Disease Prevention Articles

How to Treat and Deter the Outbreak of Cold Sores

Cold sores on the lips can be one of the most aggravating infections that a person gets.  Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), the virus can remain dormant in a person's body for years and then resurface , normally at the most inopportune time.

How to prevent cold sores

Some causes of cold sores include stress, insomnia, menstruation, too much exposure to UV rays, digestive disorders, the common cold, influenza, and dry, cracked lips.  While we can't do anything to cure our bodies of this virus for good, we can treat cold sores and deter the outbreak of cold sores if we follow these pieces of advice:

Recognize the symptoms: oftentimes you will get a stinging and burning sensation on your lips prior to a cold sore outbreak.  By recognizing this major symptom, you can purchase an over-the-counter medicine and apply it before the cold sore has a chance to appear.

Practice good hygiene when using OTC medicines for treatment: always wash your hands prior to and after applying an over-the-counter cold sore treatment medicine. Apply the treatment at least 5 times a day and use a cotton swab if possible, to avoid touching the sore.

Keep your lips moisturized: dry and cracked lips are both causes of cold sores, so by keeping the lips and skin well moisturized, you can help deter the outbreak of cold sores. 

Use sun block on your lips: too much exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause the outbreak of cold sores.  By remembering to apply and reapply sun block or a lip balm containing sun block to your lips when you are outdoors will also decrease the number of cold sores that arise.

Eat lysine-rich foods: foods that are high in lysine also help to deter cold sores. This includes beef, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.

Simple Lifestyle Changes for Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

The American Diabetes Association estimates that around 10 percent of the general population and 25 percent of senior citizens suffer from type 2, or adult onset diabetes.

Diabetes when left unchecked can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, skin conditions, and even blindness. However, type 2 diabetes like any lifestyle disease is highly preventable.

The sooner you make this healthy lifestyle changes, the better your chances of lowering your risk for developing this disease. To keep your blood sugar levels healthy, below are some simple tips to keep type 2 diabetes at bay.

Control blood sugar levels

Avoid or limit your sugary food or beverages intake. One of the most obvious culprits in raising your blood sugar levels. Replace those sugary drinks/ sodas with fruit juices or even better, water.

Shed some pounds. Every extra pound count, and the sooner you could keep your weight within your recommended levels, the better your chances of lowering your risk for diabetes.

Lower stress levels. Sound mind, sound body. Finding time to relax after a stressful day at work by performing simple exercises or just take some “me” time can lower stress levels.

Keep hydrated. Drinking water is never overrated. With water making up more than three-fourths of our body, keeping our body hydrated is essential. Dehydration causes our body to release stress hormones which in turn raises our blood sugar levels.

Eat less and more frequently. Keep your blood sugar levels within healthy levels by avoiding sudden peaks. Spreading your meals throughout the day means a steady stream of sugar.

Innocent Ways you are Hurting your Heart

With February being Heart Health Month, we bring you this feature that highlights the innocent things that you may be doing daily that can be hurting your heart (among other parts of your body) and how to fix it!

Keeping your heart healthy

How you cross your legs,  Sitting with your legs crossed at the knees increases your blood pressure.  According to studies, leg crossing increased systolic blood pressure nearly 7% and diastolic by 2%.  Studies say that you should avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time, like 10 to 15 minutes, and get up every half hour or so to walk around and get the circulation moving.

How you stand, If you are a person who frequently locks their knees when standing, you are no longer efficiently using the muscles that surround the joint.  Therefore, forces to the joint are increased.  Causing this additional stress to you knee joints isn't helping your heart at all.

How you sleep, If you are a stomach sleeper, this puts your neck in a titled-back position, leading to pain or numbness in your upper extremities.  Nerves are also affected when people sleep on their stomach.  To avoid the pain, numbness and affect to the nervous system, people should avoid sleeping on their stomach.

How you wear your belt, It sounds strange, we know, but the tighter your belt the more pressure you put on your intra-abdominal area, which can result in acid reflux.  Acid reflux could include a bitter taste in your mouth, burning or pain the upper chest and stomach, a chronic cough or even difficulty swallowing.  Doctors say that your belt shouldn't be any tighter than your waistband.  You should be able to inhale and exhale comfortably.

Germs 101: Five Ways to Avoid the Cold and Flu

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. 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.