Disease Prevention Articles

In the News Prepare Yourself for Flu and Cold Season

Now that the kids are back in school and the weather is starting to change, it’s time to start worrying about the cold and flu season.  But this year your worrying can be less if you take the following dos and don’ts into consideration and protect your family and yourself.

Do use hand sanitizer.  Always carry a pocket-size hand sanitizer with you and use it generously whenever you are in public places.  Germs are everywhere and on everything and by using hand sanitizer you are protecting yourself from bringing home these flu viruses. 

Do wash your hands frequently.  It may seem like the simplest thing to do but be sure that you are washing your hands frequently with warm water and soap, and for at least 15 to 20 seconds.  Teachers are now telling students to sing the ABC’s or Happy Birthday to themselves while they are washing their hands to be sure you are washing for a full 15 to 20 seconds.

Do sneeze into the crook of your elbow.  By sneezing into your elbow, you are avoiding transmitting flu viruses to your hands and will keep you from passing the virus to others. It may seem socially awkward at first, but soon you will see more and more people doing this when they sneeze. 

Don’t shake hands.  To keep from transmitting germs, avoid shaking hands with people when you greet them.  Try a head nod, waving or smiling instead to greet someone.  If you can’t avoid shaking someone’s hand, then be sure to use your hand sanitizer following the hand shake. 

Don’t use someone else’s phone or computer mouse.  Phones and computers harbor some pretty heinous germs for hours.  Avoid sharing someone else’s phone or computer mouse if possible.  If you do have to use someone else’s phone or computer wipe it down with an alcohol swab prior to using it.

In the News Osteoporosis Warning Signs

Osteoporosis is one of the most common ailments of adults over the age of 50 and it is a problem that people do not want to live with.  Weak bones lead to fractures and many other scary problems that could leave you disabled. 

Before turning into full-blown osteoporosis, osteopenia – the process of thinning bones - precedes the ailment.  There are some warning signs to look for to determine if your bones are in fact thinning.

Here are nine warning signs for osteoporosis: 

Warning Sign #1 - You have had more than one fracture in the past two years or a fracture that seemed severe considering the circumstances. 

Warning Sign #2 – You are naturally a small or thin person. 

Warning Sign #3 – You have an autoimmune condition that causes you to take prednisone or another corticosteroid. 

Warning Sign #4 – You are a smoker and have been throughout your adult life. 

Warning Sign #5 – You drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day. 

Warning Sign #6 – You do not drink milk, or you have a lactose intolerance that prevents you from drinking milk. 

Warning Sign #7 – You have an eating disorder. 

Warning Sign #8 – You are an Asian or Caucasian female over the age of 50. 

Warning Sign #9 – You have a family member who had osteoporosis before the age of 50 or before menopause.

Cold and Flu 101: Ways to Feel Better Soon

We are well into the cold and flu season and unfortunately everyone knows someone that has been down and out with cold and flu symptoms this year.  Or even worse, COVID.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to help you stay healthy throughout the winter.

Here are five simple ways to stay cold and flu-free:

1. Load up on garlic.  It contains allicin, which has antiviral properties.
2. Sweat it out in the sauna.  Sweating helps to release toxins in the body.
3. Get the proper amount of sleep.  Sleeping helps you to be more energized and helps your immune system fight off germs.
4. Eat your chicken noodle soup.  It contains anti-inflammatory deliciousness that strengthens disease-fighting cells.
5. Have your yogurt.  The probiotics help strengthen your immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells in your body.

In the News: Lyme Disease Awareness Month – Part II

(Continued from Part I…)

Another reason why Lyme Disease is hard to pinpoint in patients, is that the symptoms often vary from person to person.

Symptoms of early Lyme disease may present as “a flu-like illness (fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and joint pain). Some patients have a rash or Bell’s palsy (facial drooping). However, although a rash shaped like a bull’s-eye is considered characteristic of Lyme disease, many people develop a different kind of Lyme rash or none.”

Most doctors treat Lyme Disease with a course of antibiotics. The amount and type of antibiotic is determined by length of time since the tick bite and/or suggested time since infection.

For people whose central nervous system has been affected by Lyme Disease, intravenous antibiotics and other inpatient treatment is recommended.

For people diagnosed with Lyme Disease, doctors also recommend a diet that will help avoid flare-ups due to the disease.

Gluten-free, low-sugar, low-carbohydrates, and foods that are rich in vitamins are all a suggested diet for those with Lyme Disease. Foods to avoid include dairy and refined sugars.

So how can you avoid being bit by a tick and potentially contracting Lyme Disease?

Ticks tend to be near the ground, in leaf litter, grasses, bushes and fallen logs. High risk activities include playing in leaves, gathering firewood, and leaning against tree trunks. When you hike, stay on cleared trails instead of walking across grassy fields.

Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves. Tie back long hair and wear a hat. Light-colored clothing helps you spot ticks before they cause trouble.