Protect Health
Protect Health – Protect Yourself for the Future
Archive for ‘Food’ posts
Mar 4 2011
Your Health While Flying
Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible. Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing your ears to ‘pop’ or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn’t help, use the ‘valsalva maneuver’:
* Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air.
* Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
* Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.
Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort.
If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying.
Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses, the low cabin humidity andor consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don’t blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses out if they nap. (This may not apply to extended wear lenses; consult your practitioner.)
If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription, or your doctor’s name and telephone number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don’t pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost.
You can minimize the effects of jet lag in several ways:
* Get several good nights’ sleep before your trip.
* Try to take a flight that arrives at night, so you can go straight to bed.
* Sleep on the plane (although not during descent).
* During the flight do isometric exercises, eat lightly, and drink little or no alcohol.
Try to use a rest room in the airport terminal before departure. On some flights the cabin
crew begins beverage service shortly after the “Fasten Seat Belts” sign is turned off, and the serving cart may block access to the lavatories.
Feb 25 2011
Why is quitting smoking so hard?
We all know that many smokers are aware of health risks that come along with smoking cigarettes. We also know that that some of them are seeking support and help for their habit. I dont want you to understand me as some kind of a guru who is making smart statements on how to quit smoking cold turkey in 15 hours for free. No no.
My idea for smoking cigarettes is very similar to yours. You see, Im aware that smoking is a nice hobby, in fact its irreplaceable, it can be your best friend, so why quit smoking anyway?
Smoking cigarettes is part of you, of your personality, of your everyday life. I know your questions, the most obvious are: how can I gather strength to find a way to quit smoking? am I a person who can stop smoking cold turkey?, am I missing something, are there any smoking cessation methods that I dont understand?
Now let me ask you a question but please think thoroughly. Can you not think of a blue color? Dont think of a blue color. Just dont think. Please 
.
Why did you imagine a blue color? Because your brain works in pictures. The word dont, is a concept not a picture. For your brain that word simply doesnt exist in that thought. In a split second you first imagine the blue color, than an action word, in this case dont.
Your brain work in pictures, and your focus determine your reality. Your focus can be triggered by questions. What type of questions you ask yourself is the way you shape your destiny. If your goal is to quit smoking naturally, than you should focus yourself on the quitting smoking benefits.
For example, am I going to breed deeper as a non-smoker? Is my energy level going up or down? How important is my energy level? Am I going to look better, healthier? Am I born with a cigarette?
Maybe some questions are funny but they can help you quit smoking. You have to focus on the other color. If you are seeking for natural nicotine patch, this is one way. Stopping smoking cigarettes is a big change in your life; it can trigger a positive momentum which will make you more fulfilled and happier.
Let me guarantee you something, if you are reading this article, you have achieved a lot more than 95% of the smokers who are seeking quitting smoking support. Most of them are researching methods for quitting smoking cigarettes for about 2 min. Many of them believe that some day, they will stop smoking, scientist will find a nicotine patch that will stop cravings immediately and painfully.
Dont stop researching, the answer will find you, when you have all the information and when youre ready. You can read my guide for quitting smoking cigarettes for more detailed information on the step by step process that can help you, and please dont forget to share this article if you find useful.
Feb 18 2011
When The Effects Of Jetlag Leave You Feeling Left Behind
When The Effects Of Jetlag Leave You Feeling Left Behind
The disorientation of the body is referred to as jet lag and it is nothing but the consequence of the crossing time zones. It affects the individuals complete internal setup along with his physical condition. People who travel a long distance at a stretch experience this condition and this situation sometimes affects the business of business people. Some common symptoms of jet lag are uneasiness, loss of drive, fatigues, inability to concentrate due to lack of sleep, headache and irritation.
Usually, the severity of jet lag depends upon the direction of the travel. Some experts say that the occurrence of jet lag to people is more during their travel in the eastern direction. This is due to the rhythm of the body extending up to 27 hours during the travel of a person in westward direction. The body is able to adjust to the changes in the environment.
There is something called “circadian rhythm” which is greater than 24 hours for people traveling westwards. This is due to the lengthening of the time of the day giving more time for a persons body to adapt. We cannot have a quick change over from this situation, but can bring ourselves back to normal condition later. Plan ahead and see to it that you are able to cope up with such new bodily changes.
Here are some tips for you to overcome jet lag
-Jet lags can be coped up with natural lights. Hence staying outside during day time is preferred for the body to adjust quickly and get accustomed to the new surroundings.
-Adjustment in their bedtime schedule can prevent the severity of jet lag and in turn the body also will be able to cope up with the change in time setting.
-To start eating and sleeping according to the timing of the new surrounding would help for a better recovery from the condition.
-Business people and athletes who have to keep up their time can go to their destinations ahead of time in order to have some extra time for any adjustments.
There is nothing much to worry about jet lag since it is just the adjustment of the body to the new surroundings for a better experience. Taking proper measures to prevent such unpleasant situations during travel will ensure a pleasant journey. Taking proper rest and having proper food will definitely help you to come out of such jet lag and adjust to the new environmental conditions.
Feb 11 2011
What You Need to Know About Your Health in Advance
What You Need to Know About Your Health in Advance of Travel
All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.). While some of this information may be found in the documents listed above, the key resource for health information is the Travelers Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
The CDC website also provides general guidance on health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection. The CDC also maintains an international travelers’ hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or, by fax, at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299).
General guidance on vaccinations and other health precautions may be found on the Travelers Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation
Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than 50,000. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad
A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled.
Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.
If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.
Doctors and Hospitals
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. (Note, however, that payment of hospital and all expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.)
Feb 4 2011
What is a Medical Assistant Career?
A Medical Assistant perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of medical doctors, podiatrists, chiropractors, and health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of the medical assistant vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioners specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many different kinds of tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, medical doctors, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.
According to the United States Department of Labor, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants jobs among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training.
The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were 24,610 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between 20,650 and 28,930. The lowest 10 percent earned less than 18,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than 34,650.
medical assistant programs are offered in vocational or technical high schools, jjunior colleges and online distance education programs. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School provides a good model of a online program for medical assistants, program details can be viewed at www.medassistant.org.
St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers online classes in: Medical Assistant Basics, Terms for Medical Assistants, Human Body Planes, Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Professionalism, Patient Communication, Medical Records, Basic Medical Law, Scheduling Appointments, Medical Billing and Insurance Claims, Infection Control, Surgical Instruments, Emergency Care, Clinical Equipment, Patient History and Physicals, EKG and Lab Testing, Specimen Collection and Lab Safety, Introduction to Patient Medications.
The sheer number of distance learning and online degrees available is enormous and is growing daily. Similarly the number of schools and institutions that offer online is also expanding rapidly. online programs are often very flexible and allow students to study online at their own pace and convenience, this makes becoming a well trained medical assistant easier now then ever. online as also made medical assistant education more accessible to students who otherwise could not attend older rigid classroom based program. Distance education is an excellent and very affordable way for students to study for a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
Jan 28 2011
Ward Off The Dreaded Jet Lag Sickness
Jet lag affects all travelers in varying degrees. Some people are more prone to its harsh effects than others. Classic signs of jet lag include disorientation, mental fuzziness, fatigue, broken sleep, and dehydration. These symptoms of jet lag can put a stop to the pleasantries of your vacation, and will sometimes not disappear for days. For every hour in time difference that your flight crosses, expect a full day of recovery from the change. Jet lag can disturb even the best-laid plans. However, by keeping a few simple rules in mind, you can decrease the symptoms of jet lag and make sure that your next trip is enjoyable.
Before you travel, make sure that you keep your stressors at a minimum. Stress can compound jet lag, especially since you can expect to feel a little disoriented once you reach your destination. Make sure all the details of your arrival are taken care of as much as possible in advance. When you fly, try not to be hungover or exhausted. These will only make your jet lag worse and harder to conquer. Its important to be in top shape starting out. Drink plenty of water and exercise before the flight. Try not to fly when you are feeling ill. Jet lag can compromise your immune system and make it harder for you to get better. The last thing you want is to be sick on your business trip or holiday.
Drinking lots of water is key to avoiding jet lag. Not only can being dehydrated lead to air sickness, but it can also make your jet lag worse once you are on the ground. You can buy plenty of water once you are in the airport terminal. Also, take advantage of the free beverage cart when it comes down the plane aisle. Try to avoid drinking and eating things that will cause your body to retain water or to become more dehydrated. Salty foods, coffee, and alcohol will all complicate your bodys natural water defenses. Staying dehydrated for long periods of time can lead to fainting, confusion, dizziness, and nausea. If it keeps up, your body will suffer the same effects as heat exhaustion and you could potentially slip into a coma or die. It is essential that you force yourself to drink water on your flight and once you arrive in your destination, even if you do not feel thirsty.
You can make air travel easier by bringing along a sleep aid or another medication prescribed by your doctor. Many people suffer from stress and anxiety on long flights, and it can help to talk to your doctor about your medical options. Lastly, dont be afraid to exercise on the flight itself. There are plenty of seat and aisle exercises that you can take advantage of while the seatbelt sign is off. Just be sure not to disturb your fellow passengers. Try doing stretches in the aisle. You can lift your carry-on luggage or do lunges. Practically any movement will suffice to get your blood flowing.
Jan 21 2011
Tips For Healthy Trips
You may want the first person you tell about an upcoming vacation to be your insurance agent. The U.S. Department of State recommends travelers check to see if their health insurance is valid in different destinations, before heading off on a trip. Doing so could help save you more than a few headaches while you’re on the road. Try these additional tips for staying healthy while traveling:
Know Before You Go
Talk to your doctor about the places you plan to visit and find out if you need any vaccinations before going. Remember that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says some vaccines take up to six weeks to become fully effective. That means if you need a shot, you should try to get it well before your actual trip.
Healthy Travels
Pack prescription medication and basic over-the-counter medicine in your carry-on luggage-not in your checked bags. That way, if your checked bags get lost, it will just be an inconvenience and not an emergency. Also, make an effort to sample the local fare, but be certain to tell your waiter about any food allergies you may have before ordering.
Fun In The Sun
Even if you’re not going to Tahiti, odds are you’ll be walking around in the sun. Be sure to protect yourself by using a sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 and a wide-brimmed hat. Just know that not all hats block the sun’s rays equally well. Some are specifically designed and certified to offer maximum sun protection and some are not. For instance, hats made by Tilley Endurables are certified with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+ (the highest rating given). Tilley Mesh Hats are also equipped with new “3D” mesh fabric as well as Hydrofil™ Anti-Sweat Bands. Like all the company’s hats, they block 98 percent of the sun’s rays and are designed to keep travelers’ heads cool.
Jan 14 2011
Tips for Coping with Lyme Disease
If youve ever gotten Lyme disease from an infected tick bite, then you know how uncomfortable the illness can be. Some people dont realize just how frustrating and painful the disease can be for those suffering from it. Joint and muscle pain that lasts for days or weeks at a time, countless trips to the doctors office, misdiagnoses and failed treatments all can make for an extremely stressful period of time.
Coping with Lyme disease can be particularly difficult because oftentimes the illness is misdiagnosed, which leads to treatment plans that dont work and ongoing sickness and pain from the disease. Because there is no conclusive test to determine whether or not a Lyme disease infection is present, misdiagnosis is common. This can be especially frustrating for people that are told that their symptoms are all in their head or that the symptoms are purely psychiatric and that they need anti-depressants. There are more than 100 different symptoms of Lyme disease, which can make it extremely difficult for doctors to narrow down the symptoms into one illness. The disease is also commonly misdiagnosed as another type of ailment, such as arthritis, and so the patient does not receive proper treatment.
If you are coping with Lyme disease in your life, following are some tips that may help you as you fight the disease:
Understand Lyme disease Get familiar with the disease. Educate yourself on the basics of Lyme disease, such as its causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed and prognosis. Lyme disease develops from the bacteria Borrelia, which is most commonly transmitted via the bite of a deer tick. Once the bacteria invade your body, youll most likely begin to experience symptoms within a matter of weeks. Symptoms include a reddish bulls-eye shaped rash, fever, fatigue, and arthritis-like muscle and joint pain. Coping with Lyme disease and its symptoms certainly is not fun, but by examining your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will hopefully be able to make a proper diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. This will most often include either oral or IV antibiotics to rid your body of the bacteria. Understanding the illness and how it affects your body is an important part of coping with Lyme disease.
Explore your treatment options Talk to your doctor about different treatment that may be available. Antibiotics are most commonly used to fight the disease. However, there are alternative therapies available, although they have not been studied thoroughly during clinical trials and therefore may not be as effective.
Be patient This is the hardest thing to do when youre feeling awful, but its very important when coping with Lyme disease. You need to give your body time to heal and respond to treatments, and worrying or stressing over how long its taking or dwelling on how bad you feel will NOT help you recover any faster. In fact, its more likely to slow down your recovery. So just hang in there — you will get better in time.
Jan 7 2011
Taking Care of Your Health For Safe Travelling
Are you going to Paris? Trekking in Nepal? Cruising the Caribbean? Yes, you want to go and to spend some time enjoying the wonderful weather, view and just have a rest from everyday routine.
Whether you tramp through the rain forest or bask on a love boattravel presents new and different health concerns mostly unknown at home.
We do not want to set on you with our lectures just, please, keep in mind some facts that will be useful for you.
Preparing before you go is the best way to stay healthy while you’re traveling. See a doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave so that you’ll have time for immunizations that may need to be done in advance. Check with your doctor to see if there are medications or extra precautions that you should take. For example, people who have heart failure may need to take shorter flights with more stops to avoid long periods of sitting or they may need to adjust their medications.
Before you go, research local sanitation and other conditions so that you can take appropriate measures while you are traveling:
- Is the water safe to drink?
- Do insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, carry disease?
- Is there air pollution?
- Will the altitude make you sick?
- Is it safe to swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean?
- Could you get heat exhaustion, sun stroke, or a sunburn?
Basic precautions, such as drinking bottled water or using insect repellent, can prevent some illnesses, ranging from an inconvenient bout of diarrhea to life-threatening malaria.
Preparing for a journey takes planning and time. Proper planning is the best way to stay healthy during your trip. See a doctor at least 6 weeks before you go so that you’ll have time for immunizations and other health precautions you may need to take in advance. There are several factors to consider in preparing for a trip.
Enjoy your trip.
Dec 31 2010
Staying Healthy During Your Trip
Prevent Insect Bites
Many diseases, like malaria and dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:
– Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application.
– Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
– Remaining indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn).
– Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room.
– Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.
Be Careful about Food and Water
Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:
– Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
– Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
– Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
– Make sure food is fully cooked.
– Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.
– Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.
Avoid Injuries
Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from these injuries by:
– Not drinking and driving.
– Wearing your seat belt and using car seats or booster seats in the backseat for children.
– Following local traffic laws.
– Wearing helmets when you ride bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes.
– Not getting on an overloaded bus or mini-bus.
– Hiring a local driver, when possible.
– Avoiding night driving.
Other Health Tips
To avoid animal bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague) do not handle or pet animals, especially dogs and cats, If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention to determine if mediation or anti-rabies vaccine is needed.
To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections.
To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases always use latex condoms.
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, especially on beaches where animals may have defecated.
It doesnt take much to prepare for a safe and healthy vacation. Use common sense, make some pre-trip preparations, and enjoy yourself while on your holiday.