Allergy is characterized by an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance (“allergen”) that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. This immune overreaction can results in symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. In severe cases it can also result in rashes, hives, lower blood pressure, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and even death.

• There are no cures for allergies. Allergies can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
• Allergies have a genetic component. If only one parent has allergies of any type, chances are 1 in 3 that each child will have an allergy. If both parents have allergies, it is much more likely (7 in 10) that their children will have allergies.
• More Americans than ever before say they are suffering from allergies. It is among the country’s most common, yet often overlooked, diseases.

Prevalence

• Indoor and Outdoor Allergies – (Allergic rhinitis; seasonal/perennial allergies; hay fever; nasal allergies) Approximately 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies as their primary allergy. The most common indoor/outdoor allergy triggers are: tree, grass and weed pollen; mold spores; dust mite and cockroach allergen; and, cat, dog and rodent dander.
• Skin Allergies – (Atopic dermatitis; eczema; hives; urticaria; contact allergies) Approximately 7% of allergy sufferers have skin allergies as their primary allergy. Plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac are the most common skin allergy triggers. However, skin contact with cockroach and dust mite allergen, certain foods or latex may also trigger symptoms of skin allergy.
• Food and Drug Allergies – Approximately 6% of allergy sufferers have food/drug allergies as their primary allergy. 90% of all food allergy reactions are cause by 8 foods: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. For drug allergies, penicillin is the most common allergy trigger.
• Latex Allergy – Approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have latex allergy as their primary allergy. An estimated 10% of healthcare works suffer from latex allergy.
• Insect Allergies – Approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have insect allergies as their primary allergy (bee/wasp stings and venomous ant bites; cockroach and dust mite allergen may also cause nasal or skin allergy symptoms.)
• Eye Allergies – (Allergic conjunctivitis; ocular allergies) -Approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their primary allergy, often caused by many of the same triggers as indoor/outdoor allergies.

Asthma

Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the air passages resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Asthma symptoms can be caused by allergens or irritants that are inhaled into the lungs, resulting in inflamed, clogged and constricted airways. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing tightness in the chest. In severe cases, asthma can be deadly.

• There is no cure for asthma, but asthma can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
• Asthma has a genetic component. If only one parent has asthma, chances are 1 in 3 that each child will have asthma. If both parents have asthma, it is much more likely (7 in 10) that their children will have asthma.
• More Americans than ever before say they are suffering from asthma. It is one of this country’s most common and costly diseases.

Prevalence

• An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma (1 in 15 Americans), and 50% of asthma cases are “allergic-asthma.” The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s across all age, sex and racial groups.
• Asthma is more common among adult women than adult men.
• Nearly 5 million asthma sufferers are under age 18. It is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than one child in 20.
• Asthma is slightly more prevalent among African Americans than Caucasians.
• Ethnic differences in asthma prevalence, morbidity and mortality are highly correlated with poverty, urban air quality, indoor allergens, and lack of patient education and inadequate medical care.

Research suggests that only five percent of cancers are hereditary. That means the nongenetic causes of cancer – the lifestyle choices we make, the foods we eat, and our physical activity levels – have a direct impact on our overall cancer risk.

 The Foundation focuses its resources on those cancers that can be prevented through lifestyle changes or early detection and treatment.

Breast Cancer

The statistics are startling: An estimated 182,460 women and 1,990 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. 40,930 people will die of the disease, and an additional 67,770 will develop non-invasive carcinoma in situ. If found early and treated before it spreads, the fiveyear survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent for localized disease.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. It is equally common in both men and women -148,810 cases will be diagnosed this year, and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease. It is also one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 35,310 people this year, and an estimated 7,590 people will die of the disease. Men are diagnosed with oral cancer more than twice as often as women. Because some oral pre-cancers and cancers can be found early, and one in four people diagnosed do not exhibit the known high risk factors associated with the disease, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for screenings.

Skin Cancer

An estimated 67,720 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. That number increases to more than 1 million when basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer estimates (not reported to cancer registries) are included. Skin cancer is the most common and most preventable of cancers.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer death in women in the United States. Today, lives are saved because more women are routinely screened with a Pap test. This year, an estimated 11,070 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and an estimated 3,870 will die from the disease.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women – an estimated 215,020 people will be diagnosed and an estimated 161,840 will die of lung cancer in 2008. Lung cancer accounts for about 15 percent of all new cancer diagnoses and about 29 percent of all cancer deaths. Men have a one in 13 average lifetime chance of developing lung cancer, and, for women, it is one in 16. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

Prostate Cancer

An estimated 186,320 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, and an estimated 28,660 will die from the disease. Most prostate cancer is diagnosed in men older than 65.

Testicular Cancer

An estimated 8,090 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, and an estimated 380 will die of the disease. It is the most common cancer in men age 20 to 35. When found early, testicular cancer is very treatable and often curable.

Source: www.PreventCancer.org

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• Folate is important before conception and during the first three months. It is especially critical for lowering a newborn’s risk for neural tube, or spinal cord, damage.
• Iron needs increase during pregnancy by about 50 percent because iron is essential in making the component of blood that carries oxygen throughout your body, including to the placenta for your baby.
• Vitamin C helps your body absorb the needed iron.
• Calcium is needs for two reasons: your baby’s developing bones and preserving your own bone mass. Without enough calcium, your body will draw calcium from your bones to build your baby’s bones.
• Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium you need during pregnancy.

Weight Gain

There is no set amount for all women. Because every pregnant woman is unique, your doctor will advise you about the weight-gain range that’s right for you. That advice depends on:

• Your weight before pregnancy
• Your height
• Your age
• If you’re expecting multiples.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to a difficult delivery, back and joint problems, gestational diabetes and postpartum weight gain.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a health problem for approximately 4% of pregnant women, though its cause is unknown.

Risk factors include a family history of diabetes, being obese, a problem pregnancy and being over age 40. Most pregnant women are routinely tested for gestational diabetes at about 24 to 28 weeks.

The risk for developing diabetes later in life is higher among women who have had gestational diabetes.

But don’t fear: Even if you have gestational diabetes, you can deliver a healthy baby. It’s important for you and your doctor to monitor it carefully.

Food Safety

When women are pregnant, their risk of developing food borne illness increases and even a mild case of food poisoning can have serious consequences. Protect yourself and your unborn infant from food borne illness by practicing good food safety habits.

Do not eat meats, poultry, seafood and eggs that are raw or undercooked. Also, unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk and some imported cheeses can pose safety threats to pregnant women.

Pregnant and nursing women can eat fish, but not long-lived fish — such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish — because of the methyl mercury they may contain. Pregnant women should also pass on raw seafood.

Information provided by www.eatright.org.

Within 20 minutes

• Blood Pressure returns to normal.
• Heartbeat stabilizes.

Within 8 hours

• Oxygen level in your blood increases.
• Mucus begins to clear out of your lungs making breathing easier.

Within 48 hours

• Sense of smell and taste improve.
• Chances of heart attack decrease.

Within 3 months

• Circulation improves.
• Immune system improves.
• Possible savings of over *$400.

Within 9 months

• Sinus congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath and phlegm production decreases.
• Lung Function improves.

1 year

• Risk of dying from a heart attack is cut in half.
• Possible savings of over *$1,600.

5 years

• Stroke risk is reduced to the same level as a non-smoker.

10 years

• The chances of getting lung cancer are cut in half.

 * = 1 pack a day at average cost of $4.50/Pack

What is the flu?

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by flu viruses. Flu viruses cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States each year. There are many different flu viruses and sometimes a new flu virus starts spreading among people and making people sick.

How serious is the flu?

Most people with the seasonal flu do not needed medical care. However, the flu can be serious, even in people who are otherwise healthy. The flu can be especially serious for young children (risk is higher for children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years) and children of any age who have certain chronic medical conditions. These conditions include asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), kidney, liver, and metabolic disorders, and weakened immune systems due to disease or medication. Children with these or other conditions and children who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy can have more severe illness from the seasonal flu.

How does flu spread?

The seasonal flu is thought to be spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with flu. People also may get sick by touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people sick with the flu will not have a fever.

How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?

People infected shed the virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. However, some people can shed virus for longer, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.

How can I protect my child against flu?

Ask your doctor about whether you should get flu vaccine for yourself and your child to protect against seasonal flu viruses.

Take – and encourage your child to take – everyday steps that can help prevent the spread of germs. This includes:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• If someone in the household is sick, try to keep the sick person in a separate room from others in the household, if possible.
• Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.

Is there medicine to treat the flu?

Antiviral drugs can treat can treat the seasonal flu. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications. Other people with flu illness may also benefit from taking antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs can make people feel better and get better sooner and may prevent serious flu complications. These drugs need to be prescribed by a doctor and they work best when started during the first 2 days of illness. These drugs can be given to children.

What should I use for hand cleaning?

Washing hands with soap and running water (for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice) will help protect against many germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness.

If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise healthy and gets flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

If your child is younger than 5 (and especially younger than 2) or of any age and has a medical condition (like asthma, a neurological condition, or diabetes) and develops flu-like symptoms, ask a doctor if your child should be examined. This is because younger children and children who have chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of serious complications from flu infection.

What if my child seems very sick?

Even children who have always been healthy before or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu.

Call for emergency care or take your child to a doctor right away if your child of any age has any of the warning or emergency signs below:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids (not going to the bathroom or making as much urine as they normally do)
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu symptoms, including a fever and/or cough.

Can my child go to school, day care or camp if he or she is sick?

No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children.

When can my child go back to school after having the flu?

Keep your child home from school, day care or camp for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100°F or 37.8°C.

Do’s

• Write down your fitness goals. You’re more likely to stick with a program once you have set some specific goals.
• Always strive to eat a well balanced diet that includes ample servings of vegetables and fruit.
• Break down your meals so you are eating several mini meals per day.
• Assess your current fitness level before starting an exercise program. By doing so, you’ll be able to establish goals that meet your specific fitness needs.
• Consider talking with your health care provider before embarking on a fitness program, particularly if you are struggling with a health condition such as diabetes or obesity.
• Supplement your diet with essential fatty acids. You can do this by eating two servings of fish per week.
• Choose alternatives to satisfy your cravings when possible. Consider frozen fruit over ice cream or opt for a mini chocolate instead of the whole candy bar.
• Always stretch before and after your exercise routine.
• Don’t over do it! Try doing too much at once and you’ll burn out swiftly. Slowly increase the intensity of your workouts.
• Diversify your workout routine. If you do the same exercises day after day, you’ll quickly tire and are \ more likely to skip workouts.
• Work out with a friend. You’ll help motivate each other.
• Keep healthy snacks available at all times. You’re less likely to grab junk food if something good for you is readily available.

Don’ts

• Over-train. Your body needs time to recover in between workouts.
• Skip breakfast. Eating breakfast will jump start your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to get through the day.
• Skip stretching.
• Skimp on sleep.
• Set unrealistic goals. A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. If you have 50 pounds to lose, don’t expect it to come off overnight, you’ll set yourself up for disappointment.
• Compare your successes and failures to others. Everyone is unique, and what works for some may not work for others.
• Work out randomly. Work out regularly to maximize the benefits you’ll reap from a consistent fitness routine.
• Give up. Consider talking with a friend in times of discouragement.
• Forget to reward yourself on occasion. Always remember to keep an open mind and remain flexible when starting a new exercise routine. At times you may find it necessary to change your routine slightly. Life is a dynamic ride and you’ll find your fitness journey is too. If you’re willing to try new things and set reasonable expectations, you’ll reap the rewards of your fitness program and successfully achieve your fitness goals.

FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Best Share Green Coffee: Brazilian Slimming Coffee contains sibutramine.   Sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons.  The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke.  This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.

Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away.  Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a health care professional as soon as possible. 

Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Note: This notification is to inform the public of a growing trend of products marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals.  These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.”  FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements on the market that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients.  Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories. 

Notice Provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminsitation. For more information visit www.fda.com.

Keep your kids safe and healthy.

Get involved with your kids’ activities at home and at school to help ensure they are safe and healthy.

Take steps to prevent the flu.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Stay home if you get sick.

Get smart about antibiotics.

Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections. The common cold and the fl u are viral infections, so avoid using antibiotics if you have one of these. Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.

Have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Make Halloween festivities fun, safe, and healthy for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Test and replace batteries.

Check or replace carbon monoxide batteries twice a year when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries at least once a year. Test alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

Keep food safe.

Food is center stage during the holidays. Be sure to keep it safe by following basic food safety steps. Clean hands and surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Cook to proper temperatures. Chill promptly.

Learn your family history.

National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day. Over the holiday or at another family gathering, talk about and write down the health conditions that run in your family. Learning about your family’s health history can help you take steps to ensure a longer, healthier future together.

Be prepared for cold weather.

Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises. Remember that using space heaters and fireplaces can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Don’t drink and drive.

Alcohol use impairs skills needed to drive a car safely. It slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination. Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injure someone every two minutes. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let others drink and drive.

Wash your hands.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It’s best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.

For more information, visit:

www.cdc.gov/family/autumn/index.htm