A common-sense approach to a healthy lifestyle.

May - June 2010

Plant Allergies

Why not get tested for plant allergies?

Insects pollinate most flowers that cause allergies. They are called entomophilous.

These are bright, colorful flowers that attract insects. Allergy flowers are wind-pollinated. They are called anemophilous.

They are not pretty flowers.

If you come in contact with colorful flowers, you might have an allergic reaction. Especially, if you sniff them. Florists often have this problem because of their proximity to the flowers.

MOVE TO ARIZONA?

Many people think that moving to the Southwest can help their allergies because the Southwest has sagebrush, cottonwood, ash, mulberry, and olive trees.

Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to sagebrush.

Resource:

http://allergies.about.com/od/fa1/flowerallergy.htm

Reference:

www.healthcentral.com

www.healthprofessor.com

July -August 2010

THE DANGERS OF HEAT STROKE

Hypothermia is defined as an elevated body temperature due to thermoregulation failure. This occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it dissipates. This presents a medical emergency that can result in disability and death. A heatstroke is an acute form of hypothermia. This occurs with prolonged exposure to heat.

Signs and symptoms:

nausea
vomiting
fatigue
weakness
headache
muscle cramps
dizziness

These symptoms are accompanied by high body temperature, absence of sweating, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations, confusion, and agitation.

TREATMENT:

1.) cool the victim

2.) remove clothing

3.) spray the victim with cold water

4.) use ice packs in the groin and armpits

5.) monitor temperature and cooling

6.) call 911 immediately

Heatstroke can be prevented by avoiding dehydration and activities in the heat. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid:

alcohol

caffeine

tea.

Enjoy the summer and be safe.

Reference:

www.righthealth.com

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia

www.medicinenet.com

We've all seen gourds. They are those funny looking, twisted cucumber-like vegetables that come in assorted shapes, sizes, and colors. Usually, they are used as ornamentals. But, some gourds are good for you. They have nutritional value. Balsam gourd, or bitter gourd, is a vegetable grown in India and Southeast Asia. It is known to contain hypoglycemia or insulin like compounds that can lower blood and urine sugar. Eating this gourd could help prevent:

Hypertension
Eye complications
neuritis
and increase resistance to infection.

The leaves of the gourd are good for loose bowel movements. The root, mixed with honey, is good for asthma. A remarkable medicinal vegetable.

Here are some nutritional facts.

Low in saturated fats
Low in cholesterol
High in fiber
High in Vitamin C
A good source of zinc, thiamin, iron, magnesium.

SUITABLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS. So, next time you see a pumpkin, think about their close relatives, the GOURDS.

November –December 2010

The holiday season is here again. It is that time of year to enjoy good times with family and friends. But, for some of us, the season can bring allergies. Severe tree allergies can result in: runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma.

Fake, stored trees can have mold and dust on the branches. Real trees can also be moldy.

Try to spray down trees outside before decorating. Fungicide can also be used, but chemicals can be toxic and aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. Tree pollen is usually not a problem since pine and firs pollinate in the spring.

Cedar trees pollinate in November and December.

Candles can also cause allergies.

Candles can release:

Benzene
Toluene
lead
and phenol.

Fruitcake can contain nuts, which can cause allergies for certain individuals.

Enjoy the Holidays, allergy-free.

Reference:

www.allergies.about.com/od/fa1/f/christmastree.html

Resource:

Bring Out Knock Out Beauty

Beauty Pics 2:

The pic of our pics. May 2010 - December 2010

May - June 2010

July -August 2010

September- October 2010

November –December 2010

Joy and Peace