Peak Bone Mass

Bones play many roles in the body. They provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Adequate calcium consumption and weight bearing physical activity build strong bones, optimizes bone mass, and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

For more information on bone health and osteoporosis please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Peak bone mass refers to the genetic potential for bone density. By the age of 20, the average woman has acquired most of her skeletal mass. A large decline in bone mass occurs in older adults, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. For women this occurs around the time of menopause.

It is important for young girls to reach their peak bone mass in order to maintain bone health throughout life. A person with high bone mass as a young adult will be more likely to have a higher bone mass later in life. Inadequate calcium consumption and physical activity early on could result in a failure to achieve peak bone mass in adulthood.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis or “porous bone” is a disease of the skeletal system characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Osteoporosis leads to an increase risk of bone fractures typically in the wrist, hip, and spine.

While men and women of all ages and ethnicities can develop osteoporosis, some of the risk factors for osteoporosis include those who are

• Female
• White/Caucasian
• Post menopausal women
• Older adults
• Small in body size
• Eating a diet low in calcium
• Physically inactive

To find out more about the prevalence and risk factors associated with osteoporosis, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.*

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral needed by the body for healthy bones, teeth, and proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. The body cannot produce calcium; therefore, it must be absorbed through food. Good sources of calcium include

• Dairy products—low fat or nonfat milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Dark green leafy vegetables—bok choy and broccoli
• Calcium fortified foods—orange juice, cereal, bread, soy beverages, and tofu products
• Nuts—almonds

Recommended amount of calcium vary for individuals. Below is a table of adequate intakes as outlined by the National Academy of Science.

Recommended Calcium Intakes

Ages	Amount mg/day
Birth–6 months	210
6 months–1 year	270
1–3	500
4–8	800
9–13	1300
14–18	1300
19–30	1000
31–50	1000
51–70	1200
70 or older	1200
Pregnant & Lactating	1000
14–18	1300
19–50	1000

Source: Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, National Academy of Sciences, 1997

Vitamin D also plays an important role in healthy bone development. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium (this is why milk is fortified with vitamin D).

For more information on calcium and children visit the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Weight-Bearing Physical Activity

Regular physical activity has been associated with many positive health benefits including strong bones. Like proper calcium consumption, adequate weight-bearing physical activity early in life is important in reaching peak bone mass. Weight-bearing physical activities cause muscles and bones to work against gravity. Some examples of weight bearing physical activities include

• Walking, Jogging, or running
• Tennis or Racquetball
• Field Hockey
• Stair climbing
• Jumping rope
• Basketball
• Dancing
• Hiking
• Soccer
• Weight lifting

Incorporating weight-bearing physical activity into an exercise plan is a great way to keep bones healthy and meet physical activity recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Adults: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity [on] most, preferably all, days of the week

Children: Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity [on] most, preferably all, days of the week

Article from: http://www.cdc.gov/

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1.	What is causing my back pain?
2.	What can I do to prevent my back pain from getting worse?
3.	Why is my back vulnerable to pain and injury?
4.	Could stress be a contributing factor, and what can I do about it?
5.	What are my treatment options?
6.	If surgery is recommended, is it really necessary and what are the risks?
7.	What are the potential risks and benefits of other available treatments?
8.	What lifestyle changes do I need to make to keep my back healthy?
9.	How can I be sure that my work does not negatively affect my back?
10.	What are the chances that my back pain will result in permanent disability?

 Article from: http://www.webmd.com/

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What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur “silently” before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2006, 1,030,911 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under-reporting is substantial because most people with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and do not seek testing. Also, testing is not often done if patients are treated for their symptoms. An estimated 2,291,000 non-institutionalized U.S. civilians ages 14-39 are infected with Chlamydia based on the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  Women are frequently re-infected if their sex partners are not treated.

How do people get chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.

Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured and is probably more susceptible to infection, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active. Since chlamydia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex, men who have sex with men are also at risk for chlamydial infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease because about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra (urine canal). Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum.

Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.

Men or women who have receptive anal intercourse may acquire chlamydial infection in the rectum, which can cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner.

What complications can result from untreated chlamydia?

If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Like the disease itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often “silent.”

In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This happens in up to 40 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. PID can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). Women infected with chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.

To help prevent the serious consequences of chlamydia, screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screening test for chlamydia.

Complications among men are rare. Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.

Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis that can be accompanied by skin lesions and inflammation of the eye and urethra (Reiter’s syndrome).

How does chlamydia affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated chlamydial infections can lead to premature delivery. Babies who are born to infected mothers can get chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

There are laboratory tests to diagnose chlamydia. Some can be performed on urine, other tests require that a specimen be collected from a site such as the penis or cervix.

What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV negative.

All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated. Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their sex partners have completed treatment, otherwise re-infection is possible.

Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for re-infection. Having multiple infections increases a woman’s risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Retesting should be encouraged for women three to four months after treatment. This is especially true if a woman does not know if her sex partner received treatment.

How can chlamydia be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia.

CDC recommends yearly chlamydia testing of all sexually active women age 25 or younger, older women with risk factors for chlamydial infections (those who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners), and all pregnant women. An appropriate sexual risk assessment by a health care provider should always be conducted and may indicate more frequent screening for some women.

Any genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, discharge with odor, burning during urination, or bleeding between menstrual cycles could mean an STD infection. If a woman has any of these symptoms, she should stop having sex and consult a health care provider immediately. Treating STDs early can prevent PID. Women who are told they have an STD and are treated for it should notify all of their recent sex partners (sex partners within the preceding 60 days) so they can see a health care provider and be evaluated for STDs. Sexual activity should not resume until all sex partners have been examined and, if necessary, treated.

Article from: http://www.cdc.gov/

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What Are the Reproductive Organs?

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By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Your monthly menstrual cycle requires the your hormones to fluctuate precisely to cause normal menstruation to occur. If your hormones fail to rise and fall when they should you may experience abnormal menstruation.Do you know how many hormones play a role during your menstrual cycle to cause normal or abnormal menstruation? Can you name all of the parts of the female reproductive system?

The timing and amount of blood flow you experience during your monthly menstrual cycle depends on the perfect performance of your endocrine glands which produce the hormones necessary for menstruation to occur when pregnancy does not.

To understand how your monthly menstrual cycle depends on your reproductive organs and hormones to interact, first you should know something about the biology behind your menstrual cycle. Any change in your hormones or reproductive organs can have a significant affect the timing of your periods, the amount of blood flow you experience during menstruation, and your fertility.

 

The uterus is a pear-shaped organ which, in its non-pregnant state, is collapsed and about the size of your fist. It is located between the bladder and the lower intestines.

The lower third of the uterus is called the cervix. The cervix has an opening called the os which opens into the vaginal canal and permits your period to flow out.

Extending from each side of the uterus are the fallopian tubes. Near the end of each fallopian tube is an ovary.

The ovaries are almond-sized organs which produce eggs. Each ovary contains from 200,000 to 400,000 follicles. These follicles contain the material necessary to produce eggs.

The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. The endometrium sheds during menstruation. Your menstrual flow also contains blood and mucus from the cervix and vagina. When pregnancy occurs, the endometrium thickens and fills with blood vessels that mature into the placenta that contains the growing fetus.

 

What Hormones Interact with the Reproductive Organs?

The area of the brain called the hypothalamus, together with the pituitary gland, control the hormones necessary for reproductive health.

Six hormones serve as chemical messengers to your reproductive system. These hormones include:

 

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone

During your menstrual cycle, GnRH is released first by the hypothalamus. This causes a chemical reaction in the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of FSH and LH. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, the “male” hormone) are produced by the ovaries in reaction to stimulation by FSH and LH. When these hormones work in unison, normal menstrual cycles occur.

 

Your Menstrual Cycle in Phases

The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases–the follicular or proliferative phase; and the luteal or ovulatory phase. The follicular phase includes the time when menstruation occurs and is followed by proliferation or the growth and thickening of the endometrium. This phase typically lasts from 10-14 days, starting with the first day of menstruation.

Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during menstruation. When bleeding stops, the proliferative phase begins causing the endometrium to grow and thicken in preparation for pregnancy. During the next (approximately) two weeks, FSH levels rise causing maturation of several ovarian follicles and the size of the eggs triple.

FSH also signals the ovaries to begin producing estrogen which stimulates LH levels until around day 14 of your cycle when one of the follicles bursts, and the largest egg is released into one of the fallopian tubes.

This phase is followed by the premenstrual phase, known as the luteal phase. This premenstrual period lasts approximately 14 days. After ovulation, LH causes the corpus leuteum to develop from the ruptured follicle. The corpus leuteum produces progesterone.

Together estrogen and progesterone stimulate the endometrium to prepare a thick blanket of blood vessels that will support a fertilized egg should pregnancy occur. When pregnancy occurs this blanket of blood vessels becomes the placenta which surrounds the fetus until birth.

When pregnancy does not occur, the corpus leuteum deteriorates and becomes the corpus albicans. Once this occurs, progesterone and estrogen levels decline, and the endometrial lining is shed during menstruation.

Periods can vary greatly from woman to woman and from month to month and still be normal. Generally, the length of your menstrual cycle can fluctuate from 3 weeks to 5 weeks, without alarm.

When counting the days in your cycle, always count the first day of your period as day one. The average period lasts about 6 days, although some women may experience slightly shorter or longer periods and be perfectly normal.

Variations in the amount of menstrual flow and the timing of menstruation are quite normal in young women during the first few years following the onset of menstruation. Periods may be irregular or very light. The use of oral contraceptives can often cause fluctuations in menstruation which include either light periods or spotting/bleeding between periods.

It is not uncommon for young women to feel frightened when dark clumps of tissue is discovered in their menstruation. However, this is usually nothing abnormal and just a part of the endometrium ir uterine lining shedding.

The average age of the onset of menstruation is about 12 or 13, however it may begin as young as 8 for some girls or not until 14 or 15 for others. If your period has not started by the time you are 16, see your physician to determine whether there may be an underlying condition causing your period not to start occuring.

Article from: http://womenshealth.about.com/

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What is tinea?

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Tinea is a fungus that can grow on your skin, hair or nails. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle. This makes it look like a ring. At the edge of the ring, the skin is lifted up by the irritation and looks red and scaly. To some people, the infection looks like a worm is under the skin. Because of the way it looks, tinea infection is often called “ringworm.” However, there really isn’t a worm under the skin.

How did I get a fungal infection?

You can get a fungal infection by touching a person who has one. Some kinds of fungi live on damp surfaces, like the floors in public showers or locker rooms. You can easily pick up a fungus there. You can even catch a fungal infection from your pets. Dogs, cats and farm animals can be infected with a fungus. Often this infection looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing.

What areas of the body are affected by tinea infections?

Tinea infections are named for the part of the body they infect. Tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin on the body. (”Corporis” is the Latin word for body.) If you have this infection, you may see small, red spots that grow into large rings almost anywhere on your arms, legs or chest. The rash may also itch.

Tinea pedis is usually called “athlete’s foot.” (”Pedis” is the Latin word for foot.) The moist skin between your toes is a perfect place for a fungus to grow. The skin may become itchy and red, with blisters and cracking of the skin. The infection may also spread to the toenails. (This is called tinea unguium — “unguium” comes from the Latin word for nail.) Here it causes the toenails to become thick and crumbly. It can also spread to your hands and fingernails.

When a fungus grows in the moist, warm area of the groin, the rash is called tinea cruris. (”Cruris” comes from the Latin for leg.) The common name for this infection is “jock itch.” The rash can be itchy and painful. Tinea cruris generally occurs in men, especially if they often wear athletic equipment.

Tinea capitis, which is called “ringworm,” causes itchy, red areas, usually on the head. (”Capitis” comes from the Latin for head.) The hair is destroyed, leaving bald patches. This tinea infection is most common in children.

How do I know if I have a fungal infection?

The best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor. Other skin problems can look similar to a fungal infection but require very different treatments. To find out exactly what is causing your rash, your doctor may scrape a small amount of the irritated skin onto a glass slide (or clip off a piece of nail or hair). Then he or she will look at the skin, nail or hair under a microscope. After doing this, your doctor will usually be able to tell if your skin problem is caused by a fungus.

Sometimes a piece of your skin, hair or nail will be sent to a lab to grow the fungus in a test tube. This is another way the lab can tell if your skin problem is caused by a fungus. They can also find out the exact type of fungus. This process takes a while because a fungus grows slowly.

How do I get rid of a tinea infection?

Once your doctor decides that you have a tinea infection, antifungal medicine can be used to treat it. You may only need to put an antifungal cream on the rash for a few weeks. This is especially true for jock itch.

It can be harder to get rid of fungal infections on other parts of the body. Sometimes you have to take an antifungal medicine by mouth. This medicine usually has to be taken for a long time, maybe even for months. Irritated skin takes time to heal. New hair or nails will have to grow back.

Some medicines can have unpleasant effects on the rest of your body, especially if you’re also taking other medicines. There are some newer medicines that seem to work better with fewer side effects. Talk with your doctor about which medicine is right for you.

What can I do to prevent tinea infections?

Skin that is kept clean and dry is your best defense. However, you’re also less likely to get a tinea infection if you do the following things:

• When you’re at home, take your shoes off and expose your feet to the air.
• Change your socks and underwear every day, especially in warm weather.
• Dry your feet carefully (especially between the toes) after using a locker room or public shower.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Instead, wear flip-flops, sandals or water shoes.
• Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm weather. It will make you sweat more, which can encourage the growth of fungal infections.
• Throw away worn-out exercise shoes. Never borrow other people’s shoes.
• Don’t let other people use your towels or wear your clothing. Don’t borrow these items from others.
• Check your pets for areas of hair loss. Ask your veterinarian to check them, also. It’s important to check pets carefully, because if you don’t find out whether they’re causing your fungal infection, you may get it again from them, even after treatment.
• Make sure shared exercise equipment (such as a treadmill at your gym) is clean before you use it.

Can tinea cause serious illness?

A fungus rarely spreads below the surface of the body to cause serious illness. Your body usually prevents this. However, people who have weak immune systems, such as people who have HIV or AIDS, may have a hard time getting rid of a fungal infection.

Tinea infections usually don’t leave scars after the fungus is gone. Sometimes, people don’t even realize they have a fungal infection and get better without any treatment.

Article from: http://familydoctor.org/

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.

When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

Every year, more than 400 people die in the U. S. from accidental CO poisoning.

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning

Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
• If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.

Article from: http://www.cdc.gov/

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What is a normal temperature?

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A normal temperature is about 98.6°F when taken orally (by mouth). Temperatures taken rectally (by rectum) usually run 1° higher than those taken orally. So a normal temperature is about 99.6°F when taken rectally. Many doctors define a fever as an oral temperature above 99.4°F or a rectal temperature above 100.4°F.

How should I take my child’s temperature?

The most accurate way to take your child’s temperature is orally or rectally with a digital thermometer. In a child younger than about 4 years, take the temperature rectally. In an older child, take it orally.

• Mercury thermometers should not be used. Mercury is an environmental toxin, and you don’t want to risk exposing your family to it. If you have a mercury thermometer at home, you should remove it and use a digital thermometer.
• Don’t bundle your baby or child up too tightly before taking his or her temperature.
• Never leave your child alone while taking his or her temperature.
• Be sure you use the right thermometer. Read the package instructions to see if you have an oral or rectal thermometer.
• If you’re taking your child’s temperature rectally, coat the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly (brand name: Vaseline) and insert it half an inch into the rectum. Hold the thermometer still and do not let go. When the thermometer beeps, remove it and check the digital reading.
• If you’re taking your child’s temperature orally, place the end of the thermometer under the tongue and leave it there until the thermometer beeps. Remove the thermometer and check the digital reading.
• After you’re done using the thermometer, wash it in cool, soapy water.

When should I try to lower my child’s fever?

Fevers are a sign that the body is fighting an infection, so you may want to avoid giving medicine if your child is running a low-grade (up to 100.2°F) fever. The main reason to treat your child is to make him or her feel better. When your child is achy and fussy or his of her temperature is above 100.2°F, you may want to give him or her some medicine.

What kind of medicine and how much is needed to lower a fever?

Acetaminophen (one brand name: Children’s or Infants’ Tylenol) relieves pain and lowers fever. How much acetaminophen your child may need depends on his or her weight and age. Check the package label or ask your doctor about the correct dosage for your child.

Talk to your doctor before giving ibuprofen (brand names: Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin) to your child. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose for your child.

Tips on giving medicine

• Don’t give more than 5 doses in 1 day.
• Don’t give a baby younger than 3 months old medicine unless your family doctor tells you to.
• Read labels carefully. Make sure you are giving your child the right amount of medicine.
• If using drops, fill the dropper to the line.
• For liquid elixir, use a liquid measuring device to make sure you give the right dose. Get one at your drug store or ask your pharmacist.

Why not use aspirin to lower my child’s fever?

In rare cases aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome in children. Reye’s syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death. Doctors recommend that parents avoid giving aspirin to children under 18 years of age.

Are there other ways to help my child feel better?

• Give your child plenty of fluids to drink to prevent dehydration (not enough fluid in the body) and help the body cool itself.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Keep the room temperature at about 70°F to 74°F.
• Dress your child in light cotton pajamas so that body heat can escape.
• If your child is chilled, put on an extra blanket but remove it when the chills stop.

Will a bath help lower my child’s fever?

Used together, acetaminophen and a lukewarm bath may help lower a fever. Give the acetaminophen before the bath. If the bath is given alone, your child may start shivering as his or her body tries to raise its temperature again. This may make your child feel worse. Don’t use alcohol or cold water for baths.

When should I call the doctor?

If your child has any of the warning signs listed in the box below, call your family doctor.

Less than 3 months old. Call your doctor right away if your baby’s temperature goes over 100.4°F rectally, even if he or she doesn’t seem sick. Babies this young can get very sick very quickly.

Three to 6 months old. Call your doctor if your baby has a temperature of 101°F or higher (even if your baby doesn’t seem sick).

Six months and older. If your child has a fever of 102°F, watch how he or she acts. Call your doctor if the fever rises or lasts for more than 3 days. In children 3 months to 2 years of age, if the temperature is 103°F, call your doctor even if your child seems to feel fine.

Call your doctor if your baby or child has any of these warning signs

• Constant vomiting or diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Earache or pulling at ears
• Fever comes and goes over several days
• High-pitched crying
• Irritable
• Not hungry
• Pale
• Seizures
• Severe headache
• Skin rash
• Sore or swollen joints
• Sore throat
• Stiff neck
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the soft spot on the head
• Unresponsive or limp
• Wheezing or problems breathing
• Whimpering

Article from: http://familydoctor.org/

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What is a vasectomy?

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A vasectomy is an operation that makes a man permanently unable to get a woman pregnant. It involves cutting the 2 tubes called vas deferens so that sperm can no longer get into the semen.

How is a vasectomy done?

A vasectomy is usually done in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient surgery center. The operation takes about half an hour. You’ll be awake during the procedure. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb your scrotum.

After you’re numb, your doctor will cut a small opening (an incision) on one side of your scrotum and pull out part of the vas deferens on that side. You may feel some tugging and pulling. A small section of the vas deferens is removed. The ends of the vas deferens will be sealed by stitching them shut, by searing them shut with heat, or by using another method. Your doctor will then do the same thing on the other side.

Your doctor will close the 2 openings in your scrotum with stitches. After 3 to 10 days, the stitches will disappear by themselves.

What is no-scalpel vasectomy?

The no-scalpel vasectomy involves making a very small puncture (a hole) in the scrotum instead of an incision. The puncture is so small that it heals without stitches.

How effective is vasectomy in preventing pregnancy?

Vasectomy may be the safest, most effective kind of birth control. Only about 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant the first year after a vasectomy.

Are there any reasons I shouldn’t have a vasectomy?

Don’t have a vasectomy unless you’re sure you don’t want to have children in the future. You may need to wait to have a vasectomy, or may not be able to have one, if you have an infection on or around your genitals, or you have a bleeding disorder.

Can vasectomy be reversed?

Some vasectomies can be undone, or “reversed,” but the surgery is expensive, not usually covered by insurance and must be performed in a hospital. Even though most men can ejaculate sperm after the reversal surgery, the sperm are often not able to fertilize an egg.

How should I prepare for the operation?

On the day of the operation, bring a jockstrap (an athletic supporter) with you and make sure your genital area is clean. Your doctor will probably give you instructions on how to clean the area before you come in. Your doctor may suggest you bring someone to drive you home after surgery.

What can I expect after the operation?

Right after the operation, your doctor will have you lie down for a couple of hours with an ice pack placed on your scrotum. You may have some bruising in the area of the surgery. The bruises should slowly lighten and be gone in about 2 weeks. You should feel back to normal within a couple of weeks.

Is it okay to take medicine?

Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), ketoprofen (brand name: Orudis) or naproxen (brand name: Aleve) for 2 weeks before or after the operation. All of these can thin your blood and cause bleeding. Try acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) to relieve pain.

When can I go back to work?

If you have a desk job, expect to return to work after a couple of days. If you do physical labor, or walk or drive a lot, talk with your doctor about when you can go back to work.

Will the vasectomy work right away?

No. You’ll need to ejaculate as many as 15 to 20 times before the sperm will be cleared from both the vas deferens. For that reason, keep using birth control. Your doctor will ask you to bring in samples of your ejaculation after the operation. Only after you have 2 sperm-free samples will you be considered unable to get a woman pregnant. This may take 3 months or longer.

What are the risks of a vasectomy?

Problems that might occur after your vasectomy include bleeding, infection and a usually mild inflammatory reaction to sperm that may have gotten loose during the surgery (called sperm granuloma). Call your doctor if you notice any of the signs in the box below.
Another risk is that the ends of the vas deferens may find a way to create a new path to one another. This doesn’t occur very often. But if it does, you could be able to cause a pregnancy.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have swelling that won’t go down or keeps getting worse.
• You have trouble urinating.
• You can feel a lump forming in your scrotum.
• You have bleeding from an incision that doesn’t stop even after you’ve pinched the site between 2 gauze pads for 10 minutes

What happens to the sperm?

Once sperm can’t get through the vas deferens, your testicles will begin making fewer sperm. Your body will absorb the sperm that are made.

Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?

After you have healed from the vasectomy, your sex life shouldn’t change at all. You’ll still ejaculate almost the same amount of semen as you did before, and you won’t notice a change in your sex drive.

Article from: http://familydoctor.org/

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Concerned about memory loss? Take heart. There’s plenty you can do to improve your memory — from staying mentally active to including physical activity in your daily routine.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Can’t find your car keys? Forget what’s on your grocery list? Can’t remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You’re not alone. Everyone forgets things occasionally. Still, memory loss is nothing to take lightly. You can do simple things every day to improve your memory — starting today!

No. 1: Stay mentally active

Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles. Read a section of the newspaper that you normally skip. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local school or community organization.

No. 2: Socialize regularly

Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others — especially if you live alone. When you’re invited to share a meal or attend an event, go!

No. 3: Get organized

You’re more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are in disarray. Jot down tasks, appointments and other events in a special notebook or calendar. You might even repeat each entry out loud as you write it down to help cement it in your memory. Keep to-do lists current, and check off items you’ve completed. Set aside a certain place for your wallet, keys and other essentials.

No. 4: Focus

Limit distractions, and don’t try to do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you’re trying to remember, you’ll be more likely to recall it later. It might also help to connect what you’re trying to remember to a favorite song or another familiar concept.

No. 5: Eat a healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet is as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as lean meat, skinless poultry and fish. What you drink counts, too. Not enough water or too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine

Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain — which may help keep your memory sharp. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day. If you don’t have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

No. 7: Manage chronic conditions

Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations for any chronic conditions, such as thyroid problems, high blood pressure and depression. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be.

When to seek help for memory loss

If you’re worried about memory loss — especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your usual daily activities — consult your doctor. He or she will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes other tests are needed as well. Treatment will depend on what’s contributing to the memory loss.

Article from:http://www.mayoclinic.com/

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from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

Aerobic activity is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. Still, you may experience negative health effects if you regularly exercise in areas with air pollution — especially if you have asthma or another chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.

During aerobic activity — even low-intensity activity — you may breathe as much as 10 times more air than you do when at rest. You’re also likely to draw air more deeply into your lungs and breathe mostly through your mouth, bypassing your filtering nasal passages. These factors work together to increase your contact with pollutants, making air pollution and exercise a potentially risky combination.

Year-round exposure to air pollution or particulate matter — a mix of tiny specks of soot, dust and aerosols suspended in the air — has been linked to:

• Significant damage to the small airways of the lungs
• An increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in older women
• An increased risk of death from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease

Despite the potential health risks, don’t use air pollution as a reason to skip exercise if you’re otherwise healthy. To limit the effects of air pollution and exercise:

• Time your workouts carefully. Check local air pollution alerts and plan your outdoor workouts accordingly. Avoid outdoor physical activity when pollution levels are highest — in the midday or afternoon in many areas.
• Avoid congested streets. Pollution levels are likely to be highest within 50 feet (15 meters) of the road.
• Exercise indoors. Vary your routine with occasional indoor activities. Take a fitness class, check out a local gym or run laps on an indoor track.

If you have a chronic condition, share any concerns you may have about outdoor exercise with your doctor.

Article from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/

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