September, 2010   
Health
Mosquito Season?
The heat and humidity are here and we all know what that means! Are you a mosquito magnet? Check out web MD for some helpful information.
 
Unbelieveable, but true, WebMD says scientists do know that genetics account for a whopping 85% of our susceptibility to mosquito bites.
 
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/are-you-mosquito-magnet
 
Who knew smelly feet and perspiration attracted them?  Here are some helpful and interesting hints to keeping mosquito free.
 

  • Mosquitoes like anything dark, so dress in lighter colors. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which the insects will bite right through.
  • If you're having a party outdoors, use big floor fans to keep air moving. This also dissipates the odor of humans, hindering mosquitoes from finding you.
  • Don't leave stagnant water around. Empty water-filled plant saucers, drains or old tires. (Just what are old tires doing in your yard anyway?) Change water frequently in wading pools, pet water bowls and birdbaths.
  • Sweat and smelly feet attract mosquitoes. Encourage your kids to keep their feet clean to avoid getting bitten.
  • Keep any repellents you use away from eyes, noses and mouths.
  • Consider clothing from http://www.insectshield.com/ which treats its fabrics with permethrin, a manmade version of the natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemums.
 
Tips from the Washington Post- At Home- August 13, 2009
 
Try a Homemade Repellent: Take a look at these Howstuffworks tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay...
 
http://homeideas.howstuffworks.com/insects-pests/how-to-deal-with-mosquitoes.htm
 
 

Image-
ChristopherBadzioch /iStockphoto
 
"Mosquito, Adult Feeding On The Skin Image."  16 May 2007.  HowStuffWorks.com. http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/  13 August 2009.
 
What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?

what's in your medicine cabinet

 

 

 

 

Pictured in this high kitchen cabinet stored out of the reach of children is:

Top Shelf-Large First Aid Kit

Third Shelf-Antacids, Bug Repellent, Alcohol Rub

Fourth Shelf- Fish Oil, Flax, Red Rice Supplements, Eye Drops, Chewable Antacids, Cough Syrup, Gum, Small First Aid Kit, Thermometer

Bottom Shelf- Children's Desitin, Allergy Medication, Multiple Mineral Vitamin Supplement, Prescription Medications, Eye Glass Cleaner

Follow the recommendations below and keep drugs away from children and those unable to minister medications themselves:
 

 

 

 

Cautionary Advice about Children and Medications:

  • Keep “Over-the-Counter” (OTC) medicines out of sight and reach of children.
  • Never give adult medicines to a child.
  • Never give two or more medicines with the same ingredients at the same time.
  • Never give antihistamines to make a child sleepy.
  • Follow directions exactly, giving only the recommended dose, using the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  • Check with your pharmacist or physician if you have any questions.


Medication Complications in Older Adults:

  • With age, there is an increase in chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.  Delayed or inappropriate treatment can be far more damaging than to a younger adult.
  • Research shows that half of the people hospitalized for adverse drug reactions are over age 65.
  • Older adults may be taking multiple medications for more than one problem.
  • Older adults may be filling prescriptions at more than one pharmacy.
  • Remember: Pharmacists and healthcare providers intend to provide the best care possible but patient awareness is key in preventing medication errors and unnecessary adverse drug reactions.



A Smart Consumer Knows:

  • About interactions with food, other medicines, or dietary supplements that can effect how medicines work.
  • That some interactions can be dangerous.
  • When picking up a new medicine, ask if it will work safely with other prescription and nonprescription medicines you may be taking.
  • To tell your pharmacist and physician about any herbal products that you may be using.


http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/health/10-08MedicineCabinet.asp

 
Here’s a list of foods for thought from The Diet Channel:

1.   Egg yolks for your brain function

A healthy benefit of egg yolks is that they contribute choline to the diet. Choline is a component of two fat-like molecules in the brain that are responsible for brain function and health. A choline deficiency may contribute to age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's disease.

2.   Spinach protects the brain from age-related problems


Spinach helps protect the brain from oxidative stress while reducing the risk of suffering from an age-related decline in function. Researchers found that feeding aging rats spinach-rich diets significantly improved their learning capacity and motor skills. Including spinach in your diet may lessen brain damage from strokes and neurological disorders.

3.   Yellowfin Tuna protects against Alzheimer's

A cold-water fish, yellowfin tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. This is important if we remember that structurally, the brain is made up of 60% fat. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids keeps cells' membranes flexible and maximizes their ability to allow important nutrients in. Yellowfin tuna is rich in the B vitamin niacin, which also protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease.

4.   Cranberries for improvements in memory, balance and coordination


Animal studies suggest that cranberries protect brain cells from free-radical damage. Moreover, consumption of this tart fruit is associated with improvements in memory, balance and coordination.

5.   Sweet potatoes provide nourishment for the brain

Sweet potatoes are especially brain-nourishing. They are rich in vitamin B6 (necessary for manufacturing a certain kind of neurotransmitters), as well as carbohydrates (the only fuel source the brain uses) and antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C and beta-carotene).

6.   Strawberries reduce the risk of age-related brain decline

Strawberries help protect the brain while reducing the risk of developing age-related brain function decline. Just half a cup provides 70% of the Recommended Daily Value (RDV) for vitamin C. Research studies have shown that strawberry eaters may have a higher learning capacity and better motor skills than non-strawberry eaters.

7.   Kidney beans to improve your cognitive function


One cup of cooked kidney beans contains almost 19% of the RDV for the B-vitamin thiamin. Thiamin is critical for cognitive function because it is needed to synthesize choline. Kidney beans are rich in inositol (part of the B-complex vitamin family). Inositol may improve symptoms of depression and mood disorders.

8.   Raisin bran to prevent migraines and headaches

Raisin bran provides carbohydrates, iron, B vitamins, folic acid, calcium and magnesium. These are all important nutrients for brain fuel, as well as health and vitality. In addition, magnesium is a mineral that helps relax blood vessels, preventing the constriction and dilation characteristic of migraine and tension headaches. Increased intake of magnesium has been shown to reduce episodes of these types of headaches.

9.   Lamb Loin aids concentration and mental performance

Lamb loin is eaten less in the United States than almost any other country in the world. This is unfortunate because it is rich in vitamin B12 and iron. Iron is important for brain health because a deficiency can impair concentration and mental performance.

10.   Wheat germ is good for the brain

Wheat germ is a powerful brain food because it is rich in vitamin E and selenium (both very potent antioxidant nutrients), as well as choline and magnesium.

Another good source of choline is peanuts.

Other good sources are flaxseeds and olive oil.

http://www.thedietchannel.com/Food-For-Thought.htm

 
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