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If you have listened to any medical broadcast over the past few months, then you have certainly heard the letters RSV. But what do you know about RSV? In this two-part article, we hope to provide you with a full understanding of what RSV is, signs, symptoms, treatments and how you can help yourself and those around you from getting RSV.

 

 

What does RSV stand for?

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a contagious virus that is usually mild but can severely affect the lungs and respiratory airways.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can last up to two weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults. RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, and tiredness.

How does RSV spread?

Like some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks – even after they stop showing symptoms. 

Can you get RSV more than once?

Yes, people can get RSV multiple times throughout their life. 

How is RSV diagnosed?

Since most cases of RSV are mild, tests are usually not required to diagnose infection. However, depending on your medical history and the time of year, your doctor may obtain a sample with a buccal swab or do a blood test to look for the presence of viruses and check the white blood cell count. In more severe cases and where hospitalization is required, your doctor may perform a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for pulmonary complications.

Continued in Part II…

  • Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and they are also an excellent way to replenish potassium lost through exercise or for those who are constantly “on the go.”
  • An average-sized mango can even contain up to 40 percent of your daily fiber requirement, thereby being a great way to curb constipation and irregularity.
  • Mangoes can also help to prevent certain types of cancer and help to lower blood cholesterol levels, too.

 

 

Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad 

  • ½ cup prepared or purchased honey mustard dressing
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 4 chicken breast halves without skin, boneless
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican Jerk seasoning
  • 2 large fresh mangoes
  • 10 to 12 cups mixed greens 

 

Stir together honey mustard dressing and lime zest.  Cover and chill dressing while preparing chicken. Rinse chicken and pat dry; sprinkle with Jerk seasoning.  In a large skillet cook the seasoned chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat about 6 minutes on each side until browned and no longer pink.  Thinly slice each chicken breast. Arrange warm chicken and mango atop greens on four plates; drizzle with the honey mustard dressing.

 

Recipe: Mango Pork 

  • 2 medium ripe mangoes
  • 1 pork tenderloin, about ¾ pound
  • Cooking spray or olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hot pepper sauce 

 

Put pulp of one mango in food processor or blender. Cut the other mango into small cubes.  Trim pork tenderloin and slice into 1-inch thick medallions.  Flatten slices lightly with hand.  Spray a skillet or medium saucepan with cooking spray or add a small amount of olive oil and heat on medium-high.  Brown pork for one minute on each side. Season each side with salt and pepper to taste.  Reduce heat and cook pork another five minutes to cook through.  Remove to plate and add mango to skillet or saucepan. Cook puree about, scraping up brown bits of pork, for about 30 seconds.  Add several drops of hot sauce and the mango cubes.  Toss cubes in puree while heating through.  Spoon sauce over pork and serve with pasta or hot cooked rice. 

As odd as it may seem, your feet may be the window to your overall body health. Here are some things to look for regarding your feet that will give you clues that there may be other important body issues to investigate.

 

 

Thick, yellow toenails 

Toenails are not supposed to be thick and/or yellow.  Thick, yellow nails are most often an indication of a fungal infection living beneath your toenails.  People that have other medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other immune deficiencies are more likely to get a fungal infection than those that do not have these conditions.  To treat thick, yellow toenails, you will need to consult a podiatrist.  While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for thick, yellow toenails, by the time your nails are already discolored and thick it is too late for any over-the-counter creams or medicines to work. You must discuss your options with a professional.

No hair on your feet or toes 

If your feet or toes are lacking hair, it can be a sign of having poor circulation because of vascular disease.  If you notice that your feet and toes do not have any hair on them, you will want to consult your doctor to find out ways to improve your circulation thereby reducing your risk of acquiring vascular disease.

A wound that won’t heal on your foot  

Wounds on your feet that just won’t heal could be an indication of diabetes.  Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious nerve damage in your feet and because of this damage you may not feel when you have a sore or a wound on your foot.  If your wound continues to go unhealed there could be major problems, including amputation.  If you notice a wound that won’t heal on your feet, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss your wound.  If you are currently living with or being treated for diabetes, be sure to check your feet often and mark any changes.

Days 1- 18 do 2 sets each

Days 19- 28 do 3 sets each

 

February 1: 5 side plank crunch (each side), 5 Russian twist, 8 bicycle crunch

February 2: 5 side plank crunch (each side), 5 Russian twist, 10 bicycle crunch

February 3: 7 side plank crunch (each side), 7 Russian twist, 10 bicycle crunch

February 4: 7 side plank crunch (each side), 7 Russian twist, 12 bicycle crunch

February 5: REST

February 6: 8 side plank crunch (each side), 8 Russian twist, 12 bicycle crunch

February 7: 10 side plank crunch (each side), 10 Russian twist, 15 bicycle crunch

February 8: 10 side plank crunch (each side), 10 Russian twist, 15 bicycle crunch

February 9: 12 side plank crunch (each side), 12 Russian twist, 15 bicycle crunch

February 10: REST

February 11: 12 side plank crunch (each side), 12 Russian twist, 17 bicycle crunch

February 12: 14 side plank crunch (each side), 14 Russian twist, 18 bicycle crunch

February 13: 14 side plank crunch (each side), 14 Russian twist, 20 bicycle crunch

February 14: 15 side plank crunch (each side), 15 Russian twist, 20 bicycle crunch

February 15: REST

February 16: 10 side plank crunch (each side), 10 Russian twist, 15 bicycle crunch

February 17: 12 side plank crunch (each side), 12 Russian twist, 18 bicycle crunch

February 18: 14 side plank crunch (each side), 14 Russian twist, 18 bicycle crunch

February 19: 14 side plank crunch (each side), 14 Russian twist, 18 bicycle crunch

February 20: REST

February 21: 14 side plank crunch (each side), 14 Russian twist, 20 bicycle crunch

February 22: 15 side plank crunch (each side), 15 Russian twist, 20 bicycle crunch

February 23: 18 side plank crunch (each side), 18 Russian twist, 22 bicycle crunch

February 24: 18 side plank crunch (each side), 18 Russian twist, 22 bicycle crunch

February 25: REST

February 26: 20 side plank crunch (each side), 20 Russian twist, 24 bicycle crunch

February 27: 20 side plank crunch (each side), 20 Russian twist, 24 bicycle crunch

February 28: 22 side plank crunch (each side), 22 Russian twist, 25 bicycle crunch

In recognition of American Heart Health Month here are some important statistics regarding heart health:

 

 

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
  • In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a coronary attack.
  • The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years.
  • Many cases of heart disease can be prevented. 

 

Learn more at www.cdc.gov.