Our Best Effort to Stay Healthy When We Travel

Traveling around the country (and beyond) is one of life's great pleasures. The chance to get out into the world and experience different things is a desire many of us hold near and dear to our hearts. However, becoming ill during our travels is a distinct possibility. There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of that happening to help safeguard your health - whether you are simply a few hours from home or halfway around the world. It might not be fun to plan for the worse, but it is a smart idea.

If you are going outside of the United States to a foreign country, it is always a good idea to make sure your vaccines are up to date. Keep in mind that not all countries have access to the healthcare that we have. Therefore, many of them still have diseases that aren't prevalent in North America. Examples include polio, mumps, measles, and other airborne viruses. By making sure you are fully vaccinated you can prevent many illnesses from invading your body and turning your vacation into extended hospital stay. Another caveat: make sure the drinking water is safe. And it would be a good idea to bring healthy snacks, such as granola bars or other easy to pack items that are also convenient to eat and don't require the usage of a microwave or refrigerator.

Don't leave your medicine at home or go with only a partial prescription thinking that you can get a refill. Chances are it won't be that easy, especially if you are out of the country. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before you leave and adjust your prescription refills accordingly. Even if you are staying in the United States it is always good to have a back-up plan. You may also want to talk to your health insurance company about health insurance coverage for travelers. It can offer you extra options that you may need if you're going out of the country.

One of the best things you can to do ensure your health and safety is to some research on the internet about any current health epidemics in the areas that you'll be in. Also find out where the near by hospitals are. Communicate your itinerary to friends and loved ones and make sure your emergency contacts are clearly marked in your phone as well as with any paperwork you carry with you.

Internet a Great Hobby To Pick Up for the Retired

Seniors are increasingly turning towards the Internet. According to data from the Pew Research Center, well-educated and affluent seniors tend to be quite active online. Nearly 60 percent of older adults are going online at least occasionally and often regularly. Almost half of these Internet users are accessing the web using broadband connections, which allow them to get online faster and more easily, and more than 75 percent of older adults have cell phones.

Unfortunately, older seniors and those with physical or cognitive disabilities tend to be more disconnected in real life and are more likely to be offline. Staying connected with others can help expand support networks, and the Internet offers us virtually unlimited ways to connect. It can improve our access to governmental services, give us valuable information and provide older Americans with the social support they need to live healthy, vibrant, productive lives.

People often begin to step back from work during their golden years and follow their passions. For many seniors, these years are an opportunity to engage in fulfilling hobbies and indulging their personal passions in their spare time. Going online can play an important role in their lives. Social networking is one great way to stay connected with children and grandchildren and can combat boredom. Social media also allows you a way to make new friends or meet new potential romantic interests through elderly dating.

The Internet also gives older adults easy and more accessible ways to learn new things. Whether you want to find instructions on a much-needed DIY project or you are planning the vacation of a lifetime, you can do it online. You can even go back to school and obtain a new major. The possibilities are endless.

Learning new things and staying close to the people you love can keep neural pathways open and strengthen your cognitive function. Those who have strong support systems online and in real life are less likely to get depressed and more likely to remain fully engaged with the world around them. If you are not yet online, there is no better time to sign on and get started than right now. You have nothing to lose and an entire world of information to gain.

The Hard Task of Parenting and Overcoming Obstacles

Starting a family can be both an exhilarating and exhausting endeavor. From the day they are born, children have the capacity to bring joy into our lives. Every parent wants what is best for their sons and daughters. We want to give them the world and help build their confidence as well as teach them right from wrong. However parents are not perfect and we all need help from time to time.

There are many books about parenting and raising kids. However, not all of them offer the same advice. And there's no perfect manual to help us avoid every mistake or every pitfall. To be honest, making mistakes is the best way to learn. And that goes for both the parent and the child. No one is perfect. And making a family is definitely hard work.

One of the best ways to be a good parent is to try to avoid common mistakes, especially regarding discipline. From the toddler years through the teenage years, kids need boundaries. They also need consistency. Setting up rules regarding what is expected from them is a step in the right direction. But again, let them make their own mistakes sometimes. This will teach them about using judgement. Being fair regarding punishments is another important topic that you will no doubt be tested on through the years. Do your best to keep a steady head - and sooner or later you'll look back through those times and marvel - and maybe even laugh.

One of the biggest mistakes new parents make is panicking over nothing. Remember, every child is different. They all mature at their own pace. Some talk and walk earlier than others do. Some of them are very sociable, others are very shy. Don't fret about it by comparing your child with others. As for school work and sports activities, remember we all have strengths and weaknesses. Some kids are more interested in artistic endeavors, others will be raring to get on the basketball court or the football field.

Raising a family can be a truly beautiful and enlightening experience. And most parents find that their dreams and hopes for their offspring evolve as they grow. However, the main goal of most parents is to raise happy, healthy, and well-adjusted kids - who will hopefully some day bless them with grandchildren!

Finding Purpose

Have you been feeling a little bit bored lately? Like maybe there's something you're missing out on as you go through the motions, day by day? If you answered yes to either of those questions it probably means that you're ready to do something that will fulfill you and challenge you. It means its time to take actions that will help you find a purpose in life. Before you do that, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Do you have a particular passion that inspires you? Do you like to learn new things? How do you feel about helping others? Do you want to make a difference in your community? And how can your particular skill sets help you do something worthwhile and fulfilling?

As you ask yourself those questions, brainstorm a bit. As you find the answer to your questions, write it down. Write down any and all ideas that you have - big or small. For example, you may not have a lot of extra money, but you may have some extra time. Why not spend some time volunteering for a cause that is near and dear to your heart? Do you have a passion for animals? Try volunteering for a local animal shelter. Do you have a special rapport with kids? Sign up to be a tutor or for a local mentoring program.

Developing meaningful goals actually makes it easier to wake up in the mornings and give you a reason to jump out of bed. Are you passionate about finding a cure for cancer or growing awareness for organ donation? Do you have a green thumb for gardening and the ability to teach others how to grow delicious food? Start by weighing your strengths and then pairing them with your passions. And why not include your family? Your endeavor could be a great teaching tool for your children or grandchildren. You could also get people at work involved as well. Accomplishing your goals might be easier if you allow others to help. After you decide on how you'd like to proceed, take actions to make it happen. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how it enhances your life - and the lives of those around you. ]

Milk and Arthritis

We've been told for years that milk is full of vitamins and minerals that are needed for strong bones. And a recent study that focused on people who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis found that people, particularly women, could really benefit from drinking it on a regular basis. In fact, the multiple year study showed that it could slow down the progression of arthritis. That is most definitely good news for people who have been diagnosed with the degenerative and painful condition.

The findings from this study don't exactly prove a causal connection - meaning that there are other factors involved. Most notably those factors include being overweight, the amount of alcohol a person takes in, and smoking. All of those can wreak havoc on the human body and lead to other health risks - including diabetes and cancer.

The people who participated in the study drank low-fat or no fat versions. Many people think they won't get the same benefits from drinking those versions, but that simply isn't true. And if you are underweight, perhaps alternating between the different offerings could be a good idea. Remember, certain fats are good, especially in moderation.

If you are one of the many people who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee, it might be a good idea to stock your refrigerator with this inexpensive and refreshing drink. It also have protein, which is needed for healthy muscles. It also has amino acids and antioxidants that contribute to healthy skin. So it works on the inside and the outside of the body, working to repair damage.

Even if you were diagnosed years ago, it is probably not too late to start making it a part of your regular diet so that you can reap the benefits of this tasty beverage. It could help slow down the progression of the disease and therefore help you find relief. It can be a great way to start the day every morning, especially in a bowl of cereal. It can also be a refreshing beverage after a meal. And not only is it good for you, it also tastes good - so you can have the best of both worlds and not feel guilty or feel like you are compromising your health!

Fun Spring Weekend Ideas

Due to the frigid temperatures and record breaking snowfall across much of the United States, most of us spent our winters cooped up indoors. Now it seems as if the temperatures are progressing nicely upward, away from the freezing mark. The sun is starting to thaw the ground and the grass is getting greener. Spring is finally here - and what a great time of year to get the family together to do something fun, especially if it involves the great outdoors! It really is the perfect time to get away for the weekend and leave the stress of winter behind.

If you're like most people, the work week can seem interminably long. Planning a weekend away can give you and your loved ones something to look forward to. It certainly doesn't have to be extravagant, after all the main goal is to get some quality family time in. Even getting away for just a few hours is well worth it - go fishing, hit the bike trail, take the dog for a long walk in a local park. Do whatever is enjoyable, whether it is playing a round of golf or venturing out onto the local tennis courts with the kids.

Staying active is an integral part for getting and staying healthy. And being in the warm sun can definitely make you happy. Feeling those warm rays is definitely a way to put a smile on your face.

Warmer weather also makes it easier to get back into shape. Sure, the gym is open during the winter. But after a certain point, you probably started to feel bored with the same old work out routine all the time. Now that the temperatures are getting more comfortable, it is time to add a little spice to your work outs. Go for a jog outside. Grab the kids and head out for a scavenger hunt at the park or even in your own neighborhood.

Now is also a great time to do some preliminary yard work. Maybe a trip to the local nursery is in order to pick up some flowers. After all the bitter cold weather we endured and the limited options most of us have regarding wintertime activities, your kids (and you) will no doubt have fun no matter what you do.

Possible El Nino Year

Researchers and weather predictors are stating that early indicators show that this year could be an El Nino southern oscillation year. They are basing their predictions on a number of factors, including the temperatures of ocean surfaces. The fluctuations in temperatures occur due to climate changes. These changes cause floods and droughts. These patterns do more than just affect how the air feels - they also affect the prices of food and the supply.

There are certain markers that are noted during these times. They include an increase of surface pressure throughout the Indian Ocean, as well as Australia and Indonesia. This leads to a weakening of air pressure which is seen in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the east and central areas. Scientists have noted the next change regards trade winds in the South Pacific region, which either blow toward the east or weaken dramatically. As Peru gets an onslaught of rain, the conditions of the Eastern and Western Pacific areas to flip flop. This phenomenon of changes in the surface water is what led to the California drought.

During these weather conditions, areas south of the equator often see more strong rain during the winter months. By contrast, the summer months see less rainfall. This means less heavy storms to contend with. And these patterns may start to happen more often due to the effects of global warming throughout the Earth.

Many scoffed at global warming years ago. But recent reports have led some of the previous doubters to believe the truth of this phenomenon. And as the Earth's population continues to grow and carbon emissions increase, the threat of permanent changes in the Earth's climate is growing. In fact, a very recent report warns leaders that the window of opportunity to reverse the process (or at least maintain it) is closing rapidly unless major changes occur.

We also need to keep in mind that the climate changes that occur do more than just affect weather conditions - they also contribute to food shortages and an increase in certain types of diseases. What we do to the planet has serious long term consequences - and those consequences might not be as long-term as were originally thought.

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.