Starving of Dehydration
- 5.29.2009
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As the weather gets warmer and people get more active, it is imperative to protect our bodies from harm and abuse. Our bodies are finely tuned machines that require strict upkeep. The human body is made up of 60% water, with every organ system depending on water to function. If you do not replenish water throughout the day you run the risk of dehydration and damage to your body, as it is unable to fully function. The Mayo clinic suggests healthy adults drink between 8 and 13, 8 oz glasses of water a day, more if you are sweating, exercising, pregnant, nursing, or especially active.
Do not use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, you may already be experiencing dehydration. Also, know that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition that should be discussed with your doctor.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people make water the beverage of choice to make sure that they meet their body’s requirements. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:
* Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
* Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
* Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Make these habits a part of your lifestyle and protect yourself from the devastating effects of dehydration.
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Do not use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, you may already be experiencing dehydration. Also, know that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition that should be discussed with your doctor.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people make water the beverage of choice to make sure that they meet their body’s requirements. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:
* Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
* Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
* Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Make these habits a part of your lifestyle and protect yourself from the devastating effects of dehydration.
Read More
Sunny Days.
- 5.27.2009
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For years, researchers have focused a great amount of time seeking to prove the that Vitamin D directly affects a person's mood. Many researchers believe that a deficiency can, in fact, lead to depression and other deficiency diseases. Although, research has suggested this correlation, official reports have been inconclusive.
Vitamin D can be found in array of food including many dairy products, grains, and meats as well as vegetables. Though these are common forms of consumption, we may actually be affected more by the Vitamin D that our skin saturates while in the sun.
People who are exposed to sunshine report better moods and an overall sense of well being. So, if you are starting to feel down, head outside. Soak up the sun. But, remember to protect yourself from the harmful UVB rays. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and avoid the most intense rays of the day.
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Vitamin D can be found in array of food including many dairy products, grains, and meats as well as vegetables. Though these are common forms of consumption, we may actually be affected more by the Vitamin D that our skin saturates while in the sun.
People who are exposed to sunshine report better moods and an overall sense of well being. So, if you are starting to feel down, head outside. Soak up the sun. But, remember to protect yourself from the harmful UVB rays. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and avoid the most intense rays of the day.
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Summer Heat. Beware.
- 5.25.2009
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As you enjoy the summer sun this year, remember to guard yourself from heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is serious and can sneak up on you quickly. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes fatigued or dehydrated while exposed to extreme heat without replenishment. When your hypothalamus becomes overwhelmed and cannot regulate your body temperature you are at risk for heat stoke.
Remember to avoid extreme exercise, outdoor work, and laborious outdoor activities in the heat of the day. Beware of certain medications and alcohol as they increase the rate of dehydration and obstruct the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Signs to watch for:
* Heavy sweating
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Pale, clammy skin
* Thirst
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dizziness, fainting
* Nausea, vomiting
* Muscle cramps
* Mild temperature elevations
If coma or seizure occurs or your body temperature reaches 104 F, you may have a fatal heat stroke.
Enjoy the summer, soak up the sun, but be alert and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion.
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Remember to avoid extreme exercise, outdoor work, and laborious outdoor activities in the heat of the day. Beware of certain medications and alcohol as they increase the rate of dehydration and obstruct the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Signs to watch for:
* Heavy sweating
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Pale, clammy skin
* Thirst
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dizziness, fainting
* Nausea, vomiting
* Muscle cramps
* Mild temperature elevations
If coma or seizure occurs or your body temperature reaches 104 F, you may have a fatal heat stroke.
Enjoy the summer, soak up the sun, but be alert and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion.
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Memorial Day: Remembering those whose lives are changed forever.
- 5.22.2009
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Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. ~Daniel Webster
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Exercise. Creating An Ultimate Fighting Champion
- 5.20.2009
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You may see the inches dropping off of our waistline with routine exercise, but did you know that exercise is actually more beneficial to mind than body?
The American Psychological Association states that there is little research to support the popular claim that exercise causes the release of endorphins (the happy hormones), but rather, builds a highly trained fighting machine.
The APA reveals that exercise is likely to enhance the body's ability to fight stress. Exercise forces the body's physiological systems to communicate more effectively to combat stress. Some researchers believe this 'practice' pays off by allowing the body to attack stress of depression and anxiety before it manifests itself.
Other emotional benefits of exercise and self improvement are the effects of sense of accomplishment, self esteem, energy, practice of patience, and an outlet for day to day stress.
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the US Health and Human Services Department reports:
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The American Psychological Association states that there is little research to support the popular claim that exercise causes the release of endorphins (the happy hormones), but rather, builds a highly trained fighting machine.
The APA reveals that exercise is likely to enhance the body's ability to fight stress. Exercise forces the body's physiological systems to communicate more effectively to combat stress. Some researchers believe this 'practice' pays off by allowing the body to attack stress of depression and anxiety before it manifests itself.
Other emotional benefits of exercise and self improvement are the effects of sense of accomplishment, self esteem, energy, practice of patience, and an outlet for day to day stress.
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the US Health and Human Services Department reports:
Read More
New Test May Predict Alzheimers
- 5.18.2009
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University of Pittsburgh researchers teamed with University of California- San Francisco researchers to develop a new tool to predict the risk of developing dementia. Tests predict whether elderly patients are at low, moderate or high risk of developing dementia.
The new test considers risk factors for dementia, including advanced age and the presence of genes linked to Alzheimer's. Lesser-known contributors such as patients' body weight and alcohol-drinking habits are also taken into account.
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The new test considers risk factors for dementia, including advanced age and the presence of genes linked to Alzheimer's. Lesser-known contributors such as patients' body weight and alcohol-drinking habits are also taken into account.
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Swine Flu: Is it the Media's Epidemic?
- 5.13.2009
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A recent gallup poll reports that 45% of Americans believe the media has exaggerated the dangers of the swine flu. What do you think?
The CDC says the swine flu (H1N1) has officially affected 3,600 Americans as of May 10, 2009 and has been reported in nearly in 46 states. The CDC reports that it is spreading so rapidly that they may stop reporting individual cases. Three Americans have died, one of them a pregnant woman. The World Health Organization claims that the virus does not need to be treated with anti-viral medications in most cases. However, pregnant women, young children, diabetics, and at risk patients may need to be treated to prevent complications and further illness.
The global reaction to the outbreak of H1N1, has been marked with extreme media coverage and radical measures. National broadcasting reports show as much as 51% of daytime broadcast news has focused on H1N1 since the end of April. During the last few weeks, 400,000 pigs have been killed in Egypt, hundreds of schools closed in the US, and businesses and meetings have been cancelled at the first sign of illness or flu like symptoms. In fact, on April 30th, 144 schools were closed in Fort Worth involving 80,000 due to one case of the swine flu. Is this necessary?
William Schaffner, an influenza expert from Vanderbilt, said that they are making reccommendations, while trying not to go over the top.
“There’s going to be variation among different countries and social circumstances -- some of that is inevitable -- but what you’d like to do is get everyone on the same page,” Schaffner said.
Social media and the Internet have been credited to the hysteria seen in the initial stages of this outbreak. Fortunately most people still get information from the mainstream sources, like official web sites, newpapers and news broadcasts. The media is shifting toward ways to prevent transmission, suggesting that hand washing and hygiene are key.
Read More
The CDC says the swine flu (H1N1) has officially affected 3,600 Americans as of May 10, 2009 and has been reported in nearly in 46 states. The CDC reports that it is spreading so rapidly that they may stop reporting individual cases. Three Americans have died, one of them a pregnant woman. The World Health Organization claims that the virus does not need to be treated with anti-viral medications in most cases. However, pregnant women, young children, diabetics, and at risk patients may need to be treated to prevent complications and further illness.
The global reaction to the outbreak of H1N1, has been marked with extreme media coverage and radical measures. National broadcasting reports show as much as 51% of daytime broadcast news has focused on H1N1 since the end of April. During the last few weeks, 400,000 pigs have been killed in Egypt, hundreds of schools closed in the US, and businesses and meetings have been cancelled at the first sign of illness or flu like symptoms. In fact, on April 30th, 144 schools were closed in Fort Worth involving 80,000 due to one case of the swine flu. Is this necessary?
William Schaffner, an influenza expert from Vanderbilt, said that they are making reccommendations, while trying not to go over the top.
“There’s going to be variation among different countries and social circumstances -- some of that is inevitable -- but what you’d like to do is get everyone on the same page,” Schaffner said.
Social media and the Internet have been credited to the hysteria seen in the initial stages of this outbreak. Fortunately most people still get information from the mainstream sources, like official web sites, newpapers and news broadcasts. The media is shifting toward ways to prevent transmission, suggesting that hand washing and hygiene are key.
Read More
Smoking and Strokes
- 5.11.2009
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The American Heart Association states that smoking dramatically increases a person's risk of stroke. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' records show that smoking increases stroke incidence by more than 2.5 times.
Smoking allows toxins to enter the bloodstream causing plaque. The plaque stimulates a disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The American Heart Association reports that this condition is responsible for the majority of cardiovascular disease, killing an American every 33 seconds.
The general consensus among experts is that quitting smoking will greatly reduce a person's risk of serious health issues, including stroke and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association claims that a smoker's body returns to condition of a nonsmoker within five to fifteen years of quitting.
According to the American Heart Association 38 million Americans have quit smoking.
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Alcohol's Impact On Stroke Risk
- 5.08.2009
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Do you consume more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day? If so, you may be putting yourself at increased risk of stroke.
The National Stroke Association claims that consuming more than two alcoholic drinks each day may increase your risk of stroke by 50%.
The American Stroke Association made the following claims regarding alcohol:
• Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood.
• Leads to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased calorie intake. (Consuming too many calories can lead to obesity and a higher risk of developing diabetes.)
• Excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Other serious problems include fetal alcohol syndrome, cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.
The National Stroke Association has projected that 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke in 2009.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so follow my blog to learn ways you can 'STOP stroke through risk factor management.'
Read More
The National Stroke Association claims that consuming more than two alcoholic drinks each day may increase your risk of stroke by 50%.
The American Stroke Association made the following claims regarding alcohol:
• Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood.
• Leads to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased calorie intake. (Consuming too many calories can lead to obesity and a higher risk of developing diabetes.)
• Excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Other serious problems include fetal alcohol syndrome, cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.
The National Stroke Association has projected that 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke in 2009.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so follow my blog to learn ways you can 'STOP stroke through risk factor management.'
Read More
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