Preventive Medicine Bay City MI

Do you look forward to autumn, or do you dread months of coughing and sneezing? Each year, more than 36 million Americans fall prey to seasonal allergies, and for many, fall can be the worst time of year. This is because ragweed pollen and mold spores are out in abundance and these triggers can make your eyes, nose, and throat itch. Some trees and grasses also pollinate in autumn, and these can also increase discomfort once the summer months come to an end.

While antihistamines and nasal sprays can usually help relieve some fall allergy symptoms, your best bet is to head off your fall allergies before they begin.

Preventing Fall Allergies

Here, ten tried and true methods to prevent fall allergies:

1. Pay attention to the weather. Warm, windy days tend to have more ragweed pollen in the air, so staying indoors can help you feel better.
2. Plan outside activities for afternoons, when the pollen and mold spore counts are often lower than any other time of day.
3. After spending time outside, clean your hair and clothing to wash away any allergens.
4. Keep your car and house windows closed to prevent allergens from coming in.
5. Run your air conditioner to help clean the air.
6. Take allergy medicine preventatively rather than waiting until symptoms start to kick in.
7. Let someone else handle your yard work since mold can thrive in piles of leaves and can cause you to itch and sneeze.
8. Stay indoors after your lawn is mowed, since this can stir up allergens in the air.
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If you're a woman with diabetes, you've probably found yourself at the drugstore more than once, trying to figure out which over the counter medication would be most effective for the symptoms of itching and burning that signal another yeast infection.

Diabetic women are much more prone than non-diabetic women to getting yeast infections simply because yeast likes sugar, and sugar may be in the woman's urine.

"There's just more sugar around for the yeast to feed off," explains Elizabeth Poynor, MD, Ph.D., FACOG, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Also, women with diabetes can have a blunted immune response to an infection, since their immune system is not as strong."

It's not just women who have sky-high blood sugars who are at risk. "Women whose blood sugars are regularly in the 180s and 190s are very susceptible to yeast infections," says Amy Hess Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE, of the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center.

"Even with a modestly elevated blood sugar, there still will be some sugar in the urine," says Stuart Weiss, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. "And with sugar in the urine, it's fertile ground for yeast."

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments today. Here are some tips for treating, and preventing, yeast infections.

1. Over-the-counter medications to treat yeast infections "work very nicely," says Weiss, and it's certainly convenient to not have to get a prescription when you suspect a yeast infection. However, if you continually get the symptoms of yeast infections, check with your health care provider. You may need a prescription-strength medication for a difficult-to-treat infection.
2. Don't be tempted to stop taking the medication just because your symptoms abate, says Fischl. "Many people don't complete the medication or they just take it once," she says. "Keep taking it until it's finished."
3. Maintain good blood sugar control so the ye...

Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support.

Researchers found that dietary fiber and the density of fiber consumed (fiber intake density) are inversely associated with risks for colorectal and colon cancer. The study participants who consumed the highest levels of fiber and fiber density intake had a lower Body Mass Index (BMI), weighed less, smoked less, consumed more energy and folate (a vital nutrient) and drank less alcohol-all markers of good health-than those who consumed the lowest levels of fiber.

What is Fiber and Why is it Important?

Dietary fiber (roughage or bulk) is the part of the plant that your body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber moves food through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, making it easier to eliminate waste.

Consuming adequate fiber helps maintain healthy bowels and prevents disease, such as colon cancer. Fiber helps you lose weight, or maintain a healthy weight, by fueling your body with fewer calories while still satisfying your hunger. Since obesity is a high risk factor for colon cancer, getting enough fiber is doubly important.

Clean Eating for Colon Health

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) estimates we could prevent 45 percent of colon cancer cases through diet, physical activity, and weight management. Fortunately, eating right for colon health is easy.

The AICR recommends that you add cancer protection foods to your diet. This includes plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Plant foods contain loads of phytochemicals, naturally occurring chemicals that enhance your immune system, reduce inflammation, and prevent DNA damage, which is linked to cancer development. Different plants provide different nutrients, so eat a wide variety of food for maximum colon cancer prevention.

Use independent nutrition guides and learn to read food labels to ensure you get enough fiber in your diet. The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine recommends 38 grams of fiber daily for men younger than 50, and 25 grams for women, (30 grams and 21 grams, respectively, for those 51 and older).

Other recommendations include consuming less than 90 grams of red meat daily, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and limiting your alcohol consumption.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Reduce your risk by making a few simple lifestyle and diet modifications.

Sources

"Landmark Policy Report: Many Cancers Could Be Prevented In the US and Across the Globe." American Institute for Cancer Research. Web. 26 February 2009.

http://www.aicr.org/site/News2?abbr=pr_&page=NewsArticle&id=14613&news_iv_ctrl=2461

"Fruits and Vegetables Benefits." Center for Disease Control. Web.

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/benefits/index.html

Dahm, Chri...