To Live Longer, Get To Know Your Toes
I laughed out loud when I read a recent title in a Medscape article. a trusted medical journal.
The subject, of course is flexibility.
I thought about it and quickly put my palms on the ground to make sure I was "in the club" so to say.
But, it makes sense. Flexibility is a huge issue as we get older.
So, can you?
A recent study in Brazil studied 10,000 participants and there was no specific correlation to early death. But, as they looked at fall risks, etc, they evaluated the ability to stand on one foot for 10 seconds and to be able to rise from a sitting position on the floor quickly. Those two tests seem to be very important toward longevity, possibly an additional 7 years,
Your goal is to start working at these two tests. Of course, you need to have strength to do this, walking and yoga will definitely help. Maye it a morning routine, this test every morning. It will take one minute, compared to 7 years.
Medscape, August 2024
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough, aka Pertussis, has been around for thousands of years, the earliest case was in Paris in 1578.
It is a bacterial respiratory infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. The causative organism was discovered in 1906 and a vaccine was developed in the 1940s.
The word pertussis means a "violent cough" which is the hallmark of the disease via the NIH.
It is highly contagious. It is on the rise and is returning to pre-pandemic trends according to the CDC.
Why? We were isolating, wearing masks and generally taking every precaution possible when around others.
Symptoms: begin like a common cold
fever
tired
runny nose
increasing cough that sounds like a "whoop" or a bark, severe enough cough to cause vomiting
difficulty breathing
symptoms can last a month or more
*affects children and adults, infants particularly at risk
Tests: a nose or throat culture
Treatment: Antibiotics! This is highly contagious. Call your doctor for an appointment.
Rest, fluids, isolation, hot tea, but let your HCP direct your care as to other things that you need.
Symptoms can last over a month so keep close contact with your HCP and arrange follow up appointments.
Vaccines Childhood vaccinations begin as infants and receive 5 vaccines by the age of 7. Teens and adults receive the booster pertussis vaccine every 10 years.
*Information from NIH and CDC websites
RSV-
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
A contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract.
It generally lasts a week or two, unless you have complications such as pneumonia. It is spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat when people cough or sneeze. It can also be spread by shaking hands or sharing items like glasses, etc.
It is very common, most children have this by age 2.
It begins as a runny nose, fatigue, some trouble breathing, sore throat, headache and decreased appetite.
If it progresses to shortness of breath, high fever, a bluish tint to your skin and an increased cough,
/wheezing, call your doctor or go to the ER.
In children the symptoms can come on very rapidly or if a teen or adult has lung problems, ie asthma, etc,
There are tests to confirm RSV via a nasal swab at your doctors or ER in necessary. They are fast, generally taking one hour.
Once confirmed your HCP, Health Care Provider will advise you re: care, decongestants, fluids, rest, isolation as much as possible.
Information gathered via NIH, CDC websites.
COVID-next months Newsletter
Menopause Symptoms-New Medicine?
A second round of phase 3 clinical trials re: new medication Elinzanetant have passed.
More to come but this medicine targets the area in the brain which causes hot flashed in women and it is nonhormonal.
In the trials by week 4 there were significant decreases in the symptoms.
Watch for more information.
I am sure most women will be interested in learning more.