Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
It's Flu Season again
Once again, the flu season is approaching. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Anyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine annually.
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and do not run errands when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from getting and spreading germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Flu Symptoms:
- High fever
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms such as nausea and vomitting
The Baltimore County Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at the following locations:
For additional information call 410-887-BCHD (2243) | ||
Date | Time | Location |
| Friday, September 23 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road - Main Parking Lot Baltimore, MD 21212 |
| Saturday, October 29 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Randallstown Community Center 3505 Resource Drive Baltimore, MD 21133 |
| Wednesday, November 2 | 1 to 7 p.m. | Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21212 |
Monday, February 28, 2011
For Your Health
During a recent church meeting, the side chat was about diabetes and eating healthy. Everyone knew the basics of diabetes and limiting sugar intake, but there were some questions about which foods were high in sugar or carbs (carbohydrates).
A little background information….
Carbohydrates are used as an energy source for the body. The body breaks them down into sugars which are used as fuel. Extra fuel is stored in the body and can be converted into fat. There are 2 types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in refined sugars like table sugar and other sweets. These sugars can also be found foods like milk and fruit. Complex carbohydrates are often referred to as starches. These can be found in grain products such as oatmeal, breads, pasta and rice. Many complex carbohydrates are naturally high in protein and fiber. Fiber helps with digestion.
Simple sugars are processed quickly by the body. Since the body uses them quickly, you are more likely to be hungry again soon and tend to eat more. Starches take longer to process and their fiber content makes you feel “full”. Since it takes longer to process starches, you tend to stay full and not eat as much.
It is recommended to consume about 300 grams of carbohydrates per day. This may vary according to weight and medical conditions including diabetes. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about your personal requirements.
Carbs found in common foods…..
Food | Serving Size | Carbs / serving |
Apple Juice | 1 cup | 29g |
Bread (White) | 1 slice | 12.5g |
Chocolate Cake (box recipe without frosting) | 1 slice | 50g |
Carbonated Beverage (Sodas which include ginger ale and colas) | 12 ounces | 30 – 41g |
Cereal (Ready to eat, sweetened and unsweetened) | Approx. 1 cup | 21-42g |
Cheese (American processed) | 1 slice ~ 1oz. | 2g |
French Fries (fast food) | Medium/regular | 53g |
Fish (Salmon) | 3oz | 0 |
Kale/Collard greens | 1 cup | 7g |
Milk (2%) | 1 cup | 11g |
Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts) | 1oz | 3-9g |
Pork (Bacon, ham without sauces or glaze) | 3oz | 0 |
Potato (Baked and plain) | 1 potato | 33g |
Spices (oregano, cinnamon, season salt, etc.) | 1 tsp. | <1 – 3g |
Yogurt (low fat with fruit) | 8oz | 43g |
Enjoy your carbs, but remember, just don’t overdo it.
Everything in moderation!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)