This flu season has made it clear that it’s one unlike most others. Visits to doctors, hospitalizations and even deaths, although still rare, have been higher than expected with this flu strain. The swine flu is in its prime, but you have the power to maintain control of your susceptibility. Knowing the systems and how to stay healthy are your best weapons against this media-blitzed health crisis. It’s time to end H1N1’s moment in the spotlight.
First, know your risks and know the systems. Underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy increase the risk of flu-related complications. In the earliest cases diagnosed, clinical data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that fever (93%) and cough (83%) were the most widely reported symptoms, followed by fatigue or weakness (54%), chills (37%) and muscle soreness (36%). All the symptoms of the H1N1 virus are typical of the seasonal flu, although vomiting and diarrhea have been more commonly reported than usual.
Flu symptoms can often be confused with those of the common cold, but understand these differences:
ü Colds rarely produce a fever. A temperature above 100°F for 3-4 days is common of H1N1.
ü A productive (mucus-producing) cough is a cold symptom, while a dry, unproductive cough is usually matched with the flu.
ü More intense aches (including chest discomfort) and fatigue, as opposed to slight pains and tiredness, are associated with the flu virus.
ü A stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing are not common symptoms of the H1N1 flu.
ü Chills are an uncommon cold symptom, while very common with the flu.
ü Cold systems are slow developing, over the period of several days. The flu virus has a rapid onset of just a few hours, hitting hard with sudden symptoms.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 November 2009 11:32
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Enjoying a good laugh is one of the greatest gifts in life. It lifts our spirits, relieves stress from our bodies, and develops bonds in relationships. When we laugh, we swell with a contagious happiness others are bound to catch. So what’s really happening when our bodies are shaking, our eyes teary and our cheek muscles sore?  Your health is being restored!
Humor and laughter activate endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals, to be released into your body, giving you a sense of overall well-being. Laughter can strengthen your immune system, relieve pain, boost your energy and relax your body. After a good laugh, your muscles can remained relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Your immune system’s improved through the body’s release of infection-fighting antibodies. Your blood flow increases, promoting the function of blood vessels and leading to a healthier heart – which is exactly were joy abounds, a happy heart!
Your joy is multiplied!
Laughing improves your optimism and helps you hold through difficult times. It serves as a tool of courage to find strength in hope and further joy. It dissolves unhappy emotions, preventing you from feeling angry, sad or anxious. Laughter helps you find the good in a tough situation, leading you to new perspectives, and brighter outlooks.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 November 2009 11:46
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Monday, 12 October 2009 19:04
Girlfriendit Intern, Katy Gill
Did You Know?
If you haven’t been a victim of car theft, you know someone who has. It’s a less than pleasant situation. You feel helpless, wondering whether there was anything you could have done to prevent it.
 In the year 2008, the last compiled statistics showed that there were just under one million motor vehicle thefts nationwide. Per 100,000 persons, a little over 300 thefts occurred. The news certainly doesn’t sound good, but motor vehicle theft has been on a steady decline over the past several years, lowering 12.7% between 2007 and 2008, and 22.7% since 2004.
So what can you do you become a part of the better statistic, and keep your car safe in your possession? More than you know.
Your vehicle’s VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number can be a tool or a trial when it comes to keeping your vehicle protected. On the one hand, the 17-digit serial number identifies the car as yours alone, but in the case that your stolen car is dissembled, chop shops have no problem selling its unmarked and therefore untraceable parts, which can earn them up to three times the price of the vehicle. To improve your chances of recovering your car intact, you can brand or etch your VIN in your windows, under the hood, the trunk, battery and on other important parts so that thieves have a harder time selling them. This can be done professionally, or at home with a do-it-yourself kit that costs about $20.
A less suspected happening is a premeditated act in which a thief reads your VIN directly through your windshield, where it’s most often displayed on the driver’s side of the vehicle. With that number, a person can retrieve a key from an auto dealer for special entry into your car. Most reliable dealers should require identification or proof of ownership to issue a new key, but to prevent a worst case scenario, keep your VIN covered when you’re not in your vehicle.
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 15:58
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This is my favorite time of the year when it starts to cool off in sunny Arizona. It brings me back to my all-time-favorite recipe for "Pumpkin Cookies". These are a must to make and so simple. They frost easy and everyone loves them. Enjoy! Pumpkin Cookies Cream together:
2 C Sugar
2 C Crisco
Add:
16 0z. can pumpkin
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1 c chopped nuts optional
Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 15:45
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Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Take a break for just a moment and learn of 8 quick ways to take the stress out of what could be a beautiful day.  Stop yourself from getting angry or annoyed over trivial issues. Make a conscious choice to not feel upset. Don’t waste your energy on undeserving problems.
 Breathe! This is probably the most cliché of all stress-busters but only because it works. It lengthens your reaction time to a stressful situation, allowing you to more calmly approach it.
 Speak slower. Again, you’ll calm your reactions and act more reasonably. To others, you’ll seem less anxious and in control.
Last Updated on Friday, 09 October 2009 20:20
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