Strong Allergy Season Coming up

Allergy season is almost upon us. Unfortunately, it looks like it might be a difficult one thanks to all of the frigid temperatures and snow that we endured throughout the winter. This winter's brutal weather means that the pollen count is most likely going to be very high. Forecasters also believe that the mold spores will also have an effect on those who are sensitive to that particular culprit. Again, this is due to the high levels of moisture from record snowfalls throughout the United States.

Doctors believe the best time to treat the impending symptoms is now - before the change of the season is upon us. People who suffer from the pain of headaches, congestion, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes will probably help themselves by taking medications to treat the symptoms before they get a chance to start. Treating them now, rather than waiting until later in the spring, might help decrease the suffering and increase your ability to control the annoying signs of pollen sensitivity. Now is also the time to learn how to manage the symptoms and find out what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Some people can get by on over the counter medications, others need something stronger, such as prescription strength medicines or regular visits to the doctor to get shots. Keep in mind that what worked for you in previous years might not work this year, so stay ahead of the game as much as you can. Know what you are allergic to - and look into getting tested so that you can treat accordingly. Also keep in mind that the warmer weather (and therefore the pollen increase) may seem to start almost overnight - much like the cold weather did.

Staying comfortable during the upcoming season might prove to be a difficult task for some of us. If it gets too bad, your best option might be to stay indoors, especially during the morning and evening hours. Interestingly enough, doctors say the best time to be outside is mid-day - avoid being out while the sun is coming up or as it is setting. Another tip to keep allergens from getting in your home is to take off your shoes and jackets before coming in - store them outside your living area, perhaps in the garage or a mudroom.

Pertussis

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory tract infection. It is caused by a bacteria knowns as bordetella pertussis. Symptoms start out similar to the common cold - nasal congestion, fever, watery eyes, and a cough. After a week or so symptoms get progressively worse. The hacking cough is often followed by a small sound that resembles a "whoop" as people try to breathe air into their lungs. It is considered to be a serious medical condition, and can be fatal for those who have a compromised (or not fully formed) immune system. Infants and children are usually the most affected by it.

Before the invention and widespread use of vaccines, this condition was blamed for many deaths. However, as medical science as evolved, the amount of fatalities has lowered considerably. Unfortunately, there are still some segments of the population who don't believe in vaccines, and that means a higher risk of this highly contagious disease is a very real possibility. Because the illness is caused by a bacteria (as opposed to a virus), it can be treated with antibiotics. The earlier treatment starts, the better it works. Unfortunately, the cough can stick around up to a month and a half.

Testing for this condition might include a mouth swab, chest x-rays, and a blood test. This may help the doctor to narrow down the possibilities. Unfortunately, there are other diseases that can mimic the signs of pertussis, so ruling those out quickly is a very real hurdle that doctors face. The bacteria will only respond to certain medicines, so getting the correct diagnosis as soon as possible will help get people on the road to recovery. In some cases, a person may need to be hospitalized and kept under isolation. This is especially true if they can't breathe properly and are unable to eat or drink.

As symptoms progressively get worse they often include vomiting, fainting, hemorrhages, and painful breathing due to fractured ribs. The ribs can actually crack from the force of the coughing fits.

Keep in mind the importance of getting vaccinated, as this is (and other diseases) are often preventable. Doing so can help keep you and your loved ones healthier and prevent you from developing any number of serious medical conditions.

Skin Health

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects your internal organs, helps your body maintain its temperature and allows you to experience a variety of sensations. Keeping it healthy plays an important role in keeping your whole body healthier.

One of the best ways to protect this extensive organ is by protecting it from the sun. The sun gives off harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are linked with premature aging while UVB rays can cause the skin to burn. A broad spectrum sunblock that protects against these rays should be used whenever you spend time outside and reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a broad-brimmed hat or using a cover up at the beach can further reduce your exposure.

Apply coconut oil directly to your body to soothe dryness, irritation and rough patches. You can even apply this natural moisturizer to your face to combat wrinkles and smooth your complexion. A pea-sized dab is enough to soften your face. Concentrate your application on any fine lines around your eyes, and massage the oil into dry areas using gentle, circular strokes. Scoop out a tablespoon-sized amount to soften arms and elbows or to smooth legs and ankles.

What you put into your body will eventually show on the outside. A diet high in salt will lead to puffiness and swelling while nutrient-poor convenience or fast foods can leave you looking pale, ashy and drawn. Avoid processed foods and sugar. Try to enjoy a few servings of fruits and vegetables at each meal. Add in some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, walnuts and salmon, to improve suppleness, and drink plenty of fresh water to hydrate from the inside out.

Finally, keep an eye on its health. Perform a self-exam every month. Examine your body from head to toe, and note any areas of concerns. Use a mirror to see hard-to-reach places, or ask a close friend, family member or your partner for help. Changing moles, abnormal lesions, spots or sores that do not heal should be evaluated by your doctor.

Exercise for Mobility

We are all well aware of the fact that aging changes our bodies. But it doesn't mean we have to live sedentary lifestyles and turn our backs on being active. In fact, getting older doesn't mean we can't try new things to get back into (or stay in) shape. And there are a few different activities that will directly contribute to your physical well-being - such as yoga, tai-chi, or going for a simple stroll around the neighborhood. Both yoga and tai chi will help you stay flexible as well as help your balance. They both incorporate healthy stretches that will help to invigorate you at the beginning of the day and help to relax you at the end of the day.

Some people find that mobility becomes an issue as they get older. But there are definitely ways to keep yourself up and moving. Sports such as swimming or water aerobics are two great choices for cardiovascular activities. Join a class to stay consistent or trying exercising with a buddy on a regular basis. And be sure to keep the mind engages. Getting older doesn't mean giving up hobbies. In fact, now is the perfect time to start a new one.

If you are starting a completely new exercise venture that you haven't tried before, it may be a good idea to get some guidance. This may mean signing up for a wellness coach, someone who is knowledgeable about helping others reach their full potential and not get hurt during the process. Getting back into physical activity after an injury or illness might seem difficult. But it can be done, especially with the help of physical therapy. A physical therapist will guide you toward utilizing the correct strength exercises and balance improvement activities, while giving you the support you need as you work through the recovery process. The important thing is to take it slow and steady.

Aging doesn't mean living a sedentary lifestyle. There are still plenty of activities to participate in. Now is the perfect time to take action and go do things you enjoy. See if you can get friends and family to join you. This will help make all of you accountable and stay on track. And who doesn't need help like that once in a while? It may even be fun to start a little competition - that will make your exercise routine even more interesting!

Burns

Burns are labeled in three major classifications, such as first degree, second degree and third degree. Examples of a first degree burn is what people may get after spending time in the sun, especially without wearing sunscreen. The skin is usually red and it also may be painful or sensitive to the touch. The sun's rays are very strong and a sunburn can happen in a very short time or even on cloudy days. That's why wearing sunscreen is always a good idea - especially for babies and children so that permanent damage doesn't occur. Treatment for this level includes aloe and a cool water compress.

A second degree burn affects the top layer as well as the second layer of the skin. These are often painful and red. They will often lead to blistering. Unfortunately, the incidence for infection is higher. There is usually significant pain and swelling to the affected area. It is often a good idea to get to the doctors office or the hospital for these types of cases to make sure the damage hasn't penetrated to the lower levels and to ensure proper treatment. This is particularly true if the groin, face, hands, or feet are affected. These areas may have a longer healing time.

The most serious level is a third degree burn. These are extremely severe and are usually the result of fire. These affect all the dermal layers and often affect the sensory and nervous system. The affected areas are usually never the same due to scar tissue forming. They generally require extensive treatment in the hospital, especially to keep infection from occurring.

One of the most common rooms in the house where burns occur is the kitchen. There are always safety and prevention measures that should be exercised, especially while cooking and while there are children around. Never leave pots and pans unattended, always use care when handling hot dishes, and always pay attention to children. Another good idea for every family is to practice fire drills and what to do in the event of an emergency. Doing so can help save a life as well as minimize the risk of many other injuries, including burns.

Early Childhood Obesity

Early childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It can lead to a number of illnesses and health complications including high blood pressure, joint problems, breathing issues and diabetes. The results of a recent study have found that children who are overweight in kindergarten are more likely to become obese in the 8th grade. The findings also emphasize that building good eating and exercise habits should start as early as possible. After all, there's no going back. And learning good habits to begin with is easier than breaking bad ones, especially regarding food and exercise.

Researchers have found that a child who is overweight and has established early tendencies toward weight gain often stayed overweight through elementary school and junior high. They looked at a number of different factors during the study, including socio-economic backgrounds, sex, and birth weight. What they found is that people in lower income brackets often had a higher incidence of unhealthy habits - and weighed more than people in higher income (and educational brackets).

There are ways to fight off the unhealthy epidemic and turn things around. One of them is for parents to become more informed about nutrition. As role models, parents often set examples for their children. Kids mimic what they see. If parents eat junk food, the children are more likely to do so as well. It stands to reason that if they see healthy choices being made, they will also make those same choices. For that reason, try to stock the refrigerator and pantry with fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods high in fat and try to stay away from items with a lot of preservatives. Read labels - if you can't pronounce what's in them, do you really want to eat that?

It is up to the older generation to teach the younger generation about diet and physical activity. We need to lead by example. This means getting up off the couch and doing some form of physical activity on a regular basis. Go for walks with your children. Take them to the park, go for bike rides. Encourage them to play sports - and think about what you can do to get into better shape. It can be an extremely rewarding experience and will help both you and your child to decrease the chances of becoming obese.

Bubonic Plague

When most people hear the words "bubonic plague" they think about the pandemic that occurred in Europe centuries ago that killed approximately 1/2 of the world's population. It is an illness caused by bacteria, specifically Y pestis. It is spread through rodents and to the human population by fleas. Rats are often blamed for the outbreak that spread through Europe, but it can be spread by any type of wild rodents. One of the reasons it was so prevalent and deadly in earlier centuries was due to the lack of medical care and knowledge that we possess today. But that doesn't mean it still can't be deadly in modern times.

Recently scientists have used DNA taken from victims who succumbed to the pandemic centuries ago. They warned that what happened in earlier times could easily happen again. This may occur due to mutations in the strains that have the capacity to become resistant to anti-biotic treatment. Right now, those strains don't exist and the illness can be treated with antibiotics. But if the mutations do occur, death can occur very quickly and the disease can be spread with alarming intensity and speed, particularly in highly populated areas.

Although a possible outbreak is unlikely, scientists say that paying attention to the rodent population is one way to predict and possibly prevent a possible occurrence. For example, if rodents in a particular part of the world start to die off very quickly, scientists will need to monitor the situation. Researchers warn that although we live in an age of great medical technology, we are still at risk of catching numerous diseases from animals.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms appear seven to ten days following infection. The most telling sign is the swelling of a lymph node, particularly near the site of a flea bite. These swellings are called bubos. They are very painful to the touch. Unfortunately, if the bacteria makes its way into the lungs it leads to another serious disease called pneumonic plague. This is also very easily transmitted through humans, usually from the saliva and droplets released by the infected person as they cough. This strain is very difficult to treat, many don't survive the illness unless they are treated very early - and even then there's no guarantee.

Inner Conflict

As human beings we are often faced with different types of situations that cause us stress. One of the reasons we may feel that way is due to inner conflict. This can be when your heart (and feelings) tell you one thing, but your head (logic) tells you another thing. Or it can happen when you are faced with a dilemma that involves some serious decision making about any number of situations, including a job, family, or a relationship. The point is, everyone has experienced some sort of struggle within themselves during life. After all, it is part of being human and having feelings.

Doubt and fear are two of the biggest challenges we face. For example, let's say you were offered a huge promotion. The job would be lucrative but very involved and time consuming. As a result, you would have to sacrifice time with family and friends. You also may lack the education that is associated with the position but your life experience makes up for that. Your inner self may tell you that you can't handle such a job, creating a little seed of doubt that you aren't right for the position.

Or maybe you're in a relationship that isn't going anywhere but you're afraid to admit it even if you aren't truly happy. Either way, life is too short to waste. It shouldn't be spent awash in feelings of self-doubt or asking yourself "what if?"

Part of the decision making process regarding different dilemmas that crop up into everyone's life may mean taking some alone time. Maybe now is a good time to meditate. Meditation is a superb way to calm your nerves and get a clearer understanding of how to decrease conflict. Try to balance out that internal negativity with some positive thinking. Another method of addressing an issue is to talk about it. An open discussion with family and friends can be valuable. Another great resource is a trusted mentor who can offer an objective point of view.

Sometimes it might be difficult to make a decision because you're afraid that you won't have the resolve or the tenacity to carry through with it. You may be comfortable at your current job (but bored). You may know your current relationship isn't truly satisfying. However, the longer you wrestle with something, the more of a toll it will take on you. Weigh the pros and cons - think with both your heart and your head. And be confident in your abilities to do the right thing for you.

A Clean Physical Appearance

Whether you like it or not, people are often judged based on appearances. And there's overwhelming evidence that supports the theory that a clean physical appearance is more attractive to most people (including potential dates as well as potential employers) than an unkempt, messy appearance. This certainly doesn't mean you have to be a supermodel or have incredibly chiseled abs to get ahead in this world. However, a certain amount of attention to how you look will most likely garner you the positive attention that you look for both professionally and personally.

But what exactly is a "professional look?" For both men and women, it simply means a neat appearance. Men should have shaved faces, or very neatly trimmed facial hair. If you have a beard or a mustache it should be groomed as neatly as possible. And fellows, although shopping may not be your favorite activity, sometimes it is a necessary evil. A few nice pairs of dress pants, wrinkle free shirts, and a polished pair of shoes just might be the ticket to the high paying job you've been aiming for. And if you're going for that interview, by all means take a shower beforehand. Who wants to work with the stinky guy?

Women are well aware of how much a nice appearance matters. They will spend money on a good hair cut as well as products that smell good. And even women who operate on limited budgets know the importance of decent clothes. Again, this isn't about being a supermodel. But the fact of the matter is that people who have a well-groomed appearance will most likely get the job, the promotion, or the date rather than the person who doesn't look as tidy and is going for the same goal.

Although we don't like to admit it, many of us judge others based on appearances. Again, this doesn't mean going on a crazy shopping spree and trying to make yourself into something you're not. All it means is that you should take pride in how you appear in the mirror, because others see that as your way of portraying confidence. And being confident in all types of situations, whether they are professional or social, is never a bad trait to have.

Air Pollution Issues

We live in a high tech world filled with modern conveniences. We have mass transportation, including busses, cars, and airplanes that take us wherever we want to go. However, all of this technology and convenience comes with a price - air pollution. The fumes and the chemicals they often emit can do some serious damage to our lungs and our bodies. It is more important than ever to decrease our risk of illnesses related to pollution.

Many people have made it a mission to reduce their carbon footprint on the world. Some people invest in electric cars as a way to reduce their impact on the environment. Others decide to forgo owning an automobile at all. They may rely on their bikes or their own two feet to get around town and to and from work. Many cities in the United States have decided to become more bike friendly by putting bike lanes in on roads and encouraging residents to tool around town on two wheels. These might seem like small advances, but the more people that join the movement the better it is for our environment.

Countries that are primarily industrial are the ones who are responsible for much of the damage to the air and water supplies. This is because of the byproducts that are produced from making any number of products - including paints, machinery, and yes, even technology such as computers and smart phones. One of the most notoriously polluted places in the world is China - the smog there is toxic and can make it difficult for people to catch their breath.

People who have certain medical conditions are affected even more strongly. Conditions such as asthma or other breathing related health issues can make it almost impossible for adequate oxygen intake. Add in smog and particulates from engine exhaust and you have a recipe for disaster.

As more and more people are starting to become personally affected by the toxins circulating in our environment, green technology is becoming more available. Scientists and engineers from around the world are leading the way to find more sustainable energy sources that won't damage the air we breathe. There are new technologies being developed right now that can help decrease the negative effects of pollution so that we can breathe more comfortably - and help to decrease our carbon footprint on the Earth.