The flu virus is an infection which causes fever, naseua, headaches, body aches, cough, sore throats, chills, ear aches, and many other unpleasant symptoms. The flu can be dangerous to some people since it can result in serious complications. The flu virus weakens the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Certain high risk groups of people are recommended to get the flu vaccine each year to prevent infection by the flu virus.
Generally children from age 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women, individuals 50yrs and older, chronically ill people, and those living in nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities are encouraged to get the flu shot. Anyone that lives with or has close associations with the recommended groups above should also get the shot to prevent the high risk individuals from being exposed.
The Flu shot is a vaccine that contains three main types of the influenza virus. Within two weeks of receiving the flu shot, your body develops anti-bodies to prevent you from being infected with the flu. Most experts advise people to obtain the flu shot in the month of October or November. The immunization can cause slight symptoms of the flu virus. But generally the symptoms are extremely mild, if they even occur. So be safe, and if it is available, get immunized.
Water provides our body with countless benefits. So it shouldn’t be surprising to learn water can help your body fight the cold virus. How does water fight a cold? The body uses fluids to flush harmful toxins from our bodies. When your body is fighting off a cold, it will require additional fluids to help fight off the illness. Since your body uses extra amounts of fluid, you need to replenish the fluid stores or you will become dehydrated.
By drinking increased amounts of water, you will prevent dehydration and keep the cold from getting worse. Dehydration can further weaken your body and may lead to a fever. Water also helps your body produce mucus. The mucus is used by your body to fight the cold by making your coughs more productive. Mucus present in your nose and throat help your body fight the cold by preventing additional impurities from making their way into your body.
Omega fatty acids are important nutrients. But did you realize there are several different Omegas? Each Omega fatty acid provides a different benefit to your body. Here is a listing of some of the benefits of each type:
· Omega-3 is praised for the effect it has on your skin. The Omega-3 fatty acid has been credited with improving the condition of skin, keeping it healthy and beautiful. Omega-3 is also credited with maintaining healthy hair and nails. Omega 3 has also been linked to increased cognitive ability; prevention of alzheimers,; reduction in the symptoms of ADHD, arthritis, and lupus; reduction in hypertension and blood pressure. And may help facilitate weight loss by assisting with blood sugar levels.
· Omega-6 is also supposed to help maintain healthy skin and reduce symptoms of eczma, psoriasis, and acne. Omega-6 may also promote healthy hair and nail growth. Omega-6 is credited with relieving the symptoms of PMS, joint inflammation from theumaoid arthritis, and reduction of the symptoms of emdometriosis/fibrocystic breasts.
· Omega 9 fatty acids are said to improve blood sugar maintenance, reduces blood pressure, arteriosclerosis,, and breast cancer. Omega 9 will also protect your immune system.
Each Omega fatty acid provides a specific benefit to your body. The best way to consume the Omega nutrients is through the foods that contain them naturally. But an Omega supplement can be beneficial also.
Question: I’m underweight and don’t eat enough. But I often don’t have the appetite to eat. What can I do to increase (my) appetite?
Answer: Gaining weight can sometimes be as difficult as trying to lose weight. This is especially true for individuals that are extremely active or for those with higher metabolisms. But it can be done. Increasing your appetite is one way to help you gain weight. It seems obvious that you have to take in more calories than you burn to accomplish weight gain. But you can also gain weight by eating certain foods. Here are a few suggestions to help you increase your appetite and to help you gain weight:
· Drink whole milk. Whole milk is high in fat and protein. It will help you increase muscle mass if you weight lift and gain weight.
· Drink fruit juice. Fruit juices contain concentrated calories and carbs. Try drinking a glass of fruit juice about 30 minutes before your meals. The fruit juice will cause a drop in blood sugar which will result in an increase in appetite.
· Some researchers have also suggested that artificial sweeteners can cause a spike in insulin levels. This will also increase your appetite. Try adding artificial sweeteners to your drinks.
· Force yourself to eat a little more than you normally would at each meal. Your stomach will expand and will require more food to satisfy your appetite.
The abdominal muscles are considered to be part of the trunk or core muscles of the body. The core muscles are used in almost every activity you engage in each day. The strength of your core muscles will affect your ability to perform everyday activities. In addition, your abdominal strength affects your posture. Poor posture is considered a common cause for lower back pain.
By improving your abdominal strength, the abdominal muscles will bear more of the physical burden required to perform your daily activities. This will alleviate undue stress placed on your lower back muscles. Abdominal exercises will also help improve your posture. Better posture will align your body and alleviate back pain frequently attributed to poor posture.