Mosquito Bites

What are mosquito bites? Why do they itch? How can you get rid of them? These are common questions for a common issue. Most everyone has suffered from mosquito bites in their lives.

Mosquito bites are generally harmless. They appear as pale, itchy bumps on the skin. They become pink or red once scratched, and may only begin to itch two days after the bite. They can result in an allergic reaction, which can cause hives, swelling of the throat and wheezing. In rarer cases, mosquitos can transmit dangerous diseases, which must be treated immediately. If fever, severe headaches, confusion, one-sided weakness of the body, nausea or vomiting occur as a result of mosquito bites, consult a doctor.

These bites are caused by female mosquitos. They itch because while sucking your blood, the mosquito deposits saliva into your system. The saliva contains proteins that often trigger your immune system, resulting in the bump and itchiness.

Scratching the skin can cause infections, and will increase the irritating feeling. Instead, try rinsing the areas with warm water and soap, and applying a hydro-cortisone or antihistamine cream or calamine lotion. Oral antihistamines are also effective at eliminating mosquito bite symptoms.

Healthy Snacks Part II

whole-grainsThe more hectic your schedule the easier it is to indulge in getting a quick bite without thinking about how healthy it is. Ironically, the busier your schedule the more important it is to eat healthy snacks to keep your energy level up and keep your body running like the fine-tuned machine that it can be.  This is especially true if you are young and growing fast. You need the best nutrients available. The best to way to get them is by eating a lot of small meals throughout the day. Make them healthy snacks. Here’s how.

Always go for the most complex carbohydrates that you can find. Stay away from simple carbs like sugar. Complex means whole grains, veggies and fruit, in that order.  Eat your whole grains with protein rich foods like low-fat cheeses, yogurt or peanut butter. Watch out for products that advertise themselves as ‘natural.’ This is a catch-word that is only on the package to make a sale. Look on the label for trans-fats, a very unhealthy additive to many processed foods. Another trick food producers use is to take away the fat, but add extra sugar to make up for the loss in taste.

Staying healthy with a good diet can be a challenge. But when you see the results of good health, high alertness, and weight control, you will be thankful you did it.

Medication Heists on the Rise

The U.S. freight security consultancy FreightWatch reported that $5 million-worth of prescription drugs have been stolen from trucks and warehouses in 41 incidents during 2010.

The increased demand for expensive pharmaceuticals in the wake of the economic recession, especially by those who lack medical insurance to pay for their drugs,  has helped make medication shipments a prime target for organized crime.

“There is a steady rise in value and volume,” explained a director at FreightWatch. “Thieves steal what the consumer wants to buy, with so much pharma advertising and people seeking to save money and purchase drugs cheaply.”

Earlier this month, Kentucky robbers stole millions of dollars of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s prescription medications from an unmarked truck en route to Canada during the driver’s 15-minute break.

This followed in the wake of a robbery from the Eli Lilly warehouse in Connecticut last spring, in which the thieves stole a record $76-million-worth of medications.

The FDA says that these robberies pose a threat to the public health, as patients have reported adverse reactions after taken stolen drugs that had not been stored or handled properly. They ordered pharmaceutical companies to increase their security and to cooperate with them in apprehending the criminals.

Healthy Snacks Part I

Staying healthy is not always a simple thing. Most people begin their healthy eating habits journey by making sure that they have three healthy meals each day. We try to include foods from all the famous food groups in our meals, eating whole grains, plenty of vegetable and fruit, not too much protein and a limited amount of foods from animals. Once we get this type of eating into our lives and make it a habit, we usually see results. We feel better, and look better. Combined with a nice chunk of exercise we might even be able to loose and control our weights. One thing that can enter into the equation and sabotage the entire operation are between meal snacks.

It is all too easy to stroll over to a vending machine and get some kind of fast food which is nothing but junk, but what can you do? You’re a little hungry and need a mid-morning boost, and you just don’t feel like having another cup of coffee. Having a little snack seems harmless. It’s small, and fast, and yummy.

Read Part 2 of this article for some ideas on what to do when you want to reach for something for your mouth to do for a little bit of mid meal energy.

Winter Health Tips

Staying healthy during the winter can be tough. The cold, wet days encourage the growth of disease-causing bacteria and viruses, which are then spread easily while people remain cooped up inside, without much fresh air. The early sunsets and rainy days can also cause winter depression, which is common in people who lack vitamin D, a substance which our bodies produce with the help of sunlight. Here are a few tips to stay healthy this season:

1. Consult your doctor about the flu shot. Perhaps you should just protect yourself from this inconvenient illness before the season really kicks in.

2. Make sure to wash your hands regularly. Don’t put your hands near your face throughout the day unless you are sure they are clean. Viruses and bacteria can live for hours on doorknobs, sink handles, pencils and more. You may want to consider carrying a hand sanitizer in your purse. Encourage your children to do the same.

3. Do not share cups or other utensils with others, even if they seem healthy. Most illnesses are contagious twenty four hours before the first symptoms take effect.

4. Keep warm. The cold, humid conditions in your body which are caused by the weather are ideal for unhealthy bacteria. Make sure to keep your chest warm and dry at all times to avoid sicknesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, the common cold and even the flu. A scarf can also help you avoid these illnesses.

5. Make sure not to take antibiotics without direct permission from a doctor. You may assume that you have a bacterial illness such as strep throat, but if you don’t, taking antibiotics will make it worse. The medication will destroy other types of bacteria in your body, which as a result will strengthen the virus or fungus that is causing your disease. Your body contains thousands of microorganisms, and that is how it should be. These help your metabolism, immune system and more.

6. Drink orange juice or other juices containing vitamin C. This vitamin helps strengthen your immune system.

7. Exercise. The cold weather often discourages people from doing any sort of physical activity during the winter. This is very bad for your body. Exercise can increase circulation, improve the mood and boost the immune system. Of course, it can also help you stay in shape so you’ll be ready for the beach when the summer hits.