Public Health Problem

Dangerous American Heart Disease

A million of Americans suffer everyday from some or the other form of heart disease. These diseases include heart attacks strokes high blood pressure angina cardiovascular disease congenital heart defects and many more.

American women heart disease Men as well as women in America are affected by this American heart disease. It is believed that cancer is a threat for most of the women but that is not the fact. 70 of women in America die due to the heart diseases. The American Heart Association has listed out some of the risk factors for the women that lead to heart disease. As women grow older the risk of stroke and heart disease also rises substantially. Sometimes the stroke may be the result of hereditary. They are prone to develop a stroke if their close blood relatives suffer from it. Race is also a greatest factor. Black women are more prone to it as compared to white women. Those who have has a previous attack are at a higher risk to face an attack again shortly the next time.

Other than this there are also other factors responsible for American women heart disease. Women who are smoking tobacco physically inactive obese and overweight are also prone to hear disease. Along with these diabetes milletus excessive intake of alcohol high levels of triglyceride depression etc. are also major cause of increased rate of heart disease. The American women needs to change their life style up to some extent like quit smoking habits control their blood sugar levels cholesterol and blood pressure maintain a healthy weight exercise regularly have a lowfat diet be aware of chest pain take care of their diabetes and keep a record of the family history.

American men heart disease men are also prone to incidences of heart disease like women. The causes are risk factors are similar to men as well as women. It is said that men having high risk of coronary heart diseases can include soy proteins to their diets. This decreases the possibilities of developing world’s biggest killer disease.

Kid’s heart disease you might wonder that a disease so thrilling and defective one in older people can kids get affected to it? The answer to this question is yes. Usually the symptoms of blood vessel problems and heart are not seen in the kids. But you can develop healthy habits to your kids to minimize the chances to get affected by it. So what can be done? The first and fore most advice is not to smoke at all and take care to see that your kid eats healthy exercises regularly and maintains a healthy weight. The heart and the blood vessels will praise you later for this.

American heart disease rate The heart disease rate is very high in America. It varies by region and educational level in America. However these rates are declining slowly from the year 1994 due to the advancements in scientific technologies.

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Cause Of Crohns Disease

A group of chronic disorders responsible for inflammation or ulceration in the small intestine and colon is known as inflammatory bowel disease IBD. Generally this disorder is classified as ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. The inner lining of the colon and rectum gets affected in the former while the latter is likely to penetrate deep into the layers of the intestinal wall.

Crohns is a chronic disease and it can occur at several times over a lifetime. However the exact cause of Crohns disease is not known yet. There has been various theories relate to the disease but no one could be successful in proving the exact cause of Crohns disease. The most famous among these theories explains that immune system of the body by leading constant inflammation in the intestine reacts to a virus or bacterium and causes Crohns disease.

Undoubtedly people suffering from Crohns experience abnormalities of the immune system still these abnormalities cannot be confirmed as an outcome or cause of Crohns disease. All researchers agree at one thing that emotional distress has nothing to do with Crohns disease.

Studies have shown that smokers have more chances of acquiring Crohns disease compared to nonsmokers. Smokers tend to suffer from higher rate of relapse repeat surgery and immunosuppressive treatment. However women smokers are at higher risk than man in all spheres no matter whether they smoke currently or not. Its reason is not known but according to some theories defensive system of the intestine gets lower due to smoking. Including this it also reduces blood flow towards intestine. Smoking causes certain changes in immune system that ultimately results in inflammation.

The probabilities of worsening the condition becomes higher if one has a risk factor for Crohns disease and the worst thing is that these factors do not appear as a direct cause of Crohns disease rather they are joined in some other way to the disease. Still it may not necessarily results in Crohns disease. Similarly if one does not have any such risk factor then it is not necessary that you are protected against Crohns disease.

There are theories about the cause of Crohns disease but none of these have any proof to prove itself. Researchers have noticed the inflammation in the GI tract of people with Crohns disease which comprise number of other factors like the inherited genes of the patient and environment. Antigens i.e. foreign substances have also been noticed in the environment. Another possible cause of inflammation can be reaction of the body to these antigens.

There are several theories that are considered as the causes of Crohns disease but none of these can be accepted as there are no evidences to prove them. Thus similar to cure researchers are still finding he accurate cause of Crohns disease

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Dave Clark is an experienced article writer and has been writing articles and books for many years he is very knowledgeable in numerous fields Dave also works part time for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Divans Memory Foam Sofas Memory Foam Pillows Memory Foam Mattresses and Memory Foam Toppers
Buy your memory foam mattress direct from the manufacturer

Asbestos Asbestos Exposure And Mesothelioma–an Overview

Asbestos

The literal meaning of the word asbestos; comes from the Greek and it means inextinguishable.; Rightfully named this long fibrous mineral has been widely used for thousands of years because of its fireproof qualities. In fact the ancient Greeks used asbestos for the funeral dress of kings that were to be cremated. Both the Greeks and Romans used asbestosfiber napkins which they would clean by throwing into the fire.

In modern times asbestos has been used for much the same reason. In addition the mineral is highly resistant to heat salt water chemical corrosion and other biological processes. It is lightweight extremely strong and can be woven into cloth or mixed with building materials such as concrete. Asbestos has been used for insulation purposes in a variety of items and structures including ceilings walls toasters and hairdryers. It was widely used on ships and in military applications and at one point its use was even mandated by the U.S. military.

Unfortunately it is now known that exposure to asbestos carries with it enormous health risks. Pleural plaques asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer are some of the diseases that can be caused by asbestos especially when the exposure is prolonged and/or repeated. Although the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder observed a sickness of the lungs; in the slaves who worked with the fiber and the first case of asbestosis was noted as far back as the 1920s in England the material was used in industrial applications and its adverse effects have been ignored or even deliberately covered up for decades.

Exposure

Asbestos once disturbed releases tiny particles which are typically unseen by the human eye into the air. Once inhaled these particles become lodged in the mesothelium which is the outer lining protecting the heart lungs and stomach. The fibers cannot be breathed out or otherwise removed from the body once they are lodged in the body’s soft tissues.

Exposure to dangerous asbestos fibers has caused the development of asbestos cancer in a variety of different employees and occupations over the years. Exposure has occurred through the mining of asbestos from the earth construction or demolition of asbestoscontaining building materials and even by washing clothing that has been contaminated by asbestos. Various asbestosrelated diseases including mesothelioma have been diagnosed in people from all walks of life.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer whose only known cause is asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma often has a long latency period and can remain undiagnosed for years or even decades. By the time it is diagnosed the cancer has usually reached an advanced stage which makes determining how to undergo mesothelioma treatment very difficult. This means that we do not yet understand the full impact of the widespread usage of asbestos in the early decades of the 20th Century since so many people are just now being diagnosed.

Mesothelioma symptoms are generally nonspecific and resemble those of common sicknesses such as viral pneumonia heart disease flu and bronchitis. These symptoms include dyspnea shortness of breath or difficulty breathing coughing and/or coughing up of blood chest or abdominal pain caused by excessive fluid weight loss husky voice difficulty swallowing fever anemia bowel obstruction inability to sleep and loss of appetite. Because of the resemblance to many other diseases mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed or not accurately diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. As with all cancers mesothelioma can be more effectively treated when it is diagnosed early but due to its long latency period and its symptoms’ similarities to other health issues it rarely is.

Currently mesothelioma is incurable. There are treatments which can be used to slow the disease’s progress or provide palliative care. Established therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation experimental treatments and holistic therapies can all be used individually or in conjunction with one another.

About the writer:  The goal and effort of Mesolink.org is to help spread knowledge and awareness of asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma it’s time to get help.

Cardiomyopathy Causes Symptoms Of Treatment

Cardiomyopathy including peripartum cardiomyopathy and alcoholic cardiomyopathy which involves dilation or enlargement of the hearts ventricles and an increase in the size of the heart overall. This condition may be caused by heart disease viruses abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol and genetic disorders. Additionally idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy also called dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown cause is not uncommon. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes about 10000 deaths annually in the United States and is a major cause for heart transplantation.

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases enlarge your heart muscle or make it thicker and more rigid than normal. In rare cases scar tissue replaces the muscle tissue. Some people live long healthy lives with cardiomyopathy. Some people don’t even realize they have it. In others however it can make the heart less able to pump blood through the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy dilated hypertrophic and restrictive all of which affect your heart’s muscle often making it difficult to pump blood and deliver it to the rest of your body. There are many causes of cardiomyopathy including coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.
Causes

About 2030 of dilated cardiomyopathy cases have been reported as familial although with incomplete and agedependent penetrance and linked to a diverse group of more than 20 loci and genes. Although genetically heterogeneous the predominant mode of inheritance for dilated cardiomyopathy is autosomal dominant with Xlinked autosomal recessive and mitochondrial inheritance less frequent.

Cardiomyopathy can be caused by viral infections heart attacks alcoholism longterm severe high blood pressure nutritional deficiences particularly selenium thiamine and Lcarnitine systemic lupus erythematosus celiac disease and endstage kidney disease.

The most common cause of cardiomyopathy in developed nations is coronary artery disease. Heart attacks cause death of heart muscle by obstruction of a coronary artery. While the damage is localized to the region of muscle supplied by that artery within a few months the entire left ventricle dilates or remodels to compensate for the damage. With a small heart attack the amount of ventricular dilation is minimal.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath on exertion dizziness fainting and angina pectoris. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. Some people have cardiac arrhythmias. These are abnormal heart rhythms that in some cases can lead to sudden death. Often an implanted cardioverter defibrillator ICD is needed to shock the heart to restart a normal heart rhythm and prevent sudden dealth. The obstruction to blood flow from the left ventricle increases the ventricle’s work and a heart murmur may be heard.

Treatment

Antiarrhythmic drugs may be given to prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Most of these drugs are prescribed in small doses. Doses are increased in small increments because if the dose is too large an antiarrhythmic drug may worsen heart rhythm abnormalities or depress pumping function. Some people have an abnormality of the electrical conduction in the heart which can be helped by a pacemaker. Doctors may consider an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator pacemaker in patients with persistent poor heart function and an increased risk of sudden death.

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Coronary Heart Disease What You Should Know

Do you know that Coronary Heart Disease is the most common type of heart disease in developed and industrialized countries? Have you heard that CHD is responsible for over half a million death in the United States and more than 150000 deaths in the U.K. alone yearly? What is this Coronary Heart Disease all about anyway? Then get to know CHD and what causes it.

Coronary Heart Disease CHD is simply the disease of the coronary artery a situation whereby the artery that supply blood to the heart is clogged or blocked reducing blood flow to the heart muscles which need oxygen from the blood supply and this could lead to a complete artery blockage. When this happens in the heart the result is heart attack medically known as myocardial infarction. The same process in blood vessels supplying the brain results in a stroke.
Coronary Heart Disease is caused mainly by:
formation of plagues fatty deposits in the lining of the arteries rupture of this plagues and a subsequent development of a blood clot known as thrombosis in the artery.
These plagues narrow the arteries so that less blood flows through them thereby depriving the heart muscles of the much needed oxygen. If blood supply is not restored there will be a permanent damage to the heart.

Because of our western lifestyle especially in dieting the health of arteries gradually deteriorates as we grow older. Fats and cholesterol is the major cloggier of the arteries. The fatty deposits plagues in the artery are medically called atheroma and the whole process is known as atherosclerosis.
The more the fatty deposits plagues the greater the risk of heart attacks. Women should beware because a woman’s heart is smaller and has narrower coronary arteries than men so it takes less plague to block them.
Plague rupture and thrombosis leads to a complete blockage of an artery. When these plagues break it releases a complex chemical which triggers a lot of events leading to thrombosis.

The most common symptom of CHD is Angina Pectoris chest pain. Angina occurs as a result of restriction of blood flow to the heart due to plague formation in the coronary arteries. The pain is described as a crushing or gripping pain across the chest which may also radiate into the teeth or throat and followed by sweating and breathlessness.
The pain arises from the muscle fiber of the heart that has insufficient supply of oxygen. The harder the heart muscles works the more the oxygen will be required and the greater the imbalance between the oxygen supply and demand. This is why Angina is typically triggered by physical activities. It can also occur after stress and anxiety.

Heart attack myocardial infarction occurs when the degree of narrowing of the coronary is high or if there has been a blood clot thrombosis which blocks the arteries. It is important to know that heart attack can occur anytime anywhere without warning. These are the warning symptoms of heart attack: Chest discomfort Sweating Dizziness or nausea Fatigue palpitation Fainting breathlessness. Not all these symptoms occur in every attack

CHD and stroke are two most common form of cardiovascular disease. They account for about 75 per cent of all the deaths relating to heart diseases.

To learn more about Coronary Heart disease visit http://www.heartcares.blogspot.com

Knowledge is power so Learn and Live!

About the writer:  Miracle is an expert researcher on health and fitness matters especially heart health women and men’s health dieting environmental health issues a motivational speaker and a teacher. For more information visit http://www.heartcares.blogspot.com http://www.dietcares.blogspot.com

Asbestos – And You Thought It Was Banned?

Everyone seems to think that Asbestos was banned. I mean we know it is a toxic substance which causes deadly cancers and diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. We know it kills people but why on earth would you think it was banned? Is it possible that this deadly substance was never really banned? Is it possible that asbestos containing products are still around us?

Here are the facts:Asbestos killsover 10000 men woman and children every year. Still today asbestos containing products are being manufactured and imported into the country. During 1971 the Environmental Protection Agency EPA listed asbestos as a Hazardous Air Pollutant. At that time the EPA and OSHA started to restrict the uses of asbestos in products. Throughout the 1970s the EPA and US Government wanted to ban asbestos products but pressures from asbestos producers and the Canadian government sought to stop it.

During1989 the EPA said it would phase out and ban up to 94 of all products containing asbestos in consumer products by 1997. The EPA said: “asbestos is a human carcinogen and is one of the most hazardous substances to which humans are exposed in both occupational and nonoccupational settings.” The EPA had it correct countless tests studies and deaths already proved it.

So what happened? It sounded like the US was being the great Leader of the world like it usually is and is banning and/or phasing out asbestos products. Well the asbestos industry did not like the ban it meant losing millions or I should say billions of dollars. So they filed lawsuits against the EPA and in 1991 the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ban.

Where do we stand now? Political pressures from various groups to keep asbestos productsamongst us and some strong politicians who are trying to ban it are going on right now. Legislation and bills are being created to finally ban ACB Asbestos Containing Products. Will it pass and finally be banned? No one knows but one thing is for sure; there are less products being made with asbestos. People are learning the truth about this toxic substance and the ban is closer to being realized than ever before.

About the writer:  Mark Ralph is a prolific Author and Investigative journalist on the web where he writes about varied topics. He Researches Health Nutrition and is an Expert in Investing Marketing Business. For Asbestos Information click: Asbestos Products Learn about Mesothelioma and For Rare Asbestos Company Advertisements and Catalogs for Collectors or Litigation purposes Click: Asbestos Catalogs.

Carbon Monoxide Food Poisoning – What You Need To Know

When you are at the grocery store looking for that perfect piece of meat for the barbeque you will most likely choose the reddest and leanest cut. What you may not know is this: that red meat may have been altered for packaging and freshness appeal by using a form of carbon monoxide that helps hide spoilage.

How is carbon monoxide used in packaging meats?
The FDA approved the use of carbon monoxide for modified atmosphere packaging systems in the U.S. in 2004. This particular process replaces the oxygen in the meat package with carbon monoxide in order to extend the products shelf life from the normal 5 days to a dramatically increased 15 days. Low oxygen levels reduce spoilage.

For consumer appeal the carbon monoxide is combined with myoglobin a globular protein of 153 amino acids to form carboxymyoglobin. This bright cherry red pigment is injected into most red meats including pork. Not only does it enhance the meats color and freshness but it also masks any discoloration from spoilage.

So where does that leave you the consumer? Well in the dark basically as the FDA does not require that food processors indicate on the label their use of carbon monoxide in the product.

How can food poisoning be a factor?
Without the certainty of knowing how long the meat has been in circulation carbon monoxide food poisoning becomes a potential health risk. In a petition to the FDA Kalsec a Michigan based food company stated The use of carbon monoxide deceives consumers and creates an unnecessary risk of food poisoning by enabling meat and ground beef to remain freshlooking beyond the point at which typical color changes would indicate ageing or bacterial spoilage.

Many countries such as Canada Japan Singapore and the whole of the European Union have banned this particular packaging process as the risk of carbon monoxide food poisoning poses too great a threat. In extreme cases ingesting the bacteria in spoiled food can be fatal for certain individuals. If this process is here to stay in the United States then consumers should be made aware of which meats have undergone this method of packaging.

Types of carbon monoxide food poisoning
Carbon monoxide food poisoning is a health hazard not to be taken lightly. Below is a list of the most common bacterium and viral ailments that can be contracted through the ingestion of spoiled foods and meats:

• Viruses: norwalk rotavirus hepatitis A
• Bacteria: salmonellae campylobacter staphylococcus aureus bacillus cereus ecoli travelers diarrhea botulism vibrio cholerae
• Parasites: beaver fever cryptosporidium

While negligent food handling storage and incorrect cooking procedures remain significant contributing causes of food poisoning the fact that carbon monoxide is used in delaying the aged appearance of meat most probably changes how consumers handle it upon arriving home from the grocery store. Because the meat looks fresh a person might choose not to freeze it and opt to keep it in the fridge for a couple of days before cooking it. However if the meat had already begun to spoil and continues to spoil on the shelf in the fridge it could become the cause of carbon monoxide food poisoning in your home.

About the writer:  Lily Armstrong is the research consultant for A Guide to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at www.carbonmonoxidepoisoning.com.

Asbestos – A Continuing Health Danger

The Super Cool actor of the 1960s Hollywood legend Steve McQueen came down with lung problems which cut his life short at the age of 50. This tough movie actor was stopped by an illness called Mesothelioma a rare type of lung cancer caused mostly by asbestos.

Asbestos the once hailed Miracle Mineral has now become the Devils Dust. Asbestos is a name which was given to a group of 6 different naturally occurring fibrous minerals. These minerals are amosite chrysotile crocidolite and the fibrous varieties of tremolite actinolite and anthophyllite. The properties of these minerals contain strong separable fibers that are heat resistant and flexible enough to be woven or mixed into thousands of products.

Products for the entire building industry were made out of asbestos and many still are today. Asbestos was used in insulation wallboards ceiling tiles floor tiles roofing shingles paper products cement products brakes and all types of heatresistant fabrics. Asbestos is still being mined right now mostly in China Russia Canada Brazil Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe.

The danger with asbestos is that it is everywhere. Its still in many peoples homes and its still used in many products today. The problems arise when that old asbestos board or insulation is damaged and then these tiny fibers float into the air. The fibers then become inhaled and never leave your lungs. As they accumulate in your lungs many years later they can develop into Lung Cancer Abestosis and other serious health problems. Asbestos removal is best left to professionals and many experts say that if the asbestos in your home is not damaged it is safer to just leave it alone.

If you develop either Shortness of breath hoarseness or wheezing. A persistent cough which gets worse over time or if you spit up blood make sure to get an appointment with a doctor for your symptoms. Hopefully it is not asbestos related but if you have worked around asbestos or live around asbestos then make sure to inform your doctor.

During the 1950s 60s and 70s Manufacturers were proud to put the name Asbestos in their product advertisements. These days asbestos might still be in products but it is not labeled as such. Chrysotile asbestos is the only form which is still in commercial use today. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your self protected from dangerous asbestos products and the toxic fibers they can give off.

About the writer:  Mark Ralph is a prolific Author on the web. He is an Expert in Investing Marketing Business. For Asbestos Information click: http://www.AsbestosProducts.com For Rare Asbestos Company Advertisements and Catalogs for Collectors or Litigation purposes Click: Asbestos Catalogs.

Control Your High Blood Pressure By Changing From A To B

It is quite interesting to note that even our personality which can be classified as either Type A or Type B can be a contributing factor in the occurrence of high blood pressure.

There are several researches that prove Type A personalities are more prone to high blood pressure heart ailments and strokes than that of the Type B individuals. Although this doesn’t mean that Type B people will not get the same illnesses.

Individuals of the Type A personality are characterized by their competitive mode. They want to control the conversation and have a hard time listening. As a whole they do not have enough money large home enough friends and enough of anything.

As a result they have elevated adrenaline and cortisol discharge. Their blood pressure blood fat cholesterol and blood clotting elements are likely in the high level.

The Type B personality is the exact opposite.They are fond of recreation not doing anything silent about their accomplishments and rarely become angry or irritable.

As a whole how a person acquires a Type A or B personality trait is reportedly 70 percent hereditary.

The evident disparity between the two personalities and the seemingly appealing characteristics of the Type B personality is supported by a suggestion that shifting from Type A to Type B personality will help you avoid high levels of the following health disorders::

1. Cholesterol and the need for medication regarding the disease.

2. Elevated triglycerides

3. High blood pressure

4. Blood sugar

5. Incidence of blood clotting factors

Should the Type A personality succeed in achieving the goal of transforming into a Type B personality he or she is almost assured of keeping away from bouts of high blood pressure.

Changing from Type A to Type B personality is only the initial stage. The other changes will include the decrease in selfrestricting time urgency and unfriendly competitiveness.

Decrease in time urgency means handling time effectively and working in a wellorganized manner. With regards to unfriendly competitiveness Type A personality should change into becoming less aggressive and more agreeable.

As a whole shifting from Type A to Type B personality will mean the following:

1. Becoming more realistic in setting deadlines.

2. Achieving better work and working relationships with friends and family relation.

3. Becoming more patient with other people and their differences.

4. Becoming more cooperative in working with others.

5. Being able to learn from conversations with others.

6. Becoming a good listener.

However individuals who are bent into transforming themselves from the Type A to Type B personality can expect to encounter rough sailing.

Hence here are some tips which can help you in developing the Type B behavior:

1. Develop your interest outside of the work place.

2. Comingle and make friends with Type B people.

3. Avail and take pleasure in your lunch and rest periods.

4. Be pleased about the things around you.

5. Restore former traditions or innovate.

6. Choose a pastime.

7. Instill in your mind that you have the right to enjoy.

Once you get accustomed to the changes you will note that the transformation is an “autocatalytic process” or it operates on autopilot. You will not only enjoy life but prevent high blood pressure as well.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and weight loss.He had published many health articles online is a platinum expert author in EzineArticles and writes for Health Central which is a leading health authority website.Some of his sites includes:High Blood Pressure TreatmentGout ReliefFat Loss Diet

Can You Protect Yourself Against The Swine Flu?

Can You Protect Yourself From The Swine Flu?

By Sandy Powers

Every day our bodies are attacked by viruses and bacteria that weaken our immune system and make us more vulnerable to diseases like the Swine Flu.

Swine Flu is a serious disease. All flues are serious. Even with the flu shots so many people get around 36000 people die in the United States yearly from the flu. The concern is that a pandemic may occur. If it does many more people will die. A pandemic is a disease that affects people worldwide. An epidemic is more contained.

The Swine Flu is a respiratory illness that is spread from pigs to humans to other humans. We spread it to each other much like we do coldscoughing sneezing and touching things with the virus on it. Wearing masks offer little protection unless you are also wearing disposable gloves and wash your hands well after disposing of both then disinfecting the sink and handles. Unrealistic.

Symptoms are regular flu symptomsfever running nose sore throat and you can develop vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment: Antibiotics dont work against viruses. The antivirals may work but problems are developing that viruses are becoming immune to them. Plus to work you must take them within 48 hours of contact. Often with the flu you dont recognize the symptoms until it is too late for the antivirals to work.

So how can we protect ourselves?

We keep our immune system in top shape so that if we do contact the Swine Flu our bodies will fight serious complications. We boost our immune system with certain foods.

Double the orange juice. Dont forget the kids. Have them trade some of that apple juice for orange juice.

Eat carrots sweet potatoes and sweet bell peppers.

Beans whole grains nuts especially walnuts shrimp and red meat.

Garlic and onions are great for boosting the immune system.

Get your Vitamin D from the sun 15 minutes a day. Make sure your kids go outside after school for 15 minutes without sunscreen.

Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration even if you have no symptoms.

A meal that is loaded with immune boosters is Chili. Make with ground beef red green and yellow sweet peppers tomatoes garlic onions and lots of beans.

About the writer:  A breast cancer survivor with liver problems Sandy Powers turned to organic foods to heal her liver and fight cancer recurrence. Her research amazing results and recipes packed with antioxidants and immune boosters are in her book “Organic for Health.” Visit Sandy and view her book video at www.organicforhealthsite.com