Two of the most known tick borne diseases are Colorado Tick Fever (a viral infection) and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (a bacterial infection). Many people get sick from tick bites every year, preventing these tick borne infections means preventing ticks from getting on you and biting you.
Colorado Tick Fever
CTF, or Colorado Tick Fever, comes from wood ticks and while the virus can stay dormant for up to three weeks, people will usually start seeing signs and symptoms of CTF around 3-6 days from the bite. Symptoms will include fever, chills, muscle pain, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and light sensitivity.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can lie dormant for up to two weeks before signs, yet symptoms generally slowly before reaching “critical mass” in the body and then start to taper down from there. Signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever include a fever, vomiting, nausea, bad headache, little to no appetite, muscle pain, and muscle aches. Those are the early signs, the later signs of the illness include joint pain, stomach pain, bumpy rash, or a small dotted rash that isn’t raised on the skin called a petechial rash. It is this petechial rash that is the tell tale sign that it is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, seen in half of all that get the condition.
Preventing Tick Bites
Check your body for ticks upon leaving the outdoors. Look on the arms and legs first as they are most likely to be on those places, but check all skin by the time you are done. Have someone check your back and your head especially the neck area and where your hairline is.
During the hot summer months, always try to stay away from areas where ticks infest (heavily wooded areas, tall grasses, etc). Walk on paths that have been cut down or areas with walkways instead of exploring areas not designed as pathways that may have taller brush.
Wear light colored clothes with long pants and sleeved shirts. The less your skin is exposed the less likely you will get a tick on your skin, rather find them on your clothes. Light clothes are also better to see any ticks that may have gotten on your clothes.
Use repellent that has DEET, as DEET is more likely to actually repel biting stinging insects and ticks. Make sure to use the repellent as directed and wash thoroughly when coming back indoors.
Make sure to remove any ticks you find immediately with tweezers, do not use a lit match as that isn’t the correct way. Removal of ticks quickly can lessen your chance of developing these conditions.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Become an Examiner
Become an examiner and get paid to write in your spare time. Not a gimmick, doing things like this nets me a four digit income every month for part time work.
My name is Tina. I am the National Women's Health Examiner. My examiner ID code is 5944. I believe they ask you to include both name and ID code. if you sign up. I started as a local examiner and now a National one. You get paid for page views for your blog, this is a get paid to blog for the city or topic of your choice. If you sign up I'd appreciate you telling them I sent you, I do get a little something for that.
Writing is good as a part time income, you can do it whenever you like as often or as infrequently you like. They pay to paypal every month (as long as you meet a $25 minimum) if you don't meet minimum one month it will hold til next month. I've never not made the minimum. Share the link with friends and family to your blog and they will read, also they get picked up good in Google and you will get good web traffic.
So if you sign up to be an examiner please tell them the National Women's Health examiner, #5944 sent you.
http://www.examiner.com/about_examiner/
My name is Tina. I am the National Women's Health Examiner. My examiner ID code is 5944. I believe they ask you to include both name and ID code. if you sign up. I started as a local examiner and now a National one. You get paid for page views for your blog, this is a get paid to blog for the city or topic of your choice. If you sign up I'd appreciate you telling them I sent you, I do get a little something for that.
Writing is good as a part time income, you can do it whenever you like as often or as infrequently you like. They pay to paypal every month (as long as you meet a $25 minimum) if you don't meet minimum one month it will hold til next month. I've never not made the minimum. Share the link with friends and family to your blog and they will read, also they get picked up good in Google and you will get good web traffic.
So if you sign up to be an examiner please tell them the National Women's Health examiner, #5944 sent you.
http://www.examiner.com/about_examiner/
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Causes of Some Hearing Impairments
There are different forms of hearing loss. There can be total hearing loss in both ears, or in one. There can be partial hearing loss in both ears, or in one. And there can be hearing loss that only affects certain decibel ranges or frequencies. No matter what form of hearing loss, there are some things that can cause it.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Here are a few of the things that can hinder your hearing, resulting in hearing impairment.
Age – When people age there is a buildup of years of noise, medication, and disease that can break down the hearing. This can lead to partial or total hearing loss.
Some Medications – There are some antibiotics and drugs to treat malaria that can cause dome hearing damage to the cochlea.
Disease – Things like chronic ear infections or childhood diseases like measles and mumps can lead to hearing loss.
Wax Buildup – An overgrowth of ear wax can become impacted and lead to hearing loss. There are some irrigation techniques that can be done to relieve this type of hearing impairment.
Ear or Head Injuries – There are some hearing impairments that come from direct damage to the head or ear.
Noise – Working or being around loud noises for an extended period of time can hinder hearing, whether machinery or music, gunshots or jets. The more the noise exposure, the more profound the hearing loss can be.
Causes of Hearing Loss from Birth
Here are a few of the things that can make one develop hearing loss that is the result of pregnancy and birth.
Deafness can be inherited from the parents. There is a higher likelihood of hearing loss if one or both parents have a hearing impairment.
Jaundice in newborns can lead to a damaged hearing nerve. This raises the risk of hearing loss.
Medication such as some antibiotics and others given to the mother during her pregnancy can lead to extended hearing loss risk.
Infections in the pregnant woman, such as rubella, can give way to hearing loss.
Premature births have a high risk of hearing loss in the child.
If the baby lacks oxygen it can result in hearing impairment as well.
There are many reasons that a person can develop hearing loss as you can see. Some say its all just luck of the draw but there are some things that you can do to help keep your risk down, such as wearing hearing protection around noise and asking for alternative medication that may not have the risk of hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Here are a few of the things that can hinder your hearing, resulting in hearing impairment.
Age – When people age there is a buildup of years of noise, medication, and disease that can break down the hearing. This can lead to partial or total hearing loss.
Some Medications – There are some antibiotics and drugs to treat malaria that can cause dome hearing damage to the cochlea.
Disease – Things like chronic ear infections or childhood diseases like measles and mumps can lead to hearing loss.
Wax Buildup – An overgrowth of ear wax can become impacted and lead to hearing loss. There are some irrigation techniques that can be done to relieve this type of hearing impairment.
Ear or Head Injuries – There are some hearing impairments that come from direct damage to the head or ear.
Noise – Working or being around loud noises for an extended period of time can hinder hearing, whether machinery or music, gunshots or jets. The more the noise exposure, the more profound the hearing loss can be.
Causes of Hearing Loss from Birth
Here are a few of the things that can make one develop hearing loss that is the result of pregnancy and birth.
Deafness can be inherited from the parents. There is a higher likelihood of hearing loss if one or both parents have a hearing impairment.
Jaundice in newborns can lead to a damaged hearing nerve. This raises the risk of hearing loss.
Medication such as some antibiotics and others given to the mother during her pregnancy can lead to extended hearing loss risk.
Infections in the pregnant woman, such as rubella, can give way to hearing loss.
Premature births have a high risk of hearing loss in the child.
If the baby lacks oxygen it can result in hearing impairment as well.
There are many reasons that a person can develop hearing loss as you can see. Some say its all just luck of the draw but there are some things that you can do to help keep your risk down, such as wearing hearing protection around noise and asking for alternative medication that may not have the risk of hearing loss.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Why All Diabetics Should Have a Glucagon Shot
If there is something that is just as vital to a diabetic as insulin, it is glucagon shots. These are a life saving kit that should be readily available at any time, and shown to those around the diabetic so they know what to do should they ever have to use one.
What is Glucagon?
Glucagon kits have glucagon, a naturally occurring hormone in the pancreas that tells the liver to put out stored sugar. When a diabetic gets a low blood sugar that he/she cannot snap out of on their own, it is these glucagon kits that will be needed. Glucagon shots work the same way as natural glucagon in the body.
What Does the Glucagon Shot Do?
Once mixed, the glucagon is put into the body via a syringe to increase the blood sugar of the hypoglycemic (person with the low blood sugar). It can raise it at least 30 mm/dl in 5 minutes. Typically the person getting the shot is unconscious at the time and cannot raise their blood sugar level on their own. People who are frequently around the diabetic should learn what to do to give a glucagon shot so that they are prepared if needed.
Giving a Glucagon Shot
Even though there are step by step written instructions in the kit, you won’t have time to review them should the diabetic pass out and you need to give the shot. Put the syringe of water into the vial, shake until clear, and then extract it back into the syringe. If the person is over 55 pounds give the entire shot, if under 55 pounds give 0.5ml or half the syringe full.
Do not give a glucagon shot if the person is allergic to glucagon or if they have any sort of adrenal gland tumors. In these cases a shot should only be administered if the healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
When to Give a Glucagon Shot
If a person’s blood sugar drops too low, usually they are confused and could be irritable. They may tell you they are fine and don’t need a shot, do not listen and go by their actions. If possible you can test their blood sugar before a shot is given. Typically the diabetic needs a glucagon shot when their low blood sugar makes them unable to eat or drink, is having a seizure, isn’t improving, is unable to swallow, or unconscious. In all of these cases the diabetic needs another person to get out of their hypoglycemia.
For More Info:
The Consequences of Diabetes
Getting Free Diabetes Supplies
What is Glucagon?
Glucagon kits have glucagon, a naturally occurring hormone in the pancreas that tells the liver to put out stored sugar. When a diabetic gets a low blood sugar that he/she cannot snap out of on their own, it is these glucagon kits that will be needed. Glucagon shots work the same way as natural glucagon in the body.
What Does the Glucagon Shot Do?
Once mixed, the glucagon is put into the body via a syringe to increase the blood sugar of the hypoglycemic (person with the low blood sugar). It can raise it at least 30 mm/dl in 5 minutes. Typically the person getting the shot is unconscious at the time and cannot raise their blood sugar level on their own. People who are frequently around the diabetic should learn what to do to give a glucagon shot so that they are prepared if needed.
Giving a Glucagon Shot
Even though there are step by step written instructions in the kit, you won’t have time to review them should the diabetic pass out and you need to give the shot. Put the syringe of water into the vial, shake until clear, and then extract it back into the syringe. If the person is over 55 pounds give the entire shot, if under 55 pounds give 0.5ml or half the syringe full.
Do not give a glucagon shot if the person is allergic to glucagon or if they have any sort of adrenal gland tumors. In these cases a shot should only be administered if the healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
When to Give a Glucagon Shot
If a person’s blood sugar drops too low, usually they are confused and could be irritable. They may tell you they are fine and don’t need a shot, do not listen and go by their actions. If possible you can test their blood sugar before a shot is given. Typically the diabetic needs a glucagon shot when their low blood sugar makes them unable to eat or drink, is having a seizure, isn’t improving, is unable to swallow, or unconscious. In all of these cases the diabetic needs another person to get out of their hypoglycemia.
For More Info:
The Consequences of Diabetes
Getting Free Diabetes Supplies
Thursday, June 25, 2009
coffee quotes from writers
The writing life and coffee has long been a stereotype. We’ve all seen the frazzled writer, with a cigarette in one hand and a coffeecup in the other. That life of stimulants and creativity is the product of folly in many ads, commercials, movies, and in some real life cases. With the popularity of the working to the last minute deadline, coffee is a vital part of keeping with that tradition. Here are some of the favourite quotes from writers on their caffeinated concoction.
Writers Coffee Quotes
“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” – T. S. Elliot
“Tis pity wine should be so deleterious, for tea and coffee leave us much more serious” – Lord Byron
“I do much of my creative thinking while golfing. If people know you’re working at home they think nothing of walking in for a cup of coffee, but wouldn’t dream of interrupting on the golf course” – Harper Lee
“Coffee which makes the politician wise, and see through all things with his half-shut eyes” – Alexander Pope
“The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
“You can use the internet to find out, from anywhere on the planet, exactly how much coffee is in a certain coffee machine at Cambridge University in England, exactly how many sodas are available in certain vending machines at certain major universities, and much much more” – Dave Barry
“Are we sure it is desirable for a man’s spirit not to be at war with itself, or that it is better to be serene and ready to go to dinner than to be excited and unwilling to stop for a cup of coffee even?” – William Saroyan
“After a few month’s acquaintance with European ‘coffee’ one’s mind weakens, and his faith with it, and he begins to wonder if the rich beverage of home, with it’s clotted layer of yellow cream on top of it, is not a mere dream after all, and a thing which never existed” – Mark Twain
“Tobacco, coffee, alcohol, hashish, prussic acid, strychnine, are weak dilutions; the surest poison is time” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Seems to be that trying to live without friends is like milking a bear to get cream for your coffee, it is a whole lot of trouble and then not worth much after you get it” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Making coffee has become the great compromise of the decade. It’s the only thing ‘real’ men do that doesn’t seem to threaten their masculinity. To women, it’s on the same domestic entry level as putting the spring back into the toilet-tissue holder or taking a chicken out of the freezer to thaw” – Erma Bombeck
As you can see, writers can come up with some of the most eloquent, funny, or evasive responses with coffee as a focus or as an afterthought. Which of these is your favourite? For me, its Emerson’s sure poison reflection coupled with measuring life in coffee spoons with T.S. Eliot.
Writers Coffee Quotes
“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” – T. S. Elliot
“Tis pity wine should be so deleterious, for tea and coffee leave us much more serious” – Lord Byron
“I do much of my creative thinking while golfing. If people know you’re working at home they think nothing of walking in for a cup of coffee, but wouldn’t dream of interrupting on the golf course” – Harper Lee
“Coffee which makes the politician wise, and see through all things with his half-shut eyes” – Alexander Pope
“The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
“You can use the internet to find out, from anywhere on the planet, exactly how much coffee is in a certain coffee machine at Cambridge University in England, exactly how many sodas are available in certain vending machines at certain major universities, and much much more” – Dave Barry
“Are we sure it is desirable for a man’s spirit not to be at war with itself, or that it is better to be serene and ready to go to dinner than to be excited and unwilling to stop for a cup of coffee even?” – William Saroyan
“After a few month’s acquaintance with European ‘coffee’ one’s mind weakens, and his faith with it, and he begins to wonder if the rich beverage of home, with it’s clotted layer of yellow cream on top of it, is not a mere dream after all, and a thing which never existed” – Mark Twain
“Tobacco, coffee, alcohol, hashish, prussic acid, strychnine, are weak dilutions; the surest poison is time” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Seems to be that trying to live without friends is like milking a bear to get cream for your coffee, it is a whole lot of trouble and then not worth much after you get it” – Zora Neale Hurston
“Making coffee has become the great compromise of the decade. It’s the only thing ‘real’ men do that doesn’t seem to threaten their masculinity. To women, it’s on the same domestic entry level as putting the spring back into the toilet-tissue holder or taking a chicken out of the freezer to thaw” – Erma Bombeck
As you can see, writers can come up with some of the most eloquent, funny, or evasive responses with coffee as a focus or as an afterthought. Which of these is your favourite? For me, its Emerson’s sure poison reflection coupled with measuring life in coffee spoons with T.S. Eliot.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
How Normal Blood Pressure Changes with Age
Blood pressure is given as two numbers; XX over XX. The top number, or systolic pressure, gives the pressure in the vessel at the time of a beat. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, gives the pressure in the vessel at the time of rest. Blood pressure results are typically seen as low, normal, or high. It is a quick and easy test that is part of the “vitals” that most every healthcare professional will take at the start of an office visit. But did you know that the normal range of blood pressure can change with age?
Blood Pressure Ranges
For the general classification there are low, normal, and high ranges of blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is seen as 140/90 or higher. This is hypertension.
• Low blood pressure is seen as 60/40. This is hypotension.
• Normal blood pressure is seen as 120/80.
Average Blood Pressure By Age
This is a general view of the average blood pressure reading for the age range in question.
• Age 15-19 – 117/77 mm/Hg
• Age 20-24 – 120/79 mm/Hg
• Age 25-29 – 121/80 mm/Hg
• Age 30-34 – 122/81 mm/Hg
• Age 35-39 – 123/82 mm/Hg
• Age 40-44 – 125/83 mm/Hg
• Age 45-49 – 127/84 mm/Hg
• Age 50-54 – 129/85 mm/Hg
• Age 55-59 – 131/86 mm/Hg
• Age 60-64 – 134/87 mm/Hg
This is just the average rate of pressure in the blood vessels as the years progress. This is more the target range that healthcare professionals will go by in diagnosing things like hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Typically men will have a higher blood pressure reading than in women, although women do get hypertension too. Heart disease is a leading killer of women, and women should always be screened thoroughly for high blood pressure.
As you see between the years of 15 and 60 the average blood pressure will rise 17/10.
Why Blood Pressure Readings are Important
Blood pressure, that pressure in the blood vessels during a heartbeat and during the rest in between beats, is a great indicator of heart disease and stroke risk factors. Catching high blood pressure early can get you on diet changes and medication for it and can lower your chances of getting cardiovascular illnesses. It is a quick and easy test that can be done in a doctor’s office and now can be part of your home monitoring with simple at home blood pressure testing kit.
Blood Pressure Ranges
For the general classification there are low, normal, and high ranges of blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is seen as 140/90 or higher. This is hypertension.
• Low blood pressure is seen as 60/40. This is hypotension.
• Normal blood pressure is seen as 120/80.
Average Blood Pressure By Age
This is a general view of the average blood pressure reading for the age range in question.
• Age 15-19 – 117/77 mm/Hg
• Age 20-24 – 120/79 mm/Hg
• Age 25-29 – 121/80 mm/Hg
• Age 30-34 – 122/81 mm/Hg
• Age 35-39 – 123/82 mm/Hg
• Age 40-44 – 125/83 mm/Hg
• Age 45-49 – 127/84 mm/Hg
• Age 50-54 – 129/85 mm/Hg
• Age 55-59 – 131/86 mm/Hg
• Age 60-64 – 134/87 mm/Hg
This is just the average rate of pressure in the blood vessels as the years progress. This is more the target range that healthcare professionals will go by in diagnosing things like hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Typically men will have a higher blood pressure reading than in women, although women do get hypertension too. Heart disease is a leading killer of women, and women should always be screened thoroughly for high blood pressure.
As you see between the years of 15 and 60 the average blood pressure will rise 17/10.
Why Blood Pressure Readings are Important
Blood pressure, that pressure in the blood vessels during a heartbeat and during the rest in between beats, is a great indicator of heart disease and stroke risk factors. Catching high blood pressure early can get you on diet changes and medication for it and can lower your chances of getting cardiovascular illnesses. It is a quick and easy test that can be done in a doctor’s office and now can be part of your home monitoring with simple at home blood pressure testing kit.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Children and Diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2 in Kids
Diabetes can affect anyone at anytime anywhere. While most think of diabetes as a grown up condition, there are several hundred thousand of children living with and coping with diabetes every day. Today, according to information from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there are 186,000 children living in the United States with diabetes. More and more, cases of diabetic children are on the rise. Why is that? And what can be done to help prevent diabetes from being diagnosed in your own child?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes in children is the same as in adults, typically called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. It is where the pancreas is not providing insulin to the body and the sufferer will have to have insulin injections in order to live. Even though this is typically only seen in 5-10% of all diabetics (according to the ADA), it is still highest seen in children.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes in children is also the same as for adults, typically called adult onset or non insulin dependent diabetes. It is where the pancreas is either not providing enough insulin to the body or the body itself isn’t processing the insulin at the rate that it should. This is the predominant form of diabetes and although not typically seen usually in small children it is on the rise due to childhood obesity.
Risk for Diabetes in Children
There are several risk factors that some children face for diabetes. Children are at risk for developing diabetes if they are overweight, have a history of diabetes in their family, are eating a poor diet, and if they are inactive and sedentary. There are simple things that can be done to prevent the onset of diabetes. Some of the simplest things to do are get your kids out and about, enroll them in sport or some kind of good cardiac workout activity. Watch what they eat and make sure they get a well balanced and nutritious intake of food. Keep them screened for diabetes if they have a history of it in their family and try to keep their weight down. These simple guidelines could keep your child free from being one of the multi-thousands of new diabetes cases diagnosed every year.
For More Information
For more information for you and your child on diabetes there is an interactive website for children with diabetes with the ADA special website link here:
http://www.diabetes.org/planetD
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes in children is the same as in adults, typically called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. It is where the pancreas is not providing insulin to the body and the sufferer will have to have insulin injections in order to live. Even though this is typically only seen in 5-10% of all diabetics (according to the ADA), it is still highest seen in children.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes in children is also the same as for adults, typically called adult onset or non insulin dependent diabetes. It is where the pancreas is either not providing enough insulin to the body or the body itself isn’t processing the insulin at the rate that it should. This is the predominant form of diabetes and although not typically seen usually in small children it is on the rise due to childhood obesity.
Risk for Diabetes in Children
There are several risk factors that some children face for diabetes. Children are at risk for developing diabetes if they are overweight, have a history of diabetes in their family, are eating a poor diet, and if they are inactive and sedentary. There are simple things that can be done to prevent the onset of diabetes. Some of the simplest things to do are get your kids out and about, enroll them in sport or some kind of good cardiac workout activity. Watch what they eat and make sure they get a well balanced and nutritious intake of food. Keep them screened for diabetes if they have a history of it in their family and try to keep their weight down. These simple guidelines could keep your child free from being one of the multi-thousands of new diabetes cases diagnosed every year.
For More Information
For more information for you and your child on diabetes there is an interactive website for children with diabetes with the ADA special website link here:
http://www.diabetes.org/planetD
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