General Health Articles

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)

(continued in part II)…

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.

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

It’s that time of year again and no we aren’t talking about when our furry friend brings us baskets of chocolates and goodies. We are talking about the “perfect storm” of maladies where many play the guessing game of, “What Am I Suffering From?” From new variants of COVID-19 to the common cold, to seasonal allergies and the flu, how are we supposed to figure out how to remedy what ails us, when we don’t even know what it is?

Here are some common symptoms and treatments so we can end the guessing game once and for all.

General COVID-19 symptoms

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Loss of Taste and Smell
• Body aches

Omicron COVID-19 symptoms

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Runny nose and congestion
• Night sweats
• Less likely to have a loss of taste or smell 

Common cold symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion 

Common Seasonal Allergies symptoms

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Itchy ear canals
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Tiredness or fatigue

(Continued in part II…)

In the News: April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

During this month, millions of people all over the world take part in and recognize April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.

It is a very common disease, but many people are unclear about what Parkinson’s is and how it affects those with the condition. 

According to American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a type of movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time. It is characterized by its most common of motor symptoms—tremors (a form of rhythmic shaking), stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement (called bradykinesia)—but also manifests in non-motor symptoms including sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.”

Some interesting statistics about Parkinson’s include:

• Nearly one million Americans are living with Parkinson’s.
  • Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected.
  • Seven to 10 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50.

Unfortunately, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown and presently, there is no cure. Current research is showing that exercise can improve brain function and may slow disease progression, especially if early onset. The earlier the intervention, the better effects exercise can have on the individual.