Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Something salty….something sweet…..something wrong...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Something salty….something sweet…..something wrong...: http://hamptonroads.com/2012/04/something-salty%E2%80%A6something-sweet%E2%80%A6something-wrong-adrenal-fatigue-may-be-culprit Who hasn’t ...

Something salty….something sweet…..something wrong? Adrenal fatigue may be the culprit

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/04/something-salty%E2%80%A6something-sweet%E2%80%A6something-wrong-adrenal-fatigue-may-be-culprit

Who hasn’t craved something salty then something sweet?  That’s why God made popcorn and ice cream (think Heavenly Hash), right?  Perhaps, but it may also be something else that’s causing you to feel this way.

Believe it or not, every “body” craves good nutrition.  Whether we’re craving something salty or sweet, we should take inventory of what we’ve been or not been eating and what stress we’ve been putting our bodies through.  Both are the red flags we need not ignore. 

Naturally, our body (especially our brain) craves natural “sugar” (complex and simple carbohydrates) to energize.  Our body also needs “salt” (i.e. Sodium) to help store water and minerals, while also feeding our muscles and nerves.  When we “lack” enough of either, we experience cravings for one or sometimes both.  Processed foods are high in sugar (usually fructose corn syrup) and sodium (helps keep the food “preserved”).  When we eat a lot of processed food our body experiences the “highs and lows” of the unhealthy sugar and sodium levels found in these foods.

Cravings

So what’s at the root of our cravings?  The list of choices can be quite extensive, while also mysterious.  Sometimes, it’s nothing more or less than just not practicing balance in our lives.  When we’re overworked, we experience stress.  When we experience stress, we suffer from emotional and physical imbalance.  The root of that imbalance begins with how our bodies respond to what we’re requiring it to do.  The more we demand from our body, the more our body depletes itself of what it naturally stores.

Adrenal fatigue

Underlying health problems, like Adrenal fatigue, can cause our body to experience the salty and sweet cravings, as well.  Our Adrenal glands, located above the kidney’s, produce a steroid-type hormone called “cortisol” responsible for balancing us emotionally especially during stressful situations.  Its primary function is to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system and metabolize fat, protein, and carbohydrates.  When the Adrenal gland is overworked, we feel the effects physically and emotionally:

*Sleeplessness, fatigue – Very common, resulting in erratic sleeping patterns

*Cravings – Salty and sweet

*Illness – We either become sick more often or healing within a reasonable amount of time

*Emotionally depleted and depressed

*Weight gain

*Sighing

*Memory loss

*Sickness

*Low blood pressure

*Decreased sex drive

If we’re putting our bodies through a lot of stress, our body’s ability to respond in a balanced and appropriate manner will be compromised.  There are natural ways in which you can naturally heal and help your body recover from stress, enabling your Adrenal glands to recover:

*Meditation – If you have trouble sleeping, try to meditate at least 10 minutes a day, twice a day.  Meditation is as simple as clearing your thoughts while sitting or reclining in a comfortable position.  Once you train your body to relax naturally your body will begin the healing process, naturally.  If you’re not sure how to meditate, visit YouTube and search “instrumental meditation”.  Grab a set of headphones (so that you’re not distracted by any outside sound), plug them into your computer, close your eyes and simply relax, breathe deeply, and “empty” your thoughts.  One easy way to “empty” your brain is to change the way you’re your brain holds and releases its thoughts.  Start with visualizing a non-stressful object in your brain like an apple, a leaf, or a bird.  Mentally count to 3 and then release that thought to envision nothing.  Continue to do this for about 20 seconds.  Then stop envisioning anything and just enjoy being with yourself, listening to the sounds that you hear. 

*Whole, healthy food – Stop eating processed food!  Start with eating whole food (if it comes from the ground and it’s fresh, it’s good!).  Prepare your meals in advance.  Avoid junk food.  Eat a healthy snack between each meal.  A healthy snack could be almonds, fruit, veggies, but nothing processed or refined. 

*Drink water – Stay naturally hydrated.  Take your current weight, divide it in half and drink that many ounces each day.

*Avoid too much caffeine – Over stimulating your body leads to stress.  Reduce your intake of caffeine to no more than two cups of coffee, tea a day. 

*Exercise – When your body is over stressed it will respond with feeling tired.  However, some form of exercise will help your body release stress and will raise your feel good hormones (endorphins). 

*Massage – Hydrogen ion is the acid in lactic acid, which builds in muscles and nerves, through mostly physical activity, slowing our energy levels.  Deep tissue massage helps release the build-up of these ions.  If you can’t afford a massage, then soak for 20 minutes in a warm (not hot) Epsom salt bath, followed by a cool rinse.

Everyone experiences stress.  Learning to pay attention to what it’s doing to our bodies is the first step in helping our body recover, heal and restore to the level of wellness it needs to live fully.

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Salty and sweet cravings are your body’s way of telling you to pay attention to it.  Never ignore the signs!

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved

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Resources:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_gland_disorder
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/04/something-salty%E2%80%A6something-sweet%E2%80%A6something-wrong-adrenal-fatigue-may-be-culprit

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Measles outbreak hits all time high in 2011: How ...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Measles outbreak hits all time high in 2011: How ...: Seventeen outbreaks and two hundred eleven cases may not seem like much, but when it comes to “Measles” the numbers tell a different st...

Measles outbreak hits all time high in 2011: How come now?

Seventeen outbreaks and two hundred eleven cases may not seem like much, but when it comes to “Measles” the numbers tell a different story.  The Center for Disease Control reported the highest number of outbreaks and cases since Measles since reported as “eliminated” in the year 2000.  The best question we can ask is, “How did we go from “eliminated” to “outbreak” in one decade for an illness that was seemingly inoculated decades ago?”  What exactly is an outbreak and why does what would seem like a controllable number cause such startling reactions? 

An outbreak reflects “three or more cases linked by time and location”.  The cases reported linked to travel abroad, involving an average age individual of 14 years old, with 70 patients hospitalized, however, no reported deaths.  MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine helped to eliminate the problem over in the past, but with the increase in travel and exposure that risk may or may not be avoidable.

"Last year many U.S. travelers brought back more than they bargained for," said Dr. Ann Schuchat, director, CDC's Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease. "This is the most reported number of cases of the measles in 15 years."

While many parents opt out of the MMR vaccine for various reasons, the CDC believes the recent outbreak is just another good reason to receive the vaccine:

"It's really important for families to know that measles are still a threat," Schuchat said. "In some places it's easy to exempt from a vaccine. We believe that for many parents a reason to decline a vaccine is they don't think the disease exists, they believe it's gone ... No one wants their child to die from measles in 2012."

History of MMR vaccination

Known for being as common as death and taxes, measles affected hundreds of thousands during the pre-1960’s era.  The demand for a vaccine was so high that Maurice Hilleman, who worked for Merck & Co., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in America who developed the MMR vaccine in 1960, which was later licensed in 1971 in the United States.  Starting in 1963, MMR vaccines began as an initial vaccination for children to receive at 12 months, directly giving them the measles.  By 1989, the second MMR vaccine was produced and required to be given to children at 15 months, as a follow up should their bodies build immunity (usually only affecting around 2-4% of children) after the initial dosage.  Once the initial vaccine was introduced in the U.S.A. its victims dropped by a staggering 90%, from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands.  Increased uptake of the vaccine into the 1970’s reduced the number infected down to the thousands, followed by a renewed push for the vaccine to be required in the 1990’s. 

Anyone born after 1957 is a candidate for the vaccine, while those born before 1957 weren’t required to have the vaccine because they were likely exposed to measles or possibly had it.  Even, though cases are rare in the U.S., the disease affects over 20 million people around the world killing 200,000+ of its victims annually.  The real danger to Americans is exposure to the illness without having the immunization, especially when traveling abroad.  While most children receive the vaccine, parents are able to “opt-out” from their children receiving the vaccine, for religious and/or personal reasons. 

Measles symptoms include:

*High fever above 101

*Body rash lasting for 3 or more days

*Runny nose and cough

Measles is considered a high infectious disease, killing 1-2 children out of every 1000 diagnosed.  In comparison to many other infectious diseases that might not sound too serious but the likelihood is that number will continue to grow with exposure. 

Autism and the MMR vaccine

The controversy over the connection between the MMR vaccine and Autism still rages on today.  As recent as 2011, a study Prof. Bruce Tonge & Dr. Avril Brereton, of ACT Now (Autism Consultation and Training) believed that the controversy over the relationship between the two was based on faulty research (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/spppm/research/devpsych/actnow/download/factsheet16.pdf).  A study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, of Free Royal Hospital, first raised the concern as a result of a study performed on twelve children who quickly developed Autism symptoms shortly after receiving the initial MMR vaccine in 1998.  However, he concluded, “We did not prove a link between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described (autistic endrocolitis).  Virological studies are underway that help resolve this issue.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there isn’t enough direct evidence linking the two. 

“Because signs of autism may appear around the same time children receive the MMR vaccine, some parents may worry that the vaccine causes autism. Vaccine safety experts, including experts at CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), agree that MMR vaccine is not responsible for recent increases in the number of children with autism. In 2004, a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that there is no link between autism and MMR vaccine, and that there is no link between autism and vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative.” http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Vaccines/MMR/MMR.html

Quick Tips for Wellness:  The MMR Vaccine provides needed protection against a highly infectious disease.

Resources:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMR_vaccine, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Vaccines/MMR/MMR.html, http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0003140

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Is the public at risk? $85 million in savings for...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Is the public at risk? $85 million in savings for...: With the spread of Salmonella poisoning on the rise, it’s hard to imagine what the USDA was thinking when they came up with the not so br...

Is the public at risk? $85 million in savings forces the USDA to revamp its chicken inspection requirements

With the spread of Salmonella poisoning on the rise, it’s hard to imagine what the USDA was thinking when they came up with the not so brilliant idea of allowing the chicken industry to self-monitor their food production process.  It’s projected that the USDA will save $85 million over three years through massive layoffs (1000 jobs are at stake which equals about $85,000 per job loss….talk about government waste) while reducing the watchful eyes of the USDA from three inspectors along the line down to one inspector at the end of the line. 

As a result of this proposal, not only will the USDA cut their losses but the poultry industry will increase their own bottom line by saving more than $250 million a year, through increasing production from 90 chickens per minute, to the rapid pace of 175 chickens per minute.  Even though we’re talking chickens it sounds a little fishy. 

According to USDA inspectors, the current process is pretty ridiculous to begin with thus requiring the long overdue need for change.  Basically, three inspectors stand along the production line while visually inspecting the chickens as they literally “fly by” at rapid speed (90 chickens per minute can’t possibly receive more than a “wing and a prayer” nod as they hustle themselves down the line.)  The objective of the inspection is to “spot” any suspicious looking problems with the chickens, but it doesn’t cover the unseen problems.   According to a response given by USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service administrator, Alfred Almanza, during an ABC News interview, “You can’t see pathogens. You can’t see campylobacter.”  Thus, the current three inspector process isn’t any more effective than having just one.   However, think again. 

The year 2011 produced some of the highest reports of salmonella in the past ten years.  If the current inspection process is still “hitting and missing”, during the inspection process, how can “increasing” the speed with which the process is followed produce any better results?  How can allowing an already troubled industry self-monitor itself increase food safety and quality?  Albeit the $85,000 per job loss would be a nice burden lifted off the taxpayer’s shoulders, it sounds more like an ineffective system acquiescing to a questionable one. 

Watchdog groups question the process:  Are the tests rigged?

The brilliance behind this idea can be best summed up in one word:  Money.  According to watchdog groups who monitor the chicken industry a combination of increased testing and accountability would be a welcomed change.  It seems that many in the chicken industry know how to “cheat the system by rigging the tests”, manipulating the outcome.  According to the USDA, that’s a myth:  “We do not have evidence of that,” Almanza said. “But when we’re told of anything of that nature we take those allegations seriously.” 

The “National Chicken Council” has taken the process very seriously and made this statement underscoring their response to the purpose and plan regarding the changes in the approach by the USDA’s food safety inspection process:

“The proposed inspection system will better protect the public from food borne illnesses by reducing reliance on old-fashioned visual and sensory inspection and moving to prevention-oriented inspection systems based on actual risk to consumers,” Ashley Peterson, vice president of science and technology at the National Chicken Council, said in a statement. “It is the goal and primary focus of the chicken industry and USDA alike to provide consumers with safe, high quality and wholesome chicken. This proposed rule does not change that goal.”

Evidentially, the topic of food inspection and safety isn’t a new one; the process has been being debated, examined and reviewed for over 20 years.  Since 1999, 20 plants were part of a pilot program by the USDA to determine the most effective and efficient methods of food safety inspection.  The outcome netted great debate between the unions and inspector’s department, with the conclusion of the following:  Less is more. 

Future inspections will provide the following:

*Visual inspections by the USDA Food Safety Inspectors will focus on the following, “looking at each carcass to ensure the safety of chicken products and providing them with the USDA seal of approval for wholesomeness.”

*Microbiological inspections will be increased during the inspection process by “shifting some, but not all inspectors” versus just visual inspections.

*The shift in the inspection process will (presumably) underscore some of the already in place process and “ensure that the vigorous testing and other protocols that companies have in place are working properly to prevent bacterial contamination.”

What’s really alarming about what we now know is this: 

*If the USDA can save $85 million over three years by just “tweaking” their own process, why has it took 20 years to get this ball rolling?  Who’s to say it won’t take another 20 years to see if the new system is just as effective or ineffective?

*According to those inside the chicken industry (evidentially) rigging testing to pass the USDA requirements isn’t a forgone idea.  If this is true (I’m not saying it is, I’m just posing the question) then what’s to say the new system won’t be subjected to the same problems in the future?

Organic chicken

If the chicken industry can add an extra $250 million a year to their bottom line by pumping out more chickens while the government downsizes the process (saving $85 million = downsizing), how can these new changes ensure “prevention”?  There’s likely only one way to ensure higher quality food standards across the board:  Organic food quality standards.  If the government would offer funding, for higher quality food products they’d be investing their money wisely.  The bottom line is this:  The public wants better quality food products at an affordable price, but that quality costs money to produce it.  If, the real problem is the chicken industry isn’t meeting the food quality standard then the industry requirements overall must change.  That’s a just a thought, but I think I’m onto something.

(Resources for this blog:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/04/statement-from-the-national-chicken-council/ and http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/04/usda-to-let-industry-self-inspect-chicken/)

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Anytime a government change grossly increases private industry’s profitability…..that’s a red flag.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Conscious sedation versus Anesthesia: Know the di...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Conscious sedation versus Anesthesia: Know the di...: So you’re about to go in for an outpatient procedure and you’re given a “consent” form to sign regarding the method of sedation to be use...

Conscious sedation versus Anesthesia: Know the difference BEFORE you consent!

So you’re about to go in for an outpatient procedure and you’re given a “consent” form to sign regarding the method of sedation to be used for your procedure.  Sounds easy enough, however, before you sign any medical procedure form you should know a few things that might be VITALLY important to your overall wellbeing.  For example, will you be in any danger from the sedation you’re being given during the procedure and do you FULLY understand what your options are or aren’t before you sign?

Most of us have no idea what we’re really agreeing to when we sign all those pages of consent at a doctor’s office.  Why?  We entrust the doctor and what we’re being advised to do without fully understanding exactly what to expect.  I’m not implying that we shouldn’t trust our doctor but that we should practice making informed decisions carefully, especially when we’re able to make those decisions in advance.  I learned a valuable lesson from both:  Before you sign anything ask “What are the options available to me?”  Request a full explanation of what each of those options will mean to your overall outcome and then do your own research.  Good questions to ask are:

*Will I have any level of consciousness during the procedure?  If so, what is that level of consciousness will it be?

*What level of sedation will I be administered (conscious, moderate or deep sedation)?

*Who will be administering the sedation and are they licensed with the state?

*Does my current health condition allow me to receive anesthesia versus sedation? 

*Based upon my current blood pressure (low or high), how will the sedation affect me?

*Will any other drugs be administered during the procedure and what could they possibly be?

*What side effects from the sedation and any other drugs administered to me should I expect?

Before you go to your first appointment, ask the doctor’s staff to fax/email you a copy of all the forms you’re going to be required to sign so that you may review them advance even before your first appointment.  Then carefully read/review those documents you will be signing to ensure you are making an informed decision and that you fully understand the potential risks and results. 

Whether your procedure requires anesthesia or sedation, both are not something to take lightly.  Those who administer either require special training and/or licensing and certification.  Depending upon your procedure, one may be used versus the other.  Understanding what to expect, how and what is being administered and the potential side effects or interaction with your current physical condition is where the “vital” concern lies.

Sedation

There are different levels of sedation:  Conscious, Moderate and Deep sedation.  The biggest difference between the three levels of sedation is this:  Some awareness versus complete unawareness.  According to the U.S. National Institute of Health’s Medline Plus website Conscious sedation is typically administered by a registered nurse and results in the following:

“Conscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedure. You will probably stay awake but may not be able to speak.  Conscious sedation lets you recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after your procedure.” (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007409.htm)

Past conscious sedation is moderate sedation.  The purpose of both levels of sedation is to help you relax and minimize discomfort and anxiety during a procedure.  With either, you may be somewhat awake or lightly asleep, but you should be easily awakened during the procedure.  The next level of sedation is referred to as “deep sedation”, where you are not aware at all of your surroundings.  Deep sedation should only be administered by an Anesthesiologist or a Nurse Anesthetist, both of whom are licensed to administer deep sedation and anesthesia.  Based upon the state where you reside, the laws may vary.  In the State of Virginia, the following requirements are given (http://sedation.sgna.org/sedation-standards/virginia-sedation-regulations):

• All providers of office-based anesthesia shall hold the appropriate license and have the necessary training and skills to deliver the level of anesthesia being provided.
• Deep sedation, general anesthesia or a major conductive block shall only be administered by an anesthesiologist or by a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
• Moderate sedation/conscious sedation may be administered by the operating doctor with the assistance of and monitoring by a licensed nurse, a physician assistant or a licensed intern or resident.

Demerol

In addition to sedation, (conscious or moderate) you may also receive pain management drugs like Demerol.  It is equally important that you ask in advance what types of pain management drugs might be administered so that you can make a fully informed decision.  For example, Demerol is a very strong drug with various side effects.  If you have heart problems, very low or high blood pressure, take any type of medicine, you’ll want to speak to your doctor about the possible complications from Demerol.  Sedation is meant to completely, relax you so that the doctor can do their job.  However, certain health conditions, mixed with drugs that potentially lower your blood pressure, can be a concerning combination. 

Based upon your Insurance carrier, you may or may not qualify for a licensed Anesthesiologist.  If you have any medical condition that could put you at risk (including any of the above), speak to your insurance carrier and your doctor about having the procedure in a hospital with an Anesthesiologist or a Nurse Anesthetist. 

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Know the facts before you agree to any form of sedation.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved

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Are dental X-Rays causing brain tumors and are they dangerous to our health?

According to recent research by Dr. Samuel Zeichner, Director, Maxillofacial Radiology, Columbia University, Dental x-rays are something we should limit our exposure to as much as possible.  That’s not say we shouldn’t get regular dental check-ups but that we should be prudent in allowing more than two oral x-rays a year, eliminating over exposure.  Why?  Brain tumors caused by excessive exposure from x-ray equipment used during oral exams.  (http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20120410/dental-x-rays-linked-brain-tumors)

It appears that there is a correlation between dental x-rays and “Meningioma”, a common form of a non-malignant brain tumor typically diagnosed in adults who received 2 or more dental x-rays a year as a child.  This finding came from research performed under the direction of Dr. Zeichner, comparing adults who have had this form of a brain tumor against those who haven’t, concluding that those who’ve had a “Meningioma” tumor were 2 to 5 times more likely to have had frequent dental x-rays as children.  According to Dr. Zeichner the exposure from x-rays during adolescence, ten or more years ago, could have caused the tumors.   “Children are still growing.  During the growth process, their cells are sensitive to radiation.”  Dr. Zeichner’s study was based upon approximately 1,400 Meningioma patients between the ages of 20 and 79, when they were diagnosed between the spring of 2006 and the spring of 2011, and upon their recollection of their dental history.  He openly admits this is not an all together conclusive study, but it is enough to underscore the concern we should all have to being exposed to radiation through Dental x-ray equipment.

An important element in this research to consider is the age of the patient(s) researched and the level of exposure they “may have received”.  Again, this is based upon recollection and not solely upon the fact.  Also, it is important to remember that ten plus years ago x-ray equipment and exposure to “microsievert’s” (radiation levels) was much greater than it is today.  In the last ten years, great strides have been made to improve the exposure to radiation during dental exams.  For example, a dental x-ray 10 years ago sent 388 microsieverts of radiation to our head versus the exposure we receive through the use from today’s equipment which has reduced that exposure greatly to about 10% (35 microsieverts) of the amount we received over ten years ago, providing much less exposure to the patient and safer conditions.  Compare the exposure at the dentist office to what the average person is exposed to over a year from other outside sources (about 3000 microsievert’s), that amount seems small by comparison.   ABC News, Diane Sawyer, also covered this topic last night (see the following link at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/GMAHealth/brain-tumors-dental-rays/story?id=16101200).

The safest method, when receiving x-rays, is to limit the amount of exposure as much as possible.  Dentists will use chest guard jackets over you when they x-ray but always ask for a “thyroid” protector as well to guard your neck area, too.   Remember:  Always ask if the x-ray is necessary or what options are available, for example:  Is there another method the dentist can use to examine your mouth and/or the problem?   Also, remember, some x-rays may be absolutely necessary and having bi-annual dental exams is also the best way to prevent a future problem.  Your “mouth health” is just as important as your overall health so practice good dental health every day. 

"These findings should not prevent anyone from going to the dentist," says lead researcher and neurosurgeon Elizabeth B. Claus, MD, PhD, of Yale University School of Medicine and Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "But it appears that a large percentage of patients receive annual X-rays instead of every two to three years, which is the recommendation for healthy adults.”

Meningioma tumors typically are malignant but are annoying and have been known to cause headaches, seizures, hearing and memory loss.  Should you suspect you have the symptoms of Meningioma tumors, see your doctor immediately and (again) limit your exposure of having x-rays to the head area.

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Become mindful of your exposure to radiation and avoid unnecessary x-rays whenever possible.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved

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If you’re thinking it’s just you, I’m here to tell you “you’re” in good company!  Norfolk, Va., is in the top five cities throughout the United States for the highest pollen count today.  How do I know this (you might ask)?  Just click on the following link for a map of the USA and the current highest pollen count locations through the country (http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp).

So what’s causing all this pollen havoc and allergy suffering?  According to the experts at “Our Amazing Planet” (http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/2639-pollen-alerts-allergies-bad-early-spring.html) an early warm spring = high pollen accounts.  In fact, it hasn’t been this high (in some parts of the United States) since 1999.  The early arrival of spring and the lack of rain increased the pollen count with no known end in sight.  Strong winds also help to “spread” the pollen as they transport the particles through the air.  Mix that all together and you’ve got scratchy throats, itching eyes and coughing-sneezing-wheezing suffering (almost) everywhere!

In springtime, pollen comes from trees, eventually blossoming to ground level by summertime through plants.  With the spring season and warmer weather occurring earlier than usual, our poor trees just join in and start the process of producing their buds earlier than expected.  Springtime usually produces a certain amount of rain to wash-away the pollen, but this season it’s been unusually “drier” than normal.  Hence the problem:  A lot of pollen + very little rain + strong winds = Allergic reactions

So what can you do about it without having to take a boat load of drugs?   Natural remedies can work just as effectively as over the counter drugs, depending upon how severe your body is reacting.  Below are some of both:

Neti-pots and Nasal cleansers

Our nose acts as a filter for what we breathe in.  That “filter” needs to be cleaned (just like your HVAC filter in your home) each day during allergy season.  Neti-pots and nasal cleansers are the easiest way to clean out that filter and bring relief to your allergic reaction.

Antihistamines

We think an antihistamine is an antihistamine; think again.  You can actually have a different reaction and/or tolerance to certain types of antihistamines.  If the one you’re taking isn’t working, switch to another one.  Talk to your pharmacist about which one might work best for you if the one you’re taking stops working effectively.

Corticosteroids

Prescribed nasal sprays can offer several benefits when you’ve tried everything else.  According to Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com),  “Corticosteroids help prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals during an allergic reaction.”  Prescribed products like Flonase, Nasonex and Rhinocort Aqua, are usually prescribed to help relieve allergic reactions.  However, there are side effects like nasal bleeding, irritation and unpleasant smell and taste.  If your condition renders it severe enough, the doctor may prescribe an inhalant to help offset the side effects such as Flovent, Pulmicort, Asmanex, etc. 

Antihistamines for eyes

One of the most telling side effects is the red, irritated eyes.  Instead of using just “Visine”, you’ll need to consider its sister product for this condition, “Visine-A” or Alaway, etc .  Treatment for this condition may require something stronger than an over the counter eye drop.  If your eyes remain red for more than just a few days (5 days or more) and start emitting pus or signs of infection, ask your doctor about Corticosteroid drops.  However, this should be a last resort as their side effects can result in blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts and actually increase your eye chances for an eye infection.

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Don’t suffer from pollen in silence….

See a doctor if your home remedies stop working!

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