General Health Articles

In the News Summer Health Tips – Part I

While Summer brings longer days, more sunshine, and carefree vacations, Summer can also bring a plethora of problems when it comes to your health.

To stay healthy all summer long, we suggest practicing these Summer Health Tips and share them with your friends and family members.

Health Tip #1: Heat Stroke

Heat stroke, a severe form of hyperthermia, occurs “when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.” The remedy: It is important to lower the temperature of the body, immerse yourself in ice if you must or take a cold shower. You can prevent heat stroke by wearing loose and light clothes, drink water and do not overexert yourself during summer.

Health Tip #2: Heat Cramps

Muscle pains or spasms usually occur in the abdomen, arms, or leg and usually occur in coordination with strenuous physical activity. Home remedies: Rest in a cool place. Drink clear juice or electrolyte-enriched drinks. Do not go back to strenuous activity even after cramps subside since it may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Health Tip #3: Heat Exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting, muscle cramps, and/or fainting are all signs of heat exhaustion.
The remedy:  Rest. Have a cool, non-alcoholic beverage, a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Wear light clothing if you plan to be in the sun all day.

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In the News Monthly Awareness – May Part II

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Raising funds for future research is a priority; people are made aware of progress being made towards a cure.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease which affects the digestive and respiratory systems. CF occurs in about one in 3500 live births. In the US, approximately 30,000 people have CF, whilst over 10 million people carry the defective CF gene but have no symptoms.

Lyme Disease Awareness  

Supported by the Lyme Disease Foundation, Lyme Disease Awareness Month is a campaign which promotes preventative measures which can be taken against Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an acute inflammatory disease caused by the bite of a tick infected with the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lupus Awareness  

The aim of Lupus Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate others about this life changing disease.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In a healthy immune system, the body produces antibodies which destroy unhealthy cells such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign waste. However, lupus causes an overactive immune system to produce auto antibodies which attacks healthy body tissue. This can affect most parts of the body including any organ.

While there are many more conditions that are promoted during the month of May, we hope that you have learned a little more about a few of these health issues and can help spread awareness to those you know and love.

In the News Monthly Awareness – May Part I

Every month of the year in the United States, Canada and even Worldwide, different health issues are promoted to spread awareness.  In the month of May, there are many conditions that are promoted. Here we break down the numerous issues and help you to learn more about why awareness is key to many of these conditions.

Asthma and Allergy Awareness-

Supported by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), this awareness event is held throughout the month of May to coincide with the peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers. In the US, approximately 25 million people have asthma of which almost 7 million are children.

Celiac Awareness   

Celiac Awareness Month is an event held throughout the United States each May and is supported by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (and other relevant organizations). In the United States, approximately 3 million people have celiac disease; 21 million people have this disease or are sensitive to gluten. Of the 3 million who have this disease only 5% know they have it. This awareness event aims, in part, to make more people aware that they may have this disease and that by eating gluten free foods, they can eliminate their symptoms. 

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness  

Cystic Fibrosis Month raises awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF). This month is sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)

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Health 101: Tips for a Healthy Summer

The calendar might read May, but summertime is just around the corner. It’s time to get geared up for warmer months, longer days and all the fun that only summer can bring. To make this summer your best one yet, here are some health tips to keep in mind these next few months.

• Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week.
• Wear sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Keep cool in extreme heat.
• Eat a healthy diet including nutritious fruits and vegetables.
• Keep hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks and alcohol.

In the News: What Am I Suffering From? – Part II

(Continued from part I)

Common Flu symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headaches 

Experts say that the biggest mistake that we can do is to self-diagnose. While we are still in this pandemic, you should assume that you have COVID-19 unless you test otherwise. Once you are tested for COVID-19 and depending on those results, you may then want to be tested for the flu (or even strep throat). 

Unfortunately, you can also have more than one illness at a time – like “flurona” or you can experience regular seasonal allergies alongside of having COVID-19 or one of its variants.

There are a few home remedies that can help you once you know for sure what condition is affecting you. For fever and body aches, use fever and pain-reducing medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

For congestion, use an over-the-counter medication like Mucinex. If the congestion is due to allergies, try a nasal steroid spray.

For fatigue, make sure to stay hydrated, get enough electrolytes and lots of rest. Sleep is always your biggest aid to help your body recuperate and regenerate itself.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is never too late to get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu or both. Getting vaccinated early helps to build up your immunity and protect you throughout the cold and flu season.