Guide to Hypothermia

All of you ice-fishers, skiers, and snow-mobilers out there, listen up: if you’re going to be enjoying your favorite winter sports as much as possible, it will help to learn about the possible risks and dangers to the wintry outdoors. Having more knowledge will only help you feel more confident, relaxed, and prepared when you finally head out into the cold.

One fundamental aspect of knowing the risks of being out in the cold is knowing about hypothermia. Hypothermia, simply put, is the condition your body enters when it loses too much heat to your environment and can’t replace the heat. Here are some much-needed facts to keep in mind:

First, know your stages. There are three stages to hypothermia, and being aware of the symptoms will help you know when it’s time to head back inside.

• Stage 1 – Your body drops a degree or two Celsius below its normal temperature. You’ll notice Stage 1 when you start shivering and your hands, numb, won’t be able to perform the tasks they normally would. Your blood vessels are starting to constrict, limiting the use of your extremities, and goose bumps might form.
• Stage 2 – You’ll know when you’re entering Stage 2 because of a “warming” feeling (as if you’re warming back up but are still in the cold) and cannot touch your thumb to your little finger. In Stage 2, your body temperature has dropped 2-4 degrees Celsius from your normal temperature and your extremities might start turning blue.
• Stage 3 – If you haven’t gotten inside at the first signs of Stage 1, your body will be less able to move you around. Someone in Stage 3 Hypothermia is now at their limits, and more of their body might turn blue as cellular functions shut down, eventually leading to organ failure.

Hypothermia is not a pretty thing, but being educated about the changes your body goes through will help you to keep “warm” strategies when you’re outdoors. Always be on the lookout for signs of Stage 1, and once you experience them, find warm shelter immediately. This is one reason you’ll want to stay close to the indoors as much as possible – the deeper you go into Hypothermia, the less you’ll be able to move yourself.

Don’t let the fear of Hypothermia ruin your fun. Just know the symptoms so that you can make adjustments, keep yourself warmer, and make sure not to stray far from a source of heat that will warm your entire body – like a heated building. If you can stay warm enough to avoid shivering and not experience any numbness in your fingers in toes, you should feel free to enjoy the winter.

Photo Credit: ap.

So while I’ve been sitting on the couch, I’ve been thinking about how handy it is to have this sick bag beside me. It’s small purse-like thing, about 5″x7″ and 1″ deep. We usually use it to bring on vacation, so we know we don’t have to pay full price for just a couple of pills.

So what’s in my sick bag? Glad you asked… (Of course, I buy the generics of everything, because it’s cheaper, but I’ll include the most recognizable brand name.)

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – 24 pills takes up almost no space. And unlike phenylephrine it actually works.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Good for allergies, runny noses, and falling asleep. This a staple for whenever I travel.
• Ibuprofen (Motrin) – Good all around pain killer, good for muscles.
• Loratadine (Claritin) – I’m really allergic to cats. With this in my system, I can play with cats all day. It’s different than the Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because I can actually stay awake to play with them.
• Simethicone (Gas-X) – Gas isn’t much fun. This will help take care of that.
• Ranitidine (Zantac) – Reduce the acid in your stomach with this.
• Calcium Carbonate (Tums) – Surprisingly pairs well with Ranitidine above. It works almost instantly. Plus extra calcium – what’s gotta be wrong with that?!?!
• Loperamide (Imodium) – Good for those times that things aren’t just coming out right.
• Docusate Sodium (Colace) – See Loperamide – but just the opposite. Don’t take both and let them fight it out… I imagine it would be fun.
• Lozenges – A good combination of Cepracol and menthol lozenges
• Neosporin – Good for any cuts that arise.
• Bandages – A no-brainer for any kind of sick kit.

That’s about all that I have in my

One of the more interesting studies was recently conducted at the University of California Irvine. It showed that keeping your mind active while you were young can actually prevent Alzheimer’s disease in the future. In this study mice were used and they were tested throughout their lives from the age of two months through 18 months of age. The study focused on training specific mice to do tasks such as swimming to a specific spot in the tank. The other group was not taught the task was just allowed to swim without having to do anything else.

In the group that was trained to do that specific activity the study found that their brains did not have as much plaque as the mice that were not trained. According to one of the researchers, Kim Green, this shows that learning new things while the mind is still young can help prevent deterioration and plaque buildup which is believed to be responsible for many of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. More studies need to be done of course, but this does seem to indicate that exercising the mind is as important as exercising the body.

In the September issue of the American Journal of Medicine a study was published that showed drinking fruit and vegetable juices may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. In this study one group drank at least three servings of fruit and vegetable juices a day while the other group had less than one a week. The study showed that those who have the juice more frequently lowered their risk for developing Alzheimer’s by more than 76%.

More than 1800 people were studied over the course of 10 years for this project. While the study did take into effect other factors that can impact Alzheimer’s, the results were startling in the group that did drink fruit juices and vegetable juices more often. There are many different theories as to why this happened, but the researchers feel that it may have something to do with the vitamins that are contained in those fruit juices. Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A may play a part in helping reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

The researchers were quick to point out that more research is necessary to determine whether or not these juices may actually help but in the meantime it certainly doesn’t hurt to add more of these juices to your diet.

We may never understand exactly why Alzheimer’s strikes but by keeping your mind active and getting the right vitamins, you may have a greater chance of avoiding this terrible disease.

Breast Cancer month is no excuse to eat too many cookies

As you know may or may not know each October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s shamefully poor that October is almost over and I haven’t written about it. Anyway, the purpose it to help to raise funds to fight breast cancer. The bulk of the funds raised goes towards pharmaceutical cures rather than prevention itself. The primary causes of breast cancer seem to be nutritional deficiencies, exposure to environmental toxicity, dominating estrogen and the breakdown in genetic integrity and immunity. Billions of dollars are raised and offered towards a cure for breast cancer each year. While that’s definitely one step, I’ve read that the turmeric plant, cabbage, and other things that are available without a prescription may be huge factors that aid in actual prevention of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 200,000 reported cases of breast cancer this year. The number of reported cases is rising every year (as you might exact since our population is expanding each year). However, for some reason, there are also many people who do not take this disease seriously. There are some women who have gone years without an examination, which is just asking for trouble. If they develop breast cancer in the meantime, it will clearly not qualify as an “early detection” and it could be fatal for them. Women should become aware of the typical symptoms of breast cancer and be sure to see your doctor if any of those symptoms occur. For women, a checkup should be planned at least once every 2 years, and over age 40, at least every year. You may want to have exams more often if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, although studies to date are inconclusive as to whether or not breast cancer can be termed hereditary. There’s really no excuse for skipping an exam. I used to offer them for free, but since I got married, my wife hasn’t exactly supported that practice. Then again, I’m not exactly qualified to give a proper exam .

Breast cancer can be said to be one of the oldest known types of cancer in humans. Breast cancer affects women of all ages. That is why it is important to know about breast cancer signs and what action should be taken if you experience any of them. While you may experience symptoms of breast cancer, only a doctor can make the diagnosis that for sure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. A lump, one which does not feel like the surrounding tissue, is often the first of several breast cancer signs.

Because early detection is so important, you may want to do regular self exams. If you pay attention to breast cancer signs, you can have any symptoms checked early on, and the sooner you are diagnosed, the more likely you are to beat it. Besides a lump, some of the other breast cancer signs to look out for include changes in the sizes or shape of the breast, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or a nipple that is inverted or that has discharge coming out of it. Your doctor should be made aware of any such signs and changes as soon as possible. What you need to do is to see your doctor, give him the chance to evaluate your symptoms, find out exactly what is causing your symptoms. All you have to do is get yourself checked out.

Photo Credit: DawnsRecipes

Then, on a trip to Australia last month, I found it! Beach Hut makes a Hair and Scalp Sunscreen. My wife and I immediately bought out the stock (yes all four of them) at $10 a piece. When searched online, I found that the sunscreen could be bought in the US at Circle K’s. Hey there are Circle K’s near where I live. I couldn’t be happier…

…Until I got back to the United States. I found out that my big find wasn’t so big. Banana Boat was busy ignoring my e-mail about their similar products… and then they released one, Sport Body and Scalp Sunscreen. It was available nearly everywhere I looked… and was only $5. I have used a few times and it works as well as the older Banana Boat stuff. In fact it’s got twice the SPF and works well on skin (not just hair and scalp), making it an all around great sunscreen.

If you have a chance and have thinner hair, I highly recommend picking some up.

Our homes are our castles, but few of us realize just how many dangers may be lurking there. If you are not taking steps to monitor your home’s air quality and looking for potential problem areas, you can end up suffering from a host of different maladies. For people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems, many of these symptoms may actually be caused from irritants within your home. Here are five common health hazards that every home owner needs to be aware of.

1. Radon. This is a very serious issue for many, particularly in areas where this a high concentration of uranium in the soil. The only way to know if you have radon present in your home is to purchase a test kit and sample the air. The good news is that there are radon remediation companies that can assist you if there are harmful levels of radon in your home.
2. Black Mold and Regular Mold. While all mold is bad, black mold is particularly harmful to humans and pets. If you have damp areas in your home, or there is a problem with drainage, you are running the risk of creating the ideal breeding ground for mold. Even areas that are very dry can still have homes with mold overgrowth. Mildew is a related problem for many, particularly in crawl spaces and bathrooms where ventilation is poor. Here is an entire post of how to handle mold in the home.
3. Dust Mites. These nasty little creatures are pretty much going to be an inevitable problem for any home, but the rub comes from having too many. If you are finding that your allergies are worse than ever, or you suddenly have breathing problems, these little critters may be the culprit. It is necessary to install dust mite proof bedding and vacuum frequently if you have been overrun with dust mites. There are specialists available in most areas that will be able to assist you in testing your home for dust mites and coming up with a solution.
4. Lead Paint. This is a definite problem in older homes, but it may also be an issue with furniture and even toys that you bring into your home. If you know for a fact that your home has lead paint, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a removal company. You should never attempt to remove lead paint on your own or without protective gear. These particles are very harmful if you breathe them in and can create lasting health problems.
5. Asbestos. Even though the big asbestos scares of the 1980’s and 1990’s have died down, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have this harmful form of insulation in your home. If your home was built prior to 1975, it is a very good idea to get your house inspected for asbestos. This was also a common insulator used in old appliances, so be wary of fixing any of these on your own. Asbestos should only be removed by professionals due to its potential to cause life threatening lung conditions.

With diligence and proper testing, you can rest easy knowing that your home is free of these harmful contaminants. For further reading please see my post a beginners guide to home inspections.

If you are interested purchasing various tools for you DIY projects please consider starting your shopping at the Handyman Fix Home Repair stores: Hardware Store, Garden Store, and Discount Appliances

Let’s start with where you are sitting. Your chair is very important. If you’re not using the right one, it may be affecting your posture. Try to find a chair that is rated for your activity. For example, someone that works at a data entry job is going to need a chair that allows for sitting for longer periods in comfort. The backs on these chairs are typically lower and it should not have arms. A manager will also need a different type of chair.

Check with your office supply company to see what kind of chairs they offer. If your company will allow it, you may be able to test out several different models until you find the one that will provide you with the best foundation for good posture. Most companies offer a 30 day money back guarantee, so your company will only have to pay for the chair that you keep. If you suffer from chronic neck and back pain, this may be the best solution.

I have this crazy sitting posture where I actually sit on one of my legs. It’s horrible and a habit I’m trying to break. How do you sit? Do you sit hunched over or are you straining to look up. You may need to adjust the height of your chair. If you cannot make it taller, you may be able to get a seat cushion that will lift you up appropriately. I’ve read that your eyes should be level with the top of the monitor.

You can also work on posture exercises while you’re working. Try to imagine a string that is connected from your belly button through the top of your head. Pull that string upwards and feel your body straightening up. Your shoulders should be slightly back and your head should be upright. You should immediately feel relief, especially in your lower back. Whenever you catch yourself slumping, try this to correct it. After time, you’ll be able to train yourself out of slumping.

Lastly, there are specific exercises that you can do away from work that will improve your posture. A lat pull down with a cable machine is the best for strengthening your neck and back muscles. You should be gripping the bar at a little wider that the width of your shoulders. Lean back slightly and make sure that your torso is straight. Pull the bar down and return it for about eight to ten repetitions. Another idea is to get a Wii Fit as it has some posture exercises. The best plan yet is to see an ergonomics expert – I’m certainly not one. Keep working at it and soon you’ll have perfect posture and a problem free back.

Photo Credit: Terry Bain

The study was conducted with 115 women and originally was focusing on how exercising can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, in the control group where they were not exercising, the study found that these patients came down with several colds. Those that were exercising did not. To make it even more interesting, the study was being conducted at the height of cold season when it is very easy to catch a cold.

Those that were part of the exercise group were exercised around thirty minutes per day, while the other group did virtually no exercise. It is believed that the immune system was stimulated by the extra activity and began producing more white blood cells. These are often the first line of defense against common colds. It was a pretty easy link to make and it is believed that exercise may be beneficial for preventing numerous types of disease.

Since most of the participants kept their exercise light, often walking, the link was made that walking may actually be the key to preventing the common cold. Dr. Cornelia Ulrich, the lead author of the study commented, “The enhanced immunity was strongest in the final quarter of the year-long exercise intervention. This suggests that when it comes to preventing colds, it’s really important to stick with exercise long-term. In everybody this level of aerobic exercise has been recommended for a number of health outcomes. The women also lost a bit of weight and fresh air could go some way to helping strengthen the immune system.”

Ulrich’s colleagues were intrigued by the findings, but have stated that further research will be necessary to determine whether this link is truly present. In the meantime, proper exercise can benefit anyone, regardless of whether they are trying to lose weight or avoid colds. The key is finding the right balance of activity and making sure that you never exercise when you are already sick.

In addition to proper exercise, find the right diet plan and eating healthy foods can also help you prevent many common diseases. Until it is proven that walking reduces colds, you can try your own study to see if it helps you. Try exercising for at least thirty minutes a day during the next round of cold season and keep a log to see if you get any colds during that period. Chances are, you’ll feel better and you may find that you are getting healthier as well as preventing disease. Since there aren’t many options when it comes to preventing colds, this may be the best bet for many years to come.

Photo Credit: Mussels

For this review, I chose the Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer with SPF 45 from this line. There are a few others, such as hand cream, but I decided on this all purpose moisturizer since it had a broader appeal. First off, the texture of the product is quite nice. It’s not chalky like a lot of sunscreen moisturizers and it didn’t flake off once it was applied.

The Helioplex term refers to the Neutrogena’s use of both Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, which are approved by the FDA for blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Since these are both quite dangerous, it’s nice to see a sunscreen combine both. Typically, Avobenzone can do the job, but doesn’t hold up well after a few hours or so in sunlight. By adding Oxybenzone, the protection will last longer and you’ll have more luck at blocking all of the harmful rays.

It actually feels and functions like a moisturizer which was surprising considering the amount of SPF. With a lot of similar products, you feel like you’re actually drying out right after you apply it, so this was a pleasant surprise. The product didn’t ball up either, which was another bonus. There is a bit of a fragrance, but it’s more of a generic sunscreen smell. It was decent and non-threatening so it passed this test. A lot of moisturizers in this category smell like a garden hothouse in summer, so I was pleased that this had a neutral scent. Plus, my wife really hates the typical sunscreen smell.

My main issue with this product was that it was not waterproof. If you are a heavy sweater or you will be in the water, you’re going to need to frequently reapply. Given the overall price for the product, this may get expensive for some buyers, especially if you are very active.

All of this aside, what is really important is whether or not the sunscreen works. I found that it held up well and reduced burning significantly, even on fair skin. The biggest improvement was a reduction in freckling and that sun baked wrinkle look. It does well on its own and my wife said it worked under makeup. It is a little pricey, especially for someone as frugal as me. However, at the end of the day, it did the job and protected our skin. When compared to similar department store or higher end moisturizers, it performed just as well at about half the cost. We would definitely purchase it again and recommend it for those that aren’t worried about reapplying.

• Chili Peppers – These hot little numbers are rich in capsaicin, an ingredient which has been found to reduce pain. However, these peppers may also be beneficial in preventing stomach cancers as well as many other forms of cancer. The best peppers are those that are red in color, but there may be some benefits from eating jalapenos as well.
• Garlic – Garlic is one of the world’s oldest antibiotics and although it has a mighty smell, it also has some mighty health benefits. It contains allium compounds, which have been found to prevent several different types of cancer. Diallyl Sulfide is one of these compounds and the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina found that it can be beneficial in preventing colon and stomach cancers. However, the benefits are only found with fresh garlic, not supplements. Read more about the health benefits of garlic.
• Broccoli – This cruciferous vegetable is incredibly good for your health and contains many antioxidants such as lutein. This may be the key in preventing prostate and other cancers.
• Mushrooms – Shitake and reishi mushrooms have been the focus of many studies and researchers have found that there are many benefits from eating them. Polysaccharides are found in mushrooms and may play in an important part in the reduction of cancer risks.
• Soy – The phytoestrogens in soy have been the subject of a lot of controversy over the years, but the research still shows that it is beneficial in preventing many different forms of cancer. It shrinks blood vessels and may actually be able to prevent breast cancer. It is best to keep your intake of soy to a minimum, having no more than four to five servings a day for the best results. Even adding a little soy every once in awhile to your diet can produce big results.
• Green Tea – This tea is being touted as a new wonder drug, but it’s actually been in use for thousands of years. The tea contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that build up the immune system and reduce the risk of disease. Cellular Biochemistry released a report in 2001 which showed that green tea may also prevent stomach, lung and colon cancer.

If you’re wondering how to get all of these foods into your diet, you may have noticed that what we’ve listed could all be made into one stir fry dish. If you are as Lazy as I am, that’s one very easy fix that you could add to your diet once a week or even twice a week.

Photo Credit: MC MasterChef