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Allergies
Its's spring time, therefore it's allergy time! Oh boy! The sneezing, coughing, runny and stuffy nose, watery eyes... has just begun. It's beautiful outside, yet you cannot enjoy all this great outdoors without the constant bad feeling.
What are Allergies?
An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance called an allergen. Allergens include chemicals, foods, medicines, mold, plants, and pollen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild and annoying to severe and life-threatening. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has just released the list of the worst places to live with allergies for spring 2008. This list takes into account the amount of pollen present in the air, amount of allergy medication used by people in the local population, and the number of allergists in the local area.
There are some sites you can look into:
http://health.discovery.com/centers/allergyasthma/pmg/p01.html#allergysymptoms
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/yourhealth/1295/how-to-avoid-allergy-triggers/
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/yourhealth/1288/stuffy-nose-try-these-home-remedies/
Heart Disease
Heart disease refers to a collection of diseases and conditions affecting the heart. It is one component of cardiovascular disease, which also includes diseases of the blood vessels (vascular system). We have to be very careful with regards to the food that we consume. Daily exercise, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats and poultry, fish at least twice a week, and fat-free or 1 percent fat dairy products, are just some of the ways we can maintain a healthy body. By learning to make smart choices,whether is our own home cooking or eating out— we can enjoy flavorful foods while we manage our cholesterol.
To learn much more, go to:
http://health.yahoo.com/heart-videos/what-is-heart-disease/healthination--HNB10431_heartdisease_1.html
http://mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/HB99999
Obesity
Obesity, in simple terms, is having a high proportion of body fat. Fat is important for storing energy and insulating your body, among other functions. The human body can handle carrying some extra fat, but beyond a certain point, body fat can begin to interfere with your health. Obesity puts you at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and many other serious health problems. One of the most painful aspects of obesity may be the emotional suffering it can cause. Many people and cultures equate beauty and success with slimness, and unfairly label obese people as lazy or gluttonous. Feelings of shame and depression are common among obese people. But obesity should be viewed as a chronic condition — not a moral failing or personal choice. It may be helpful to talk to others who also are struggling with their weight. Ask your doctor for information on weight-loss support groups in your area. If you're overweight or obese, you have to cultivate a positive attitude before you can shed those unwanted pounds. With knowledge, the right attitude and a good plan, you can — and will — lose weight.
For more information, check out this site:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=8
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
To learn more on diabetes and how to prevent or delay it go to http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-prevention/how-to-prevent-diabetes.jsp
Flu
Influenza — it's all around us, especially during the winter and early spring. And yet, as common and widespread as influenza (also known as "the flu") can be, its potential to cause hospitalizations and death is often unappreciated.
For more information on the Flu especialy at this time of year, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081/DSECTION=1