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Treating Pink Eye

Though some types of pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be extremely harmful to your eyes, the treatment for all 3 types is relatively simple (but different). What’s that? You didn’t know there was more than one type! Well read on because you know that, chances are, your kid’s going to bring at least one of them home from school this school year. There is in fact a better chance of your kid bringing home an infection than there is of them bringing home their necessary homework.

 

3 different Types, 3 Different Sets of Symptoms

 

Here are the 3 types and symptoms of pink eye: 1) allergic-- an allergic reaction (which may be seasonal) to things like pet dander, dust, pollen and the like; 2) bacterial-- can end up causing severe damage to your eye(s); and 3) viral—this is the really contagious type. In all cases the inner eyelid becomes inflamed as does the white part of the eye’s natural clear covering. The pinkish color is not actually the disease itself, but your blood vessels’ reaction to the inflammation. The pinkish coloring is caused by the dilation of those irritated vessels. Heck, I’d be irritated, too.

 

What Can You Do?

 

Now that you know about the different types of pink eye and their symptoms, how do you go about treating it? In truth, only the bacterial type needs an actual Rx from your doctor. He or she should prescribe either an antibiotic eye ointment or drops. The allergic type of pink eye is as easy to deal with as hay fever. With all of the allergy meds on the shelves these days you simply have to decide which one works best for you. And as contagious as the viral type of pink eye is there is really not much that you can do in the way of treatment for the actual disease. A cold washcloth over your eyes will make them feel better and somewhat discourage the phlegm like secretions, but other than that you pretty much just have to let it run its course.

 

Make absolutely sure however that you do NOT share the washcloth that you use (or the towel for that matter).

Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

Consider this: young couples that are healthy have approximately a 20% chance of actually getting pregnant when they’re abstaining from birth control. Now consider that the window of opportunity (ovulation—when there is a viable egg) lasts as long as 24 hours or as little as 12 hours. Talk about your planning for a pregnancy! That’s where an ovulation predictor kit comes in mighty handy. But how does a couple plan for a healthy pregnancy. Ideally, that’s all there ever should be. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to throw a wrench into the entire works.

There Are Definite Do’s and Don’ts When it Comes to a Healthy Pregnancy/Baby

You’ve heard most of these over and over: Don’t smoke before, during and (if breast feeding) after pregnancy; don’t drink alcohol during and (if breast feeding) after pregnancy; no illicit drugs; blah, blah, blah. But are there more ways to attempt the best possible outcome of your pregnancy? Yes. Try not to gain an adverse amount of weight during pregnancy; however, don’t start any low-carb or fad diets either. Also on the ‘don’t list’ are consumption of soft cheeses, teas, colas and coffee. And while omega-3’s are good, the mercury in seafood is bad. Check with your doctor regarding safe sources of omega-3’s.

Preparing Your Body For Pregnancy

Visiting your doctor, even before trying to conceive, is recommended. Ask then about supplements and medications you may be taking. And find out from them as well if any pre-existing conditions will affect your pregnancy (i.e. elevated blood pressure, asthma, diabetes…etc.). Also find out if all of your vaccines are up to date. Any needed vaccines should occur 1 month prior to attempts at conception. Trying to conceive two weeks after stopping birth control pills gives your body a chance to ovulate again, though it isn’t necessary to take a long break before trying to conceive. A good rule of thumb is to allow your body one natural menstrual cycle. Be sure that you do not have or are exposed to the possibility of STD’s.

But as hard as some couples try and as healthy as some people try to stay, fate has a way of intervening. Fate, God…who or whatever you want to blame…sometimes these kinds of things are simply out of our hands and beyond our control.

 

Avoid Post Surgery Mishaps

It seems to be happening quite frequently these days that after heart surgery, patients are making mistakes with their medications, and some of these mistakes can be quite harmful. They will either take the wrong dose, or the wrong medication at the wrong time. There has been a study done at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where the results showed that half of all heart patients went home and made errors with their prescriptions, and some of these errors were due to side effects and other factors beyond their control, but some problems were due to fault of their own.

Keep a List

After a patient has had vascular surgery, it is important for them to keep track of their medications, and how to take them. They should get specific instructions from their doctor, and then keep a list with them at all times about their prescriptions, when to take them, and how much to take. They should also use a pill box and a chart whenever possible to keep track of their medications as well. The transition from the hospital to home can be challenging, and the patient should discuss with their doctor everything that is needed to make that transition a pleasant one. Some medications can be harmful if they are taken in the wrong dose, while others are dangerous if they forget to take them altogether, so the patient needs clear, written and verbal instructions, as well as a follow up call from their doctor if possible.

Post-surgery transition can be difficult, but a vascular surgery patient should never have a hard time with their medication. The hospital should follow up with the patient, and the patient should also go home with tools to help figure out how to take all their medications.

Heading to the Islands for Your Health

Hot and humid or warm and dry? Which does your doctor prefer that you live in? And are they going to pay your airfare and moving expenses? That’s what I thought.

Try It Out Before You Move

Pick one week out of the year to travel to the tropics and see if it isn’t the land of your dreams. Check out http://www.onlyexclusivetravel.com/2425/736/objects/destinations/maldives.html, as an example.  A friend of mine lives near Maldives and he says that it’s about the best place on the face of the earth. He can live like a king on the money that I make here in America; and trust me when I say that I do not live like a king. That right there is good for my health, how about you? And they have the best of both worlds there as well. While I’m freezing my tush off and trying to dig my way out of 6 feet of snow in January; he’s running around in shorts and a T shirt in weather that usually peaks around the upper eighties with very little rain. Summer is an entirely different matter however; temperatures are usually in the low nineties and because of the extra rain it can be exceedingly humid. It’s the tropics-- what did you expect? If you want ridiculously hot and crazy dry there’s always Arizona. Have fun with those scorpions and snakes; I’ll send you a coconut from the islands.

Mother Nature… You Done Good!

With crystal clear waters and seemingly endless flowing, sandy beaches—what on earth could possibly matter? Soak up the sun or go snorkeling and scuba diving; and for goodness sakes don’t forget your sunscreen. It sort of defeats the purpose of moving there for your health if you end up with a severe sunburn or skin cancer now doesn’t it? The views from some of the private villas and resorts are amazingly breathtaking; there is no bad view from any of the beachside, air conditioned residences. Much of the land in these areas remains virtually untouched. It’s almost like having your own little private island.

Knowing full well that frame of mind is a big part of your health; how could there be a care in the world living on any of the fantasy islands in this pristine area of the globe?

Cost Cutting Tips for Getting the Healthcare You Need

The president of the United States has seemingly made it possible for everyone to be entitled to affordable insurance, one way or another; but some people are still finding it necessary to log on to sites such as CanadianPharmacyLink.com to at least get a discount on the prescriptions they need.

Let’s Start Off Online

Doing a little bit of homework online can save you money in the long run. Here are some suggestions: check out apps that save you money; check out websites where you can compare drug costs; healthcare blue book is a place where you can find proper pricing; tell your employer about lower health costs for companies; check out your current provider’s website so that you know it inside and out. Familiarize yourself with all of ‘the rules’ and make sure that you play by them--insist that your insurance company do the same; ask for a cash discount—it never hurts to ask; keep an eye on your bills to make sure that no mistakes have been made; and be sure to get credit for every single thing you pay for out of pocket. In addition to keeping track of this for your insurance company (your deductible) keep track of it for your taxes as well.

While We’re On The Subject Of Tax Breaks

Whatever you pay for health care is tax deductible. Here are some more tips involving your taxes: have your Physician write a prescription for over the counter drugs you need; in your retirement use HSA funds for drugs; a health savings account offers discounts; get a flexible spending account and contribute to it. There are lots of ways to save on prescriptions: Ask your Physician to double up on twice a day prescriptions into one pill; purchasing your drugs from Canada through the mail; switch to a therapeutic alternative; generics whenever possible. Always ask about discounts even if you think there are none. Go to facilities that charge less for MRIs, blood work and such; there is an astounding difference between what hospitals charge and clinics specializing in testing procedures.

If there’s any confusion or you have any questions about your rights as they apply to prescriptions, try logging on to RXRights.org and see if your questions are answered there.

 

Protecting Players From On the Field Injuries

FootballBettingAction.com will tell fans that understanding injuries is the key to making care free NFL picks. Technology is helping to create more ways to protect players from injuries on the field. However, it’s not all about using technology. There has to be legislation and contracts in place as well. Injuries and health is becoming a growing concern in labor contracts and negotiated CBAs for the NFL. The current bounty scandal with the Saints underscores the growing concern for injuries in the game.

 

Protecting the Shield

The NFL is trying to get ahead of potential lawsuits by going after the Satins but it may be too little too late. On the aggregate, it’s all about the front office, coaches and players getting smarter and more responsible about their health and long-term outlook. The days of walking it off, or being tough are age=old and somewhat prehistoric. These days, it pays to be smarter. More players are taking their time in getting back to the field as more players are being smarter by retiring or quitting while they are ahead. The early retirement of Tomlinson and Ricky Williams highlight this evolving mentality.

 

Self-Preservation

Players have to begin to protect themselves on the field before expecting anyone else to do so. The coaches and front office of teams are becoming more liable for sending hurt players back on the field as well. The backlash the Browns received for sending Colt McCoy back on the field in 2011 after the James Harrison hit emphasize this evolving mentality as well.

 

Protecting the players on the field is becoming more important in protecting the interests of the sport for the long-term. The trouble facing the NFL is comparable to the problems boxing has had surviving in this contemporary era. Parents are less likely to send their children into a sport where the hits and impact of the sport will shortchange the long-term outlook of their personal growth in life.

The Bed Bug Epidemic ~ What Can You Do To Protect Your Family?

America is under threat from the bed bug. An epidemic of bedbugs — an insect that was once almost completely eradicated in the 1950s — is back with infestations soaring by 500 per cent in last two years.

Bed bugs are not just found in dirty places. In fact, cleanliness has nothing to do with the likelihood of an infestation. Fuelled by air travel and warmer summers, million of the red and brown insects are carried into the country in suitcases and on traveler’s clothes infecting even the cleanest and most expensive neighborhoods. In New York the problem is widespread there are calls for a citywide bed bug task force.

Hot-Spots

Bed bugs are notoriously hard to spot and tricky to get rid of. You’ll not only find them in mattresses but between wooden floorboards, in carpeting, in the seams and edges of sift furnishings, and under loose wallpaper and peeling paint. Here are some do-it-yourself methods you can try before you call the exterminator:

 

?     Wash your bedding regularly with hot water (over 120 degrees) and dry it with high heat. There are numerous steam cleaners on the market. Treat your mattress on a weekly basis.

?     Use bed bug encasements to keep your mattress, pillows and box spring bug free.

?     Vacuum carpet and mattress regularly, steam cleaning suspect areas.

?     Inspect your clothing and day-to-day bags. Bed bug hot spots include public transport, schools, movie theatres, hospitals and airport lounges.

?     If you’re travelling inspect your hotel room and clothing daily. When you get home steam clean all luggage and treat clothing.

Other signs that bed bugs may have moved in include tiny bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses, dark spots of bug excrement on bedding or walls, and an offensive musty odor when infestations are severe.

Bite Size

Bed bugs are rarely seen in action. The first signs of a bedbug infestation are usually bites, which, although generally painless, can be itchy and annoying. They tend to start as swollen wheals, then fade to red marks and gradually disappear over a few days. Wash bites with antiseptic soap to avoid infection. The itching can be treated with calamine lotion or anesthetic creams.

 

Is There Anything That DOESN’T Elevate Your Risk?

Cancer is a scary word. Even if you don’t have the disease, you probably fear it. And, sadly, the list of carcinogens is growing. This leaves many without hope, worrying that there is nothing they can do to combat the disease. Fortunately, there is some good news. The following items will not increase your risk of developing cancer. And they are even good for Someone With Breast Cancer Store.

Antioxidants

The first item to look towards in terms of cancer prevention is antioxidants. These foods can be extremely helpful for your body. They protect it from harmful elements and free radicals that destroy your body and increase the risk of cancer. Even better, many of these foods can be purchased locally at the grocery store. Look for blueberries and acai berries. They are the best source of health for you body.

Exercise

Furthermore, exercise is a great anti-cancer activity. Many people think that exposure to machines can cause cancer. Therefore, you may prefer to exercise outside. This way your exercise is completely natural. And, unless there is an excess of pollution, a little bit of fresh air is always good for your body. Make exercise a habit. Try to at least walk for an extended period of time everyday. This way your heart and body stays fit and healthy. You need good organs to fight off disease.

Fiber

Furthermore, there are certain foods to add to your diet in addition to the must have antioxidants. Fiber, in particular, is one of the best anti-cancer foods. It helps regulate your digestive system. And it could help you get the nutrients your body needs to fight off disease. Fiber is a great food to prevent cancer. And it is also a great food for cancer patients. Make it a habit to consume fiber. Add this important aspect of your nutrition naturally each day for the best results.

Sleep

Finally, sleep is always good for the body. It is important to get enough sleep at all stages of your life. When you have enough sleep, you are able to perform better during the day. Although tiredness could indicate problems with your health, there is nothing wrong with getting adequate sleep. In fact, a good sleep every night will keep you happy and healthy. It is a top prevention method to remember.

Take care of your body and prevent cancer with antioxidants, exercise, fiber, and sleep.

Healthy Food Can Taste Good, Too

Just because food is considered good for you, it doesn't mean it has to taste awful. In fact, some of the most delicious food in the world is actually really good for you.  Whether you're roasting vegetables or getting creative with pickling, healthy food doesn't mean flavorless food.  Here are some of the tastiest foods that also happen to be good for you. Time to celebrate.

 

Roast your veggies for surprising deliciousness

 

One of the easiest ways to make food taste delicious, especially vegetables, is to roast them.  Roasting vegetables requires an oven on low heat for at least an hour (or longer if you have the time).  You can roast any vegetable too as long as you drizzle it in olive oil and the appropriate spices for the vegetable you're using.  For example you can roast beets and carrots by using rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper, combined with olive oil and any other spices that you like (don't forgot to purchase spices online save money), and you’ll create one of the most delicious vegetable side dishes you've ever had.  Roasted cauliflower is also just as delicious, especially when topped with yellow curry, lemon juice, salt and pepper and a dash parmesan cheese at the end.

 

Spice rubs bring meat to new places

 

In Indian cuisine, making a spice rub is one of the most popular ways to enhance the flavor of meat and can make it taste absolutely delicious.  You can make your spice blend ahead of time as well as toast the spices to bring out the flavor (this doesn't take too long).  Jerk chicken is a great example of spice rubs and how they can take a simple piece of poultry in turn into something amazing.  A good spice rub for salmon includes paprika, pepper, cumin and oregano. Garlic and onions also go great with pork, and cumin, coriander and cilantro are great on chicken and carrots. Fennel seeds also make a great spice crust for seared tuna.

 

By roasting dishes and adding the right spices, you won't be thinking your food is “boringly” healthy for much longer.

How Much Is Enough When It Comes to Sunblock?

Knowing how much sunblock to use can be a little confusing. The numbers range from 15 all the way up to 45 and beyond; what do they mean, and how do you know you’re getting enough protection? Before you head out to the beach or the pool, you will want to make sure that you have the right SPF for your skin and your skin color. You will also want to decide if you need waterproof (which is often sold in Sport formulas), and if you want scented, unscented, sensitive skin, or kid’s formulas.  That can be a lot to chew on when all you want to do is protect your skin from the sun, but it really does make a difference in how you will be covered and how your skin reacts to the lotion, fragrance, and the formula.

Sorting Through The Numbers and Formulas

Basically, SPF which stands for Sun Protection Formula, has different levels of protection for different people. If you are fair-skinned, you’ll want a higher number like 45 or higher. Waterproof is good if you are going to be playing beach volleyball, or if you are wearing the protection while running, cycling, or doing other activities outdoors and sweating. The Waterproof formula won’t run in your eyes while you sweat, and it will keep you protected while outdoors. For sensitive skin, there are unscented or natural formulas like Alba sun block. It is luxurious sun protection.

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