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Natural Weapons Help Fight the Cold and Flu War
Cold and flu season is here, but there are simple ways to minimize the fevers, coughs, body aches and misery associated with seasonal bugs. While modern medicine has not found the cure for these seasonal illnesses, many physicians are recommending alternative or traditional therapies to ease the worst symptoms. Here's what you need to know.


Top Health Officials Urge Parents To Seek Vaccination For Their Children Throughout The Influenza Season
Each year, influenza and its related complications cause thousands of children to get sick, become hospitalized and miss school - and some even die. To help protect children from this serious disease, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ (NFID) Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition (CIIC) is urging parents to schedule an influenza vaccination this fall and winter.


Get Serious about Influenza Vaccination
Many people might be surprised that influenza season can last into the spring, but it’s true. In fact, over the last 30 years, the influenza season has peaked in February or later, some years even as late as May.


How to Treat Stress
Millions of Americans are affected by stress. And it’s no wonder with the high demands of balancing a job, family, friends and other commitments. The effects of stress include anxiety, insomnia, headache, irritability, social withdrawal, depression and many other troublesome symptoms. Here is a breakdown of treatment options that might work for those suffering from stress.


Beautiful Skin All Winter Long
When searching the Internet for “skincare” more than 62 million results come up—proof that skincare is a significant subject to so many people.


Israeli Honey Helps Cancer Patients Cope with Side Effects
Approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year and over half of them suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy. Now there's a natural way to make those side effects more bearable.


Fat or Fiction: New Research Sheds Light On The Dangers Of Obesity
All fat is not equal. Scientists now see the excess fat around one’s waist as a more dangerous health threat than fat stored in other parts of the body. Here's why.


How to Reduce Your Risk of Dangerous Reactions to Prescription Drugs
Most of us have taken a prescription medication for one condition or another at some point. While we may get a brief explanation from our doctor about the drug, most people will not take the extra steps to ensure they are using the medication as safely or effectively as they can be. In fact, by taking a few simple steps -- and asking some basic questions -- patients can greatly reduce the chance of harm that may be caused by drug interactions, allergies, or other potential problems.


Teacher Wins Fight Against Cancer Thanks to New Medical Technology
In 2003, Courtney Roush was a 20-year-old sophomore at Ohio University, when she began to experience back pain, fatigue and weight loss. Initially, she didn’t give it much thought. But when a random check at a local drug store revealed extremely high blood pressure -- Courtney knew something wasn’t quite right. A series of tests concluded Courtney had an 8 pound tumor; and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis -- Retroperitoneal Sarcoma.


The Secret to Winning the War on Wrinkles Revealed
Cosmetic and surgical procedures are effective means of maintaining youthful-appearing skin but, unfortunately, they are only temporary because they do nothing to change the basic biochemical processes that cause the appearance of wrinkles and aged skin.Here's something you can do to make a longer lasting change.


Medicare Open Enrollment: Understanding and Taking Charge of the Options
For retirees, there are many different activities that can occupy the free time they have now that they are out of the working world. Some of the top choices might include spending extra time with family (especially the grandkids), taking that dream vacation, volunteering in their local community or improving their skills in a favorite hobby.


Heart Healthy Tips for Cold and Flu Season
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in the course of a year, Americans suffer one billion colds. With statistics like that, one might assume that most Americans know how to treat their cold and flu symptoms. Here are some heart healthy tips for the cold and flu season.


Understanding a Child’s Virtual World
The advent of the Internet and wireless technology have made a greater impact on the way we relate to one another than any other factor in the past 20 years. The rapid evolution of these now-ubiquitous technologies presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for today’s families. These tools allow us simultaneously to become more connected with one another and become more isolated.


Protect Your Dog and Family from Ticks This Fall
Spring and summer are often thought of as peak tick seasons, but fall is actually when adult ticks are most active. Here's why it's expected to be such a big problem this year and what to do about it.


Even Though It's Cold and Flu Season -- Yes, You Can Stay Healthy This Winter
Fall is here, the kids are back at school, and we’re all waiting for that first cold to hit. Or even worse, the flu. Cold and flu season can begin as early as October and usually ends sometime in April.


The Three Hidden Secrets of Tart Cherries
For decades the natural health benefits of the tart cherry have been known to a select few. However, as time passes more and more people are learning about the amazing benefits of the tart cherry.


How to Defend Your Home Against Winter Allergens
The Centers for Disease Control reports roughly 50 million Americans suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies. People may experience allergies throughout the year, but symptoms can worsen when the weather changes and temperatures drop. As we begin to spend more time indoors, it’s important to be proactive in preventing indoor allergens from taking over your home. Here's what you need to do.


How to Improve Your Health: Small Changes Get Big Results
Health experts say that making small changes to your lifestyle is the most effective way to achieve long-term good health. Rather than taking on big goals that are difficult to reach and often result in frustration, integrating slight but key adjustments into a daily routine can create lasting improvements in fitness and well-being.


How to Exercise Safely This Winter
A lot of people put their exercise regimens on hold during the long, winter months because they don’t think it’ll be safe to do the things they like to do. But there is no need to stay cooped up inside all season long. Just be sure to put on some warm clothes and insulated footwear with traction before venturing out.


Uninsured Americans Affect Everyone’s Health Coverage
According to the United States Census, one out of seven, or 47 million Americans, do not have health insurance. Employer-based health insurance isn’t a guarantee, the uninsured live sicker and die younger, and even those with insurance coverage pay the price of not having all Americans covered. Here's what you should know.


Top 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Health Information Online
A growing number of Americans are seeking general health information from the Internet as a first source, rather than consulting their doctors. Here are the top 5 things you should consider when evaluating health information online.


Got Energy?
How will you find the energy to for exhausting morning car-pooling, after-school practices and weekend games now that summer is over? By pledging to commit to a healthier lifestyle. One of the greatest benefits of adopting better nutrition is increased energy. So say “buh-bye” once and for all to fast food and unhealthy snacks that zap energy, and “hello” to healthier living with these easy tips.


How to Get Medical Care that Fits Your Beliefs
As the demographics of America’s patient population rapidly become more diverse, the cultural competence of our physicians is imperative to enhancing positive health care outcomes. Learn how you can get culturally competent health care that fits your belief system.


Help Protect Your Family and Breathe Easier
A healthy home? Does that mean everyone in the household is free of germs and sniffles? By today’s environmental standards, it’s much more. A healthy home is one that allergy and asthma sufferers and everyone can appreciate. It features clean indoor air with proper ventilation, filtration and moisture control. A healthy home is high on comfort and low on humidity, dust and other airborne irritants.


How to Comfort a Cranky Baby
If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night crying uncontrollably, and hugging, talking and singing a song doesn’t work, check to see if the baby needs a diaper change or is hungry; but what do you do if none of these tricks calm your baby?


Check This List Twice - Shopping and Decorating Tips for a Safe Holiday Season
When decking the halls and hitting the malls this holiday season, CSA International would like to remind everyone to practice indoor and outdoor safety -- and shop smartly -- by following these simple tips to help ensure a safe and festive holiday:


Don’t Let Back Pain Ruin the Holiday Season for You
Between carrying heavy bags around the mall, heavy packages to the post office, and heavy carry-ons to and from your holiday destination, not to mention those heavy bookbags the kids carry around at school, there are a lot of opportunities to hurt yourself. Here's how to prevent back pain from ruining your holiday plans.


A Woman’s Guide to Staying Healthy through the Holidays
The holidays are for celebrating faith, family and friends, but they can also be extremely taxing. To successfully navigate from Thanksgiving through the New Year, you have to maximize your time, health and energy. With some forethought you can avoid common pitfalls that can sap your energy and make for a less than joyous season.


Flu is Leading Cause of Vaccine-Preventable Deaths for Kids; Moms Still Don’t Vaccinate
Ghouls and goblins are not the only things to be afraid of this Halloween; October is also the start of flu season. Influenza is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, but according to a recent survey more than 75 percent of moms are still not vaccinating their entire families against the flu.


Do You Suffer From an Unwelcome Side Effect of Your Medications?
It’s a problem no one wants to talk about, much less admit they are dealing with, but according to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint affecting more than 65 million Americans. Here's how to deal with it.


Protecting the ‘Invincibles’ – How Health Benefits Can Help Young Adults
A recent survey finds that adults between the ages of 19 and 29 are the fastest growing group of uninsured Americans. While young adults are generally the healthiest portion of the population, there are advantages to having insurance coverage, aside from the financial protection it provides.


 
School Nurses Urge Vaccination to Prevent Meningitis
Do you have a child between the ages of 11 and 18? If so, they are at risk for a potentially deadly bacterial infection called meningococcal disease, also referred to as meningitis. Here's what every parent needs to know.


'Holy Cow!' Are You Cleaning Your Home with Environmentally Safe Products?
Are you so turned off by the smell of harsh chemicals that you put off tasks that need to get done, like cleaning the bathrooms, kitchen and floors? If so, you'll want to try Holy Cow cleaners.


The Key Ingredient for Healthy Holiday Meals
One of the most memorable things about the holiday season is all the delicious food that goes with it. This holiday season, show your guests how much you care about them by offering dishes that are good for them as well as tasty.


Ovarian Cancer Continues to Challenge Researchers; Multinational Clinical Trial Underway
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 15,000 women will die from it, even though it's a survivable disease. Here's information about a proactive approach to detection.


Breast Cancer Symptoms and Prevention Tips
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The good news is that women whose breast cancer is found early often go on to live long, healthy lives. Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.


The Successful Method to Growing Young
As we grow older we look forward to the changes that life brings -- retirement, grandchildren, financial security and travel. Other changes we might not accept so readily are the aches and pains and mental slowdowns that leave us longing for the good old days of our youth.


Overweight, Obese Workers at Greater Risk for Disability, Financial Woes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is the No. 1 health threat facing Americans, as nearly one-third of Americans are obese and two-thirds are overweight.


 
Preventing MRSA From Infecting Your Child
It’s been five decades in the making and it’s spreading faster than experts thought. With sports stars, celebrities and school children alike becoming infected, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), which was nearly unheard of two year ago, is becoming a common term. Here's how to protect your family.


Think Women Talk About Everything? Think Again!
Age, weight or constipation -- which is a woman’s most closely guarded secret? A new study reveals the answer.


The Truth About Alternative Medicine
People are seeking greater control of their health and are turning to once-considered ‘alternative’ therapies more and more, but are they doing the right thing? Here's where they can turn to find out.


A Personal Health Record Can Benefit Everyone
A personal health record (PHR) is more than just a compilation of your medical records. While medical records are created and maintained by doctors, hospitals or other healthcare providers, a PHR is created and maintained by you. It is an ongoing, personalized compilation of important personal and health related information about you or someone you’re caring for.


"Smarter" Grapes: America’s Best Kept Health Secret
It’s amazing: With all the advances of modern medicine, doctors and nutritionists still find that natural remedies may be the best way to help fight and even prevent disease.


Seniors and Loneliness: Tips for Overcoming Isolation
For millions of seniors, loneliness can have a very serious affect on their physical and mental health; but there are many ways to overcome loneliness and improve their quality of life.


Good Bacteria for Good Digestion?
If you are one of the 60 to 70 million Americans that suffer from digestive problems, then you probably need more probiotics in your system. The term probiotics refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial or “good” bacteria normally found in your body. These “good” microorganisms aid in digestion and keep the bad bacteria at bay. Here's how to get probiotics into your diet.


Mood Makeovers: Top Tips To Help Boost Moods Naturally
Stress can come from anywhere at anytime. It can stem from career anxiety, family tension or even the day-to-day pressure of trying to balance everything simultaneously. While stress is actually a natural reaction for everyone, when it persists, it can feel overwhelming and take a toll on our well being.


How To Breathe Easier In Your Home
Families spend about 90 percent of their time in their homes. So, it only makes sense that you want your house as clean and comfortable as possible, including the indoor air. There are steps you can take to make sure you get cleaner air where you need it most.


Listen Up Ladies -- Here’s How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Heart disease, the number one cause of death in women, is also the single most preventable cause of death, and lifestyle factors play a key role. Here's what you can do to reduce your risk.


What's the Real Story Behind Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Mad Cow Disease (MCD) evoke heart-wrenching images of cattle, deer and elk struggling to get to their feet, reminding us that this disease can have devastating impact on its victims. But what’s the real story? What is being done to understand more about this devastating disease? Is there a link to humans? Here are answers.


Protect Your Investment: Caring for Your Mattress 101
Finding the perfect mattress can be time-consuming and cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But finding the perfect mattress is just step one. You also need to protect your investment to maximize your chances of getting a healthy night’s sleep for years to come. Considering the average American spends more than 2,000 hours a year in bed, it is important to care for your mattress correctly.


How Healthy Is the Air Inside Your Home?
Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? We’re all aware of the potential hazards of allergens and pollutants in our outdoor environments, but have you ever considered what might be affecting your indoor environment? Here's some things to consider to keep your indoor air quality good for your health.


How to Follow a Low-Sodium Diet
If you’ve recently suffered a heart attack and been told you have heart failure, don’t panic. There are simple adjustments you can make in your lifestyle that may help you feel and do better.


Fun: The Secret Ingredient for Getting Kids to Eat Well
From friendly clown spokesmen to colorful grab-and-go convenience, fast food has a lot of appeal for kids. Is it any wonder, then, that nearly a third of all American children are overweight and 15 percent outright obese? Increasingly, health advocates, nutritionists and smart parents are fighting fire with fire by presenting healthy foods in ways that children will find fun and appealing.


Tales From the School Nurse: School Nurses Call for Classroom Cleaning Protocols
School nurses say more can be done in America’s classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness, especially at the height of cold and flu season when more than half of school nurses, who were recently surveyed, send five or more sick children home each day. Here are some tips to help fight germs.


What’s In the Bottle? A Smart Shopper’s Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplement Labels
With so much information listed, a dietary supplement label can be difficult to decipher. Here are five important parts of the label the smart shopper should understand.


Gender’s Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs
We’re all familiar with the saying ”A stitch in time saves nine” -- in other words, take care of a problem when it first comes up so it won’t become overwhelming later on. Here are some tips to help you care for your health.


Are You Ready to Change Your Life?
Feel like there is something missing from your life? Do you ever hear yourself saying, “If only I could 'blank' or my spouse or child would 'blank?'" then you may benefit from The Mountain Experience, a unique personal growth program that, over the course of five days, teaches people how to overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.


 
Concerned About the Negative Side Effects of Oral Pain Relievers?
Ever taken ibuprofen or some other oral pain medication for deep joint pain or a back or shoulder ache, but then been concerned about the potential side effects? A viable alternative is to use a unique topical Ibuprofen cream like Ibunex that is used directly on the site of the injury instead.


Improving Air Quality Starts at Home
Air quality in the home is always important but there comes a time when it becomes more important than ever. If you’re planning to start a family, for instance, you want to make sure that during and after your pregnancy your air quality is as healthy as it can be.


Making Child’s Play Out of Staying Fit
When you were a kid, you probably did a little hula hooping during gym class. Back then you may have thought it was all fun and games and maybe a bit silly but turns out your gym teacher was on to something. Turns out hula hooping is good for you.


Drink Up the Thirst-Quenching Facts About Your Favorite Beverages
Summer is over and we're all resuming our busy schedules. As we race through our jam-packed days, it's even more important to make sure we are drinking enough fluids to maintain our energy and our good health. But with so many choices and so much news swirling around about what’s safe and what’s healthy, choosing the right beverages for you and your family can seem complicated.


Diet Foods Demystified: Add More Nutritional Punch to Eight Popular Diet Tactics
From salads and yogurts to cereals and sodas, grocery store shelves are lined with a myriad of products to help a person maintain and lose weight, control cravings and add vitamins and nutrients. But are all of these products healthy?


Are You Eating Enough Whole Foods?
Soaring numbers of people with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease are convincing us that it’s time to start eating healthier. Now the push is on to raise awareness about the benefits of whole foods, which include fruits, vegetables and grains that have had little to no processing. They are so good for you, the U.S.D.A. recommends Americans consume at least 12 servings of whole foods every day.


Time-saving Cooking Tips for Healthy and Delicious Meals
Our cooking habits have become rushed and as a result, our food and diets suffer. Whether it’s quickly running to the nearest fast food restaurant or casually throwing something in the oven, dinner is now viewed as more of a chore than a time to catch up with family and enjoy a delicious meal. Here are some healthy and time-saving ideas to help you enjoy great food in less time than you think...


More Americans Search Online for Health Information
From time to time, people experience medical situations, but the symptoms may not always be serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, so where are people turning for information? According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, eight million Americans search online for information regarding at least one health topic every day, and many are turning to MayoClinic.com.


A Hobby that Reduces Stress, Exercises Your Brain and is Fun at Any Age
Looking for a hobby that’s not only fun but great for your health? How about taking up music? According to studies conducted by NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, playing a musical instrument can increase memory, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and result in greater academic success.


Is Bird Flu a Real Threat?
When it comes to bird flu, Ebola fever, “mad cow” disease, SARS or any number of emerging health threats, it’s easy to get caught up in the furor and fear. But at the end of the day, a group of special scientists say, what’s really needed is common sense.


Schools Battle Rise in Staph Infections
Kids will be kids, and are likely to have skin contact with other children and get minor cuts while playing at home and at school. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children are at greater risk of contracting staph infection. The words “staph infection” used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Educate and protect yourself and your family today with these tips.


Ten-Year-Old Girl Running for President
If someone were to ask you who is running for President in 2008, lots of names would pop into your head, but have you heard of Susie Flynn? She has a single issue platform: America needs to offer health insurance to the 9 million children in this country who don’t have it.


Sorting Through the Sweetener Scene
With all the information -- and misinformation -- about sweeteners in the news and online, it’s very possible that you are one of many Americans who is confused about which ones are the healthiest to use.


New Research Helps Take Heartburn Out of Choosing Right Heartburn Treatment
For the more than 60 million people that suffer from heartburn each month in the U.S,* finding an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment option that is right for them can be a challenge.


Hispanics at Heightened Risk for High Cholesterol
Among people with high cholesterol, Hispanics are 36 percent less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have properly controlled cholesterol, which increases their risk for heart disease. Diseases of the heart and stroke are the leading cause of death for Latino/Hispanic Americans. There are a variety of ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.