Changing weather or temperatures are often blamed for winter's coughs and sniffles. But in reality, colds, coughs and the flu are infectious diseases "caught" through transmission from one human to another.
"Mid-February is usually the peak season for infectious diseases, such as the seasonal and H1N1 flu, mononucleosis, colds and coughs," Newswise quoted Jorge Parada, medical director, infectious disease at Loyola University Health System as saying.
"And don't rely on obvious signs of illness - such as sneezing or fever as a tip off. People with infectious diseases start shedding the virus before they experience the full effect of the illness.
"Becoming too hot or too cold can cause stress to the body, weaken the defense in fighting off infections and thus make us more vulnerable.
"But a person has to be exposed to a virus or bacteria to catch it,' Parada said.
Parada feels that winter trends such as staying indoors in crowded arenas such as shopping malls or movie theatres may promote winter colds and flu.
According to him, drinking from the same wine glass or sharing dessert with the same fork may seem romantic, but also may lead to infections.
"Someone can have a cold sore that hasn't erupted yet and use lip balm which is then shared, and the cold sore virus - otherwise known as herpes - is transmitted," he said.
Albeit less frequently, shared linens also are transmitters of infections.
"A shared pillowcase, napkin or towel can also actually be a conduit for disease, especially if someone has a sore or cut," Parada said.
He also spelled a list of do's and don'ts for safe displays of affection.
The list includes giving and getting a flu shot, not sharing utensils and not kissing or having close body contact if one feels unwell.
"It's the gift that keeps on giving - you protect yourself, your loved one and you stop the virus from spreading to others.
"If that isn't sexy, and say 'I love you' I don't know what does."
"Humans can transmitsome infections through saliva. A glass, fork or napkin can act as a bridge and pass the bug along to another person when that shared object is used by one infected person and then used by another.
"Throwing up and blowing your nose is not fun; no one wants to be ill so being upfront and honest when you feel under the weather will be appreciated.
"Get that flu shot now to increase your odds for romance on Valentine's Day.
"Having a flu shot is definitely sexy. It beats the flu every time!" he added.
2012年2月9日星期四
2012年2月8日星期三
Oscars Sore Loser?
Daniel Radcliffe seems to have no trouble speaking his mind these days.
Recently, the “Harry Potter” actor called out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for failing to honor the final installment of the box-office juggernaut. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ will compete for just three awards, all in technical categories, at the Academy Awards held later this month.
“I don’t think the Oscars like commercial films, or kids’ films, unless they’re directed by Martin Scorsese,” Radcliffe said, referring to Scorsese’s “Hugo,” which leads the nominations with 11. “I was watching ‘Hugo’ the other day and going, ‘Why is this nominated and we’re not?’ I was slightly miffed.”
“There’s a certain amount of snobbery,” Radcliffe added. “It’s kind of disheartening. I never thought I’d care. But it would’ve been nice to have some recognition, just for the hours put in.”
Six of the eight “Potter” films have been nominated for Oscars — all in technical categories — but the franchise, which grossed nearly $8 billion worldwide, has yet to earn a single Academy award.
Radcliffe, who has been promoting his latest film, “The Woman in Black,” has also come clean about his wild past while working on “Harry Potter.” He recently told Heat magazine, “I can honestly say I never drank at work on ’Harry Potter.’ I went into work still drunk, but I never drank at work … I can point to many scenes where I’m just gone. Dead behind the eyes.”
His admission that he’d given up alcohol was already widely known, but lately the 22-year-old actor has been explaining just how bad his drinking problem really got. In an interview with the UK’s Daily Mirror, he admitted that while drinking heavily, he sometimes had one-night stands with groupies, though he added that he preferred sleeping with girls he knew.
“I mean, that has happened,” Radcliffe told the paper about fooling around with fans. “But generally speaking I’ve known the person. Apart from a few times when I was drinking.”
Recently, the “Harry Potter” actor called out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for failing to honor the final installment of the box-office juggernaut. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ will compete for just three awards, all in technical categories, at the Academy Awards held later this month.
“I don’t think the Oscars like commercial films, or kids’ films, unless they’re directed by Martin Scorsese,” Radcliffe said, referring to Scorsese’s “Hugo,” which leads the nominations with 11. “I was watching ‘Hugo’ the other day and going, ‘Why is this nominated and we’re not?’ I was slightly miffed.”
“There’s a certain amount of snobbery,” Radcliffe added. “It’s kind of disheartening. I never thought I’d care. But it would’ve been nice to have some recognition, just for the hours put in.”
Six of the eight “Potter” films have been nominated for Oscars — all in technical categories — but the franchise, which grossed nearly $8 billion worldwide, has yet to earn a single Academy award.
Radcliffe, who has been promoting his latest film, “The Woman in Black,” has also come clean about his wild past while working on “Harry Potter.” He recently told Heat magazine, “I can honestly say I never drank at work on ’Harry Potter.’ I went into work still drunk, but I never drank at work … I can point to many scenes where I’m just gone. Dead behind the eyes.”
His admission that he’d given up alcohol was already widely known, but lately the 22-year-old actor has been explaining just how bad his drinking problem really got. In an interview with the UK’s Daily Mirror, he admitted that while drinking heavily, he sometimes had one-night stands with groupies, though he added that he preferred sleeping with girls he knew.
“I mean, that has happened,” Radcliffe told the paper about fooling around with fans. “But generally speaking I’ve known the person. Apart from a few times when I was drinking.”
2012年2月7日星期二
Health assessment reveals top worries for UMBC students
In spring of 2011, the National College Health Assessment was sent to a random sample of UMBC undergraduate students. The findings suggested that although UMBC students are generally healthy, they do have some major areas of concern.
The study, which is circulated every other year, revealed that the top seven factors negatively influencing students' academic performance at UMBC are, in the order of magnitude, stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety, internet use/computer games, cold/flu/sore throat, work and depression.
The study not only accesses students' health behaviors and beliefs, but also measures students' perceptions. The assessment found that most students think their peers practice risky behaviors more than they actually do. UMBC students perceived that about 92 percent of the UMBC student population drinks alcohol while only 52.4 percent actually drinks. As for cigarettes, the assessment found that UMBC students perceive that about 82.8 percent of students smoke while only 12.6 percent smokes.
The assessment is used by the Office of Health Education, which is part of the University Health Services, and allows them "to be purposeful with campus programs and outreach," says Alison H. Rorbach, the Assistant Director of Health Education.
Last year, in an effort to alleviate sleep difficulties, one of the top issues at UMBC, the Office of Health Education spearheaded a sleep campaign with ResLife. They also hold various other campus- wide events and programs pertaining to topics such as alcohol and other drugs, healthy relationships, stress management and relaxation, nutrition and exercise, safe sex habits, eating disorders and sexual assault. Furthermore, they employ the use of Peer Health Educators, who are trained undergrads, that go to residential halls and classrooms and carry out health education presentations.
The assessment also brought to light that UMBC students have higher stress than their reference groups, which are the various other colleges that also distributed the survey.
"However," says Rorbach, "our levels for alcohol and marijuana usage are much lower than the reference groups which is a good thing."
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, the Office of Health Education will be hosting an event on Commons Main Street called Luvapalooza. The event will take place on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students will be able to learn about healthy relationships, safe dating, and safe sex, and other aspects of relationship awareness. Students will also be able to take part in fun activities, games and craft making.
The Office of Health Education is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is available to all UMBC students, faculty, and staff by appointment or walk-in. Those interested in becoming a peer health educator or simply learning about the countless services that they provide can contact Pritma (Mickey) Arora, the Health Education Coordinator.
The study, which is circulated every other year, revealed that the top seven factors negatively influencing students' academic performance at UMBC are, in the order of magnitude, stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety, internet use/computer games, cold/flu/sore throat, work and depression.
The study not only accesses students' health behaviors and beliefs, but also measures students' perceptions. The assessment found that most students think their peers practice risky behaviors more than they actually do. UMBC students perceived that about 92 percent of the UMBC student population drinks alcohol while only 52.4 percent actually drinks. As for cigarettes, the assessment found that UMBC students perceive that about 82.8 percent of students smoke while only 12.6 percent smokes.
The assessment is used by the Office of Health Education, which is part of the University Health Services, and allows them "to be purposeful with campus programs and outreach," says Alison H. Rorbach, the Assistant Director of Health Education.
Last year, in an effort to alleviate sleep difficulties, one of the top issues at UMBC, the Office of Health Education spearheaded a sleep campaign with ResLife. They also hold various other campus- wide events and programs pertaining to topics such as alcohol and other drugs, healthy relationships, stress management and relaxation, nutrition and exercise, safe sex habits, eating disorders and sexual assault. Furthermore, they employ the use of Peer Health Educators, who are trained undergrads, that go to residential halls and classrooms and carry out health education presentations.
The assessment also brought to light that UMBC students have higher stress than their reference groups, which are the various other colleges that also distributed the survey.
"However," says Rorbach, "our levels for alcohol and marijuana usage are much lower than the reference groups which is a good thing."
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, the Office of Health Education will be hosting an event on Commons Main Street called Luvapalooza. The event will take place on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students will be able to learn about healthy relationships, safe dating, and safe sex, and other aspects of relationship awareness. Students will also be able to take part in fun activities, games and craft making.
The Office of Health Education is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is available to all UMBC students, faculty, and staff by appointment or walk-in. Those interested in becoming a peer health educator or simply learning about the countless services that they provide can contact Pritma (Mickey) Arora, the Health Education Coordinator.
2012年2月6日星期一
How to cure the common cold
Last week, I wrote that off-road fever was about to grip the Parker area. And grip it did. 240 screaming vehicles flew 425 miles across the desert floor, kicking dust into the atmosphere and giving us the excitement (and a great sunset!) to go with it. I covered the race from KLPZ’s Parker studio, helping the rest of the KLPZ team compile several different sources of race info into one live broadcast. By the end, I was exhausted, and I thought it was this fatigue that explained my sore throat by the evening’s end.
But then my wife Melissa arrived home, telling me that she’d come down with a head cold. This made it extremely likely that I was coming down with it too. Agh. Good thing I’d already found the cure for the common cold.
That’s right: several years ago I came upon the cure for the cold, and here’s a hint: it’s not Airborne.
Airborne is the big-selling common cold remedy, despite the fact that no clinical trial has ever proven it to work. What is it, exactly? Well it’s just a collection of vitamins, herbs and minerals, packaged and marketed cleverly enough to convince people that it works (it’s formulated by a former teacher, for the love of God, the logic of which evidently appeals to the masses). I’ve lost count of the number of people who swear that it worked for them.
What’s actually happening is that they are simply speculating that their colds would have been longer without Airborne. Colds are self-limiting and last only a finite period of time, so one may feel that the product they are using when it goes away deserves the credit for ending it. That would be an error in thinking. Most people are just so happy to be better that they don’t care anymore, until the next time someone gets a cold and they tell them to load up on Airborne. Anyway, a special magical formula Airborne is not, and I wanted something that’s actually been documented to work in clinical trials.
Well, it turns out that it does. George Eby is the world’s leading expert on the use of zinc (hold on, not just any zinc) to reduce the severity and strength of the common cold. Zinc helps to sustain all life on earth. It’s a metal, and a food additive. You may be aware of using zinc to treat the common cold; there are several such products available at the drug store and – because everyone gets colds and everyone hates them – they sell. But they don’t sell primarily because they work; they sell merely because people think they may work, and they don’t believe anything more likely to work is available.
The formulation of zinc used in most cold products is Zinc Gluconate (a compound two parts gluconate, one part zinc). I walked around the pharmacy the other day looking for a zinc product in the cold and flu aisle not based on Zinc Gluconate; I couldn’t find one. The problem is that the ability of Zinc Gluconate to help is disputed by science. A 2000 systematic review by the Cochrane Library referred to the evidence of benefit as inconclusive. The Harvard Family Health Guide stated in 2001 that one study suggested that “zinc lozenges have little, if any, beneficial effect on the treatment of the common cold.”
So much for zinc in its ability to cure the cold, right? Eby decided not. He decided to try other formulations, and performed a study in 1984 using Zinc Acetate which showed that – bingo! – it reduced the duration of colds by 7 days. Not only that, but a British Medical Survey study supported his conclusions in 1987. Finally, a cure for the common cold!
Now, being the smart man Eby is, he immediately patented this precise formulation of positive-ion Zinc Acetate. And, being a scientist rather than a businessman, he had no idea how to market it in the way Airborne (“created by a teacher”) did. The result is that almost nobody knows that his scientifically sound product exists.
When I first read about it, I ordered a big bottle of it from Eby’s website. When I caught my next cold, I followed the directions and noticed that my cold was going away after only about 48 hours of my first symptoms. And ever since, I’ve hit Eby’s zinc every time I’ve caught a cold, meaning that I haven’t missed a day of work due to a cold in years.
But then my wife Melissa arrived home, telling me that she’d come down with a head cold. This made it extremely likely that I was coming down with it too. Agh. Good thing I’d already found the cure for the common cold.
That’s right: several years ago I came upon the cure for the cold, and here’s a hint: it’s not Airborne.
Airborne is the big-selling common cold remedy, despite the fact that no clinical trial has ever proven it to work. What is it, exactly? Well it’s just a collection of vitamins, herbs and minerals, packaged and marketed cleverly enough to convince people that it works (it’s formulated by a former teacher, for the love of God, the logic of which evidently appeals to the masses). I’ve lost count of the number of people who swear that it worked for them.
What’s actually happening is that they are simply speculating that their colds would have been longer without Airborne. Colds are self-limiting and last only a finite period of time, so one may feel that the product they are using when it goes away deserves the credit for ending it. That would be an error in thinking. Most people are just so happy to be better that they don’t care anymore, until the next time someone gets a cold and they tell them to load up on Airborne. Anyway, a special magical formula Airborne is not, and I wanted something that’s actually been documented to work in clinical trials.
Well, it turns out that it does. George Eby is the world’s leading expert on the use of zinc (hold on, not just any zinc) to reduce the severity and strength of the common cold. Zinc helps to sustain all life on earth. It’s a metal, and a food additive. You may be aware of using zinc to treat the common cold; there are several such products available at the drug store and – because everyone gets colds and everyone hates them – they sell. But they don’t sell primarily because they work; they sell merely because people think they may work, and they don’t believe anything more likely to work is available.
The formulation of zinc used in most cold products is Zinc Gluconate (a compound two parts gluconate, one part zinc). I walked around the pharmacy the other day looking for a zinc product in the cold and flu aisle not based on Zinc Gluconate; I couldn’t find one. The problem is that the ability of Zinc Gluconate to help is disputed by science. A 2000 systematic review by the Cochrane Library referred to the evidence of benefit as inconclusive. The Harvard Family Health Guide stated in 2001 that one study suggested that “zinc lozenges have little, if any, beneficial effect on the treatment of the common cold.”
So much for zinc in its ability to cure the cold, right? Eby decided not. He decided to try other formulations, and performed a study in 1984 using Zinc Acetate which showed that – bingo! – it reduced the duration of colds by 7 days. Not only that, but a British Medical Survey study supported his conclusions in 1987. Finally, a cure for the common cold!
Now, being the smart man Eby is, he immediately patented this precise formulation of positive-ion Zinc Acetate. And, being a scientist rather than a businessman, he had no idea how to market it in the way Airborne (“created by a teacher”) did. The result is that almost nobody knows that his scientifically sound product exists.
When I first read about it, I ordered a big bottle of it from Eby’s website. When I caught my next cold, I followed the directions and noticed that my cold was going away after only about 48 hours of my first symptoms. And ever since, I’ve hit Eby’s zinc every time I’ve caught a cold, meaning that I haven’t missed a day of work due to a cold in years.
2012年2月5日星期日
Hoosiers throw a hootenanny
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."
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2日星期四
Handling those cold wintery days
Brrrr.. it is cold outside! Some helpful hints are available to help reduce physical issues related to these frigid temperatures.
Typically people experience or are exposed to the flu or cold during the cold weather. Caitlyn McGregor from the health unit explained the difference between the flu and cold - the flu has a sudden onset - symptoms include headache, sore throat, muscle aches. Further symptoms can be fatigue, fever, cough, decreased appetite, chills and a runny nose. Whereas, a cold is a mild respiratory infection of the upper respiratory passages which may last for weeks. Symptoms may include runny nose, stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. McGregor said symptoms like headaches, fever, muscle aches and nausea do not usually accompany a cold.
McGregor said if a person is sick, "Stay home, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, use over-the counter medications to relieve symptoms, disinfect common surfaces and children's toys."
She recommended ways to prevent the spread of germs during the winter months - "We recommend for that - wash hands often, cover your cough, sneeze into your sleeve, get your flu shot (it's never too late to get your flu shot - people can get it at the doctor's office or at the health unit - call ahead to make an appointment)."
McGregor did not want to comment about whether the traditional chicken soup or honey/lemon cures the cold. "Chicken soup is a remedy for the cold or flu - we do recommend lots of fluids," she said. "Also, people when they are sick do not want to eat. So if they can get chicken soup into them that is good because it is something nutritious and a fluid." She supposed these remedies may be helpful in replacing electrolytes.
She also suggested exercise and plenty of water - to stay hydrated. "Usually when their immune system is down is when these bugs will attach and take over. Follow the Canada's Food Guide - that would be a good recommendation," suggested McGregor.
Dealing with cold season blahs is one thing. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a seasonal form of depression which can be treated with full spectrum white lights (not to be confused with tanning lights!) or photo therapy. According to Ginny Ferguson from the Leeds Grenville Health Unit people who use them should consult a doctor. "For some who have SAD your best bet is to contact a doctor who deals with psychiatric illness," stated Ferguson.
Another aspect of winter, of course is shovelling. The health unit has provided useful information on shovelling without injuring oneself called, "The Scoop on Shovelling." It states, "Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, check with your doctor before shovelling. Avoid shovelling after smoking or eating a heavy meal. Warm up your muscles before shovelling by walking or marching in place, and do some stretches before and after shovelling. Dress in layers so clothing can be peeled off as the body becomes warm as overheating puts an extra strain on the heart. Push the snow in the same way a snow plow works, don't lift it. Stay hydrated by drinking water - in the cold air you can lose a lot of water through respiration and perspiration, take frequent breaks. Use a shovel with a small scoop to keep the loads small and light. Watch your posture - legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Wear a hat, make sure hands and feet are warm and stop immediately if you feel tightness in your chest, shortness of breath, or pain of any kind. If you are over 45, inactive, smoke, have elevated blood pressure, are overweight, and/or have any heart conditions, it may be best to err on the side of caution and get someone else to do the shovelling for you."
There is also plenty of material about exercising caution in frigid weather if a person has asthma. Anyone diagnosed with asthma should take special care to wrap-up well, take prescribed medication or inhaler regularly. It emphasized that for some people, the symptoms of asthma are sporadic and mild, but for others an attack can be life threatening in its severity.
Of course, walking on slippery sidewalks can be dangerous. Therefore, be extra careful in order to avoid injury from slips and falls on icy footpaths. Ice and snow are leading to an increase in the number of people presenting with sprains and fractures as a result of slips and falls. Reduce the risk by wearing non-slip shoes or boots, walking slowly and keeping your hands out of your pockets to help protect you in the case of a slip or fall.
Typically people experience or are exposed to the flu or cold during the cold weather. Caitlyn McGregor from the health unit explained the difference between the flu and cold - the flu has a sudden onset - symptoms include headache, sore throat, muscle aches. Further symptoms can be fatigue, fever, cough, decreased appetite, chills and a runny nose. Whereas, a cold is a mild respiratory infection of the upper respiratory passages which may last for weeks. Symptoms may include runny nose, stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. McGregor said symptoms like headaches, fever, muscle aches and nausea do not usually accompany a cold.
McGregor said if a person is sick, "Stay home, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, use over-the counter medications to relieve symptoms, disinfect common surfaces and children's toys."
She recommended ways to prevent the spread of germs during the winter months - "We recommend for that - wash hands often, cover your cough, sneeze into your sleeve, get your flu shot (it's never too late to get your flu shot - people can get it at the doctor's office or at the health unit - call ahead to make an appointment)."
McGregor did not want to comment about whether the traditional chicken soup or honey/lemon cures the cold. "Chicken soup is a remedy for the cold or flu - we do recommend lots of fluids," she said. "Also, people when they are sick do not want to eat. So if they can get chicken soup into them that is good because it is something nutritious and a fluid." She supposed these remedies may be helpful in replacing electrolytes.
She also suggested exercise and plenty of water - to stay hydrated. "Usually when their immune system is down is when these bugs will attach and take over. Follow the Canada's Food Guide - that would be a good recommendation," suggested McGregor.
Dealing with cold season blahs is one thing. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a seasonal form of depression which can be treated with full spectrum white lights (not to be confused with tanning lights!) or photo therapy. According to Ginny Ferguson from the Leeds Grenville Health Unit people who use them should consult a doctor. "For some who have SAD your best bet is to contact a doctor who deals with psychiatric illness," stated Ferguson.
Another aspect of winter, of course is shovelling. The health unit has provided useful information on shovelling without injuring oneself called, "The Scoop on Shovelling." It states, "Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, check with your doctor before shovelling. Avoid shovelling after smoking or eating a heavy meal. Warm up your muscles before shovelling by walking or marching in place, and do some stretches before and after shovelling. Dress in layers so clothing can be peeled off as the body becomes warm as overheating puts an extra strain on the heart. Push the snow in the same way a snow plow works, don't lift it. Stay hydrated by drinking water - in the cold air you can lose a lot of water through respiration and perspiration, take frequent breaks. Use a shovel with a small scoop to keep the loads small and light. Watch your posture - legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Wear a hat, make sure hands and feet are warm and stop immediately if you feel tightness in your chest, shortness of breath, or pain of any kind. If you are over 45, inactive, smoke, have elevated blood pressure, are overweight, and/or have any heart conditions, it may be best to err on the side of caution and get someone else to do the shovelling for you."
There is also plenty of material about exercising caution in frigid weather if a person has asthma. Anyone diagnosed with asthma should take special care to wrap-up well, take prescribed medication or inhaler regularly. It emphasized that for some people, the symptoms of asthma are sporadic and mild, but for others an attack can be life threatening in its severity.
Of course, walking on slippery sidewalks can be dangerous. Therefore, be extra careful in order to avoid injury from slips and falls on icy footpaths. Ice and snow are leading to an increase in the number of people presenting with sprains and fractures as a result of slips and falls. Reduce the risk by wearing non-slip shoes or boots, walking slowly and keeping your hands out of your pockets to help protect you in the case of a slip or fall.
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.
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