Asthma Tips

Don't Let Asthma Keep You Out of the Game

Getting regular physical activity can improve your breathing, and lead to fewer asthma attacks. Just remember to follow these tips.
(In fact, this is good advice for everyone, not just those with asthma.)
Ease into it.
Start your workout with a warm-up, and don't overdo it by running five miles on your first day if you get winded walking around the block! Finish up with a cool-down.
Take a buddy.
It's more fun and a friend can help if you get into trouble.
Respect your bod.Stay away from the things that trigger your asthma. Help out your airways by breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. Take it easy on days when your asthma symptoms are really bugging you. And stick to the medicine routine that your doctor has set up.
Take breaks.
Treat yourself to rest and drink plenty of water.
Mix it up.
For example, try going inline skating one day and taking a long walk the next.

Feel GoodTo feel your best, do the right stuff to control your asthma. And listen to your doctors — they're on your team!

According to Dr. Stephen Redd, an asthma expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with asthma "should expect to live a life that really isn't affected by asthma, except for having to follow the directions." He also says to speak up if you are having symptoms, and remember to "keep a good attitude and keep working to control the disease."

(Wanna read the full disease detective profile?) So, get out there and get moving! With good habits and today's medicines, you can go for the gold — or just join your friends on the basketball court, in the pool, on the dance floor...

Need more proof?

See what a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asthma expert has to say.
Read about the American Lung Association.

You May Read this Full "Care Tips" Article Here...

Mumps Virus

Daily HealthBeat Tip

It’s mumps!

Mumps has been spreading in some states in the Midwest, notably Iowa, among people 18 to 25 years old. Mostly, the virus causes conditions such as fever, headache and swollen glands. Rarely, it can lead to more serious problems such as deafness and meningitis. Death is a possibility.
People can get immunized against mumps, in a two-shot series that also covers measles and rubella. The shots usually are given in childhood. Vaccination is about 80 percent effective after one shot, and 90 percent after two.
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Julie Gerberding:
"Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps, but it does take two doses to have the best protection. If you're not sure your vaccinations are up to date, please check with your doctor."

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

You May Read this Full "Care Tips" Article Here...

Arthritis in Motion

Daily HealthBeat Tip

Working the joints!!

People who have arthritis need to keep their joints in motion – staying active helps to reduce their pain and slows the progression of the disease. But research finds people often don’t.
Jennifer Hootman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed CDC survey data.
The study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found people with arthritis are less active than those without arthritis. And 44 percent of people with arthritis don’t get any physical activity.
Hootman says they should get at least 30 minutes a day, at least three times a week, of activity that’s easy on the joints – maybe in 10-minute segments.
"And this makes it easier for people with arthritis to do because they can do 10 minutes and not get their joints inflamed, and later on in the day do another 10 minutes, and so on."

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

You May Read this Full "Care Tips" Article Here...

Headaches in Kids

Daily HealthBeat Tip

Headaches in kids can be signs of trouble.

Researcher Tara Strine of HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at parents' reports in 2003 of whether their children had frequent or severe headaches. Her study was in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal, Pediatrics.
Kids with headaches were more likely to have emotional and social problems including trouble concentrating and getting along with other kids. And headaches were common:
"Six-point-seven percent, or approximately 3.7 million children, experienced frequent or severe headaches in the past 12 months."
Strine says professional help is a wise choice. Kids also can talk with parents or, if not a parent, school counselors, about stresses in their lives. And kids can do some things themselves – among them, deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
Strine added that there are some things that children can do themselves to ease the pain of frequent or severe headaches:
A: "We encourage children to engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation and meditation. These tools have been found to be effective treatment for reoccurring headaches."

You May Read this Full "Care Tips" Article Here...