Let's Talk about Allergic Rhinitis

I started having symptoms of recurrent irritation of my throat, mild cough, cold, sometimes malaise and tired eyes when i was in college. I have always wondered what was wrong with me. I was thinking I might be having bronchitis (though I didn’t smoke then… until now) or worse, Pulmonary Tubercolosis. My closest friends worked in a government hospital in our city so I had access to any medical and laboratory work-up for free. I had few x-rays, sputum analysis and medical check up’s but all revealed to be negative.

Symptoms got worse when I had my clinical internship in Manila as a graduating Physical Therapy student. After each day I would feel sick although temperature seemed normal. I thought the toxic work of clinical internship was causing my fatigue. Little did i know that the smug in the city was also a significant factor.

It took more years of (mild) suffering until I was told that I have allergic rhinitis. I am allergic to almost any irritants – fume (from air freshener), cigarette smoke, automobile smoke, dust, powder, season changes, pollen, Name it.

So what exactly is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, often called allergies or hay fever, occurs when your immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe-you are allergic to them. Your immune system attacks the particles in your body, causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. The particles are called allergens, which simply means they can cause an allergic reaction.

People with allergies usually have symptoms for many years. You may have symptoms often during the year, or just at certain times. You also may get other problems such as sinusitis and ear infections as a result of your allergies.

Over time, allergens may begin to affect you less, and your symptoms may not be as severe as they had been. But not in my case.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
In most cases, when you have allergic rhinitis:

• You sneeze again and again, especially after you wake up in the morning. Irritants inhaled can also cause sneezing.

• You have a runny nose and postnasal drip. The drainage from a runny nose caused by allergies is usually clear and thin. But it may become thicker and cloudy or yellowish if you get a nasal or sinus infection.

• Your eyes are watery and itchy.

• Your ears, nose, and throat are itchy.

• Allergic reaction can also result to dark circle around the eyes, especially the lower part.

Which allergens commonly cause allergic rhinitis?
You probably know that pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds cause allergic rhinitis. Many people have allergies to dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and mold as well. Things in the workplace, such as cereal grain, wood dust, chemicals, or lab animals, can also cause allergic rhinitis. Extremes in temperature or season changes can also trigger allergic rhinitis.

If you are allergic to pollens, you may have symptoms only at certain times of the year. If you are allergic to dust mites and indoor allergens, you may have symptoms all the time.

Treatment
There is no cure for allergic rhinitis. One of the best things you can do is to avoid the things that cause your allergies. You may need to clean your house often to get rid of dust, animal dander, or molds. Or you may need to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.

Unless you have another health problem, such as asthma, you may take over-the-counter medicines to treat your symptoms at home. If you do have another problem, talk to your doctor first. Others who also should talk to their doctor before starting self-treatment include older adults, children, and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If your allergies bother you a lot and you cannot avoid the things you are allergic to, you and your doctor can decide if you should get allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help control your symptoms. For allergy shots to work, you need to know what you are allergic to.

Finding the treatment that works best for you may take a little time.

Anti allergy medication and decongestant (if I also have runny nose) usually work for me. Norepinephrine (Claritine or similar drug) works best for me and it doesn’t cause drowsiness. Most cough medication have anti-allergy components. However, most f these medications can cause drowsiness which can interfere to daily activities and work.

Medical consult is always the first step to getting the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvorXVuCcc

Eating Tips to Stay Energized All Day

Getting through the day can feel like a marathon. Mile 1: Roll out of bed. Mile 2: Feed yourself and everyone else in your house. Mile 3: Get to work on time. It's like you've run 5K, and it's not even lunch yet!

Top 10 Tips to Stay Energized All Day

1. Start the day right.

Yes, that means breakfast. Combine a whole grain with fruit, skim dairy, or soy milk, and even add some lean protein to the mix to sustain energy levels throughout the morning.

2. Have a mid-morning snack.

Combine a protein and a carbohydrate. It is fine to be hungry mid-morning, so honor your hunger and give your body fuel when it is asking for it. Try yogurt with a peach, low fat string cheese with an apple, or cottage cheese and grapes.

3. Eat lunch on time.
Don't push back lunch until you are ravenous. Instead, eat your mid-day fuel right on time to keep your blood glucose levels nice and steady.

4. Boost your mental energy.
Nature's nutrition for the brain are omega-3 fatty acids. Add light tuna or salmon to your lunchtime food choices, in addition to walnuts, tofu, and canola oil. Healthy fats keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, so add small amounts to meals and snacks. Some good choices include avocado and almonds.

5. Start the day with moderate caffeine levels and keep caffeine intake modest.
While it does increase mental energy, too much caffeine may lead to energy highs and then lows, and can interfere with quality sleep.

6. Limit processed foods high in sugar.
Avoid the office candy jar, treats, and vending machine whenever possible. Processed foods do not provide sustained energy and can result in low-energy moments during the day.

7. Consume foods high in folate.
Higher levels of blood folate have been associated with faster and better thought processing. Good sources include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, asparagus, broccoli, avocado, and orange juice. Also important are vitamins B6, found in bananas and spinach, and B12, found in lean proteins and skim dairy products.

8. Have an afternoon snack.
If dinner is late or if you have an evening workout scheduled, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt provide energizing carbohydrates.

9. Consume complex carbohydrates that contain fiber.
The fiber allows the carbohydrates to be released more slowly, providing sustained energy. Opt for whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain cereals.

10. Stay hydrated.
About two-thirds of our body is water, and dehydration can contribute to reduced energy levels. About 80% of the fluid we consume comes from the fluids we drink, and the other 20% comes from foods. Always drink when you are thirsty, and have water available during the day to hydrate regularly.

condensed from Yahoo Health
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvorXVuCcc

Jumpstart Your Day With More Energy

Low energy really puts a drag on your day, keeping you from enjoying your daily activities. The causes of low energy are numerous, but it usually points to the stress of living in this modern world.

Coping with stressful situations requires a lot of energy, leaving the average person drained and even depressed. Discover six amazing ways you can restore your energy below.

1. Energize with a Blockbuster Breakfast
We have all heard that "you are what you eat," but it's also true that you are when you eat. The human body follows a circadian rhythm, and because of this, the same foods eaten at breakfast and lunch are assimilated differently than when they are eaten later. Start the day right with a breakfast that gives you the energy you need to function strong all day long.

Studies have shown that when you eat your daily protein and fat at breakfast, you tend to lose weight and have more energy; conversely, eating the same things at dinner increases your tendency toward weight gain, increased blood pressure, and heart disease.

2. Sustainable Energy with Snacks
Most people eat too many foods that supply a rapid burst of energy in the form of simple carbohydrates and sugars - which burn out fast, leaving us depleted - rather than foods with a more sustainable energy content.

Eat a snack at mid-morning and another one at mid-afternoon. Good ones to choose are nuts, seeds, fruits, or protein-rich foods like hummus made from beans; these will help you sustain your energy and prevent low blood sugar from setting in. Make your own trail mix with almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, dried cranberry, raisins, or any other combination.

3. Ginseng Restores Failing Energy
Ginseng's popular uses include increasing physical and mental endurance, decreasing fatigue, and gently boosting energy. Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng elevates energy gently. People taking ginseng often report overall improvement in wellbeing. Available as powder, capsule, and tea, you can find ginseng in your local health food store.

4. Flush Out Toxins
One cause of low energy is a buildup of toxins in the system. Water is very important in properly flushing the system and hydrating the cells to prevent buildup of toxic waste products. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day at room temperature. Better yet, drink teas made with herbs such as peppermint, chrysanthemum, and dandelion that gently cleanse your body.

5. Proper Posture Promotes Energizing
Slouching not only makes you look older than you are, it also leads to a huge drop in energy by decreasing your oxygen intake. When you compress the diaphragm and ribs, full respiration cannot take place and the blood flow is slowed to your brain and extremities. To get proper posture, pull your chin inward and pretend there is a string pulling straight up from the top of your head.

You may want to consult a physical therapist to educate you with proper body mechanics when standing, sitting, and basic activities of daily living.

6. Raise Your Energy with Exercise
Getting enough exercise is crucial to maintaining a high energy level. Exercise helps us deal with daily stresses; without it, the body is rapidly depleted of vital energy. There are many opportunities throughout your day to be active. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a few blocks away from your destination. Walk briskly, run, or ride your bike instead of driving. Sweep the floor with a broom instead of a vacuum. Cut your lawn with a manual mower. Take a break from sitting to stretch or do a set of squats.

To really jumpstart your energy, try this: Jump rope for five minutes every hour throughout the day and drink a glass of water afterward. This will increase your circulation, get more oxygen in your body, and remove toxins from your body.

Six foods that ward off aging

There might not be a fountain of youth, but there might be a pantry of youth. People who stock up on the right foods can turn back the clock, according to Karen Ansel, a dietitian and author of "The Anti-Aging Diet" story in last month's Family Circle. Ditch red meat, full-fat dairy, soft drinks, cookies, cakes, white flour and fried and packaged foods, she advises. Add these to your diet instead:

■ Spinach:
It's loaded with Vitamin K, which can improve bone density and lower the risk of hip fracture. Plus, it's the No. 1 source of zeaxanthin and lutein, nutrients that soak up harmful light before it can damage the retinas in your eyes, meaning spinach helps to prevent macular degeneration and blindness.

■ Strawberries:
They are rich in polyphenols, which improve memory and communication by promoting signals between cells.


■ Curry powder:
It's full of the antioxidant curcumin, which wards off Alzheimer's disease by preventing the growth of amyloid plaques, which are toxic to brain cells. In parts of India, where it is eaten daily, the Alzheimer's rate is one-fourth that of the U.S.

■ Tomatoes:
They're packed with lycopene, which protects skin from the oxidation that results from sun damage and leads to wrinkles. Adding a little olive oil helps you absorb lycopene even better.

■ Almonds:
They're brimming with vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals in your muscles and nervous system and enhances speed, coordination and balance.

■ Dark chocolate:
It's flowing with flavanols, which are plant chemicals that encourage blood vessels to relax. That results in lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Plus, it makes us happy. ^^

7 ENERGY BOASTING STRATEGIES

Our calendars have a way of quickly becoming overwhelming. Coping with a demanding schedule and the ensuing stress requires a lot of energy. If you are dragging yourself through your work, family, and other daily commitments each day longing for the moment you can crash in an exhausted heap onto your bed, then take these tips to keep your energy level up!

                                                      1. Feel berry energetic
Berries are rich in antioxidants and can also help remove toxic residue from the system, which is often the cause of chronic fatigue and low energy. Berries include blueberries, blackberries, raspberry, cranberry, goji berry, hawthorn berries and cherries. [Does Halle Berry count? ^^]

2. Make the most of magnesium
Every time your body produces energy, your cells' mitochondria, which are tiny "power generators", need magnesium. Many people don't get enough of this essential mineral, because two common dietary habits leach magnesium from our bodies: too much salt and too much dairy. Whole grains are full of magnesium. So are seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. And don't forget about nuts-especially almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. If you prefer capsule form, try taking 500 mg magnesium daily.

Combine the best of berries and nuts by making your own trail mix of dried cranberry, plum, and raisin with any combination of nuts and seeds. It's an ideal between-meals snack packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and fibers that help sustain energy over a long period of time.

3. Food that fights fatigue
Poor diet is a big contributor to low energy. For steady, robust energy eat foods that are low on the glycemic index, a measurement of how quickly the food you eat converts to glucose, the substance your body needs for energy. Foods with a high glycemic index (HGI), such as bread, pasta, baked potatoes, and most refined grains, give you a quick rush, but fatigue soon sets in when your blood sugar crashes. Foods that are low on the glycemic index help sustain energy over time. That include barley, bulgur, quinoa, amaranth, most nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, chicken, fish, and meat.

Avoid an energy crash by eliminating sugar from your diet, including sodas, sweetened juices, and pastries. Also cut back on rich foods like dairy, meat, fats, sweets, and alcohol. As for when to eat, never skip breakfast or lunch and be sure to eat your last meal no later than 7 p.m. most of the time.

4. Get green energy
Chlorella (read again... dont confuse that with cholera), spirulina, kelp, wheat grass, barley grass all contain chlorophyll and are high quality protein supplements that enhance long-term energy. Mix a powder of any of the above into water, juice, or green tea for an energetic boost.

[I find this complicated or difficult. Maybe eating spinach, brocolli and other green vegetables would do the trick.]

5. Ginseng: a potent pick-me-up
Ginseng is considered the king of energy tonics and has been used in Chinese medicine for 5,000 years. Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng elevates energy gently. It has been classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the immune system to withstand stress from the environment, and many people that take ginseng report an overall sense of well-being.

6. Increase your energy with exercise
Exercise every day can help you increase your energy level, cope with stress, and improve your mood. A daily 30-minute cardiovascular exercise combined with stretching and flexibility training is a sure way to get abundant energy.

If you are intimidated by jumping right into exercise, begin with a daily walking routine. Start small and slowly increase the amount of time you walk. Walk 10 minutes a day for one week. Walk 15 minutes a day on week two, and so on until by week five, you are walking 30 minutes a day. In the meantime, a walk around the block builds your energy level as it clears your mind!

7. Press here for energy
In Chinese medicine, there is an acupuncture point called Foot Three Mile that can be stimulated to help strengthen the body’s resistance to stress, enhance immunity, and strengthen the vital organs. You can stimulate the same acupuncture point on yourself with a technique called "acupressure." Instead of a needle stimulating the point, you can use your own fingers. The point is located four finger-widths below the kneecap on the right leg. Apply moderate pressure with your thumb until you feel soreness. Hold for 3-5 minutes. Repeat on the left leg.

[OK... the seventh i am not so sure about. Never done it but i might try... I believe in science not eastern medicine, but hey, that's just me... But it's worth the try. Maybe... whatever.]

How To Save A Life...

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvorXVuCcc

I was kinda late to discover this simple yet awesome song (and album) by this relatively new band, The Fray. Ive heard the song many times before but havent really noticed its craft. It was in "Grey's Anatomy" that i then [re]discovered the impact and beauty of this simple song. All of a sudden, it has become my national anthem for a time. The title itself provides a lot of possible interpretations. It was also that time when i was getting hooked on "piano rock" so The Fray was absolutely a good find. (Thanks to Linkin Park and Evanescence, piano became an integral part in many rock songs.)

Later on, i also discovered that they are not just another band. They are a band with spiritual depth. Being a mainstream band, the spirituality of their songs might not be too quickly evident. I think their second album to be released in February will have more spiritual message as already evident in the first single "You Found Me."

Overall, How to Save a Life (the album) is nearly perfect. Nearly every song's message contains key values and life lessons.

The title track "How to save a life" is a song written by Isaac for friend who had an untimely death.

[How To Save a Life. That's how i call this blog section of mine dealing with medical science and psycho-physical well being...]

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