by Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
With Labor Day upon us, it's time once again to consider the upcoming winter and the cold and flu season.
Every year we are inundated with reports of possible flu pandemics and cautioned to get our flu shots early. For those of us who are staunch devotees of the annual flu shot, the sooner the better.
For those of us concerned about putting provocative proteins, such as flu shots, into our body there are alternatives that can be utilized to prevent from getting the flu.
The number one determining factor as to whether or not you get a cold or flu is how resilient your immune system is. The healthier and more resilient your immune system, the least likely you are to get sick, get a cold or the flu.
What is the best way to keep your immune system health and resilient throughout the flu season?
> Hygiene - sounds too simple to be important ,but hand washing is the number one prevention tool in avoiding colds and flus
> Proper rest - getting enough sleep is essential to your nervous and immune system functioning at optimal levels. Being sure not to "run yourself down", as grandma might have told, is REALLY good advice.
> Proper nutrition - vitamin C, B, A, D, E, enough protein, essential fatty acids and calcium rich foods are all important in keeping your body functioning well and having the resilience to fight off colds and the flu
> Keeping stress under control - stress suppresses your immune function. By keeping stress at bay you will allow your body its best advantage to stay healthy.
> Relax and have fun - laughter and pleasure have been shown in clinical trials to inhance Immunoglobulins which increase immune function activity and keep us healthy. By creating time and opportunity for regular fun and pleasure you will help your body to help you stay well.
> Protection from the elements - many people don't realize that the weather and temperature have a significant impact on their stress adaptation and immune system. Being properly dressed against all forms of weather helps to prevent colds and flu.
These very simple yet essential tips for staying well can help, whether you choose to have a flu shot or not, to give your body the best advantage against flu season.
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
About Face - Getting Rid of Acne
by Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
Any teenager will tell you one of the worse things that can happen in high school is to develop a face full of acne. Clear, unblemished skin is reported by cultural anthropologists as the universal number one, most important aspect of a person's appearance with regard to attracting others.
Is it any wonder tens of millions of dollars are spent every year on blemish creams and cover-ups? Skin appearance is important to overall sex appeal. Our skin tells a story about our internal health and about our hormone function, both of which are tied into our sex appeal.
In my integrative nutrition practice, one of the conditions I enjoy working with is assisting adolescents in clearing up their skin problems. When you can understand where acne and pimples come from, you can choose to do the things that can change the outbreak.
Androgens are reproductive hormones that are secreted into the blood stream by the reproductive organs and our adrenal glands. You might remember these from our discussion on stress adaptation.
Androgens are also potent chemicals our liver must deal with by reducing their potency. The liver is the detoxifier of the blood and in the case of androgens, the liver produces blood plasma proteins which bind up and inactivate the majority of androgens, so that only a small percent of androgens are free to enter our cells.
In adolescence, the body needs time to adjust to and regulate hormone secretions and a young body can become physically and emotionally overwhelmed by the effect of androgens on the cells and on the brain.
Once androgens get inside the cell, a specific enzyme converts the androgens into a more highly active form. The active androgens then enter into the nucleus of the cell, where it interacts with genetic material. This can lead to highly stimulated oil glands, which creates acne.
The manifestion of acne depends on:
a) the amount of androgens available to enter the cells
b) how well the liver is controlling the active androgens
c) the nutrition of the person and its effect on liver metabolism
d) the amount of waste and/or toxins being re-absorbed into the liver from the bowel fluids and - THIS IS THE KEY -
e) the amount of exercise the adolescent is doing that will utilize the androgens to build and create muscle tissue (rather than acne), thus reducing the amount of androgen that might be absorbed into the cells.
The fastest and easiest way to clear up adolescent acne, especially in males as they lay down muscle very quickly, is have the person exercise vigorously. In just a short period of time, the androgens are utilized to build lovely muscle and the skins clears up so well, the parents (and the adolescent) think it's a miracle!
Of course healthy eating, which includes vegetables and fruits to keep the bowel clean, drinking plenty of water, skin hygiene and proper amounts of sleep all help the liver, bowel and adrenals to function properly, thus supporting the proper functioning of the androgens and the resultant healthy, attractive skin.
The expression "it's more than skin deep" truly applies to acne and blemishes. If you have, are or know an adolescent (or someone who is even a bit older) experiencing acne issues, pass this information on to them. If they use it, they'll see a difference and they will thank you!
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Any teenager will tell you one of the worse things that can happen in high school is to develop a face full of acne. Clear, unblemished skin is reported by cultural anthropologists as the universal number one, most important aspect of a person's appearance with regard to attracting others.
Is it any wonder tens of millions of dollars are spent every year on blemish creams and cover-ups? Skin appearance is important to overall sex appeal. Our skin tells a story about our internal health and about our hormone function, both of which are tied into our sex appeal.
In my integrative nutrition practice, one of the conditions I enjoy working with is assisting adolescents in clearing up their skin problems. When you can understand where acne and pimples come from, you can choose to do the things that can change the outbreak.
Androgens are reproductive hormones that are secreted into the blood stream by the reproductive organs and our adrenal glands. You might remember these from our discussion on stress adaptation.
Androgens are also potent chemicals our liver must deal with by reducing their potency. The liver is the detoxifier of the blood and in the case of androgens, the liver produces blood plasma proteins which bind up and inactivate the majority of androgens, so that only a small percent of androgens are free to enter our cells.
In adolescence, the body needs time to adjust to and regulate hormone secretions and a young body can become physically and emotionally overwhelmed by the effect of androgens on the cells and on the brain.
Once androgens get inside the cell, a specific enzyme converts the androgens into a more highly active form. The active androgens then enter into the nucleus of the cell, where it interacts with genetic material. This can lead to highly stimulated oil glands, which creates acne.
The manifestion of acne depends on:
a) the amount of androgens available to enter the cells
b) how well the liver is controlling the active androgens
c) the nutrition of the person and its effect on liver metabolism
d) the amount of waste and/or toxins being re-absorbed into the liver from the bowel fluids and - THIS IS THE KEY -
e) the amount of exercise the adolescent is doing that will utilize the androgens to build and create muscle tissue (rather than acne), thus reducing the amount of androgen that might be absorbed into the cells.
The fastest and easiest way to clear up adolescent acne, especially in males as they lay down muscle very quickly, is have the person exercise vigorously. In just a short period of time, the androgens are utilized to build lovely muscle and the skins clears up so well, the parents (and the adolescent) think it's a miracle!
Of course healthy eating, which includes vegetables and fruits to keep the bowel clean, drinking plenty of water, skin hygiene and proper amounts of sleep all help the liver, bowel and adrenals to function properly, thus supporting the proper functioning of the androgens and the resultant healthy, attractive skin.
The expression "it's more than skin deep" truly applies to acne and blemishes. If you have, are or know an adolescent (or someone who is even a bit older) experiencing acne issues, pass this information on to them. If they use it, they'll see a difference and they will thank you!
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
An Unhealthy Work Environment
by Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
When most of us think of an unhealthy work environment we think "sick building syndrome", difficult co-workers or the classic "boss from hell".
Recently, after attending a conference which was populated by a number of staffing agency directors, I received an insight into the latest unhealthy work issue that is getting the attention of a lot of organizations. OFBTM - Obsessive Face Book and Text Messaging while on the clock.
It is becoming such a concern to some employees, that more and more companies are having their computer networks re-tooled to block Facebook from being accessible from the office computers.
How much of a problem is it that a significant number of those raised on electronic communication and networking cannot stop checking their Facebook and Text Messenging while they are being paid to do the job tasks required of them.
That employees are noticing and concerned about this trend affecting their productivity and even their bottom line, says something important about immediate communication impulse and what is being called "the narcissistic tendency" we are developing as a culture.
The focus and integrity to attend to the job we are expected to perform as well as the ability or willingness not to pay attention to ourselves when we are getting paid to be working, seems to be lacking today more than ever before.
Cell phones, e-mails, text messages, social networking, Facebook and other electronic forms of communication have begun to hold our attention prisoner, even when we are on the job. Not only is this unfair to the individual or organization paying our salary, but it also sends up a red flag about how we are growing more and more self absorbed as a culture.
Can someone be healthy when they are overly concerned about the moment to moment activities of their lives? There are (most commonly in humor columns) reported Facebook posts by individuals who literally record every minor thought and event of their day, posting them publically for all their friends and fans to read.
Is it true that we are becoming a narcissistic society, unable to pull ourselves away from the details of our lives and that we no longer put in "an honest day's work"?
Health is made up of many things. Being productive, making a contribution, working hard and enjoying what you do is all part of a healthy lifestyle. If social networking and electronic communication is pulling you further away from a balanced and healthy work life, it may be time to unplug and unlink.
Finding fulfillment and feeling commitment about what we do in our work, as well as how we do the work, is an important part of being a productive, contributory, healthy, happy individual.
Excessive electronic communication can not only be self-centering but can also distract us from other essential aspects that are part of a balance life. Something to consider ~
With all good wishes,
G
Copyright 2010 National Institute of Whole Health
When most of us think of an unhealthy work environment we think "sick building syndrome", difficult co-workers or the classic "boss from hell".
Recently, after attending a conference which was populated by a number of staffing agency directors, I received an insight into the latest unhealthy work issue that is getting the attention of a lot of organizations. OFBTM - Obsessive Face Book and Text Messaging while on the clock.
It is becoming such a concern to some employees, that more and more companies are having their computer networks re-tooled to block Facebook from being accessible from the office computers.
How much of a problem is it that a significant number of those raised on electronic communication and networking cannot stop checking their Facebook and Text Messenging while they are being paid to do the job tasks required of them.
That employees are noticing and concerned about this trend affecting their productivity and even their bottom line, says something important about immediate communication impulse and what is being called "the narcissistic tendency" we are developing as a culture.
The focus and integrity to attend to the job we are expected to perform as well as the ability or willingness not to pay attention to ourselves when we are getting paid to be working, seems to be lacking today more than ever before.
Cell phones, e-mails, text messages, social networking, Facebook and other electronic forms of communication have begun to hold our attention prisoner, even when we are on the job. Not only is this unfair to the individual or organization paying our salary, but it also sends up a red flag about how we are growing more and more self absorbed as a culture.
Can someone be healthy when they are overly concerned about the moment to moment activities of their lives? There are (most commonly in humor columns) reported Facebook posts by individuals who literally record every minor thought and event of their day, posting them publically for all their friends and fans to read.
Is it true that we are becoming a narcissistic society, unable to pull ourselves away from the details of our lives and that we no longer put in "an honest day's work"?
Health is made up of many things. Being productive, making a contribution, working hard and enjoying what you do is all part of a healthy lifestyle. If social networking and electronic communication is pulling you further away from a balanced and healthy work life, it may be time to unplug and unlink.
Finding fulfillment and feeling commitment about what we do in our work, as well as how we do the work, is an important part of being a productive, contributory, healthy, happy individual.
Excessive electronic communication can not only be self-centering but can also distract us from other essential aspects that are part of a balance life. Something to consider ~
With all good wishes,
G
Copyright 2010 National Institute of Whole Health
Monday, August 16, 2010
Food and Mood
by Georgianna Donadio MSc, DC, PhD
Just finished an interview for a national magazine on "Food and Mood". It reminded me about how intimately our mood and our food are connected.
The article was about "what foods help our moods", but may-be the larger question is "what do our moods have to do with what we eat".
It's interesting that the emphasis is usually on how things from the OUTSIDE of us affect our insides and in reality so much of what is going on INSIDE of us affects our outsides.
This is really evident in terms of weight loss and weight gain. The way we feel about ourselves, work, life, if we are fulfilled or dissatisfied has more to do with what or how much we choose to eat than how eating a food has to do with how it "makes us feel".
One of the reasons diets don't work is because the "work" is being done on the outside of the problem instead of the inside. I have been a nutritionist for over 30 years and have seen tens of thousands of patients who want to change the way they look or the way they eat.
When we start to "work" on the goal, within a relatively short period of time, they become aware that there are underlying feelings and emotions associated with not eating foods that help them to "medicate" or mask their feelings.
They often become discouraged because the feelings are uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It is our human nature to AVOID pain and move towards pleasure. It takes courage to truly tackle and confront the underlying issues of "food and mood", rather than focusing on the outside of the problem, to focus on the inside instead.
Here is an exercise you may find to be of value. If you are dealing with mood or food issues, keep a journal for 10 days, writing down everything you eat and how you feel when you DON'T eat what you want and how you feel when you DO eat what you want.
Just becoming more aware of what you are putting in your mouth and how it translates to how you feel after you eat a particular food, can be the start of a healthier and happier relationship with food and your mood.
All the best,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Just finished an interview for a national magazine on "Food and Mood". It reminded me about how intimately our mood and our food are connected.
The article was about "what foods help our moods", but may-be the larger question is "what do our moods have to do with what we eat".
It's interesting that the emphasis is usually on how things from the OUTSIDE of us affect our insides and in reality so much of what is going on INSIDE of us affects our outsides.
This is really evident in terms of weight loss and weight gain. The way we feel about ourselves, work, life, if we are fulfilled or dissatisfied has more to do with what or how much we choose to eat than how eating a food has to do with how it "makes us feel".
One of the reasons diets don't work is because the "work" is being done on the outside of the problem instead of the inside. I have been a nutritionist for over 30 years and have seen tens of thousands of patients who want to change the way they look or the way they eat.
When we start to "work" on the goal, within a relatively short period of time, they become aware that there are underlying feelings and emotions associated with not eating foods that help them to "medicate" or mask their feelings.
They often become discouraged because the feelings are uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It is our human nature to AVOID pain and move towards pleasure. It takes courage to truly tackle and confront the underlying issues of "food and mood", rather than focusing on the outside of the problem, to focus on the inside instead.
Here is an exercise you may find to be of value. If you are dealing with mood or food issues, keep a journal for 10 days, writing down everything you eat and how you feel when you DON'T eat what you want and how you feel when you DO eat what you want.
Just becoming more aware of what you are putting in your mouth and how it translates to how you feel after you eat a particular food, can be the start of a healthier and happier relationship with food and your mood.
All the best,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Friday, August 13, 2010
Weight Loss May Ease Hot Flashes
By Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
As someone who has suffered through hot flashes, I found the following article from WebMD to be of great interest. As it is well written and well sited, I thought you might enjoy reading it and possibly it could be of some help to you or to other women you know going through the "power surges" of menopause.
Comments are welcomed!
Intense Diet and Exercise Program Lessened Symptoms in Menopausal Women in Study
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MD
July 12, 2010 -- Losing weight may help modestly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, researchers say.
Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are common in menopausal women. They typically cause sweatiness and redness in the face and can be disruptive and last for five or more years. Past research suggests that a higher body mass index (BMI) -- a measurement of height and weight -- is associated with more severe hot flashes, but whether losing weight could make a difference has remained unclear.
Study author Alison J. Huang, MD, of the University of California at San Francisco and colleagues randomly assigned 338 overweight or obese women to either an intense, behavior-oriented weight loss program or to a health education program. The women were taking part in a study on urinary incontinence. Participants in the intensive weight loss program had a goal to lose 7% to 9% of their body weight in 6 months. They met with experts weekly and were encouraged to exercise for 200 minutes per week, such as brisk walking, and follow a 1,200 to 1,500 daily calorie diet. The health education program required women to attend four one-hour sessions that addressed nutrition and healthy living.
The women’s average age was 53, they had a BMI of 25 or higher, and had urinary incontinence. At the beginning of the study, 154 women reported that they were bothered by hot flashes. Among this group, a total of 141 provided data about their hot flash symptoms six months after the start of the study.
Sixty-five of the 141 women said they were less bothered by their hot flashes six months after participating in the weight loss program, 53 reported no change, and 23 women reported a worsening of symptoms. Compared with those in the health education program, women who were in the weight loss program and were bothered by hot flashes had more than twice the odds of reporting a measurable improvement after six months.
Improvements were associated with decreases in weight, BMI, and waist size. However, there were no significant associations between changes in flashing symptoms and exercise, calorie intake, blood pressure, and overall physical and mental function.
The findings are published in the July 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Among women who were at least slightly bothered by flushing at baseline, the intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with significantly greater decreases in weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure relative to the control group,” Huang and her team write. "No statistically significant effect of the intervention on self-reported physical activity, total calorie intake or overall physical or mental functioning was observed. Our findings indicate that women who are overweight or obese and experience bothersome hot flushes may also experience improvement in these symptoms after pursuing behavioral weight loss strategies; however, improvements in weight or body composition may not be the only mediators of this effect.”
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
As someone who has suffered through hot flashes, I found the following article from WebMD to be of great interest. As it is well written and well sited, I thought you might enjoy reading it and possibly it could be of some help to you or to other women you know going through the "power surges" of menopause.
Comments are welcomed!
Intense Diet and Exercise Program Lessened Symptoms in Menopausal Women in Study
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MD
July 12, 2010 -- Losing weight may help modestly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, researchers say.
Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are common in menopausal women. They typically cause sweatiness and redness in the face and can be disruptive and last for five or more years. Past research suggests that a higher body mass index (BMI) -- a measurement of height and weight -- is associated with more severe hot flashes, but whether losing weight could make a difference has remained unclear.
Study author Alison J. Huang, MD, of the University of California at San Francisco and colleagues randomly assigned 338 overweight or obese women to either an intense, behavior-oriented weight loss program or to a health education program. The women were taking part in a study on urinary incontinence. Participants in the intensive weight loss program had a goal to lose 7% to 9% of their body weight in 6 months. They met with experts weekly and were encouraged to exercise for 200 minutes per week, such as brisk walking, and follow a 1,200 to 1,500 daily calorie diet. The health education program required women to attend four one-hour sessions that addressed nutrition and healthy living.
The women’s average age was 53, they had a BMI of 25 or higher, and had urinary incontinence. At the beginning of the study, 154 women reported that they were bothered by hot flashes. Among this group, a total of 141 provided data about their hot flash symptoms six months after the start of the study.
Sixty-five of the 141 women said they were less bothered by their hot flashes six months after participating in the weight loss program, 53 reported no change, and 23 women reported a worsening of symptoms. Compared with those in the health education program, women who were in the weight loss program and were bothered by hot flashes had more than twice the odds of reporting a measurable improvement after six months.
Improvements were associated with decreases in weight, BMI, and waist size. However, there were no significant associations between changes in flashing symptoms and exercise, calorie intake, blood pressure, and overall physical and mental function.
The findings are published in the July 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Among women who were at least slightly bothered by flushing at baseline, the intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with significantly greater decreases in weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure relative to the control group,” Huang and her team write. "No statistically significant effect of the intervention on self-reported physical activity, total calorie intake or overall physical or mental functioning was observed. Our findings indicate that women who are overweight or obese and experience bothersome hot flushes may also experience improvement in these symptoms after pursuing behavioral weight loss strategies; however, improvements in weight or body composition may not be the only mediators of this effect.”
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
10 Things Anyone Can Do To Be Healthier
by Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
Everyone loves "tips", especially when it comes to their health. Here is a short but powerful list of ten things we can all do to be healthier, thinner and more energetic. The best part is they are easy to do and aren't expensive:
> Drink more water - sometimes we over eat because we are actually in need of more body fluid, so drink more water, especially when you are hungry
> Move more. The simple act of physically moving is a great way to get more exercise, improve circulation and reduce calories.
> Eat less starch. Complex carbohydrates are the main culprit in producing excess insulin, which is a major player in diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
> Enjoy a hobby that relaxes you. People with hobbies have lower blood pressure and are less stressed from being able to redirect their energies and attention into something they love to do.
> Keep plants or have a pet. Statistics show that people who keep pets or take care of plants are less depressed and more social. In nursing homes, residents are given plants to take care of to reduce depression.
> Eat out less. American's are eating 75% of our meals outside the home. The amount of salt, MSG and chemicals in the foods eaten outside the home is unhealthy and preparing food at home is not only healthier but also less expensive.
> Have regular personal quite time. Meditation, prayer, chanting, contemplation are all ways to slow down the nervous system and help improve sleep and digestion.
> Pay down your debt. The amount of debt a person maintains exerts a major influence to the amount of stress they have in their lives. Owe less, live longer.
> Be sure to get 8 hours sleep. You might be able to function on less but for your body to rest and rejuvenate 8 hours is the ideal.
> Eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast live 7 years longer than those who don't because the body functions more efficiently when eating is on an appropriate schedule.
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Everyone loves "tips", especially when it comes to their health. Here is a short but powerful list of ten things we can all do to be healthier, thinner and more energetic. The best part is they are easy to do and aren't expensive:
> Drink more water - sometimes we over eat because we are actually in need of more body fluid, so drink more water, especially when you are hungry
> Move more. The simple act of physically moving is a great way to get more exercise, improve circulation and reduce calories.
> Eat less starch. Complex carbohydrates are the main culprit in producing excess insulin, which is a major player in diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
> Enjoy a hobby that relaxes you. People with hobbies have lower blood pressure and are less stressed from being able to redirect their energies and attention into something they love to do.
> Keep plants or have a pet. Statistics show that people who keep pets or take care of plants are less depressed and more social. In nursing homes, residents are given plants to take care of to reduce depression.
> Eat out less. American's are eating 75% of our meals outside the home. The amount of salt, MSG and chemicals in the foods eaten outside the home is unhealthy and preparing food at home is not only healthier but also less expensive.
> Have regular personal quite time. Meditation, prayer, chanting, contemplation are all ways to slow down the nervous system and help improve sleep and digestion.
> Pay down your debt. The amount of debt a person maintains exerts a major influence to the amount of stress they have in their lives. Owe less, live longer.
> Be sure to get 8 hours sleep. You might be able to function on less but for your body to rest and rejuvenate 8 hours is the ideal.
> Eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast live 7 years longer than those who don't because the body functions more efficiently when eating is on an appropriate schedule.
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Friday, August 6, 2010
Reminder: Travel at Your Own Risk
by Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD
The summer is one of the most heavily vacation trafficked periods of the year, when millions of people “take to the skies and roads” for vacation. This is a time to relax, enjoy and re-fuel. Unfortunately, for 3-5% (yes, that is 3-5%) of the people who get off of airplanes, buses, trains or auto transport will develop blood clots, often not detected until many weeks after their trip.
As American health care consumers, we know in today’s environment we must be pro-active and take control of our health through health information and prevention. Staying healthy while traveling is one very important preventative situation that we can all be more aware of to circumvent an unwanted health crisis.
Three years ago, the World Health Organization published the WRIGHT report (WHO Research Into Global Hazards of Travel) which identified the extent of the problem and who was at risk. The report identified the population most at risk are females, over 40 years of age, with a prior history of deep vein thrombosis.
Others at risk include older travelers, obese travelers, pregnant women, anyone with varicose veins or a prior history of venous thrombosis, women taking birth control pills or estrogen, travelers with a history of a major operation, cancer, heart failure, highly trained athletes, and those with recent surgery or injury.
In spite of the evidence, however, there are still airlines in denial over the problem as many fear increased litigation. One major US airline has a published statement on its websites as a response to concerned travels that reads: "There is no epidemiological evidence that air travel causes blood clots."
However, published experts would re-word that statement to read: “It would be more accurate to say, "Every credible scientific study of the subject has found that air travel [and other forms of confined travel] cause blood clots, including all of the most recent large sophisticated studies."
What can you do to prevent blood clots?
1) Do not be immobile for more than 1 hour when traveling by air or in confined transportation
2) Dress in loose-fitting clothes and shoes. No socks or garments should have banded constriction.
3) Stay well hydrated, but avoid alcohol.
4) Exercise your legs and feet every chance you can (e.g. every 20 minutes).
5) Consider fitted, compression stockings - compression of 20 mm. Hg or more is best.
6) It is not a guarantee that taking aspirin to avoid thrombosis will work but as it prevents platelet clumping which causes clots, if you are at risk, it seems reasonable to take aspirin daily, starting a day before departure and continuing for a day after the flight terminates.
7) Sit in an aisle seat - you will have more room and it is easier to stand up and move around the plane, bus or train.
Hope this helps. For more information search for "blood clots and travel". There is an enormous amount of information on the subject and if you are getting ready for that big trip, having this information should be part of your "packing".
Have a wonderful and safe vacation!
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
The summer is one of the most heavily vacation trafficked periods of the year, when millions of people “take to the skies and roads” for vacation. This is a time to relax, enjoy and re-fuel. Unfortunately, for 3-5% (yes, that is 3-5%) of the people who get off of airplanes, buses, trains or auto transport will develop blood clots, often not detected until many weeks after their trip.
As American health care consumers, we know in today’s environment we must be pro-active and take control of our health through health information and prevention. Staying healthy while traveling is one very important preventative situation that we can all be more aware of to circumvent an unwanted health crisis.
Three years ago, the World Health Organization published the WRIGHT report (WHO Research Into Global Hazards of Travel) which identified the extent of the problem and who was at risk. The report identified the population most at risk are females, over 40 years of age, with a prior history of deep vein thrombosis.
Others at risk include older travelers, obese travelers, pregnant women, anyone with varicose veins or a prior history of venous thrombosis, women taking birth control pills or estrogen, travelers with a history of a major operation, cancer, heart failure, highly trained athletes, and those with recent surgery or injury.
In spite of the evidence, however, there are still airlines in denial over the problem as many fear increased litigation. One major US airline has a published statement on its websites as a response to concerned travels that reads: "There is no epidemiological evidence that air travel causes blood clots."
However, published experts would re-word that statement to read: “It would be more accurate to say, "Every credible scientific study of the subject has found that air travel [and other forms of confined travel] cause blood clots, including all of the most recent large sophisticated studies."
What can you do to prevent blood clots?
1) Do not be immobile for more than 1 hour when traveling by air or in confined transportation
2) Dress in loose-fitting clothes and shoes. No socks or garments should have banded constriction.
3) Stay well hydrated, but avoid alcohol.
4) Exercise your legs and feet every chance you can (e.g. every 20 minutes).
5) Consider fitted, compression stockings - compression of 20 mm. Hg or more is best.
6) It is not a guarantee that taking aspirin to avoid thrombosis will work but as it prevents platelet clumping which causes clots, if you are at risk, it seems reasonable to take aspirin daily, starting a day before departure and continuing for a day after the flight terminates.
7) Sit in an aisle seat - you will have more room and it is easier to stand up and move around the plane, bus or train.
Hope this helps. For more information search for "blood clots and travel". There is an enormous amount of information on the subject and if you are getting ready for that big trip, having this information should be part of your "packing".
Have a wonderful and safe vacation!
With all good wishes,
G
© by NIWH 2010 all rights reserved
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
