46 Search Results for "symptoms"

• Back to School Must Dos for yo Back to School Must Dos for your Chidlren

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

     

    Back-to-School Checklist Should Include Ensuring Vaccinations are Up-to-Date

    Atlanta, Ga.) – A new school year can be a busy time for families. As busy as it is, it’s a critical time for parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on all recommended adolescent vaccines. The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is urging parents to protect their children from serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses before they send them back to school.

    One such illness is meningococcal disease, a deadly but potentially vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can kill or disable an otherwise healthy child within hours of its first symptoms. Although people of all ages can get the disease, adolescents and young adults are at greater risk than most. Returning to school places adolescents in situations where they are in long-term close contact with large groups, which is believed to contribute to this risk. Whether kids are preparing for junior high, high school or college, it’s important to ensure they have been vaccinated for meningococcal disease.

    Ashley Lee had just begun her freshman year in college when she nearly lost her life to meningococcal disease. She spent several months in the hospital and lost her left foot and some fingers. Ashley’s battle did not end there. Two and a half years later, she was still struggling with the pain and damage caused by the disease. Faced with the most difficult decision of her life, she decided to also have her right foot amputated in order to live a more active life.

    Ashley’s family doctor had recommended that she get vaccinated at the student health center at college. When school started, though, she was busy with classes, making new friends and having fun. Going to the health center for a vaccine was the furthest thing from her mind.

    "I was a teenager. I never thought something like this could happen to me," said Ashley Lee. "But it did. I got meningococcal disease. I lost so much to this disease. No one should have to go through this."

    Meningococcal disease, also known as bacterial meningitis, can cause meningitis and blood infection. Sometimes, the early symptoms – fever, aches and exhaustion – can be mistaken for flu, making the disease hard to diagnose. Even with prompt treatment, one in seven adolescents will die. Up to 20 percent of those who survive suffer long-term

    disabilities such as brain damage, loss of kidney function, hearing loss or limb amputations.

    The majority of cases among preteens and teens can potentially be prevented through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all adolescents 11 through 18 years of age, ideally at their 11-12 year-old check-up. Vaccination is also recommended for other people at increased risk for the disease, including college freshmen living in dormitories.

    Other vaccinations recommended for preteens

    Meningococcal disease is just one of many serious diseases that adolescents and young adults can get. Even if immunized in early childhood or infancy, preteens still need certain vaccines to stay protected into adulthood, such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough); human papillomavirus (which causes cervical cancer in women) and influenza (flu). In addition, children who missed vaccines or were only partially immunized as infants need "catch-up" vaccines at age 11-12.

    "Now – before school starts – is the best time to make sure your child has received all the recommended vaccinations for adolescents," said Lynn Bozof, president of the National Meningitis Association. "Having your children vaccinated is one of the most important ways you can protect them."

    For more information about adolescent vaccines, visit NMA’s preteen website: .preteenvaccines.org.

    To view a video of Ashley Lee telling her story and to see others share their experiences with meningococcal disease, please visit: ://www.nmaus.org/programs.

    About NMA

    The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. Ashley Lee is part of NMA’s "Together Educating About Meningitis" (T.E.A.M.) program whose mission is to help educate others about the dangers of meningococcal disease and prevention methods, including immunization. For more information, please visit the National Meningitis Association’s website at .nmaus.org.

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  • 1 week ago
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• Chocolate for PMS? Doesn't Wor Chocolate for PMS? Doesn't Work!

  • From: HopeARicciottiMD
  • Description:

    You crave chocolate when you have PMS. The mood changes of PMS are frequently accompanied by increased appetite, with a preference for carbs. This is thought to be related to brain hormones, especially the hormone serotonin. Brain serotonin hormones are involved in the regulation of mood, and they can also affect eating habits. Treatment with serotonin potentiating drugs (SSRI’s), which are a treatment for both depression and PMS, suggest that brain serotonin plays a role in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Eating carbohydrates increases serotonin synthesis in the rat brain. It has been suggested that the excessive carbohydrate intake by those with PMS or depression reflects a self-medication that temporarily relieves the symptoms via an increased brain serotonergic activity.

    However, beware of chocolate as a cure-all for PMS moodiness. There is a great deal of lore, but not much scientific evidence, linking chocolate consumption and mood. The data that does exist is conflicting, with some studies showing a positive effect of chocolate on mood, and others showing the opposite. A recent study that came out in the Archives of Internal Medicine in April of 2010 found that those who were more depressed actually consumed more chocolate. Whether there is a causal connection, and if so in which direction, is a matter for future study. In the meantime, stick to therapies that are shown to work for PMS. Calcium supplements, 1000 mg daily, have been shown to help. Exercise can help. If those dont work, see your doctor to discuss whether the birth control pill (only certain ones work for PMS moodiness - Yaz, Yasim, Ocella), or an SSRI, such as Prozac or Zoloft may be a good choice for you. Dont suffer in sllence. See your doctor.

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  • 3 weeks ago
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• The Heartache of Heartburn The Heartache of Heartburn

  • From: RobertAbelJrMD
  • Description:

    Stomach acid is essential for absorbing nutrients as well as reducing harmful bacteria and Candida from the digestive track. Typically, physicians prescribe antacid medication such as H² antagonists in order to reduce acid reflux, also known as GERD. But is the use of these agents long term really good for us?

    Heartburn is not caused by excess stomach acid. Rather it is due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Many people with heartburn actually have normal levels of stomach hydrochloric acid and the real problem lies with the gastro esophageal valve. Contributing factors are obesity, body position and the amount of food that remains in the stomach at one time. Many older people produce less HCl so that reducing such acid is counterproductive. Furthermore there are other digestive enzymes in the stomach that can still cause reflux and heartburn.

    Recent studies have indicated an increased risk in pneumonia and chronic intestinal disease caused by the bacterium C. difficile. These types of bacteria would not ordinarily survive in the normal acidified gastric juices.

    So how do we address the real problem? The following are some of my suggestions: 

    • Strengthen your diaphragm through regular exercise and deep breathing; this will narrow the esophageal connection to the stomach
    • Eat smaller and more frequent meals
    • Be certain to sit up for a couple of hours after any meal and especially before bedtime
    • Minimize chocolate, coffee, and alcohol as well as large amounts of high carbohydrate foods at any one meal
    • Calcium stimulates the esophageal sphincter to close and can limit reflux in early cases; when symptoms first arise take 250 mgs of calcium powder in 2 to 4 oz of water after each meal; be sure to consult your physician first if you're already on medication
    • You may have to phase off of your previous medication by switching to less potent drugs such as Tagemet or Zantec
    • Remember it is much easier to absorb vitamins and medications in capsules, which are incorporated in the long small intestine rather than in pill form, which requires stomach acid

    You may wonder why an ophthalmologist would be talking about this. Well, several large studies have indicated a relationship between antacids and macular degeneration down the road. All of your nutrition for your vision is metabolized and stored in the liver. So, the reason is that if you're not digesting your food and getting the necessary ingredients you may eventually be starving your eyes. Not receiving adequate nutrition makes your eyes vulnerable. The saying "you are what you eat" may have to be amended. 

     

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  • 2 months ago
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• Health Effects of the Oil Spil Health Effects of the Oil Spill

  • From: PKIDs
  • Description:

    Oil spill—say those two words in a group of people and you’ll likely see responses ranging from anger to confusion to despair. The worst environmental disaster of our age is difficult to comprehend much less address in any real way. The extent of the damage to air, water, and soil quality won’t be understood for a long time, though they are being monitored very closely by CDC, EPA, and other organizations.

    As parents, our first concern is the potential impact of the oil spill on our children’s health. Since the spill is happening now, data isn’t yet available to help us understand the health challenges the people of the Gulf Coast region, and more specifically the children in that area, will face. And what of those children already living with health challenges such as chronic infections? How will the spill impact their quality of life? No one knows.

    According to former CDC Director John Howard, even the long-term impacts of the Exxon Valdez spill aren’t fully understood, noting that "One of the deficiencies there is that we were able to ascertain some acute effects but we didn't follow through for chronic effects," he said. "To be able to identify chronic effects, you have to start very early."

    While anecdotal evidence indicates the clean-up crew who worked the 1989 Valdez spill suffer from the Valdez Crud, no studies were conducted addressing the health dangers posed to Alaskan children by that spill.

    Dr. Gina Solomon says that clean-up crew who worked more than “20 days in highly polluted areas, performing 3 or more tasks, having skin contact with oil, or eating while in contact with oil” were more likely to suffer dizziness, nausea, sore throats, and itchy eyes.

    Environmental impacts are being felt by those living in the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. There are no definitive estimates about the eventual range of the spill, nor are there any estimates about the date of containment. To stay current with the potential health impacts of the spill, check with CDC’s Health Surveillance.

    Food – Seafood safety is particularly concerning during this spill. Though Louisiana has closed some areas of the coastline for seafood harvesting, other areas remain open. Both the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) and the FDA are charged with public notification if or when seafood becomes contaminated. Currently, the FDA assures people that seafood is still safe to eat.

    Air – The EPA is monitoring air quality using mobile labs along the coastlines of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.  As of 16 June, these labs have not detected levels of toxins such as propylene glycol high enough to cause health effects.  However, the dispersants used to clean up the spill do pose a risk to those working in clean-up efforts and those near these efforts.

    Water – According to the EPA, drinking water should not be impacted by the spill. However, water used for recreation and industries such as fishing is obviously impacted. Each of the four states offer state-specific information via the CDC website.

    Protecting the health of our children during an environmental disaster requires special care, patience, and persistence. As the potential health effects of the Gulf oil spill become known, more specific actions will be required.

    What We can Do Now to Protect Our Family’s Health

    1. Monitor air quality and stay indoors if air quality becomes too poor
    2. Stay current with the CDC health updates
    3. Call the Environmental Hotline/Community Information Line with specific health questions- 866.448.5816
    4. Before heading to a specific beach, check the status of the spill in that area
    5. Exposure to crude oil, even in small amounts, can lead to dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision, and if your child is near a contaminated beach and complains of any of these symptoms, immediately take him or her to the doctor
    6. If your child is exposed to oil or oil residue, wash the area immediately using soap and water, or an oil-removing cleanser. For children with respiratory problems, the effect of the spill on air quality in and around Gulf Coast beaches will be exacerbated for them

    What You Can Do to Help:

    1. If you live in the region, report any oiled wildlife
    2. Volunteer your time to help clean-up efforts
    3. Add the EPA oil spill widget to your Facebook page or website in order to inform more people about actions they can take in the wake of the spill.
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  • 2 months ago
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• Getting Rid of That Bad Boy: B Getting Rid of That Bad Boy: Blephartis

  • From: RobertAbelJrMD
  • Description:

    Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. The usual causes are dryness, staph bacteria and too much oil. The tear film is comprised of mucus, oil and water. The lachrymal glands produce the bulk of the tears, which is liquid. The oil glands inside each of the eyelids secrete the oil to delay evaporation of the watery tears.

    The symptoms of blepharitis include lid swelling and redness, blocked oil glands, dry, itchy eyes, loss of lashes and foreign body sensation. It often is bilateral and maybe gradually progressive. 

    Depending on your body type and your diet you may produce too much Omega-6 oils which are inflammatory to the tissues. The best way to counteract this is by increasing Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and supplements (1000 mg. DHA daily). Inflammatory oil encourages the growth of bacteria and dehydrates further what may already be a dry eye.

    Traditional therapies are artificial tears, antibiotics (as drops, ointment or pills) and steroid eye drops. Since blepharitis tends to be chronic treatment often needs to be long-term. A shining new star called Azasite as been introduced for the treatment of conjunctivitis. However, it is an extremely useful erythromycin eye drop for treating blepharitis as well. It not only reduces the bacteria count on the eyelid but loosens up the blocked sebum secretions in the oil glands.

    What makes Azasite special is the ease of application, the level of tissue contact, the depth of absorption and convenient dosing. Azasite is prescribed twice daily for two days then once a day for five days; its effect lasts an additional 7 to 10 days. Warm compresses help clear the blocked oil and debris and works better than lid shampooing. Artificial tears may still be necessary.

    I have found Azasite to be a wonderful adjunct in the treatment of this nuisance condition. Just be sure that your condition is not caused by seasonal allergies or make up. 

     

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  • 3 months ago
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• Dad's Day Thoughts: Men's Heal Dad's Day Thoughts: Men's Health & the Father-Daughter Bond

  • From: SaralynMarkMD
  • Description:

    As Father's Day nears, it's a good time to focus on men's health and how fathers can also impact the health of their daughters. 

    Historically, American medicine has focused on men's health. But over the past 10 to 20 years, women's health has gained more attention. Now, in some ways, there is a gender bias, as men's health has been moved more into the traditional realm of reproductive health -- focusing on the prostate gland and impotency. Women's health had a reproductive leaning as well initially. This does a disservice to men as it once did for women. There are many other health issues that need our attention: Heart disease is still the number one killer for men (and for women), osteoporosis affects men, and mental health issues are important too.

    (Editor's Note: Click here to see Dr. Saralyn Mark discussing men's health on Good Morning America.)

    We also know that men tend to minimize symptoms and do not like going to their doctors, which have a hugely negative impact on the health of our fathers and sons. They're also prone to poor compliance with medications, which happens to be an issue across both sexes. High blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood sugars and diabetes are risk factors for heart attacks, stokes and some cancers. Smoking can also have a bad impact on bones -- damaging bone cells and sometimes leading to osteoporosis. It's critical for the men in our lives to have their annual checkups and to monitor these conditions. And for the women in their lives and for themselves, Father's Day is a great day to quit smoking.

    So how does all of this impact the health of the daughter? 

    For starters, one's family medical history is very important. All too often physicians ask women chiefly for the maternal history -- asking if one's mother or sister had breast cancer, for example, to determine if a woman is high risk. It's important to remember that we inherit genes from both our parents. So even in the case of breast cancer, it's important to know your father's personal (men can get breast cancer too, though it's more rare) and family history. 

    Similarly, osteoporosis can impact both men and women, and 70% of your risk for this disease is inherited. Men tend to get osteoporosis later in life than do women, but it is more deadly for men, especially in the first year after a hip fracture. Yet, we rarely ask men about their risk factors for this disease. It's helpful for doctors to know how much calcium and vitamin D they get from food and the sun, or whether they have secondary causes for it, such as being on certain medications, smoking, or diseases like thyroid disease. All too often, men are not even offered the chance to get a bone density test, which measures bone mass, so they can be diagnosed and treated if necessary. A daughter may notice that her father is getting shorter. Well it is not due to natural aging, but probably due to osteoporosis. So if her dad has it, she too is at higher risk and needs to think about ways to protect her bones from fracturing.
    Family history for heart disease is important too. If you have a father who has had a heart attack before the age of 55, your risk increases. Keep in mind: your risk increases also if your mom had a heart attack before the age of 65. 

    When it comes to conception, the age of the father also plays a role in the pregnancy and developing fetus. We used to only be concerned about the age of the mom, but now we see that dad's age is important too. For example, children born to men over the age of 40 may be at higher risk for developing autism. We are starting to learn what we need to do regarding screening for diseases for offspring with older fathers.
    
    Mental health issues, including substance abuse, can have genetic component too. All too often, men are not diagnosed with depression, which is more common in women. But studies have shown that men who are depressed and attempt suicide are more likely to succeed. A recent study showed that men, like women, can get postpartum depression, generally in the first 3 to 6 months after the baby is born. We are used to hearing about the 'baby blues' for new moms but since dads can get it too, we need to focus more attention to it. A father's mental and emotional health impacts the health of the child. If not treated, these problems in the parents can lead to issues in the child down the road.

    In honor of Father's Day, I want to focus for a moment on our troops who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. We are seeing increased rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury in those who serve. New research is showing that men with TBI and PTSD may be at higher risk for dementia as they get older. The impact on families is significant. As we honor their service to protect us, we need to ensure that we protect them too.

    So what can a daughter do to help celebrate Father's Day and improve their dad's health?

    You may want to sit down and talk to your father about his health. Find out how he is doing and if he is having any problems with daily activities, including sleeping, eating, and remembering things. Encourage him to see his physician for a checkup, which can be a good time to talk about risk factors for some of the diseases we discussed today. Prepare a nutritious meal to celebrate the day. Moderation is the key regarding meal portions, alcohol, and desserts. Ask your father to do something healthy for the day: go for a walk or a hike or play a game of golf or tennis. If that is more challenging, do something that reduces stress such as listening to music.

    Give him a present that has a positive health message. I remember I once was given a gift by a family member who knew that I liked to garden and was into physical fitness. The gift was a lawnmower. It was a bit unusual but really thoughtful. So consider giving him something that he can use. A rake, shovel, or set of golf clubs will go much further towards improving the quality of his life than will another tie!

    Happy Father's Day!

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  • 3 months ago
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• Menopause Insomnia: What are S Menopause Insomnia: What are Some of the Causes?

  • From: gedgell
  • Description:

    Fatigue, Mood Swings, PMS – the relationship to sleep

    Expert’s Name:  Dr. Sarah Lobisco

    According to Webmd, “Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.” The following symptoms can characterize insomnia:

    • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
    • Waking up too early in the morning
    • Feeling tired upon waking (with no evidence of night-time diaper changes or screaming children/animal mishaps)

    Insomnia can be classified into primary insomnia (sleep problems not directly related to a health condition) and secondary insomnia (meaning a health condition, medication, or substance is causing you to miss your daily required zzzs). This disorder is classified as chronic if it has persisted for one month or more and occurs 3 or more days out of the week.

    Let’s say you’ve already accustomed yourself to a daily bedtime ritual: you hit the pillow at the same time every night, you have bruises on your legs from how dark you’ve made the room (so not to disturb melatonin production), and you’ve even placed the EMF alarm clock so far away from you that you have to squint and get out of bed to see it.   All these changes you have made, and still you can’t sleep!

    If you’ve made significant changes to your bedtime ritual, and you are still struggling with insomnia, you may want to check with a natural practitioner to see if you have an underlying hormonal, adrenal, thyroid, gut, or other systemic disorder. The causes of insomnia are vast and guidance from a caring practitioner can help you to rule out more serious disorders such as heart issues, respiratory issues, or sleep apnea. According to Jillian Copadice, LAc, some causes of insomnia can include the following:

    Acute issues due to: emotional stress, physical discomfort, jet lag

    • Alcohol use
    • Circadian rhythm disorder
    • Central nervous system diseases: e.g.: brain tumor, complex partial seizures
    • Depression
    • Mania or bipolar disorder
    • Menopause – changes in hormone levels
    • Medications:  e.g.: corticosteroids, benzodiazepine withdrawal, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
    • Medical illnesses: e.g.: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperthyroidism, hepatic encephalopathy, gastro esophageal reflux disease
    • Poor sleep hygiene:  e.g.: too many daytime naps, watching TV in bed
    • Restless leg syndrome
    • Stimulants:  e.g.: caffeine, nicotine

    In my practice, I have had success in helping clients with insomnia through using various modalities such as mind-body medicine, whole food nutrition, herbals, and essential oils. Some common themes I see are hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, and their relation to nutritional deficiencies.

    For example, calcium and magnesium deficiency can cause PMS, leg cramps, and rapid thoughts at night. Low potassium and vitamin C can cause various adrenal symptoms which can keep someone revved up when they should be sleeping. Therefore, putting a person on the specific mineral product which fits all their individual symptoms not only address the sleep disorder but also corrects many other symptoms at the same time.

    I am often asked about melatonin. Melatonin can be helpful for people, but be cautioned, it is a hormone, and long-time use can cause grogginess and daytime fatigue. If melatonin is working for someone, I like to ask them if they are sleeping in absolute darkness, if not they could be down-regulating their own innate melatonin production. I will also assess their mineral and amino acid status to see if they have the precursors needed to make this hormone.

    Don’t just cover up your sleepiness with a natural or synthetic band-aid. Addressing the cause will not only help your insomnia, but also improve your overall health. So, do yourself a favor: when habitual changes and calming exercises don’t work, take an integrative look at the situation, and may you rest peacefully tonight.

    Learn more about Dr. Lobsico.

    Action Step:  If getting a good night’s sleep has been a struggle, try at least one the tips above in the next week.

    If you would more information on menopause go to Menopause Support.
    

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  • 4 months ago
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• The Day is Gone, The Disease i The Day is Gone, The Disease is Not

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

    It's a nice idea to have a day dedicated to a certain disease or cause.  But once that day has passed, don't forget the reason the day was started.  Meningococcal meningitis is a deadly bacterial disease.  It kills; it maims.  It destroys families by robbing them of their children.  Make every day a day to protect your children.  Know the symptoms of the disease.  Know that there are two vaccines licensed for this killer disease.  Know that the CDC recommends routine vaccination for all 11-18 year olds.  Know that you can make a difference in the health of your child.  If your health care provider doesn't mention it to you, you mention it to them.  Know that the shot you give your child, not only protects your child but others as well.  Please visit the National Meningitis Association Web site at www.nmaus.org for more information.

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  • 5 months ago
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• Yogurt Wont Help Vaginal Yeast Yogurt Wont Help Vaginal Yeast

  • From: HopeARicciottiMD
  • Description:

    One of the most common myths I hear about in gynecology is the natural remedy of yogurt for curing or preventing yeast vaginitis. The fact is, there is no good scientific evidence that proves that yogurt will cure or prevent vaginal yeast infections.

    Vaginal health 101
    A healthy vagina has a pH balance that is slightly acidic, with a small to moderate amount of discharge that ranges from clear to white, and from thin to thick. The color and consistency of your discharge depends upon hormone levels that vary throughout your monthly cycle. A normal vagina contains many different kinds of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms living together in this small ecosystem. Lactobacillus is a good guy bacteria found in your vagina and is very important. It's the peacekeeper among all the many microorganisms down there. These good bacteria produce acid, and this acidic environment keeps harmful bacteria and yeast from overgrowing.

    Risk factors for yeast vaginitis
    To keep the lactobacillus happy, don't douche, and don't use "feminine hygiene" sprays. These practices, along with antibiotic therapy, spermicide use, birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, tight clothing and frequent sexual intercourse are all factors that increase the risk for development of yeast infections.

    Yogurt and yeast
    So where does yogurt come in? Some types of yogurt, those with "active cultures" contain the bacteria lactobacillus, the same one that is the peacekeeper of the vagina. So the thinking is that if you eat this, or use it inside your vagina, you can inject some of these good guy bacteria back into the system naturally. Unfortunately, this does not appear to work in well-designed studies done of this technique.

    Yeast vaginitis symptoms
    Vaginitis is not a life-and-death emergency, but the intense itching and burning south of the border can make it feel like one. The usual symptoms of yeast vaginitis are a white "cottage cheesy" discharge, as well as vaginal itching or burning. (I don't know why we always use food to describe vaginal discharge.) Sometimes women notice burning during urination or dryness or pain with intercourse.

    Proven treatments for yeast vaginitis
    Treatment for yeast infections is best done with antifungal medication. If this is your first yeast infection, go to your health care provider to be sure yeast vaginitis is the right diagnosis. Once you've had a yeast infection, you can be pretty confident you know the symptoms yourself, so it's okay to treat yourself in the future, using over-the-counter medication. If you have lots of yeast infections, it's a good idea to see your doctor, because you may have a resistant strain that requires a prescription antifungal or longer-than-usual treatment.

    How do you use the treatments? You put them in your vagina. The usual form is a tablet, cream, or other form of suppository that goes into your vagina at bedtime (when you're horizontal, so it has a chance to work before oozing out) for a period of days. Antifungal creams that are available over the counter include butoconazole (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), and terconazole (Terazol 3). A one-tablet oral treatment for yeast vaginitis is fluconazole (Diflucan), which can be convenient in order to avoid the messy creams but is available only with a prescription since your doctor needs to be sure it is a good option for you. If symptoms do not go away with treatment, make an appointment for further evaluation. During pregnancy, confirm your diagnosis before using any treatment. Your doctor will typically ask you to use creams instead of pills, because creams are less likely to get into your bloodstream--and into your baby.

    No partner treatment necessary

    We used to treat male sex partners at the same time. Now we know that yeast vaginitis is not sexually contagious, but rather an overgrowth of normal microorganisms. So your partner does not need to be treated, and you can't catch yeast from each other.

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
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• World Meningitis Day World Meningitis Day

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

    Saturday, April 24, 2010 is World Meningitis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about a devastating, killer disease that affects families worldwide. Meningococcal disease, a particularly severe form of bacterial meningitis, can lead to death in under 24 hours and symptoms often appear similar to the flu so it can be hard to recognize and diagnose. Luckily, there are vaccines available, including a new vaccine which was recently approved by the FDA.

     

    As a parent who lost a son to this vaccine-preventable disease, I can tell you that no child should ever die from something we can protect against. Please talk to your child’s healthcare provider and get more information. I also urge you to do what you can in your own community to help recognize this important day; spread the word, you can help save lives.  Visit the National Meningitis Association Web site www.nmaus.org for more information and our personal stories.

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  • 5 months ago
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• Something’s fishy – bacterial Something’s fishy – bacterial vaginosis

  • From: HopeARicciottiMD
  • Description:

    Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not really an infection. Vaginitis is an inflammation in which the walls are irritated and more white blood cells and discharge are produced.  It results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the genital tract. In fact, many different bacteria and yeast normally populate it. They usually coexist peacefully and keep each other in check, but if they are knocked off balance, one may overpower the others. This leads to a decrease in the number of lactobacillus (one of the normal bacteria that lives there, keeping the peace), an increase other bacteria, and the unpleasant symptoms of fishy odor, discharge, and irritation. Most women will have at least one episode of vaginitis during their lives. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginitis I see.

    Who gets it?

    BV is not sexually transmitted, but it usually is found in sexually active women, so it could be the sexual activity that brings it on. The infection sometimes begins after sex with a new partner, which alters the ecosystem balance in the genital tract. Commonly, it is brought on by douching, which can alter the natural levels of the different bacterial and allow one type to overgrow.

    Symptoms

    BV is usually signaled by a thin yellow, gray, or greenish, frothy discharge that is accompanied by a fishy odor and  irritation. The odor is often noticeable after intercourse. Your doctor makes the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by testing your discharge. One test is done by looking at the discharge on a slide under the microscope to help distinguish bacterial vaginosis from other types of vaginitis—yeast vaginitis or sexually transmitted types.

    Treatment

    Bacterial vaginosis is treated with a prescription antibiotic—in the form of either prescription cream or oral antibiotics (metronidazole cream or oral tablets, or clindamycin cream). It usually resolves completely without complications after treatment. No special follow-up is necessary if the symptoms disappear. Your partner does not need to be treated, because the infection is not transmitted sexually. For unknown reasons, some women get recurrent BV. Usually, this can be handled by longer courses of antibiotics. 

    
    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
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• eczema eczema

  • From: elizabeth
  • Description:

    Eczema is a very painful skin disorder. Several people in my family suffer from it as well. Unfortunately there isn't an effective over the counter option to help treat it.  Most cremes, soaps and lotions temporarily relieve the symptoms but don't do much to restore skin heatlh.  Hopefully better products will come out soon.

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 49
  • Forum: Medical Con...

• Meningitis Symptoms and a Moth Meningitis Symptoms and a Mother's Instinct

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

    As President of the National Meningitis Association and as a mom who lost her son to bacterial meningitis, I often get e-mails and phone calls from parents who are worried that their child may have meningitis.  A couple of weeks ago, a mom e-mailed me, that she thought her 10 year old daughter might have viral meningitis.  I told her that if you suspect meningitis, in any form, seek medical attention immediately.  I also asked her what symptoms her daughter had?  She told me that she had taken her daughter to the pediatrician, who had sent her to the hospital ER.  When the mom asked the ER physician if her daughter might have meningitis, the doctor said no, that the daughter was just dehydrated.  The mother also told me that the daughter had a headache, stiff neck, and the light bothered her eyes.  As a matter of fact, the girl was curled up in the bathroom on the floor, that was the darkest room in the house.  I told the mother to take her daughter to the ER immediately.  The mother said she didn't want the hospital to think she was a "whacko" mom.  I said just get your daughter to the ER.  This time, the hospital did the tests -- blood work, CT scan, spinal tap.  The daughter did have meningitis.  The mother told me that I saved her daughter's life.  I didn't save her daughter's life, but I gave the mother the reinforcement she needed to take her daughter back to the hospital.  So, moms -- don't doubt your instincts, and don't let others determine your child's health.  This story has a happy outcome -- the girl will be fine.  This is not always the case.

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 171
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• Don’t Be Short Sighted. Protec Don’t Be Short Sighted. Protect Your Vision.

  • From: RobertAbelJrMD
  • Description:

    We're experiencing an increase in refractive errors, which refers to the eye's ability to "bend" light and focus, especially in nearsightedness. It all starts with children who perform hours of close work on their computers and smart phones without taking a break. As these kids age into adulthood, they continue the same practices while trying to fit too many activities into a day. The incidence of myopia (poor long distance vision) has jumped from 25% to 42% in American adults in the last 25 years. The incidence has increased from 0% to 44% in Eskimo children who have become urbanized. 

    On top of this we're witnessing the fact that America is aging; within the next 10 years there will be 54 million people 65 and over. With age comes a decreasing focus power (presbyopia) and an increase in ocular conditions such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Although there are many new technical innovations for diagnosing and treating eye disease, it is still best to avoid them in the first place.

    Good eye health begins with very basic preventive steps: 

    • Taking breaks every 30 minutes from the computer and portable devices. A recent study demonstrated that bifocals with prisms reduce the rate of nearsightedness in Asian American children. It's a lot easer, though, just to take those periodic breaks for 30 seconds at 30-minute intervals.
    • Sunglasses protect against ultraviolet light that can damage the crystalline lens and the retina. This would reduce the risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
    • Maintaining ideal weight through diet, supplementation and exercise will lessen the chances of developing diabetes.
    • Moderating alcohol intake and not smoking eliminate additional toxicity to the eyes.
    • Learning to relax through rhythmic breathing, meditation, exercise or socializing also reduces the creation of free radicals.
    • Taking appropriate multivitamins and vitamins such as Omega3 fatty acids, vitamin C D &E and Lutein protect the eyes.
    • Having regular eye exams, especially if you have symptoms, makes a big difference. Be certain you are wearing the appropriate glasses or contact lenses.

    In my new book Lethal Hindsight the hero Lauren Chandler stumbles upon an insidious plot with international consequences by doing eye examinations in Washington, DC. One of the subplots in the book is the fact that nutrition and supplementation will be very protective for the future vision of Americans. 

     

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 197
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• menopause menopause

  • From: pookiewookie
  • Description:

    I've been told by older women (I'm 53) that symptoms can last forever.

  • 6 months ago
  • Views: 5
  • Forum: Reproductiv...

• Menopause Menopause

  • From: AnitaQ
  • Description:

    Your period has been non-existent for over a year.  Now what?  If you had hot flashes and nightsweats and other symptoms during peri-menopause, do they stop now?  Or do they start with a vengance now if you did not have them before?  "Symptoms" I'm told can last up to 10 years.  So, ten years from when?  The start of the transition?  Or the comlete end of the menses?

  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 3422
  • Forum: Reproductiv...

• Tripod Talks! Tripod Talks!

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

    Tripod and his cast of characters are here to educate about meningococcal meningitis and the importance of vaccination.  Tripod also comes with a storybook, coloring book, and resource guide.  Please visit www.nmaus.org for more information.

  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 16
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• New Meningitis Vaccine Approve New Meningitis Vaccine Approved!!

  • From: lynni
  • Description:

    The FDA has approved a second vaccine to protect against meningococcal meningitis, a killer disease.  I know it's a killer disease, from personal experience, having lost my 20 year old son, Evan, to this disease, not knowing it was potentially vaccine-preventable.  The licensure of a second vaccine to combat this disease is great news, because it brings more attention to the disease.  It is so important that everyone know the symptoms of the disease and that a safe, effective, vaccine can protect against the majority of cases.  Had I known about this vaccine, my son would be alive today.  Believe me, there is NO GETTING OVER the loss of a child.  I wish I had known.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 694
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• Arthritis Pain Relievers with Arthritis Pain Relievers with Cetyl Myristoleate

  • From: Tamer
  • Description:

    According to the CDC, 46 million Americans have arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States.  But arthritis pain relievers with cetyl myristoleate are helping. I found this article on Trans World News that I wanted to share with you all today. Hope it helps those of you suffering from any form of arthritis or joint pain.

    
    

    'It is staggering to know that there are hundreds of types of arthritis. The one thing they all have in common is pain in the affected areas. For some people the pain in the morning, accompanied by stiffness is the most debilitating problem. Often there is extensive joint involvement accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Those who experience arthritis of the neck often become bedridden. Others are able to live with rheumatoid arthritis hands, but only because they are taking pain medications, as well as anti-inflammatory pills. Medications often become a way of life for people looking for a rheumatoid arthritis cure.
    
    

    Once diagnosed using a number of different tests, patients are often counseled to look at exercise and diet as a first line of defense. Certainly diet can play a role in helping to control some of the symptoms of arthritis, but it is not a long term solution. It often needs to be looked at as only a part of the solution.
    
    Doctors will also advise to add an exercise program, as a way to keep the joints moving with the hope of relieving some of the pain. Added to this may be heat treatments, as well as massage. All of these are designed to help improve the joints and keep them as healthy as possible while dealing with this condition.
    
    One thing that all patients seem to have in common is the use of over the counter medications, such as NSAID's and anti-inflammatory medications, to try and relieve their pain. This is never a long term solution, and although it provides some temporary relief, it more often can cause organ damage from extended use. Prescription medications are also not a solution, and rarely will a doctor prescribe them for long term use. The one thing all patients need is a safe and long term solution.
    
    Some of the first alternative treatments that people looked to, were the use of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSN, to help their condition. Some even tried magnets to help reduce their pain. There are any number of other 'so called treatments' out there, but few rarely work. Glucosamine and chondroitin definitely do have benefits, and do help to provide relief, but there are so many questionable sources of these on the market today, that the consumer has to be very careful to ensure they are getting the best possible product.
    
    In recent years a new product has been introduced to the market. This product contains cetyl myristoleate, which has proven to reduce pain in people who suffer from arthritis. Flexcin CM8 is a high quality product that is made in the United States that is 100% natural. No side effects have been experienced with this product, unlike what people experience from long term use of over the counter medications.
    
    Flexcin CM8 is proven to reduce joint pain, while at the same time helping to lubricate joints. It nourishes the joints and provides a reduction in inflammation to joints and tissue surrounding the joints.
    
    Recently doctors from around the United States have seen the benefits of Flexcin CM8, and now advise their patients on the use of it as an alternative to harmful medications. Doctors have for years looked for a treatment that they can offer to patients that will provide significant relief to them as well as helping to repair joints and cartilage.'
    
    
  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 43
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• lynni

  • Bronze
  • Points: 530
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  • Since: 1 year ago
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