(NewsUSA) – When you see “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here” signs and banners after November outside pharmacies and in doctor’s offices, you might think, “Isn’t it too late for that?”
The answer is “No!”
“Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”
For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year. The flu also can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. It’s available in two forms: shots and a nasal spray. The flu shot options include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot and a high-dose flu shot. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age, and the high-dose flu shot is for people aged 65 years and older. The nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who aren’t pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
* Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
* Pregnant women
* People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) or heart and lung disease
* People 65 years and older
It’s also important to get the vaccine if you’re a caretaker for anyone in one or more of these high-risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Schuchat.
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. They’re offered by many employers and are even available in some schools. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” stop in. Or, make an appointment with your doctor. Visit www.flu.gov and use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find the nearest location.
For more information about influenza or the flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, www.flu.gov or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate — Get Your Flu Vaccine Today
Fresh Mussels Make 2012 Wellness Goals Taste Great
Every January, our focus turns to kicking off the year with a renewed commitment to healthy eating. We join gyms and invest in the latest protein powders and high-fiber shakes in pursuit of a healthier life. But did you know there’s a delicious powerhouse food that’s easy to make and won’t break your wallet just waiting to help us meet our goals?
“Fresh mussels are packed with important health benefits. They are rich in nutrients without adding significant calories or fat to meals,” says registered dietitian Lois Ferguson, as he explains the benefits of fresh PEI mussels compared to other proteins like meat and poultry. “This makes them the perfect food for people who aim to live a life of fitness and health.”
Healthy Ingredients May Be Key to Latino Paradox
(NewsUSA) – According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos in the U.S. have a longer life expectancy than the non-Latino white population.
Given lower average income and access to health care among Latinos, epidemiologists have proposed various theories to explain this puzzling statistic, dubbed the “Latino Paradox.”
A 2011 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found the low mortality rates were partially attributable to fewer deaths from cigarette smoking — Latinos are less likely to smoke, and if they do, they tend to smoke less.
Another popular theory points to healthy aspects of Latino culture, including the Latin Diet. In “The Hot Latin Diet,” author Dr. Manny Alvarez says Latin cooking typically includes healthy “power” foods like tomatillos, cilantro and chili peppers.
The capsaicin in chili peppers reduces inflammation. Inflammation aggravates common ailments like headaches and arthritis and has been associated with the development of deadly cancers and heart disease.
“For fabulous flavors and good health, we recommend using the Latin American Diet Pyramid. Let traditional foods — the old ways of your grandmother — be your guide to well being,” said Sara Baer-Sinnott, president of Oldways, a non-profit organization promoting healthy eating habits and creator of the Latin American Diet Pyramid.
There are many new products that make cooking healthy Latin food easier. Chef LaLa, a cookbook author and certified nutritionist, has just launched her new line of all-natural Mexican sauces and marinades.
“Chef LaLa Homemade products are all about easy meal solutions with the healthy natural flavors and ingredients of the traditional Latin Diet,” says Chef LaLa.
Get a taste of the nutritional power of Latin cuisine — and chili peppers — with this recipe from www.cheflala.com:
Increase Your Mussel Power in 2012
(NewsUSA) – In the pursuit of a healthier life, we join gyms, invest in the latest protein powders and high-fiber shakes and gamble on extreme diets. But did you know that there’s a delicious powerhouse food that’s easy to make and won’t break your wallet?
“Fresh mussels are packed with important health benefits. They are rich in nutrients without adding calories or fat to meals. This makes them perfect for people who aim to live a life of fitness and health,” explains registered dietitian Lois Ferguson.
Fresh mussels deliver vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, zinc, manganese, folate, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. In fact, mussels offer more iron and vitamin B12 than beef, and more vitamin C than some fruits. And unlike beef or pork, blue cultured mussels are low in saturated fat but high in protein.
“This makes mussels a great choice for entrées as there’s an abundance of delicious ingredients to combine with them to make healthy meals for family and friends,” says Ferguson. “Mussels are every bit as versatile as shrimp, for instance, but mussels have only one-third the amount of cholesterol.”
A common expression says seafood is “brain food,” and research shows that long-chain omega-3 fats in our diet benefit the brain, eyes and nerves. Ferguson notes that mussels are similar in nutritional value to meaty fish, like halibut.
Mussels are also an excellent source of selenium, both a mineral and antioxidant often thought to be solely in the realm of fruits and vegetables. The dietary antioxidant helps the formation of proteins that defend against oxidative stress.
Enjoy a nutrient-rich meal with this Thai mussel recipe:
NACo Prescription Discount Card: Easy, Valuable and Free
Evelyn Webster of Brazos County, Texas, was devastated when she learned that her sister had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. As a result of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments, her big sister, Deborah Bryant, was unable to work and lost her health insurance.
“So therein lies the problem: no insurance, no medication, no money to buy the medication,” Webster told CBS affiliate KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
The family learned of a free prescription discount card\ available through Brazos County, where Webster works in the District Clerk’s office.
Prescription Discount Card: Easy, Valuable and Free
(NewsUSA) – Evelyn Webster of Brazos County, Texas, was devastated when she learned that her sister had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. As a result of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments, her big sister, Deborah Bryant, was unable to work and lost her health insurance.
“So therein lies the problem: no insurance, no medication, no money to buy the medication,” Webster told CBS affiliate KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
The family learned of a free prescription discount card available through Brazos County, where Webster works in the District Clerk’s office.
“Without the NACo card, unfortunately, we would not have been able to buy all of [my sister's] medicines,” she said. “The discount card is one of the best things to ever happen in Brazos County.”
The National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Discount Card Program, administered by CVS Caremark, is a free national program available for all residents of NACo-member counties.
The process is simple: there are no forms to fill out, and any county resident may use the cards regardless of age, income or health status.
In fact, the cards save an average of 24 percent off the full retail cost of prescription medications. They can be used by consumers who do not have health insurance or those whose prescription is not covered by their insurance. All prescriptions are eligible for a discount.
A national network of more than 60,000 retail pharmacies, including the major national chain drug stores and a majority of community-based pharmacies, honor the card.
Bryant is in remission, her sister said, and the family has saved hundreds of dollars on her medications.
For more information, or to print a card for immediate use, visit www.caremark.com/naco.
Avocado Oil Is Picking Up Steam in the Kitchen
(NewsUSA) – Watch out olive oil, chefs of all varieties have a new oil option under their apron that’s as pleasing to people’s health as it is to their taste buds — avocado oil.
“My favorite at the moment is that wonderful New Zealand invention, avocado oil. It has a delectable bright green color and a delicious avocado flavor and is incredibly good for your health,” says Ray McVinne, a celebrity chef and author.
Avocado oil packs a Superman-like punch with nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Plus, it can be infused with other savory flavors like Lemon and Rosemary to add real variety to your meals.
Avocado oil is a rich source of antioxidants, folate, fiber and vitamins E and C. Avocados are virtually the only fruit with monounsaturated fats, which are the good fats recommended by the American Heart Association. Recent studies from the Nutrition Institute uncovered even more health benefits in avocado oil.
An extra-virgin avocado oil from a New Zealand company called Olivado was found to be the best source of a much sought-after vitamin-like substance, CoQ10. Olivado avocado oil contains more CoQ10, also called “ubiquinone,” than anything, even meat.
Other international chefs, like Peter Gordon and Jamie Oliver, call avocado oil the next big ingredient. Experiment with it at home using this recipe from www.Olivado.com:
Butterflied Leg of Lamb
125 grams almonds (roasted, chopped)
3 cloves garlic (peeled)
1 teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoons cumin and coriander seeds (roasted)
1/2 teaspoon chopped dried chilli
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup Olivado Extra Virgin Avocado Oil
Grated rind/juice of one lemon
Combine the first seven ingredients in food processor till texture is even, fairly fine. Add avocado oil, lemon rind and juice. Evenly rub the mixture over both sides of the prepared leg, then roast (don’t sear the lamb prior to cooking).
Place the rubbed leg cut side up, on a rack over a roasting tray. Fan-bake in pre-heated oven at 190 degrees C for 15 minutes. Turn lamb over, continue to roast for another 15-20 minutes or till cooked to your liking. Rest in a warm place for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Maintaining Pets’ Healthy Gums Too Great to be Ignored
(NewsUSA) – Smelly doggie breath can be annoying. And dog owners will go to great lengths to eliminate or cover it up. But be aware — pet oral care goes beyond preventing bad doggie breath. Poor gum health allows nasty bacteria to make a beeline straight for a pet’s circulatory system, which can have harmful effects on vital organs.
Periodontal disease, the leading health condition affecting three-fourths of dogs and cats age three or older, is often the result of pet owners not regularly providing at-home oral care and veterinary assessments and treatments. Plaque on pets’ teeth forms as bacteria and food particles coat the teeth and develop a biofilm. If not cleaned off, plaque irritates the gum line and can cause gingivitis and harden on the tooth surface to cause tartar. With more accumulation, gingivitis may progress to periodontal disease. Diseased gums can act as a bacterial superhighway into the circulatory system of the pet and may ultimately adversely affect vital organs.
“Gum disease, which research tells us can affect more than just a pet’s mouth, is initiated by plaque accumulating on teeth and not being cleaned,” said Dr. Jan Bellows, veterinary dental specialist and incoming president of the American Veterinary Dental College. “The good news is every pet parent has the power to keep their pet’s teeth clean and gums healthy. It starts with daily at-home oral care with brushing or Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org)-approved dental products. And each pet should have a veterinary oral exam at least annually with professional cleanings as advised.”
Pet owners will be thrilled to know that Greenies Brand recently introduced a canine dental chew that carries the Veterinary Oral Health Seal of Acceptance for reduction of plaque and tartar build-up and is clinically proven to help maintain healthier gums. These fifth-generation chews by Greenies use a highly palatable, natural recipe with added vitamins and minerals, are nutritionally complete and balanced and are available in veterinary clinics and pet specialty stores nationwide.
For more information, visit www.greenies.com.
Impact of Running Away Is Chillier Than Winter
(NewsUSA) – Between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year in the U.S. The brutal cold of winter is only one of the threats that runaway youth will struggle to overcome. According to the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) 2011 Runaway Youth Longitudinal Study, the long-term impact on their health, economic and legal outcomes as adults is another significant risk."Long-term consequences of youth running away should encourage parents, teachers and other adults to get involved earlier to prevent a runaway situation," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "Hopefully, knowing the potential consequences also deters youth from running away."For adults who ran away from home as adolescents, the likelihood of having suicidal thoughts increases 51 percent, they are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide, the likelihood of them being a smoker is 2.4 times as high, they are 67 percent more likely to use marijuana, and they are 53 percent more likely to report having a sexually transmitted disease.Running away doesn’t just affect health — it also impacts the economy. As an adult, a former runaway’s annual income level is $8,823 lower on average and the likelihood of being a recipient of AFDC, public assistance or welfare is 76 percent higher.The negative effects of running away don’t stop there. Adults who ran away as adolescents are approximately 2.5 times more likely to be arrested, and they are 99 percent more likely to sell drugs. The key is runaway prevention, and NRS offers a few tips for parents to keep their child from running away:* Understand Your Child. Try to sympathize with what your kids are going through, and look at life from their point of view.* Discuss Feelings. Talk about what it feels like to be a parent, and encourage your children to talk about their feelings, too. When parents share their feelings, children know it’s safe to share theirs.* Use Teamwork. Work together to find mutually agreeable solutions.Find help and information for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth by visiting www.1800RUNAWAY.org or by contacting NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Banking on Your Health
Securing your money and valuables – it just makes sense. As any financial consultant will advise, storing your finances and treasures in a secure bank isn’t just sensible, it’s imperative. People with means bank their savings, jewels, important documents and now, their stem cells.
“Think of it as a safety deposit box for your health,” says John Arnone, CEO of American CryoStem, one of the only adult stem cell banks in the world. “People rely on banks for financial security, and with the growing possibilities of stem cells and regenerative medicine, people can now bank for their future health, too.”
