Archive for March 2008
Forbidden Baby Food
Posted March 13, 2008
on:
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After 1 year |
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After 1 or 2 years* |
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After 1 or 2 years* |
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After 1 year |
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After 1 year |
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After 1 year |
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After 1 year |
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After 1 year |
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After 9-10 months or 1 year |
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After 10 months or 1 year** |
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After 1 or 2 years*** |
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After 1 year – if at all |
Source: http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/forbiddenbabyfood.htm
Colds vs Allergies (II)
Posted March 13, 2008
on:Potential causes for colds and allergies
There are significant differences in the causes of allergies and infectious conditions, such as the common cold. However, both begin with a similar immune system reaction. The immune system produces antibodies to neutralize, metabolize or eliminate a substance the body identifies as foreign. In the case of a cold, infection or flu, the foreign bodies are harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. The immune system’s response to these invaders helps the body to lessen or prevent damage from these harmful substances. For instance, during a cold, nasal discharge can last up to two weeks. Drainage of this type is a normal part of the body’s response to viral upper respiratory infection. In the case of allergies, the immune system launches a similar attack against a harmless substance, such as pollen or dust. Because the body processes are so similar, the symptoms people experience with allergies often mimic those of a cold or infection. These include sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and fatigue. Allergic reactions are caused when a person comes into contact with an allergy to which they are sensitive. The most common allergens include:
Allergies can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic factors. There is a link between heredity and the development of allergic disease. If both parents have allergies, their biological child has a 75 percent chance of developing allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If one parent has allergies, the child’s chance of allergy development is 50 percent. However, parents and children do not necessarily share the same allergies. It was once thought that people would, or could, outgrow allergies. Although allergies may seem to spontaneously improve, in reality, it is believed that they become dormant and have the potential to return at a later time. There is a tendency for allergies to become less severe after age 40 and become more severe after age 60. Other factors that may produce allergy symptoms are environmental irritants (e.g., smoke, perfume), hormones and stress.
Source: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/colds-vs-allergies.html?pageNum=4 |
Colds vs Allergies (I)
Posted March 13, 2008
on:A good guideline for distinguishing between a cold and an allergy is time. Colds get better over time, generally in 7 to 10 days, while allergic reactions can last for months. Eating nutritious foods, getting adequate rest, and drinking plenty of water will help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
While colds are usually just inconvenient, allergies can be serious conditions. Some forms can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other allergies can produce a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock that involves difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure.
Although allergies themselves do not involve infection, they can lead to infections. For instance, symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis, if untreated, can cause fluid to build up in the ear, leading to recurring ear infections (otitis media).
Flu vs Cold
Posted March 13, 2008
on:Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
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Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days |
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Headache | Rare | Prominent |
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General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
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Fatigue, Weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
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Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
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Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
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Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
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Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
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Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
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Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
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Prevention | None | Annual vaccination; amantadine or rimantadine (antiviral drugs) |
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Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Amantadine or rimantadine within 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms |
Source: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/birthcontrol/l/blcoldflu.htm