Life’s sweets and spices

Surprisingly, there are worse things your child will touch than the toilet seat.  Here are some of them, and you’ll want to thoroughly clean your kid’s hands after he comes in contact with them.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT – Kids always have the most fecal bacteria on their hands when they return from the playground.  In one study, 20% of playground equipment was infested with this contaminant.

SHOPPING CARTS – About 70% have fecal bacteria on them, largely because of kids sitting in those little seats that carts have.

HIGH CHAIRS – Out of 30 restaurant high chairs, 17% were contaminated with E. coli and 10% with methicillin-resistant staph.

RESTAURANT TABLES -”Cleaning” a table can actually make it dirtier.  In an analysis of 10 restaurants, tabletops have 45 times more bacteria, including E. coli on them after they had been wiped: towels used to sponge off tables are not always thoroughly washed.

ELEVATOR BUTTONS – The 1st floor button is always the germiest because everybody has to touch it to get out.

PHONES -  In homes with sick kids, 80% of phones were contaminated with the flu virus.

You know how important getting enough sleep for your child is.  It helps him function well the next day.  Sleep is just as important as food because it is essential for proper mind and body development.  But here’s another reason why you should tuck him in on time.  A good night;s sleep may help your kid stay trim as an adult.  According to studies, children ages five to eleven who sleeps less than 11 hours nightly are more likely to be obese adults than children who get more zzzs.  So make sure your kids get enough sleep to keep obesity at bay. 

Did you know that your dog’s slobber and shedding fur may be a blessing in disguise?  Studies show that kids living in households with dogs have a reduced risk of developing allergies.  The germs dogs carry boost our children’s developing immune system, making them less sensitive to allergens.

I’m really not so sure about this but my son has used to have? skin asthma.  The rashes would disappear after treatment but will come back again when something triggers it.  On and off, it was like that until he was 10.  I actually felt sad when he reached that age and still had the asthma.  I was told then that kids usually outgrow it by age 8, if he doesn’t, then he’ll have it forever.

Loki, our dog, came to live with us three years ago and miraculously, my son never had a skin asthma attack since then.  I wonder if it has something to do with that.  I haven’t asked his doctor, afraid that she’d think I must be going out of my mind.  But is it possible?

There are some health worries that people are too embarrassed to talk about or even ask advice on. Many are suffering in silence and would just self medicate hoping it will heal or clear up on its own not thinking that it could be something serious. It is only when self medication did not work that they will seek medical help, sometimes it is already too late because the infection has become severe.

Just take sexually transmitted diseases for example. I’ve heard of some cases where people infected with genital herpes try to treat it with over the counter antibiotics. They do that due to lack of information and most of the time SHAME. Most people infected with genital herpes are not aware of their infection because they have no or only minimal symptoms of infection.

Genital Herpes should not be taken for granted as this could lead to more complications in the future, especially that it cannot be completely cured but controlled. It stays dormant and outbreaks could occur weeks or months after the first. Some health care specialists say that there is no treatment for Genital Herpes, however, new studies reveal that herpes simplex and organic treatments work and provides instant relief. If you have it or know of someone suffering from it, it’s not the end of the world, there is hope.

Mom’s been suffering from high cholesterol for years.  She likes salty food so much even if her doctor warned her that it could hurt her more.  Her doc said, “You better watch your diet, the best cholesterol treatments won’t do you any good if you continue with this kind of  diet.”  I think she got a little scared after hearing it from her doc because she’s now taking it easy with salt.  She’s so hard-headed, she won’t listen to our warnings.  Good thing the doctor talked some sense to her.

I’ve never really encountered anyone who’s been truly depressed until it happened to a friend.  She and her husband have waited long enough for a child.  She was ecstatic when she announced late last year that she’s finally having a baby.  Unfortunately, a week after the announcement she lost it.  She’s already in her forties and her body is too frail.

She got really depressed and didn’t want to talk to any of us.  The husband was desperate because he didn’t know how to help her.  It was only another week later, when her mom went home from the States that she agreed to have treatment for depression.  Her husband felt so helpless because his wife won’t listen to him.  We were all relieved that she finally listened to her mom.  I saw her the other day and noticed a big difference.  Her condition has improved a lot and I’m hopeful that she’ll be back soon.

My store helper’s eczema is getting out of hand and needed eczema treatment to help her feel better.  She complained about not getting enough sleep because of the discomfort.  Her hands itched so much especially at night.  She is now under treatment and I’m hoping she gets better in a few days.  I can’t stand to lose her right now because my other helper is on vacation.  If she can’t take of the store, then that leaves me no choice.  I would hate to take a vacation from blogging, even for a while. 

Do you have veins that have become enlarged and tortuous?  Those are varicose veins and they are often painful, especially when you are standing or walking.  It is surprising to know that these swollen veins are often more than just a cosmetic concern and frequently a serious medical issue.  They are often itchy and scratching them can cause ulcers.   According to a vein doctor, about a quarter of us will experience these swollen veins at some point, especially after the age of 35 or during pregnancy, because of high pressure when standing.

Luckily, there are vein clinics that you can now visit where you discuss possible ways to prevent them with the experts before they can recommend a  vein treatment.

Lifestyle changes can also cut your risk of developing them and prevent existing ones from worsening.   Exercise, lose a few pounds if you need to, and avoid long periods of standing or sitting.  It helps to get up every half hour and do a few calf raises if you spend your days seated at a desk.  Another thing is to avoid sitting with your legs crossed, this can cut off circulation and lead to more swelling.  If you are on your feet a lot, wearing support or medicated panty hose is a smart preventive measure.