health

Disclaimer: The following information is for review and reference only. It is in no way intended to replace advice provided by your physician. This is resource driven and may provide additional websites for review but it does not take the place of regular physician examinations and/or treatment references.

The flu season is again upon us and we need to assist our immune system in combating and warding off disease. According to the CDC, all persons over the age of 50 should get a flu shot. It is also recommended that those persons who have chronic conditions such as, but not limited to, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer should also receive the flu shot. If you work in a nursing facility, hospital and/or other medical office it is also suggested you should obtain the shot.

Watch your weight. Being overweight places an extra strain on your heart. Obese or overweight people are more likely to develop heart disease.

Cholesterol levels have a direct link to heart disease. Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to the thickening of artery walls, reducing blood flow to the heart.

Blood pressure is a contributing factor for heart disease. High blood pressure will gradually enlarge and weaken your heart. This can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, and even stroke.

Exercise can greatly reduce your risks of heart related problems. People who are inactive double their risk of heart disease compared to those who exercise on a regular basis.

Smoking is the single biggest risk factor which you can control. Speak with your physician on smoking cessation classes and on medicines or aids which control your need for nicotine. There are many products on the market which can be used.

The American Heart Association recommends that you get no more than 30% of your daily calories from fat and no more than 10% from saturated fats. Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day. Eating at least two servings of fish a week has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Remember, the rule is low fat and low salt.

Studies have shown that anger, stress, and depression are all contributing factors which can raise blood pressure and cause a heart attack. Ask your doctor for tips on how to reduce stress in your life.

There are several steps to stopping smoking. Each individual will handle these steps a little differently but will have more success if you follow a plan which has been mapped out with proven results from different peer studies.

Dispose of all cigarettes and ashtrays in you environment whether this is at home, the office, or in your car.

Once you have quit, do not even take a puff off a cigarette as this will lead you back into bad behavior.

Speak with your friends, family and co-workers about your decision and ask them for their support.

Counseling can sometimes lead to a more improved chance of quitting. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Whenever the urge to smoke gets bad, exercise, work on a job task or talk to someone who supports you.

Try to reduce your stress levels by exercise, reading a good book, and/or taking a hot shower or bath.

Try to change your routines when you quit smoking and avoid the old traps that made smoking easy.

If you are using medications to assist in stopping smoking, please speak to a professional and always follow the guidelines for the medication.

Being around current smokers will only lead you to be more tempted to smoke. Try to make friends with non-smokers or your friends who support your desire to stop. Avoid smoky areas as this also leads to more temptation to start up again.

According to the Harris Poll, Two-thirds of people (64%) with allergies have pets with fur, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, or guinea pigs. Half of all allergy sufferers (51%) report their allergies are the worst in the spring.

Clean spaces where mold spores thrive. Use an ordinary chlorine bleach to remove mold and mildew around your home especially in the bathroom and kitchen areas where these pesky critters love to hang out. They can also be found in the washing machine and around wicker baskets. Use bleach in these areas to keep them mold-free.

Keep your pets out of the bedroom and get a good night's sleep. We spend more of our time in this room than any other room in the house, so it is extra important to keep pets out if you are an allergy sufferer. Establish an area in the basement or other room of the house where you can play with your pets so you do not feel bad about the bedroom ban.

Delegate a family member who does not suffer from allergies to dust and vacuum. This will alleviate stirring up your own allergies doing these chores.

Avoid places that trigger your allergies. Keep your workspace neat and clean from dust mites will also be of good prevention.

Adjust your habits so as not to come in contact with the allergen triggers. Use exhaust fans whenever possible, use gloves or masks when appropriate and when handling certain substances. Open doors and windows if this is a viable option for you.

Alleviate the runny nose and other nasal symptoms with medication if prescribed. There are many new products on the market which can alleviate the frustration of allergen triggers.