Flu Facts and Nail Diagnosis

Just the Facts on the Flu

During the flu epidemic of 2003-04 about 36,000 people died. Most of the deaths were in the older than 65 age group, but some were in the 50-65 range and 143 children were in the reported statistics. What is important to note is that the number of deaths and hospitalizations were not significantly more than in previous epidemics. In fact - an epidemic of flu occurs every year in the US.............

Diagnose Disease from your Nails

Washing your hands is such an important part of avoiding the flu that you are probably dealing with dry skin as well. Something for you to notice when you putting on that hand lotion is your nails. They are an early warning system to let you know about possible problems.

The most commonly seen symptoms are

• spoon-shaped nails can be an indication of Anemia, thyroid disease or heart and lung disorders.


• Reddish-colored half-moons near the cuticle can be an indication of heart or lung disease.


• Nails that are completely white or have white lines parallel to the cuticle can indicate liver disease.


• When at least half of the nail closest to the cuticle is white that can be a sign of kidney disease.

You might wonder why heart or lung disfunction could cause a change in the nails. Simple - blood supply.

Side note, when I was talking with my doctor about my thyroid I mentioned my nails curving like cat claws. She did not even look at them, she also said many things including heredity can cause that. I have been on a thyroid supplement for several months now and I don't have cat claws anymore. As for heredity - every female on my mother's side of the family has had a thyroid problem.

Artificial nails hide any signs of potential problems. If you are having surgery, your surgeon will insist that those nails come off. Oh the choices we have to make. I loved my artificial nails. I stopped wearing them when I started a pottery class. It took so very long to get healthy strong nails after that - I just never went back. They are not healthy - but they sure are pretty.

I think my daughter would probably like me to get my nails done for her wedding. But, between gardening (I know I should use gloves but I like the feel of the earth) moving rocks and daily cleaning chores my whole hands not just my nails are a little the worse for wear. Don't think nails would help that much. My nails are strong now which is why I use them to chip at things - a very very bad habit.

until next time - smile and see the positives in your life
Sharon
Answers For Your Health

Cancer Treatment Alternative or Standard

Why must we fight about this. Alternative therapies can go hand in hand with the modern medical world. They can complement each other, they can enhance the benefits of each.

Your job, right now today, is to get and maintain the healthiest body possible. If at some time in the future you have a problem, see a medical professional. Find one that believes in both therapies and work with that professional and associates to regain your health.


Cancer Treatment Alternative or Standard

If you follow the news you know about the child whose family is refusing chemotherapy for his cancer. Right or Wrong. We have all read the results of surveys that state 3 out of 4 doctors would not consider chemo as a cancer treatment.

Chemo may be the best treatment on some cancers but not all of them. What are the statistics on this cancer and chemo? Chemo is a cocktail of chemicals that doctors hope will kill cancer cells before it kills the patient.

There are people alive today who made the choice to go with chemo.

My thoughts on this are on the quality of life. If chemo extends life by 1 month this is a good thing or is it. If there is no quality of life, no ability to think or move and the only thing you are aware of is pain -- is that quality of life.

My father died of lung cancer - official cause of death.........

As sometimes happens, my post became much too long for the blog. The entire article is on the website.

until next time - smile and think positive
Sharon
AnswersForYourHealth.com/Cancer Info

ER, Pneunomia,and taking out the Pool

As usual it has been an interesting week at my house. Monday was the ER with my daughter and a severe gall bladder attack. They contemplated taking the gall bladder that day but decided not to as it was her first really painful attack. Her surgical consult is not until May 18, first available day but should she have another similar attack they would take it then. Finals at her college are this coming week so she won't be missing them anyway. She was given a script for Vicodin, thank goodness.

Because Thursday I was at the doctor myself. Wednesday night I was in such severe pain I could not lie down let alone sleep. Took a Vicodin, yes I know that is a no-no and managed to get about 4 hours sleep.

I had been outside watching my husband trying to cut the concrete apron around the pool we are taking out. I had inhaled some of the dust with a wind shift. Withing a few hours I could not take a breathe without pain in my throat and breastbone.

Ok so Thursday, doctor exam and ekg ( he said everyone should have a heart as healthy and strong as mine) and a script for an antibiotic. Doctor said antibiotic because of some infection in sinuses and drainage and lungs sounded gritty. Never heard that before. Gritty lungs. Anyway he was afraid I would develop pneumonia. Also told me I did not have the flu, and I told him I knew that. Whatever, I feel so much better and can breathe without any pain. Still feel weak as kitten so I am not doing anything to help with the pool.

My husband and two friends as taking turns using a jack hammer on the pool. I am taking pictures of the demolition. Once the pool has been taken down about 2 feet we will then fill it with dirt and hopefully within a month will have a green lawn instead of a concrete hole.

This post is a little long because I have some info on the flu scare. That is my concern -- don't be afraid. Just take the normal precautions, maybe some extra vitamin D and don't jump at the first pharmaceutical solution.

If you are interested in how they are trying to track the epicenter of the infection see this link.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124113876438075685.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Also a first rate article written by a doctor not just me and my alternative healing ideas.


Swine Flu - Really?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Daisy_Sutherland]Dr. Daisy Sutherland

Now if you do your research you will note that many of the deaths that have occurred have been from those who actually get the flu vaccination. And many more people have died resulting from the flu alone.

Also note that those more susceptible to extreme cases that may lead to death are the elderly or the very young. The reason behind this is because their immune systems are weak or not fully developed. As well as many deaths are noted in more rural or under developed areas where sanitation is an issue, (and yes, we have such areas in the US, sad to say).

It is important to remain healthy to avoid such illnesses. Read and be informed before falling prey to the media hype.

Basic things to remember, and notice I wrote basic:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water more than simply once a day

When coughing, please cover your mouth (Can you hear your mom's voice?)

Your diet should consist of healthy food, not simply fast-food or 'junk food'

Exercise, yes exercise will keep your immune system strong

Avoid the needless anti-biotics and immunizations if possible, remember the anti-biotics will not only attack the 'bad' germs but also the needed 'good' germs that actually help our bodies fight disease

Concentrate on being disease-free and don't cover up the symptoms

Umm...silly to note, but NO you will not get this strain of flu from eating pork

Please be informed, don't rely on the media. Remember this is being enforced by the government as well...and I really don't want to get political here, I'm just saying do your homework.

More people die from auto accidents, smoking and iatrogenic reasons (drug induced/dr induced) then they do from the swine flu.

Please stay healthy, do your homework, wash your hands and your body will be able to handle this illness if indeed it becomes a pandemic.

For more valuable health tips be sure to visit:

Dr. Mommy Health Tips http://drmommyhealthtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Daisy_Sutherland http://EzineArticles.com/?Swine-Flu---Really?&id=2287815

until next time ---- smile It is still a beautiful world
Sharon
Answers for Your Health