fifteen years ago, 10 years ago, I would have panicked,” says Braun, but he knows all sorts of tricks to stave off a cold and protect his voice in a production.
Admitting it’s a double-edged sword to announce that a performer has a cold — it sets people up to expect something inferior and then they wonder what all the fuss was about — Braun decided it was the proper way to acknowledge to those who know his voice well that he wasn’t in top form.
The role of Orestes is emotionally and physically taxing, says Braun, and throughout the opera’s run which began Sept. 22 he’s learned not to overexert his voice in the explosive opening.
Even when healthy, he says: “I always feel incredibly drained after this opera.”
He’s resting and drinking lots of fluids and hoping he’ll be much better on Saturday afternoon for the next show.
But the Canadian Opera Company audience was quickly elated — and some clapped with joy — when they learned Braun was going to perform anyway.
A cold can do serious damage to a singer’s vocal chords, Braun says in an interview from his Georgetown home Thursday, so he was cautious about performing when he felt ill.
The 46-year-old performer, who has only once withdrawn from a performance due to ill health, first noticed he was getting a sore throat on Monday night after being asked to sing “O Canada” at his son’s sporting event.
“I’ve been around a lot of colds with the kids back at school and at the opera too,” says Braun, adding he set out immediately on Tuesday morning to fight the cold with everything that he had.
Vitamin C, Cold FX, Echinacea and oil of oregano are Braun’s standard cold treatments. A few years ago the family built a steam room in the basement and, while it seemed a luxury at the time, Braun says it comes in handy to fight congestion.
“Fifteen years ago, 10 years ago, I would have panicked,” says Braun, but he knows all sorts of tricks to stave off a cold and protect his voice in a production.
Admitting it’s a double-edged sword to announce that a performer has a cold — it sets people up to expect something inferior and then they wonder what all the fuss was about — Braun decided it was the proper way to acknowledge to those who know his voice well that he wasn’t in top form.
The role of Orestes is emotionally and physically taxing, says Braun, and throughout the opera’s run which began Sept. 22 he’s learned not to overexert his voice in the explosive opening.
Even when healthy, he says: “I always feel incredibly drained after this opera.”
He’s resting and drinking lots of fluids and hoping he’ll be much better on Saturday afternoon for the next show.
2011年9月13日星期二
Staying healthy while traveling on business
Three road warriors sat across from me on a recent plane trip. They were hunched over working on their laptops, probably being very productive. Yet one was sneezing and another was coughing.
Research shows that frequent business travel takes a toll. According to a study by Andrew G. Ruedle and Catherine A. Richards of Columbia University's School of Public Health in New York, "people who travel for business two weeks or more a month are fatter and report worse health than employees who don't travel."
So what do you do if you must travel for your job? Here are a few tips.
Before you go: Be prepared. Build up your immune system in advance with rest, exercise, a good diet and vitamins, including vitamin C and zinc.
Check your health-insurance coverage: Most companies cover you if you travel domestically, but what about foreign travel?
Pack a first-aid kit: Your schedule will be so packed with meetings, business meals and entertaining that getting to a drugstore may not be possible. Include any prescriptions you take, asthma inhalers or other devices you use regularly, headache remedies, anti-diarrhea medicines, cold and sore-throat treatments, bandages, antibiotic creams and anything else you may need.
If you have a chronic or pre-existing condition: Take a letter from your doctor explaining your situation and your needs. It will help if you need medical attention in a strange city or country.
Need a doctor? Call your company's representative or check at the hotel desk. They can assist you.
While you're traveling: Forget the airplane food. Bring your own healthy snacks like dried fruit, fresh apples and bananas, nuts, healthy power bars and even a few pieces of dark chocolate (for antioxidants). Or bring a healthy sandwich or wrap from an airport vendor. Cut down on the caffeine intake. Too much can make you restless, disrupt your sleep and make you nervous. Good substitutes are water and vegetable and fruit juices.
Where to stay: If possible, choose a hotel that has a decent restaurant. You'll have convenient healthy meals and room service if you need it. Hotels with exercise facilities, pools and whirlpools are also very popular with business travelers.
Research shows that frequent business travel takes a toll. According to a study by Andrew G. Ruedle and Catherine A. Richards of Columbia University's School of Public Health in New York, "people who travel for business two weeks or more a month are fatter and report worse health than employees who don't travel."
So what do you do if you must travel for your job? Here are a few tips.
Before you go: Be prepared. Build up your immune system in advance with rest, exercise, a good diet and vitamins, including vitamin C and zinc.
Check your health-insurance coverage: Most companies cover you if you travel domestically, but what about foreign travel?
Pack a first-aid kit: Your schedule will be so packed with meetings, business meals and entertaining that getting to a drugstore may not be possible. Include any prescriptions you take, asthma inhalers or other devices you use regularly, headache remedies, anti-diarrhea medicines, cold and sore-throat treatments, bandages, antibiotic creams and anything else you may need.
If you have a chronic or pre-existing condition: Take a letter from your doctor explaining your situation and your needs. It will help if you need medical attention in a strange city or country.
Need a doctor? Call your company's representative or check at the hotel desk. They can assist you.
While you're traveling: Forget the airplane food. Bring your own healthy snacks like dried fruit, fresh apples and bananas, nuts, healthy power bars and even a few pieces of dark chocolate (for antioxidants). Or bring a healthy sandwich or wrap from an airport vendor. Cut down on the caffeine intake. Too much can make you restless, disrupt your sleep and make you nervous. Good substitutes are water and vegetable and fruit juices.
Where to stay: If possible, choose a hotel that has a decent restaurant. You'll have convenient healthy meals and room service if you need it. Hotels with exercise facilities, pools and whirlpools are also very popular with business travelers.
2011年4月19日星期二
Don’t fear the flowers
London - Recently, the pollen count hit 220 in some parts of England - a dramatic rise from its normal level of 40 or so.
For millions of Britons with hay fever this alarming spike - measured in grains of pollen per cubic metre of air by the Met Office - will have triggered sneezing fits, runny noses, Cold Sore eyes and an itchy throat.
Indeed, on Monday my surgery was full of sufferers desperate for treatment.
Those who don’t get hay fever may think a lot of fuss is made over what can’t be much worse than a cold. But, unlike a cold, hay fever can last for weeks or even months without the right treatment. I see patients who dread spring and summer. One in ten suffers symptoms so bad they affect their ability to drive or even sleep. It is not uncommon for them to be signed off sick from work.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system mistakes pollen for toxins, causing the body’s cells to release histamines: chemicals which inflame the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. In the UK at this time of year, tree pollen is the main culprit. From May to August, it’s pollen from grass. In autumn, hay fever may be caused by late-flowering plants, nettles, mould and fungal spores.
Sufferers can be sensitive to one or more of these but 90 percent are affected by grass pollen.
The amount of sunshine, rain or wind affects how much pollen plants release and how far grains spread. On rainy days, pollen may be cleared from the air, causing levels to fall, which is why there may have been a bit of light relief in midweek. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in early evening.
The UK has one of the highest hay fever rates. There has been a fourfold increase in allergies since the Fifties. It’s not clear why: theories include dietary changes, an increase in air pollutants, and over-sterilised environments which deny our immune system a chance to learn which factors are harmful or harmless.
It used to be something that mostly affected youngsters - 38 percent of UK teenagers are sufferers, compared with a quarter of the general population. But many more patients are developing hay fever for the first time in middle age or later, according to the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester. If trends continue, some estimate there could be 32million sufferers by 2030.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatment options. My advice is try all and any until you find one that works. As I tell my patients: Don’t despair, hay fever can be beaten.
How do I know I have hay fever, rather than other allergies or a cold?
Rhinitis is a condition in which the inside of the nose becomes inflamed, causing sneezing, itchiness and a persistent runny nose, plus symptoms in the sinuses and eyes. It is a common condition affecting at least one in five of us, and can be caused by various allergens such as animal fur or dust. Rhinitis caused by pollen is hay fever: it tends to be seasonal, not year-long.
It is possible to be tested for different pollen allergies to confirm the diagnosis but this is not commonly available on the NHS. Unlike a cold, with hay fever you never have a temperature and your nose runs clear.
I look out for the pollen count but I’m not sure I understand it.
The pollen-count prediction is intended to give hay fever sufferers a head start to prepare for a bad day. Less than 30 is low, more than 50 is high. Most people find their hay-fever symptoms start at a pollen count of 50 or more, so if that is predicted you need to have your treatment with you.
Can I use combinations of hay fever treatments?
It is safe and sensible to combine hay fever treatments for the best results. For example, it is reasonable to use a steroid nasal spray with a daily antihistamine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, but it is not uncommon for a patient with severe hay fever to be on three treatments to control symptoms.
How do I know which antihistamine treatment is best?
Simply, trial and error. A once- a-day, non-drowsy tablet bought over the counter is a good place to start. Many different ones are available, such as cetirizine or loratadine. If after three or four days’ use these don’t work for you, ask your GP about prescription antihistamines or an antihistamine nasal spray. However, if a blocked nose is one of your main symptoms, antihistamines are unlikely to be helpful. You can also become tolerant to antihistamines, and after years of using one type you might find you need to switch.
What if antihistamines don’t work?
Steroid sprays such as beconase or flixonase are useful for hay fever, if a blocked nose is your main symptom, and also if you want to avoid antihistamines because you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you know the time of year you usually get affected, you can start with a steroid nasal spray a few weeks beforehand to reduce the severity, but you must be consistent in your use. The sprays can cause a dry nose or mouth, so don’t overuse them. For hay fever which is so bad it is interfering with normal day-to-day life, doctors will sometimes prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to dampen down the immune system.
Are alternative treatments effective?
Many sufferers find acupuncture effective, and even resolve symptoms completely in some cases. Research is under way to evaluate this properly. Herbal remedies should be avoided as they can cause liver or kidney problems. Salt-water sprays are useful to clean out the nose regularly to remove allergens, and can be used safely by adults and children along with conventional treatment.
Is desensitisation treatment an option?
Desensitisation treatment, or immunotherapy, is useful for those with persistent symptoms. It is offered in a few NHS specialist centres and many private ones. There is a small risk of an acute reaction. You are exposed to ever larger amounts of pollen which over time reduces symptoms.
For millions of Britons with hay fever this alarming spike - measured in grains of pollen per cubic metre of air by the Met Office - will have triggered sneezing fits, runny noses, Cold Sore eyes and an itchy throat.
Indeed, on Monday my surgery was full of sufferers desperate for treatment.
Those who don’t get hay fever may think a lot of fuss is made over what can’t be much worse than a cold. But, unlike a cold, hay fever can last for weeks or even months without the right treatment. I see patients who dread spring and summer. One in ten suffers symptoms so bad they affect their ability to drive or even sleep. It is not uncommon for them to be signed off sick from work.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system mistakes pollen for toxins, causing the body’s cells to release histamines: chemicals which inflame the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. In the UK at this time of year, tree pollen is the main culprit. From May to August, it’s pollen from grass. In autumn, hay fever may be caused by late-flowering plants, nettles, mould and fungal spores.
Sufferers can be sensitive to one or more of these but 90 percent are affected by grass pollen.
The amount of sunshine, rain or wind affects how much pollen plants release and how far grains spread. On rainy days, pollen may be cleared from the air, causing levels to fall, which is why there may have been a bit of light relief in midweek. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in early evening.
The UK has one of the highest hay fever rates. There has been a fourfold increase in allergies since the Fifties. It’s not clear why: theories include dietary changes, an increase in air pollutants, and over-sterilised environments which deny our immune system a chance to learn which factors are harmful or harmless.
It used to be something that mostly affected youngsters - 38 percent of UK teenagers are sufferers, compared with a quarter of the general population. But many more patients are developing hay fever for the first time in middle age or later, according to the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester. If trends continue, some estimate there could be 32million sufferers by 2030.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatment options. My advice is try all and any until you find one that works. As I tell my patients: Don’t despair, hay fever can be beaten.
How do I know I have hay fever, rather than other allergies or a cold?
Rhinitis is a condition in which the inside of the nose becomes inflamed, causing sneezing, itchiness and a persistent runny nose, plus symptoms in the sinuses and eyes. It is a common condition affecting at least one in five of us, and can be caused by various allergens such as animal fur or dust. Rhinitis caused by pollen is hay fever: it tends to be seasonal, not year-long.
It is possible to be tested for different pollen allergies to confirm the diagnosis but this is not commonly available on the NHS. Unlike a cold, with hay fever you never have a temperature and your nose runs clear.
I look out for the pollen count but I’m not sure I understand it.
The pollen-count prediction is intended to give hay fever sufferers a head start to prepare for a bad day. Less than 30 is low, more than 50 is high. Most people find their hay-fever symptoms start at a pollen count of 50 or more, so if that is predicted you need to have your treatment with you.
Can I use combinations of hay fever treatments?
It is safe and sensible to combine hay fever treatments for the best results. For example, it is reasonable to use a steroid nasal spray with a daily antihistamine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, but it is not uncommon for a patient with severe hay fever to be on three treatments to control symptoms.
How do I know which antihistamine treatment is best?
Simply, trial and error. A once- a-day, non-drowsy tablet bought over the counter is a good place to start. Many different ones are available, such as cetirizine or loratadine. If after three or four days’ use these don’t work for you, ask your GP about prescription antihistamines or an antihistamine nasal spray. However, if a blocked nose is one of your main symptoms, antihistamines are unlikely to be helpful. You can also become tolerant to antihistamines, and after years of using one type you might find you need to switch.
What if antihistamines don’t work?
Steroid sprays such as beconase or flixonase are useful for hay fever, if a blocked nose is your main symptom, and also if you want to avoid antihistamines because you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you know the time of year you usually get affected, you can start with a steroid nasal spray a few weeks beforehand to reduce the severity, but you must be consistent in your use. The sprays can cause a dry nose or mouth, so don’t overuse them. For hay fever which is so bad it is interfering with normal day-to-day life, doctors will sometimes prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to dampen down the immune system.
Are alternative treatments effective?
Many sufferers find acupuncture effective, and even resolve symptoms completely in some cases. Research is under way to evaluate this properly. Herbal remedies should be avoided as they can cause liver or kidney problems. Salt-water sprays are useful to clean out the nose regularly to remove allergens, and can be used safely by adults and children along with conventional treatment.
Is desensitisation treatment an option?
Desensitisation treatment, or immunotherapy, is useful for those with persistent symptoms. It is offered in a few NHS specialist centres and many private ones. There is a small risk of an acute reaction. You are exposed to ever larger amounts of pollen which over time reduces symptoms.
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