Do you get a ‘cold’ at the same time every year? Does it come on suddenly, especially when seasons change and last for weeks? It may be difficult to know if the symptoms you're experiencing are due to a cold or allergies. While the two share similar symptoms, their causes and treatments are different.
I spend most of my working hours at a place called Healthy Life Programs. For a person interested in her personal wellness, there couldn’t be a better environment for me. “Good Health” is in full swing around here. If you walk through our office, you’ll notice a nice kitchen with a full-size fridge. Open that fridge and you WON’T see sugary drinks, lots of sweet desserts, bags of take-out, or highly processed foods. You WILL see a glut of salad greens, multiple containers of low-fat yogurt and whatever fruit was on sale this week, and crisper drawers stuffed with fresh produce.
As any hearty Michigander will tell you, we often live for the warmer months. When the winds of winter give way to the softer, more forgiving breezes of spring, Michiganders pour from their homes to soak in the warming sunshine and enjoy the many amazing wonders that our state has to offer. During the long, cold winters I often incredulously ask myself, “why is it that I live here again!?” but then winters eventually turn into spring, glorious summers, and beautiful falls, and, once again, I receive my annual reminder of the splendors of the mitten state.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, of course!
Put on your party hats! The new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) is here!! Now I’m sure you’re probably not quite as excited for the eighth edition of these national nutrition guidelines as I am, but there are some interesting changes to take note.
Have you ever looked at the cold and flu section at your local pharmacy? It may be only one or two aisles, but the variety of preparations, liquids, pills and mists is enough to make anyone's head spin. Taking a walk down the cold and flu aisle seems like a game; you take your chances that you've chosen a product that may (or may not) give you the relief you're looking for. To make your decision a little easier, think about what symptoms are bothering you and aim to find a medication to help alleviate them. Here are some tips based on common cold and flu symptoms:
If you live in or around West Michigan, shoveling snow in the winter is inevitable. While it is a great form of physical activity, for some people it can be dangerous and may increase your risk of a heart attack. Before you trek outside to clear your driveway, make sure that you’re prepared to do it safely with these tips:
As the months turn colder and winter approaches, it’s time to think about the upcoming influenza season. Just like you prepare your home for the worst of the winter elements by insulating windows, buying a shovel, or salting your driveway, you should prepare your body to fight the influenza virus. One of your best defenses against the flu is arming yourself with education – learn about the flu and go out into winter prepared to fight not only the worst winter storm, but the influenza virus, too. Here are some important questions and answers about influenza to help you prepare: