tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093953324446390202023-11-16T05:06:37.573-08:00Nurse BridgidLooking Ahead with The Quick N' Dirty on a Clean Bill of Health!Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-10217148738359931512012-04-24T03:38:00.000-07:002012-04-24T03:46:24.811-07:00Suicide Prevention Month: know the signs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have have known people in my life that suffer form serious depression, and some that have come to a very distressing and upsetting end, not because no one cared, not because people didn't say the right things, but just because everyone has a breaking point, and you never know what it is.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> May is mental health awareness and suicide prevention month, so this is coming a little bit early, but the world has been filled with a lot of sadness and a lot of great stuff too, but people have been focusing on the sad and negative. Life can be tough, and dealing every day with depression can be so unbearable, on top of every day stress, and you never know who is battling to live every. single. day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Depression is a very serious problem, that can cause an array of health issues, but be easily overlooked by sufferers and by people close to them. Sometimes it is just a feeling of not being "right" or feeling "off" or being really sad or listless, and it can effect different age groups in different ways. And there are numerous different types of depression: postpartum (after giving birth), chronic, Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD (related to less light in the winter), major depression, transient depression (related to one major traumatic issue), etc. And it may be hard to diagnose or notice an issue. I think depression should be better screened for by HCP's in general, but I look towards patients and their family members to mention if you see any of these signs or symptoms because if you don't tell us what is really going on, it is very difficult for HCPs to pick up these symptoms during an appointment or quick visit:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><u>Adults</u>:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-Feelings of sadness or unhappiness</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Irritability or frustration, even over small matters</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Reduced sex drive</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Insomnia or excessive sleeping</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Changes in appetite — depression can cause decreased appetite and weight loss, but in some people it causes increased cravings for food and weight gain</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing, or new aggression</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy — even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Crying spells for no apparent reason</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">-Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches that aren't related to allergies, etc. that don't respond to OTC medications (i.e. ibuprofen, acetaminophen)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><u>Young Children</u>: can show signs of hopelessness, sadness, worry.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><u>Teens</u>: Can be irritable, anxious, angry, and avoid social interactions. Also, changes in sleep patterns....are they up all night for no reason? Sleeping excessively? We also need to be aware that during the teenage years is when other mental disorders can start to become prominent.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><u>Elderly</u>: fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sex, feel bored and helpless or worthless, and avoiding social interactions. With the elderly, there are usually other health issues involved, so people can tend to link in the symptoms of depression with their other disease processes, so it is important to be aware of the signs. For example, cardiac disease can also cause depression, so is the issue new onset? Did something major just happen like the loss of a loved one?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">For some people the signs are really severe and very obvious, but for other people, they are very subtle and occur over a period of time making them much harder to notice, especially with those close enough to the person suffering. People are really good at hiding things, and the longer you live with (or around someone) it's easier to make excuses for behavior, exhaustion, and you might not even notice the behavior because you are so used to it. I also think that it is the first instinct to get very defensive when other people make comments to you or your loved ones about various behaviors, but once you get over the initial defensiveness, soak it in, and try to see things from a different perspective. Obviously if someone is just being mean, then let it slide, but if a close friend/family member tries to give you some insight, take it....when you are ready. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Awareness of the signs is the first step to getting help, so please take notice in your own life and of your loved ones and do a mini checklist to see if you or they have any of these symptoms. If you or your loved ones do, try to talk to them, open up the discussion, and if they are not willing to, then please call your HCP and make an appointment to talk about it, OR if you want to talk to someone immediately, please call the<b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255</b>. I also encourage you to talk to anyone...a friend, family member, clergy member about your feelings, about what you think may be going on. Talk to anyone you feel comfortable with because the first step to getting help is to realize that there is a problem. Also, sometimes you keep things inside and you realize that other people are going through what you are going through, and talking to someone with similar problems and issues may help you, or help you to get professional assistance that you need.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Please remember that the person you may see crying while walking down the street might be on the edge, or the "crazy" person you see that is pissed off in line at the Post Office, or the person that you know really well acting totally different than you remember them to be, may be suffering from depression or another mental illness. I used to not think about that, and think people are totally off their rockers, until things have happened to me and my family; there are some days you do what you can to get through the day, but you have to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><u>If you/your friends/loved ones have thoughts of suicide or homicide please seek help </u><b style="text-decoration: underline;">immediately</b><u>and call </u><b style="text-decoration: underline;">911 </b><u>or go to the nearest </u><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Emergency Department</b><u> for help.</u></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Yours in Good Health</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">B</span></span>Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-796866600149428172012-04-23T04:55:00.000-07:002012-04-23T04:55:35.681-07:00Hot tub sex: Something you might want to skipI know that so many movies, TV shows, etc have scenes with people making out in pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc and innuendo is that they are leading to sex. While that may look super romantic, really hot , whatever floats your boat, it can actually be pretty detrimental to both partners floating in that water....most often the ladies get the brunt of the issues, always the short end of the stick, ladies, but it makes us only that much stronger, right? Why is it so bad? And how to make it that much better for you :)<br />
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<b><i>What's the Deal?</i></b><br />
To be clear, having sex in water isn't bad, but what's IN the water can be pretty creepy. Hot tubs and pools people tend to think are pretty safe, and I always hear people say that they have chlorine in them and "chlorine kills everything". OK, so chlorine at the night level might kill a lot of stuff, but the levels of chlorine required to meet government standards doesn't necessarily kill off all of the bacteria present. Pools and hot tubs are full of different bacteria from peoples skin, babies (and adults too....) peeing in the pool, and you think you are the first person to get busy in that public pool/hot tub? Sadly, no. So all of that bacteria from all of these different sources is still hanging around in that water. When you have sex, there is thrusting back and forth, allowing for skin tears to occur and openings in the skin to allow for bacteria to creep in. Having sex in a hot tub, ocean, etc. can actually increase your risk of contracting an STI (sexually transmitted Infection), because the natural lubricant that bodies create, is whisked away in the water source. so having all of this thrusting with no lubricant, can allow for larger tears. Plus, this water source that may have bacteria present is pushed forcefully into the vagina, anus, penis etc. And in the ocean/lakes/ponds, there are living microbes in the water, and they are getting pushed into you/your partner. These factors increase the risk of a urinary tract infection (both for men AND women), bacterial vaginosis (for the ladies), and if there are any other STIs lurking in that water (from your partner or from others) because of the broken skin due to lack of lubrication, and the force of the water, there is a higher risk to contract the STI (for both). Also,because of the lack of lubrication, men can get chaffing of the penis which can lead to a yeast infection (which, fellas, is not comfortable). Plus, more people tend to skip using protection (i.e. condoms) when they have sex in water. All in all, not a good idea.<br />
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<b><i>Can I decrease my risk?</i></b><br />
You can use condoms, and the best advice is to make sure that you are in a private pool or hot tub for those sorts of shenanigans to make sure that you are actually in a clean environment that you can control. You never know how much chlorine is in the public pool or hot tub, and I think that you private parts are worth a safe and clean environment, right?? So, I know the lure of the hot tub and some champagne, but get out before you get too loopy in a public arena and take it somewhere else that might be a little bit cleaner...then get a dirty as you want ;)<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-3994441073519836292012-04-19T03:32:00.000-07:002012-04-19T03:32:52.282-07:00Is that a Zit, Cyst, or Furuncle??I am sure that many of you have seen some of the videos on YouTube with people "popping" enormous "zits" with handfuls of pus come out. Despite the allure and excitement that all of you seem to have with these videos, they are actually not zits...most often they are furuncles! And, again, I totally get the excitement of wanting to squeeze those suckers, they should actually be seen by an HCP and treated. How do you know the difference between a zit, cyst, and furuncle? Read on my friends, we can figure out the difference, what should be seen by an HCP, why, and what you can feel free to squeeze and post to YouTube all on your own!<br />
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<b><i>What is the Difference Between a Zit and a Cyst?</i></b><br />
So a zit (AKA a blemish, pimple, spot, acne, etc) is the result of excess oil getting trapped in your pores, along with the naturally shedding skin cells, glue together and cause blockages, leading to a pustule/whitehead/zit, and they are very superficial. As we all know, acne is usually treated with over the counter medications that help to kill off the bacteria that can pool and cause the inflammation, as well as face washes that dry up the oil production. A cyst is a bit of a different beast; they are enclosed structures filled with either gasses, liquids, or semi-solid substances (i.e. pus) that are under the skin, within your organs, etc. When I am referring to cysts here, I am talking about the kind that are jet under the surface of your skin, but fully enclosed, not the ones that you might have in your ovaries, bladder, etc, purely talking superficial sebaceous cysts. These cysts can be caused by infection, a blockage of a duct (causing a fluid build up), an inflammatory process, or just genetic bad luck! Usually you feel an abnormal lump underneath the skin, and that is a cyst- not painful, just a lump that is there, more annoying than anything. The treatment of cysts really depend on the size, where they are, and how annoying they are for you; but they either need to be lanced (opened up with a scalpel) and drained UNDER STERILE CONDITIONS, then treated with antibiotics and left as is to close on their own or they can be packed with gauze to help drain any excess fluids from the area. Sometimes, depending on placement, they need full surgical removal (usually for deeper cysts), and, again, treatment with antibiotics.<br />
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<b><i>What is a Furuncle?</i></b><br />
A furuncle is also known as a boil, which is an infection (usually due to Staphylococcus aureus) of an entire hair follicle and the surrounding skin areas, and are usually caused by staff infections. The skin goes from tender, pink, warm skin to firmer, and then you can feel a lump under the skin (not much unlike a cyst). The main difference is that the bigger a furuncle gets, the more painful it gets, until that fluid/pus it is filled with is released; sometimes they open on their own, or they should be opened by an HCP (again under sterile conditions!) Also, you may feel tired, have a fever, or get some itching over the site before the furuncle is visible, which is another difference between a zit or a cyst. Occasionally, but rarely, they will heal on their own, but most often they need to be opened by an HCP, under sterile conditions, especially if they continuously come back, are near your spine, on your face, or cause general health symptoms like fatigue and fevers, because you are at a high risk for having a generic systemic infection that can be deadly, known as sepsis. Plus, if you open these on your own and they don't fully empty and heal well, they can spread and grow larger and in different places. Plus, something that is opened by a non-professional that doesn't heal well can cause scarring. Yikes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsg6uJNcmSzY1X8Bimtn4upXH2cvz4R_MuFB1fWgP3S7eH-AHspgyZgmqfKg_J0Qzb-5srwZp6e74HxGmnVTtZz5YRjgAQlwVBb3BgugYrZfLMYocL9stUNAh5-vjWWvts1XeVn7-BhrD/s1600/furuncle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsg6uJNcmSzY1X8Bimtn4upXH2cvz4R_MuFB1fWgP3S7eH-AHspgyZgmqfKg_J0Qzb-5srwZp6e74HxGmnVTtZz5YRjgAQlwVBb3BgugYrZfLMYocL9stUNAh5-vjWWvts1XeVn7-BhrD/s1600/furuncle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furuncle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">draining furuncle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zits</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCoNBGBGR7qAOLpgXdMCJwjNPxL5wVb4hLMtala4BOz2yI0O2kzVono_7yjE-bGfz6IgyqKDjKwOom7bhk70xGAFGzpDan5mg0dRa_hFb2NPUi_aFs4ASRFER-Z4xY5KFzSWX2M99EKkD/s1600/cyst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCoNBGBGR7qAOLpgXdMCJwjNPxL5wVb4hLMtala4BOz2yI0O2kzVono_7yjE-bGfz6IgyqKDjKwOom7bhk70xGAFGzpDan5mg0dRa_hFb2NPUi_aFs4ASRFER-Z4xY5KFzSWX2M99EKkD/s1600/cyst.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyst</td></tr>
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<b><i>Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Cysts and Furuncles?</i></b><br />
Good hygiene like showering every day can go a long way (not just for preventing infections, but to keep people form steering away from you due to stench), wearing clean clothes (especially changing clothes after/between workouts), and using antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from growing and thriving on your skin. And good hand washing also is really imperative in preventing infections (all sorts) but Staph is lurking everywhere, and washing your hands before touching anything on your skin (especially if the skin is open- even if you can't see it like cracked winter dry skin) can really help to prevent bacteria from embedding in your skin and creating infectious processes. If you have a furuncle, then do not share towels or washcloths with anyone because you can spread the Staph infection, and same advice if you have a cyst that has been opened or a zit that you "popped". It is really important to make sure that we are keeping all wounds clean and preventing infections at any cost.<br />
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<b><i>So, What Can I Pop?</i></b><br />
Honestly, every dermatologist out there would kill me for this one, but the only thing I will tell you is that you can pop a zit at home....I know, nothing YouTube-able, sorry! Even popping zits is really bad because it can cause long term damage and scarring, and you might not completely empty the pore and cause a larger infection, but it is the best oft he three worst choices you have :) I cringe seeing those videos thinking about the risk those people are putting themselves at for further infections, sepsis, <a href="http://nursebridgid.blogspot.com/2011/10/there-really-are-flesh-eating-bacteria.html" target="_blank">necrotizing fasciitis</a>, or death. It may seem fun to "pop" such boils/cysts and see all that pus come out, for those of you into that (which, I'm not gonna lie, I get intrigued...but I use self restraint!!) I see people on the street with huge furuncle, and I want to pounce, but I don't....and I'm asked to pop it, I tell them to get it done in their HCPs office. Sorry dudes and dudettes, keep your hands away from those cysts and furuncles, but have at it with those whiteheads, and you can damn me about not squeezing those tempting larger sacs of pus, but you'll thank me when you aren't raging with infection, scarred, or dead :)<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-68149406531979081492012-04-17T03:16:00.000-07:002012-04-17T03:16:34.431-07:00How often should I get tested?I get a lot of questions from people asking me how often they should get checked for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This is a very person dependent question, but there are some standard times you should get checked, and you may be surprised to know that when you got for your annual physical with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) it isn't standard to check for STIs. I know that a lot of people assume that it is done in the blood panel that your HCP draws, but unless you specifically ask for it, it isn't done. So, when should you ask for STIs to be checked? When should we go in just to have that checked out?<br />
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<b><i>What Are STIs?</i></b><br />
STIs are really any infection that is most often transmitted through sexual intercourse and are also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs. They are passed from an infected person to another person through any form (oral, anal, vaginal) intercourse. And some are even transferable with the use of condoms (yikes!) The most frequent STIs are (in no particular order):<br />
-Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)<br />
-Hepatitis B, C<br />
-Chlamydia<br />
-Gonorrhea<br />
-Genital/Oral Herpes (HSV 1 and HSV 2)<br />
-HIV/AIDS<br />
-Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)<br />
-Pubic Lice (AKA crabs)<br />
-Syphilis<br />
-Trichomoniasis<br />
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<b><i>How Do You Get Tested?</i></b><br />
There are a few ways to get tested for STIs. Usually it is required to have a physical and or pelvic exam, so that your HCP can assess for warts, rashes, lesions, etc so we can view if you look to have been exposed, and also for women, we can assess your cervix and look for any changes in discharge color, or internal changes to the vaginal walls, and assess for pain with inspection due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is STI related. During your pelvic exam, a swab (just like your annual pap smear) will be sent off (to test for HPV), and for men, a swab from inside the urethra (your pee hole) may be taken to test for HPV. You will also be required to submit urine and blood samples. That will cover you for the all genital STIs. <br />
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<b><i>How Often Should I Get Tested?</i></b><br />
As I said earlier, it is a very personal thing, but there are some good basic rules. I would tell you that at a MINIMUM, you should get tested for STIs annually with your annual physical starting from the time that you are sexually active (anal, oral, or vaginal), so make sure to ask your HCP to add those labs on to any others they might be ordering for you. If you have unprotected sex, get tested, and every 3 months after that for HIV until you come back negative for a full year with no other unprotected sexual encounters. If you are in a monogamous relationship (living together, dating, married, civil union, whatever you have going on) get tested at a minimum of annually. Call me a naysayer, but infidelity is on the rise, and to best protect yourself and ensure your safety, it is best to get tested...just for peace of mind, right? Don't assume just because you have sex with women, or because you asked your partner and they said they were clean, that you are going to be "clean" after an unprotected encounter. Just watch out for yourself, as not all STIs are curable; they are all treatable, but some will come snack (like Herpes, genital warts)<br />
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A good rule is to assume that everyone has been exposed to an STI, and seeing as you don't want an STI, you will use all prevention possible, right? And, think about who you are interaction with because condoms, while they decrease transmission rates, they do not prevent all transmission of STIs. For example, herpes and genital warts are still transferable through condoms....so make sure that partner is totally worth the risk before hopping in the sack. And, if there are any worries or concerns, talk to your HCP and be really honest and open; the HCP's at the free STI clinics have heard it all and are super laid back and cool about everything; they will assuage your fears if you don't need to be freaked out, and they will be honest with you about your risks. <br />
<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-77172694373251676032012-04-11T04:31:00.000-07:002012-04-11T04:31:51.466-07:00Can a negative attitude make you ill?I was told last weekend that people with negative attitudes tend to get sick more and die younger. I was in a social setting, and said that I didn't think that was true. When pushed further, I added that it was not a factually based statement and there was nothing in the research to suggest that was a true statement. They claimed that it was, so here we are! Maybe there is some truth to it, I clearly don't know everything, but that seemed like a far fetched statement to me. Honestly, I always think of older curmudgeons that seem to live forever....right??<br />
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<b><i>What does the literature say?</i></b><br />
There are some small studies that say that pessimism can affect your life negatively and affect your health negatively but it won't kill you. Research has shown that people that have a positive outlook on life have less stress and effective stress management techniques are associated with health benefits. But, that doesn't mean that you can turn the same statement negative and make it true. So, just because thinking positively can decrease your stress level doesn't mean that thinking negatively increases your stress level...you just might not have all of the benefits of a manageable stress level when you think more negatively. When I refer to positive thinking, it really means that you react to unexpected or more negative issues; you look towards the best possible outcome, as opposed to the worst. The research is unclear in why people have health benefits with positive thinking, but some of the benefits are:<br />
-Increased life span<br />
-Lower rates of depression<br />
-Lower levels of distress<br />
-Higher resistance to the common cold<br />
-Reduced death from cardiovascular disease<br />
-Better coping skills during times of high stress<br />
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<b><i>What else can a positive attitude do?</i></b><br />
The studies have also shown that people who are more positive also tend to live healthier lifestyles; they work out, eat healthier, and don't smoke/drink in excess, or use illicit drugs. Basically, people who tend to be more positive, have a better outlook on life, and don't get sucked into the negative or poor behaviors associated with depressive states. You think positively, you will act positively!<br />
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<b><i>How can I be more positive?</i></b><br />
Try to surround yourself with positive people, then it will be easier to actually change your outlook. Filter things before you say them; if it wounds negative in your head, then it is probably negative, so try to take a positive spin on it, you will see a difference in how people react to you and how to react to things. Finding the humor in situations will always make you feel better, even if you are just making a joke to yourself! And just check yourself to make sure that you are focusing on the positive things in your life; don't internalize things and blame yourself when things go wrong. Sometimes things don't go your way, it's part of life, right? If everything was always awesome, it would be called 'super happy terrific time' instead of life, but it's how you react to those things that define who you are and how you live your life.<br />
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So if you feel good and healthy, you will act good and healthy, thus you will have the benefits of an overall healthier lifestyle (such as stronger immune system due to healthier diet, less cardiovascular disease risk, etc.) Every choice you make in life has an effect on you, whether it is positive or negative, so make the positive choice, and you will have the benefits of it. No, being negative won't kill you off early, but it will make life a less pleasant experience and can lead to negative behaviors that can have some bad outcomes....plus who wants to live life thinking that every day is the worst day ever? Not me!! Things don't always seem like they are going your way...but think positively and they just might!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-73941112829021479662012-04-10T03:52:00.004-07:002012-04-10T03:52:47.077-07:00Eating chocolate may keep you skinny!Let's not get too excited, but this is the kind of research I can get down with, seeing as I have quite a chocolate addiction...I have a few bites of chocolate almost every single day. Literally, a few bites, not a few candy bars. I've honestly always felt that if you crave something you might as well give yourself a little bit of it to satiate your craving, so you don't deprive yourself then go bonkers the next time you have it, right? Makes sense to me! And, it works for me too! So, the study that just came out showing that people who eat chocolate more, have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) an tend to be happier. I correlate with that, but I work out a ton and am not the average person as far as work and lifestyle is concerned!<br />
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<b><i>What was the study all about?</i></b><br />
So the study wasn't initially intended to find out this amazing news about chocolate (even though it makes all chocoholics super excited!) It was actually survey of people who take cholesterol lowering medications, know as statins. 1017 people were surveyed related to their chocolate intake, form ages 20 to 85, and they were all relatively healthy people without any cardiac disease, diabetes, or extreme cholesterol levels. They assessed all aspects of these peoples lives including: exercise, daily calorie intake, frequency of chocolate intake (i.e. how many times a week), overall saturated fat intake, and happiness (they used an accepted depression screening test). And, for 978 of the people surveyed had their BMI's measured. A BMI is a scale that uses height and weight to estimate you and scales you as underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9),overweight (25-29.9), or obese (30+). I want to be very clear that a BMI is not a great estimate to use if you have a lot of muscle- it won't take that into account and it will say that you are obese (just an FYI). They found the moire frequently people ate chocolate, the lower their BMI, and the happier they are!<br />
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<b><i>So I eat chocolate every day and then I'll be skinny?</i></b><br />
NO! I think we all wish that one was true, and some people will trick themselves to think that is real, but it isn't. They found a correlation between the frequency that people ate chocolate and lower BMI's BUT they did not find a correlation between the amounts they ate. What does that mean? Basically, people who got the hankering for some chocolate and, for example, ate a couple pieces of chocolate a few times a week, had lower BMIs. It does not mean that people who get the hankering for chocolate who eat an entire chocolate bar or a pint of Ben & Jerry's have a lower BMI. <br />
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They are doing further correlations and some follow-up study work, but it looks like living in moderation including indulging in moderation is the way to be: keeps you slim, makes you happy, thus making you feel better about yourself. So, keep active getting your minimum of 30 minutes of exercise in a day, eat healthy, and give yourself a candy break every now and again because you deserve it!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-73665276736167438402012-04-02T02:54:00.000-07:002012-04-02T02:54:58.878-07:00Is Creatine Safe?Creatine is one of the most frequently used athletic enhancement supplements. It is a naturally occurring chemical in the body, created by the liver and kidneys, and 95% of it is stored in the skeletal muscles and the rest is circulating in the bloodstream. In the 1970's some Soviet scientists found that oral creatine supplements improved brief intense athletic periods (such as sprinting), and then in the 1990's it was reported that oral creatine supplementation actually increases your body muscles creatine content (seems like a silly statement, but that it actually builds up and stays in your muscles- it isn't just absorbed then excreted by the body). Besides creatine created by your body and oral supplementation, the other ways to ingest it is to eat red meat and fish. So, it is a naturally occurring substance, that may enhance your workouts, but how does it work and is it safe for you?<br />
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<b><i>What does creatine do?</i></b><br />
Basically, creatine is involved in making the energy that muscles need to work. Normally, when you eat carbohydrates (and other food) your foodstuffs are broken down in the stomach, then further broken down with the help of the liver and made into a usable energy source by the body, such as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which transports energy within cells. When the ATP sources are depleted in your muscles, they become tired because there is no energy source left within the cells of your muscles, your body will try to create energy from food sources, but it always ends up failing when needed for high energy needs, quickly. Then creatine comes into play: creating that is stored in your muscles, converts into creatine phosphate and reacts with ADP ( adenosine diphosphate- a non unusable form of energy) to makes more ATP and boost your muscles energy . Thus for longer workouts, creatine supplementation is enhanced when taken with carbohydrates; your muscles get an extra boost of immediate viable energy. <br />
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<b><i>How do you take it?</i></b><br />
It comes in powders, drinks, pills....and some people will split doses and take it three times during the day, whereas others will take it an hour before working out and then 1 to 3 hours after working out to replenish the stores in the muscle. There are plenty of theories, but most people tend to take a loading dose (high level for a short period of time to raise the amount in their system and saturate their muscles with creatine) of 9 to 20 grams per day for 6 days, then 2 grams a day from then on. One other thing to note is that most athletes "cycle" their creatine supplementing so that they test their bodies with and without the supplement, so their body doesn't ever get lazy; they will usually take the supplement for 8 weeks, off for 4 weeks, then back on.<br />
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<b><i>Does it actually work? </i></b><br />
Here's the rub, a lot of professional and non-professional athletes take creatine supplements, and people report feeling like they have more energy and have better workouts, but the research is mixed because your muscles do have a saturation point with creatine. On the other hand, it is really hard to eat a diet high in creatine, basically to get 3 grams a day, you would have to eat a little over 3lbs of raw red meat a day...which I can't see very many people doing. There are some very high quality studies that do show an increase in muscle mass with using supplementation, thus increasing lean muscle mass. So, I would say that it does work for performance athletes, I don't think that someone who sits around all day and might lift a 5lb dumbbell a couple times a week will look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but if you work out hard, and are looking to increase your muscle mass quickly, this will help you, and give you more energy at the beginning of your workout to lift more.<br />
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<b><i>Are there any side effects?</i></b><br />
Most notably, when people first start taking creatine they can have some stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and you WILL gain weight, because you are gaining muscle, and possibly a little bloat at the beginning, but as your body gets used to the creatine, it will even out. People with renal disease or diabetes (at risk for renal disease) ned to be really careful as creatine is excreted through the kidneys, and a build-up of creatine has been shown to put a lot of stress on your kidneys, so if they are already at risk or not working optimally, the supplement can put an unneeded risk on them (there are studies that go both ways with this topic). Also, people with liver disease (or at high risk for liver disease) should definitely talk to their HCP before starting creatine supplements. If you have any doubt, or even if you don't, I suggest going to your HCP and getting a physical with some blood work to check your liver and kidney function, just to be safe, before starting this supplementation. And follow-up with your HCP if you notice anything different about your body (besides building extra muscle because that's the whole point, right?) Just remember, these supplements are still undergoing testing for long term use AND they are not FDA approved, so you never know exactly what you are ingesting.....<br />
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Give it a go, work out hard, and see where it leads you! <br />
<br />
Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-81820926151256632882012-03-28T05:03:00.000-07:002012-03-28T05:03:10.045-07:00Do chemicals in cooked meat cause cancer?There have been a ton of news stories and links going around about the chemicals in cooked meat that can cause cancer. They all say don't eat meat, you won't get cancer...which we all know that there are many different reasons for cancer to occur, but one of them is a genetic marker, meaning that some people are predisposed to getting cancer (i.e. if a close family member mother, father, brother, sister has cancer). The science behind Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) is real, but the question of whether they cause cancer is another question.<br />
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<b><i>What are HCAs and PAHs?</i></b><br />
Simply, HCAs and PAHs are the chemicals that are formed when cooking muscle meat (from fish, beef, pork, and poultry) at high temperatures and/or over open flames (like grilling). As the meat cooks, we are changing the chemical composition: chicken goes from being slimy and pink, to white and firmer (something that you would actually want to eat). Throughout that cooking process, especially at high temperatures, there are more HCAs and PAHs present. The HCAs form when the amino acids (protein), sugars, and creatine (part of the musculature) react to the high temperature. The HCAs bare not frequently found in foods that are not cooked at high temperatures. The PAHs are formed when the fat from your meat drips into the grill, creates a big flame; those flames contain the PAHs that then adhere to the outside of the meat. PAHs are also found in cigarette smoke, when smoking meats, and car exhaust (if it tastes "smokey" most likely it has PAHs). Also, it is interesting to note that the more "well done" your meat is, the higher the level of HCAs because the longer it has cooked and the more chemical change has occurred to the meat....so you might want to start appreciating a nice rare steak ;)<br />
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<b><i>Do they cause cancer?</i></b><br />
HCAs and PAHs have been shown, in lab studies, to cause changes in DNA which can possibly cause cancer. The studies were done on lab rats that were fed diets high in HCAs: the rats then grew tumors in their breast tissues, liver, pancreas, colon, skin, lung, prostate, and other tissues. With PAHs, the rats had tumors of the stomach (entire Gastrointestinal tract), leukemias (blood cancer), and lungs. BUT these rats were fed thousands of times the amount of HCAs and PAHs that any human being would be consuming, and truly any chemical would cause cancers at that level. Population studies of different people in their natural habitat have not shown any increase in cancer with HCAs and PAHs; the caveat is that if someone lives in an area with high levels of exhausts or fumes, their exposure to PAHs are higher, so they are at risk of cancer from that, but not specifically due to ingesting cooked meats. The environmental exposure to PAHs are more of a risk than cooked food. As well, peoples genetic risk is also a factor here: if you had a genetic predisposition to cancer, your body may be more susceptible to DNA changes causing cancer from HCAs versus someone who has a very low risk and no cancer in their family. Although, those with a diet high in well done, barbecued, and fried meats have higher risks of colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer....but there are other risk factors there as well (which can include a sedentary lifestyle, lack of vegetables, preventative care, etc.)<br />
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<b><i>How do I decrease my exposure?</i></b><br />
I wouldn't tell you to stop eating meat based on this one outrageous study, but if you are worried about it, there are ways to still enjoy a tasty piece of meat, but decrease your exposure to HCAs and PAHs. YAY!<br />
-Cook meat <i>lightly in a microwave</i>, then pan sear or cook on a grill to finish the cooking process (decreasing the amount of time over high heat significantly decreases the amount of HCAs present) OR partially <i>bake in the oven</i> then grill.<br />
-Continuously moving meat over high flame can decrease HCA creation- instead of leaving that burger sitting there to cook a few minutes on each side, think rotisserie chicken, and keep it constantly moving to cook, which will decrease PAHS from adhering to it.<br />
-Remove charred bits of meat, and don't make gravy or other sauces from meat dripping when grilling, it will significantly reduce the amount of HCAs and PAHs you ingest.<br />
-Eat meat that is more rare, as opposed to well done!<br />
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Looking at all the research, I would not stop eating meat based on what is out there. But if you are concerned, head towards rare meats, bake in the oven, use that microwave, and maybe don't eat grilled meat EVERY night of the week! Remember that when studies are done, based on the funding the researchers get, they want exposure, and so do the people funding the studies, so they will create "science" and then make it a media sensation to get everyone talking about it- mission accomplished on this one! Rest assured there are studies that are taking into account normal levels of ingested HCAs and PAHs and the FDA/US Govt has not made any recommendations to change your lifestyle based on this one study. So keep eating healthy, and if you are concerned, talked to your HCP about it!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-16421667907987104362012-03-27T04:03:00.000-07:002012-03-27T04:03:06.439-07:00A veggie that can help you cut carbs!There are a lot of people that eat pasta almost daily. I am not one of them, but I guess it is relatively quick to make and super easy, so I can understand the draw. Although I must say, if I do eat pasta, I grab the fortified pasta with protein and high fiber (I like to get the most nutrition out of each meal as possible). The biggest downer of eating pasta so frequently is the amount of carbohydrates that you are eating, that can turn right into fat if the energy isn't utilized. The upside is that there is an equally easy alternative that basically rocks: Spaghetti squash. I know you are saying there is no way that it tastes like pasta, and it doesn't, but the consistency is similar, and it is nutritious and totally delish!<br />
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<b><i>What is spaghetti squash?</i></b><br />
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash, it is yellow and oblong, and amazing! The outer shell is pretty hard, and you really have to use some muscle to cut through it, but once you do, scoop out the seeds, then just flip it shell side up on a cookie sheet or baking tray (put a few fork holes in the shell), at 425F (218 C or Gas Mark 7) for about an hour. When you take the squash out, just use a fork to fluff the meat of the squash...and it comes out like spaghetti! Amazing, right? The prep is actually easier than boiling water!<br />
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<b><i>How nutritious is it?</i></b><br />
Lets do a little comparison, just to show how nutritious spaghetti squash is (as compared to regular pasta). <br />
<u>Spaghetti Squash (1 cup):</u> 42 calories, 0 Fat, 1g protein, 10g carbs (4g as sugar), 2.2g fiber, small amounts of calcium (3% RDA), Vitamin C (9%), and packed with Vitamin A.<br />
<u>Regular Pasta (1 cup):</u> 221 calories, 1.3g fat, 43g carbohydrates (2.5g as sugar), and small amounts of Vitamin B. <br />
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By switching to spaghetti squash, you are saving 179 calories, getting more Vitamins and fiber, and saving yourself from carbs and fat. Spaghetti squash can be used just the same as pasta in any form: pasta with sauce, primavera, or even as a bed for proteins (i.e. grilled shrimp, chicken, etc). There truly is no reason not to give this a try- power pack your meals with fiber and vitamins and dove yourself calories; no one loses!<br />
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I promise that if you substitute this for your pasta routine even 50% of the time, you will cut a ton of carbs and calories and not even miss the difference. Go for the Folger's challenge! Let me know how awesome you feel when you've lost a few pounds by cutting down on carbs ;)<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
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<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-66537844898701652872012-03-26T04:11:00.000-07:002012-03-26T04:11:39.621-07:00Can I drink on antifungals?Antifungal medications are used to treat to treat fungal infections such as: toe nail fungus, athletes foot, thrush, or blood stream infections. In the US oral antigun cal medications are by prescription only, and they are very strong, and helpful meds to treat fungus, but there are some things that your HCP might not tell you, that you need to be aware of when taking them.<br />
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<b><i>How do Antifungal medications work?</i></b><br />
When you take an oral antifungal, it is absorbed through your gut into your bloodstream and is excreted (filtered out) through your liver. Let's use one of the most common antifungals as an example, terbinafine (Lamisil), that you are taking for a toenail fungal infection: you take your lamisil every day for three months, and a few days into treatment, your blood has an appropriate level of Lamisil in it because of how slow your liver gets rid of it, and how your gut absorbs it. The Lamisil attacks all cells that it can find that appear to be fungal cells, thus killing the infection. Which is awesome! But, there are some side effects such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vision changes, skin rashes, and changes in taste. Due to the build-up of the drug in your liver, a more serious side effect is liver damage or complete liver failure. Plus, some other drugs can cause the levels of the medications to become to high in your bloodstream and you can become toxic, which can also cause the liver failure, so you need to discuss all medications, and the type/amount of drugs (non prescribed) that you may/not take, and the amount you drink.<br />
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<b><i>Why shouldn't I drink on them?</i></b><br />
As we all know, alcohol is absorbed in your gut into your bloodstream and also excreted through your liver. Huh, just like the antifungals! So, when your liver is working really hard to filter out a prescription drug, that is very strong and powerful, it can cause too much stress on your liver to also be expected to filter out alcohol. The worst side effect can occur, and can occur quickly: complete liver failure. An the early sings of liver failure are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). Once complete liver failure occurs, the only treatment is a liver transplant, which is a lifetime of medications, hospital visits, and having days of feeling well and unwell (which are much more frequently swinging than for someone without a transplant).<br />
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Maybe because I have worked with the diseased liver population for a long period of time, I am more sensitive to this, but think about how worth it is to you to drink or take other drugs when you are taking prescription medications. It isn't worth losing an organ that is super vital, for a few drinks. Right? <br />
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So if you are taking these drugs, lay off the alcohol. And if you are being prescribed this medication, talk to your HCP and be honest with the amount you drink...and LAY OFF THE BOOZE!! (at least until your fungus is gone!)<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-69855423245354346452012-03-22T03:28:00.000-07:002012-03-22T03:28:17.233-07:00Steel cut vs regular: which oats to eat We all should know how fab oatmeal is for our body by helping to lower cholesterol levels, thus decreasing the risk of heart disease and the soluble fiber helps to keep your blood sugars leveled for longer (no dips) and keep you feel full longer. The whole grain addition to your diet can also reduce your risk of type II diabetes, through controlling blood glucose levels and keeping them stabile. AND, the soluble fiber can help to prevent high blood pressure. Not to mention that oatmeal, when you look at the label (if all you are eating is plain oatmeal) has no other ingredients: just oats. They are a totally pure food, and I love that. I love looking at the ingredients label and just seeing one ingredient, nothing added, just real food. Can you get more fab than that? Nope! But that does bring up the age old question: Do I eat steel cut or regular milled oats?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old fashioned</td></tr>
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<b><i>What is the big difference between steel cut and regular milled oats?</i></b><br />
Honestly, it is the way that they are processed. All oats, once picked, are cleaned, hulled, and conditioned; the outer shell is removed and the inside little kernel is heated to dry them out, so that the oats can be stored over time and not perish. This is where oats start to differ: steel cut (AKA Irish oats) are the kernels (post heating) that are literally chopped with steel blades, allowing for chewier oatmeal with more texture, that takes around 30 minutes to cook. Rolled (AKA old fashioned) oats, take those same kernels, then steamed and run through heavy metal rollers to flatten them very thin so that they can cook in under 5 minutes. Instant oatmeal is created the same way as the milled oats, but then cooked and dried again, so that they can cook in under a minute....because technically they are already cooked. So really you are looking at a level of processing, and the steel cut oats are the least processed of the bunch.<br />
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<b><i>Are there nutritional differences?</i></b><br />
For the most part, nutritionally they are the same. The main difference is that the steel cut oats have a slightly higher fiber content, thus making you feel fuller longer, give more benefits to decrease cardiac risks, high blood pressure, and prevent diabetes type II. But it is really minimal and only due to less processing. Oats are great for helping to eat a healthy diet when losing weight, low in sodium, and, did I mention, lots of fiber?<br />
Oatmeal contains (on one serving size):<br />
307 calories<br />
5g Fat<br />
5g sodium (virtually NONE)<br />
8g Fiber<br />
11g Protein<br />
and 19% of your RDA (recommended daily allowance) Iron<br />
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So, truly the choice is up to you: Do you want to spend 30 minutes making yummy steel cut oats, or 5 minutes making (in my humble opinion) slightly less yummy regular oats? I switch 50/50 because I don't have the time or, more importantly, patience to make steel cut oats and they are a little too grainy to add to my morning smoothies, so I have both on hand, and depending on the day/time I eat either. So eat whichever you would like, but make sure to get some oats in your diet!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-13739516383231099542012-03-20T03:23:00.002-07:002012-03-20T03:23:44.961-07:00Mercury poisoning?!?!I know that I was just touting how fab<a href="http://nursebridgid.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-is-fish-oil-so-great.html" target="_blank"> fish oil</a> is: filled with Omega-3's, DHA, and EPA. And it really is awesome for you, but if you eat a lot of fish, depending on the types you eat, you can be at risk for mercury poisoning. With every positive, there has to be a negative, right? Maybe not! As long as you are informed about the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning and know what fish tend to be lower mercury fish, and steer clear, it can be all good!<br />
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<b><i>What is mercury poisoning?</i></b><br />
Basically, mercury poisoning is, by definition, a high level of mercury in your system. Normally humans have little to no mercury in their bodies, it is not something that we need to live or to survive, but it can be introduced into our systems from foods. The most common sources are fish (from the environmental circumstances) and some meats as well (due to poor living habits by the poor creatures before they are on your plate). There are all sorts of issues that can occur from high mercury levels depending on the dose and the amount of mercury in your system.<br />
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<b><i>What are the signs and symptoms?</i></b><br />
The signs and symptoms can vary based on the level present in your system. One of the most common first signs is peripheral neuropathy (either an itching, burning, or tingling in your fingers/hands or toes/feet), skin discoloration of the cheeks/fingertips/toes, heavily shedding skin, and swelling. Mercury can also effect the ability of the body to respond appropriately to epinephrine, it cannot stop epinephrine surges, so you can have high blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), anxiety, profuse sweating, and increased saliva production. For children, the symptoms can vary a little in that they do get flushed cheeks, noses, and lips, along with losing hair, nails, and teeth. They can also get rashes that come and go randomly, muscle weakness, and increased sensitivity to light. Also, emotional irritability, insomnia, and memory impairment can also occur. Some of the symptoms can be very subtle, and it can be hard to tell that mercury poisoning is occurring...of course reading this, it seems like you would be able to tell right away, the sweating and saliva alone! Mercury poisoning can be diagnosed through blood levels (should be around 6ug/L but can be as high as 200ug/L), or through hair testing. <br />
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<b><i>What is the treatment?</i></b><br />
Chelation therapy is the standard treatment for mercury poisoning, along with removing mercury from the diet. Basically, chelation therapy is used to bind heavy metals and remove them from your system. Ethylene diamine tetraacedic acid (EDTA) is injected into the body, the EDTA then binds the heavy metal in the blood, it is brought through to the kidneys and leaves the body through urine. This is the only known treatment to decrease mercury levels.<br />
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<b><i>What are mercury levels of fish?</i></b><br />
<u>The fish/seafood with the highest mercury levels are:</u><br />
Mackerel, Whale, Shark, Swordfish, Dolphin (only eaten outside the US/EU), and tilefish<br />
<u>Lowest levels:</u><br />
Anchovies, butterfish, shrimp, clams, salmon, cod, crab, haddock, lobster, mullet, scallops, tuna, trout, and tilapia.<br />
*You can get full lists of fish mercury levels on the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/food/foodsafety/product-specificinformation/seafood/foodbornepathogenscontaminants/methylmercury/ucm115644.htm" target="_blank">FDA's website</a>, in case I haven't listed one of your favorites!<br />
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I fully encourage you to eat fish, just make sure that you are eating fish that is low in mercury and full of those yummy Omega-3's! And if you do like to eat fish which is higher in mercury content, then just make sure to keep the signs of mercury poisoning in mind....it is better to be safe than sorry!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
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<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-90663984053411433952012-03-19T03:44:00.000-07:002012-03-19T03:44:15.386-07:00Why is fish oil so great?Fish oil has tons of good stuff in it. I know that not everyone loves eating fish as much as I do, so there is good news that there are plenty of Omega-3 and fish oil supplements on the market, that are mercury free and are odorless. What worse than tang fish oil in the morning? Burping it up later! I am so glad that they fixed that one right quick. But I am sure you are wondering why it is so good for you...<br />
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<b><i>What's so great about fish oil?</i></b><br />
Fish oil is known to contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These acids in the fish oils have been shown in numerous studies to lower triglycerides (a dense fat found in the body that can cause plaques in arteries), reduce the risk of death, heart attacks (probably due to less plaque build up in the arteries), cardiac dysrhythmias (when the heart beat abnormally), and decreases risk of stroke in people with known cardiac disease. With lowered triglyceride levels, the plaques can still form, but at a much slower rate and decreased amounts, so there is less risk of hardened arteries. So, taking fish oil is great....but beware that high doses can cause and increased risk of bleeding.<br />
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<b><i>How much Omega 3 Fatty Acids should I take?</i></b><br />
The recommended amounts of DHA/EPA (in the form of Omega-3's in Fish Oils) are:<br />
Infants: 5g/day<br />
Children 1-3yrs: .7g/day<br />
4-8 yrs: .9g/day<br />
9-13 yrs: 1.2g/day<br />
Adults: 14 yrs + Males: 1.6g/day Females: 1.1g/day<br />
Pregnancy: 1.4g/day<br />
Breastfeeding: 1.3g/day<br />
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And in, for example, a 3 oz (single serving size) of salmon, you can get 1.3 grams of Omega 3's, which is OK because you aren't eating salmon every single day, right? Other fish sources high in Omega 3's (that contain DHA and EPA) are Tuna, Mackerel, Halibut, Herring, and Sardines. <br />
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For those of you who hate fish, go to your closest pharmacy and grab some mercury free/odorless supplements, and for those of you who like to eat fish, chomp away, but do be weary of high mercury intake with certain fish. So eat up, slurp down, but get your fish oil on!<br />
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Yours In Good Health<br />
B<br />
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<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-66832790775919507622012-03-02T05:20:00.000-08:002012-03-02T05:20:57.933-08:00Fish that live in your urethra!?!?I am sure we have all heard tales of swimming down in South America, people peeing while they are swimming, and getting some sort of a fish or parasite in their urethra, and the terror that exists after. Now, I can't even begin to tell you why I have gotten such a slew of emails regarding this in the past week, but I have, so I decided to investigate it. I kind of assumed it was true, and figured that if I went to South America, before I went swimming, I would get to the bottom of this caper. Looks like I have to put on my Encyclopedia Brown cap early!<br />
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<b><i>Are there Urethra loving fish?</i></b><br />
Well, here is where here adventure begins. There are fresh water fish known as Candiru (or toothpick fish), that live in the Amazon river. They are small translucent fish that act as parasites: they live in the gills of many of the catfish in the amazon, sucking their blood as food. The Candiru have small, sharp, teeth that can penetrate flesh. Since the 1800's there have been numerous reports by scientists that have observed men and boys with amputated penises in various South American tribes, and other males of the same tribes, that would go into the water to bath, fish, etc and wear covering for their penises. Due to language barriers and keen observation, these scientists deduced that the Candiru fish are attracted to urine so swim up in it and into the urethra. The fish do have barbs on their heads, and it was assumed that the fish swim up the urethra as far as they can go, then hook in with barbs, hang out, and suck on blood. At the time, the only way that the fish could be removed was through amputation. Yikes! Well, this is really only fiction. The only documented case was in 1997, but the issue is that the facts do not add up: the video of the cystoscopy (the procedure in which a scope is inserted into the penis through the urethra) appears to show that the fish was pulled out by its tail. That wouldn't be possible because the barbs from the fishes head would dig into the canal and not come out easily. The specimen of the fish had all barbs intact. Plus they have found that these fish are not attracted to urine at all. So really, the whole story seems to be false as far as males are concerned. All of the penis amputations were related to piranha bites, and males cover their penises to prevent the risk of being bitten by piranhas that are in the water. Looks like those scientists needed to think outside the box a little bit!<br />
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But, there is some bad news for ladies: the Candiru fish have been found on multiple occasions in women's vaginas! They were once touted as fish that entered the anus and penile urethra...which are both false accusations. They seem to have an easier time entering the vaginal canal and hooking in their barbs to suck blood, possibly due to the size of the entry and the tissue inside the vaginal canal. The good news is that they are easily removable by pushing the fish further in to unhook the barbs, flipping the fish, and pulling them out head first...although I suggest getting that done by a medical professional!<br />
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So, I hope you all you men out there feel a little better about swimming in the fresh waters of the Amazon, and having a fish free urethra when you get out of the water...but I never suggest peeing when you swim, its just kind of gross. Ladies, beware when swimming in those same waters- and wear a bathing suit, that will keep those pesky fish out of your vaginas! Rest your minds at ease and swim away (well, except for piranhas, snakes, etc.)!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-9235068539383396022012-03-01T04:03:00.000-08:002012-03-01T04:03:22.971-08:00Want to live forever?For those of you who read my blog loyally, you know that I am always touting exercise and healthy diets as the best way to get into shape and live a healthy lifestyle. And there have been numerous studies showing that a healthy lifestyle helps to prevent disease, increase your immune system, and allow to live a longer life (with the caveat that there obviously are some genetics that come to play in this as well!)But, for the most part, it is pretty interesting that after studying people that have lived to over 100 years, they do have some similar traits. <br />
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<b><i>What will help me live longer?</i></b><br />
-<u><i>Retire later:</i></u> After retirement rates of obesity and chronic illnesses increase. So, if you want to retire, go for it, but keep active! Have a hobby that is active, like gardening, volunteering with kids or animals, join a walking club...keep yourself moving and have goals, even if it is just a goal to travel to your next place, but make sure you go on walking/biking tours!<br />
-<u><i>Keep up your oral care:</i></u> Keeping your toothbrushing up and regular flossing (at least twice a day) keeps down the risk of gum disease related bacteria that can enter your bloodstream and cause artery inflammation and lead to cardiac disease. Long story, short: inflamed arteries due to oral bacteria is bad, so brush your teeth!!<br />
-<i><u>Get your move on:</u></i> a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is required by your body to feel better, and to keep your heart and lungs in shape. exercising daily boosts your immune system, so not only do you feel better and look better, but your body will actually benefit and you could live longer too. See? There's a reason I tell you to exercise!! :)<br />
-<i><u>Boost your fiber:</u></i> Eating a diet high in whole grains and fiber, will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day, thus leading to a reduced rate of diabetes, and will help keep your colon running smoothly. Plus, it keeps you full longer, so you will tend to eat less during the day and skip snacking!<br />
-Sleep! Getting 6-8 hours of sleep, helps your body to relax and recharge, making you more energized for the next day. Some people tend to skip on sleep, so that they can be "more productive" one day, will end up actually not being super productive, and it will take a while for your body to recharge. When you can, get sleep, and wake up early to jump on it!<br />
-Eat FOOD: People who have a vitamin rich diet, tend to live longer and be healthier, but supplements and vitamins aren't absorbed as well so people who eat crappy diets but supplement with pills, don't gain the same benefits form the vitamins. Try eating colorful plates filled with lots of yummy and healthy foods; you'll boost your vitamin intake, which will stimulate your brain, and make you feel better.<br />
-<i><u>Chill out:</u></i> We have got to learn not to stress out as much and dwell on things. People who live longer tend to not get stressed out easily (this knocks me out of the box of living long....) Or if they do, they deal with it and move on, they tend to get over things quickly and don't sweat the small stuff. Try to take a different outlook on life, especially with little things that annoy you...try to not let them (I totally get that this is easier said than done- it is a total life change!)<br />
-<i><u>Make it a habit:</u></i> Live your life based on routine. I'm not saying do the EXACT same thing every day, but if you have a basic routine for life, you tend to be more accomplished during your days. For example, I have a morning routine that includes waking up, drinking tea, cuddling with my dogs, then heading out for my morning run; I clear my head, get focused and ready for the day, and I know exactly how long I need SO if I need to add an early morning meeting, or get a bunch of errands done, I know when to wake up, and I feel less rushed and less stressed starting my day. So, if you have basic routines, you can figure out how to alter your schedule when you need to, but it also gives you time to go through your day the way you want to.<br />
-<i><u>PARTY!</u></i> Well, not really. But hang out with your friends, stay connected socially. Those who tend to be socially withdrawn are more prone to depression later in life vs those who keep close friendships and are socially active have less risk of depression and live longer. Of course, steering clear of drugs and alcohol also helps to increase your longevity!<br />
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All in all, not difficult goals to set for yourself (well, besides the whole stress thing- at least for me!) and as I said before, genetics does play a role, so we are all predisposed to some sort of length of life or possible chronic illness, but I think that these are good goals to set for yourself to try and get the most out of life. So get your 30 minutes of exercise, ditch the vitamins and eat a healthy salad while chilling with your girlfriends, just like the Golden Girls and you will live forever, just like Betty White :)<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-1406796449391209372012-02-27T05:07:00.000-08:002012-02-27T05:07:02.548-08:00Citrus fruits can save your life?We have known for ages that flavonoid-rich foods are good for you and can help to prevent heart attack and stroke. A new research study published in the American Heart Association's journal, Stroke, recently has touted the role that citrus fruits can play in preventive health for women. <br />
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<b><i>What are Flavonoids?</i></b><br />
First of all, we need to discuss flavonoids! Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits and vegetables, along with dark chocolate, red wine, teas, coffee, etc. and they act just like antioxidants. The flavonoids appear to protect against damage to the blood vessels. So by having a higher intake of flavonoids, there is a decreased risk of cardiac disease. Basically free radicals are chemicals that flow throughout the body and can cause damage to various parts of the body, but specifically blood vessels and cells, the flavonoids help to prevent the reactions with the free radicals before any damage can occur: the flavonoids are an awesome defensive line against very aggressive offensive line up! <br />
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<b><i>What is the Study?</i></b><br />
For a period of 14 years, over 69,000 women were followed and the overall study was looking at the protective nature of flavonoids, and the women were asked to report their intake of fruits and vegetables. So, not only looking at the overall effect of taking in flavonoids on risk factors for stroke and heart attack, but then they more specifically looked at the intake of citrus fruits (and their flavonoids). So they already found that flavonoids decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, but now they have found that higher intake of citrus fruits (with high levels of flavonoids) had a 19% decreased risk of ischemic stroke. (Ischemic strokes are strokes where blood flow is impeded to a part of the brain and can cause pretty significant long term damage if not treated quickly!) This is kind of a big deal that they have been able to hone in on a specific food, with higher levels of flavonoids, and find a direct link to the health effects. <br />
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<b><i>What does this mean?</i></b><br />
In all honesty, I am a huge citrus fruit fan, and I usually eat a minimum of a grapefruit and an orange per day, but as long as you like citrus fruits, and you don't take them at the same time as any medications you are taking (sometimes they can interact- especially grapefruit you need to be really careful with checking interactions) go for it! Eat your fresh veggies and get your citrus on. They are full of vitamin C, to prevent scurvy, yummy, and full of fiber which makes a happy and healthy body!! There is no recommended daily dose of flavonoids but an orange has about 45-50mg, so that is a good base start, and eat as many flavonoid rich foods each day as you can! So get your fruit on, and reduce your risk of stroke and cardiac disease ladies! And for the men: it can't hurt for you to get your citrus on too!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-21798960684731229302012-02-22T03:29:00.000-08:002012-02-22T03:29:40.403-08:00FDA Recall! Check your supplementsRemember how I always tell you to be careful when taking supplements that you get at GNC, Vitamin Shoppes, and other "health" food stores? Well, here is one of the reasons why: the market is totally overwhelmed with these supplements, and thy FDA does eventually test them, but the man power needed to test these drugs, on top of new drugs, study drugs, etc. the FDA is just trying to keep up with the market. Usually by the time they test these "supplements" they are removed from the market.....just like these products that are being removed form the market immediately:<br />
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Mince Belle (dietary supplement)<br />
Everlax (dietary supplement)<br />
Ever Slim Shake Mix (strawberry & chocolate flavors)<br />
Acai-Man Mangosteen Herbal Drink<br />
Perfect Men (dietary supplement)<br />
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<b><i>What was found?</i></b><br />
The US FDA found FDA approved drugs IN these supplements that are being sold over the counter as supplements, and they need regulation because every drug has side effects and interactions; they are recalled purely for consumer safety. Sibutramine, which is an appetite suppressant to help treat obesity, is a schedule IV controlled substance, and can have risks of increased blood pressure and heart rate, which leads to an increased risk if you have a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrythmias, or stroke. Sibutramine was found in the Mince Belle, Everlax, and Ever Slim Shake mixes....no wonder why people saw results! Tadalafil is a male Erectile Dysfunction (ED) drug, also FDA approved, that was found in the Acai-Man and Perfect Men supplements, which can have deadly interactions when a man is also taking a nitrate, which is found in some prescription drugs (like nitroglycerin) can cause a drop in blood pressure to dangerous levels.<br />
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Obviously the drugs found in the supplements were not listed on the label, called something else, which is why it is really important, and I cannot stress it enough, not to take herbal or health supplements, without the approval of your HCP. You really don't know what is lurking in these supplements and it is really important if you are taking other medications or have chronic medical conditions....be careful!! No offense to the people that work at the "health" stores, but don't trust them that the supplements are healthy, because as you can see by this one minor recall, they can sometimes kill you.<br />
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Yours In Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-8390782038279891852012-02-21T04:28:00.000-08:002012-02-21T04:28:54.493-08:00Power Bracelets: Are they for me?Walking through the mall a week ago, my friend and I were being harassed by the workers at a kiosk for power bracelets. We politely declined, but they started telling me how awesome the bracelets were super amazing at increasing strength, power, and balance. Of course, me being who I am, asked how a little bracelet could, without any exercise or training, make me stronger and more powerful. Let me give you some insight: there was no science at all behind his answer, but he did tell me that lots of professional athletes use them to help with strength and power. Clearly I'm skeptical, but I decided to look into it and find out more about these "magical" bracelets.<br />
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<b><i>What's the deal with power bracelets?</i></b><br />
The main claims of the power bracelet are that they use "holographic technology" that responds to the "natural energy field" of your body to increase your sporting ability. Sounds pretty darn scientific to me! There were all sorts of paid professional athletes as spokespeople saying that there was scientific research to back up the claims...not so. In fact, there were numerous studies disproving that there was any effect at all, including placebo effect. Two of the largest studies were performed by the University of Wisconsin and the Independent Investigations Group which found that all of the claims related to the power bracelet were bunk. Sorry dudes and dudettes, but they don't work....and the company was actually sued for false accusations and were forced to refund all bracelets they sold under false pretenses. But, if you just want to look super cool wearing a plastic bracelet on it, with a hologram sticker for $30, be my guest!<br />
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<b><i>Do any of the health bracelets work?</i></b><br />
Since I figured that the power bracelet is a bunch of crap, and despite two of my friends touting how awesome the Ionized bracelets are. One claimed that their balance is so much better wearing one...and that they are so much stronger. Again, I called BS early on, but I figured I'd check this one out too. It is hard for me to wrap my brain around a bracelet totally changing how your body functions and reacts, but I am all about it, if it works! The most famous is probably the Q-Ray Ionization Bracelet, it supposedly works with your bodies Chi to relieve bone pain from arthritis and muscle pain. It first came to the market in 1996 (in the US- they had been available in the EU for years before) and millions of people bought them, thinking they would be relieved from chronic pain merely by changing/manipulating their Chi. In 2002, the Mayo Clinic performed a rather large study, in which they found that there was no significant difference in comfort levels between placebo and non-placebo groups. In other words, the Ionized bracelets are bunk too....and they can cost up to $350! All that being said, there are plenty of people that wear them and absolutely swear by them, I guess those people just aren't in any of the study groups ;)<br />
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My best advice? Skip the bracelets and if you want strength lift weights, for balance try yoga, and if you want pain relief, talk to your HCP about anti-inflammatories and physical therapy! Your money would be better spent on co-pays and gym memberships than buying these bracelets. Hold onto your cash and remember that if something seems to good to be true, it is!!!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
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<br />Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-83622623105632650822012-02-20T03:56:00.000-08:002012-02-20T03:56:01.920-08:00Are you hanging low?<b><u>WARNING:</u></b> There are graphic pictures in this blog.<br />
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I will be completely honest, I was asked about a surgical procedure this weekend that I didn't know existed; I should have known it existed, but seeing as I am not a man and I don't think about these things, why would I know about scrotum reduction surgery? It seems like you can get everything else nipped and tucked, so why not your scrotum! I also had no idea how much the average man worries about this issue.<br />
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<b><i>Why does my scrotum hang?</i></b><br />
To make it simple, there is a muscle completely responsible for your scrotum to tighten and loosen up (the testicles need to be about 2 degrees colder than the body so that your sperm can swim, live, and be merry.) Your scrotum helps to regulate that by moving them closer to your body when they are super cold (think jumping into the cold ocean) and when they are getting toasty (after a long hot shower.....or run.) The lovely muscle in charge? The cremaster muscle. It is a two sided muscle that runs from the internal obliques, to under the testicles. Unfortunately, just like any other muscle, and with that constant pull of gravity, it can lose muscle tone with age, and just start to droop. It's a bummer, but it's part of the aging process. It seems that there are no true "medical" issues that arise from this issue, but it is more of an aesthetic issue, although I hear a lot of complaints about inner thigh irritation, skin " sticking" to thighs, etc causing a lot of discomfort .... and quite honestly, awkward situations. <br />
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<b><i>What can I do to prevent it?</i></b><br />
The good news for all you men out there, you can do <a href="http://nursebridgid.blogspot.com/2011/07/male-kegels.html" target="_blank">Kegel exercises</a> (I have blogged extensively already, so click the link and check it out if you are interested) but hey help to keep that cremaster muscle in shape; like yoga for your scrotum. Just bear with me, dig deep, and get through it! If kegels don't work, and you feel like they are really causing you discomfort and you just don't dog staring at a sagging scrotum sack, there are surgical options: scrotal reduction.<br />
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<b><i>What's the deal with scrotal reduction?</i></b><br />
Really, all that happens is that the excess skin of the scrotum is cut off (surgically they say the skin is "excised" but all that means is they remove it by cutting it off). It is a relatively minor surgery, and is usually one day surgery, meaning that you have the procedure (30 minutes to an hour), recover from anesthesia, and go home later that day. The recovery period is usually 4-5 days, because the more you rest the area and allow it to heal, the better the results will be from the surgery; but immediately after the surgery you will have bruising, swelling, and some small scars (all of which will fade/go away over time). But of course, like any surgery, there are risks associated with it, like bleeding, infection, poor wound healing (it can re-open), and chronic pain (from nerve damage). If the muscle is damaged in any way during surgery, it may create an issue with muscle mobility which can lead to sterility or decreased viability of sperm (they may be too hot or too cold in the scrotum- apparently sperm is very finicky!) And, if you have any chronic medical conditions, it may make anesthesia more difficult for you, so you will have to be pre-screened and possibly get a letter from your Primary HCP stating that you are fit for surgery. Most insurance will not cover this surgery, it is considered cosmetic, so be ready for a hefty bill (It can cost $850-2000 depending on who you go to, their experience, etc.)<br />
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If you are having changes due to age, or you feel like you are having problems with your scrotum, it is worth it to go talk to your HCP and see if this is right for you. If you have the means, are prepared for the complications versus what you deal with day to day, this may be beneficial for you and your lifestyle.....but try the kegels first, won't you??<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-78339746344558551432012-02-14T04:10:00.000-08:002012-02-14T04:10:43.658-08:00In Honor of Heart Month: Learn to Save a LIFE!!So, it's heart month! I haven't been wearing red, like I should, basically because with my job, every day is heart day and it seems to be the organ that most consumes my life! But, for all of you that aren't so cardiac obsessed, I thought I would instill a little info that can help you save a life (or maybe multiple!) When an adult has a cardiac arrest, the faster they get CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the higher their chances of survival are. And sadly, less than 1/3 of people who have sudden cardiac arrests outside of the hospital setting get that help.<br />
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<b><i>How can I save a life?</i></b><br />
Well, in 2010 the American Heart Association (AHA)started a huge campaign to tout <a href="http://handsonlycpr.org/" target="_blank">Hands-Only CPR (TM)</a>. So many people are (and were) creeped out about giving mouth to mouth to a stranger, if they found someone in distress on the street. I totally understand that, you want to help, but you aren't willing to risk your own safety and health to save them. Got it! I also understand that if you see someone go into sudden cardiac arrest, you might be scared that you are making things worse or doing the wrong thing...that is why Hands-Only CPR (TM) is the best! You basically call 911 when you find a person and immediately start doing chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the middle of the chest, you may feel snapping underneath your hands (its ribs breaking and it is totally normal with the amount of force you need to push on someones chest to compress their heart), and the actions that you take can only help them!! It can be scary, and it will feel awkward to you at first, but you are doing the right thing, just take some deep breaths, and help compress that heart to keep blood flowing to the brain. The less time the brain has blood flowing to it, the higher the risk of a person not waking up, or regaining a full recovery.<br />
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And, there is an AHA App for droids, iPhones, and Palm Pre's that helps to walk you through saving someones life. Imagine your loved one having a massive heart attack in front of you, and how helpless you would feel just sitting there watching them as you waited for the Emergency Medical Response to come, but if you had the app, or learned about Hands Only CPR (TM) you could not only activate the Emergency Medical Response system but you could actually help to save their life as the response team is coming. That's amazing! You can learn to do what we do in the hospital to save lives day in and day out-that is the SAME initial reaction our health care workers have!<br />
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I think this is one of the MOST amazing things you can do for yourself and for your loved ones....learn how to save a life, and encourage others to learn too! If everyone took a few minutes to learn Hands Only CPR (TM) imagine how many lives would be benefitted and how many people we would save? Make a pledge to yourself and to your loved ones to check out the website, learn, and save a life this heart month! Go to the website, watch the video, and get the app, I promise you won't regret it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_276152347"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYaXbDfSSJ8Q2p6KvhsHQfC6Rw3nybQm0qVRPtS0d-KXL8s7CiwX9lhSIRx9b72MQHBZENFSOj8Cpcp524A_HkC5L-f_95C9Mz0B6Y-lsZ1OKei6xb_-c-lPEy5SJOlUl5AlI3R6Pkh85/s640/Handsonly.gif" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://handsonlycpr.org/" target="_blank">Hands-Only CPR</a> </td></tr>
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Yours in Good Health<br />
B<br />
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<br /></div>Miss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-65906394641771044252012-02-13T02:23:00.000-08:002012-02-13T02:23:13.455-08:00All welled up?Eyes can pose so many different issues for people, but I recently had a question posed to me about watery eyes. Like super watery, all the time, so that it ruins eye makeup, and looks like your eyes are constantly watering. Besides being a total sap and crying 24/7 and merely pretending it is a medical condition, I am here to tell you, it actually IS!<br />
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<b><i>What's the deal?</i></b><br />
Epiphora is a condition where there is an overflow of tears onto the face, and it is usually due to the inability to drain the tears through the nasolacrimal system. Basically the inner corner of your eyes, can drain fluids from your eyes into your nasal canal to help get rid of the fluids, whisk them away (if you will), and when that system is blocked, or just overrun (like a sewer drain in heavy rainfall) the fluids go down your cheeks- like when you cry. Just as an FYI, this flow of fluids into the nasal canal is one reason why everyone gets a runny nose when they cry- it is impossible not to....well, I guess unless you have this condition and the ducts are blocked!<br />
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<b><i>Why does this happen?</i></b><br />
So these blockages usually occur due to age (occurs gradually), infections, irritation or allergic reactions. And in babies it can be due to the inability of the duct from opening (just plain bad luck), or in the case of someone who has had any facial trauma (broken nose, facial bones around the eyes) the tissue poorly healed after the trauma and allowed for the ducts not to open properly. When you go to see your HCP, if you have this problem with weepy eyes, they can add some dye to your eyes, and essentially watch to see where the tears go (with imaging- like a CT scan): into your nose or just bubble right over your eyelids onto your cheeks? If they don't go into the nasolacrimal system, you have your answer: a blocked duct it is! And some people just have an overproduction of tears from irritants such as fumes/chemicals/eye makeup OR an allergic reaction. The best way to figure this one out is to notice when the overproduction of tears occur, i.e. is it always after putting on make-up? After petting your cat? When you are exposed to certain fumes or chemicals? If so, you need to see an allergist!<br />
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<b><i>How do I treat it?</i></b><br />
So, if it is merely an infection or allergic reaction, you treat the bacteria with antibiotics, and for an allergic reaction you can either take antihistamines OR stay away from the irritant (i.e. stay away from chemicals that cause the reaction or change brands of eye makeup). If the ducts are blocked, or in the case of aging, you can have surgery to fix the issue. So there are two types of surgery depending on the issue: sometimes with aging the eyelid just gets saggy and turns outwards (ectropion) and the surgery merely tightens up the eyelid to stop the dropping and ends the weeping. If the duct is completely blocked, you might need surgery called a dacryocystorhinostomy (that's a mouthful, right??) basically where they recreate the nasolacrimal duct that drains into the nasal passage, and it bypasses the area that was blocked. If the ducts are not fully blocked but just small, they can be widened, under anesthesia, to allow for proper flow of tears from your eyes.<br />
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The bummer is that there is no magic pill to fix this problem, but the good news is that there are ways of trying to figure out the issue on your own, like changing eye makeup, taking antihistamines, and trying to figure out if it is an allergic reaction or irritation versus a real life blocked duct. If it is just one eye, then you might have a blocked duct and you should go to your HCP to see what is going on with those weepy eyes! But there is no need to look like a little dog with weepy, wet eyes all the time, so go see your HCP and get to the bottom of those wet cheeks and make excuses no more!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-14504944966361481712012-02-10T05:10:00.000-08:002012-02-10T05:10:18.231-08:00A warning for those who take "workout supplements"I am pretty lucky, I guess, and I tend to make muscle pretty easily, and I just plan a schedule where I can get my workouts in without ruining my life, so I really feel no need to rock out with the supplements but I know a lot of people that take them for different reasons (get cut faster, see the results they want, etc.) Supplements all have different ingredients and work different ways, but there are two that are going to be in the public eye soon, after two soldiers died during standard training after taking these supplements. Yikes! It really creeps me out that supplements like this can be sold to people, and labelled as "healthy", when they could be unknowingly taking something super dangerous.<br />
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<b><i>What is the Deal?</i></b><br />
There are two supplements that were being taken by different soldiers who had massive heart attacks and died during training, to which the US Army is directly linking to a pacific ingredient in the supplements. The Department of Defense has now removed these supplements, that are easily found at Vitamin Shoppes and GNC's everywhere, from all military bases: Jack3d and OxyElite Pro. The two supplements both contain the ingredient DMAA (AKA dimethylamlymine, geranimine, and natural geranium extract) which is touted as a supplement that will boost your energy, concentration, and metabolism. DMAA is one of those things that straddles the line as a "supplement": if it is labelled as such, the FDA does not need to regulate it, but MANY people in the medical field feel very strongly that it should be labelled as a drug so that it can be regulated and controlled in who uses the product. DMAA is on the World Anti-Doping Authorities list of banned stimulants for athletes in the Olympics. And in Canada, it has been labelled as a drug, and no longer allowed to be sold in supplements.<br />
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<b><i>How does DMAA work?</i></b><br />
Really, DMAA is a super stimulant, and acts similar to Ephedrine ( a "supplement" that was banned after numerous people started having heart attacks and dying after using it) and DMAA has been labelled "the new Ephedrine" by users. Apparently when used in high doses, it also has psychoactive results, which has lead to its use as a party drug, which is why some countries, like New Zealand, has banned the drug altogether. DMAA is basically like taking speed (amphetamines): It speeds up your metabolism, allowing you to burn fat faster, and gives you a ton of energy, so you can workout and see results faster, plus you have more energy to work out and out in longer, harder workouts. Within 10 minutes of taking the supplement users resort of feeling of euphoria, along with a racing heartbeat and racing mind. After about 90 minutes users report that they are able to concentrate and the racing thoughts slow, but their heart rate and blood pressure usually remain elevated. These symptoms are bad enough, but combine with caffeine, extreme working out, dehydration, and users are at a very high risk of heart attack and stroke from taking this "supplement". Some other less lethal side effects are impotence, depression, and mood swings (due to dopamine shifts in the brain- any time there is a super euphoria, there will be a super low to offset it!)<br />
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Despite that there were only two deaths with soldiers using these products with DMAA, the Army has numerous reports of cases of kidney and liver failure, seizures, rapid heartbeats and arrythmias, and loss of consciousness with various military personnel while using these products. The drug has numerous names is labeled as many different sorts of "extracts" in many different supplements, so I urge everyone to beware when taking supplements, and hopefully this will be regulated by the FDA soon. I know I probably sound like a broken record, to those of you who read my blog all the time, but you need to be really careful with any dietary supplement; they are not regulated at all, and you really don't know the effects of what you are putting in your body. You should talk to your HCP before starting any supplement that isn't prescribed for you, especially if you have any chronic medical issues or take daily medications. You could be trying to get fit, and cause irreparable damage to your body. <br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-6390761052803990062012-02-06T06:35:00.000-08:002012-02-06T06:35:16.588-08:00E-cigarettes: Are they healthy?I appreciate that people understand how horrible smoking is for you, and they are always trying to find new ways to quit. Cold turkey is miserable and many people fail with that technique. Thus, the electronic cigarette was born. I think that a LOT of people are on the same page as I was, I had no idea what they were, why the were created, or what you were actually inhaling/exhaling. After some pretty exhausting research, I got the scoop, and font out if they are actually healthy for you.<br />
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<b><i>What are electronic cigarettes?</i></b><br />
Basically they are electronic versions of cigarettes, in that they are devices that simulate cigarette smoking by creating an inhaled mist that contains the flavor and nicotine of cigarettes without all of the carcinogens or actual smoke. A propylene glycol solution is humidified into a mist for inhalation, giving the sensation of inhaling smoke and also you do exhale vapors that look like smoke. There is a cartridge that you can replace in the inside, that holds the liquid (propylene base along with nicotine and other flavors- like Marlboro, Camel, Vanilla, etc). The base fluids are all FDA approved fillers that pharmaceutical companies use for medications, so they are generally considered safe for ingestion. They are usually battery powered and were created as an alternative to cigarette smoking or as a smoking cessation device.<br />
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<b><i>Why do people use them?</i></b><br />
Most people started using them as a cessation device; to quit smoking. But because they are a rather new product and there are no set governmental laws, so some people find that they are able to smoke electronic cigarettes where they cannot smoke real cigarettes. Some states have started cracking down, and internationally, many places have made them illegal. And, they are WAY cheaper than regular cigarettes. Obviously, I don't smoke and all state taxes are different BUT, most packs of cigarettes cost $8-$12 and a "starter kit" for an e-cigarette is between $50-$150 and each cartridge is about $1.50 and can be used up to the same about of time as 10 burning cigarettes. So, after your start-up fees it is much cheaper, I will give them that! <br />
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<b><i>Are they healthy?</i></b><br />
Bottom line, at this point you all know my feelings, if it isn't a food source, water, or clean air, I won't label it healthy for you BUT I do think it is better than grabbing that pack of Camels. And, this goes without saying, if you are pregnant or have any chronic conditions you shouldn't smoke, even e-cigarettes. Although, there is very conflicting research about how much better they are for you if you use them long term. They clearly have way less carcinogens than cigarettes, they are odorless, and the risk of the tobacco isn't there but you are still inhaling something that is regarded as safe by the FDA in another use, propylene glycol really hasn't been studied for long term use as an inhalant, so we don't know the effects that it may have on your lungs. Honestly, my best guess is that it will still cause lung cancer. You are inhaling something other than air, frequently, that is an irritant to your lungs....what else do we think will happen? It causes continuous injury to your lung tissue. That being said, it hasn't fully been studied for long term effects, but if you are using it as a conduit to quitting smoking, for cessation purposes, I say give it a go! (After talking to your HCP, of course!) Anything is better than being a smoker!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-42079127184659270542012-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:18:10.036-08:00Get paid to work out?There are so many people that post on Facebook or I hear chatting about their exercise and weight loss goals for the new year, which I think is awesome, and I LOVE to hear it! But I know that it can be tough to keep up the daily workouts, especially when you feel like you have hit a rut, the days are long and dark, and you are just exhausted and cold. How do you change that? Hit yourself where it hurts: your wallet! WHAT?!?!?<br />
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<b><i>In a word? GymPact.</i></b><br />
So this is one of the coolest IPhone apps to date (sorry droiders- coming soon but only available for iPhone now)....as far as exercising and keeping motivation up! Gympact is an app created by a couple of recent Harvard grads, and people basically link their Gympact account to a debit card, make a "pact" about how many times they will go to the gym in a week, and you go and "check-in" at your gym (like using Foursquare) and you have to be there for a minimum of 30 minutes. When you set-up your account you assign a dollar amount to your workouts from $5 to 100, and whatever that amount is, it will be charged to your account every time you miss a work out. Yup. You say, you are going to do it, you do it, or you pay for it. Like that? I do! Because, the upside is that if you do workout, and even if you beat your goals, you get cash prizes! So, you actually get paid for working out! Now that is both negative reinforcement for those who are skippers and positive reinforcement for those who are kicking butt and sticking to their goals. How does that work? Each week, GymPact pools the money from the people who didn't meet their goals, and splits it up between the people that did workout and meet their exercise goals, and if you workout more or longer than you made a "pact" for, you get more cash. Plus, you can challenge a group of friends/family/coworkers or just jump on in solo and challenge the average person. Now, you can opt out from any one week, if you are on vacation or know that you have a rough week at work....but it has to be planned, you can't opt out in the middle of the week unless you are injured or ill with a note from a Healthcare Practitioner. On average people have been making $0.50 to $1.00 per workout which equals out to around $100 to $200 extra per year just from working out...as long as you do what you SAID that you were going to do around New Years. Plus, it is international, so ALL of my readers can take the challenge! No excuses!!<br />
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GymPact is asking you to put your money where your mouth is, and I think that is fabulous! If only I worked out in a gym, I would clean up ;) So, iPhone users, do what you said you were going to do....I bet you'll stick to your goals. How much do you want to put on that?<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609395332444639020.post-46657066206793118702012-02-01T06:18:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:18:51.756-08:00Diabetes: long term outcomesI know that I had already broken down the info related to <a href="http://nursebridgid.blogspot.com/2010/11/diabetes-whats-deal-type-1-vs-type-2-my.html" target="_blank">Diabetes Type 1 and 2 </a>and what causes it, but it was brought to my attention lately that a lot of people do not understand the long-term effects of poor blood sugar control. Diabetes can be very serious and cause significant health problems if not controlled well.<br />
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<b><i>What can happen?</i></b><br />
-Elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels lead to cellular dehydration, which over time can cause kidney damage and lead to renal failure. <br />
-High glucose in the blood can cause blood vessel damage: poor wound healing after cuts and scrapes, or after surgery, and it increased your risk of wound infections.<br />
-Along with blood vessel damage, with poor blood flow to areas you can have: retinopathy (damage to the eye from poor blood flow), blindness, peripheral vascular disease, skin ulcerations due to lack of blood flow, tissue ischemia (poor blood flow to tissue), and gangrene (tissue death).<br />
-With poor blood flow, can occur peripheral nerve death (nerves live off of the blood flow from blood vessels near them) which can lead to: heart arrhythmias, poor bladder control, decreased sensations in the hands and legs/feet (can be dangerous with holding hot objects- you can get serious burns and might not feel the damage).<br />
-Secondary health issues: hypertension (high blood pressure due to the renal damage and poor blood flow) and atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries due to a build up of fat and cholesterol from poor renal function).<br />
-Also, having poorly controlled blood glucose levels can decrease your immune system and not only put you at higher risk for infections with cuts and wounds, but also put you at higher risk for the common cold, flu, pneumonia, etc.<br />
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<b><i>What are the treatments?</i></b><br />
-The only "cure" for renal failure: Dialysis (where your blood is filtered by a machine that acts like your kidneys three to four times a week) and/or a kidney transplant.<br />
-With wound infections you can be treated with antibiotics, require surgery to cut out the infected tissues, and have very long healing times that may require hospitalization.<br />
- Poor blood vessel blood flow: retinopathy, blindness, and peripheral vascular disease have no cure. For issues with tissue ischemia, you can have surgery to "bypass graft" (basically re-route your vasculature to allow better blood flow to the area). With gangrene, the only treatment is to amputate (remove) the affected area completely.<br />
-Peripheral nerve death: the arrhythmias, bladder control, and decreased sensations can all be treated with medications to deal with the side effects, they can't always be "cured".<br />
- Secondary heath issues can be treated with medications<br />
-Decreased immunity use needs assist with flu shots, good hygiene, and you need to be careful during high illness times.<br />
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It might seem like a pain to check your blood sugars, treat yourself with insulin, and watch your carbohydrate intake, but doing so can help prevent all of these complications, that won't just happen when you are 70 or 80 years old, we see patients in their 30's with these issues due to poor diabetes management. Take control of your life and your disease, and take a step towards health and wellness!<br />
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Yours in Good Health<br />
BMiss Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11643846328450688088noreply@blogger.com0