Thursday, December 29, 2011

Can You Be Fit and Fat?

YES: In fact, it's a worthy goal.
Steven Blair, PED, professor of exercise science, epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Carolina

It's better than being thin and unfit.
Overweight people who exercise just 150 minutes a week have half the risk of mortality of normal-weight people who don't exercise at all, according to research I conducted. That's not true once you move from overweight (meaning a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 to 29.9) to obese (a BMI of 30 or more). But being fit and a little fat seems to be fine.
Weight alone doesn't raise disease risk-lack of fitness does.
In one study, half of overweight adults and one-third of obese people who were active had normal blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, putting them at normal risk for heart disease and diabetes, which are both supposedly caused by weight.

Getting fit is more realistic than getting slim.
For most people, diets don't work in the long term. We ought to be thinking about different strategies. It's far easier for a fat person to get fit than thin.

You can't be obese and fit.
Unless you're in that tiny fraction of the population-like pro athletes or the very muscular-whose muscle mass explains their high BMI. For most people with a BMI of 30 or more, their fitness is reduced by their weight, and their risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease goes up.

Exercise doesn't erase all the risks of being heavy.
Yes, physical activity is important, but so is watching what you eat. Most studies show that both diet and exercise are important for diabetes prevention, for instance. And a study in the journal Obesity suggests that people with the highest BMIs have unhealthy eating habits.

Playing down the problem of excess weight is dangerous.
If you're heavy, you can cut your mortality risk by eating well and exercising-but research suggests that even active obese people are at 91% greater risk of dying than active people of normal weight.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

High rates of tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B

High rates of tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B are found in migrants coming to live as long-term residents in Britain, according to a report.

Three-quarters of tuberculosis cases reported in Britain last year were born abroad, with many diagnosed two or more years after their arrival.

Almost two-thirds of newly diagnosed cases of HIV and 80 per cent of hepatitis B infected blood donors in 2010 were born abroad.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) report says 12 per cent of people living in Britain in 2010 were born abroad - up from 8 per cent in 2001.

'A small proportion of the non-UK born residents bear the greatest burden of infectious disease reported in the UK,' it says.

The report found that half of migrants with newly diagnosed HIV had probably become infected in Britain.
Migrants going back to visit family and friends are the 'main risk group' for infections such as malaria and enteric fever diagnosed in Britain, it reports.

Almost two-thirds of malaria cases reported here last year and 87 per cent of enteric fever cases were among migrants who travelled abroad to visit friends and relatives, said the agency.

Dr Jane Jones, head of the travel and migrant section at HPA, said: 'The majority of non-UK born residents do not have infectious disease but some are at higher risk than UK-born residents because of their exposures and their life experiences prior to, during and after migration.

'It is important to remember that risk to non-UK born residents does not end on arrival in the UK,' she added.

By JENNY HOPE

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Fitness Inspiration for Cancer Patients

Those who have cancer may feel like the treatments are more draining than the disease itself. These can sap their energy, making them feel weak and tired all of the time. They may even feel nauseous and sick. This is not the way that they want to live, and they will be glad to know that it is not the way that they have to live. Something that many people do not realize is that exercise can really help them to overcome these feelings. It can help them to regain their strength and to feel better.
Increased Strength
First of all, exercise can help them by increasing their muscle mass and making them physically stronger. The body will be weak already, so this strength can help them to feel like they are able to be more active. They will be able to do more things, showing them that their life can still be as fulfilling as they desire.

Better Blood-Flow and a Higher Heart Rate
Any exercise gets the heart working. This helps to prevent blood clots and other such problems. The rising heart rate can also make them feel less lethargic. This is one of the reasons that cancer patients have been shown to have a lower risk of a reoccurrence of cancer if they are exercising frequently.

An Improved Outlook
Exercise can just help people to feel better in an emotional sense. They will be more awake and alert. This will improve their mood. It can also help them to connect with those around them.

The Best Exercises
Some exercises are ideal for cancer survivors. One such exercise is simply stretching. Increased flexibility helps with blood flow and allows more exercises to be possible. Resistance training with weights or machines is also a good idea since patients will have often lose muscle mass during their treatment. They could also have gained fat, and having larger muscles will help them to burn it off. As they start to feel better, aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming are encouraged. These can also help to reduce fat.

How To Stay Motivated
When someone is not feeling well, it can be hard for them to want to do anything, let alone work out. They need to keep the positives in mind so that they can be encouraged to continue working out. They need to set goals for themselves. Even small goals, such as walking for a mile, can be helpful. Furthermore, they could reward themselves when they accomplish certain things. They should also think of exercise as a way of showing cancer that it cannot rule their life.

Many doctors and patients have noticed the benefits of exercise and healthy living throughout cancer treatment. Many hospitals have open fitness classes, and some gyms offer course designed for cancer patients or survivors. No matter what, patients with an unfavorable cancer prognosis, lean towards some sort of exercise routine. They are fun, social, and exciting ways to learn how to challenge the body.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Use Daily Deals for the perfect night's sleep

There is nothing that quite beats a good night's sleep. Waking up feeling fully rested especially when the hot weather hits is a luxury. At Christmas time it's not just the anticipation of all the gifts under the tree that can cause sleepless nights the hot temperatures can cause the bedroom to become a sweat pit but by searching online for 'daily deals Sydney' you can find some cheap products that can provide the cooling affect you need.
After hitting that search button there was a great daily deal offer with a solution to this problem- a duvet that allows you to stay cool! Heaven! The duvet is made of 'cool wool' a mixture of cotton and wool so it will provide a warm comfort without leaving you with those ominous wet pools on your pyjamas. No night's sleep is ever as satisfying without some sort of cover but when the heat is at its maximum getting rid of your duvet or sheet is the first thing to happen and with all the mozzies around you are also risking your skin becoming a nice feast!

This duvet is not only great for summer but can even be used for spring and autumn too so you don't have to pack it away for a few months. The best thing about using daily deals sites is this premium products can be found at a knocked down price, this Australian quilt can be bought for just $99 when its normally $259 - a huge saving!

There is a whole selection of products which is updated daily on these daily deals Sydney area sites so you can find not just a new duvet but lots of other home comforts to make your summer season a relaxed one.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

What To Do About Your Wrinkles

Actress Kristen Johnston says wrinkles are hot. Kristin Davis says smile lines are beautiful. For men, maybe, but for us ladies, definitely not!

Wrinkles are what many women struggle against daily. Makeup can cover lines and creases to a certain extent, but it's just not that effective unless it's been expertly applied and is long lasting. There are more effective solutions, brought to you by the cosmetic medical industry, but may sound a little odd to you. How about one of these?

Keep Your Skin Smooth With These Wrinkle Treatments:
1. A poison: When you get right down to it, BOTOX is a poison, but that's why it's so effective at treating wrinkles. Featuring botulinum toxin, it is injected into the muscle that is primarily responsible for making the wrinkle or crease in the overlying skin, relaxing it so that it doesn't contract as much. BOTOX is FDA approved as a wrinkle treatment for frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines. BOTOX (as well as other products featuring botulinum toxin, like Dysport) is considered the top cosmetic medical treatment in North America according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There were over 5.3 million procedures
performed in 2010. Looks like this poison's popular!

2. Snake or bee venom: With the popularity of BOTOX, cosmetic manufacturers are scrambling to find alternatives that work in the same way - which is how snake or and bee venom have become the products of choice for many celebs, including Victoria Beckham, Kate Middleton and Naomi Campbell. Call it a topical version of BOTOX, since they all come in cream/serum form.

3. Hyaluronic acid: Add a little more hyaluronic acid in your skin through an injectable filler, and you'll find your wrinkles smooth away. Hyaluronic acid binds to water, and more water in your skin means more suppleness and volume - which is how the wrinkles are smoothed out. You can even enhance your facial contours, making them more prominent.

Stacie Morris is a writer for Botox Ottawa. Stacie's primary concern? Wrinkles, of course! Her favourite treatment is a customized skincare regimen at home (which includes peptide-rich products) and Botox.

References: ASPS 2010 Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Statistics Visit Here

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Mesothelioma - Some Risk Factors

Mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer that is most frequently caused by asbestos exposure. It can manifest in the lungs, the lining of the abdomen and the pericardium. It is estimated that almost 80% of all diagnoses are made because of exposure to asbestos. Although mesothelioma is directly linked to asbestos exposure but there are some other risk factors that can be a cause of mesothelioma.
Workplace Exposure
One of the major risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure at work. Occupations such as mining, insulation manufacturers, shipbuilding, pipefitters, railroad workers and those who are in construction are at high risk. Because of its insulating and heat-resistant nature, asbestos was once commonly used in insulation, flooring, cement and many other common products. Individuals who had prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers are at a greater risk.

Non-Occupational Risks
Families of those who are exposed to airborne asbestos particles as well as those who live near industrial plants or mines are at an increased risk.

Zeolites
Zeolites are microporous crystalline solids which are chemical similar to asbestos. Zeolites are widely used for the preparation of advanced materials and in nuclear reprocessing. Accoridng to clinical studies, it has proved that long term persistence of Zeolites (fibrous erionite) can lead to malignant mesothelioma. This will make zeolites a solid suspect in the formation of mesothelioma.

SV40
SV40 is a polyomavirus that is found in both monkeys and human, is also another risk factor of this fatal disease. Clinical findings suggest that experimental animals were developed mesothelioma when injected with SV40. Researches also showed that traces of SV40 have also found in the biopsy samples of mesothelioma patients.

Radiation
According to some recent clinical research it has been discovered that ionizing radiation is another risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Radiation exposed individuals such as patients exposed to the diagnostic X-ray contrast medium "Thorotrast," or atomic energy workers chronically exposed to lower levels of radiation are at also at risk of developing this disease.

Smoking
Although smoking is not the direct cause of mesothelioma development, but studies show that smokers exposed to asbestos are much likely to develop the cancer than non smokers with the same exposure. It is probably due to those cigarettes that were sold earlier by P. Lorillard Tobacco Company, which contained asbestos in the filters. Each cigarette contained approximately 10mg of asbestos material, putting these smokers at high risk for developing life threatening disease.

Since mesothelioma is incurable, but taking some precautionary steps will reduce your risk of exposure to asbestos, thereby decreasing your risk for developing mesothelioma.

Author Bio:
Rachel Smith is a web enthusiast and professional webmaster of MesotheliomaResourceOnline. She loves to write about mesothelioma research findings that help people and their loved ones suffering from mesothelioma.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

End of tenancy cleaning and its importance

Hiring an end of lease company for a rented property is not only beneficial to the owner but also gives a mental satisfaction to the tenants, when they leave behind a well-cleaned property. It does not matter how well and organized you lived in that home; all that matters is how you leave a property.
Suppose, you are the proud owner of a property and your tenants are about to leave your home to move somewhere else. You will make sure that they leave the property in a good condition, as you will be soon showing the vacant premises to the prospective tenant. Tenants or buyers always look for clean properties., which smell and sound good. A sort-of-clean premises will not give you the desired results.

End of tenancy cleaning is not like routine cleaning jobs just ask end of tenancy cleaning London professionals. It means deep cleaning your home and everything containing it. Vacuuming hard to reach places and giving heed to small details are just two of the many things that must be practiced while conducting an end of tenancy cleaning. You must possess the equipment to undertake a cleaning job.

Importance of hiring an end of lease company

An end of tenancy cleaning is a thorough, deep clean service carried out by professional employees of a cleaning company. These skilled guys will do everything related to making a home spic and span, like cleaning external windows, driveway cleaning, cleaning the chimney and mowing the lawn, trimming the garden hedges and the list is endless. They will clean all parts of your rented property. The most important benefit of hiring professionals to clean is that they will clean the smallest things that you can never think about, light switches, plugs sockets, light fittings, bulbs etc. They carry their own products and equipment and use steam cleaning machines on bathrooms and kitchens. They also perform grout cleaning, making the property spotless.

Generally when people sign a lease with a property owner, they are bound to get the property cleaned as and when they leave it. But even if it is not written into the original contract, to leave a property in a good health is always a good idea. On top of all, by performing end of tenancy cleaning you ensure that you will receive your deposit back without trouble. And your landlord will do it out of pleasure and not with a frowned forehead.

Suppose, you lent a car to an old friend of yours for a day or two. The least you can expect from him is to return it back in the same condition it was taken from you. The same is the case with a rented property. As a tenant, you can not just avoid it, on the pretext of being busy with packing and finding a new home. You can always hire professionals for the same. Browse through the internet, ask your friends for references and you will get the right deal.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tai chi classes make exercise accessible to people of all fitness levels

Few things are as important to maintaining overall health as getting regular exercise. Physical activity helps a person keep unwanted pounds away and it works out the cardiovascular system, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

Still, many people find it difficult to find activities that suit their interests or ability levels. For these individuals, tai chi exercises may be just the thing they need to maintain their health without forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

Tai chi exercises involve slow, calculated movements that are done while trying to achieve a calm state of mind. Because the workout is so low-impact, just about anyone can participate, including seniors and individuals who have not exercised for many years.
Just because the workout regimen is low-impact does not mean that is has little effect on a person's health. In fact, it is just the opposite. Participating in tai chi classes often leads to major cardiovascular and respiratory benefits. Furthermore, individuals are less likely to experience mental disorders like depression. Practitioners say the workout has a profound effect.

"It keeps you fit. I think it creates a lot more energy for me," Terry Lorenz, who recently started a tai chi club in Georgia, told the Savannah Morning News. "I was never a runner or lifted weights. I played baseball all my life and I was looking for something to replace that. It's worked well."

He added that most workout regimens focus on building specific muscles. Individuals will lift weights or do other thing to target each muscle of the body separately. However, tai chi is different in that it seeks to improve the fitness of the body as a whole. For this reason, exercises involve the entire body.

These types of benefits may be particularly important for seniors, who often have difficultly participating in vigorous physical activities. Tai chi can provide them with another option that is just as effective a workout but is less strenuous physically.

While most people think that they need to work themselves hard in order to gain any benefit from exercising, this is simply not the case. Low-impact workouts like tai chi exercises can enable individuals to gain the same physical health benefits of more intensive workouts like running or biking without the heavy demands on the body.

In this way, even individuals who previously thought they were not fit enough for exercise can gain the important health benefits of physical activity.

Dahn Yoga is one of the largest yoga and tai chi companies in the world with its own unique style and brand of yoga. Dahn Yoga is rooted in the rich history of an ancient Asian mind-body practice, Sun Do, and in the wisdom of the Chun Bu Kyung.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Battling the bulging belly? Learn about stomach muscles here

What can be more pleasing about your body than a flat toned tummy? Most people trying to lose weight are actually trying only to get rid of a bulging belly.

The stomach muscle, human body's major muscle group, unfortunately, is also the first place where we tend to gather all the fat. Hence, for obvious reasons the stomach fat is also a major motivator to hit the gym and eat healthy. However, before you dive in to get the tummy tucked in, it is crucial that you understand the core of your abdominal muscles.

Here are few things to know before you get working on your stomach muscles:
  1. Your abdominal muscles won't be even close to being like that of anyone else's. So, avoid expecting to see similar changes in the same time period.
  2. The best forms of exercises that help in toning the stomach muscles are - stretching and rigourous, regular exercising.
  3. The only one form of exercise that helps you get your tummy in shape is swimming. It is proven to be the best exercise to tone your stomach muscles. Not only does it have cardiovascular benefits, it also works on the stomach muscles in a way that's said to be more useful than most stationary exercises.
  4. It is extremely crucial to take utmost care before you hit the gym for abdominal exercises. Straining ones back is the biggest and most commin risk when it comes to exercises for stomach tightening. If you've a back problem you can also try using flex belt or trx training to lose belly fat.
  5. There's an exception always. Few of us don't have what is called the pyramidalis muscle, and hence, in simple words would never have that perfect washboard abs. Rigorous workout may take it to six packs but not eight.
  6. Remember there is a difference between building exercises and toning workouts. You can't get into toning your stomach without a workout that concentrates on the abdominal muscles alone. So, while the whole body has to work in tangent, the belly needs specialized attention.
  7. Often ignored but the simplest and highly rewarding exercises are the warm ups, mostly streaching. Bending and twisting are all touted as the best ways to start what can then be a fruitful workout session.
  8. A little Yoga can bring the much needed comfort to your regime. With all the wear and tear, yoga will calm your strained muscles while pumping more energy to achieve the flat stomach you have set out to get.
The key is to remember that any successful exercise routine needs to concentrate on both strengthening and stretching the stomach muscles but more importantly the battle is half won if you find an exercise routine which you thoroughly enjoy. Any activity which boosts your posture and abdominal strength, without stressing the back muscles is bound to get you toned.

Nothing beats sincere efforts and smart healthy choices from getting the long dreamt toned muscles; so all you need to do is pick up the chart and draw a schedule to watch the belly woes fade out of your life!

Latasri is a fitness freak who likes to look for coupons and discounts for fitness equipment online. She also likes to share her experiences with fellow bloggers about flex belts and trx training programs. In her website she makes available trx discount for 2011 and flex belt discount that helps in weight loss.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes extreme sweating, which can be recurring or even non-stop. Areas commonly affected by this condition are the underarms, palms of hands, and soles of feet. Hyperhidrosis can cause those afflicted to be embarassed or uneasy in public, and can interrupt normal daily activities. Sometimes the condition can get aggravated, making for worse conditions than just the usual sweating. There are two types of Hyperhidrosis, Focal Hyperhidrosis and Generalized Hyperhidrosis, the cause having to do with the bodys sweat glands. There are various ways to treat Hyperhidrosis.

People normally sweat when they are in hot conditions, nervous or stressed. However, those suffering from Hyperhidrosis sweat an abnormally large amount, often to the point of soaking through clothing. Also, the palms of their hands and soles of their feet are often very clammy or literally dripping wet with sweat. These over-sweaty episodes normally happen at least once at week, and are unprovoked. It is hard to lead a normal life with this condition, as having wet hands or wearing a shirt with drenched armpits makes it hard to work and/or have a social life. Also, suffering from this condition always carries the threat of body odor, which makes it even harder to relax around others.

Focal Hyperhidrosis affects the underarms, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, normally while awake. This type of Hyperhidrosis can occur for the first time before the age of twenty, and is not usually related to another condition. Generalized Hyperhidrosis affects much larger areas of the body and very well may be related to another condition, including, but not limited to: low blood sugar, leukemia, heart attack, infections disease, and lymphoma.

When Hyperhidrosis gets out of hand, complications can arise, such as warts, fungal infections in fingernails and toenails, bacterial infections, and other skin conditions. Eczema and other skin rashes tend to be more likely to be found on people with Hyperhidrosis. Also, those who suffer from Hyperhidrosis sometimes suffer severe psychologically and socially.

Hyperhidrosis can be treated several different ways. If your condition is light to moderate, your doctor may have you try aluminum chloride, which is a prescription antiperspirant. For more generalized sweating, anticholinergic drugs may need to be used. Iontophoresis is another treatment, in which a dermatologist gives a weak electric shock to the affected areas, while the patient is in water. Botox injections can be used to treat Hyperhidrosis, however, the results are temporary, only lasting a few months. If none of these treatments help, surgery to remove the sweat glands is an option.

Monday, December 5, 2011

What You Need to Know About Mesothelioma in Children

Mesothelioma is deadly type of cancer that is most frequently caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is mostly found in older people but children can also suffer from this disease. Mesothelioma in children is extremely difficult to diagnose because it is rarely found in kids. In addition, in adults development of mesothelioma takes years after the exposure to asbestos, but with children, it is still not known.

What Causes Mesothelioma in Children?
Mesothelioma in adults is caused by asbestos exposure and takes decades before the cancer is diagnosed. It is because asbestos fibers that enter the body remain embedded in the body for decades before being diagnosed. On the other hand, when it is diagnosed in children, they generally do not live long enough. Mesothelioma in children can be linked to asbestos but it can be occur without asbestos exposure. Researchers are looking for hereditary links and other possible causes.

Types of Mesothelioma in Children
Since pleural mesothelioma is most commonly found in adults, while in children most cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. The latency period before mesothelioma symptoms start to manifest can take decades. While with kids diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, it is not the case.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Children
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common type found in children. Mesothelioma symptoms are closely associated with other common viral illnesses, therefore it is extremely difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. Studies have shown that children that are diagnosed with mesothelioma manifested similar symptoms to that of adults. Some common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal distention
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal mass
  • Abdomen pain caused by excessive fluid
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Chest pain
  • Weight loss
  • Husky voice
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Fever
  • Anemia
  • Inability to sleep
  • Loss of appetite

Mesothelioma in children is rare and difficult to diagnose. Therefore, it is advised to discuss mesothelioma with your doctor for early diagnosis of the disease because early detection can increase the chances of cure.

Mesothelioma Treatment
Although there is no effective treatment discovered to treat and diagnose this fatal type of cancer. But oncologists and researchers are searching for mesothelioma treatment options to specifically treat children that are suffering from mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma is a rare disease in children, therefore treating mesothelioma in children is a challenge for doctors. Malignant mesothelioma is usually fatal and once the symptoms manifest; death occurs within 18 months.

Researchers and oncologists are still hoping that they will discover effective ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma in children that can extend the life expectancy of children with mesothelioma.

Author Bio: Rachel Smith is a web enthusiast and professional webmaster of MesotheliomaResourceOnline.com. She loves to write about mesothelioma research findings that help people and their loved ones suffering from mesothelioma.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

How to treat low female libido?

With their sex life going down the drain, millions of women all over the world suffer from low or no libido problems. For starters, they don't want to have sex, and even if they try they never reach the desired heights and conclude its better not to make out at all. It is difficult to share an intimate relation with your partner if you do not feel the desire to have sex with him. After all, sex plays an important part in any relationship. Not only limited to show your partner how much you love them, it is the most natural desire anyone can ever feel once turned on.

It is not only a man who craves for sex; women equally wish to share the pleasure and contentment of having a healthy sexual life. A long romantic night full of pleasurable orgasms is nothing more a woman desires. Creating a balance between work, family, kids and husband, it at times becomes impossible for women to think for their own well being and sexual desires. The pressure by partners to have quick sex, too much disturbance in the surroundings, pre occupied minds are all factors leading to malfunctioning of libido.

For over centuries this problem has been cured by natural herbs and libido diet foods have been planned specifically for people who want to regain their libido power naturally. Once used in formulation, these natural remedies turn out to be very successful.

You are not the only one suffering from libido problems. To brush away your anxiety, female libido enhancer Hersolution offers the most natural herbal supplement to increase your libido in the most natural way. With no delusional promises, Hersolution offers minimum side effects with maximum benefits to bring back your currently dying libido without further worries. Prepared purely from herbs, the treatment does not contain any harmful chemicals which would impact other parts of a woman's body.

The pill is designed to not only have sex but to enjoy it fully. Reviews and research confirm that women get so turned on by just consuming one tablet that they desire to have sex immediately. Formulated with utmost care, Hersolution contains herbals, nutrients, and aphrodisiacs which naturally stimulates women organs, making them sensitive to pleasure resulting in more frequent and remarkably intense orgasms. The females desire to be in bed for a longer period and are fully able to share the art of love making with their partners.

More confident as ever, females using Hersolution feel more empowered with the remote of their sexual life in their hands. Too good to be true, Hersolution is the only product with a 100% money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied with the sexual desire you intend to achieve. Various products are available at the shelves as well as online promising to work wonders when it comes to female libido enhancers. Do not get trapped in false promises and fictitious reviews. Buy what is best for yourself, and always remember to consult a physician before using any medication.

Friday, December 2, 2011

How to Stay Flu-Free for the Holidays

The overlap of the cold and flu season with the holiday season can make it a challenge to stay healthy as you go to parties and get together with family and friends.

Getting a flu shot is important, but other precautions can also reduce your risk of getting sick or of spreading illness to others, according to a Ryerson University news release.

Here are some tips for a healthy holiday:

  • When you have to cough or sneeze, do it in your sleeve or the inside of your sweater or jacket. That will prevent the spread of viruses to those nearby.
  • Wash your hands regularly and always after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose.
  • Use the air kiss or fake peck on the cheek instead of a kiss on the lips when greeting family and friends.
  • Always use serving spoons or forks never your fingers to put food on your plate. If you're hosting a party, be sure to supply plenty of serving utensils and provide people with alternatives to reaching into bowls, such as making individual servings.
  • Find creative ways to personalize cups so that people don't accidentally mix them up. Don't serve beverages in their original containers because people might get confused about which bottle or can belongs to them.
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it before you eat any food or touch your face, particularly your nose and mouth. This will help protect you against viruses you may have picked up from doorknobs, shopping cart handles, handrails and faucets.
  • When you attend religious services, try to stay three to six feet away from others and don't share the communion wine goblet. Instead of shaking hands and hugging, use a friendly wave or elbow tap to greet others.
  • Make sure you get adequate sleep, which is important for keeping your immune system strong.
  • If you develop a cold or flu, stay at home until you feel better.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about preventing the flu.

 
Design by Free Wordpress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Templates