In order to understand what the flu does, you first have to learn about the differences between bacteria and viruses. Both of these minute germs, bacteria and viruses, are able to invade the body and cause specific types of symptoms based on those reaction the body has to the changes the germ makes. In the last 50 years scientists have been able to combat the growth of bacteria through the manufacturer and production of antibiotics. These antibiotics were once thought to make an impact on individuals who also suffered from viral infections but today researchers and doctors know that taking antibiotics when an individual has a viral infection only increases the chance that they will develop a bacterial infection.

The flu is an illness which is caused by a virus. This virus resides and multiplies in both the nodes in the back of the throat. Although the mechanism of transmission and the places in which the virus grows are the same, the flu is not the same as the common cold. This is because the viruses are different. The common cold will have milder, yet similar, symptoms to the flu and cold is less likely to cause serious complications.  Read more...

Do you know the difference between the flu and the stomach flu?

While “stomach flu” is a popular term, it isn’t a correct medical diagnosis. These are actually two different diagnosis caused by two different types of irritants. The correct term for the stomach flu is gastroenteritis. Gastro meaning stomach, enter relating to the intestines and itis meaning inflammation.

People who are suffering from gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, will have irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis can be caused by either virus, bacteria or a parasite and does not necessarily need to be caused by an infectious process. Triggers for gastroenteritis can include lactose intolerance or other allergic reactions to specific food types.

On the other hand, the flu is caused by a virus known as influenza. The flu often mimics the same symptoms as a respiratory cold except that it begins much more quickly with symptoms of fatigue, fever and respiratory congestion. Individuals who suffer from an upper respiratory infection, also known as the common cold, may also suffer from a low grade fever but individuals who are experiencing the flu will generally have a fever greater than 100 Fahrenheit.  Read more...

People are apprehensive about getting the seasonal flu, not to mention the swine flu. There is an H1N1 vaccine available. Before you get it, learn about how it works.

The swine flu is a new strain of the influenza virus. It made its appearance this year and has people scared. To limit the spread, a vaccine based on the virus was created. The H1N1 swine flu vaccine is now available to the public.

Some people are at greater risk for the flu than others. These groups are the same as with the seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that people in those groups get vaccinated first.

The groups include pregnant women, young children and elderly people. The vaccine can be used in children at least six months of age. Older people are at risk for lots of conditions and the swine flu can prove deadly for them. Pregnant women need to protect their unborn children and their birth can be compromised if the mother contracts the flu.  Read more...

Imagine walking into the department store and being faced with tens, if not hundreds, of choices for a men’s fragrance. Oh wait! You don’t have to imagine because if you walk into any department store selling fragrance that is exactly what you’ll be faced with. There are a few things to learn before being able to pick out the fragrance that highlights your best features – so let’s get started.

First you should know that there are several different options available in the strength of the fragrance. Aftershave is a fragrance that is used exclusively on the face when the pores have been opened from shaving. It is designed to act like an astringent, cleaning the pores in any cuts which may have been made. Some also contain moisturizers or if essential oils.

Cologne is a fragrance that is used over the body and comes in three different strengths. The first is a Eau de Colgne which is the strongest, the second is Eau de Toilette in the third and least strongest is Eau de Parfum. The different strains contain a different percentage of fragrant oils. Eau de Colgne has between 3% and 8% in the actual scent will actually last between two and four hours without reapplication.  Read more...

The use of antibiotics in our society is increasing at an alarming rate. There are two reasons this concerns me. First, good bacteria (the ones helping our bodies run effectively) and bad bacteria (the ones causing diseases) are indistinguishable by antibiotics.

That means both good and bad bacteria are killed when antibiotics are prescribed. A lack of good bacteria leaves our bodies unprotected from the bad bacteria in everyday surrounding. Sickness and disease increase. Chronic illness is a result of this constant and careless use of antibiotics.

A second concern caused by the excessive use of antibiotics is the formation of resistant organisms. Antibiotics kill off the weakest bacteria. This leaves the strongest bacteria to reproduce. Offspring of the stronger bacteria inherit the ability to resist the antibiotics prescribed to treat diseases. To compensate, doctors must then look for either new antibiotics or even stronger antibiotics. As this continues, strains of super-bacteria are created – bacteria unaffected by any antibiotics.  Read more...

Massage therapy is a technique which is then used in complementary and alternative medicine practices for centuries. There are well over 30 different techniques in massage therapy.

One of those is Swedish massage which refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax the muscles through the application of pressure against deeper muscles and bones. This technique was developed in the 1700 by a Swedish doctor named Per henrik Ling.

The technique of Swedish massage uses five styles of long flowing strokes. These five basic strokes are sliding or gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, cross fiber and rhythmic shaking. Research has shown that it is helpful for individuals who have poor circulation.

Swedish massage has been shown to shorten the recovery time off muscle strains by flushing the tissues of the lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes that build up during an injury. This increase in circulation to the area that has been injured happens without increasing the load on the heart. Swedish massage also helps to stimulate the skin and nervous system and reduces both emotional and physical stress. In fact, some psychologists suggest a regular program of Swedish massage for stress management.  Read more...

There can be a wide variety of causes for lower back pain. For instance, repetitive injuries at work, improper lifting techniques, and poor posture are but a few of the more common ones. There are also other things that can be causes of lower back pain such as various illnesses and diseases.

Kidney infections are one of the prime causes of lower back pain that often go undiagnosed, ultimately resulting in disastrous consequences. An undiagnosed kidney infection can cause severe damage to a persons kidneys. Once a kidney is scarred or otherwise damaged, its impossible to heal. If too much damage is done, it can cause a kidney to stop functioning entirely.

If a kidney stops functioning, a person will be on dialysis for the rest of their life or will need a kidney transplant. Anytime you have lower back pain thats accompanied by a fever, you must see a doctor immediately in order to rule out a kidney infection as the culprit.  Read more...

When considering back pain we must concern ourselves with its variants. For instance, back pain can start with slip disks, which in medical terms is called “Herniated nucleus pulposa.” (HNP) Doctors define slip disks as ruptures of the “intervertebral disk.” The intervertebral rests between the vertebrae (Spinal Column) of the backbone.

The interruption has variants, including the “Lumbrosacral,” (L4 and L5) as well as cervical C5-7. The cervical is at the neck and belongs to other parts of the back and neck as well. When doctors consider slip disks they often look through etiology, which includes neck and back strains, trauma, congenital/inborn bone malformation, heavy lifting, degenerated disks, and/or weakness of ligaments.

After carefully considering, etiology doctors consider Pathophysiology, which includes protrusions of the “nucleus pulposus.” The center connects to the column or spinal canal and perhaps compressing the spinal cord or the nerve core, or roots, which causes back pain. If the spinal cord is compressed restraining the roots and cord often back pain, numbness, and the motor functions may fail.  Read more...

Sometimes the best ‘cure’ for muscle aches, sprains and strains is prevention. Did you know that incorporating a few simple activities into your lifestyle can dramatically reduce pain and problems you experience with aches and muscle conditions? Watch the video to learn more!