Is it a Virus or Food Poisoning?

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Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Have you ever had your stomach feeling off? If yes, I’m sure you will agree that at that moment, you are not focused on the reasons for the increased emergency. All that you want is to start feeling better. However, figuring out whether you have stomach flu or food poisoning will inform your best action plan and enable you to understand how long you will have the awful feeling. As noted by De Marco et al. (2019), stomach flu is usually quite common, and like several viruses, it can be passed around by groups of people who gather close to one another. The virus can easily be passed if you are in an enclosed space and in close contact with one another, for example, on a cruise ship (or daycare).

On the other hand, food poisoning often originates from food. For instance, when food sits out too long without refrigeration or is not properly cooked, bacteria can grow in the food. Sometimes, it can be very hard to distinguish between food poisoning and stomach flu since these conditions share many symptoms (Aljamali, 2021). The main side effect of both is diarrhea – watery or bloody. You can also experience vomiting and nausea, while some may develop chills and fever in both cases. However, the major difference between the two is when the symptoms begin after exposure and how long the symptoms would last. In most cases, stomach flu may take around 24 to 48 hours incubation period within your system before it starts showing symptoms. Nevertheless, food poisoning comes quickly, around 2-6 hours after eating spoiled food (Aljamali, 2021). If you are on a picnic and everyone eats the same food, many people will likely experience the same symptoms. You can easily identify food poisoning because the symptoms may start after a more recent event.

Some common symptoms of stomach flu are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Stomach flu can also cause fever and chills. Other symptoms include body aches, stomach pain, and headache. However, you will mainly experience nausea and particularly diarrhea. With food poisoning, you can also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although it can be more severe compared to stomach flu. Occasionally, you can get a fever as well. Other symptoms include an upset stomach and stomach cramps. Whenever you feel these symptoms, seeking proper medical attention and staying hydrated is essential. Some have found that ginger helps reduce nausea as well. What remedy do you know of to help battle an upset stomach?

References

Aljamali, N. M. (2021). Review on food poisoning (types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment). Global Academic Journal of Pharmacy and Drug Research, 3(4), 54-61.

De Marco, R., Shankar, S., Rosenbaum, J., & Efron, D. (2018). A Case of the Stomach Flu. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 54(2), 214-214.

Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20?

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Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Photo by Sasha Kim on Pexels.com

Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20

Did you know that water makes up most of your body weight and involves several vital functions, including removing waste from the body, regulating body temperature, and helping with brain function? It is essential to note that water plays an important part in our body’s functioning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), getting enough water daily is necessary for your health. Drinking plenty of water every day can help you stay hydrated. It can help regulate body temperature, help keep our joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and ensure that organs function properly. In addition, being well-hydrated can help you improve the quality of your sleep, mood, and cognition. According to experts, one should drink approximately 11 cups of water daily for an average woman and around 16 cups for men. Water plays a vital role in various body functions, such as the digestion of food, absorption, circulation, and excretion. Research has shown that drinking plenty of water helps aid the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones all across the body, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and assisting in waste control.

Drinking plenty of water also helps in the hydration of cells and tissues. As earlier noted, our bodies are composed mainly of water, and every cell, tissue, and organ depends on water for proper functioning. Proper hydration can help you maintain the balance of fluids within the body, enabling you to maintain optimal energy levels, enhance concentration, and improve one’s overall productivity. Studies also reiterate that drinking plenty of water is good for skin health. It can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and disorders affecting the skin. This helps promote a healthy complexion, possibly contributing to a more youthful experience.

In conclusion, water is essential to almost every part of your body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water will help you maintain your current state of health and improve your overall health. If you are exercising or living in hotter regions, it is vital to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration. What steps do you find helpful to stay hydrated?

References

Water and healthier drinks. (2022, June 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html

Drowning Doesn’t Always Look Like Drowning!

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Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Photo by MarcTutorials on Pexels.com

Drowning Prevention – Kids under 10

Drowning is an extremely serious issue, especially for children under the age of ten. Every year, numerous lives are lost due to drowning situations that may have been avoided with adequate education and care. This article attempts to shed light on the significance of drowning prevention and how to recognize the subtle signs of drowning. By understanding these crucial points, we can take steps to ensure the safety of our young ones around water.

Drowning Prevention: Several significant precautions may be taken to reduce drownings in children. The first important step is to maintain regular supervision (Wickens et al., 2021). Never leave children unattended near water, regardless of its size or depth. Assigning a responsible adult to supervise children during aquatic activities is critical. Enrolling children in age-appropriate swimming instruction is another important preventative step (Guevarra et al., 2021). These classes teach young people important swimming techniques and increase their confidence in the water. However, it is crucial to realize that swimming instruction alone does not ensure safety. Pool barriers and safety precautions are also essential, particularly for households with pools. Install a security fence around the pool area, with the gate self-closing and latching. It establishes a physical barrier that restricts uncontrolled entry into the pool.

Drowning Does not Always Look like Drowning: Contrary to popular belief, drowning occurs without signs of frantic splashing and cries for help. Instead, a person drowning may be silently struggling to keep their head above water, gasping for air, with a distant look in their eyes and arms extended to the sides. Recognizing these modest indications is critical for early intervention and could make a major difference in saving lives. We can react to and avoid terrible situations in and around water if we recognize that drowning does not always look like what we anticipate.

Above all else, to ensure water safety this summer, make sure kids have a responsible adult present in the water. Also, make sure your children are wearing some form of floatation device, and get your child comfortable in the water to know to go somewhere safe or to a wall when they begin to feel tired or accidentally inhale in water. These are great ways to prevent tragedy in the water. What tips do you plan to use this summer to ensure water safety?

References

Guevarra, J. P., Peden, A. E., Orbillo, L. L., Uy, M. R. S. Z., Madrilejos, J. J. R., Go, J. J. L., … & Franklin, R. C. (2021). Preventing child drowning in the Philippines: the need to address the determinants of health. Children, 8(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8010029

Wickens, N., Wallace, R., Dare, J., Costello, L., Lo, J., & Nimmo, L. (2021). Mobile phone use and social interactions among caregivers can reduce their ability to provide constant supervision to children at Australian public swimming pools. Health promotion journal of Australia, 32, 147-157. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.445

Buzz Off! Natural Mosquito Prevention

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Amanda Benko| Intern UAB School of Education-CHHS

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Tips to Avoid Mosquitoes, Naturally.

Mosquitoes can be a severe problem in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and lush vegetation that create optimal breeding conditions. In addition, mosquitoes can cause itching bites and serious diseases quickly. There are non-chemical mosquito repellents that work best.

Eliminating standing water is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents (Cocke, Geest & Shufran, 2022). Standing water is a vital component in mosquito breeding, and the more people can eliminate it ahead of time, the fewer mosquitos will be there. One of the most straightforward methods to accomplish this is to evaluate a property for any potential sources of standing water. The evaluation could include sewers, gutters, and dishes left outside in the water. In addition, investigate the area around any flower pots, bird baths, or other water sources. People who live in places with standing water for extended periods should consider filling them in with soil or other material to reduce or halt water flow. They should also ensure that any containers in their yard, such as garbage cans or buckets, are free of moisture and adequately covered.

Garlic oil or garlic powder has been used as a natural and effective mosquito repellent for centuries (da Silva & Ricci-Junior, 2020). When mosquitoes detect garlic, they avoid the area, which is advantageous if people live in a mosquito-prone location. In addition, sulfur compounds and a potent scent in garlic render it an effective natural mosquito repellent. One of the advantages of garlic is its enduring impact. When applied correctly, garlic can repel mosquitoes for three weeks. Garlic oil and garlic powder can create a natural mosquito repellent in diverse formulations. Using garlic powder or crushed garlic cloves on lawns and window sills has been successful. People residing in such locations also have the option to purchase commercial commodities that incorporate garlic oil, for instance, liquid sprays and candles.

In the southern United States, introducing beneficial insects into an outdoor area is an efficient yet simple technique to naturally repel mosquitoes (Gouagna et al., 2020). Ladybugs and dragonflies both serve vital roles in mosquito control. Ladybugs are well-known for their ravenous hunger for aphids, usually found on nectar-rich flowers and crops. Mosquitoes are also drawn to these plants; ladybugs can help control the invasion.

Planting insect-repelling plants is a simple technique to minimize mosquitoes. Due to the scent of these plants, which deters mosquitoes, they can be used as natural repellents. The most well-liked plant for preventing mosquitoes is a green plant called citronella, which may be grown in the yard or bought in candles or lanterns (Dhillon, Bains, & Kocher, 2021). Lemongrass possesses potential as a natural repellent, depending upon the geographical location. Consequently, introducing plants near residential areas, either in a garden, potted plants, or strategically placed foliage, can remarkably decrease the mosquito population. It is imperative to uphold one’s health while utilizing repellent plants, as mosquitoes tend to water excessively and decompose flora. Because of this, it is essential to stick to a watering schedule and ensure the plants get enough sunlight and nutrients. What method have you found that works to repel these pesky bugs?

References

Cocke, T. E., Geest, E. A., & Shufran, A. A. (2022). Learning about mosquitoes, diseases, and vectors: a classroom activity. Science Activities, 59(3), 142-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2022.2071816

da Silva, M. R. M., & Ricci-Júnior, E. (2020). An approach to natural insect repellent formulations: from basic research to technological development. Acta tropica, 212, 105419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105419

Dhillon, G., Bains, S., & Kocher, D. K. (2021). Microencapsulated citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil as mosquito repellent finish for cotton. Agris Research Journal, 57(2), 275-279.

Gouagna, L. C., Damiens, D., Oliva, C. F., Boyer, S., Le Goff, G., Brengues, C., … & Fontenille, D. (2020). Strategic approach, advances, and challenges in the development and application of the SIT for area-wide control of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Reunion Island. Insects, 11(11), 770. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110770

Strike a Pose – The Health Benefits of Yoga

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Amanda Benko | UAB Intern School of Education – CHHS

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice and popular form of exercise involving physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. It is a posture-based physical fitness, stress relief, and relaxation technique. Regardless of your yoga expertise and with regular practice, yoga can make you feel better from head to toe. If you’re living with a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or going through an illness, practicing yoga can be a critical part of your treatment journey and speed up your healing process. Yoga enables you to build strength, awareness, and harmony in both the mind and body (Diamond, 2012). Maintaining a regular yoga practice can provide mental and physical health benefits for all.

There are various physical health benefits you will get when practicing yoga. The relaxation approach used in yoga can reduce chronic pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches. It can also lower blood pressure and insomnia symptoms. There are also several other physical benefits associated with yoga, including improved body flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, and maintaining a balanced metabolism (CDC, 2017). It can also improve respiration, vitality, and energy in your body. Yoga can also help reduce body weight and improve cardio and circulatory health. The National Institutes of Health (2020) adds that yoga improves athletic performance and protects you from injury. Besides, yoga helps one develop inner awareness. It can enable you to focus your attention on the body’s abilities at the present moment and boost your fitness.

Besides the physical benefits, yoga is instrumental in building strong mental health. It can help you manage stress. We all know that stress can have devastating impacts on our body and mind. Yoga can be effective in developing coping skills and approaching life more positively. Incorporating breathing and meditation in yoga can help improve one’s overall mental well-being (Pascoe et al., 2021). Practicing yoga regularly enhances mental clarity and calmness; relieves chronic stress patterns; helps relax the mind; enhances mind awareness; sharpens your concentration; and focuses your attention.

At 19, I was involved in a car wreck that herniated two disks in my cervical spine (neck). The following year I was in a four-wheeler wreck that crushed a vertebrae in my lower back. For years I was in chronic pain; the slightest thing hurt my back or neck. Then at 23, a friend introduced me to yoga, but I didn’t start doing it regularly until I was 26. After two weeks of regular practice, I realized I was no longer hurting. Yoga gave me some much-needed relief. So start slow and stay with it; you will be glad you did.

Yoga is fun. Yoga is mentally and physically healthy for you! Do you know of a good Yoga Studio in your area? If so, please share!

References

CDC (September 14, 2017) Yoga Activity Card. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/bam/cards/yoga.html#:~:text=Most%20yoga%20practices%20focus%20on,to%20concentrate%2C%20and%20decreased%20stress.

Diamond, L. (2012). The benefits of yoga in improving health. Primary Health Care, 22(2).

NIH (February 2020) Yoga for Health: What the Science Says. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/yoga-for-health-science

Pascoe, M. C., J de Manincor, M., Hallgren, M., Baldwin, P. A., Tseberja, J., & Parker, A. G. (2021). Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the mental health benefits of yoga-based interventions: A narrative review. Mindfulness, 1-13.

Fun in the Sun-How to Protect Yourself from UV Rays

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By Amanda Benko, Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Fun in the Sun – How to protect yourself from UV Rays

Going outside is advised and beneficial to your health; however, spending an excessive amount of time in the sun might be hazardous. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions against overexposure to the sun during the summer and throughout the year (Rawstrone, 2023). Taking a few basic measures before heading out into the sun, no matter what time of year it is, may protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, which is on the rise in the United States.

The most common precaution people should take to protect their skin is to use sunscreen. It should be used generously on exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. One should pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently if they are sweating or swimming. Additionally, one should choose a sunscreen with a high SPF to ensure they are well protected (Sharma & Sharma, 2023). One should avoid directly looking at reflective surfaces, including water and shiny surfaces, as they reflect UV lights increasing exposure. Sunglasses can also help protect the eyes from the intense sun rays when the sun is at its peak.

When spending time outside and the sun is at its peak intensity, people should try to spend as much time as possible in the shade. This may be accomplished by taking refuge behind trees, umbrellas, or other shade-providing structures to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. In addition, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers and a hat and sunglasses to shield your face, neck, and eyes from the sun is highly recommended. Following these measures will protect you from getting too much sun, lowering your chances of becoming sunburned, aging too quickly, and developing skin cancer. So how do you protect yourself from UV rays while enjoying time in the sun?

References:

Rawstrone, A. (2023). Safe in the sun. Nursery World, 2023(5), 32-33.

Sharma, M., & Sharma, A. (2023, February). A review on nature-based sunscreen agents. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1110, No. 1, p. 012047). IOP Publishing.