Category Archives: Health and Wellness

A Teeth Whitening Diet??

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We all know that there are foods we eat than can stain our teeth, like drinking coffee, red wine, tea,  and eating blackberries, beets, or blueberries.  But there are some foods that stain your teeth that may shock you AND some that you can eat that will help to promote teeth whitening.  So, no need to go to the dentist every couple of years and pay $500 for teeth whitening.  Eat your way to white teeth!

What foods can cause staining?

Other than the ones I just referred to above, there are some real shockers.  You think that you are safe from staining your teeth by drinking white wine?  Apparently the tannins and acids that are present in white wine, actually scratch your teeth and promote staining by other foods. Sodas (dark) tend to stain teeth due to the color of the beverage, but also light sodas can stain the teeth due to the acidity of the beverage, as well as sports drinks (think: Gatorade).  Isn’t that a total bummer?  You think that drinking light-colored things wouldn’t necessarily be awesome for your teeth (most of those items do have high sugar content) but you wouldn’t think that they would either stain your teeth or pave the way for staining! Apparently whatever would stain a white cotton T-shirt, would also stain your teeth.

bunny food or happy teeth food?

bunny food or happy teeth food?

What foods can I eat to make my teeth pearly white?

Apples! Apples, while yes they do have some acidity to them, are also really crunchy and full of fiber which can help scrub the teeth.  Actually most hard and crunchy fruits and vegetables will also help to scrub teeth clean and make them glisten: raw cauliflower, celery, green beans, carrots, pears, and jicama (to name a few) are not only low in calories, and high in fiber and yumminess, they also clean your teeth!  So next time you see  veggies out as finger food, grab them and start chomping for some last-minute whitening!

Some cheeses and other dairy products (think milk and yogurt) contain enzymes that help to strengthen teeth and prevent decay, so it helps to keep your enamel looking nice and white!

Strawberries can help to polish teeth and make them appear whiter and shinier, due to an enzyme called malic acid that is present in them.

Water helps to wash away anything that may be caught on your teeth that could cause staining if left there. And if you have no water and no toothbrush, what are you to do?  Chew on sugar-free gum! While dentists don’t normally love it, it also helps to clan your teeth by grabbing some of the stain causing items off of your teeth, plus it helps to promote  more saliva in your mouth.  Saliva can help to neutralize acids, thus prevent tooth decay and staining.

Is there anything else I can do?

Brush your teeth three times a day!  I am totally the nerd at work with a toothbrush and floss in a little pack that I keep in my desk to brush my teeth after lunch, and I’m really OK with it because I don’t have little brown nubs in my mouth (that was a little too far!) But avoid smoking, tobacco stains are some of the worst to get out of your teeth and it’s just really a bad habit anyway (think about ways to quit). And finally, when you are drinking tea or coffee or anything that might stain those beautiful chompers, drink through a straw, so at least you don’t stain your smilers (they are what everyone sees first!)

So brush those teeth, eat raw crunchy fruits and veg, and when you do need your caffeine fix?  Use a straw (just make sure that your beverage is a good drinking temperature or risk burning your mouth!) and keep those teeth happy and white!

Yours in Good Health

B

How to add calcium to your diet!

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I know a lot of people that are lactose intolerant, or just tend to really dislike dairy, and want to add more calcium to their diet. Calcium adheres to the bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis. It can be a bit tricky to know how much you might need to eat of various foods to get the amount of calcium that you need each day. Calcium is also a bit of a tricky supplement to take because you need vitamin D to absorb the calcium, without vitamin D, you only actually absorb about 10-15% of the calcium you ingest.  Vitamin D can be taken in supplement form but the best way to get Vitamin D?  Spend 30 minutes in the sun, outside of the most intense sunlight times (10am-2pm) with only light sunscreen on (and it’s best absorbed without any on).

How much calcium do I need?

From the ages of 10 to 20 your body absorbs the most calcium to the bones, and slows significantly after the ages of 30. It is suggested that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)  for the ages of 9 to 18 is 1300mg, ages 18 to 50 is 1000mg, and ages 51+ is 1200mg per day. If you think that an 8oz serving of yogurt has around 400mg of calcium, and an 8oz glass of milk has around 350mg, cheese has about 300mg per 1.5oz serving, eating three servings of dairy, really help you to hit that RDA for calcium.  If you can’t tolerate dairy, or just don’t like it, fear not, there are other ways to get in enough calcium, you just need to pay attention to your diet.

milk, muesli, beans, tahini..sources of calcium!

milk, muesli, beans, tahini..sources of calcium!

How do I get my calcium on?

The good news is that we live in a world full of fortified foods, and soy, almond, and coconut milks all have around 300mg of calcium in an 8oz serving, as does Orange Juice fortified with calcium.  One serving of beans (1/2 cup) gives you around 100mg, 1/4cup of almonds (in any form) adds 80mg, and green leafy vegetables are chock full of calcium (1 cup of uncooked kale/spinach/etc has about 200mg).  And, if you are really into sardines, you are really in for a surprise, 8 medium-sized canned sardines has 370mg of calcium! And for all of you tofu lovers, 1/2 cup of tofu has 270mg of calcium.  Your after dinner treat of frozen yogurt? 100mg of calcium.  So pay attention to the foods you eat, most likely you are getting a good amount of calcium, and remember that most cereals and breads are fortified with calcium, so read the labels.

What else can I do?

Remember that your body can only really absorb a maximum of 500mg of calcium at a time, so if you are taking supplements, be aware of that!  Remember to get your sun for the Vitamin D to aid in absorption of calcium into your bones. Also doing low weight-bearing exercises, lifting low amounts of weights, ankle weights, helps to strengthen your muscles around your bones and keep the calcium in your bones instead of stripping off.  Too much calcium can cause some bad things, so make sure just to get the approximately the amount that you need! So get that calcium in and strengthen those bones!!

Yours in Good Health

B

Breathe Better in 2013

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I know smokers hear a mouthful from us non-smokers all the time, between the dirty looks, the coughing as we walk by, the comments that people feel the need to shout out….I get it, it’s annoying, but your habit of smoking, affects us non-smokers! We are exposed to the carcinogens that you are burning, inhaling, and then exhaling into airspace that we are also using. It seems trite, I totally get that, but you are not only exposing me as an adult, but children, animals, and other innocent people who may already have some health issues (think about a child with asthma; they should be able to walk down the street without having an increased risk of an asthma attack because someone is smoking near them).  But it’s a new year, and a great time to make a commitment to yourself and to better health! If you won’t quit for anyone else, quit for you!

Why should I quit? 

-443,000 people die a year from smoking related deaths, which is more deaths than from suicide, alcohol, illegal drugs, motor vehicle accidents, and murders combined!!!

– It increases your risk of lung cancer by 23 times (versus non-smokers)

– Heart disease and stroke risk increases by 2 to 4 times

– Increases you risk for other cancers: oral, larynx, skin, gums, cervix, bladder, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, esophagus….among others

– And specifically for women, smoking can cause: low weight births, stillborn births, infertility, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

AND, in case no one else has noticed, tobacco products are EXPENSIVE!!  I couldn’t afford to smoke a pack or more a day.

lighter:light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the immediate benefits of quitting?

Within 12 hours of quitting, your blood oxygen levels increase back to a “normal” (pre-smoking) baseline and your carbon monoxide levels drop down to normal.

In 24 hours your chemical withdrawal symptoms will start (and will peak in 72 hours.)

Within 48 hours your nerves that have been damaged will reverse, and your sense of smell and taste will start to return.

Within 2 weeks your anxiety levels reduce (anxiety will be higher right after you quit in a response to stopping nicotine) and your blood circulation has restored to your gums and teeth.

At around 8 weeks, your risk of heart attack/disease starts to decrease significantly, and your lungs start to work better and more efficiently.

After 1 year of quitting, your risk of heart attack and stroke are at around 1/2 the risk of a smoker, and when you reach that 5 year milestone your risks are that of a non-smoker!!

The effects reverse, and your body starts feeling better so quickly after you quit, you just have to get through the cravings!

How do I quit?

Quit with a friend/buddy/significant other: it makes it easier if you keep each other in check. Or get support from help groups (1-800-QUIT-NOW, for teens Smokefree Teens, and women Smokefree Women) that can coach you through cravings, or talk to you about what you might be feeling every time you reach for that lighter and that pack of smokes.

Use nicotine replacement gum, inhalers, patches, etc and slowly wean yourself off of the nicotine so you just have to deal with changing your behavioral patterns, not the physical chemical cravings. There are also some medications and other treatments your Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) can prescribe for you, but there are quite a few side effects so you should be under the care of an HCP if you choose to take that route.

Make some lifestyle changes (just like when you are trying to lose weight) that you can stick with.  If you normally smoke when you drive to work, change routes. If you light up after dinner, go for a walk, get up and do something active that will change your “smokers routine”.  If you smoke when you hang out with certain people, don’t hang out with them for a while. I am NOT saying that it is easy, but it is hard work that you are putting in to make yourself healthier, and to live a life free of disease.  Life is hard enough, why add medical issues that you don’t need/want to deal with? And, again….the cost just blows my mind; wouldn’t you rather buy something cool that you’ve coveted with the money you save from not smoking??

Talk to your HCP, get a baseline physical, and then a year after your successful cessation of tobacco use, and you will see a HUGE difference in your health, all for the positive.

Yours in Good Health

B

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diagnosis & Current treatments

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In light of the Marathon Monday bombings, fires in Texas, the Sandy Hook School shooting, the devastation of hurricane Sandy, along with other horrific and traumatic events have occurred recently, there have been many people experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, including me, the first few days after the bombing. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with combat veterans coming back from war, but it is also associated with other traumatic events, and is commonly misunderstood.  There are many side effects, some subtle and some not so, but the average person tends not to really understand this disorder, what sufferers go through, and the current available treatment options.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is the bodies stress response after some sort of traumatic event, usually where people feel their lives (or others around them) are in danger.  Some events that can result in PTSD are: exposure to live combat (i.e. war veterans), serious accidents (car accidents, plane crashes), physical and/or sexual abuse (especially during childhood), large-scale or national disasters (terrorist attacks, school shootings), after a loved one’s suicide or traumatic loss of life, and natural disasters (tornadoes, forest fires, hurricanes).  Basically any major traumatic event will lead to some form of PTSD, which can be transient, in that the symptoms come and go, or are experiences for a short period of time then go away and never come back, while some people experience the symptoms for the rest of their lives.

one of the many reasons for PTSD

one of the many reasons for PTSD

Who will get PTSD?

It is truly unknown why some people experience symptoms and others don’t.  You can put two people in the exact same situation and they will respond differently, and it is very difficult to predict who will have more severe symptoms.  Usually the experience itself determines if people have symptoms and the length of time. Some other factors that may lead to a more intense PTSD reaction:

-If the event was fatal (people died)

– How close the survivor was to the event (i.e. someone who actually had a gun aimed at them during en event and were not shot would have more risk of long-term symptoms vs. their significant other would be effected by the event but have a lesser risk for long-term symptoms)

– If a person was injured during and event or lost someone close to them

– The control you felt during the event(s) or lack thereof

– If treatment, therapy, assistance was sought out after the event

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

As I stated earlier, some of these symptoms are more subtle than others, and most people who survive traumatic events will have some of these symptoms immediately, then they can go away, or continue on. I was in a state of hyper-arousal for a few days following the bombing and definitely having nightmares, but I also felt like I was in a fog and very forgetful, so I appreciated people being understanding with me. Once the symptoms last more than 4 weeks continuously and start to effect your personal life and work life, or cause you great distress consistently, you fit the criteria for PTSD as a diagnosis. The four main symptoms of PTSD are: 1. Reliving the event (having nightmares, constantly thinking about the events during the day causing you to be unable to concentrate). 2. Avoiding similar situations (If you were in a traumatic car or plane accident, no longer riding in cars or planes). 3. Inability to feel (many PTSD victims have a lack of experiencing true feelings after the event, they describe themselves as being “numb”  or having “dulled” feelings). 4. Constant hyper-arousal (always anxious and expecting something bad to happen, constantly looking over their shoulders, worried). These symptoms can lead to behaviors by the victims to try to combat them.  Some people drink or take drugs to slow their minds so they aren’t constantly thinking about the event, while some become severely depressed leading to suicidal thoughts/actions or extreme anger, or acting out and being very promiscuous to try to get their mind off of the event. These are all coping skills that are not healthy and can lead to problems at work, in relationships, suicide, and addiction.  There are ways to help and alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.

 

What are the Treatments?

Some people are treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibtors (SSRIs) to help with depression.  Psychotherapy (counseling) in conjunction with SSRIs can help to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD and help people to get back to their mental state (basically) from before the event.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of therapy to help victims to work through their feelings about the event and their responses to it; you learn the skills to actively change your thoughts and feelings in response to the traumatic event.  Essentially you work through your feelings and change your response, and no longer keep your feelings bottled up about the event, prior, and after. There is also Prolonged Exposure therapy, where you talk about the event and your feelings so extensively, that it no longer causes you such pain and anxiety, you then expose yourself to   things you have been staying away from to decrease your anxieties.

There are treatments out there, and they are not quick or easy, but they work.  All victims need to know that they should not keep their feelings inside, and they need to talk to a therapist that will help them work through their feelings. I was encouraged to talk about the event with people at the hospital that experienced the same event, and talk to everyone who asked; it was very, very hard, but also made me feel better.  I also used the outlet of writing about the event as a form of therapy, and I felt SO much better having people hear my story. It can be horrible to relive experiences, but it will be worth it to work through the feelings and anxiety, and be able to live your life without the fear or stress of that traumatic experience, and truly begin to live your life again.  If you know anyone with symptoms, or you think you might have symptoms, talk to a family member, your HCP, a therapist, anyone to get help.  If you are in crisis, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call a suicide prevention line (800-273-8255) * if you are a veteran, you can press 1 after dialing the same suicide prevention number and speak with someone trained to specifically work with veterans.

**The FBI set up a victim assistance line specifically for the victims of Monday’s bombing.  Please ask for help, and talk to someone….anyone. It WILL make you feel better.

Take control of your life back.

Yours in Good Health

B

Animal Assisted Therapy: Pro or Con?

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At my hospital we offer Animal Assisted Therapy animal visits a couple of days a week, patients and their families are asked when they are admitted if they like animals and if they are interested in getting a visit.  The handlers of the therapy animals (which are all certified and up to date on all vaccinations), then will go to various floors where patients have requested a visit, make sure it is still acceptable with their current state of health and with various procedures, etc. and then will pop in for a 15-30 minute visit, depending on what is allowed by the patient and their Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs). There are differences of opinion about Therapy Animals in the hospital, however, and some feel that these visits can be detrimental to patients health.

The two cutest therapy dogs on planet earth....if I do say so myself!

The two cutest therapy dogs on planet earth….if I do say so myself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the two sides to the debate?

Obviously I’m biased on this one, I love animals, and have two therapy dogs of my own, and there is another side to the story; I’d like to pretend there isn’t one, but I will give you both sides of the debate so you can make your own judgement!

Pro:

The overall goal of Animal Assisted therapy is to improve the cognitive, social, and emotional functioning of any given patient. It was first used in the 18th Century with patients that had mental/psychiatric disorders, and though it was based on no real science at that time, it was found that the patients were better able to socialize with one another when caring for and being with animals. Sigmund Freud found that children and adolescents were much more comfortable and open in therapy when animals were present, they helped to decrease stress.  In modern-day life, the therapy is based on a biophyllia hypothesis, which basically states that because humans depended upon animals for survival long ago, when we see an animal at rest, is signals to humans that they can be calm and restful as well. Animal assisted therapy is currently brought to prisons, hospitals, nursing homes/extended care facilities, and with home therapy; patients who use animal assisted therapy see great results and report feeling better, they have seen elderly with significant dementia who can be aggressive or mean, change their behavior when there is an animal around. Children with autism that had extreme inability to interact with humans, are able to show emotion and interact with animals. There was a study performed in 1998 that found patients with various mental disorders, including anxiety, had observed and reported decreased in anxiety after animal assisted therapies. Another study on 2007 looked at patients with heart failure and found that after three months with animal therapy, their blood pressure and heart rates were decreased at rest, showing less strains of stress on the heart, and they had and improved quality of life. There have been numerous other studies published, but these are a couple with tangible results.

Con:

There are numerous HCPs that either don’t believe in the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy or are just really against it.  One reason that some HCPs don’t buy into it is that the research studies that have been published aren’t the strongest scientifically speaking, they aren’t studying the neuron effects of patients as they get therapy with a dog, for example, instead they report based upon the patients actions and reported feelings after therapies. Mostly, just like anything else, poking holes in the research is the way to show negativity or “prove” it doesn’t work. The biophyllia hypothesis (mentioned above) is also highly questioned as a theory in general, as the basis for it is pretty weak.  One reason why one, very outspoken, Medical Doctor, is very anti Animal Assisted Therapy is because he thinks of the animals as vectors to transmit disease and bacteria; not that the animals themselves are dirty, but that so many people pet the animals without washing their hands, and even if I do clean my hands, I could (theoretically) obtain others bacteria from my hands.  There are very few bacteria/viruses that dogs and humans can share in common, so the concern is strictly with bacteria that might travel from patient to patient. Of course, there is also the risk that some patients have low immune systems from their disease process or are allergic.

Just to reiterate: we do not bring therapy dogs to rooms of people who do not request them (due to allergies, they don’t like dogs, etc.) OR if it is medically inappropriate. The dogs are washed and clean when coming into the place of therapy, and every place is different, but it is normally requested that people either wash their hands or use an alcohol based antibacterial cleaner on their hands before touching the therapy animals. I never really thought about the fact that my cute little pooches could be vectors for bacteria BUT I don’t normally like tons of random people touching them, so when they are used for therapy, I do keep an alcohol based cleaner on me to strongly encourage use before petting my dogs!  And just from personal experience, patients and the hospital staff light up when they get visited by the therapy animals, and the atmosphere that can be highly charged with stress, feels lighter, happier, and everyone has a smile on their face. I think that says it all!

So, what do you think?  Would you be willing to allow it for you or your family member? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Yours in Good Health

B

To end the grounding debate: Pluggz vs. Juils

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As some of you may recall, I posted a blog on grounding and Pluggz flip-flops.  These flip-flops jumped right into the market and are loved by yogis and non-yogis alike not only because the flips are supposed to let you “ground” but the company also gives back.  They donate to a bunch of non-profit organizations that are pro-earth and pro-health.  After my blog, I was sent a pair of Pluggz (thanks to one of my friends from Middle School, whose Aunt actually started the company, and I had no idea!) but I was also contacted by another company, Juil, with a similar, yet different type of grounding footwear. And they also sent me a pair of shoes to trial and see what I thought about them.  Juil also gives to charities like Souls4soles to help those in need and eradicate poverty.  So I decided to wear each pair of flip-flops for a month, and decide for myself which ones seemed to help me ground more, were more comfortable, and basically, which pair would I wear more. There was one pair that definitely made me feel more grounded, and now that my trial month of each one is over, will wear much more.

Whats the deal with Pluggz?

Well, Pluggz are these flip-flops that have a black plug that is made from a custom carbon and rubber compound that help to ensure electrical contact between the most weight-bearing part of your feet and the earth.  They supposedly conduct a free flow of electrons from the earth to our bodies and assisting with reducing that positive electron effect on our bodies.  People who wear Pluggz report feeling more balanced, a sense of well-being, more energized, some are calmer, and fewer aches and pains.

Whats the deal with Juil?

Juil has a bunch of different style shoes that are created based off of the idea of being barefoot, but more comfortable and with the ability to ground you.  They are created with this Energy Flow Technology (TM) that uses copper conductors in the soles of each pair of shoes to help restore the bodies natural balance of energy by channeling energies from the earth.  These shoes (in various forms from clogs to flip-flops to sandals) were created to enhance well-being and promote wellness.

The Pros/Cons:

I love the idea of having a pair of shoes that make you feel better, just by wearing them. Doesn’t that just sound fab?

Pluggz

Pros: $39 for a pair, great color selection, sizes are true but they run a bit wide, broke in easily, comfortable, great when wet or dry (for all flip-flop appropriate temperature weather) and I really felt great wearing them.

Cons: very thin (which I guess was created for grounding), the core was a little uncomfortable at the beginning but I eventually got used to it, I sometimes tripped on them (I have no idea why).

Juils

Pros: very comfortable from the first wear, a varied array of colors and styles to choose from, sizes were true to fit, very durable leather, they felt great….and I got a ton of compliments.

Cons: Price ranges from $125-165, they were gross feeling when wet (just like wearing wet leather on your feet), they broke in quickly (as in they looked worn pretty fast).

And the Winner is:

I really did enjoy the Pluggz, very down to earth, comfortable, and could really wear them just kicking around and it didn’t matter if they got wet or dirty, because they washed right off. But, once I tried on the pair of Juils, the answer was clear: the Juil shoes, despite a hefty price tag, were well worth the cost because I felt grounded, they looked great, and I could dress them up or down.

I really thought that I would end up saying that both shoes were not any different from any other pair of flip-flops I own, but I must say, I did feel something different, and I did feel grounded. I do wear my Juil shoes to yoga and it might be the yoga, it might be the shoes, but I feel like I’m in another world both on the way there and the way home!

Try whichever suits your wallet and your lifestyle, and there may be no science behind the shoes, but you will feel a difference! I can’t wait to get another pair of Juils….perhaps the clogs for work!

Yours in Good Health

B

West Nile Virus: What is it??

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I know that mosquito bites are annoying, and we hear about West Nile Virus, and I see the signs all over that West Nile can come from mosquito bites, but do we really know what that means?  What are the symptoms of West Nile?  Is it a big deal? Do I even care? I have been getting a lot of questions about this especially since there have been numerous reports of West Nile Virus found in certain areas around where I live, and the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 48 of the 50 states have fond cases this summer.  So, let’s get to the bottom of it!

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a virus transmitted by mosquitos that can cause very generalized reactions, ranging from very mild to very extreme, with potential for very serious illness. It is considered a seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer in North America and remains as a high threat through the fall. The CDC reports that this summer has the highest rates of West Nile (just shy of 1600 cases) since it was first found in 1999, and 70% of the cases are from Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Michigan.

What are the symptoms?

The virus is really defined by the symptoms really. Only about 1% of people who are infected will get a serious reaction and the two most determining factors seem to be age over 50 years old, and having a weakened immune system (due to transplantation, immunosuppression, chronic disease, etc.) It takes anywhere from 3-14 days to have symptoms of the virus after being bitten. Most people have absolutely no symptoms at all, while other people might have mild symptoms that include:

-fever

-headache

-bodyaches

-fatigue

-skin rash

-eye pain

-swollen lymph nodes

More severe symptoms include:

-high fevers

-neck aches/pain

-severe headache (like a migraine)

-stiff neck muscles

-disorientation/confusion

-muscle weakness and/or lack of muscle coordination

-coma

-partial paralysis

*These symptoms usually last a few days but the symptoms that are more severe last a week or more and some, like paralysis, can be permanent.  If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical care.

How is it transmitted?

WNV is primarily transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites, and the mosquitos become carriers after feeding on dead birds that are infected with the virus.  Other ways of transmission are through blood transfusion and organ transplantation, but it is now a virus that is screened for more thoroughly, so the risk is significantly diminished.  But, you are at your highest risk to become infected during warm weather, due to the nature of the transmission and high breeding levels of mosquitos!

How can I be diagnosed?

Your HCP will determine based on your symptoms if you need further testing, but they will start with lab tests to look for an increased level of antibodies to the WNV, which means that your body is fighting off the virus or has recently.  If you have increased antibodies, you will then most likely get a lumbar puncture (AKA a spinal tap) to assess for the virus in your cerebral spinal fluids (CSF); to help diagnose the meningitis (stiff neck, high fevers, muscle convulsions/rigidity).  The CSF that is drawn off, if infected will show high levels of white blood cells (WBCs) and also the WNV antibodies.  And finally, if you are having confusion/stupor, etc. you will be ordered for an MRI or an electroencephalography (EEG) to study your brain and the swelling (MRI), and the brain waves and function (EEG) to determined the severity of the infection.

Are treatments available?

Because it is a virus, not really, no.  Most of the “treatment” is just rest, and supportive care like Intravenous (IV) fluids if you are in the hospital, using tylenol/advil to treat fevers, eating a healthy diet, and focusing on regaining strength. There is some current research looking at interferon therapy, which is an immune modulating therapy, to help people with severe symptoms overcome the virus faster but the research is in pretty early stages, although at this point it looks promising, interferon therapy is a very intense therapy.

How can I protect myself?

From your home/living area, try to reduce breeding of mosquitos by eliminating any standing water, like change out bird bath date frequently, anything that has still sitting water in it, dump it, and clean out gutters.  Anything moist, damp, or filled with water is the perfect little breeding ground for mosquitos, so do what you can to eliminate them! Also, make sure to change out your animals water bowls that are left outside (if you have one). And how to prevent getting bitten? Wear long sleeves and long pants if going into mosquito ridden areas, especially at dusk or dawn as that is when they are most likely to swarm. Also use insect repellent with DEET (avoiding faces and hands of children) and for young infants you can cover their strollers with mosquito netting (do not use DEET on children under 2 months).  Use good sense, and use the monthly medications to prevent your dogs/cats from getting infected too!

If you are worried about your risk because you spend a lot of time outdoors, in the woods, or in high risk areas, then talk to your HCP about your risk and other ways to prevent WNV.  Also, talk to your HCP about any symptoms you may have had, they may want you to come in for further testing, or come in earlier if you experience symptoms again, to be able to diagnose you!  Wear that bug spray!!

Yours in Good Health

B

Is that a Zit, Cyst, or Furuncle??

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I am sure that many of you have seen some of the videos on YouTube with people “popping” enormous “zits” with handfuls of pus come out. Despite the allure and excitement that all of you seem to have with these videos, they are actually not zits…most often they are furuncles!  And, again, I totally get the excitement of wanting to squeeze those suckers, they should actually be seen by an HCP and treated.  How do you know the difference between a zit, cyst, and furuncle?  Read on my friends, we can figure out the difference, what should be seen by an HCP, why, and what you can feel free to squeeze and post to YouTube all on your own!

What is the Difference Between a Zit and a Cyst?
So a zit (AKA a blemish, pimple, spot, acne, etc) is the result of excess oil getting trapped in your pores, along with the naturally shedding skin cells, glue together and cause blockages, leading to a pustule/whitehead/zit, and they are very superficial.  As we all know, acne is usually treated with over the counter medications that help to kill off the bacteria that can pool and cause the inflammation, as well as face washes that dry up the oil production.  A cyst is a bit of a different beast; they are enclosed structures filled with either gasses, liquids, or semi-solid substances (i.e. pus) that are under the skin, within your organs, etc. When I am referring to cysts here, I am talking about the kind that are just under the surface of your skin, but fully enclosed, not the ones that you might have in your ovaries, bladder, etc, purely talking superficial sebaceous cysts.  These cysts can be caused by infection, a blockage of a duct (causing a fluid build up), an inflammatory process, or just genetic bad luck!  Usually you feel an abnormal lump underneath the skin, and that is a cyst; not painful, just a lump that is there, more annoying than anything.  The treatment of cysts really depend on the size, where they are, and how annoying they are for you; but they either need to be lanced (opened up with a scalpel) and drained UNDER STERILE CONDITIONS, then treated with antibiotics and left as is to close on their own or they can be packed with gauze to help drain any excess fluids from the area.  Sometimes, depending on placement, they need full surgical removal (usually for deeper cysts), and, again, treatment with antibiotics.

What is a Furuncle?
A furuncle is also known as a boil, which is an infection (usually due to Staphylococcus aureus) of an entire hair follicle and the surrounding skin areas, and are usually caused by staph infections.  The skin goes from tender, pink, warm skin to firmer, and then you can feel a lump under the skin (not much unlike a cyst).  The main difference is that the bigger a furuncle gets, the more painful it gets, until that fluid/pus it is filled with is released; sometimes they open on their own, or they should be opened by an HCP (again under sterile conditions!)  Also, you may feel tired, have a fever, or get some itching over the site before the furuncle is visible, which is another difference between a zit or a cyst. Occasionally, but rarely, they will heal on their own, but most often they need to be opened by an HCP, under sterile conditions, especially if they continuously come back, are near your spine, on your face, or cause general health symptoms like fatigue and fevers, because you are at a high risk for having a generic systemic infection that can be deadly, known as sepsis.  Plus, if you open these on your own and they don’t fully empty and heal well, they can spread and grow larger and in different places. Plus, something that is opened by a non-professional that doesn’t heal well can cause scarring. Yikes!

Furuncle
draining furuncle
Zits

cyst
Cysts

Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Cysts and Furuncles?
Good hygiene like showering every day can go a long way (not just for preventing infections, but to keep people from steering away from you due to stench), wearing clean clothes (especially changing clothes after/between workouts), and using antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from growing and thriving on your skin.  And good hand washing also is really imperative in preventing infections (all sorts) but Staph is lurking everywhere, and washing your hands before touching anything on your skin (especially if the skin is open, even if you can’t see it like cracked winter dry skin) can really help to prevent bacteria from embedding in your skin and creating infectious processes.  If you have a furuncle, then do not share towels or wash cloths with anyone because you can spread the Staph infection, and same advice if you have a cyst that has been opened or a zit that you “popped”.  It is really important to make sure that we are keeping all wounds clean and preventing infections at any cost.

So, What Can I Pop?
Honestly, every dermatologist out there would kill me for this one, but the only thing I will tell you is that you can pop a zit at home….I know, nothing YouTube-able, sorry! Even popping zits is really bad because it can cause long-term damage and scarring, and you might not completely empty the pore and cause a larger infection, but it is the best of the three worst choices you have 🙂 I cringe seeing those videos thinking about the risk those people are putting themselves at for further infections, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, or death. It may seem fun to “pop” such boils/cysts and see all that pus come out, for those of you into that (which, I’m not gonna lie, I get intrigued…but I use self restraint!!)  I see people on the street with huge furuncle, and I want to pounce, but I don’t….and I’m asked to pop it, I tell them to get it done in their HCPs office.  Sorry dudes and dudettes, keep your hands away from those cysts and furuncles, but have at it with those whiteheads, and you can damn me about not squeezing those tempting larger sacs of pus, but you’ll thank me when you aren’t raging with infection, scarred, or dead 🙂

Yours in Good Health
B

Anxiety

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In honor of mental health week, I thought that I would talk a little bit about anxiety: something that affects us all, in different ways, and totally different levels.  We all face stress, and we all get some form of anxiety, and every single person has a different way of dealing with it…some healthy, and some not so healthy.  I want people to know the difference between “normal” anxiety and “I really need some help” anxiety, and how we can treat it.  Anxiety disorders can start as a child and be a lifetime battle, or it can crop up at any point in your life.

What are some symptoms of anxiety?
Restlessness, feeling “on edge”
Constant worry about issues (small or large)
irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Poor sleeping (unable to get to sleep OR waking up in the middle of the night and unable to get back to sleep- constant exhaustion)
Constant muscle pains/strains (i.e. that tension that might occur in your back, shoulders, etc)
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Sweating

What can put you at a higher risk for anxiety disorders?
-Simply being a woman (gross!): women have a 2 times higher rate of anxiety than men
-Personality: Some personality types are more prone to be anxious (hello Type A! I’m not judging, I am a Typer A’er!)
-Genetics: If you come from a family of worriers and stressed out people, you are much more likely to sweat the small stuff.
-Trauma: Anyone who has survived a trauma (childhood, adult) as either a bystander OR someone directly involved in the event, you are much more likely to develop an anxiety disorder if you don’t get help to cope with the situation.
-Chronic Illness: If you have a chronic medical problem which can have flare-ups or cause you to require medical treatment on and off, it can be a constant stressor.
-Substance Abuse: The use of drugs and alcohol can make general anxiety disorders worse, but people try to use the drugs and alcohol to treat the anxiety,and it leads to a very unhealthy cycle of “self treatment”.

What can happen to me when I have an anxiety disorder?
-Chronic headaches
-Substance abuse
-Depression
-Insomnia
-Digestive difficulty
-Teeth grinding (TMJ)

What will my HCP be looking for?
Just like a medical diagnosis, with anxiety disorders there are some criteria that HCP’s are looking for to “diagnose” you with a general anxiety disorder:
-Excessive worry or anxiety about numerous events several days out of the week
-Difficulty controlling your feelings of worry
-Anxiety or worry that interferes with your activities of daily living
-Anxiety that isn’t related to another mental health condition (like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, etc)
-And at least three of the following symptoms: insomnia, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension.

OK. SO what do we do?  How do we treat this?
Alternative therapies:
-Exercise: Many studies have shown that daily exercise of 30 minutes (at least) can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
-Eat Healthy: cut out processed foods, fatty, and high sugar foods and add things that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B
-Avoid Alcohol and other drugs: as I said before, they can make things worse!
-Use relaxation techniques: yoga, mediation, and take time for yourself to shut off your phone, TV, and all other stimulation if only for 20 minutes a day, or when anxiety is at it’s worst.
-Sleep: shut off your TV, set a bedtime, get into a routine to help your mind turn off.
-Kava*: can help to promote relaxation, but be careful if you have any liver disorders.
-Valerian*: It can help promote sleep and help with relaxation
*talk to your HCP before starting any new supplements!
Medications:
-Antidepressants: can help reduce anxiety and fight off the depressant hat can come with anxiety (i.e.Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor).
-Benzodiazepines: sedatives for SHORT-term relief of anxiety, they should only be used for anxiety attacks and for other sporadic treatment of anxiety, not every day and NOT for long-term use- they can make anxiety worse if taken long-term.
-Buspirone: Can take weeks to get full effect, but can be used for longterm or ongoing treatment of general anxiety disorders.
-Psychotherapy: AKA Talk therapy. For some people scheduling an hour a week of talking to someone who won;t judge you and can help to shape your behavior really works, and I suggest that anyone taking medication is also getting psychotherapy, they really enhance one another!

So many people have anxiety, we live in a high stress world, and I see people all the time that try to combat their stress with drugs and alcohol, because they don’t understand that what they are doing is self-“treating” their anxiety. And I see other people that end up completely breaking down from stress and unable to live their lives. In times of high stress, like a family member is sick, or you are tight for money, etc these things might happen for a few days/weeks.  BUT is this your life?  Am I describing things that you feel every single day?  If so, you need to talk to your HCP to get help and it is not a sign of weakness, it is not something to be embarrassed about- EVERYONE needs a helping hand sometimes!If you have any of these symptoms, PLEASE GET HELP!  If you know someone who needs help, urge them to go to their HCP, bring them to the Emergency Room if it is life threatening; just make sure that your love ones get treated and ask for help- there are tons of people out there to help and support you.  You aren’t dealing with stress and anxiety alone, I promise, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about.  Please talk to someone, and your HCP, and just tell them what you are going through, we can help you!

Yours in Good Health
B

Dry, Itchy, Winter Skin?

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A common problem in the winter is that your skin becomes dry, flaky, itchy, and it can really be difficult to make your skin feel normal.  All the fluctuations with heat, feeling cold, warm showers, etc. make your skin worse, but the good news is that there are some pretty simple tips to help keep your skin moist and healthy….so you can live itch free this winter!

Why is dry skin an issue?
When you have dry skin the fine lines that you can’t normally see become apparent, and the skin also feels rough, and can appear flaky.  Medically, it is known as xerosis.  Now, even though you might think this is a purely visual issue, its not.  Dry skin can actually cause some major issues, like infections from the cracked skin just being open to the elements, or from bacteria under your fingernails getting embedded into the skin and cracks from scratching when it gets itchy. There can be large open sores, bacteria in the form of pus, and it can interfere with sleeping, and every day activities….not to mention it can make you feel like everyone is staring at your skin issues (even if they aren’t).

Signs of dry skin?
flakiness
redness
appearance of fine lines
cracks in skin
rough skin
itchy areas (that can crack and bleed)

What causes it?
Weather: when humidity is low along with temperatures, the moisture gets zapped from our skin
Heat: Central air, wood burning stoves, & space heaters all dry out the air
Hot Showers: despite then feeling really good and warming you up, hot showers deplete your skin of important lipids (fats) that help to keep them moist
Sun Exposure: excessive UV exposure (like sun burns) will also dry out your skin.

What can we do to treat it?
The good news is that most of the treatments are home remedies that are not expensive.  Yay!  Avoiding long hot shower is one place to start, try to keep the water warm, but not super hot, and finish your shower with a thick moisturizer. I use   the standard Palmers Cocoa Butter in the winter, and it keeps my skin moist, but I know some friends  that use thicker creams such as Eucerin which is full of emollients and fats.  I must say Palmers also created a line of skin care for dry winter skin, it is too heavy  for my skin, but if you like using cocoa butter, that line might be for you. But in general, you want to look for a cream that is thick (not thin and watery) and is in general free of dyes and scents. Also, some people will apply baby oil to their skin right after showering to add moisture, I just urge you to be careful because that can get slippery!! Use gentle soaps, that are made for the face, and are labelled as gentle with moisturizers added.  Use a humidifier in your home to offset the drying heaters, and allow some moisture in the air that can help your skin.  And, try to wear natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, etc because they are soft and less irritating to your skin than other man-made fibers.  And, finally, if your skin is super itchy, you can apply cool compresses to try to take the itch out of the area (as opposed to scratching) and applying an OTC hydrocortisone cream (1%) can help to stop the itching.  If it doesn’t you can talk to your HCP about getting a prescription cream to prevent the itching.  Also, if the scratches or cracks in your skin are painful ,red, or oozing you should see an HCP to treat a possible bacterial infection (usually a topical cream can be used).

So, keep those showers short, slap on that cream, and talk to your HCP if you continue to have trouble with dry skin, they may be able to write you for a prescription treatment.

Yours in Good Health!
B