Nutrition- The Science of food and how the body uses it n health and disease.
Essential nutrients- Substances the body must get from foods because it cannot manufacture them at all or fast enough to meet its needs. These nutrients include proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Digestion- the process of breaking down food in the gastrointestinal tract into compounds the body can absorb.
Kilocarlorie- a measure of energy content in food; 1 kilocalorie represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 liter of water 1 c; commonly referred to as calorie (1 kilcarlorie contains 100 calories)
Protein – an essential nutrient; a compound made of Amino acids that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Protein form important parts of the body’s main structural component muscles & bones. Proteins also form important parts of blood. Enzymes, some hormes, and cell membranes: complete and incomplete proteins- individual protein source are considered complete if they supply all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts and incomplete if they don’t. Meat fish poultry eggs milk cheese and other food from animal sources provide complete proteins. Incomplete proteins which come from plant sources such are legumes and nuts, are good sources of most essential amino acids, but are usually low in one or two.
The body can produce amino acids- the building blocks of protein amino acids
Legumes- vegetables such as peas and beans that are high in fiber and are also important sources of protein
Saturated fat- fat with no carbon- carbon double bonds solid @ room temperature.
Monounsaturated fat- fat containing two or more carbon- carbon double bonds liquid @ room temperature.
Hydrogenation- process by which hydrogen’s are added to unsaturated fats, increasing the degree of saturation and turning liquid oils into solid fats. Hydrogenation produces a mixture of saturated fatty acids and standard and transforms of unsaturated fatty acids.
Trans fatty acid- a type of unsaturated fatty acid produced during the process of hydrogenation; trans fats have an typical shape that effects their chemical activity.
Cholesterol- waxy substance found in the blood and cells and implicated in heart disease.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) –blood fat that transports cholesterol to organs and tissues; excess amounts result in the accumulation of deposits on artery walls.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)- bloods fat that helps transport cholesterol out of the arteries thereby is protecting against heart disease.
Omega- 3 fatty acids- polyunsaturated fatty acids commonly found in fish oils that are beneficial to cardiovascular health; the end most double bond occurs three carbons from the end of the fatty acid chain.
Carbohydrate- essential nutrient; sugars starches and dietary fiber are all carbohydrates.
Whole grain- the entire edible portion of a grain such as wheat, rice, or oats, including the germ,endosperm.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Causes of Chronic Cough-3
5. Air pollution
Various pollutants and irritants in the air can cause a persistent cough. Even short-term exposure to fumes (such as diesel exhaust) can result in cough, phlegm, and lung irritation, for instance. Fumes can also exacerbate the symptoms of allergies or asthma.
Similarly, mold spores found in and around homes can cause wheezing and coughing when inhaled. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans reported a sudden spike in persistent cough complaints among returning residents. This so-called Katrina cough was believed to stem from the mold caused by the flooding, as well as by dry weather and the construction dust that was then ubiquitous in the city.
6. Acute bronchitis
If you’re on the verge of recovering from a cold and suddenly develop a hacking, mucus-y cough, you probably have acute bronchitis, a condition in which the passageways in your lungs become infected and inflamed.
In addition to coughing and chest congestion, bronchitis can produce fever, chills, aches, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days, but the cough can persist for weeks.
If your cough doesn’t go away, or if you develop acute bronchitis frequently, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Acute bronchitis—acute means short-term—is different from chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the lungs produce excess mucus due to ongoing irritation, and is considered a form of COPD.
7. ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. (Check out this list of common brand-name and generic drugs that are ACE inhibitors.) About 42 million prescriptions for ACE inhibitors are written each year, and about 1 in 5 people who take the drugs develop a dry cough. In some people, the cough can persist for weeks after they stop taking the medication; women, African Americans, and Asians may be at greater risk of developing an ACE inhibitor cough than other people.
You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting with your doctor, and ACE inhibitors are important medications for lowering blood pressure (a more serious condition than a cough.) Consult your doctor if you think your cough is related to a medication.
8. Pertussis
Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a bacterial disease with symptoms that include a slight fever, a runny nose, and, most notably, a violent cough that can make breathing difficult. Attempting to inhale air into the lungs between coughs can produce a distinctive, high-pitched whooping sound. After the initial stage, many people do not have a fever, but the chronic cough that accompanies pertussis can last for many weeks.
Most infants receive a pertussis vaccine, but its effectiveness subsides after about 10 years. Inadequate vaccination for pertussis (which is the “P” in the DTaP shot) is one reason why the bacteria are making a comeback. Once a very rare cause of chronic cough, the number of pertussis cases in the United States has risen alarmingly in recent years, especially among adolescents and adults. However, pertussis is still a relatively uncommon cause of chronic cough.
Various pollutants and irritants in the air can cause a persistent cough. Even short-term exposure to fumes (such as diesel exhaust) can result in cough, phlegm, and lung irritation, for instance. Fumes can also exacerbate the symptoms of allergies or asthma.
Similarly, mold spores found in and around homes can cause wheezing and coughing when inhaled. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans reported a sudden spike in persistent cough complaints among returning residents. This so-called Katrina cough was believed to stem from the mold caused by the flooding, as well as by dry weather and the construction dust that was then ubiquitous in the city.
6. Acute bronchitis
If you’re on the verge of recovering from a cold and suddenly develop a hacking, mucus-y cough, you probably have acute bronchitis, a condition in which the passageways in your lungs become infected and inflamed.
In addition to coughing and chest congestion, bronchitis can produce fever, chills, aches, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days, but the cough can persist for weeks.
If your cough doesn’t go away, or if you develop acute bronchitis frequently, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Acute bronchitis—acute means short-term—is different from chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the lungs produce excess mucus due to ongoing irritation, and is considered a form of COPD.
7. ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. (Check out this list of common brand-name and generic drugs that are ACE inhibitors.) About 42 million prescriptions for ACE inhibitors are written each year, and about 1 in 5 people who take the drugs develop a dry cough. In some people, the cough can persist for weeks after they stop taking the medication; women, African Americans, and Asians may be at greater risk of developing an ACE inhibitor cough than other people.
You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting with your doctor, and ACE inhibitors are important medications for lowering blood pressure (a more serious condition than a cough.) Consult your doctor if you think your cough is related to a medication.
8. Pertussis
Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a bacterial disease with symptoms that include a slight fever, a runny nose, and, most notably, a violent cough that can make breathing difficult. Attempting to inhale air into the lungs between coughs can produce a distinctive, high-pitched whooping sound. After the initial stage, many people do not have a fever, but the chronic cough that accompanies pertussis can last for many weeks.
Most infants receive a pertussis vaccine, but its effectiveness subsides after about 10 years. Inadequate vaccination for pertussis (which is the “P” in the DTaP shot) is one reason why the bacteria are making a comeback. Once a very rare cause of chronic cough, the number of pertussis cases in the United States has risen alarmingly in recent years, especially among adolescents and adults. However, pertussis is still a relatively uncommon cause of chronic cough.
Causes of Chronic Cough-2
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
One condition that can cause a nagging cough is COPD, a lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
COPD occurs when the airways and air sacs in the lungs become inflamed or damaged, most often due to smoking, and is more common after age 45. In COPD, the lungs produce excess mucus, which the body reflexively tries to clear by coughing. COPD-related tissue damage can also make it particularly difficult to expel air from the lungs, which can make you feel short of breath.
Your doctor may check you for COPD (particularly if you have risk factors, such as smoking), after ruling out other common causes of cough. To determine if you have COPD, your doctor is likely to conduct some tests, including spirometry, which involves inhaling as deeply as you can and then exhaling into a tube.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD is an ailment of the stomach and esophagus that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus due to a weak valve. The main symptoms? Killer heartburn. But coughing is another common symptom of GERD, along with chest pain and wheezing. In fact, GERD is a fairly common, and unrecognized, cause of a chronic cough.
4. Respiratory tract infection
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of colds and flu and other respiratory tract infections. The other symptoms that accompany colds and flu, such as stuffy nose and a fever, are telltale signs that a viral infection is causing your cough.
However, a cough can outlast all those other symptoms, perhaps because the air passages in your lungs remain sensitive and inflamed.When this occurs, it's called chronic upper airway cough syndrome (or postnasal drip).
A more serious respiratory tract infection is pneumonia, which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. A cough, often producing a greenish or rust-colored mucus, is one of the characteristic symptoms of the illness, along with fever, chills, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms may present differently depending on your age; older adults may not experience a fever, for instance, or they may have a cough but no mucus.
Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics and generally clears up within two or three weeks. As with the cold and flu, however, the cough can linger for much longer.
A form of pneumonia known as mycoplasma, or walking pneumonia, shares the symptoms of pneumonia (including cough) and is more common in people under the age of 40.
People who have COPD can be more susceptible to such respiratory tract infections, and may experience exacerbations—episodes of potentially life-threatening shortness of breath—when they catch a cold or breath in air pollution or other irritants.
One condition that can cause a nagging cough is COPD, a lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
COPD occurs when the airways and air sacs in the lungs become inflamed or damaged, most often due to smoking, and is more common after age 45. In COPD, the lungs produce excess mucus, which the body reflexively tries to clear by coughing. COPD-related tissue damage can also make it particularly difficult to expel air from the lungs, which can make you feel short of breath.
Your doctor may check you for COPD (particularly if you have risk factors, such as smoking), after ruling out other common causes of cough. To determine if you have COPD, your doctor is likely to conduct some tests, including spirometry, which involves inhaling as deeply as you can and then exhaling into a tube.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD is an ailment of the stomach and esophagus that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus due to a weak valve. The main symptoms? Killer heartburn. But coughing is another common symptom of GERD, along with chest pain and wheezing. In fact, GERD is a fairly common, and unrecognized, cause of a chronic cough.
4. Respiratory tract infection
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of colds and flu and other respiratory tract infections. The other symptoms that accompany colds and flu, such as stuffy nose and a fever, are telltale signs that a viral infection is causing your cough.
However, a cough can outlast all those other symptoms, perhaps because the air passages in your lungs remain sensitive and inflamed.When this occurs, it's called chronic upper airway cough syndrome (or postnasal drip).
A more serious respiratory tract infection is pneumonia, which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. A cough, often producing a greenish or rust-colored mucus, is one of the characteristic symptoms of the illness, along with fever, chills, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms may present differently depending on your age; older adults may not experience a fever, for instance, or they may have a cough but no mucus.
Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics and generally clears up within two or three weeks. As with the cold and flu, however, the cough can linger for much longer.
A form of pneumonia known as mycoplasma, or walking pneumonia, shares the symptoms of pneumonia (including cough) and is more common in people under the age of 40.
People who have COPD can be more susceptible to such respiratory tract infections, and may experience exacerbations—episodes of potentially life-threatening shortness of breath—when they catch a cold or breath in air pollution or other irritants.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
You've been coughing for weeks. How do you know if it's just a hard-to-shake cold or something more serious? A chronic cough, defined as lasting more
You've been coughing for weeks. How do you know if it's just a hard-to-shake cold or something more serious? A chronic cough, defined as lasting more than eight weeks, is not uncommon. Up to 40% of nonsmokers in the United States and Europe have reported a chronic cough at some point, and coughing is one of the five most common reasons for a doctor's visit.
Only a doctor can tell for sure what's behind your endless hacking. However, in a 2006 study of women with an average age of 48 who had a cough lasting for six months, 39% were found to have asthma, 9% had chronic upper airway cough syndrome (commonly known as postnasal drip), and 9% had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In addition, another 11% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, progressive disease that includes both emphysema and bronchitis. While not all people who develop COPD are smokers, people who smoke are at higher risk. Overall, 24 million Americans—about 1 in 12 people—have COPD, although half don't know they have the disease.
Read more about COPD and some common (and relatively uncommon) culprits in chronic cough.
1. Asthma and allergies
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways in the lungs are prone to inflammation and swelling. Along with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing, coughing is a characteristic symptom of asthma, one which tends to intensify at night or in the early morning. When the symptoms of asthma flare up suddenly, it’s known as an asthma attack.
Although it can begin at any age, asthma usually develops in childhood. Asthma triggers are different for everyone, and they can include exercise, colds, cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants, and certain foods. Asthmatics usually also have allergies.
Even in people without asthma, inhaling pollen, dust, pet dander, and other airborne irritants can trigger allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that can cause coughing, along with symptoms such as stuffy nose and sneezing.
You may be able to determine whether your cough is caused by allergies by keeping track of whether it comes and goes in certain situations. If your coughing magically stops when you step into an air-conditioned room on a dry, pollen-heavy day, or if gets worse every time you pet Mittens, you probably have allergies. If you’re not sure what’s triggering your allergic cough, your doctor can give you a skin test or blood test to pinpoint the allergy.
Only a doctor can tell for sure what's behind your endless hacking. However, in a 2006 study of women with an average age of 48 who had a cough lasting for six months, 39% were found to have asthma, 9% had chronic upper airway cough syndrome (commonly known as postnasal drip), and 9% had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In addition, another 11% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, progressive disease that includes both emphysema and bronchitis. While not all people who develop COPD are smokers, people who smoke are at higher risk. Overall, 24 million Americans—about 1 in 12 people—have COPD, although half don't know they have the disease.
Read more about COPD and some common (and relatively uncommon) culprits in chronic cough.
1. Asthma and allergies
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways in the lungs are prone to inflammation and swelling. Along with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing, coughing is a characteristic symptom of asthma, one which tends to intensify at night or in the early morning. When the symptoms of asthma flare up suddenly, it’s known as an asthma attack.
Although it can begin at any age, asthma usually develops in childhood. Asthma triggers are different for everyone, and they can include exercise, colds, cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants, and certain foods. Asthmatics usually also have allergies.
Even in people without asthma, inhaling pollen, dust, pet dander, and other airborne irritants can trigger allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that can cause coughing, along with symptoms such as stuffy nose and sneezing.
You may be able to determine whether your cough is caused by allergies by keeping track of whether it comes and goes in certain situations. If your coughing magically stops when you step into an air-conditioned room on a dry, pollen-heavy day, or if gets worse every time you pet Mittens, you probably have allergies. If you’re not sure what’s triggering your allergic cough, your doctor can give you a skin test or blood test to pinpoint the allergy.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Cold Complications
Colds occasionally can lead to bacterial infections of your middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus, may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to your healthcare provider.
Research for Future Common Cold Relief
Thanks to basic research, scientists know more about the rhinovirus than almost any other virus, and have powerful new tools for developing antiviral drugs. Although the common cold may never be uncommon, further investigations offer the hope of reducing the huge burden of this universal problem.
Research for Future Common Cold Relief
Thanks to basic research, scientists know more about the rhinovirus than almost any other virus, and have powerful new tools for developing antiviral drugs. Although the common cold may never be uncommon, further investigations offer the hope of reducing the huge burden of this universal problem.
Cold Prevention
There are several ways you can keep yourself from getting a cold or passing one on to others:
* Because cold germs on your hands can easily enter through your eyes and nose, keep your hands away from those areas of your body
* If possible, avoid being close to people who have colds
* If you have a cold, avoid being close to people
* If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose or mouth, and sneeze or cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
Handwashing
Handwashing with soap and water is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to keep from getting colds or giving them to others. During cold season, you should wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same. When water isn’t available, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommends using alcohol-based products made for disinfecting your hands.
Disinfecting
Rhinoviruses can live up to 3 hours on your skin. They also can survive up to 3 hours on objects such as telephones and stair railings. Cleaning environmental surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant might help prevent spread of infection.
Vaccine
Because so many different viruses can cause the common cold, the outlook for developing a vaccine that will prevent transmission of all of them is dim. Scientists, however, continue to search for a solution to this problem.
* Because cold germs on your hands can easily enter through your eyes and nose, keep your hands away from those areas of your body
* If possible, avoid being close to people who have colds
* If you have a cold, avoid being close to people
* If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose or mouth, and sneeze or cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
Handwashing
Handwashing with soap and water is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to keep from getting colds or giving them to others. During cold season, you should wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same. When water isn’t available, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommends using alcohol-based products made for disinfecting your hands.
Disinfecting
Rhinoviruses can live up to 3 hours on your skin. They also can survive up to 3 hours on objects such as telephones and stair railings. Cleaning environmental surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant might help prevent spread of infection.
Vaccine
Because so many different viruses can cause the common cold, the outlook for developing a vaccine that will prevent transmission of all of them is dim. Scientists, however, continue to search for a solution to this problem.
Common Cold Treatment Options
There is no cure for the common cold, but you can get relief from your cold symptoms by:
* Resting in bed
* Drinking plenty of fluids
* Gargling with warm salt water or using throat sprays or lozenges for a scratchy or sore throat
* Using petroleum jelly for a raw nose
* Taking aspirin or acetaminophen – for example Tylenol for headache or fever
A word of caution: Several studies have linked aspirin use to the development of Reye’s syndrome in children recovering from flu or chickenpox. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. It can affect all organs of the body but most often the brain and liver. While most children who survive an episode of Reye’s syndrome do not suffer any lasting consequences, the illness can lead to permanent brain damage or death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teenagers not be given aspirin or medicine containing aspirin when they have any viral illness such as the common cold.
* Over-the-counter cold medicines
Nonprescription cold remedies, including decongestants and cough suppressants, may relieve some of your cold symptoms but will not prevent or even shorten the length of your cold. Moreover, because most of these medicines have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach, you should take them with care.
Questions have been raised about the safety of nonprescription cold medicines in children and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of these products in children, especially in those under 2 years of age. Recently, a Food and Drug Administration panel recommended that nonprescription cold medicines not be given to children under the age of 6, because cold medicines do not appear to be effective for these children and may not be safe.
* Over-the counter-antihistamines
Nonprescription antihistamines may give you some relief from symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes, which are symptoms commonly associated with colds.
* Antibiotics
Never take antibiotics to treat a cold because antibiotics do not kill viruses. You should use these prescription medicines only if you have a rare bacterial complication, such as sinusitis or ear infection. In addition, you should not use antibiotics “just in case,” because they will not prevent bacterial infections.
* Steam
Although inhaling steam may temporarily relieve symptoms of congestion, health experts have found that this approach is not an effective treatment.
* Resting in bed
* Drinking plenty of fluids
* Gargling with warm salt water or using throat sprays or lozenges for a scratchy or sore throat
* Using petroleum jelly for a raw nose
* Taking aspirin or acetaminophen – for example Tylenol for headache or fever
A word of caution: Several studies have linked aspirin use to the development of Reye’s syndrome in children recovering from flu or chickenpox. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. It can affect all organs of the body but most often the brain and liver. While most children who survive an episode of Reye’s syndrome do not suffer any lasting consequences, the illness can lead to permanent brain damage or death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teenagers not be given aspirin or medicine containing aspirin when they have any viral illness such as the common cold.
* Over-the-counter cold medicines
Nonprescription cold remedies, including decongestants and cough suppressants, may relieve some of your cold symptoms but will not prevent or even shorten the length of your cold. Moreover, because most of these medicines have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach, you should take them with care.
Questions have been raised about the safety of nonprescription cold medicines in children and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of these products in children, especially in those under 2 years of age. Recently, a Food and Drug Administration panel recommended that nonprescription cold medicines not be given to children under the age of 6, because cold medicines do not appear to be effective for these children and may not be safe.
* Over-the counter-antihistamines
Nonprescription antihistamines may give you some relief from symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes, which are symptoms commonly associated with colds.
* Antibiotics
Never take antibiotics to treat a cold because antibiotics do not kill viruses. You should use these prescription medicines only if you have a rare bacterial complication, such as sinusitis or ear infection. In addition, you should not use antibiotics “just in case,” because they will not prevent bacterial infections.
* Steam
Although inhaling steam may temporarily relieve symptoms of congestion, health experts have found that this approach is not an effective treatment.
Cold Symptoms
Symptoms of the common cold usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and often include
* Mucus buildup in your nose
* Difficulty breathing through your nose
* Swelling of your sinuses
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Cough
* Headache
* Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102˚ Fahrenheit in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from 2 to 14 days, but like most people, you’ll probably recover in a week. If symptoms recur often or last much longer than 2 weeks, you might have an allergy rather than a cold.
Colds occasionally can lead to bacterial infections of your middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to your healthcare provider.
* Mucus buildup in your nose
* Difficulty breathing through your nose
* Swelling of your sinuses
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Cough
* Headache
* Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102˚ Fahrenheit in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from 2 to 14 days, but like most people, you’ll probably recover in a week. If symptoms recur often or last much longer than 2 weeks, you might have an allergy rather than a cold.
Colds occasionally can lead to bacterial infections of your middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to your healthcare provider.
Common Cold Transmission
How can I catch a cold?
You can get infected by cold viruses by either of these methods.
* Touching your skin or environmental surfaces, such as telephones and stair rails, that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose
* Inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air
Fact or Myth?
Although many people will tell you to bundle up so as to not catch a cold – it’s a myth! No evidence has been found that cold weather or being cold can cause a common cold.
You can get infected by cold viruses by either of these methods.
* Touching your skin or environmental surfaces, such as telephones and stair rails, that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose
* Inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air
Fact or Myth?
Although many people will tell you to bundle up so as to not catch a cold – it’s a myth! No evidence has been found that cold weather or being cold can cause a common cold.
Common Cold Causes
The viruses
More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Some, such as the rhinoviruses, seldom produce serious illnesses. Others, such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, produce mild infections in adults but can lead to severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children.
Rhinoviruses (from the Greek rhin, meaning “nose”) cause an estimated 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds, and are most active in early fall, spring, and summer. Scientists have identified than 110 distinct rhinovirus types. These agents grow best at temperatures of about 91 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside the human nose.
Scientists think coronaviruses cause a large percentage of all adult colds. They bring on colds primarily in the winter and early spring. Of the more than 30 kinds, three or four infect humans.
The importance of coronaviruses as a cause of colds is hard to assess because, unlike rhinoviruses, they are difficult to grow in the laboratory.
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of adult colds are caused by viruses also responsible for other, more severe illnesses: adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, orthomyxoviruses (including influenza A and B viruses, which cause flu), paramyxoviruses (including several parainfluenza viruses), respiratory syncytial virus, and enteroviruses.
The causes of 30 to 50 percent of adult colds, presumed to be viral, remain unidentified. The same viruses that produce colds in adults appear to cause colds in children. The relative importance of various viruses in pediatric colds, however, is unclear because it’s difficult to isolate the precise cause of symptoms in research studies of children with colds.
The weather
There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled or overheated.
Other factors
There is also no evidence that your chances of getting a cold are related to factors such as exercise, diet, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. On the other hand, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting infected by cold viruses.
More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Some, such as the rhinoviruses, seldom produce serious illnesses. Others, such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, produce mild infections in adults but can lead to severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children.
Rhinoviruses (from the Greek rhin, meaning “nose”) cause an estimated 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds, and are most active in early fall, spring, and summer. Scientists have identified than 110 distinct rhinovirus types. These agents grow best at temperatures of about 91 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside the human nose.
Scientists think coronaviruses cause a large percentage of all adult colds. They bring on colds primarily in the winter and early spring. Of the more than 30 kinds, three or four infect humans.
The importance of coronaviruses as a cause of colds is hard to assess because, unlike rhinoviruses, they are difficult to grow in the laboratory.
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of adult colds are caused by viruses also responsible for other, more severe illnesses: adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, orthomyxoviruses (including influenza A and B viruses, which cause flu), paramyxoviruses (including several parainfluenza viruses), respiratory syncytial virus, and enteroviruses.
The causes of 30 to 50 percent of adult colds, presumed to be viral, remain unidentified. The same viruses that produce colds in adults appear to cause colds in children. The relative importance of various viruses in pediatric colds, however, is unclear because it’s difficult to isolate the precise cause of symptoms in research studies of children with colds.
The weather
There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled or overheated.
Other factors
There is also no evidence that your chances of getting a cold are related to factors such as exercise, diet, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. On the other hand, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting infected by cold viruses.
cold season
In the US, most colds occur during the fall and winter. Beginning in late August or early September, the rate of colds increases slowly for a few weeks and remains high until a March or April decline. The seasonal variation may relate to the opening of schools and to cold weather, which prompt people to spend more time indoors and increase the chances that viruses will spread to you from someone else.
Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of colds. The most common cold-causing viruses survive better when humidity is low-the colder months of the year. Cold weather also may make the inside lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.
Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of colds. The most common cold-causing viruses survive better when humidity is low-the colder months of the year. Cold weather also may make the inside lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.
Understanding the Common Cold
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose-everyone knows the first signs of a cold, probably the most common illness known. Although the common cold is usually mild, with symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work. People in the United States suffer 1 billion colds each year, according to some estimates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22 million school days are lost annually in the United States due to the common cold.
Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about two to four colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year.
Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about two to four colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year.
Fight the Flu!
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. Flu viruses are classified as Types A, B, and C; Type A has a number of subtypes. The flu is not the same as the common cold, nor is it related to what is commonly called the “stomach flu.”
Seasonal Flu
Seasonal flu is the term used to refer to the flu outbreaks that occur yearly, mainly in the late fall and winter. It is estimated that between 5 and 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu every flu season.
Pandemic Flu
Pandemic flu refers to particularly virulent strains of flu that spread rapidly from person to person to create a world-wide epidemic (pandemic).
Bird (Avian) Flu
In nature, the flu virus also occurs in wild aquatic birds such as ducks and shore birds. It does not normally spread from birds to humans. However, pigs can be infected by bird influenza (as well as by the form of influenza that affects humans) and can pass on the flu to humans. In 1997, it was discovered that a virulent bird influenza had skipped the pig step and had infected humans directly, causing a number of deaths in Asia.
These instances of bird flu in humans have raised concerns that if this type of flu could at some point be transmitted between people, a new pandemic would occur. Thus, the term bird flu or avian flu is currently being used to refer to a possible pandemic flu.
Overview of the Flu
The flu, like the common cold, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. But the flu differs in several ways from the common cold. For example, people with colds rarely get fevers or headaches or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that flu viruses cause. The most familiar aspect of the flu is the way it can “knock you off your feet” as it sweeps through entire communities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from the illness, CDC estimates that in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year.
Flu outbreaks
Flu outbreaks usually begin suddenly and occur mainly in the late fall and winter. The disease spreads through communities creating an epidemic. During the epidemic, the number of cases peaks in about 3 weeks and subsides after another 3 or 4 weeks. Half of the population of a community may be affected. Because schools are an excellent place for flu viruses to attack and spread, families with school-age children have more infections than other families, with an average of one-third of the family members infected each year.
Importance of flu
Besides the rapid start of the outbreaks and the large numbers of people affected, the flu is an important disease because it can cause serious complications. Most people who get the flu get better within a week (although they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer). For elderly people, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses, however, the flu and its complications can be life-threatening.
Flu Research
What We Know About the Flu Virus
A flu virus is roughly round, but it can also be elongated or irregularly shaped. Inside are eight segments of single-strand RNA containing the genetic instructions for making new copies of the virus. Flu’s most striking feature is a layer of spikes projecting from its surface. There are two different types of spikes: one is the protein hemagglutinin (HA), which allows the virus to “stick” to a cell and initiate infection, the other is a protein called neuraminidase (NA), which enables newly formed viruses to exit the host cell.
Virus A, B, C
Influenza viruses are classified as type A, B, or C based upon their protein composition. Type A viruses are found in many kinds of animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, and also in humans. The type B virus widely circulates in humans. Type C has been found in humans, pigs, and dogs and causes mild respiratory infections, but does not spark epidemics.
Type A influenza is the most frightening of the three. It is believed responsible for the global outbreaks of 1918, 1957 and 1968. Type A viruses are subdivided into groups based on two surface proteins, HA and NA. Scientists have characterized 16 HA subtypes and 9 NA subtypes.
Naming Viral Strains
Type A subtypes are classified by a naming system that includes the place the strain was first found, a lab identification number, the year of discovery, and, in parentheses, the type of HA and NA it possesses, for example, A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1). If the virus infects non-humans, the host species is included before the geographical site, as in A/Chicken/Hong Kong/G9/97 (H9N2). There are no type B or C subtypes.
Where Influenza Comes From
In nature, the flu virus is found in wild aquatic birds such as ducks and shore birds. It has persisted in these birds for millions of years and does not typically harm them. But the frequently mutating flu viruses can readily jump the species barrier from wild birds to domesticated ducks and then to chickens. From there, the next stop in the infectious chain is often pigs.
Pigs can be infected by both bird (avian) influenza and the form of influenza that infects humans. In a setting such as a farm where chickens, humans and pigs live in close proximity, pigs act as an influenza virus mixing bowl. If a pig is infected with avian and human flu simultaneously, the two types of virus may exchange genes. Such a “reassorted” flu virus can sometimes spread from pigs to people.
Depending on the precise assortment of bird-type flu proteins that make it into the human population, the flu may be more or less severe.
In 1997, for the first time, scientists found that bird influenza skipped the pig step and infected humans directly. Alarmed health officials feared a worldwide epidemic (a pandemic). But, fortunately, the virus could not pass between people and thus did not spark an epidemic. Scientists speculate that chickens may now also have the receptor used by human-type viruses.
Drifting and Shifting
Influenza virus is one of the most changeable of viruses. These genetic changes may be small and continuous or large and abrupt.
Small, continuous changes happen in type A and type B influenza as the virus makes copies of itself. The process is called antigenic drift.The drifting is frequent enough to make the new strain of virus often unrecognizable to the human immune system. For this reason, a new flu vaccine must be produced each year to combat that year’s prevalent strains.
Type A influenza also undergoes infrequent and sudden changes, called antigenic shift. Antigenic shift occurs when two different flu strains infect the same cell and exchange genetic material. The novel assortment of HA or NA proteins in a shifted virus creates a new influenza A subtype. Because people have little or no immunity to such a new subtype, their appearance tends to coincide with very severe flu epidemics or pandemics.
Seasonal Flu
Seasonal flu is the term used to refer to the flu outbreaks that occur yearly, mainly in the late fall and winter. It is estimated that between 5 and 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu every flu season.
Pandemic Flu
Pandemic flu refers to particularly virulent strains of flu that spread rapidly from person to person to create a world-wide epidemic (pandemic).
Bird (Avian) Flu
In nature, the flu virus also occurs in wild aquatic birds such as ducks and shore birds. It does not normally spread from birds to humans. However, pigs can be infected by bird influenza (as well as by the form of influenza that affects humans) and can pass on the flu to humans. In 1997, it was discovered that a virulent bird influenza had skipped the pig step and had infected humans directly, causing a number of deaths in Asia.
These instances of bird flu in humans have raised concerns that if this type of flu could at some point be transmitted between people, a new pandemic would occur. Thus, the term bird flu or avian flu is currently being used to refer to a possible pandemic flu.
Overview of the Flu
The flu, like the common cold, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. But the flu differs in several ways from the common cold. For example, people with colds rarely get fevers or headaches or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that flu viruses cause. The most familiar aspect of the flu is the way it can “knock you off your feet” as it sweeps through entire communities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from the illness, CDC estimates that in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year.
Flu outbreaks
Flu outbreaks usually begin suddenly and occur mainly in the late fall and winter. The disease spreads through communities creating an epidemic. During the epidemic, the number of cases peaks in about 3 weeks and subsides after another 3 or 4 weeks. Half of the population of a community may be affected. Because schools are an excellent place for flu viruses to attack and spread, families with school-age children have more infections than other families, with an average of one-third of the family members infected each year.
Importance of flu
Besides the rapid start of the outbreaks and the large numbers of people affected, the flu is an important disease because it can cause serious complications. Most people who get the flu get better within a week (although they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer). For elderly people, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses, however, the flu and its complications can be life-threatening.
Flu Research
What We Know About the Flu Virus
A flu virus is roughly round, but it can also be elongated or irregularly shaped. Inside are eight segments of single-strand RNA containing the genetic instructions for making new copies of the virus. Flu’s most striking feature is a layer of spikes projecting from its surface. There are two different types of spikes: one is the protein hemagglutinin (HA), which allows the virus to “stick” to a cell and initiate infection, the other is a protein called neuraminidase (NA), which enables newly formed viruses to exit the host cell.
Virus A, B, C
Influenza viruses are classified as type A, B, or C based upon their protein composition. Type A viruses are found in many kinds of animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, and also in humans. The type B virus widely circulates in humans. Type C has been found in humans, pigs, and dogs and causes mild respiratory infections, but does not spark epidemics.
Type A influenza is the most frightening of the three. It is believed responsible for the global outbreaks of 1918, 1957 and 1968. Type A viruses are subdivided into groups based on two surface proteins, HA and NA. Scientists have characterized 16 HA subtypes and 9 NA subtypes.
Naming Viral Strains
Type A subtypes are classified by a naming system that includes the place the strain was first found, a lab identification number, the year of discovery, and, in parentheses, the type of HA and NA it possesses, for example, A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1). If the virus infects non-humans, the host species is included before the geographical site, as in A/Chicken/Hong Kong/G9/97 (H9N2). There are no type B or C subtypes.
Where Influenza Comes From
In nature, the flu virus is found in wild aquatic birds such as ducks and shore birds. It has persisted in these birds for millions of years and does not typically harm them. But the frequently mutating flu viruses can readily jump the species barrier from wild birds to domesticated ducks and then to chickens. From there, the next stop in the infectious chain is often pigs.
Pigs can be infected by both bird (avian) influenza and the form of influenza that infects humans. In a setting such as a farm where chickens, humans and pigs live in close proximity, pigs act as an influenza virus mixing bowl. If a pig is infected with avian and human flu simultaneously, the two types of virus may exchange genes. Such a “reassorted” flu virus can sometimes spread from pigs to people.
Depending on the precise assortment of bird-type flu proteins that make it into the human population, the flu may be more or less severe.
In 1997, for the first time, scientists found that bird influenza skipped the pig step and infected humans directly. Alarmed health officials feared a worldwide epidemic (a pandemic). But, fortunately, the virus could not pass between people and thus did not spark an epidemic. Scientists speculate that chickens may now also have the receptor used by human-type viruses.
Drifting and Shifting
Influenza virus is one of the most changeable of viruses. These genetic changes may be small and continuous or large and abrupt.
Small, continuous changes happen in type A and type B influenza as the virus makes copies of itself. The process is called antigenic drift.The drifting is frequent enough to make the new strain of virus often unrecognizable to the human immune system. For this reason, a new flu vaccine must be produced each year to combat that year’s prevalent strains.
Type A influenza also undergoes infrequent and sudden changes, called antigenic shift. Antigenic shift occurs when two different flu strains infect the same cell and exchange genetic material. The novel assortment of HA or NA proteins in a shifted virus creates a new influenza A subtype. Because people have little or no immunity to such a new subtype, their appearance tends to coincide with very severe flu epidemics or pandemics.
Tips to Workout with Asthma
Exercising can actually help you beat your asthma symptoms. Working out benefits your ability to breathe easy by:
* reducing the effort on your lungs to breathe, not to mention
* reducing stress and
* Improving your immune system for better overall stamina and performance.
All 3 of these exercise benefits decrease the risk and the severity of attacks.
Although it’s hard to get these benefits when breathlessness, wheezing and chest tightness during workouts don’t let you perform to your greatest potential. Try these tips for controlling asthma symptoms for comfortable workouts; they may help you build up the endurance to work out more, better and longer in the future by allowing you to ease the asthma. Not to mention you’ll feel better and look better, shed extra pounds and pack on the muscle.
* Easy does it.
Because sudden changes in activity can trigger symptoms, buffer your workout with at least 10 minutes of warm-up and cool-down time.
* Hydrate Yourself.
Dehydration impairs breathing. So make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts.
* Stay warmed up.
Studies found that airways are more sensitive in people with exercise induced asthma to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. In cold weather, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose traps moisture, making breathing easier.
* Close Your Mouth
During physical activity, people have a tendency to breathe through their mouths, oftentimes allowing cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effects of the nose. Since mouth breathing only moistens air to 60-70% relative humidity (nose-breathing warms and saturates air to about 80 to 90% relative humidity before it reaches the lungs), it may be a factor in causing EIA.
* Weather Patrol
During peak allergy seasons, extreme hot or cold, or when air quality is poor, move your workout indoors. Check your local weather forecasts for air quality and pollen listings.
* Reduce salt
A recent study found that a low-sodium diet improved breathing and reduced exercise-induced asthma (EIA) symptoms. Aim for no more than 2,000 mg per day.
* Get Your Vitamin C
Try taking your Vitamin C before you hit the gym. Researchers found 80% of patients with exercise induced asthma who consumed high amounts of vitamin C prior to exercise had no asthmatic symptoms. People in this study took 2,000 mg of Vitamin C – try it out!
* Get Soaked
Swimming and water aerobics are great exercise choices because the warm air above the water enhances breathing, which will allow you to work out longer and harder.
* Keep Medications Handy
If you use a fast acting, quick relief inhaler – bring it with you and keep it handy in case of any symptoms. Use your inhaler at the first sign of symptoms. This will keep your symptoms under control from the get go – which will allow you to reach your workout goals.
* Team up
It’s best to exercise with a partner in case you have an attack. You never know when you might need help. It will also keep you motivated to stick with your gym plan.
* reducing the effort on your lungs to breathe, not to mention
* reducing stress and
* Improving your immune system for better overall stamina and performance.
All 3 of these exercise benefits decrease the risk and the severity of attacks.
Although it’s hard to get these benefits when breathlessness, wheezing and chest tightness during workouts don’t let you perform to your greatest potential. Try these tips for controlling asthma symptoms for comfortable workouts; they may help you build up the endurance to work out more, better and longer in the future by allowing you to ease the asthma. Not to mention you’ll feel better and look better, shed extra pounds and pack on the muscle.
* Easy does it.
Because sudden changes in activity can trigger symptoms, buffer your workout with at least 10 minutes of warm-up and cool-down time.
* Hydrate Yourself.
Dehydration impairs breathing. So make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts.
* Stay warmed up.
Studies found that airways are more sensitive in people with exercise induced asthma to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. In cold weather, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose traps moisture, making breathing easier.
* Close Your Mouth
During physical activity, people have a tendency to breathe through their mouths, oftentimes allowing cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effects of the nose. Since mouth breathing only moistens air to 60-70% relative humidity (nose-breathing warms and saturates air to about 80 to 90% relative humidity before it reaches the lungs), it may be a factor in causing EIA.
* Weather Patrol
During peak allergy seasons, extreme hot or cold, or when air quality is poor, move your workout indoors. Check your local weather forecasts for air quality and pollen listings.
* Reduce salt
A recent study found that a low-sodium diet improved breathing and reduced exercise-induced asthma (EIA) symptoms. Aim for no more than 2,000 mg per day.
* Get Your Vitamin C
Try taking your Vitamin C before you hit the gym. Researchers found 80% of patients with exercise induced asthma who consumed high amounts of vitamin C prior to exercise had no asthmatic symptoms. People in this study took 2,000 mg of Vitamin C – try it out!
* Get Soaked
Swimming and water aerobics are great exercise choices because the warm air above the water enhances breathing, which will allow you to work out longer and harder.
* Keep Medications Handy
If you use a fast acting, quick relief inhaler – bring it with you and keep it handy in case of any symptoms. Use your inhaler at the first sign of symptoms. This will keep your symptoms under control from the get go – which will allow you to reach your workout goals.
* Team up
It’s best to exercise with a partner in case you have an attack. You never know when you might need help. It will also keep you motivated to stick with your gym plan.
Dust Allergy Prevention
If you have dust mite allergy, pay careful attention to dust-proofing your bedroom. The worst things to have in the bedroom are:
* Wall-to-wall carpet
* Blinds
* Down-filled blankets
* Feather pillows
* Stuffed animals
* Heating vents with forced hot air
* Dogs and cats
* Closets full of clothing
Carpets trap dust and make dust control impossible.
* Shag carpets are the worst type of carpet for people who are sensitive to dust mites.
* Vacuuming doesn’t get rid of dust mite proteins in furniture and carpeting, but redistributes them back into the room, unless the vacuum has a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
* Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust mite growth.
If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with washable throw rugs over hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, and wash the rugs frequently.
Reducing the amount of dust mites in your home may mean new cleaning techniques as well as some changes in furnishings to eliminate dust collectors. Water is often the secret to effective dust removal.
* Clean washable items, including throw rugs, often, using water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites.
* Clean washable items at a commercial establishment that uses high water temperature, if you cannot or do not want to set water temperature in your home at 130 degrees. (There is a danger of getting scalded if the water is more than 120 degrees.)
* Dust frequently with a damp cloth or oiled mop.
If cockroaches are a problem in your home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests some ways to get rid of them.
* Do not leave food or garbage out.
* Store food in airtight containers.
* Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first, before using pesticide sprays.
If you use sprays:
* Do not spray in food preparation or storage areas.
* Do not spray in areas where children play or sleep.
* Limit the spray to the infested area.
* Follow instructions on the label carefully.
* Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray.
* Keep the person with allergies or asthma out of the room while spraying.
* Wall-to-wall carpet
* Blinds
* Down-filled blankets
* Feather pillows
* Stuffed animals
* Heating vents with forced hot air
* Dogs and cats
* Closets full of clothing
Carpets trap dust and make dust control impossible.
* Shag carpets are the worst type of carpet for people who are sensitive to dust mites.
* Vacuuming doesn’t get rid of dust mite proteins in furniture and carpeting, but redistributes them back into the room, unless the vacuum has a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
* Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust mite growth.
If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with washable throw rugs over hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors, and wash the rugs frequently.
Reducing the amount of dust mites in your home may mean new cleaning techniques as well as some changes in furnishings to eliminate dust collectors. Water is often the secret to effective dust removal.
* Clean washable items, including throw rugs, often, using water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites.
* Clean washable items at a commercial establishment that uses high water temperature, if you cannot or do not want to set water temperature in your home at 130 degrees. (There is a danger of getting scalded if the water is more than 120 degrees.)
* Dust frequently with a damp cloth or oiled mop.
If cockroaches are a problem in your home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests some ways to get rid of them.
* Do not leave food or garbage out.
* Store food in airtight containers.
* Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first, before using pesticide sprays.
If you use sprays:
* Do not spray in food preparation or storage areas.
* Do not spray in areas where children play or sleep.
* Limit the spray to the infested area.
* Follow instructions on the label carefully.
* Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray.
* Keep the person with allergies or asthma out of the room while spraying.
Dust Allergies
dust mite allergy:
Dust mite allergy is an allergy to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust found in all dwellings and workplaces. House dust, as well as some house furnishings, contains microscopic mites. Dust mites are perhaps the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. House dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.
House dust mites, which live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, thrive in summer and die in winter. In a warm, humid house, however, they continue to thrive even in the coldest months. The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their waste products. These waste products, which are proteins, actually provoke the allergic reaction.
house dust:
Rather than a single substance, so-called house dust is a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics and materials such as
* Cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials
* Dander from cats, dogs, and other animals
* Bacteria
* Mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas)
* Food particles
* Bits of plants and insects
* Other allergens peculiar to an individual house or building
Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and in the southern United States. Certain proteins in cockroach feces and saliva also can be found in house dust. These proteins can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some people, especially children. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in causing asthma in many inner-city populations.
Dust mite allergy is an allergy to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust found in all dwellings and workplaces. House dust, as well as some house furnishings, contains microscopic mites. Dust mites are perhaps the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. House dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.
House dust mites, which live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, thrive in summer and die in winter. In a warm, humid house, however, they continue to thrive even in the coldest months. The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their waste products. These waste products, which are proteins, actually provoke the allergic reaction.
house dust:
Rather than a single substance, so-called house dust is a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics and materials such as
* Cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials
* Dander from cats, dogs, and other animals
* Bacteria
* Mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas)
* Food particles
* Bits of plants and insects
* Other allergens peculiar to an individual house or building
Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and in the southern United States. Certain proteins in cockroach feces and saliva also can be found in house dust. These proteins can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some people, especially children. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in causing asthma in many inner-city populations.
Allergic to Chemicals?
Could you have an allergy to chemicals?
Some people report that they react to chemicals in their environments and that these allergy-like reactions seem to result from exposure to a wide variety of synthetic and natural substances. Such substances can include those found in:
* Paints
* Carpeting
* Plastics
* Perfumes
* Cigarette smoke
* Plants
Although the symptoms may resemble those of allergies, sensitivity to chemicals does not represent a true allergic reaction involving IgE and the release of histamine or other chemicals. Rather than a reaction to an allergen, it is a reaction to a chemical irritant, which may affect people with allergies more than others.
Preventing Chemical Sensitivity
Irritants such as chemicals can worsen airborne allergy symptoms, and you should avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you have pollen allergy, avoid unnecessary exposure to irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint during periods of high pollen levels.
Some people report that they react to chemicals in their environments and that these allergy-like reactions seem to result from exposure to a wide variety of synthetic and natural substances. Such substances can include those found in:
* Paints
* Carpeting
* Plastics
* Perfumes
* Cigarette smoke
* Plants
Although the symptoms may resemble those of allergies, sensitivity to chemicals does not represent a true allergic reaction involving IgE and the release of histamine or other chemicals. Rather than a reaction to an allergen, it is a reaction to a chemical irritant, which may affect people with allergies more than others.
Preventing Chemical Sensitivity
Irritants such as chemicals can worsen airborne allergy symptoms, and you should avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you have pollen allergy, avoid unnecessary exposure to irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint during periods of high pollen levels.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
'Casual' Smokers at Greater Risk of Hazardous Drinking 16 Times More Likely to Binge Drink
By Buddy T
Casual smokers, those who are not daily smokers, are less likely to drink alcohol daily, but are significantly more likely to engage in hazardous drinking and develop alcohol use disorders. A study of 5,838 young adults revealed that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to engage in hazardous drinking than daily smokers.
Researchers examined data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to find associations between smoking behaviors -- daily smoking, non-daily smoking and non-smoking -- and binge drinking, hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders.
Compared to non-smokers and daily smokers, casual smokers were five times more likely to meet criteria for an alcohol use disorder diagnosis.
Not Specific to College Students
"The National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions provided us with a unique opportunity to investigate these relationships in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," said Sherry A. McKee, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, in a news release. "We were able to examine whether associations between non-daily smoking and alcohol use were specific to just college students, or generalized to young adults who were not college students."
"Non-daily smokers are a fast-growing subpopulation of smokers, now constituting at least 25% of all adult smokers in the U.S.," added Saul Shiffman, a professor in the departments of psychology and pharmaceutical science at the University of Pittsburgh. "Furthermore, this study is important because it sheds light on particular groups defined by age and patterns of smoking and drinking. This can advance our understanding of the range of drinking patterns, and also the developmental trajectory of problem drinking."
Periodic Smoking and Drinking Binges
"We anticipated that the associations between alcohol use and smoking would be greatest in non-daily smokers, but were surprised by the degree of the associations," said McKee. "While casual smoking was more common in college students, the relationships between smoking and drinking behavior were the same for young adults whether they were students or not."
"Even though non-daily smokers were less likely than daily smokers to drink daily, they were more likely to exceed weekly and daily quantities defined by the NIAAA as hazardous," added Shiffman. "So, even though daily smokers drank more, non-daily smokers drank more hazardously. This, in conjunction with other research, suggests that these casual smokers neither smoke nor drink regularly, but rather may have periodic binges where they may do both, perhaps as they become disinhibited at parties. Drinking and smoking may also mutually promote each other, leading to bouts of heavy drinking and smoking."
Smoke-Free Bars Effective
The authors of the study conclude that smoke-free bans in bars are effective in reducing both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
"Currently, the majority of states have enacted smoke-free bans that extend to smoking in venues where alcohol is served," said McKee. "Research indicates that smoking bans can reduce alcohol consumption in bars, particularly among heavy drinkers."
"Where bans have been imposed on smoking in bars -- notably in Ireland -- they have been met with stiff resistance, but ultimately succeeded, encouraging smokers to quit, and creating more inviting environments for non-smokers in pubs," Shiffman said. "By interfering with the link between smoking and drinking, such policies may also disrupt developmental trajectories towards problem drinking and heavy smoking, and thereby yield a long-term public health benefits as well."
Source:
Harrison, E.L.R., et al. "Nondaily Smoking and Alcohol Use, Hazardous Drinking, and Alcohol Diagnoses Among Young Adults: Findings From the NESARC." Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 25 September 2008.
Casual smokers, those who are not daily smokers, are less likely to drink alcohol daily, but are significantly more likely to engage in hazardous drinking and develop alcohol use disorders. A study of 5,838 young adults revealed that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to engage in hazardous drinking than daily smokers.
Researchers examined data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to find associations between smoking behaviors -- daily smoking, non-daily smoking and non-smoking -- and binge drinking, hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders.
Compared to non-smokers and daily smokers, casual smokers were five times more likely to meet criteria for an alcohol use disorder diagnosis.
Not Specific to College Students
"The National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions provided us with a unique opportunity to investigate these relationships in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," said Sherry A. McKee, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, in a news release. "We were able to examine whether associations between non-daily smoking and alcohol use were specific to just college students, or generalized to young adults who were not college students."
"Non-daily smokers are a fast-growing subpopulation of smokers, now constituting at least 25% of all adult smokers in the U.S.," added Saul Shiffman, a professor in the departments of psychology and pharmaceutical science at the University of Pittsburgh. "Furthermore, this study is important because it sheds light on particular groups defined by age and patterns of smoking and drinking. This can advance our understanding of the range of drinking patterns, and also the developmental trajectory of problem drinking."
Periodic Smoking and Drinking Binges
"We anticipated that the associations between alcohol use and smoking would be greatest in non-daily smokers, but were surprised by the degree of the associations," said McKee. "While casual smoking was more common in college students, the relationships between smoking and drinking behavior were the same for young adults whether they were students or not."
"Even though non-daily smokers were less likely than daily smokers to drink daily, they were more likely to exceed weekly and daily quantities defined by the NIAAA as hazardous," added Shiffman. "So, even though daily smokers drank more, non-daily smokers drank more hazardously. This, in conjunction with other research, suggests that these casual smokers neither smoke nor drink regularly, but rather may have periodic binges where they may do both, perhaps as they become disinhibited at parties. Drinking and smoking may also mutually promote each other, leading to bouts of heavy drinking and smoking."
Smoke-Free Bars Effective
The authors of the study conclude that smoke-free bans in bars are effective in reducing both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
"Currently, the majority of states have enacted smoke-free bans that extend to smoking in venues where alcohol is served," said McKee. "Research indicates that smoking bans can reduce alcohol consumption in bars, particularly among heavy drinkers."
"Where bans have been imposed on smoking in bars -- notably in Ireland -- they have been met with stiff resistance, but ultimately succeeded, encouraging smokers to quit, and creating more inviting environments for non-smokers in pubs," Shiffman said. "By interfering with the link between smoking and drinking, such policies may also disrupt developmental trajectories towards problem drinking and heavy smoking, and thereby yield a long-term public health benefits as well."
Source:
Harrison, E.L.R., et al. "Nondaily Smoking and Alcohol Use, Hazardous Drinking, and Alcohol Diagnoses Among Young Adults: Findings From the NESARC." Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 25 September 2008.
Children of Alcoholics
Alcohol Alert From NIAAA
An estimated 6.6 million children under the age of 18 years live in households with at least one alcoholic parent (1). Current research findings suggest that these children are at risk for a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems. In addition, genetic studies indicate that alcoholism tends to run in families and that a genetic vulnerability for alcoholism exists (2,3,4).
Yet, some investigators also report that many children from alcoholic homes develop neither psychopathology nor alcoholism. This Alcohol Alert focuses on three major research questions concerning children of alcoholics (COAs): 1 ) What contributes to resilience in some COAs; 2) Do COAs differ from children of non alcoholic (nonCOAs); and 3) Are the differences specifically related to parental alcoholism, or are they similar to characteristics observed in children whose parents have other illnesses?
Before summarizing the research findings on these questions, it should be said that many studies of COAs have been plagued by methodological issues. For example, the composition of the sample chosen for a study can affect the study results significantly. Yet, many COA studies use a biased sample selection of children in treatment or in trouble. In addition, studies often are conducted without the benefit of matched control groups.
The absence of control groups makes it difficult to generalize results from treatment samples to nontreatment populations. Children of various ages and developmental stages frequently are grouped in one sample, and the developmental differences within the group are ignored. Another problem is that because few longitudinal studies have been performed, it is difficult to know whether the observed problems are impairments or are developmental delays.
Serious Coping Problems
In addition, the effect of such factors as marital conflict and the severity of parental drinking on the development of problems should be considered. All of these limitations can affect the outcome of the study. The studies cited below are not free of these methodological problems, but they are the best that we have.
While research findings suggest that some children suffer negative consequences due to parental alcoholism, a larger proportion of COAs function well and do not develop serious problems. In a longitudinal study of COAs born on the island of Kauai, Werner (5) reported that, although 41 percent of the children developed serious coping problems by 18 years of age, 59 percent did not develop problems.
These resilient children shared several characteristics that contributed to their success, including the ability to obtain positive attention from other people, adequate communication skills, average intelligence, a caring attitude, a desire to achieve, and a belief in self-help.
Studies comparing COAs and nonCOAs have suggested that, although the two groups differ in a variety of psychosocial areas, differences in cognitive performance are observed most frequently. Cognitive function in COAs has been examined by many researchers because it is an important element needed for adaptation at all stages of development; it can be measured uniformly across developmental stages; and it often is associated with the symptoms of alcoholism.
Lower IQ, Verbal Scores
Ervin and her colleagues (6) found that Full IQ, performance (a measure of abstract and conceptual reasoning), and verbal scores were lower among a sample of children raised by alcoholic fathers than among children raised by nonalcoholic fathers. Gabrielli and Mednick (7) reported similar results for verbal and Full IQ tests, but not for performance tests.
In a study comparing COAs and nonCOAs whose families were educated and whose parents lived in the home, Bennett and colleagues (8) found that children from alcoholic families had lower IQ, arithmetic, reading, and verbal scores. Despite the lower scores, however, COAs performed within normal ranges for intelligence tests in each of these studies.
It is important to note that cognitive competence can vary with the instrument used to measure performance as well as with the individual who is evaluating function. Johnson and Rolf (9) compared the academic abilities and cognitive function of COAs and nonCOAs from nondisadvantaged backgrounds and found no differences between the groups. The investigators noted, however, that the children with alcoholic parents underestimated their own competence. In addition, the mothers of COAs underrated their children's abilities. The mothers' and children's perceptions of abilities may affect the children's motivation, self-esteem, and future performance.
School-aged children of alcoholic parents often have academic problems. Academic performance may be a better measure than IQ of the effect of living with an alcoholic parent. School records indicate that COAs experience such academic difficulties as repeating grades, failing to graduate from high school, and requiring referrals to school psychologists (10,11). Although cognitive deficits in COAs may account, in part, for their poor academic performance, motivational difficulties or the stress of the home environment also may contribute to their problems in school.
Higher Depression, Anxiety
Studies comparing COAs with nonCOAs also have found that parental alcoholism is linked to a number of psychological disorders in children. Divorce, parental anxiety or affective disorders, or undesirable changes in the family or in life situations can add to the negative effect of parental alcoholism on children's emotional functioning (12,13).
The results of several studies have shown that children from alcoholic families report higher levels of depression and anxiety and exhibit more symptoms of generalized stress (i.e., low self-esteem) than do children from nonalcoholic families (12,13,14,15). In addition, COAs often express a feeling of lack of control over their environment. A recent study by Rolf and colleagues (16) noted that COAs show more depressive affect than nonCOAs and that their self-reports of depression are measured more frequently on the extreme end of the scale.
Moos and Billings (13) found that the emotional stress of parental drinking on children lessens when parents stop drinking. These investigators assessed emotional problems in children from families of relapsed alcoholics, children from families with a recovering parent, and children from families with no alcohol problem. Although the children of relapsed alcoholics reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than children from the homes with no alcohol problem, emotional functioning was similar among the children of recovering and normal parents.
Finally, children from homes with alcoholic parents often demonstrate behavioral problems. Study findings suggest that these children exhibit such problems as lying, stealing, fighting, truancy, and school behavior problems, and they often are diagnosed as having conduct disorders (17). Teachers have rated COAs as significantly more overactive and impulsive than nonCOAs (11,18).
Greater Delinquency, Truancy
COAs also appear to be at greater risk for delinquency and school truancy (12,19,20). Several investigators have reported an association between the incidence of diagnosed conduct disorders and parental alcohol abuse (21 ,22,23). However, other problems associated with alcoholism (e.g., depression among the alcoholic parents and divorce) also may contribute to conduct problems and disorders among COAs.
The alcoholic family's home environment and the manner in which family members interact may contribute to the risk for the problems observed among COAs. Although alcoholic families are a heterogeneous group, group common characteristics have been identified. Families of alcoholics have lower levels of family cohesion, expressiveness, independence, and intellectual orientation and higher levels of conflict compared with nonalcoholic families (13,24,25,26). Some characteristics, however, are not specific to alcoholic families:
Impaired problem-solving ability and hostile communication are observed both in alcoholic families and in families with problems other than alcohol (27). Moreover, the characteristics of families with recovering alcoholic members and of families with no alcoholic members do not differ significantly, suggesting that a parent's continued drinking may be responsible for the disruption of family life in an alcoholic home (13).
The family environment also may affect transmission of alcoholism to COAs. Children with alcoholic parents are less likely to become alcoholics as adults when their parents consistently set and follow through on plans and maintain such rituals as holidays and regular mealtimes (28).
Negative Self-Image
Interestingly, the problems of COAs may not be specific to this population. In a review of research on children whose mothers were schizophrenic, Garmezy (29) reported that, like COAs, these children had cognitive deficits. In particular, they had a limited ability to maintain attention and to perceive relevant stimuli. Children at high risk for schizophrenia revealed a more negative self-image.
The family environment also may influence the risk for schizophrenia; children of schizophrenic parents--whose home environment is turbulent--have an increased risk for developing schizophrenia.
Research on COAs is still in its infancy. Many studies suggest that a variety of differences exist between children of alcoholics and children of nonalcoholics and these differences occur at all ages.
However, because of the limitations of the methodology and the inadequate number of comprehensive studies, research findings cannot be generalized to all children who grow up with alcoholic parents.
Children of Alcoholics: Are They Different? A Commentary by
NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis, M.D.
The children of alcoholics (COA) movement follows in the rich tradition of many popular movements that have focused public and professional attention on the problems of a vulnerable group. This movement has provided valuable information on the social and psychological problems experienced by many COAs, based on the observations of counselors, clinicians, school personnel, and others. These observations offer scientists an important starting point as they carefully design studies that seek to define the factors that may increase risk and the factors that may protect COAs from negative consequences.
In considering COAs, it is important to remember that, although there is a genetic component to the vulnerability to alcoholism, COA issues are not related primarily to alcoholism itself but to the social and psychological dysfunction that may result from growing up in an alcoholic home.
Selection bias and specificity are two important research issues. Selection bias means that conclusions based on clinical samples are likely to overestimate the extent of the problems, because only the most troubled come for treatment. The question of specificity is this: Are the problems described in COAs specific for parental alcoholism, or do they occur as often in other dysfunctional families? If the latter is true, then alcohol-specific mechanisms may not account for the problems in COAs. Further. if all children from dysfunctional homes are at equal risk, then all are entitled to the benefits of any public policy designed to help children from troubled homes.
References
(1) RUSSELL, M.; Henderson, C.; and Blume, S.B. Children of Alcoholics A Review of the Literature. New York: Children of Alcoholics Foundation, Inc., 1984. (2 ) KAIJ, L. Alcoholism in Twins. Studies on the Etiology and Sequels of Abuse of Alcohol. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell Publishers, 1960. (3) CLONINGER, C.R.; Bohman, M.; and Sigvardsson, S. Inheritance of alcohol abuse. Archives of General Psychiatry 38:861-868, 1981. (4) GOODWIN, D.W.; Schulsinger, F.; Hermansen, L.; Guze, S.B.; and Winokur, G. Alcohol problems in adoptees raised apart from alcoholic biological parents. Archives of General Psychiatry 28:238-243,1973. (5) WERNER, E.E.; Resilient offspring of alcoholics: A longitudinal study from birth to age 18. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 47(1) 34-40, 1986. (6) ERVIN, C.S.; Little, R.E.; Streissguth, A.P.; and Beck, D.E. Alcoholic fathering and its relation to child's intellectual development: A pilot investigation. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 8(4):362-365, 1984. (7) GABRIELLI, W.F., JR., & Mednick, S.A. Intellectual performance in children of alcoholics. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 171(7):444-447,1983. (8) BENNETT, L.A.; Wolin, S.J.; and Reiss, D. Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems among school-age children of alcoholic parents. American Journal of Psychiatry 145(2):185-190,1988. (9) JOHNSON, J.L., & Rolt, J.E. Cognitive functioning in children from alcoholic and non-alcoholic families. British Journal of Addiction 83:849-857, 1988. (10) MILLER, D., & Jang, M. Children of alcoholics: A 20-year longitudinal study. Social Work Research & Abstracts 13:23-29, 1977. (11) KNOP, J.; Teasdale, T.W.; Schulsinger, F.; and Goodwin D.W. A prospective study of young men at high risk for alcoholism: School behavior and achievement. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 46(4):273-278, 1985. (12) SCHUCKIT, M.A., & Chiles, J.A. Family history as a diagnostic aid in two samples of adolescents. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 166(3):165-176, 1978. (13) MOOS, R.H., & Billings, A.G. Children of alcoholics during the recovery process: Alcoholic and matched control families. Addictive Behaviors 7:155-163, 1982. (14) ANDERSON, E., & Quast, W. Young children in alcoholic families: A mental health needs-assessment intervention/prevention strategy. Journal of Primary Prevention 3:(3)174-187, 1983. ( 15 ) PREWETT, M.J.; Spence, R.; and Chaknis, M. Attribution of causality by children with alcoholic parents. International Journal of the Addictions 16(2):367-370, 1981. (16) ROLF, J.E.; Johnson, J.L.; Israel, E.; Baldwin, J.; and Chandra, A. Depressive affect in school-aged children of alcoholics. British Journal of Addiction 83:841-848, 1988. (17) WEST, M.O., & Prinz, R.J. Parental alcoholism and childhood psychopathology. Psychological Bulletin 102(2) :204-218,1987. (18) BELL, B., & Cohen, R. The Bristol Social Adjustment Guide: Comparison between the offspring of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mothers. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 20:93-95, 1981. (19) FINE, E.W.; Yudin, L.W.; Holmes, J.; and Heinemann, S. Behavioral disorders in children with parental alcoholism. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 273:507-517, 1976. (20) RIVER, J. The children of alcoholics: An exploratory study. Children and Youth Services Review 4:365-373, 1982. (21) STEINHAUSEN, H.C.; Gobel. D.; and Nestler, V. Psychopathology in the offspring of alcoholic parents. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry 23(4):465-471, 1984. (22) MERIKANGAS, K.R.; Weissman, M.M.; Prusoff, B.A.; Pauls, D.L.; and Leckman, J.F. Depressives with secondary alcoholism: Psychiatric disorders in offspring. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 46(3):199-204, 1985. (23) STEWART, M.A.; deBlois, C.S.; and Singer, S. Alcoholism and hyperactivity revisited; A preliminary report. In: Galanter, M., ed. Currents in Alcoholism. Volume V. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1979. pp. 349-357. (24) CLAIR, D., & Genest, M. Variables associated with the adjustment of offspring of alcoholic fathers. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 48(4):345-355, 1986. (25) FILSTEAD, W.J.; McElfresh, O.; and Anderson, C. Comparing the family environments of alcoholic and "normal" families. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education 26(2):24-31, 1981. (26) MOOS, R.H., & Moos, B.S. The process of recovery from alcoholism: Company functioning in families of alcoholics and matched control families Journal of Studies on Alcohol 45(2):111-118,1984. (27) BILLINGS, A.G.; Kessler, M.; Gomberg, C.A.; and Weiner, S. Marital conflict resolution of alcoholic and nonalcoholic couples during drinking and non-drinking sessions. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 40(3):183-195. 1979. (28) WOLIN, S.J.; Bennett, L.A.; Noonan, D.L.; and Teitelbaum, M.A. Disrupted family rituals: A factor in the intergenerational transmission of alcoholism. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 41(3):199-214, 1980. (29) GARMEZY, N. Children at risk: The search for the antecedents of schizophrenia. Part II: Ongoing research programs, issues, and intervention. Schizophrenia Bulletin 9:55-125, 1974.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism wishes to acknowledge the following individuals who have contributed their time and expertise to the development of the Alcohol Alert series over the past 2 years: John Allen, Ph.D.; Loran D. Archer; Gerald Brown, M.D.; Fulton Caldwell, Ph.D.; Mary Dufour, M.D., M.P.H.; Michael Eckardt, Ph.D.; Terry Freeman; Richard Fuller, M.D.; Bridget Grant, Ph.D.; Thomas Harford, Ph.D.; Brenda Hewitt; Jeannette Johnson, Ph.D.; Michael J. Lewis, Ph.D.; Markku Linnoila, M.D., Ph.D.; Jane Lockmuller; Diane Miller; John Noble; H. Laurence Ross, Ph.D.; Barbara Smothers, Ph.D.; Fred Stinson, Ph.D.; Cate Timmerman; Ken Warren, Ph.D.; Dianne Welsh; Gerald Williams, D.Ed.; and Terry Zobeck, Ph.D.
An estimated 6.6 million children under the age of 18 years live in households with at least one alcoholic parent (1). Current research findings suggest that these children are at risk for a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems. In addition, genetic studies indicate that alcoholism tends to run in families and that a genetic vulnerability for alcoholism exists (2,3,4).
Yet, some investigators also report that many children from alcoholic homes develop neither psychopathology nor alcoholism. This Alcohol Alert focuses on three major research questions concerning children of alcoholics (COAs): 1 ) What contributes to resilience in some COAs; 2) Do COAs differ from children of non alcoholic (nonCOAs); and 3) Are the differences specifically related to parental alcoholism, or are they similar to characteristics observed in children whose parents have other illnesses?
Before summarizing the research findings on these questions, it should be said that many studies of COAs have been plagued by methodological issues. For example, the composition of the sample chosen for a study can affect the study results significantly. Yet, many COA studies use a biased sample selection of children in treatment or in trouble. In addition, studies often are conducted without the benefit of matched control groups.
The absence of control groups makes it difficult to generalize results from treatment samples to nontreatment populations. Children of various ages and developmental stages frequently are grouped in one sample, and the developmental differences within the group are ignored. Another problem is that because few longitudinal studies have been performed, it is difficult to know whether the observed problems are impairments or are developmental delays.
Serious Coping Problems
In addition, the effect of such factors as marital conflict and the severity of parental drinking on the development of problems should be considered. All of these limitations can affect the outcome of the study. The studies cited below are not free of these methodological problems, but they are the best that we have.
While research findings suggest that some children suffer negative consequences due to parental alcoholism, a larger proportion of COAs function well and do not develop serious problems. In a longitudinal study of COAs born on the island of Kauai, Werner (5) reported that, although 41 percent of the children developed serious coping problems by 18 years of age, 59 percent did not develop problems.
These resilient children shared several characteristics that contributed to their success, including the ability to obtain positive attention from other people, adequate communication skills, average intelligence, a caring attitude, a desire to achieve, and a belief in self-help.
Studies comparing COAs and nonCOAs have suggested that, although the two groups differ in a variety of psychosocial areas, differences in cognitive performance are observed most frequently. Cognitive function in COAs has been examined by many researchers because it is an important element needed for adaptation at all stages of development; it can be measured uniformly across developmental stages; and it often is associated with the symptoms of alcoholism.
Lower IQ, Verbal Scores
Ervin and her colleagues (6) found that Full IQ, performance (a measure of abstract and conceptual reasoning), and verbal scores were lower among a sample of children raised by alcoholic fathers than among children raised by nonalcoholic fathers. Gabrielli and Mednick (7) reported similar results for verbal and Full IQ tests, but not for performance tests.
In a study comparing COAs and nonCOAs whose families were educated and whose parents lived in the home, Bennett and colleagues (8) found that children from alcoholic families had lower IQ, arithmetic, reading, and verbal scores. Despite the lower scores, however, COAs performed within normal ranges for intelligence tests in each of these studies.
It is important to note that cognitive competence can vary with the instrument used to measure performance as well as with the individual who is evaluating function. Johnson and Rolf (9) compared the academic abilities and cognitive function of COAs and nonCOAs from nondisadvantaged backgrounds and found no differences between the groups. The investigators noted, however, that the children with alcoholic parents underestimated their own competence. In addition, the mothers of COAs underrated their children's abilities. The mothers' and children's perceptions of abilities may affect the children's motivation, self-esteem, and future performance.
School-aged children of alcoholic parents often have academic problems. Academic performance may be a better measure than IQ of the effect of living with an alcoholic parent. School records indicate that COAs experience such academic difficulties as repeating grades, failing to graduate from high school, and requiring referrals to school psychologists (10,11). Although cognitive deficits in COAs may account, in part, for their poor academic performance, motivational difficulties or the stress of the home environment also may contribute to their problems in school.
Higher Depression, Anxiety
Studies comparing COAs with nonCOAs also have found that parental alcoholism is linked to a number of psychological disorders in children. Divorce, parental anxiety or affective disorders, or undesirable changes in the family or in life situations can add to the negative effect of parental alcoholism on children's emotional functioning (12,13).
The results of several studies have shown that children from alcoholic families report higher levels of depression and anxiety and exhibit more symptoms of generalized stress (i.e., low self-esteem) than do children from nonalcoholic families (12,13,14,15). In addition, COAs often express a feeling of lack of control over their environment. A recent study by Rolf and colleagues (16) noted that COAs show more depressive affect than nonCOAs and that their self-reports of depression are measured more frequently on the extreme end of the scale.
Moos and Billings (13) found that the emotional stress of parental drinking on children lessens when parents stop drinking. These investigators assessed emotional problems in children from families of relapsed alcoholics, children from families with a recovering parent, and children from families with no alcohol problem. Although the children of relapsed alcoholics reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than children from the homes with no alcohol problem, emotional functioning was similar among the children of recovering and normal parents.
Finally, children from homes with alcoholic parents often demonstrate behavioral problems. Study findings suggest that these children exhibit such problems as lying, stealing, fighting, truancy, and school behavior problems, and they often are diagnosed as having conduct disorders (17). Teachers have rated COAs as significantly more overactive and impulsive than nonCOAs (11,18).
Greater Delinquency, Truancy
COAs also appear to be at greater risk for delinquency and school truancy (12,19,20). Several investigators have reported an association between the incidence of diagnosed conduct disorders and parental alcohol abuse (21 ,22,23). However, other problems associated with alcoholism (e.g., depression among the alcoholic parents and divorce) also may contribute to conduct problems and disorders among COAs.
The alcoholic family's home environment and the manner in which family members interact may contribute to the risk for the problems observed among COAs. Although alcoholic families are a heterogeneous group, group common characteristics have been identified. Families of alcoholics have lower levels of family cohesion, expressiveness, independence, and intellectual orientation and higher levels of conflict compared with nonalcoholic families (13,24,25,26). Some characteristics, however, are not specific to alcoholic families:
Impaired problem-solving ability and hostile communication are observed both in alcoholic families and in families with problems other than alcohol (27). Moreover, the characteristics of families with recovering alcoholic members and of families with no alcoholic members do not differ significantly, suggesting that a parent's continued drinking may be responsible for the disruption of family life in an alcoholic home (13).
The family environment also may affect transmission of alcoholism to COAs. Children with alcoholic parents are less likely to become alcoholics as adults when their parents consistently set and follow through on plans and maintain such rituals as holidays and regular mealtimes (28).
Negative Self-Image
Interestingly, the problems of COAs may not be specific to this population. In a review of research on children whose mothers were schizophrenic, Garmezy (29) reported that, like COAs, these children had cognitive deficits. In particular, they had a limited ability to maintain attention and to perceive relevant stimuli. Children at high risk for schizophrenia revealed a more negative self-image.
The family environment also may influence the risk for schizophrenia; children of schizophrenic parents--whose home environment is turbulent--have an increased risk for developing schizophrenia.
Research on COAs is still in its infancy. Many studies suggest that a variety of differences exist between children of alcoholics and children of nonalcoholics and these differences occur at all ages.
However, because of the limitations of the methodology and the inadequate number of comprehensive studies, research findings cannot be generalized to all children who grow up with alcoholic parents.
Children of Alcoholics: Are They Different? A Commentary by
NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis, M.D.
The children of alcoholics (COA) movement follows in the rich tradition of many popular movements that have focused public and professional attention on the problems of a vulnerable group. This movement has provided valuable information on the social and psychological problems experienced by many COAs, based on the observations of counselors, clinicians, school personnel, and others. These observations offer scientists an important starting point as they carefully design studies that seek to define the factors that may increase risk and the factors that may protect COAs from negative consequences.
In considering COAs, it is important to remember that, although there is a genetic component to the vulnerability to alcoholism, COA issues are not related primarily to alcoholism itself but to the social and psychological dysfunction that may result from growing up in an alcoholic home.
Selection bias and specificity are two important research issues. Selection bias means that conclusions based on clinical samples are likely to overestimate the extent of the problems, because only the most troubled come for treatment. The question of specificity is this: Are the problems described in COAs specific for parental alcoholism, or do they occur as often in other dysfunctional families? If the latter is true, then alcohol-specific mechanisms may not account for the problems in COAs. Further. if all children from dysfunctional homes are at equal risk, then all are entitled to the benefits of any public policy designed to help children from troubled homes.
References
(1) RUSSELL, M.; Henderson, C.; and Blume, S.B. Children of Alcoholics A Review of the Literature. New York: Children of Alcoholics Foundation, Inc., 1984. (2 ) KAIJ, L. Alcoholism in Twins. Studies on the Etiology and Sequels of Abuse of Alcohol. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell Publishers, 1960. (3) CLONINGER, C.R.; Bohman, M.; and Sigvardsson, S. Inheritance of alcohol abuse. Archives of General Psychiatry 38:861-868, 1981. (4) GOODWIN, D.W.; Schulsinger, F.; Hermansen, L.; Guze, S.B.; and Winokur, G. Alcohol problems in adoptees raised apart from alcoholic biological parents. Archives of General Psychiatry 28:238-243,1973. (5) WERNER, E.E.; Resilient offspring of alcoholics: A longitudinal study from birth to age 18. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 47(1) 34-40, 1986. (6) ERVIN, C.S.; Little, R.E.; Streissguth, A.P.; and Beck, D.E. Alcoholic fathering and its relation to child's intellectual development: A pilot investigation. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 8(4):362-365, 1984. (7) GABRIELLI, W.F., JR., & Mednick, S.A. Intellectual performance in children of alcoholics. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 171(7):444-447,1983. (8) BENNETT, L.A.; Wolin, S.J.; and Reiss, D. Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems among school-age children of alcoholic parents. American Journal of Psychiatry 145(2):185-190,1988. (9) JOHNSON, J.L., & Rolt, J.E. Cognitive functioning in children from alcoholic and non-alcoholic families. British Journal of Addiction 83:849-857, 1988. (10) MILLER, D., & Jang, M. Children of alcoholics: A 20-year longitudinal study. Social Work Research & Abstracts 13:23-29, 1977. (11) KNOP, J.; Teasdale, T.W.; Schulsinger, F.; and Goodwin D.W. A prospective study of young men at high risk for alcoholism: School behavior and achievement. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 46(4):273-278, 1985. (12) SCHUCKIT, M.A., & Chiles, J.A. Family history as a diagnostic aid in two samples of adolescents. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 166(3):165-176, 1978. (13) MOOS, R.H., & Billings, A.G. Children of alcoholics during the recovery process: Alcoholic and matched control families. Addictive Behaviors 7:155-163, 1982. (14) ANDERSON, E., & Quast, W. Young children in alcoholic families: A mental health needs-assessment intervention/prevention strategy. Journal of Primary Prevention 3:(3)174-187, 1983. ( 15 ) PREWETT, M.J.; Spence, R.; and Chaknis, M. Attribution of causality by children with alcoholic parents. International Journal of the Addictions 16(2):367-370, 1981. (16) ROLF, J.E.; Johnson, J.L.; Israel, E.; Baldwin, J.; and Chandra, A. Depressive affect in school-aged children of alcoholics. British Journal of Addiction 83:841-848, 1988. (17) WEST, M.O., & Prinz, R.J. Parental alcoholism and childhood psychopathology. Psychological Bulletin 102(2) :204-218,1987. (18) BELL, B., & Cohen, R. The Bristol Social Adjustment Guide: Comparison between the offspring of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mothers. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 20:93-95, 1981. (19) FINE, E.W.; Yudin, L.W.; Holmes, J.; and Heinemann, S. Behavioral disorders in children with parental alcoholism. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 273:507-517, 1976. (20) RIVER, J. The children of alcoholics: An exploratory study. Children and Youth Services Review 4:365-373, 1982. (21) STEINHAUSEN, H.C.; Gobel. D.; and Nestler, V. Psychopathology in the offspring of alcoholic parents. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry 23(4):465-471, 1984. (22) MERIKANGAS, K.R.; Weissman, M.M.; Prusoff, B.A.; Pauls, D.L.; and Leckman, J.F. Depressives with secondary alcoholism: Psychiatric disorders in offspring. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 46(3):199-204, 1985. (23) STEWART, M.A.; deBlois, C.S.; and Singer, S. Alcoholism and hyperactivity revisited; A preliminary report. In: Galanter, M., ed. Currents in Alcoholism. Volume V. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1979. pp. 349-357. (24) CLAIR, D., & Genest, M. Variables associated with the adjustment of offspring of alcoholic fathers. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 48(4):345-355, 1986. (25) FILSTEAD, W.J.; McElfresh, O.; and Anderson, C. Comparing the family environments of alcoholic and "normal" families. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education 26(2):24-31, 1981. (26) MOOS, R.H., & Moos, B.S. The process of recovery from alcoholism: Company functioning in families of alcoholics and matched control families Journal of Studies on Alcohol 45(2):111-118,1984. (27) BILLINGS, A.G.; Kessler, M.; Gomberg, C.A.; and Weiner, S. Marital conflict resolution of alcoholic and nonalcoholic couples during drinking and non-drinking sessions. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 40(3):183-195. 1979. (28) WOLIN, S.J.; Bennett, L.A.; Noonan, D.L.; and Teitelbaum, M.A. Disrupted family rituals: A factor in the intergenerational transmission of alcoholism. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 41(3):199-214, 1980. (29) GARMEZY, N. Children at risk: The search for the antecedents of schizophrenia. Part II: Ongoing research programs, issues, and intervention. Schizophrenia Bulletin 9:55-125, 1974.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism wishes to acknowledge the following individuals who have contributed their time and expertise to the development of the Alcohol Alert series over the past 2 years: John Allen, Ph.D.; Loran D. Archer; Gerald Brown, M.D.; Fulton Caldwell, Ph.D.; Mary Dufour, M.D., M.P.H.; Michael Eckardt, Ph.D.; Terry Freeman; Richard Fuller, M.D.; Bridget Grant, Ph.D.; Thomas Harford, Ph.D.; Brenda Hewitt; Jeannette Johnson, Ph.D.; Michael J. Lewis, Ph.D.; Markku Linnoila, M.D., Ph.D.; Jane Lockmuller; Diane Miller; John Noble; H. Laurence Ross, Ph.D.; Barbara Smothers, Ph.D.; Fred Stinson, Ph.D.; Cate Timmerman; Ken Warren, Ph.D.; Dianne Welsh; Gerald Williams, D.Ed.; and Terry Zobeck, Ph.D.
The Genetics of Alcoholism
--A Commentary by NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis, M.D.
Progress has been made in understanding genetic vulnerability to alcoholism. We know, for instance, that more than one gene is likely to be responsible for this vulnerability. We now must determine what these genes are and whether they are specific for alcohol or define something more general, such as differences in temperament or personality that increase an individual's vulnerability to alcoholism. We must also determine how genes and the environment interact to influence vulnerability to alcoholism. Based on our current understanding, it is probable that environmental influences will be at least as important, and possibly more important, than genetic influences. Success in uncovering the genes involved in a vulnerability to alcoholism will help us to recognize the potential for alcoholism in high-risk individuals, to intervene at an early stage, and to develop new treatments for alcohol-related problems. This is a productive area of research that will continue to yield important answers to the basic questions of what causes alcoholism and how we can prevent and treat it.
Progress has been made in understanding genetic vulnerability to alcoholism. We know, for instance, that more than one gene is likely to be responsible for this vulnerability. We now must determine what these genes are and whether they are specific for alcohol or define something more general, such as differences in temperament or personality that increase an individual's vulnerability to alcoholism. We must also determine how genes and the environment interact to influence vulnerability to alcoholism. Based on our current understanding, it is probable that environmental influences will be at least as important, and possibly more important, than genetic influences. Success in uncovering the genes involved in a vulnerability to alcoholism will help us to recognize the potential for alcoholism in high-risk individuals, to intervene at an early stage, and to develop new treatments for alcohol-related problems. This is a productive area of research that will continue to yield important answers to the basic questions of what causes alcoholism and how we can prevent and treat it.
health tips- 2009
• Have fun to help de-stress. Experts recommend regular exercise, meditation and breathing techniques to reduce stress, but even something as simple as listening to soothing music, reading a good book, soaking in a hot tub or playing with your pet can help you relax. “Spending just 30 minutes a day doing something you enjoy can go a long way toward beating the stressors of everyday life,” says cardiologist Dr. Annabelle Volgman, director of the Rush Heart Center for Women. That’s advice you should take to heart because prolonged stress can cause or exacerbate a number of health problems — some serious — including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines and obesity.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Spend a minimum of two minutes to brush your teeth twice a day — and don’t forget the dental floss. Daily flossing and brushing of teeth not only help prevent cavities but may keep other diseases at bay as well. Experts suspect that bacteria-producing dental plaque, which leads to gum inflammation, can result in or exacerbate heart disease. Although the exact mechanism of why this occurs is not clear, a connection has also been found between poor periodontal health and stroke, diabetes, premature births and low birth weights. “It’s also a good idea to take a three-hour break between eating foods that contain sugar,” says Dr. Joel Augustin, a family medicine physician at Rush.
• Do a crossword puzzle. Researchers at Rush have found that mentally challenging activities, such as reading and playing chess, may have a protective effect on your brain. “Regularly engaging your mind may help lower your risk for the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Augustin says.
• Enjoy a little red wine. Recent studies have shown that the powerful antioxidants found in red wine protect against heart disease, colon cancer, anxiety and depression. So unless there is a medical reason why you shouldn’t imbibe, go ahead and enjoy that glass of merlot with your nightly meal — you can even toast to your good health.
• But don’t drink excessively. Just as a small amount of red wine has health benefits, too much alcohol — even red wine — can cause a variety of health problems, including liver and kidney disease and cancer. Women, in particular, need to be careful about alcohol consumption. “Women are at higher overall risk of liver problems than men, so they are more likely to experience liver problems from smaller amounts of alcohol,” says Dr. Carline Quander, a gastroenterologist at Rush. “They simply shouldn’t drink as much as men.” For a healthy man, two drinks a day is not likely to do harm; women, on the other hand, should limit themselves to one daily drink.
• Stop the snore cycle. When half of a couple snores, the other person loses sleep. The snorer is frequently tired too because people who snore loudly often have sleep apnea. In the most common form of this condition, the airway is blocked, causing the person to stop breathing and wake up repeatedly. Physicians at the Sleep Disorders Service and Research Center at Rush found that treating the snorer with continuous positive airway pressure, which keeps the airway open, results in better sleep for both people.
• Don’t forget the seatbelt — ever. Even if you’re driving only a short distance or are in a parking lot, take a few seconds to fasten your safety belt, which prevents you from being tossed around the car or thrown from it in the event of a crash. Most cars these days are equipped with air bags, but these lifesaving features are designed to work with safety belts. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, air bags alone are only 42 percent effective in providing protection.
• Check your ergonomics. If you work at a computer, look at the ergonomics of your workstation — how you fit and move in your environment. You can start by visiting the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/ergonomics_home.htm. “An ergonomics review can help you avoid neck, back and eye strain,” Dr. Augustin says.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Spend a minimum of two minutes to brush your teeth twice a day — and don’t forget the dental floss. Daily flossing and brushing of teeth not only help prevent cavities but may keep other diseases at bay as well. Experts suspect that bacteria-producing dental plaque, which leads to gum inflammation, can result in or exacerbate heart disease. Although the exact mechanism of why this occurs is not clear, a connection has also been found between poor periodontal health and stroke, diabetes, premature births and low birth weights. “It’s also a good idea to take a three-hour break between eating foods that contain sugar,” says Dr. Joel Augustin, a family medicine physician at Rush.
• Do a crossword puzzle. Researchers at Rush have found that mentally challenging activities, such as reading and playing chess, may have a protective effect on your brain. “Regularly engaging your mind may help lower your risk for the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Augustin says.
• Enjoy a little red wine. Recent studies have shown that the powerful antioxidants found in red wine protect against heart disease, colon cancer, anxiety and depression. So unless there is a medical reason why you shouldn’t imbibe, go ahead and enjoy that glass of merlot with your nightly meal — you can even toast to your good health.
• But don’t drink excessively. Just as a small amount of red wine has health benefits, too much alcohol — even red wine — can cause a variety of health problems, including liver and kidney disease and cancer. Women, in particular, need to be careful about alcohol consumption. “Women are at higher overall risk of liver problems than men, so they are more likely to experience liver problems from smaller amounts of alcohol,” says Dr. Carline Quander, a gastroenterologist at Rush. “They simply shouldn’t drink as much as men.” For a healthy man, two drinks a day is not likely to do harm; women, on the other hand, should limit themselves to one daily drink.
• Stop the snore cycle. When half of a couple snores, the other person loses sleep. The snorer is frequently tired too because people who snore loudly often have sleep apnea. In the most common form of this condition, the airway is blocked, causing the person to stop breathing and wake up repeatedly. Physicians at the Sleep Disorders Service and Research Center at Rush found that treating the snorer with continuous positive airway pressure, which keeps the airway open, results in better sleep for both people.
• Don’t forget the seatbelt — ever. Even if you’re driving only a short distance or are in a parking lot, take a few seconds to fasten your safety belt, which prevents you from being tossed around the car or thrown from it in the event of a crash. Most cars these days are equipped with air bags, but these lifesaving features are designed to work with safety belts. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, air bags alone are only 42 percent effective in providing protection.
• Check your ergonomics. If you work at a computer, look at the ergonomics of your workstation — how you fit and move in your environment. You can start by visiting the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/ergonomics_home.htm. “An ergonomics review can help you avoid neck, back and eye strain,” Dr. Augustin says.
health tips for college students
1. Get enough sleep. When it comes to balancing busy schedules, students tend to put sleep low on their list of priorities. Don't do this. Some people can function on three or four hours of sleep per night, but most people cannot. Without sleep, you're not going to be able to concentrate well enough to get the most out of your classes. If you can't always get a good night sleep, work regular naps into your schedule.
2. Sleep on a regular schedule. This can be hard for a college student. You may find yourself getting up early three days a week for your morning class and sleeping in until noon on the weekends. As much as possible, though, try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Also, try to go to sleep relatively early.
3. Eat sensibly. College students often gain weight due to late night eating and overindulgence of junk food. Here are some tips on how to avoid the Freshman Fifteen, and some college dining hall health tips.
4. Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast contributes to weight gain. It also will make it hard for you to concentrate in class. You don't have to eat a big breakfast; a bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt will make you a happier and healthier human being.
5. Eat enough. Many students have problems with eating disorders, which can be deadly. If you have serious issues with food, seek help at the campus counseling center immediately. Here is some information about college students and eating disorders.
6. Drink water. Most people do not get nearly enough water. Resist the lure of soda machines and the unlimited soda at the dining hall and get into the habit of drinking water. Get a water bottle and carry it around with you.
7. Don't binge drink. Excessive drinking can lead to addiction or alcohol poisoning. But there's one undesirable effect of binge drinking that doesn't get talked about as much: it makes you gain weight! Some students deprive themselves of food during the week so that they can binge drink on the weekends without gaining weight, which is a bad idea. Here is some information about knowing your limit.
8. Work in walking. You're on a college campus, so take full advantage of walking opportunities! Even if you have a car, make walking your main form of transportation on campus. There's no better way to work exercise into a busy schedule, except for maybe #9.
9. Get a bicycle. If you go to school somewhere with a decent climate, travel around campus on a bike. Just remember: get a bike helmet and protective gear too, and ride with caution. Most college students ride bikes responsibly, but there's always a few that make drivers question the future of the species.
10. Spend time at the student recreational center. A big chunk of your student fees is going to the gym, so take advantage of it! Find an activity that you like, or take a class. You don't need to spend hours and hours working out to feel the benefits. Just remember: don't use the gym as a form of procrastination!
11. Get regular checkups. Your parents probably took care of this for you, but now it's up to you make sure you see a doctor regularly. You're probably entitled to an annual exam at the student health center. Ladies, you're probably entitled to an annual gynecological exam, which you need to start doing now, especially if you're sexually active.
12. Get a flu shot. Many schools offer them at low cost. College campuses are absolute cesspools of germs, so take this simple step to help protect yourself.
13. Learn to relax. This can be a difficult goal for a college student, but do your best. Learn to put things in perspective. If you get a C on that test you're freaking out about, nothing catastrophic will happen. If your school has a stress management course or exercise courses such as yoga, sign up.
14. Get mental counseling if you need it. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. College students frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and homesickness, and student counseling services are usually well equipped to help with these issues.
15. Have safe sex. You've heard this lecture before, but it's a lecture you need to remember. Always use a condom. Know the physical risks and emotional baggage that can come with casual and promiscuous sex.
Remember, do the best you can! Take the effort to be as healthy as you can, and you'll enjoy your college experience all the more.
Read more: http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/college_student_health_tips#ixzz0TpbxZQNE
2. Sleep on a regular schedule. This can be hard for a college student. You may find yourself getting up early three days a week for your morning class and sleeping in until noon on the weekends. As much as possible, though, try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Also, try to go to sleep relatively early.
3. Eat sensibly. College students often gain weight due to late night eating and overindulgence of junk food. Here are some tips on how to avoid the Freshman Fifteen, and some college dining hall health tips.
4. Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast contributes to weight gain. It also will make it hard for you to concentrate in class. You don't have to eat a big breakfast; a bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt will make you a happier and healthier human being.
5. Eat enough. Many students have problems with eating disorders, which can be deadly. If you have serious issues with food, seek help at the campus counseling center immediately. Here is some information about college students and eating disorders.
6. Drink water. Most people do not get nearly enough water. Resist the lure of soda machines and the unlimited soda at the dining hall and get into the habit of drinking water. Get a water bottle and carry it around with you.
7. Don't binge drink. Excessive drinking can lead to addiction or alcohol poisoning. But there's one undesirable effect of binge drinking that doesn't get talked about as much: it makes you gain weight! Some students deprive themselves of food during the week so that they can binge drink on the weekends without gaining weight, which is a bad idea. Here is some information about knowing your limit.
8. Work in walking. You're on a college campus, so take full advantage of walking opportunities! Even if you have a car, make walking your main form of transportation on campus. There's no better way to work exercise into a busy schedule, except for maybe #9.
9. Get a bicycle. If you go to school somewhere with a decent climate, travel around campus on a bike. Just remember: get a bike helmet and protective gear too, and ride with caution. Most college students ride bikes responsibly, but there's always a few that make drivers question the future of the species.
10. Spend time at the student recreational center. A big chunk of your student fees is going to the gym, so take advantage of it! Find an activity that you like, or take a class. You don't need to spend hours and hours working out to feel the benefits. Just remember: don't use the gym as a form of procrastination!
11. Get regular checkups. Your parents probably took care of this for you, but now it's up to you make sure you see a doctor regularly. You're probably entitled to an annual exam at the student health center. Ladies, you're probably entitled to an annual gynecological exam, which you need to start doing now, especially if you're sexually active.
12. Get a flu shot. Many schools offer them at low cost. College campuses are absolute cesspools of germs, so take this simple step to help protect yourself.
13. Learn to relax. This can be a difficult goal for a college student, but do your best. Learn to put things in perspective. If you get a C on that test you're freaking out about, nothing catastrophic will happen. If your school has a stress management course or exercise courses such as yoga, sign up.
14. Get mental counseling if you need it. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. College students frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and homesickness, and student counseling services are usually well equipped to help with these issues.
15. Have safe sex. You've heard this lecture before, but it's a lecture you need to remember. Always use a condom. Know the physical risks and emotional baggage that can come with casual and promiscuous sex.
Remember, do the best you can! Take the effort to be as healthy as you can, and you'll enjoy your college experience all the more.
Read more: http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/college_student_health_tips#ixzz0TpbxZQNE
Friday, October 9, 2009
How Does Reiki Heal?
Life force is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. It flows through the body through certain pathways, which are called chakras and meridians. Also, it creates energy field— aura, which surrounds the body and permeates it.
Reiki heals by tapping into this life force and regulating its flow. Life force becomes disrupted when negative thought attach themselves to the energy field and obstruct the flow of vital energy, resulting in disease. Reiki straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus leading to positive thoughts and life force to flow in a healthy way.
Reiki treatment is done by laying hands gently on various parts of the body with fingers closed tight. The recipient feels a kind of flowing sensation, often combined with sensation of warmth.
Some recipients of Reiki say that they never before experienced such a deep sense of peace and relaxation. The recipient is brought into a state of unity with the harmony of the universe, and then he can heal himself by using his natural ability.
Reiki functions on all levels— mental and spiritual, physical and emotional. It cleanses the body of all toxins and encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It amplified and balances energy, increases awareness and creativity helps, helps in releasing the blocked emotions and stress leading to total relaxation.
Reiki heals by tapping into this life force and regulating its flow. Life force becomes disrupted when negative thought attach themselves to the energy field and obstruct the flow of vital energy, resulting in disease. Reiki straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus leading to positive thoughts and life force to flow in a healthy way.
Reiki treatment is done by laying hands gently on various parts of the body with fingers closed tight. The recipient feels a kind of flowing sensation, often combined with sensation of warmth.
Some recipients of Reiki say that they never before experienced such a deep sense of peace and relaxation. The recipient is brought into a state of unity with the harmony of the universe, and then he can heal himself by using his natural ability.
Reiki functions on all levels— mental and spiritual, physical and emotional. It cleanses the body of all toxins and encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It amplified and balances energy, increases awareness and creativity helps, helps in releasing the blocked emotions and stress leading to total relaxation.
Effects and Benefits of Reiki
Reiki is an extremely effective technique for total relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki can not only effect changes in the physical structure of the body by helping to regenerate organs and re-build tissues but also helps to create balance on the mental level.
One of the greatest benefits is self treatment. Treating oneself helps to release withheld emotions and energy blocks.
Reiki has been found to :
(1) Balance the energy
(2) Reverse aging process.
(3) Amplify the energy levels.
(4) It heals holistically.
(5) It can never do damage since it flows in quantities necessary for the recipient.
One of the greatest benefits is self treatment. Treating oneself helps to release withheld emotions and energy blocks.
Reiki has been found to :
(1) Balance the energy
(2) Reverse aging process.
(3) Amplify the energy levels.
(4) It heals holistically.
(5) It can never do damage since it flows in quantities necessary for the recipient.
Principles of Reiki
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings :- One must live in a state of gratitude, consciously appreciating and thanking the many blessings of life. It helps in transforming negative attitudes into positive ones.
Just for today, I will not worry :- Negative thoughts indicate a lack of faith in Searchd and hinder the outcome of our efforts. A positive frame of mind, makes the situations appear far better than they would otherwise be.
Just for today I will not be angry :- Persons who know and have developed the ability to handle anger, have made their lives happy.
Just for today I will do my work honestly :- Doing the work honestly and facing the truth in all things brings a peace of mind and calmness which can transform the person and raise his self-esteem.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing :- To help in healing the whole world and developing a loving atmosphere, we must show respect to all living things.
Just for today, I will not worry :- Negative thoughts indicate a lack of faith in Searchd and hinder the outcome of our efforts. A positive frame of mind, makes the situations appear far better than they would otherwise be.
Just for today I will not be angry :- Persons who know and have developed the ability to handle anger, have made their lives happy.
Just for today I will do my work honestly :- Doing the work honestly and facing the truth in all things brings a peace of mind and calmness which can transform the person and raise his self-esteem.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing :- To help in healing the whole world and developing a loving atmosphere, we must show respect to all living things.
Reiki Symbols,Healing,Massage,Therapy
What is Reiki ?
Reiki is a very ancient science.Reiki in Japanese means universal life Force Energy. It is made of two parts, ‘Rei’— meaning universal, transcendental spirit, and ‘Ki’— meaning energy or power.
Reiki is a method of connecting universal energy with the body’s innate power of healing. Reiki is simple and anybody can learn it. The possibility of self-treatment makes it quite advantageous. Self-treatment amplifies the life force energy in our body releasing the withheld emotions and energy blocks. The results may not be immediately perceptible but it is definitely helpful in relieving stress and helping the person think positive.
As in most things Reiki must be experienced to be appreciated. Practicing Reiki helps create harmony in the body, giving a deep sense of peace and relaxation.
Reiki is a very ancient science.Reiki in Japanese means universal life Force Energy. It is made of two parts, ‘Rei’— meaning universal, transcendental spirit, and ‘Ki’— meaning energy or power.
Reiki is a method of connecting universal energy with the body’s innate power of healing. Reiki is simple and anybody can learn it. The possibility of self-treatment makes it quite advantageous. Self-treatment amplifies the life force energy in our body releasing the withheld emotions and energy blocks. The results may not be immediately perceptible but it is definitely helpful in relieving stress and helping the person think positive.
As in most things Reiki must be experienced to be appreciated. Practicing Reiki helps create harmony in the body, giving a deep sense of peace and relaxation.
Do a Little, Get a Lot
The notion that good health can come in small tidbits is not really new. Research showing that making small changes can add up to a big difference has been quietly accumulating for a while.
For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 found that adding just 30 minutes of walking per day was enough to prevent weight gain and encourage moderate weight loss.
And if 30 minutes is still too big a bite? Another study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that three brisk 10-minute walks per day were as effective as a daily 30-minute walk in decreasing risk factors for heart disease.
"Just the act of going from sedentary to moderately active gives you the greatest reduction in your risks," says Helene Glassberg, MD, director of the Preventive Cardiology and Lipid Center at the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
But it's not only in fitness where small changes can make a difference. The same principles apply at the kitchen table (and the office snack bar).
"Reducing fat intake, cutting down on sugar, eating a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar -- over time, these things can make a difference," says Grossman.
As long as the changes are moving you toward your goal -- be it weight loss, a reduction in cholesterol or blood pressure, or better blood sugar control -- you can get there by taking baby steps, she says.
Moreover, Grossman tells WebMD, making small changes can help give us the motivation to make bigger ones.
"A lot of bad eating habits are about not taking charge of your life, and that attitude is often reflected in other areas," says Grossman. On the other hand, she says, when you make small changes at the kitchen table, the rewards may show up in other areas of your life.
"It's the act of taking control that makes the difference in motivating you," says Grossman. "An inner confidence and power begins to develop that can be seen in other areas of life."
For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 found that adding just 30 minutes of walking per day was enough to prevent weight gain and encourage moderate weight loss.
And if 30 minutes is still too big a bite? Another study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that three brisk 10-minute walks per day were as effective as a daily 30-minute walk in decreasing risk factors for heart disease.
"Just the act of going from sedentary to moderately active gives you the greatest reduction in your risks," says Helene Glassberg, MD, director of the Preventive Cardiology and Lipid Center at the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
But it's not only in fitness where small changes can make a difference. The same principles apply at the kitchen table (and the office snack bar).
"Reducing fat intake, cutting down on sugar, eating a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar -- over time, these things can make a difference," says Grossman.
As long as the changes are moving you toward your goal -- be it weight loss, a reduction in cholesterol or blood pressure, or better blood sugar control -- you can get there by taking baby steps, she says.
Moreover, Grossman tells WebMD, making small changes can help give us the motivation to make bigger ones.
"A lot of bad eating habits are about not taking charge of your life, and that attitude is often reflected in other areas," says Grossman. On the other hand, she says, when you make small changes at the kitchen table, the rewards may show up in other areas of your life.
"It's the act of taking control that makes the difference in motivating you," says Grossman. "An inner confidence and power begins to develop that can be seen in other areas of life."
Monday, September 28, 2009
Health Awareness (Personal beauty care)
Lots of Beauty Care Equipment is gaining importance fast in the market with growing concerns of beauty care amongst most individuals.Modern busy life gives very little opportunity to the office executive and business personnel to opt for beauty care treatments at spas and other professional beauty expert institutions.
Talk or discuss with Beauty Care Expert or advisor is really very essential for us to buy suitable treatment Health & Beauty Products. When you are choosing Skin Care Products for you the important thing is to refer look for is the word hypoallergenic. “Hypoallergenic” means that the product was created specifically for people with sensitive skin. It has been sufficiently tested and proven to have little to no allergic reaction with the skin.
Cosmetologists and other Beauty Experts also recommended for Mineral Cosmetics Products. As because,
(1) 100% pure mineral base makeup is beneficial for your skin.
(2) Oil free so skin can breathe, prevents potential bacteria.
(3) Talc free prevents use of known carcinogens.
(4) Chemical preservatives free of paraben or synthetic fragrances, fillers, or chemical dyes which irritate the skin.
(5) Organic ingredients reduce the chance of allergy risk.
(6) Organic sun screen SPF 30 contains zinc oxide which is a natural sun screen.
Using organic skin and hair care products is like going back to the basics, something that is very essential to do in today's times of environment depletion. The term "hair conditioner" means any spray or cream applied on the hair to treat the quality of hair. These can be found in the form of oils, creams, sprays and liquids. There are specific conditioners available for specific hair texture ranging from light to deep conditioners.
swine-h1n1-influenza vaccine
Distribution Of Swine Flu Vaccine Will Begin in Oct.
Vaccine for the H1N1 influenza pandemic will be distributed on a three-day turnaround time from four regional warehouses around the country next month. The vaccine deliveries, expected to equal 20 million doses a week by the end of October, will be distributed among 90,000 immunization "providers," including health departments, hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and pharmacies.
Those were among the details unveiled Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the federal government's increasingly complex response to the pandemic of H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu.
"This is a huge logistical process. There's not [going to be] a sudden appearance of vaccine in 90,000 refrigerators around the country," said Jay Butler, an epidemiologist who leads the CDC's task force on the vaccine.
About 3.4 million doses of nasal-spray flu vaccine -- which can be used only by people age 2 to 49 -- are expected to be available the first week of October. The form of the vaccine that can be injected, which will form the vast bulk of the 195 million doses the government has ordered, won't be available until later in October when many experts think the flu outbreak will be in full swing.
All of the H1N1 vaccine will be bought by the federal government. It will be divided among states and territories on the basis of population. Providers, including private companies such as pharmacies, will get it for free. They won't be permitted to charge people or health insurers for it, but they can charge an "administration fee" for giving the shots or sprays. In some settings, such as public health clinics, people will get the shots free.
As the vaccine arrives at the four distribution centers -- their location for the moment is secret -- the CDC will tell each state what its allocation will be. States will put in orders based on the need in their jurisdictions and the number of doses that hospitals, clinics and other providers say they can use in the immediate future.
Vaccine will then be sent directly to providers; the CDC expects to have 90,000 names and addresses on file. Orders will be filled in three business days and the vaccine shipped overnight, Butler told reporters in a teleconference Friday.
Government planners expect demand for vaccine will outstrip supply in the first weeks after it becomes available. During that time, states will have to decide which hospitals, clinics and offices are most apt to reach the priority populations and thus should get vaccine first.
The CDC won't police those decisions and expects that very quickly there will be enough vaccine to fill essentially all orders from states.
Vaccine for the H1N1 influenza pandemic will be distributed on a three-day turnaround time from four regional warehouses around the country next month. The vaccine deliveries, expected to equal 20 million doses a week by the end of October, will be distributed among 90,000 immunization "providers," including health departments, hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and pharmacies.
Those were among the details unveiled Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the federal government's increasingly complex response to the pandemic of H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu.
"This is a huge logistical process. There's not [going to be] a sudden appearance of vaccine in 90,000 refrigerators around the country," said Jay Butler, an epidemiologist who leads the CDC's task force on the vaccine.
About 3.4 million doses of nasal-spray flu vaccine -- which can be used only by people age 2 to 49 -- are expected to be available the first week of October. The form of the vaccine that can be injected, which will form the vast bulk of the 195 million doses the government has ordered, won't be available until later in October when many experts think the flu outbreak will be in full swing.
All of the H1N1 vaccine will be bought by the federal government. It will be divided among states and territories on the basis of population. Providers, including private companies such as pharmacies, will get it for free. They won't be permitted to charge people or health insurers for it, but they can charge an "administration fee" for giving the shots or sprays. In some settings, such as public health clinics, people will get the shots free.
As the vaccine arrives at the four distribution centers -- their location for the moment is secret -- the CDC will tell each state what its allocation will be. States will put in orders based on the need in their jurisdictions and the number of doses that hospitals, clinics and other providers say they can use in the immediate future.
Vaccine will then be sent directly to providers; the CDC expects to have 90,000 names and addresses on file. Orders will be filled in three business days and the vaccine shipped overnight, Butler told reporters in a teleconference Friday.
Government planners expect demand for vaccine will outstrip supply in the first weeks after it becomes available. During that time, states will have to decide which hospitals, clinics and offices are most apt to reach the priority populations and thus should get vaccine first.
The CDC won't police those decisions and expects that very quickly there will be enough vaccine to fill essentially all orders from states.
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