The benefits start immediately, improve with continued use, and are available 24/7 – 365 from head to toe. The cost: 30 minutes each day.

What counts?

 • 30 minute daily minimum of moderate-intensity aerobic . . . → Read More: Baby Boomers- The Question: What difference can 30 minutes a day make?]]> A Closer Look Regular physical activity, exercise, is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

The benefits start immediately, improve with continued use, and are available 24/7 – 365 from head to toe. The cost: 30 minutes each day.

What counts?

 • 30 minute daily minimum of moderate-intensity aerobic activities for adults; 1 hour per day for children.

• Activity can be done in 10 minute segments throughout the day. What is aerobic activity?

• Aerobic activity or “cardio” causes the heart to beat harder and faster, and increases the rate of breathing.

• Intensity is an indicator of how hard your body is working during aerobic activity.

For most people, light daily activities such as shopping, cooking, or doing the laundry are not included in the 30 minutes/ day because the body isn’t working hard enough to increase the heart rate.

How is intensity measured? Intensity level can be measured by the talk test. During moderate-intensity activity you can talk, but not sing. At vigorous-intensity level breathing becomes hard and fast, and the heart rate has increased significantly. You won’t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

To increase to a vigorous intensity, slowly replace moderate intensity activities with more vigorous activities. A scientific measure of the Intensity of activity is measured in METs (metabolic equivalent tasks). One MET is the energy used at rest (sitting quietly). Two METs indicates the energy used is twice that at rest. Three METs is triple the resting energy used, etc.

Thus, the METs per hour score is a measure of the intensity of a physical activity.

Activities are measured in METs /hour. For example, walking at a pace of 2 miles per hour (easy casual walking) uses 2 METs per hour. If you walk at this pace for 30 minutes, you have used only 1 MET- this is no different than sitting quietly. However; walking at a pace of 5 miles per hour uses 8 METs per hour. Walking at this pace for 30 minutes uses 4 METs. 12 MET hours per week of activity will result in health benefit. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity means the activity will raise the heart rate and cause the individual to sweat. Moderate intensity activities include:

• Walking fast 3 miles per hour (3.3 METs);

• Water aerobics (4 METs); • Riding a bike on level ground or with few hills(4METs);

 • Playing doubles tennis (5 METs); • Pushing a lawn mower(5METs);

• General gardening (4 METs); • Ballroom dancing (3METs). Vigorous-intensity aerobic activities include:

• Jogging (7METs), race walking (6 METs);

 • Swimming laps freestyle, vigorously(10METs);

• Riding a bike fast (10 miles per hour or faster) or on hills (10 METs);

 • Playing singles tennis (8 METs); • Playing basketball game (8 METs), gardening (digging, spreading, or filling) (5 METs);

• Jumping rope (fast) (12METs);

• Aerobic dancing (6.5 METs).

Moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic levels can be mixed in the same activity. Generally, when measuring health benefit, 1minute of vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as 2 minutes of moderate-intensity activities. Health benefits of regular exercise.

Cardiovascular:

• Improve/maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels;

 • Increase good (HDL) cholesterol;

• Improve circulation;

• Increase strength and function of heart muscle. Type 2 diabetes:

• Improve/maintain blood sugar levels; reducing the risk of developing type 2, and improving blood sugar control in individuals who already have type 2 diabetes. Musculoskeletal function:

 • Increased strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, tone, stamina, decreased risk of falls, decreased pain and stiffness of arthritis. • Increased bone strength, reduced risk of osteoporosis, improved symptoms of arthritis and back pain, reduced risk of hip fracture. Gastro intestinal:

 • Improved hunger and appetite awareness, digestion, and regularity of bowel movements.

 • Improved weight management. Mental Health and Mood:

• Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, judgment, and mental focus skills sharp as you age.

• Improved ability to manage stress; exercise also helps with depression;

• Improves quality of sleep. Immune system:

 • Improved immune system function. Sexual function:

 • Improved sexual drive. Some cancers (colon and breast):

 • If you are a cancer survivor, research shows that getting regular physical activity not only helps give you a better quality of life, but also improves your physical fitness. Longer life:

 • Individuals who exercise at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week at moderate-intensity aerobic activity lowers their risk of dying early.

• Individuals who are physically active for about 420 minutes (7 hours) a week have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week.

Take Home Message Give yourself 30 minutes a day as a gift of health.

 Editorial Comment Make physical activity a lifelong daily habit, just like brushing your teeth!

• Find activities you enjoy;

 • Incorporate different activities for variety, and to increase aerobic capacity, overall strength and flexibility.

• Simply walking works: a gym or health club membership is not needed.

• Increase activity and intensity level gradually: health benefits will increase with up to 60 minutes per day of moderate to intense activity levels. • Add strength or weight lifting activities to further improve bone and muscle strength.

• Always s-t-r-e-t-c-h muscles before and after activity to properly warm up and cool down muscles. Visit MSU Moves at msumoves.msu.edu complete a registration profile and start a personal challenge.

Constipation is usually the result of solid waste moving too slowly through the intestines causing dry and hard bowel movements.

Waste . . . → Read More: What is “Constipation”]]>  

A Closer Look

Occasional constipation is a common problem among adults that is easily treated. However, chronic constipation affects nearly 60 million Americans; especially females and individuals over age 65.

Constipation is usually the result of solid waste moving too slowly through the intestines causing dry and hard bowel movements.

Waste products are moved through the digestive system by rhythmic muscle contractions of the intestines. The large intestine, or colon, is responsible for reabsorbing water and salt from the waste material back into the body since these are essential nutrients. Most constipation is the result of a few factors:

• lack of fiber in the diet;
• lack of physical activity;
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement;
• changes in lifestyle or routine such as pregnancy, aging and/or travel;
• lack of adequate daily water intake

When there is not enough fluid or fiber in our diet the intestinal movement slows allowing the stool to dry and harden. 

What is “normal”?

The frequency for normal bowel movements ranges from 3 per day to 3 per week. Normal does not necessarily mean having a daily bowel movement. Normal bowel movements are a soft consistency, pass from the body with little straining, leaving a sensation of complete emptying of the bowel.

What is constipation?

Constipation is defined as having a decrease in the frequency of regular (normal for you) bowel movements.

Generally this is fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, and/or bowel movements that are a hard consistency, dry or pebble like, require increased straining to empty the bowel, having a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowel.

Constipation is considered chronic when these symptoms persist for 3 months or more.

What treatments are effective?

Occasional constipation can be treated with: 

• bulk-forming agents such as psyllium (Metamucil®);
• stool softeners such as Colace®;
• laxatives such as senna, and milk of magnesia;
• dietary additions such as dried fruit and nuts.

Chronic constipation is best treated with psyllium, not other over the counter laxatives, according to recent, good evidence based studies. Psyllium improves the consistency and frequency of bowel movement in the treatment of constipation however, these supplements are often inconvenient, and many individuals dislike the taste and /or texture of liquid products. Additionally, some individuals are bothered by gas and/or bloating with fiber supplements and will discontinue use.

A healthy, natural alternative to psyllium is dried plums or apricots. Dried fruit provides a flavorful, nutritious, convenient, food-based treatment for chronic constipation. Dried fruits are a good source of fiber which adds bulk to the digestive contents, stimulating the regular rhythmic contractions of the intestines. These dried fruits should be eaten daily, not just when constipation gets worse.

Researchers compared the effectiveness of psyllium and dried plums for treating chronic constipation.  All study participants had symptoms of chronic constipation for an average of 2 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a psyllium group or dried plum group. Both groups received 6 grams daily fiber in their treatment: 6 plums twice daily, or 1 tablespoon of psyllium daily.

After 3 weeks of treatment the group participants switched to the opposite treatment.

Participants kept a record of bowel movements during each treatment type.

The results showed significant improvement in bowel movements with dried plums when compared with psyllium.

Discuss your bowel movement patterns with your health care provider. Chronic constipation can also be a sign of other medical problems including:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• specific diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, thyroid disease and Parkinson’s disease;
• problems with the colon and rectum, such as intestinal obstruction, diverticulosis, or cancer;
• frequent use or misuse of laxatives;
• certain medications, including pain medications, diuretics and medications used to treat high blood pressure and depression;
• injuries to the spinal cord.

Incorporate these lifestyle changes to improve and maintain healthy bowel function.

• A high-fiber diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends a diet with at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day (the typical American eats 5-14 grams of fiber per day). Fiber helps your body form soft, bulky bowel movements. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Adding flax seed or flax seed oil capsules, or a serving of 10-12 nuts a day will add lubrication to the bowel with helps constipation. Limit foods that have little to no fiber, such as cheese, meat, high sugar content foods, and processed foods.
• Regular exercise. Physical activity can help stimulate intestinal activity and improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes constipation is caused by poor muscle tone in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are used when having a bowel movement. Weak pelvic floor muscles can result in excessive straining even for a soft bowel movement.
• Adequate fluid intake. Increase water intake to at least 64-72 ounces of water daily (8-9 glasses per day).Drinking plenty of water and other fluids will help soften your stool.
• Take the time for bowel movements. Set aside sufficient time to allow undisturbed visits to the toilet. And don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.

(Oh, by the way, dried plums are commonly known as prunesJ!)

For more information on chronic constipation visit the National Institute of Health website at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/  

Healthwise Knowledgebase at: www.healthwise.msu.edu – enter “constipation” into the search box.

“Recipe for Health” from MSU – check this link for a tasty high fiber oatmeal recipe: http://health4u.msu.edu/_pdfs/rfh/2011/rfhApril.pdf

More easy delicious recipes for health are available at health4u.msu.edu/ located under the “Online Health Resources” heading.

Just because these two strategies worked for me, doesn’t mean you have to . . . → Read More: New Post from Rikin-the quest to the new you!]]> In my last entry, I talked about motivation and determination. Once again, without those two, it will be very difficult to do what you want. In this entry, I will talk about eating habits and my workout plan that got me started.

Just because these two strategies worked for me, doesn’t mean you have to follow them.

I asked one of the strength coaches for Michigan State and received this advice. Little did I realize, he told me if I remained committed to making a change, overtime I would be successful.

It was August 8^th, 2010 I told myself the TIME IS NOW! August 9^th, I went to work!

Shortly after I started, I hated it. I would be on an elliptical or treadmill for 45-60 minutes a day, while friends were playing videogames or hanging out. Once I finished working out, I would crave Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and other healthy foods. NOT ANYMORE!

I had to cut down on the foods I loved.

After a few weeks into working out, I told myself I could treat myself to junk food once. The same went for drinking with friends. I cut down on going to bars and drinking. Instead, I got a job at a local bar, to help me prevent from gong out, plus some extra cash in my pocket. Monday thru Sunday,  I would be on Facebook, watch TV, text, and call people.

Now, working out, became a part of my daily routines. Something as little as 45 minutes a day consistently made a huge difference.

Eating habits were changed too. One key habit I realized is DO NOT eat many calories at night, before going to bed. Make lunch the largest part of the calorie intake. This allows the body enough time to process them throughout the day.  Therefore, I would enjoy a large meal during the day, before heading to practice. I would be starving by the time I was done, and that’s where my friend cottage cheese and almonds came. If one is thinks weight loss is easy, think again.

I’ve taken exams before, but those you can cheat on (if need be).  I’ve interned before for companies, and you can get through a project or task via colleagues.

Who can help to lose weight? YOU. NOBODY else can control the results but YOU!

To recap, I committed myself to working out 45-60 minutes day, avoiding large dinners, and eating real late. In the beginning, I still ate food from outside. It didn’t take long for Subway and I to become friends.

Yes it became costly, but I relied on Subway for breakfast/lunch/and dinner. In my next entry, I will talk briefly about what other foods I made part of my daily routine. Some sound awful and tasted gross.

But, I was on a mission and committed to losing weight, thus I had to stick to my word.

Rikin Shaw is a friend and a new graduate of Michigan State University.  I appreciate a young person sharing his quest, it takes guts and honesty, keep it up stud, I am rooting for your success!

T

NURSE’S HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCE

I am an ER nurse and this is the best description of this event that I have ever heard. Please read, pay attention, and send it on!

FEMALE HEART ATTACKS

I was aware . . . → Read More: Boomers and heart attack info!]]> This is an email that was sent to me, and I find it important enough to share!

NURSE’S HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCE

I am an ER nurse and this is the best description of this event that I have ever heard. Please read, pay attention, and send it on!

FEMALE HEART ATTACKS

I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I’ve ever read.

Women and heart attacks (Myocardial infarction). Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing heart attack.. you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest &
dropping to the floor that we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman’s experience with a heart attack.

I had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking, ‘A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.

A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you’ve been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich
and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried
bite seems to feel like you’ve swallowed a golf ball going
down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn’t have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation–the only trouble was that I hadn’t
taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.

After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasms), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR).

This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws. ‘AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening — we all have read and/or heard
about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven’t we? I said aloud to myself and the cat,
Dear God, I think I’m having a heart attack!

I lowered the foot rest dumping the cat from my lap, started
to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, If this is a heart attack, I shouldn’t be walking
into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else…
but, on the other hand, if I don’t, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get
up in a moment.

I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the Paramedics… I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I
didn’t feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked
if the front door was near to me, and if so, to un-bolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.

I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don’t remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney
or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the radiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like ‘Have you taken any medications?’) but I couldn’t make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not
waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery
into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side
by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.

I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home
must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before
the call, and both the fire station and St Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already
to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and
the procedure) and installing the stints.

Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand.

1. Be aware that something very different is happening in
your body, not the usual men’s symptoms but inexplicable
things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act).
It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn’t know they were having one
and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they’ll feel better in the morning when they wake up… which doesn’t
happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you’ve not felt before. It is better to have a ‘false alarm’ visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2.Note that I said ‘Call the Paramedics.’ And if you can,
take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER – you are a hazard to others on the road.

Do NOT have your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what’s happening with you instead of
the road.

Do NOT call your doctor — he doesn’t know where you live
and if it’s at night you won’t reach him anyway, and if
it’s daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will
tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn’t carry the
equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The
Paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your
Dr will be notified later.

3.Don’t assume it couldn’t be a heart attack because you
have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered
that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of
an MI (unless it’s unbelievably high and/or accompanied by
high blood pressure). MIs are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts
of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance
we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we’ll save at least one life.

*Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends (male & female) who you care about!*

Host “Boomers Rock”

So in this piece you can get the feel for all of those, and I mean everyone who loses there ambition, just remember to just get started, everybody, (mostly anyway) has the rollercoaster effect in life.

As the year starts, or for that matter you just . . . → Read More: “Boomers Rock”-Highs and Lows of Training Are Normal]]> By Tom “Trainer T” Matt                                                                  1/8/2012

Host “Boomers Rock”

So in this piece you can get the feel for all of those, and I mean everyone who loses there ambition, just remember to just get started, everybody, (mostly anyway) has the rollercoaster effect in life.

As the year starts, or for that matter you just get moving, it is going to be the goal and the motivation that can keep you from falling flat and becoming another one of many, “Resolution Kuputness”. 

I know that’s not a real word, you get my drift though.

Take it slow, just get off the couch and get moving.  The old no pain no gain is bullcrap, pain is a warning signal (as I am currently taking a day off form a sprinting hamstring pop yesterday, ugh!) what I want is slow and methodical consistency, the passion will come as long as you  do not come down with the dreaded “Kuputness” disease.

You know the high and low of being in shape; frankly you are not alone, so read on, here is a good article to follow up my advice with.

“When the going gets tough, and the hammy starts talking, take a day off”

Peace

http://www.menshealth.com/men/fitness/motivation/the-psychology-of-motivation/article/34d70dee29352110VgnVCM10000013281eac

Always understand the inherent risks of beginning a program, always be safe and have your physician’s approval before beginning any program.

follow trainer T and his videos at www.grtftiness.com

6_11_10-pg19

Instead of continuing to provide articles to our subscribers and readers . . . → Read More: 2012: Are You Dedicated to a Transformation]]> Happy New Year!…..well not yet, but I wanted to start 2012 out right and get going on a new feature.  Our article base is very diverse and we currently have over 160 articles detailing many different topics on everything health, fitness, and nutrition related. 

Instead of continuing to provide articles to our subscribers and readers that may touch on a topic we’ve already covered, I want to post a relevant and/or uplifting motivational video to the website weekly that I think can help to push people to continue to reach for those goals when the desire to achieve your resolutions start to dwindle in late January/early February.

The video posts may be a great video that I’ve run across on the web (like this one), a workout or exercise I am currently doing and want to share, or something motivational that I am currently reading or watching.  I believe that seeing and sharing these types of things can help us spread a little motivation to the masses when we need it the most, and all of us have our moments when it comes to laziness or just not feeling driven to get better.

That leads me to the first video in this series, one that I ran across today and had to share with everyone.  Amer Kamra is the youngest professional fitness model and his transformation in 2011 is absolutely INSPIRING!…….just when you thought that the people you see on the magazine covers roll out of bed at 4% bodyfat everyday, this video is released to show us that everyone faces adversity and instability in their lives.  Amer, despite his great achievements in the past faced a challenge in 2011 that many people deal with on a daily basis:  “I’m out of shape and unhappy with my current body, what am I going to do about it?”…….Well Amer chose to embark on a year of change!

Here’s to a fitter 2012!——–> R’s

At first glance a piece of chocolate may seem almost . . . → Read More: Chocolate- It does a body good!]]> Chocolate is one of America’s favorite foods. The USA ranks second only to Germany in the per capita consumption of this “Food of the Gods”. They say good things come in small packages; let’s unwrap a piece of chocolate and see what is inside.

At first glance a piece of chocolate may seem almost sinful. Just looking at it can make your mouth water in anticipation of the tasteful pleasure. Go ahead: take a bite. As the chocolate melts in your mouth, an abundance of goodness flows from the chocolate. The plant derived flavonols contained in the chocolate coat the cells of the body providing a rich supply of antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are a byproduct of natural body processes and from environmental contaminants. With less cellular damage, the LDL cholesterol level dips a few comfortable points keeping the blood vessels soft and supple. The blood vessels, now protected, relax causing a decrease in blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. The platelets, which are responsible for causing the blood to clot, are drenched with flavonols making them less sticky, reducing the risk of blood clots.

Wow! All of that in one bite!

A dark secret revealed.

Cocoa is thought to have originated in the Amazon at least 4,000 years ago. The Aztecs knew without a doubt that chocolate was good for their health. It is reported that in 1200 AD, the Aztecs consumed chocolate in an elixir form made from unsweetened cocoa. The chocolate was believed to be good for health and even had aphrodisiac qualities!

As a sign of its reputation, when the Swedish naturalist Linnaeus was officially naming all the plants of the world in 1753, he called the cacao tree Theobroma cacao which means “Food of the Gods”.

Current research has confirmed what the Aztecs believed. Dark chocolate is the form which provides health benefit. Dark chocolate has the highest percentage of cocoa. Cocoa is the pure extract of the cocoa bean. Pure cocoa has a very high level of flavonoids however, flavonoid levels decrease as the cocoa is more processed. Adding milk to cocoa reduces the flavonoid level and also the health benefit as does the process used to make Dutch chocolate. Milk and Dutch chocolate do not have the same health benefit as dark.

Most of the studies to date use dark chocolate with 50-70% cocoa content.

Research on the benefits of chocolate began in the 1990’s and has shown that there are small but significant cardiovascular health benefits associated with chocolate. These benefits are related to the antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects of the flavonols in cocoa, and include:

• decreased blood pressure- blood pressure lowered by 3-5 points (3-5 mmHg);
• decreased inflammation in the lining of the blood vessels reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque;
• decreased LDL cholesterol levels average 5 points lower (5 mg/dl);
• decreased risk of blood clot formation due to platelet protection.

Despite these findings, more research is needed to:

• verify these cardiovascular benefits by doing studies with larger numbers of individuals;
• better understand the mechanism of how these benefits occur;
• how much chocolate should be consumed to get the greatest benefit. To date there is not an established serving size to reap the cardiovascular benefits.

So go ahead, enjoy chocolate and the health benefits too. Dark chocolate that is less processed with higher percentages of cocoa, is best. For now, moderation is a good rule. One ounce of good dark chocolate a few times a week is the recommendation. 

Happy Holidays

“…May your days be merry and bright, and may NONE of your chocolate be white!

It was Thursday, December 22nd, Christmas was only 3 days away. Roseanne works full time and had been barely keeping up with the holiday rush of decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, and entertaining. As she relaxed after dinner she . . . → Read More: So let’s discuss antibiotic resistance?]]>  

The Question

It was Thursday, December 22nd, Christmas was only 3 days away. Roseanne works full time and had been barely keeping up with the holiday rush of decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, and entertaining. As she relaxed after dinner she noticed the tell tale signs of flu: achy body, scratchy throat and a little feverish. Flu shots were easy to come by through the fall, but she was just too busy to get one. Roseanne thought, “No Way! I can’t be sick for Christmas!” “That’s it! I’ll nip it in the bud and get on some antibiotics and kick this thing out before it gets any worse!” So Rosanne grabbed the keys and headed off to the nearest urgent care center.

Did Roseanne get the antibiotic she is looking for?

The correct answer is No.

Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like colds, or influenza. Unnecessary antibiotics may lead to future antibiotic-resistant infections.

Roseanne had the flu for Christmas.

Unfortunately Roseanne’s predicament and other similar scenarios are all too common.

Most of the respiratory infections that occur during “cold and flu” season are viral infections.

There are two major types of infections: bacterial and viral. Both types of infections cause people to feel ill, often with similar symptoms however, the treatments are very different. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics; antibiotics kill bacteria not viruses. Using antibiotics to treat a viral infection can lead to harmful and/or unwanted side effects from the medication. Antibiotic side effects are the most common cause of emergency department visits for children. More importantly, improper use of antibiotics leads to development of resistant bacteria.

What are resistant bacteria? These are bacteria that have “learned” how to survive in the presence of the drugs that were developed to kill them. The bacteria continue to live and reproduce causing disease which is more difficult  to cure, requiring stronger medications that are more expensive, and have more side effects. Familiar examples of bacterial resistant superbugs are MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and drug resistant TB (tuberculosis).

A common misconception is that a person’s body becomes resistant to a specific drug; however, it is the bacteria that become resistant, not the body.

What causes bacteria to develop resistance?

Repeated and improper use of antibiotics is the main cause of resistance.

• Antibiotics were prescribed for 68% of individuals who visited their health care provider for a respiratory infection in 2001; 80% of those prescriptions were unnecessary according to CDC guidelines.
• $1.1 billion was spent on unnecessary adult upper respiratory infection antibiotic prescriptions, according to a report in 2003.
• Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it is really needed. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, schoolmates, and co-workers; threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat. For this reason, antibiotic resistance is among CDC’s top concerns.

How can bacterial resistance be stopped?

Use antibiotics correctly.

Individual responsibilities

• Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor says they are not needed.
• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or most sore throats.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for you or another person’s illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
• DO get a “flu shot”. This will decreased the risk of becoming ill with influenza, a viral illness.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for bacterial infection:

• Do not skip doses.
• Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next time you or another person gets sick.

Health care provider’s responsibilities

• Only prescribe antibiotic therapy when likely to be beneficial to the patient.
• Use the appropriate antibiotic dose and length of treatment.

Rosanne got her flu shot this year and plans on enjoying her holidays!