Stomach Bacteria Might Be Making You Fat

Scientists from the University of Chicago Medical Center have showed that weight gain is not just due to excessive caloric intake, but also the interaction between intestinal bacteria and the body's immune response.

"Diet-induced obesity depends not just on calories ingested but also on the host's microbiome," said the study's senior author Yang-Xin Fu, MD, PhD, professor of pathology at the University of Chicago in a press release. A microbiome is the total of all microbes living in, and on, our bodies. Previous studies have revealed the differences in gut microbiomes in lean and obese people.

Though stomach bacteria has been in the spotlight before as a possible cause of obesity, this new research shows promise in the ability to alter the bacterial mix as a treatment for obesity—by either regulating gut flora or manipulating the immune response.

Measuring Microbes and Immunity

In the study, published in the journal Nature Immunology, scientists focused on the interactions between diet, intestinal bacteria, and the immune system to reveal some of the mechanisms that regulate weight gain.

According to the press release:

Researchers compared normal mice with mice that have a genetic defect that renders them unable to produce lymphotoxin, a molecule that helps to regulate interactions between the immune system and bacteria in the bowel. Mice lacking lymphotoxin, they found, do not gain extra weight, even after prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet.

On a standard diet, both groups of mice maintained a steady weight. But after nine weeks on a high-fat diet, the normal mice increased their weight by one-third, most of it fat. Mice lacking lymphotoxin ate just as much, but did not gain weight.

The high-fat diet triggered changes in gut microbes for both groups. The normal mice had a substantial increase in a class of bacteria (Erysopelotrichi) previously associated with obesity and related health problems. Mice that lacked lymphotoxin were unable to clear segmented filamentous bacteria, which has previously been found to induce certain immune responses in the gut.

To confirm the role of stomach bacteria in weight gain, researchers performed fecal transplants in mice raised in sterile environments.

The results: Mice who received bacteria that made the molecule lymphotoxin gained weight quickly. The mice that received bacteria lacking lymphotoxin gained much less weight for a period of about three weeks, before their immune system normalized the gut flora.

More research is needed before a clinical application is available. Such treatments may be administered through vaccines or antibiotics.

The biggest challenge: There are more than 500 strains of bacteria in the stomach. According to the researchers, finding "the precise microbes that promote such weight gain and the specific host responses that foster their growth need to be better established."

Which Comes First: Allergies or Asthma?

Allergies and asthma can often occur together, but does one cause the other? While it can be difficult to know, the answer is probably allergies—especially if you suffer from the very common condition, allergic asthma.

Understand the Allergy and Asthma Connection

Allergic (also called extrinsic) asthma is another name for asthma that's caused by an immune system response to an inhaled substance in the environment. Common allergic asthma triggers include pollen, dust, mold, pets, and cockroaches.

The symptoms of allergic asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or pressure, and shortness of breath.

Identifying Allergic Asthma Triggers

If you suffer from allergic asthma, the best way to protect yourself is to try to identify your allergy triggers either by paying attention to what you're doing when your allergies or asthma occur and/or by undergoing allergy testing. Once you recognize what's sparking your allergies and asthma, take these steps to minimize exposure to these items.

For seasonal (outdoor) allergens:

• Check the mold and pollen counts before going outside.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days when the pollen count is particularly high.
• Keep your home and car windows closed to prevent outdoor allergens from getting in.
• Run your air conditioning.
• Shower and wash your clothes after spending time outdoors.

For indoor allergens:

• Remove carpeting, curtains, books, and other items that collect dust.
• Vacuum often using a HEPA filter.
• Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week.
• Use hypoallergenic covers on your mattress, box spring, and pillows.
• Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 30 to 50 percent.
• Banish pets from the bedroom.
• Fix leaks that can lead to mold growth and cockroaches.
• Cover food and keep floors clear of crumbs to discourage insects.

Managing Allergic Asthma

Of course even your best efforts may not be enough to keep you away from outdoor and indoor allergens, but you can take some extra steps to control your allergy and asthma reaction. Talk to your doctor about taking allergy control medications, have an antihistamine, and keep a fast-acting relief inhaler readily available.

If your allergic asthma is an ongoing problem, explore the benefits of undergoing immunotherapy to get you desensitized to allergy triggers.

Best Foods for Men

Research shows the right diet can help men fight heart disease (the number one killer of men over 35) as well as other top killers including prostate and colon cancer which claim the lives of far too many brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands.

Today, thanks to what we know about nutrition, it's possible to extend your life by adding more of the right foods to your diet and eating less of the wrong ones. And there's more good news: Researchers are learning that many foods previously thought to be bad for your health—like coffee, eggs and chocolate (in moderation)—aren't so harmful after all. Some foods can even give you desirable results in the bedroom, too (take aphrodisiacs separately).

David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of the forthcoming book, The Best Things You Can Eat(January 2013) recently shared some of his favorite healthy eating tips with Quality Health. "The vast number of guys aren't cognizant of their diets throughout the day and they should be," says the expert. "Being mindful about what we put into our bodies is too important to ignore."

Here are some delicious and healthy ways to man up at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast Choices

Leaving the house without a proper breakfast is a big mistake, according to Grotto. "The first meal of the day is an opportunity to do good things for your heart. Bananas, milk, and OJ are rich in potassium which helps keep blood pressure in check and is good for the nerves, too," he says.

Dairy products—such as low-fat milk and yogurt—are good sources of vitamin D. "There's an abundance of research now linking vitamin D to cardiovascular, cognitive, and reproductive health," Grotto explains. "Top the yogurt with some nuts or seeds—I like almonds and sunflower seeds myself—and you'll do your prostate some good, too."

Oatmeal is another favorite. "Smother it in light soy milk for a healthy dose of beta sitosterol—a plant nutrient which has heart benefits and improves urinary function." Increase testosterone production by eating more protein. Good sources are: Greek yogurt and whole eggs. "Eggs get a bad rap, but over the years I've counseled many men with cardiac issues and putting whole eggs back into their diets hasn't affected their cholesterol levels," claims Grotto adding that eating two eggs a day is acceptable for most men.

Wash all that nutritious food down with coffee. A cup (six to eight ounces)—or four—of joe a day keeps heart problems away! The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently funded a review of five large studies including approximately 140,000 people and found that moderate coffee consumption (up to four cups per day) protected against heart failure by as much as 11 percent. So, have another cup.

Midday Meal Options

Lean meat such as turkey, chicken, or even lean cuts of pork and beef are some of Grotto's favorite lunch proteins. "The key here is portion control. Many guys eat way more than the recommended three to four ounces which should fit into the palm of your hand," he says suggesting the meat be cut into strips and placed on top of a salad. "Augment the dish with toasted soy nuts or some tempeh crumbles."

Tempeh new to you? Look for it in the vegetarian section of your grocery store. Grotto recommends tempeh and claims men often prefer it to tofu—another soy-based food that can be used as a meat substitute. "Tofu can be a harder sell due to its spongy texture. Tempeh can be fried in a skillet or crumbled and turned into healthy croutons for salad," explains Grotto who makes a mean Reuben sandwich using tempeh instead of corn beef.

Snack With a Purpose

Many dietitians are nuts for nuts and Grotto is an enthusiastic member of the group. "Nuts fight cancer, boost the immune system, and contain protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats—which is why I'm such a fan," he says. Plus, the latest literature suggests that a portion of the fat calories in nuts stay with the undigested portion of the nut. An ounce of almonds (about 23 nuts), for example, is about 160 calories. "But the body only processes 130 of those calories."

Like pistachios? With just four calories each, they are known as the skinniest nut but that's no reason to overindulge. "Shelling pistachios slows down the eating process," says Grotto who advises limiting the amount to a woman's handful. "If you pile up the empty shells in front of you it's a visual reminder of how many you've consumed."

Another healthy plant-based snack that men like is edamame which has a whopping 13g of protein per serving. "The benefits of soy are so well known that many sports bars across the country are serving it with beer in place of peanuts," Grotto claims.

Super Suppers: Do's and Don'ts

Research shows that eating less meat and more plant-based foods goes a long way toward fending off chronic diseases. To accomplish this, Grotto recommends limiting meat to once a day. "If you eat meat at lunch, opt for fish or a plant-based meal at dinner," he says suggesting a veggie patty on a whole grain bun with all the fixings.

Or open a can of beans—any kind. "Rinse them off and put on top of salad," Grotto suggests. "Beans are satiating, slow down glucose conversion and—because they are fibrous—help the body sop up extra cholesterol. I tell my male patients that if they are going to eat a high—fat meat-such as a NY strip—add a bean salad to help block the cholesterol intake."

Adding dark greens to your diet is a healthy habit to get into. "If you can handle the slightly bitter taste of kale, it's a super healthy food that's rich in beta-carotenes which have been shown to prevent prostate cancer and fight heart disease," admits Grotto. Mix it into a salad with full-fat dressing. "The fat in olive or canola oil helps the body absorb the beta-carotenes but add no more than two tablespoons."

For heart health, salmon swims to the top of the list. "Salmon is the most nutrient dense food out there," says the nutrition guru. "It's high in omega-3s, vitamin D, and calcium." Berries are another heart-healthy food. "In fact, anything that ends in erry, (think blueberry, strawberry) has tremendous anti-inflammatory abilities which fend off heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction." Watermelon, too—especially the white rind—is a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that benefits the immune system and promotes cardiovascular health.

Dessert Anyone?

Chocolate (and nuts) contain arginine, an amino acid that produces nitric oxide which dilates the arteries and is good for the heart. "Anything that improves circulation is good for the sex life, too," notes the Chicago-based father of three daughters.

With coffee, meat, and chocolate on the menu, there's just no reason you can't eat your way to better health.

The Benefits of Exercise for Parkinson's

 If you're living Parkinson's Disease, you may wonder whether exercising is a wise idea. The answer, say many experts, is yes. Physical activity may slow the progression of the disease and confers other health benefits as well.

"Exercise can give you greater strength and independence," says Steven H. Schechter, MD, co-author of Understanding Parkinson's Disease. "It may also improve balance, help you overcome gait problems, strengthen particular muscles, and improve your speech and swallowing."

Both stretching exercises and aerobic exercises can be helpful, and if you get enough of a workout to break into a light sweat, you may feel more positive and less depressed, Schechter says. That's because exercise releases endorphins, which are the body's own "feel-good" chemicals. Also, he points out, exercising regularly helps you feel more connected and in control.

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, stretching, aerobic exercise, and resistance (weight training) are key components to a successful exercise program. Besides biking and running, Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, and dancing can all have a positive impact on individuals with Parkinson's. Here's how to exercise successfully.

• Start out slowly, recommends Schechter. If you try to do too much too soon,
  you'll only wind up with sore muscles and maybe even an injury.
• Be sure to exercise when you're rested, when your medicine is working, and when you're wearing loose, comfortable clothing. And if an exercise feels painful, stop doing it immediately.
• "Practice walking sideways, backwards, and in circles several times a day," says Schechter. "Take large steps, lifting your toes when you begin a step and letting your heels hit the floor first as you step forward." Raising your toes from the walking surface with every step helps prevent stumbling. You can use toe-lifting to "unglue" your feet and legs from an episode of freezing, Schechter says, and to relieve muscle spasms.  As you walk, straighten up and try to look straight ahead, and swing your arms as you walk. In addition to walking, recreational exercises such as golfing and bowling not only keep your muscles and joints flexible, but can provide you with social opportunities, Schechter explains.
• Try swimming. It's a wonderful form of exercise for individuals with Parkinson's, Kohles says. "Getting into the pool can help someone with Parkinson's feel fabulous," she says. "He doesn't have to worry about falling, and she's lifted up by the water. She'll feel like herself again."

If you aren't sure how much exercise to try to get, consider this: "The more exercise, the better," says Caroline Kohles, senior director of fitness and wellness at the JCC of Manhattan, which partners with the NYU Langone Movement Disorder Center in New York City to offer exercise classes for those with Parkinson's Disease. "Exercise can really help with mobility, and it brings more oxygen to the brain," she explains.

9 Telltale Signs of Alcoholism

You love having a glass of wine at dinner or kicking back with a beer while watching TV at night. Lately, though, that one glass is becoming two, and the beer tastes so good it's hard to stop at one. Is there any way to know whether the alcoholic beverage you enjoy every night is a problem? Could you be gradually drifting over the line between enjoyment and abuse where alcohol is concerned?

Alcohol use disorders are bona fide medical conditions. It's estimated that some 18 million individuals in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder--either alcohol dependence (alcoholism) or alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is more serious. It can include symptoms like cravings, physical dependence, and tolerance, meaning the person needs more and more alcohol. Alcohol abusers may not be physically dependent on alcohol, but they still have a significant disorder.

"We have been moving away from using the terms 'alcohol abuse' and 'alcohol dependence,' and putting the emphasis on risky drinking, prevention, and early intervention," says Bruce Goldman, LCSW, CASAC, director of Substance Abuse Services at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, part of the North Shore/LIJ Health System. "We want to help people be more aware of how they use alcohol."

Wondering if your drinking is a problem? Here are some signs to look for.

1. If you are a man and drinking more than four drinks per day or 14 drinks per week,you're at risk for alcohol abuse. A woman who has more than seven drinks per week is at risk, says Goldman.

2. If you're an underage drinker, you're at risk for alcohol abuse later on. "The younger you are when you start drinking, the more likely you will have a problem with drinking later in life," Goldman says.

3. If you are jeopardizing your mental or physical health, or your job or family, you've got a problem, says Tina B Tessina, Ph.D., author of "Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage."  It can be tough to admit this, however. And, Tessina adds, "There is no blood test to determine whether someone is addicted to alcohol."

4. If you are seeing yourself drink more and more, this can be a sign of alcohol abuse, says Merrill Herman, MD, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

5. "If you are feeling guilty about your drinking and annoyed when people bring it up to you, it's time to take a look at your alcohol consumption," Herman says.

6. If you wake up the morning feeling hung over, and feel like you need a drink to calm down, that is a problem.

7. If you are unable to cut down on your alcohol use or you find that your activities are curtailed due to drinking, you should seek help.

8. If your drinking starts to adversely affect your marriage, it's time to take stock and think about getting help.

9. Finally, if a person is not just drinking in a social situation but drinking by himself more and more, that's not good. 

Source:

"Alcohol use disorders." National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders

Stress Solutions From Head to Toe

Got stress? You're certainly not alone.

Everyone experiences stress in his own way. It may manifests as knotted muscles, painful digestion, troubled sleep, breakouts, chronic illness, weight gain, headaches, and fatigue. And that's just the physical symptoms. When you're stressed, you may also be irritable, depressed, or have trouble concentrating and remembering.

Fortunately, you can do many things to reduce the effects of stress.

Head and shoulders. Massage or apply heat or ice to tight muscles. Flex your face; it helps you relax. Scrunch your facial muscles, hold, and release.

Hands. Try acupressure. Using your thumb and index finger of one hand, apply a pinching pressure to the soft, fleshy web between the thumb and forefinger on the other hand.

Abdomen. Experts at Harvard Medical School recommend psychotherapy options, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis when stress slows or disrupts digestion and cases pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Feet. A brisk foot rub elevates your body's oxytocin, a feel good hormone.

Full Body Stress Relief

Breathing. Effective stress relief varies among individuals. However, breathing works for everyone. According to the American Institute for Stress (AIS), breathing has true head-to-toe stress relieving benefits. It increases the supply of oxygen to your brain, which stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a state of calm. It also slows your metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, and increases your levels of nitric oxide, an important biological regulator. The AIS recommends focused abdominal breathing for 20 to 30 minutes daily.

Prayers. Pray five times a day (salat). It makes you feel relax and comfortable.

Exercise. It releases endorphins, lowers stress, and increases your energy.

Yoga. Yoga is an all-around good stress buster and certain poses work well to relieve stress in certain areas. For example, the triangle pose, cat/cow, and extended cat stretch help relieve back pain.

Laugh. It's true: laughter is the best medicine. Laughter produces immediate stress relief and, over time, laughing improves your immune system and reduces pain.

When you need immediate and accessible stress relief, Helpguide.org recommends engaging one or more of your senses. Whether it's sight, sound, touch, taste, or hearing, you'll know which works best for soothing your nerves.

An Ounce of Prevention

Of course, the best way to reduce stress is to prevent it in the first place.

• Exercise regularly
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours daily
• Eat properly
• Simplify your life
• Manage your time wisely and take breaks
• Avoid excess caffeine and other stimulants
• Quit smoking

Would You Try Hypnosis for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a stressful, debilitating condition. Fortunately, there are many non-pharmaceutical ways to manage and reduce anxiety. For example, according to Gerard V. Sunnen, MD, hypnosis is a potent anti-anxiety tool. Dr. Sunnen is a physician and psychiatrist who regularly incorporates medical hypnotherapy into patient care.

Hypnosis and Anxiety                  

When you are anxious, your brain sends you unbidden and stressful messages, such as "everyone is looking at me." Hypnotherapy helps you change these anxiety-producing messages. It may also help you understand the root of your anxiety.

Hypnosis.org defines hypnosis as a heightened state of suggestibility, such that you accept suggestions from your hypnotist as true, and the suggestions effect your beliefs, habits, perceptions, and behaviors in varying degrees, according to how deeply you are hypnotized.

Hypnotic induced relaxation uses wording and imagery to reduce anxiety. During relaxation, your breathing slows, your blood pressure drops, and you have a sense of calm and well being. You focus and concentrate intensely so you minimize your awareness of peripheral activity around you. At the same time, you still feel your presence and are aware of your interactions with your hypnotist. While therapeutic hypnotists typically perform hypnosis, you can also hypnotize yourself with similar counting methods, progressive relaxation activities, or purposeful imagery.

Despite what you see in performance hypnotisms, which aim to entertain, you do not lose control while under hypnosis and you won't do anything you wouldn't be comfortable doing in your normal state.

A hypnotic session begins with a hypnotic induction, or ritual, that helps you formalize the transition to a more focused state of consciousness. The induction organizes and structures the hypnotic process so you can use the trance state most efficiently.

Brain imaging studies that compare the brains of people under hypnosis to their normal state show altered activity in the brain area associated with emotion and cognition in those individuals who respond to suggestions. Imaging also shows lowered activity in the brain associated with resting, daydream, or letting the mind wander.

Hypnosis can help reduced both generalized anxiety and situation-specific anxiety. For example, the results of a study of self-hypnotic relaxation in an outpatient clinical setting (subjects were women undergoing breast biopsy) were consistent with other studies. Eighty nine percent of the surgical patients benefited from adding hypnosis. Furthermore, they found that most patients can be hypnotized enough to benefit clinically. In anxiety-producing medical situations, hypnosis offers a safe, drug-free, and low- (or no) cost way to reduce pain and anxiety.

Understand the Different Types of Breast Cancer

We can categorize types of breast cancers in several ways: By where they originate, by whether the cancer cells are isolated to one area or have spread, and by the tumor's hormonal status.

Origins of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer typically begins in the lobes, lobules, or ducts of the breast. When patients have abnormal cells in the milk duct, which have not spread, they are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS is the most common type of breast cancer, although there is controversy about whether DCIS is really cancer and whether physicians should continue to treat it aggressively.

Lobular carcinoma (cancer) begins in the breast lobes or lobules and affects both breasts about 30 percent of the time. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not really cancer, but a condition that raises your risk of developing cancer.

Approximately 25 percent of women with LCIS will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. LCIS is not visible on a mammogram; physicians typically find it during a biopsy for some other reason.

Cancer can also form in the muscles, fat, or blood vessels of the breast. The tissue type where cancer originates determines how a cancer will behave and influences treatment decisions.

Breast Cancer's Spread

Non-invasive cancer means cancer cells remain in their place of origin and not spread. DCIS and LCIS are both non-invasive cancers. In patients with invasive cancer, the cells have spread (metastasized) beyond the membrane that lines the ducts or lobules where the tumor originated. Invasive breast cancer is generally very serious.

Hormone Status of Breast Cancer

Some breast cancers need hormones to grow. These tumors have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or both. If they have more receptors than normal, the cancer may grow quickly.

• Estrogen receptor (ER) positive cancer is sensitive to estrogen.
• progesterone receptor (PG) positive cancer is sensitive to progesterone.
• hormone receptor (HR) negative doesn't have hormone receptors so treatments that block hormones have no effect.

If you have ER or PG positive breast cancers, your oncologist may recommend hormone therapy, which removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Because there are so many types of breast cancers, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Each woman's oncologist recommends an individual course of treatment, which may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy-alone or in combination.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute. "Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)." Web. 22 March 2012.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/Patient

National Cancer Institute. "What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer." Web. 15 October 2009. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/breast

Mayo Clinic. "Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)." Web. 23 June 2011. 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dcis/DS00983

Mayo Clinic. "Breast cancer types: What your type means." Web. 9 February 2012.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/HQ00348

Nelson, Roxanne. "Problems With DCIS Misdiagnosis: When Cancer Is Not Cancer."Medscape Medical News. Web. 29 July 2010. 
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/726040

Stanford Medicine. "Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)." Web.
http://cancer.stanford.edu/breastcancer/lcis.html

Yeast Infections: Not Just a Woman's Problem

Though more typically thought of as a female issue, men can also acquire yeast infections. Both oral yeast infections (called thrush) that contaminate the mouth and genital yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans—the most common form of yeast that grows normally in the body.

Men can—and do—occasionally contract yeast infections from having intercourse with a yeast-infected woman. Using a condom can diminish the chances of becoming infected. Other causes of male yeast infection include:

• The Overuse of Antibiotics. These drugs can diminish the bacteria that normally control the yeast creating a perfect environment for the opportunistic yeast to flourish.
• Diabetes. Elevated sugar in the urine attracts yeast.
• Compromised Immune Systems. People with HIV, for example, have difficulty fighting off infections.

In women, yeast infections are fairly easy to detect. Symptoms include: vaginal itching, vaginal irritation, the telltale thick, white, curd-like discharge, redness cracking in the vulvar skin, burning during urination, pain during intercourse, and itching of the rectal opening.

In men, symptoms are less obvious or may be all together lacking. However, the New York Times reports some men experience a reddish, temporary rash on the genitals and a burning feeling at the tip of the penis. Dry, itchy skin on the penis and a white discharge has also been reported.

Since yeast infections are so common in women (over 70 percent develop at least one yeast infection during their lives) and over 40 percent have been infected multiple times, it's a good idea to be aware of the problem especially if you engage in unprotected sex. Yeast can be passed back and forth between partners, so avoiding sexual contact until all signs and symptoms of the infection are gone is generally recommended.

In addition to the culprits that cause the problem in men, women can get yeast infections from oral contraceptives, repeated intercourse over a short period of time, high carbohydrate intake especially from refined sugars and alcohol, wearing non-ventilating clothing in hot weather (synthetic fabric increases warmth and moisture fostering fungal growth), and irritants such as soap, powder, or new detergent.

The itchy, red bumps associated with genital herpes have also been known to be caused by yeast. A study published in the British Journal of Medicine (and posted on the National Institute of Health's website) found an association between genital yeast infections and STDs and advises patients with genital yeast infections—who are sexually active—to also be screened for other STDs. Meet with your medical provider to rule out sexually-transmitted diseases that are more serious if you suspect a problem.

Applying an over-the-counter antifungal treatment directly to the affected skin twice daily for a week is an effective treatment for male yeast infections which are a nuisance to deal with but aren't associated with any serious health risks.

13 Tips to Manage Eczema

Eczema is a remarkably common skin condition, affecting some 15 million people in the United States. While not dangerous or contagious, the condition (also known as atopic dermatitis) is incurable and uncomfortable, usually causing red, swollen, and itchy skin.

Despite its prevalence, the root causes of eczema remain a bit of a mystery. Scientists do know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role, but beyond that, the science gets a little vague. Fortunately, the factors that cause eczema to flare up are easier to spot—the key is identifying and avoiding these triggers.

Dermatologists recommend following these 13 tips to help prevent and manage eczema flare ups:

• Limit your contact with irritants, including household cleaners, detergents, aftershaves, soap, gas, turpentine, and other solvents.
• Wash your hands only when necessary, as soap and wetness can irritate eczema. Dry your hands completely after you wash them.
• If you're going to work around water or other irritants, wear vinyl or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Take occasional breaks to remove the gloves to avoid sweat buildup.
• Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry out skin, and dryness can make eczema worse.
• Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate skin.
• Use a small amount of mild soap in cool or warm water when showering or bathing. Soaking in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes can help skin absorb water, making it less likely to dry out. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Use prescription creams or ointments or over-the-counter versions right after bathing when eczema flares up. If the area becomes infected, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Other treatments include antihistamines and tar treatments to reduce itching, and ultraviolet light applied directly to the skin.
• Use a skin moisturizer daily to keep your skin soft, flexible, and uncracked. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and extra ingredients.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas. Scratching can break the skin, which can encourage bacteria and cause infections. Reach for a cold compress when you get the urge to scratch.
• Avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
• Rinse your clothes twice after washing, and always wash new clothes before wearing them. This process will remove any laundry detergent, fragrances, or fabric conditioners that could irritate skin.
• Learn how to manage stress, which can cause eczema to flare up.
• Continue skin care even after your skin has healed. The area where you had the eczema may get irritated again rather easily.

12 Tips for an Allergy-Free Vacation

When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:

• Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.

• Turn on your vehicle's air-conditioner or heater and open the windows for at least 10 minutes to flush out dust mites or molds before starting a long car trip.

• Close your windows and turn on the AC during trips if you are allergic to outdoor pollens and molds.

• Travel in the early mornings or late evenings to avoid excess air pollution. Air quality is better at that time of day because the traffic isn't as heavy as at other times.

• Stay in a hotel that offers "allergy-free" guest rooms.

• Request a sunny, dry hotel room away from indoor pools.

• Use extreme caution when eating airline or restaurant food to keep from setting off your food allergies. The ingredients that bring out your allergies may not be listed on the menus.

• Make sure to carry your portable, injectable epinephrine in case of a severe allergic reaction.

• If you're traveling by air, delay your trip until your symptoms of sinusitis or a sinus or ear infection get better. Air travel can cause significant pain.

• Take a short-acting oral decongestant or use a nasal spray decongestant about one hour before takeoff if you believe air travel will cause pain.

• Use saline nasal spray once every hour to keep very dry air on airplanes from drying out your nasal membranes.

• Make sure you bring along more than enough medications and store them in their original containers with instructions on how to take them and obtain refills.

6 Easy Ways to Beat the Heat

A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.

Summer Survival Strategies

"Heat stroke is not an accident," says Dr. Marilyn J. Heine, an emergency-room physician in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. "But it's a condition that generally can be prevented with a little effort and lots of common sense." She offers the following tips for keeping cool:

• Don't overexert yourself.
• Drink a quart of fluids an hour.
• Wear loose clothing in light colors and fabrics, as well as a hat and sunscreen, and stay in the shade or indoors if possible.
• Open windows and use fans, or turn on the air-conditioning. If you don't have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, like a mall, library, or movie theater.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can speed up dehydration.
• Check on elderly and chronically ill persons regularly to make sure they're holding up under the heat.

Happens Too Frequently

Despite the many preventative measures people can take, heat stroke happens frequently. "Over the summer, we see too many cases of heat-related illness in the emergency room," Heine says. Professional athletes, players at the high-school and college level, as well as non-athletes, have all fallen victim to the potentially life-threatening condition.

In fact, Heine recalls a 78-year-old woman who was rushed to the ER after a neighbor noticed she hadn't left her apartment for two days when temperatures surpassed 90 degrees. The woman was dehydrated, with a temperature of 104.7 degrees and decreased blood pressure of 100/70. Fortunately, she was resuscitated with intravenous fluids and then hospitalized, Heine says.

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is an injury to internal organs caused by excessively high body temperature that can damage the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and other organs. There are two types of heat stroke: exertional, or activity-induced, which primarily affects athletes, laborers, and soldiers; and classic, or non-exercise-induced, which can affect anyone exposed to extremely hot environments for extended lengths of time.

In general, those most at risk for classic, or non-exercise-induced, heat stroke are the elderly; infants; people with chronic illness, such as heart and other cardiovascular diseases; and people on certain medications. Individuals who consume large amounts of caffeine and alcohol may also be susceptible, Heine warns.

Symptoms of Heat Problems

So, how can you predict when the heat is most likely to take its toll? Relative humidity of at least 70 percent and temperatures of 95 degrees or more are the first warning signs, according to the National Weather Service. Also, be alert to other heat-related afflictions, such as heat cramps (characterized by muscle spasms and a normal temperature), and heat exhaustion (evidenced by pale, moist skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, elevated temperature, and profuse sweating). If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the heat, rest, and drink plenty of cool fluids, preferably ones containing sugar and salt, Heine suggests.

The symptoms of a full-blown case of heat stroke are similar to those mentioned above but are even more severe and may include:

• profuse sweating, then hot, dry, red skin;
• high fever;
• vomiting;
• confusion;
• seizures during cooling;
• unconsciousness.

Blood pressure may be low or high; lack of sweating is common, though athletes may perspire; and body temperature often will be 105 degrees or higher.

If a friend or family member experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, move the victim to a cooler location, remove any heavy clothing, fan the body, apply a cool sponge or cloth to the skin, and encourage the individual to drink cool fluids. At the hospital, the patient probably will be given fluids intravenously, Heine says.

8 Easy Stressbusters

Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. Family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally.

To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction:

1. Take a Deep Breath

When people are stressed, they tend to take shallow breaths, which can actually increase feelings of tension. Taking several slow, deep breaths can restore a sense of calm, and can be done almost anywhere. Start by exhaling deeply while contracting your stomach, then inhale slowly as you expand your abdomen. Continue inhaling as you expand your chest and raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then slowly exhale in a reverse pattern. Repeat two or three times, and feel the stress melt from your body.

2. Exercise

Activity helps the body to relieve tension, and it also releases endorphins, our own feel-good chemicals. Any type of exercise is beneficial, so anything from jogging to swimming to a brisk walk around the office can help decrease stress.

3. Slow Down

When things get hectic, particularly at work, we tend to speed up in order to feel like we are getting things done in a timely manner. If you feel stressed out while doing your job, practice slowing down. Instead of breathlessly answering your phone the second it rings, take a moment to calm yourself before picking up. Slow down your speaking, too; talking at a rapid pace may make you sound tense, as well as cause you to feel flustered and out of control.

4. Visualize a Stress-Free You

During visualization, also known as guided imagery, you're in control of your own peaceful dream. Imagine a calm, relaxed setting, such as a beach, mountain peak, or your patio, and insert yourself into the scene. Stay with your vision for several minutes, until you feel your mind and body relax. Visualization can be practiced at home or in your office, with or without an audiotape to guide you.

5. Remember to Eat

Hunger and dehydration can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as cause headaches. No matter how busy you are, be sure to eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids.

6. Check Your Posture

Remember to keep your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.

7. Try Yoga

Yoga, a widely practiced mind-body exercise, can reduce stress and help you feel calm and centered. Yoga poses improve flexibility and strength, and incorporate breathing techniques that aid in relaxation and general feelings of well-being.

8. Enjoy a Massage

Treat yourself to a professional massage. Massage consists of kneading muscles and soft body tissues to relieve stress, tension, and pain. A good massage therapist can loosen and relax tight or sore muscles. Your whole body will feel relaxed, yet refreshed and invigorated.

Avoiding Classroom Allergies and Asthma

For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock?

Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.

"Allergies and asthma account for over 14 million missed school days, millions of dollars in medical bills and even lost work days for parents of children who suffer from allergic disease," says Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, an indoor-allergen expert with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

"Therefore, it is important for children and their families to prepare for back-to-school season by learning about ways to prevent allergies and asthma in the classroom. Having a plan of action for avoiding triggers will keep students focused on their school work and not on their symptoms."

Common triggers

The most common allergens and triggers at school that may cause an allergic or asthmatic reaction include:

• Dust mites;
• Chalk dust;
• Pollen and molds;
• Exercise;
• Insect stings;
• Animal dander from class pets or pet hair on a student's clothing;
• Pest allergens.

If your children have food sensitivities, remind them not to share food with their friends. Milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy and tree nuts account for 90 percent of food allergies in children.

Tips to prepare for back-to-school

You have less control over the allergens your children may be exposed to at school than at home. The key to reducing the severity of symptoms? Avoiding the triggers.

Take a look at this helpful checklist to find out what you can do to help relieve some potential allergens that may affect your child's allergies or asthma during school:

• Tour the school before school starts to identify potential allergy/asthma triggers in the classrooms.
• Meet with teachers and school nurses to discuss your child's allergic condition.
• Encourage your children to take their medications as prescribed.
• Review your children's triggers with them and encourage them to ask their teachers for help when symptoms worsen.
• Tell teachers and school cafeteria staff to avoid giving your children foods that will trigger an asthma or allergic reation. Have the cafeteria staff suggest safe alternatives.
• Fix your food-sensitive child a lunch to take to school each day.
• Ensure a dose of auto-injectable epinephrine is with your child for emergency situations, and make sure that teachers and the school nurse know how to use it properly.
• Inform physical education teachers and coaches about asthma and warning signs of exacerbation that could trigger exercise-induced asthma.
• See an allergist/immunologist, a medical doctor trained to treat such conditions, before a school year begins or as close to opening day as possible If you believe your child suffers from an allergy or asthma.

Studies show that children and adults under the care of allergist/immunologists make fewer visits to hospital emergency rooms and are better able to manage their allergies and asthma, according to the academy.