Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s a dull, persistent ache or sharp, sudden discomfort, back pain, like shoulder pain, can significantly impact your daily life and well-being.

Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to help manage and alleviate back pain. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, prevention, and practical methods for dealing with back pain effectively.

Understanding the Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can result from various factors, and understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Some common causes of back pain include:

Muscle Strain: Overexertion or improper lifting techniques can strain the muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to pain.

Herniated Disc: A herniated or ruptured disc can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing sharp, shooting pain.

Sciatica: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often resulting in pain radiating down one leg.

Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic back pain due to joint inflammation.

Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and discomfort.

Poor Posture: Maintaining an improper posture over time can strain the back muscles and contribute to chronic pain.

Preventing Back Pain

Prevention is often the best strategy when it comes to back pain. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

Maintain Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing, or lifting. Use ergonomic chairs and desks to support your spine while working.

Exercise Regularly: Engage in activities that strengthen your core muscles, such as yoga, Pilates, and low-impact aerobic exercises. A strong core provides essential support for your back. Your doctor can give you a list of helpful exercises upon request.

Lift Properly: When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees, not your back, and keep the load close to your body. Avoid twisting while lifting.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put added stress on your back. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of back pain.

Stay Active: Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity. If you have a sedentary job, take regular breaks to stretch and walk around.

Managing Back Pain

If you’re already experiencing back pain, here are some strategies to help manage and alleviate it:

Rest: Give your back some time to heal by resting in a comfortable position. However, avoid prolonged bed rest, as it can lead to muscle stiffness.

Ice and Heat: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, while heat therapy can relax tense muscles. Alternate between ice and heat for 20-30 minutes at a time.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief. Always follow the recommended dosage guidelines to avoid abuse.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a tailored exercise and stretching program to improve your back’s strength and flexibility.

Massage and Chiropractic Care: Some people find relief through massage therapy or chiropractic adjustments, which can help alleviate muscle tension and realign the spine.

Prescription Medications: In severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications or muscle relaxants.

Injections and Surgery: For more serious conditions, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, injections or surgery may be necessary. These options should be discussed with a medical professional.

Seek Professional Help

If your back pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult with an experienced pain management specialist. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

Conclusion

Dealing with back pain can be challenging, but with the right strategies and preventive measures, you can reduce its impact on your life. Remember to maintain good posture, exercise regularly, and seek professional guidance when needed. By taking a proactive approach to your back health, you can improve your quality of life and find relief from the discomfort of back pain.

Today, we’re talking about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD for short. Understanding ASD is essential, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone interested in learning more. In this article, we’ll cover what ASD is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments are available.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a condition that affects how a person interacts with the world around them. The doctors have a book called the DSM-5 that lays out what to look for to diagnose ASD. Two main areas show signs:

• Social Communication and Interaction: Here, a person might have trouble with things like talking to people, making eye contact, or understanding facial expressions.
• Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Interests: In this area, someone might do the same thing over and over again or be really, really interested in just one or two topics.

When we say “spectrum,” we mean that ASD affects different people in different ways. Some people might have mild symptoms, while others might have more severe challenges.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder are still not entirely understood, but ongoing research suggests it’s a combination of several factors. These are some of the primary factors thought to contribute to the risk of developing ASD:

Genetic Predispositions

While no single “autism gene” has been discovered, research shows that families with one child with ASD are at a higher risk of having another child with the condition. Genetic mutations and abnormalities in several genes are often seen in individuals with ASD. However, genetics alone can’t explain all cases, pointing to a more complex interaction between genes and the environment.

Environmental Factors

Some studies suggest that factors like exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy, or experiencing high levels of stress, could potentially contribute to ASD. However, these are areas of active investigation, and nothing is definitive yet.

Parental Age at Time of Conception

Some research has shown a link between older parental age, particularly the age of the mother, and a higher risk of a child being born with ASD. While this is a point of active research, it’s important to note that most children of older parents do not develop ASD.

Preterm Birth

Being born prematurely, specifically before 26 weeks of gestation, has also been identified as a risk factor for ASD. Early birth can lead to various complications, including developmental issues that might contribute to ASD symptoms.

Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight has been correlated with a higher incidence of ASD, although the direct link is still not fully understood. Like preterm birth, low birth weight can lead to other complications that could possibly contribute to ASD.

Current Research and Hypotheses

With advances in medical research, several new hypotheses are being explored:

• The role of the microbiome: Some researchers are looking into how gut bacteria might affect brain development.
• Immune system factors: There is ongoing research to determine whether immune system abnormalities might play a role in ASD.
• Neurological development: Studies are looking into how the brain develops in the womb and early childhood to better understand the origins of ASD.

Treatment and Interventions for ASD

When it comes to treating Autism Spectrum Disorder, one thing becomes abundantly clear: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each individual with ASD is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. That said, there are several approaches commonly used to help manage the symptoms and challenges associated with ASD.

Overview of Why There is No “One-Size-Fits-All” Treatment

Because ASD is a spectrum disorder, each individual will have their own unique set of challenges and strengths. Some might have difficulties with social interactions but excel in academic subjects, while others might struggle with day-to-day activities. This diversity necessitates a personalized approach to treatment.

Behavioral Therapies

One of the most common types of intervention is behavioral therapy. These therapies aim to reinforce positive behaviors and minimize harmful or disruptive behaviors. Techniques can include reward systems, visual aids, and structured environments to help individuals with ASD understand and navigate social situations better.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is a widely-used behavioral therapy. It involves breaking down desired behaviors into smaller, learnable steps and rewarding positive behavior. ABA has been shown to be particularly effective in teaching social skills, reducing problem behavior, and improving academic performance.

Speech and Occupational Therapy

Speech therapy helps improve communication skills, while occupational therapy aims to improve the motor skills needed for everyday living, like dressing, eating, and handwriting.

Medication Options

While there’s no medication that treats ASD directly, medications like antipsychotics or antidepressants can help manage associated symptoms like irritability or aggression.

Social Skills Training

This involves structured learning of social norms and behaviors, often done in a group setting. For example, a child may be taught how to initiate and sustain conversations or how to interpret facial expressions.

Parent-Involved Interventions

Parents play a crucial role in any treatment plan. They can reinforce behavioral therapies at home, be involved in social skills training, and even administer some forms of therapy themselves under professional guidance.

Importance of Personalized Treatment Plans

It’s crucial to work with healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that meets the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. This could involve a combination of therapies, medication, and educational interventions, adjusted over time as needs and situations change.

Conclusion

At Genome Health Solutions, we know the field of ASD research is continually evolving, and each new study brings us closer to understanding this complex condition. Public discourse and personal experiences also contribute to this growing body of knowledge. Therefore, it’s important that we keep the conversation going—whether you’re a healthcare provider, a parent, an educator, or someone who is neurodiverse, your voice matters.

Let’s keep pushing for more research, better interventions, and a society that’s inclusive and accepting of everyone, including those on the autism spectrum.

When it comes to our health, finding a good doctor is of paramount importance. The quality of care we receive greatly depends on the expertise, empathy, and professionalism of our healthcare providers. However, with a myriad of options available, choosing the right doctor can be a daunting task.

In this article, we will outline a step-by-step guide to help you find a good doctor who meets your needs and ensures excellent healthcare outcomes.

Define Your Needs

The first step in finding a good doctor is to assess your needs and expectations. Consider your medical history, any chronic conditions you may have, and the type of care you require. Are you looking for a general practitioner, a specialist, or a particular healthcare service? By clearly defining your needs, you can narrow down your search and focus on doctors who specialize in the relevant field.

Seek Recommendations

One of the most reliable ways to find a good doctor is through personal recommendations. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for their experiences and recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on their firsthand experiences, helping you identify doctors who have a positive reputation for delivering quality care.

Online reviews are another great place to go for information that can help you make a decision. If most of the reviewers had positive experiences, the doctor’s rating will reflect that. Likewise, if the doctor receives lots of complaints, it will likely show in the reviews. Any doctor that uses a healthcare SEO agency should be easy to find online.

Choosing a Primary Care Physician

Research and Check Credentials

Once you have a list of recommended doctors, conduct thorough research to evaluate their credentials and expertise. Verify their educational background, board certifications, and affiliations with reputable medical websites and organizations. Online platforms such as state medical board websites and physician directories can provide information on a doctor’s licensure, disciplinary history, and any malpractice claims.

Consider Experience and Specialization

Experience is an important factor when selecting a doctor. Find out how long the doctor has been practicing and inquire about their experience in treating conditions similar to yours. Additionally, consider their specialization. Specialists possess advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas, ensuring specialized care tailored to your needs.

Assess Communication and Bedside Manner

Effective communication is crucial in the doctor-patient relationship. Look for a doctor who actively listens, explains medical conditions and treatment options clearly, and encourages questions. A good doctor should show empathy, respect, and the ability to make you feel comfortable discussing your health concerns.

Evaluate Hospital Affiliations

If you require hospital care or specialized procedures, consider the doctor’s affiliations with hospitals or medical centers. Research the quality of care provided at those facilities and ensure they have a good reputation for patient outcomes and safety standards. A doctor with affiliations to reputable institutions can provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and a network of specialists.

Assess Accessibility and Convenience

Practical considerations such as the doctor’s location, office hours, and availability are important factors to consider. Evaluate the distance you are willing to travel, the accessibility of public transportation, and the doctor’s availability for appointments. Additionally, inquire about the doctor’s policy on after-hours care, emergency situations, and the availability of telemedicine options, if relevant.

Consult with Multiple Doctors

To make an informed decision, it is advisable to consult with multiple doctors. Schedule initial appointments to meet and interview potential doctors. Discuss your medical history, concerns, and treatment approach. This will provide an opportunity to gauge their compatibility, expertise, and level of interest in your healthcare needs.

Consider Insurance Coverage

If you have health insurance, review your policy to determine the doctors and healthcare providers included in your network. Selecting an in-network doctor will help you minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Contact your insurance company or check their online provider directory to confirm the coverage details.

Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, trust your instincts. Pay attention to how you feel during the initial consultation with the doctor. Do you feel heard, respected, and confident in their abilities? Your comfort and trust in the doctor play a significant role in establishing a successful doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusion

Finding a good doctor is a crucial step in ensuring quality healthcare. By defining your needs, seeking recommendations, researching credentials, evaluating experience and specialization, assessing communication skills, considering hospital affiliations and convenience, consulting with multiple doctors, reviewing insurance coverage, and trusting your instincts, you can make an informed decision. Remember, the right doctor is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also compassionate and committed to your well-being.

Recognizing substance dependence is the first step to recovery for many people. Next, they need to find a treatment program that will help them recover their health, happiness, and well-being.

There are many treatment options available. Some people who have severe addictions choose to enter a detox program before they can transition into rehabilitation. Some may opt to start their recovery in an outpatient or inpatient facility. It is recommended that you continue to reinforce the lessons from rehab by attending support groups or therapy sessions.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. No matter which treatment option you choose, you can be certain that it will provide everything you need for a successful recovery.

It is not easy to overcome an addiction. To achieve and keep sobriety for the long term, will require a lot of willpower and self-discipline. You’re not alone in this journey.

You’ll develop strong relationships with other people in recovery who can relate to your struggles during rehab. During this time, your family, friends, or other loved ones will be there for you.

How much effort you put into recovery from addiction will determine how successful it is. To better understand the consequences of addiction, you can see how it is dealt with below.

Different types of treatment

Each person is different and treatment programs can be tailored to suit their individual needs. The best treatment programs involve the entire recovery process.

• Inpatient Rehab:
  Inpatient rehabs provide structured programs that address all aspects of an individual’s addiction. Inpatient rehab allows patients to reside in a drug-free environment and receive round-the-clock medical and therapeutic support. Inpatient rehab can be a great option for those who are suffering from chronic addiction or a co-occurring mental disorder.

• Outpatient Rehab:
  Another form of comprehensive addiction treatment is outpatient rehab. These programs provide many of the same effective therapies and treatments as inpatient rehabs. Outpatient rehabs allow patients the opportunity to remain at home while they recover. Patients can work and care for their families, while still attending treatment sessions during the week. Keep in mind that outpatient rehabs don’t isolate patients from the outside world. Patients are more likely to encounter triggers that could challenge their sobriety. Outpatient rehabs can be used for people with mild addictions and those who have a disciplined, committed approach to their recovery. Outpatient programs can also be used as a “step down” program following inpatient treatment. They are often combined with sober housing homes.

• Detoxification:
  The detoxification process allows people to safely stop using drugs and alcohol until they are completely free of them. This is often the first step to treating people suffering from severe or moderate addiction. Sometimes, medication-assisted treatment is required to ease withdrawal symptoms. The patient will often be tapered off any prescribed medications during detox until they are no longer dependent on the addictive substance.

• Sober Living Homes:
  Sober living homes are a bridge between inpatient treatment and normal life. This is a great option for those in recovery who require additional support to reinforce what they have learned in rehab. People in recovery can benefit from sober living homes, which allow them to develop healthy new habits and still live in a structured environment.

• Addiction Treatment Medications:
  Patients may be given medications during detox or treatment to aid in the healing process. These medications can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings or treat co-occurring conditions. The best results from medication for addiction treatment are achieved when they are used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan.

• How to Stage an Intervention:
  An intervention is a meeting between loved ones and someone suffering from addiction. It is usually supervised by an intervention specialist. An intervention helps loved ones to express their feelings constructively and encourages a person struggling with addiction to enroll in treatment programs.

• Faith-Based Treatment:
  Some people choose a more spiritual approach for their recovery. Faith-based rehab centers offer specialized programs and facilities that are centered around faith. This type of rehabilitation program allows people in recovery to surround themselves with others who share the same faith and are seeking guidance from a higher power to be strong for their future.

Rehabilitation

Dr. Ashish Bhatt MD explains that aftercare can be a key component in preventing relapses and ensuring long-term recovery.

Therapies

The treatment of addiction is based on the individual’s health and their substance abuse patterns. An array of group and individual therapy sessions are available, usually organized by addiction counselors.

• Biofeedback Therapy:
  Biofeedback, a non-drug therapy that aids people in recovering from addiction, is a method of helping them understand their bodies’ involuntary processes. A therapist will place electronic sensors on the skin of a patient to monitor brain activity during a biofeedback session. The therapist will review brain wave patterns and recommend psychological techniques to overcome addictions.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
  Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), is used to help individuals in recovery identify problematic thoughts and feelings that could compromise their sobriety, or lead to a relapse. This therapy can also be used to treat co-occurring conditions such as bipolar disorder.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
  Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is used to treat severe mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can also be combined with a substance abuse disorder. This therapy is designed to increase self-esteem, and stress management skills and help individuals in recovery eliminate triggers from their lives.

• Experiential Therapy:
  Experiential therapy uses non-traditional methods to help addicts overcome the repressed emotions and feelings that may have led to their addiction. This therapy is often used for outdoor recreation activities like rock climbing.

• Holistic Therapy:
  Holistic therapy focuses on the individual’s overall well-being. Withdrawal symptoms are also addressed. Holistic therapies can include yoga, acupuncture and art therapy.

• Motivational Enhancement Therapy:
  Motivational enhancement therapy (MET), which is used to assist individuals in recovery, teaches them how to overcome any negative thoughts or behaviors that are associated with their addiction. This therapy is often used for people who are in recovery from substance abuse and have co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Psychodynamic Therapy:
  Psychodynamic therapy allows individuals to explore their emotions and discover how their subconscious thoughts are related to their addiction. This allows you to determine the root cause of your substance abuse. Individuals will be able to recognize and avoid temptations if they work closely with therapists.

Support groups

It is highly recommended that patients join a support group after completing an addiction treatment program. Once you have finished treatment, support groups can help you stay on the right path to recovery. They also allow for ongoing care and guidance after rehabilitation. Support groups are a great way to get support and encouragement during your recovery.

Many support groups cater to certain substances and/or demographics. The right group will provide a supportive community that encourages and motivates each other to keep sobriety a priority.

• 12-Step Programs:
  The 12-step program is the best way to recover from addiction. These programs are based on the 12-step model of addiction and the 12 traditions that were established by Alcoholics Anonymous founders. Many people find the programs extremely helpful in their recovery because they allow them to adapt the steps to suit their needs. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are the most well-known 12-step programs.

• Alcoholics Anonymous:
  Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meetings offer a way for people to talk to each other about alcohol addiction and how it has impacted them. Most meetings of AA are held in a local setting such as a church, community building or church. While open meetings allow family members and loved ones to attend, closed meetings are for those who are in recovery.

• Narcotics Anonymous:
  Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a support group that is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, provides support and guidance for people who have an addiction to drugs. NA members encourage each other to keep sobriety in mind and to avoid falling back into old patterns of abuse. People share their stories of recovery and addiction at meetings.

• SMART Recovery:
  SMART Recovery is an alternative to 12-step support groups. This program teaches recovering addicts how to manage their addictive behavior by dealing with the underlying thoughts, feelings and emotions that are associated with substance abuse. The “4-Point Program” is the basis of SMART Recovery. It has stages that can all be completed in any order.

• Al-Anon/Nar-Anon:
  Al-Anon or Nar-Anon support groups are for family members and friends of people who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These support groups are designed to help loved ones realize that they’re not alone in their struggles. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Nar-Anon stress addiction as a family disease and offer loved ones effective communication and coping methods.

• Addiction counselors:
  A counselor for addiction is there to offer support and guidance to individuals who are undergoing treatment. Counselors develop a treatment plan and provide aftercare. They also conduct individual or group therapy sessions.

Get Treatment

Many medications and therapies can help you get through every stage of your recovery. There is also plenty of psychosocial support. This means that there are many people like you, who are willing to listen and offer a helping hand to anyone in need.

The only thing left is to decide to improve your life.

Alcohol Rehab: What Should You Expect as Someone Who is Going In

Alcohol rehab is an excellent way to kick alcoholism. That said, rehab doesn’t always work; in fact many people fail the first or even second time. The key to success when it comes to rehab is commitment to quitting the habit. Many people go into alcohol rehab not because they want to or are looking to kick the habit but because someone who is close to them is making them do it. If this is the reason that you are going in you should know that your chances of failure are very high. If you want this treatment to work you have to want it yourself.

You have to be ready to stop drinking

In fact, you have to be desperate to stop drinking. To be successful you have to be so desperate that you are at rock bottom. It is only when you get there – when you realize that alcohol is ruining your life you will be desperate enough to do whatever it takes to quit. Remember, alcohol is a drug and it changes the way your brain functions; it stimulates the pathways in the brain that lead to addiction. That is why quitting is so hard. You have to be prepared for a fight.

Detox

The first step to getting rid of alcoholism when you are in rehab is detox. This is when your body will be ridding itself of the toxins that it has accumulated from over-consumption of alcohol. This stage lasts anything from a few days to a few weeks and it is painful. Although the symptoms vary they commonly include muscular aches, nausea, vomiting, headaches and other symptoms. The doctors in your rehab facility will give you drugs to help with the pain and vomiting but you can expect to experience it to a reasonable degree.

How Long Does Rehab Take?

It is quite likely that you will be in rehab for 30 days. During this time you will regularly visit with an addiction counselor with whom you can discuss the reasons behind your alcoholism. They will give you advice and tips on how to stay sober. You will also have group sessions with other alcoholics where through sharing experiences you can understand that you are not alone and that there are other with similar problems. Group sessions can be very therapeutic.  The clinic may even bring in alcoholics who are in recovery so that they can share with you ideas that helped them stay sober. Take these opportunities seriously.

Getting Out of Rehab

Once your rehab is over you will go back home. The urge to drink will likely be quite strong especially when you feel stressed. That is why you must look for Alcoholics Anonymous near you.   There are AA meetings taking place all the time, all over Louisiana.  In the initial days after rehab you should attend every day – in a few months you can reduce it down to once or twice a week. Keep away from gatherings or situations that involve alcohol – just one drink can send you down the addiction rabbit hole.

Remember, it is very hard to quit drinking if you don’t have a support system. Seek out friends and family and even colleagues who are willing to do what it takes to help you stay sober.

Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

Our shoulders are essential to our mobility. Rather we are scratching our back or reaching for something behind us in the car or bowling a perfect over your shoulder we need our shoulders to allow for wide range of motions.

Your shoulder is made up of three bones: humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone). The shoulder has a small joint contact zone and therefore the muscles around the shoulder are vital to the health and functioning of your shoulder. These muscles include:

• Deltoids
• Rhomboid
• Trapezius
• Biceps
• Triceps
• Infraspinatus
• Supraspinatus
• Teres

The most common reasons these muscles become weakened or shoulder pain persist are:

• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Tendon inflammation
• Shoulder dislocation

Research has shown that physiotherapy is generally an effective shoulder pain management. There are two types of treatment options: non-operative or surgical approaches. A physiotherapist will determine which treatment is best for you based on your diagnosis. Here are some of the most common shoulder injury treatments:

• Early Injury: Do not take shoulder pain lightly. Injuries that are left untreated frequently result in muscle weakness and joint stiffness. If you have injured your shoulder or there is discomfort then immediately practice RICE: Rest, Ice (or heat), Compression and Elevation. If the symptoms do not improve within a few days then seek medical attention from your GP, physio or osteopath.

• Shoulder strength and stretching exercises: Your shoulder is naturally unstable so that it can have a wider range of motion, therefore strength and coordination are essential to a healthy recovery. Your physiotherapist will design you a program based on your specific injury or discomfort to strengthen weaker areas.

• Biomechanical analysis: Physiotherapist will analyse your shoulders bio mechanics to find flaws that result in jury or a slow recovery. This includes analyzing your gait, running, sprinting, etc., and analyzing your workplace environment.

• Soft tissue massage: Your chiropractor will target your muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue and use a variety of massaging depths, pressures and time to alleviate pain and discomfort.

• Brace or support: Your physio might recommend that you wear a brace or a sling to relieve pain, rest injured tissues, protect the shoulder from injury and allow for tissue healing around the shoulder.

• Kinesiology taping: Similar to a brace or sling support, your physiotherapist might recommend kinseio taping. The tape is thin, stretchy and therapeutic and is commonly used for injuries and inflammation. The tape does not restrict movement but still provides support, protection.

• Physiotherapy instrument mobilization: Physiotherapist could use this instrument for joint manipulation around the shoulder. The instrument more effectively replicates manipulative techniques that manual methods.

Whether you are suffering from a sports-related injury, arthritis, decreasing mobility and stability, a fracture or tendon tears, a physiotherapist can aid your shoulders recovery with either a surgical option or a through strategic treatment techniques that encourage a steady recovery. Do not brush shoulder pain off. Treating it as soon as possible will mean faster healing.

Flu Season Is Right Around the Corner

Because a cold and the flu share many of the same symptoms, including runny, stuffy nose, sore throat and coughing it is sometimes hard to know if you really have the flu. However, health experts across the country agree that having a fever and the severity of symptoms you are experiencing are key to differentiating between influenza (flu) and the common cold.

Difference Between The Cold and the Flu

Things that differentiate between a cold and the flu include a fever, body aches and chills, fatigue and sudden onset of symptoms are the key signs that you have the flu. Both colds and the flu are caused by viruses which are common this time of the year when close contact with others and the stress of busy work and holiday schedules make us even more susceptible. But differentiating between a cold and influenza, at least initially, is not always easy because the two can share a number of the same symptoms such as a stuffy nose, a sore throat and a cough.

Colds are typically mild and will usually last only a few days and, in most cases, your body can still function with a cold. When you have the flu within a short time of contracting the virus you will start experiencing a high fever (102 degrees or more), and your whole body aches, and you can’t even get off the couch. At that point you can probably guess correctly that you probably have the flu.

Unlike colds, which tend to have a more gradual onset, the flu usually comes on more suddenly and that one characteristic is the feature in the mnemonic device for identifying the flu — FACTS

• Fever
• Aches
• Chills
• Sudden onset of tiredness

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and last as late as May, but it usually peaks in January or February.  The best defense against the flu is to get your flu shot early.

The common colds, caused by many different viruses are most often rhinoviruses. The CDC estimates that there are approximately 1 billion cases of the common cold annually in the United States alone. The flu accounts for fewer cases the agency reported that during last year’s flu season there were about 31.8 million influenza-associated illnesses and 14.4 million-related doctor visits during last year’s flu season. Even though there are fewer cases of the flu, it’s still considered a far more severe viral infection.

Complications that can arise from the influenza virus include bacterial pneumonia, a weakened heart muscle, and even the death of people who could be otherwise healthy. The virus is responsible for the hospitalization of over 200,000 people each year.

Last year there were 169 flu-related deaths among children that were reported by the CDC last month. The agency does not keep the same type of statistics on adults, but estimates that there are somewhere around 24,000 deaths are related to the influenza each year.

The common misconception for the treatment of both the common cold and the flu is that antibiotics can fight these viruses, however viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections but, many people still think otherwise. In a national survey of consumers that the foundation released this month, 44% of respondents incorrectly said antibiotics fight the flu and 48% mistakenly believed that flu vaccines “treat” influenza.

There are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by a physician to treat the flu but, they work best if given within 48 hours of when people began to feel ill. The CDC recommends taking “everyday preventative actions” to stop the spread of germs, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; staying home when you are sick and washing your hands with soap and water several times a day and especially after being out in public places like the mall or grocery store where you are exposed to a large number of people.

Even after taking all the everyday precautions many people still get the flu. The CDC reports that the most effective way of preventing the flu in your family is by getting a flu vaccine (either injection or nasal spray) and says the vaccine is key to reducing the risk of flu for everyone.  It has also been said that Vitamin D can assist with not getting the flu.

There are people who are at higher risk of contracting the flu no matter how many precautions that take including:

People who are at high risk of developing more serious complications such as pneumonia if they get the flu

People who have other medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease

Pregnant women

Children 5 and younger and especially those younger than 2

Elderly people 65 years and older

Caregivers and others who live with or care for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications

Receiving the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting the flu virus by as much as 60%, and although it does not affect every known flu virus out there, it does prevent many of the flu viruses that might be circulating in a given season. In cases where vaccinated people still get the flu, the symptoms may be lesser than they would have been otherwise because the vaccine generates an immune response.

Is it the cold or the flu?

Here are the differences according to health experts:

• Fever. One of the first signs and rare for a cold but, common with the flu virus. Fevers can go up to 102 degrees, especially in children, and can persist three or four days.

• Headache. Colds will rarely cause you to have a headache where they are quite common with the flu.

• Aches and pains. Although you can experience aches and pains with a cold they are usually mild. Aches and pains with the flu are most usually much more severe.

• Fatigue. Again, fatigue and tiredness can occurs with a cold, but the flu will usually start with a period of exhaustion and can last two or three weeks.

• Sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat. These are the most frequent symptoms of a cold but can and most usually will occur with the flu.

• Chest discomfort, cough. Again these symptoms can be present with a cold and the flu but are most often mild to moderate with colds and more severe with flu.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink lots of fluids, which can thin mucus and prevent dehydration.

• Over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines, decongestants and pain and fever reducers, can provide temporary relief from symptoms.

• If you’re feeling very weak, running a high fever (102 degrees or higher), have trouble breathing or symptoms worsen, contact a medical care provider.

The same is true if you suffer from a chronic illness, such as asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure, which makes you more vulnerable to complications.

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Peanut Allergies

There have been many stories in the media the past several years of children becoming ill or even dying at schools and summer camps from peanut related allergies. I understand the cost-effectiveness of peanut butter: it is inexpensive and goes a long way. I have heard parents who do not have children with food allergies complain that the food-sensitive children should bring their own food, and carry on that their child shouldn’t suffer the loss of peanut butter just because another child might get sick and die. I blame ignorance for those comments. If something as casual as peanut butter can remotely cause a fatal injury, it should be eliminated from the menu.

Everyone Has Some Allergies

Almost every one I know suffers from allergies to something. People suffer symptoms ranging from hives to sinus problems.

Having moved to Louisiana in my mid-30’s, I enjoyed all the wonderful food this State has to offer: shrimp, crawfish, oysters, all cooked in every way imaginable. As I grew older, I became less tolerant to certain foods, some of which were causing food allergy-related symptoms, which can be life-threatening.

One night my face swelled to twice its size, accompanied by what felt like the burning of my skin, and my eyes swelled to the point of almost being closed. Of course, I initially sought answers online as to what would cause such a horrible onset… was it the bubonic plague come back to modern times? Perhaps ricin poisoning? WebMD can, and does, offer a detailed explanation for every symptom you can imagine. Having a powerful imagination, I was convinced I was to die a slow, lingering, painful and a quite unattractive death. Ultimately, I decided to go to an actual doctor. His diagnosis: no more shellfish for me.

Allergies Can Arise At Any Time

Apparently, allergies can be assumed at any age. In Louisiana, you may as well stop eating if you have a shellfish allergy To add insult to injury, I also soon developed an allergy to nuts. The same symptoms, the same diagnosis, the same changing of the menu of foods I could safely eat.

There is, of course, no cure , but there are preventable measures I take. For one thing, I keep Benadryl on hand at all times. I am also extremely careful when I go out to eat. Cross contamination can be deadly for people suffering food allergies. Fried chicken is great, but was it cooked in the same oil as the shrimp? Is the oil used for frying vegetable oil or peanut oil? On the rare occasions that eat out, I go to restaurants that I trust. I order items not only without shellfish, or that may have touched shellfish, but I avoid any foods that may contain nuts, such as salads, vegetables, desserts.

I do not want anyone to get the impression that it is just a matter of convenience for me to go through the rest of my life being a picky eater. It is a matter of my own safety. WedMD told me so.