In the United States, one of every 15 people will suffer from appendicitis. And those most likely to be affected are people between the ages of 10 and 30. So, is appendicitis an emergency? Yes. An inflamed appendix, if left untreated, can burst and release infectious materials inside your body. If these materials are released, it can lead to peritonitis - inflammation of your abdominal cavity - which can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics.
Just what causes appendicitis? It can be the result of an infection, cancer or blockage caused by stool.
It’s important you be aware of the various symptoms of appendicitis, particularly as appendicitis can often mimic the symptoms of other conditions such as a urinary tract infection, a gallbladder problem, ovarian pain, gastritis, a bladder infection or an infection within the intestines.
When it comes to healthy living — think moderation. That goes for your intake of dietary supplements as well. Vitamin D has been in the headlines a lot lately — touted as a possible preventative measure against everything from cancer and autism, to diabetes, heart disease and the flu. And recommendations for increased doses of Vitamin D have filled the press. Now, recent research from the Institute of Medicine indicates that Vitamin D supplements may not be as beneficial as recently assumed. And, further, too much Vitamin D over a sustained period of time may have negative effects. The Institute of Medicine panel also notes that they found no evidence of a national epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, contrary to earlier articles by American media. This article from NPR is worth a read — Medical Panel: Don’t Go Overboard on Vitamin D.
Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that antibiotics have little effect on ear infections, and for those who do take antibiotics, they are at a slight risk for developing rashes or diarrhea. It was also found that older and less expensive antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, work just as well as the more expensive and newer antibiotics.
This research is important - overuse of antibiotics is now considered one of the public’s most pressing health concerns. Increasingly, we’re seeing that bacteria have built up resistance to antibiotics - rendering some of the most common antibiotics useless in some cases.
It’s important to remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses - only bacteria. There are three different types of ear infections. Acute otitis media is often caused by bacteria, in which case antibiotics are useful. However, it can also be caused by a virus in which case an antibiotic will not work. Buildup of fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) is caused by a virus and thus antibiotics should not be used. On the other hand, Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) can be treated with antibiotics.
Ear infections are caused by germs, bacteria or viruses that enter your middle ear via the Eustachian tube connecting your throat and ears. This tube can become swollen and cause fluid to collect within the ear.
And, yes, ear infections can be quite painful - particularly for children. The best course of action is to visit your doctor to check on the severity of the infection. Your doctor can also provide you with ear drops that can numb the ear and relieve the pain. Pain relievers can be given to the child to reduce a fever and relieve any discomfort. But remember, never give a child aspirin. A warm washcloth applied to the ear can also help alleviate some discomfort. Yellow fluid leaking from the ear may indicate a burst eardrum. Don’t fear, the eardrum usually heals within two weeks.
For more information on the importance of limiting antibiotic treatment, visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart/.
Berries have long been credited with a variety of health benefits - but just how much of that is myth and fact? NPR shared an interesting report about the health benefits of cranberries and blueberries and the chemistry behind those benefits.
In a nutshell, some of the old lore surrounding berries does have some truth to it. While our ancestors may not have understood the “why” behind the health benefits of cranberries and blueberries, they were correct in their use of them.
- Cranberries can help prevent urinary tract infections. They have been found to keep bacteria from sticking to our cells.
- The berries are filled with beneficial vitamin C - which did prevent scurvy.
- The polyphenols in berries are great anti-oxidants, reducing the damage done to our tissues over time by oxygen.
- Anthocyanins, which make the berry blue or red, are credited with reducing inflammatory reactions. This can help in reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease or cancer.
- Blueberries may help you improve your memory. Scientists haven’t identified what makes that possible, but suspect it is the anthocyanins.
- Blueberries may help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help regulate blood sugars, thus lowering your risk for diabetes 2.
NPR shares some great blueberry and cranberry recipes as well. Enjoy.
Growing numbers of people suffer from lactose intolerance - experiencing nausea, cramps, bloating, gas or diarrhea when they eat dairy products. Lactose intolerance is caused when a person’s body doesn’t create enough lactase, the enzyme used to break down sugar (lactose) found in dairy products.
Most people with lactose intolerance do not need to completely eliminate dairy from their diets. Lactase enzyme replacement pills taken before a meal can help prevent or lessen symptoms brought on by eating dairy.
What else can you do to alleviate lactose intolerance symptoms?
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