protection

Avoiding Sports Injuries

September 28 in Health by admin | No Comments

Image is from Peak Form Health Center

It can be a ton of fun to play on a team in an organized sports league but the fun can quickly come to a halt if you incur some sort of injury. No matter if your injury is something that will heal quickly, or if it takes you out of the game for the entire season, injuries are something that every athlete wants to avoid. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent sports injuries:

Protect Yourself

Depending on the sport, there is gear that is designed to keep you safe and injury free. For most sports, this equipment is not optional, but rather, mandatory. You will find that in many games, the referee will check players for the appropriate equipment before the game begins. This protects not only you as the player but it also protects the other players that are on the field as well. In soccer, players must wear shin guards to prevent a leg injury. Football players wear helmets to protect themselves when they get tackled and hockey players wear padding all over to protect them when they get hit, pushed into the boards or get hit by a puck.

Warm Up Routine

Before playing at a practice or a game, it is always recommended that you stretch and warm your body up before giving the game your full intensity. This warms up your muscles rather than putting immediate demand on them. You will prevent strains, tears, muscle pulls and much more if you take a few minutes before physical activity to warm up. Also, after a game or practice, cooling down by stretching and slowing your movement for a few minutes can help your muscles recover safely.

Understand The Rules Thoroughly

No matter what the sport is, it is important to know all of the rules of the game and what is expected of you as a player. Rules are designed to keep the game moving, and help teams keep things fair. However, rules are also designed to keep players from doing certain actions that would result in somebody getting hurt. For example, in many youth soccer games, children are not allowed to head the ball (bounce the ball off of their head). This is simply to prevent concussions from occurring. Adults are allowed to do this but they learn the proper way to do so and they are much more developed and able to handle the impact.

Be Aware

When on the ice or on a sports field, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of where other people are. You want to win the game but you want to do so safely. If you end up running full speed into another player because you were not paying attention, this can hurt both you and the other player.

Respect Your Injuries

If you are recovering from an existing injury make sure your coach knows about this and be sure to sit out that game. You will be much more prone to another injury if you haven’t healed from the original injury. Not only that but you can become injured if you are favoring a certain body part or moving in a way that is different than normal because of a pain or an injury.

Playing sports can be extremely fun and competitive. However, getting injured isn’t fun for you and your team will have to learn to play without you. Be responsible when you play and follow these few rules in order to protect yourself and to also protect others that are playing along with you.

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What Are Vaccines?

August 24 in Health by admin | No Comments

When you hear the word “Vaccine,” you may get this word confused with two other words, “Vaccinations” and ” Immunizations.”

This article will explain simply and exactly what a “Vaccine” is and is not. First of all, a vaccine is administered one of three ways by needle injection, orally by mouth, or by a nasal spray, depending upon the vaccine administered.

There are different kinds of vaccines on the medical marketplace today. All vaccines contain a weakened organism or a killed organism. The vaccine’s purpose is to produce in your body a certain level of immunity against the organism of which its contents are made. Each vaccine’s purpose is to offer you protection against certain diseases or at least minimize the effects of the illness on your body.

Are Vaccines Safe?

Even since vaccines were born, there has been a controversy within the medical community and individuals alike as to the necessity and safety of certain vaccines. Many people do not believe the worth of these vaccines, while much more people know that vaccines lessen all kinds of disease processes and save lives.

For you to understand the risks and benefits of any vaccine that is offered to you, you must that the responsibility of delving deeper into any information available and weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision as to whether you or your family should take any vaccine. Discover how the medical community monitors and makes any vaccine safe, providing many more benefits to you.

Vaccines,

Prevent serious diseases, for example, polio, chicken pox, and German measles
Increases your immunity
Protect you and all those around you from spreading diseases
Eliminated certain diseases
Prevents disease outbreaks which in turn protect those who cannot be vaccinated for one reason or another
Decrease in deaths from different diseases

How Long Do Vaccines Last?

Some vaccines are given yearly such as the flu vaccine
Some vaccines have an active age limit such as five to ten years such as the tetanus vaccine
Some vaccines given as a child require a follow-up booster injection after several years.
Some vaccines that are given to you as a child remain in your system, protecting you for life

Side Effects

As with everything else in life you are unique. The way in which you may react to anything is unlike your neighbor. Individuals respond differently to vaccination.

For example, when receiving the flu vaccination, you may have no side effects. Another person may complain of generalized ill feelings. Someone else may complain of some flu symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

None of these side effects are long-lasting and are short-lived causing a bit of inconvenience.

In Conclusion

Making an informed decision regarding vaccinations is vital to you and your children’s health and well-being.

Research shows that some of the diseases that were called “Eliminated” due to this prevention process are now starting to rear their ugly heads.

This surge in some rarely seen diseases is because many people feel that vaccinations are not necessary or important in this day and age. People are refusing any protection that vaccinations offer them. Many parents are refusing to have their children vaccinated with routine childhood vaccinations due to possible side effects.

Each state has certain requirements as to what protection they require children and adults have as a resident of that state. Check with your state regarding the rules and regulations regarding vaccinations.

When traveling abroad, certain vaccinations are required before you can enter your chosen country. You must present documentation that you are protected by certain disease processes prevalent in that country.

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Keep Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season

December 22 in Health by admin | No Comments

Once you or your family is infected with the flu virus, it is not easy to treat the infection. Just as in many other conditions, prevention of the diseases is the surest way to stay safe. With just a careful attention to hygiene, you can prevent the various flu viruses from reaching your family. As well, the inclusion of immunity boosters can come in handy for you and your family. Moreover, you can always avoid a full blown illness by acting quickly when you notice the first symptom. Here are some of the ways to prevent the flu from catching your family.

Taking up good hygiene practices

There is a myriad of means to observe proper hygiene and consequently keep off the flu and other diseases. One such way is by ensuring you wash your hands. It is an easy way to prevent both contraction and the spreading of the flu virus. Washing hands reduce significantly the proliferation of bacteria ant the flu virus from cold surfaces. Ensure your family follows these steps in washing their hands

Before applying soap to your hands, ensure you wet them. Scrub your palms vigorously for about twenty seconds ensuring that under your nails, the spaces between your fingers and the back of your palm are reached properly.
Use running water to rinse your hands and use a clean towel to dry them
If you can’t locate and soap and water, rub your hand on a hand sanitizer.

Ensure everyone in the family covers their nose and mouth whenever they cough or sneeze.

This should be done by putting their hands in both the nose and mouth whenever there is the need to sneeze. Doing this will considerably mitigate the risk of spreading the germs and viruses

Each time you develop the urge to sneeze or cough consider doing so into the crook of your elbow. This will help to avoid contaminating you’re going all over spreading germs to other people.
After doing so, throw away the tissue you used immediately and embark on the hand washing process.

Sanitize the places you share

Cold and flu virus spread very easily especially on shared surfaces and spaces such as bathrooms and kitchen. Disinfecting these areas of your house will take you a long way in ensuring the flu virus does not spread.

Focus the cleaning on shared areas including bathroom sinks, kitchen counters toilets and the kitchen sink. As well, do not forget the door handles.
There are a variety of surface disinfectants available in local stores. In shopping for the disinfectants, you may want to consider one that will provide you will protection against the several strains of the virus.

Boosting your immunity

Even as there is no cure for influenza, you can always get a vaccination against the disease on a yearly basis. This can significantly help to strengthen your immunity against the influenza virus during cold seasons. Ask your doctor whether getting the vaccination would be a good idea for you. When opting for the vaccination, you may want to consider the following in mind

Ensure you get the vaccine yearly. The vaccine you had in the previous year can never carry over into the next year.
Be aware that you may feel some soreness at the injection site.
Report to your doctor any side effects including fever, soreness and body aches.

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Eating Correctly During Sick Season

December 8 in Health by admin | No Comments

Image is from Huffington Post

When winter arrives, you know it’s the flu season. In this season, be sure to brace yourself to avoid the disease. While some people will still go for their regular workouts in the gym, it is not recommended. However, you must maintain your health not only during the flu season by all year round. You do this by not only regular and consistent fitness regime, but also a healthy diet that keeps you strong and healthy as well as helps you in fighting the disease. You may have probably wondered how can keep yourself healthy during this season. It is possible to take steps to prevent illness and also to avoid the spread to others.

Wash your hands

Foremost before thinking of anything else, you must wash your hands with clean water and ensure they are clean. Regular hand washing is one of the surest methods of avoiding the spread of germs to others. During the winter months, it is cold, and that means flu is all over and can easily be contracted. The following are some of the important tips to note

Ensure you are well versed with hand washing techniques. Rub your hands together while running warm water on them for about twenty seconds. Use a mild hand soap to do this.
Whenever you touch your mouth or nose, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly. As well, ensure you wash your hands before taking any meal.

Eat healthy

The various kinds of foods you take into your body have a significant impact on your overall health. Eating a well-balanced diet is vital as it can help in support of your immune system. Ensure you eat right to assist in the staving off of flu and other winter diseases.

Aim at getting multiple servings of vegetables daily. Carrots, parsnips, and turnips are good vegetable servings for winter. You can take them in various forms including roasting them or just mixing them into warnings of soups.
Increase your dairy intake. Milk and dairy products contain lots of vitamins including A and B12 which are vital in keeping you healthy during the cold winter.
Try to find low-fat milk as well as reduced fat cheese. Greek yogurt and light cottage cheese is another meal you can try as well.

Limit sugar intake

Limiting sugar intake can significantly strengthen your immunity system. If you have a diet which is low in refined sugar can be of great assistance in getting rid of the influenza virus and colds. These are some of the steps you can take to ensure you limit your sugar intake

Watch what you are drinking. Drinks such as sodas and fruits drinks do contain large amounts of sugar.
Switched to iced tea or water. These beverages will quench your thirst minus adding sugar to your diet.
Whenever you feel that you have a craving for anything sweet, try a piece of fruit. It contains natural sugar that is better for your body than the refined sugars.

Try home remedies

Zinc can be of great help in speeding your recovery. Another important thing you can try is essential oils. They have a myriad of healing properties. Just ensure they are properly mixed. Make a mixture of rosemary, peppermint lemon, eucalyptus and lemon oils. You will need water to mix a few drops of each.

Flu can be very discomforting. Use the nuggets above to help you with quick healing.

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Tips to Avoid From Getting Sick During The Holidays

December 1 in Health by admin | No Comments

Image is from Search Engine Land

The holidays are supposed to be a time to gather with family and friends to enjoy good food, gift giving, and to have fun. If you get sick right before the holidays, it can put a huge damper on your plans. If you want to keep from getting sick for the holidays, there are a few steps that you should take.

Avoid Germ Hot Spots

If you want to keep from getting sick, you should try to avoid germ hot spots. If possible, you should avoid doing your holiday shopping when the stores are the busiest. If you can’t, you should take a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. You should use some when you touch the door to get in the store and again when you touch the door to leave. Halfway through your trip, you should give your hands another dose. If you touch anything that a sick person touched, you can get sick. The best way to keep these germs from infecting you is to keep your hands clean and germ-free.

Get Enough Sleep

With all the stress and running around that go along with the holidays, it can be difficult to get enough sleep. If you don’t get enough, your immune system can become compromised. This can make it very easy for you to get sick. It is important to give yourself a chance to relax at the end of the day and make sure that you get a full 8 hours of sleep.

Dress Warm

Most kids are told growing up that if they don’t wear a jacket that the cold will make them sick. This is not true. It is actually the cold that will weaken your immune system. If you are exposed to germs, your immune system may not be able to fight them off. When you go out during the holiday season, be sure to wear a coat, hat, and mittens. If your feet get wet in the snow, you should change your socks as soon as possible. The same is true with wet mittens. If you keep warm, you have a less chance of getting sick. If you have been out in the cold for an extended period of time, you should take a hot bath or a hot shower. It is the best way to get the chill out. Just be sure to dry your hair completely before going back out or going to bed.

Get Your Flu Shot

It is important that you get your flu shot before the holiday season. It is the best way to protect yourself from being sick in bed for several days. The flu can completely ruin your holiday.

Take a Multi-Vitamin

It is a good idea to start taking multi-vitamins before the holiday season. They will boost your immune system and keep you healthier. The healthier you are, the harder it will be to get infected by germs that you come into contact with.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

If you want to keep from getting sick, you should drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Doctors recommend that you drink 8, 8 ounce glass of water. You should also avoid alcohol. Getting drunk will weaken your immune system and you could end up with a hangover.

Don’t Share With Others

If you want to keep from getting sick, you should avoid sharing forks, cups, toothbrushes, and anything else that a sick person can pass their germs on.

Getting sick during the holidays can completely ruin your plans. If you follow a few simple steps, you can avoid getting sick and ruining your entire holiday.

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Myths About Flu Shots

November 29 in Health by admin | No Comments

There are many myths surrounding the flu vaccine that may prevent people from getting their annual flu shot. This can have dire consequences for at-risk populations such as seniors, infants, and the immuno-compromised. At best, the flu is no fun. At worst, it can be deadly. Why then do people skip or avoid a flu shot?

Help protect these vulnerable populations by increasing your knowledge of the of how the flu vaccine works and what the risks are of taking and avoiding the annual vaccine by separating fact from fiction.

Here are some of the most common myths about flu shots.

MYTH: The flu shot doesn’t work.

The CDC cites statistics showing a 74% reduction in pediatric intensive care admissions by vaccinating against the flu from 2010-2012. A 2016 study on seniors showed a 57% reduction in influenza hospitalizations. Studies also show significant reductions in severe influenza illness in people with diabetes (79%) and chronic lung disease(52%).

The benefits go beyond these at-risk populations, with a myriad of studies showing significant reductions in flu-related illness based on vaccinating yearly against the flu.

MYTH: I got sick anyway.

If you’ve ever heard someone say they got a flu vaccine, yet still got the flu–they might be right. That doesn’t mean the flu vaccine didn’t work though. Flu vaccines are based on the previous year’s most common and virulent strains of influenza. With so many influenza strains, not every option will be protected against, especially as viruses mutate and new strains arise.

While it can’t catch every flu out there, the flu vaccine will help protect you from the worst known cases.

MYTH: The flu shot gives you the flu.

The flu shot gives you inactivated viruses. This form of virus cannot be spread (another common myth). This virus form also will not give you an active flu infection. The shot does, however, stimulate your immune response (which is a good thing). Many people will experience a mild reaction from this.

If you get a severe cold right after getting the flu shot, you’re timeline just doesn’t match up. As the flu vaccine takes a week or two to provide full protection, it isn’t responsible for your cold. Chances are, you were already getting sick and didn’t know it. The flu vaccine also does not protect against influenza, not other viruses such as rhinoviruses.

MYTH: The flu isn’t that bad.

Actual influenza is more than just a bad cold, although it may produce similar symptoms including sore throat, cough, and fever. In the United States alone 36,000 people die every year and over 200,000 are hospitalized from the flu annually.

MYTH: If I get sick, I can just get antibiotics.

Antibiotics work great for bacterial infections, unfortunately the flu isn’t an infection – it’s a virus. If you do catch the flu, there are treatments– but no one-size cure all.

MYTH: Vaccines cause autism.

There’s no need to go into detail here. Vaccines do not cause autism. According to the CDC, vaccines and vaccine ingredients do not cause autism.

MYTH: It’s too late in the season to get vaccinated.

Is it too late to get sick? Then it’s not too late to get vaccinated. While getting vaccinated at the beginning of the season provides you the best option to build immunity early, getting vaccinated at any time throughout flu season will still provide protection should you come in contact with the influenza virus.

For more information on flu shots, talk to your local health practitioner.

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