Newport Medical Consultants

Winter is fast approaching and so if the flu season. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses.

Your first line of defense against the flu is prevention. One of the most common defenses is the flu shot, which is a vaccine containing three strings of influenza. Two weeks after the vaccination, antibodies form that provide your body with protection again the influenza virus.

Second, there are simple health-conscious habits you can create to decrease your risk of contracting the flu:

• Wash your hands. Influenza often is spread by direct contact such as shaking hands or sharing drinks. The flu also can be spread indirectly. For example, if someone sneezes into their hands and touches something you later touch, you are at risk. Germs can live from hours to days, so it is important wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes and touching your mouth.

• Instead of using your hands, use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. You are literally holding onto germs when you sneeze into your hands, easily passing it along to unsuspecting people. Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away immediately to avoid germ transfer.

If prevention is not enough to get you though the flu season, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and return to full health sooner. Antiviral drugs can significantly reduce your symptoms if taken within 48 hours of feeling sick. There are two antiviral drugs on the market today: Osteltamivir and Zanamivir. Only your doctor can provide you with an antiviral drug, so consult with them about your symptoms.

Finally, if you can, let the virus run its course. Stay home, gets lots of rest, drink liquids and avoid body taxing products like alcohol and tobacco. Letting the virus ride its course helps your body build natural resistance and be stronger for next time. However, consult your doctor if you have a fever greater than 100.5 for 72 hours or if you are very ill and suffering from extreme fatigue, headaches and body aches.

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you know that products labeled “organic” are on the shelves and in the produce section. Organic is the new trend in healthy eating.

Organic foods are grown or produced without harmful pesticides and have greater levels of nutrients. Within the past 7 years, more than 40 studies have been published showing that the average levels of nearly a dozen nutrients are 25% higher in organic produce.

Last October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” seal went into effect, signifying huge progress in authenticity. The organic seal certifies foods that are grown free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones and genetically engineered substances.

Another significant benefit to organic foods is the nutrients in the soil found at farms. Organic farms recognize the importance of preserving the soil, keeping the microbiotic organisms that provide nutrients to its foods. These nutrients are transferred to your food, giving you the vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy. Non-organic farms tend to over-cultivate, and heavily use herbicides and fast-acting inorganic fertilizers, that destroy much of the microbiotic activity that provides nutrients to the soil.

Organic foods come at a premium cost, but they are worth it; they’re better for your body. While you don’t have to convert your entire diet to organic, try including it in meals as much as possible - it’s cleaner for your body and contains a lot more vitamins and minerals. Happy eating!

As we enter the cold and flu season, knowing what type of infection you have can speed up your recovery. Viral and bacterial infections need to be treated differently. In order to treat your symptoms, you must determine which you are suffering from:

Bacterial Infections

Some types of bacteria can be good for your health. However, coming into contact with infected surfaces, such as doorknobs, toilet handles or countertops, can cause harmful bacteria to enter your body and be the start of an infection. Common bacterial infections include strep throat, tuberculosis and salmonella.

Viral Infections

Viruses are capsules of genetic material that require a living host to survive. As the virus enters your body it invades your cells and attempts to take over the cell machinery and reproduce. Viruses often are transmitted through swallowing or inhaling, but can also be spread through sexual contact, insects or parasites. Common viral infections include influenza, upper respiratory infections, and head and chest colds.

In a recent blog post, I talked about the multiple health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. When people hear the word diet, they often think you have to silence your sweet tooth. However, there are many Mediterranean-inspired dessert recipes that will delight your taste buds. Below is an easy recipe for Cherry Clafoutis, a baked fruit pudding, from EatingWell.com.

Cherry Clafoutis

1 pound tart cherries, pitted
1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup sugar, divided
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup evaporated nonfat milk
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

1. Place rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 375°F. Coat a 9-inch glass quiche dish or other small shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Combine cherries and 1/3 cup sugar in the prepared dish. Bake until the cherries are tender and very juicy, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, flour, vanilla and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. Whisk in evaporated milk.
3. Drain the juices from the cherries into a small bowl, holding back the fruit with a metal spatula. Reserve the juices. Redistribute the cherries over the bottom of the dish and pour in the egg mixture. Bake until puffed and set, 12 to 15 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately, with the reserved cherry juices spooned over the top.

For many people, a personal exercise routine remains on their “to do” list and never gets the much-needed completion check. Let these tips be the push you need to get started.

5 tips to start your personal exercise routine:

1. Know your health limitations, especially prior to starting a new exercise program. Remember, every person’s body is unique with different strengths and weaknesses. Pre-existing medical conditions may slow you down, but DON’T GIVE UP! There may be some exercises you simply can’t do because of health limitations - improvise and learn what is comfortable for you and go from there.

2. Pick something you are passionate about. Did you love watching the neck-and-neck Wimbledon? Try tennis! Pick up a sport that interests you. If you are finding it hard to become passionate about exercise, try making it fun with music, friends or beautiful surroundings. iTunes has some great free podcasts with workout music. Distracting yourself by exercising with friends helps the time go by faster and provides that extra commitment you may need.

3. Start anything new slowly to minimize risk of injury. If your body is not accustomed to working out, injury is more likely. Don’t push yourself too hard! If you get burnt out or hurt, you’re less likely to make exercise a long-term commitment.

4. Be consistent with your training time. Make your workouts a scheduled appointment in your Blackberry or Outlook calendar. It should be something you cannot miss, Monday through Friday. Anything on the weekends is a bonus!

5. Be aware your body. If you experience continuing pain, seek medical attention with a sports medicine trained physician earlier rather than later, especially if you have an ongoing injury.

Start your exercise routine today! Staying active is the key to a healthy mind and body. Be creative! Don’t be scared to try something new, explore your options. There is something out there for everyone.