The Super Bowl happens to line up with the peak of flu season, which means that attending a Super Bowl party could have you suffering from body aches, fever, and a cough the following week. In fact, a new study from the American Journal of Health Economics revealed that the death rate from the flu is notably higher in individuals whose home team goes to the Super Bowl. Keep reading to see why this trend occurs and what you can do to protect yourself if you are rooting for the Broncos or the Panthers this Sunday.

Major sporting events align with an increase in flu infections

With any major sporting events, you are going to see large crowds of people packed into close quarters, meaning a virus like influenza will be highly successful in spreading rapidly. The flu can be transmitted to someone who is standing up to 6 feet away, and this is much more distance than you might see between members of a crowd at a Super Bowl party. Interestingly, home cities for Super Bowl contenders tend to spike for flu hospitalization and associated fatalities regardless of geographical factors that might influence flu mortality rates. Therefore, it’s likely that Denver and Charlotte along with their surrounding regions will see much higher flu mortality than usual in comparison to past years when their teams did not go to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl parties welcome the spread of germs

If you attend a Super Bowl party, you might indulge in some classic party foods like hot wings, veggies and dip, and other finger foods. Because you are likely to eat with your hands, it is easy to get sick when you reach for a snack after a celebratory high five.

Smart habits can reduce your chances of getting sick

You don’t have to skip the Super Bowl party to prevent yourself from getting sick. Visiting your local pharmacy for a flu shot can be a helpful step if you haven’t gotten immunized against the flu this season. You should also wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face. If you are hosting a party at home, provide guests with plenty of facial tissues and hand sanitizer, and encourage them to cover their coughs and sneezes.

Should you still be tackled by the flu, remember that MeMD’s team of board-certified providers is available 24/7 to help with your healthcare.

The post Could Super Bowl Fever Give You the Seasonal Flu? appeared first on MeMD.

Focusing on preventive health is an effective strategy for minimizing costs in healthcare and reducing the impact of chronic and critical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In the pursuit of more comprehensive preventive care, doctors have begun implementing a number of regular screenings in primary care practices. One key figure that doctors examine to determine a patient’s health is his or her BMI, but recent research has indicated that this is not a smart strategy.

BMI, or body mass index, can be a significant number when it comes to classifying someone as overweight, obese, or within a healthy weight range. What this figure does not reflect is the fact that obese individuals can be perfectly healthy while carrying extra weight. Read on to discover the flaws with BMI and the more telling numbers that you should know for your health.

Misconceptions about obesity

There is a widespread belief that obese individuals are overall less healthy than individuals in a normal weight range. While obesity does have many distinct health risks, it is not an entirely accurate indicator of a person’s health. In fact, nearly 50 million American individuals who are obese have been misdiagnosed as unhealthy. At the same time, there is a significant percentage of normal weight individuals who are metabolically unhealthy—about 30%. About half of overweight people and 29% of obese people would also be considered metabolically unhealthy.

Poor classification of American health

As it becomes clearer that poor metabolic health is not directly correlated with weight and BMI, it is important to know what figures you should be paying attention to for an accurate assessment of health. These numbers include a person’s insulin resistance, blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose. These health markers provide a much clearer picture of an individual’s risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and a wide range of other serious conditions.

Problems with BMI

Keep in mind that BMI is just an estimate of body fat, and does have its limits – in fact, it may actually overestimate body fat in athletes and those who have a muscular build. That being said, BMI does achieve a more accurate determination of whether or not someone is obese than weight alone, but this classification has proven to be an ineffective measure of health risks. Unfortunately, healthcare policymakers rely heavily on BMI as a determiner of baseline costs for health insurance, so individuals who are perfectly healthy might suffer a higher cost.

For an affordable doctor’s visit to address immediate healthcare concerns, visit MeMD for an online physician consultation anytime.

The post Why BMI Is Not an Accurate Measure of Your Health appeared first on MeMD.

This month is American Heart Month, and it may have you thinking about making positive changes to improve your cardiac health and ensure a longer life. While you probably know by now that following a healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and exercising regularly are all part of a heart-healthy routine, you might not know some of the more shocking habits that could hurt your heart. This article will take a look at the ways you may be damaging your cardiovascular health on a daily basis without even realizing it.

Working Nights

Even if you get plenty of sleep during the day, working nights can be problematic for your heart, because your body will never have a regular circadian rhythm when you’re up all night. If you are a night shift worker, or you do not maintain a regular schedule for your job, you’ll want to take extra preventive steps elsewhere. Scheduling annual checkups with your primary care physician is a good start. You might also make sure that you nourish your body with healthy, balanced meals to keep you energized through odd work shifts.

Driving Your Commute

A long commute to work can be much more than a simple inconvenience. Studies have shown that people with long work commutes are less likely to exercise regularly and much more likely to have high blood pressure and excess belly fat. Plus, the drive itself may be a significant source of stress that is hard on your heart. If you cannot avoid the long drive to work, try putting on a relaxing playlist or listening to a book on tape to ease your stress during rush hour. You might also reduce the stress of your drive by carpooling so you have company during the ride (and save the environment in the process)!

Snoring

If your partner frequently complains about your snoring, you might want to schedule an appointment with the doctor to discuss your nightly sleep. Chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder that causes you to unconsciously wake up throughout the night due to pauses in breathing. Not only will sleep apnea lead to regular fatigue, but it can elevate your blood pressure, put you at risk for arrhythmia, and significantly raise your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Avoiding Social Outings

Maintaining an active social life or spending time with family can do lots of good for your heart, because social interactions will help to curb stress and promote happiness. Owning a pet or volunteering in the community can also have a positive effect on your heart.

Exercising Too Much

Exercise is generally good for your heart, but it can be harmful when you exercise too much at once. When it comes to exercise, you should spread your activity out over the week rather than trying to fit a week’s worth of exercise into one session. Getting too much activity or adding strenuous activity to your routine when you are not in great shape can lead to chest pain, which should be a red flag that you’re pushing yourself too hard.

Caring for your heart is a beneficial practice at any age, because the impact of good habits can last for a lifetime. For more tips on the best strategies for improving your heart health, stay connected with MeMD.

The post 5 Surprising Habits that Damage Your Heart appeared first on MeMD.

Losing just 5-10 pounds of body fat can have a huge effect on your health with benefits including: reduced stress on your joints, lower blood pressure, and increased energy. While exercise is helpful for losing weight, you won’t see real results without also making changes to your diet. Rather than following a strict meal plan to shed pounds, try out these easy to maintain habits for better eating every day:

Pack in protein at breakfast

You will hear time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this is especially true if you want to lose weight. Skipping breakfast can make you more likely to overeat throughout the rest of the day, so nourish your body with a breakfast that is packed with protein and fiber. These nutrients will keep you fuller longer and give you the willpower you need to stay away from unhealthy snacks.

Think about what you can eat, not what you can’t

Focusing too much on the foods that you need to cut out of your diet can drive you crazy with cravings for those exact foods. Your mind will respond much better to the positive reinforcement of thinking about how you can eat as many fresh fruits and veggies as you want. Other foods that you can eat plentifully include nuts, yogurt, and whole grains. Even if you end up eating more calories with these foods than you might with a diet rich in processed foods, you will see results on the scale because the energy required to digest these nutrient-dense foods more than makes up for the boost in calorie intake.

Plan out your splurge meals

It is okay to splurge on a decadent meal or dessert every now and then, but these should be well-planned occasions. When you decide to cheat on your diet in the heat of the moment, you are more likely to keep allowing yourself these indulgences. Planning ahead to limit cheat days to once every month or so will be much more effective.

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As with many topics in the world of nutrition, there has been a long and heated debate over one ingredient that seems to be in just about everything: Salt. New York City has seen a resurgence of this debate with a new rule that is attempting to force restaurants to put warnings on menu items that are particularly high in salt. The National Restaurant Association has taken an issue with this rule stating that the city’s Board of Health does not have the authority to enact the new rule, but what is it about salt that is creating such a stir in the first place?

Salt is a necessary nutrient in our diets, because it helps us absorb water. Plus, salt is simply delicious, which is why it is a fixture on dinner tables that adds new life to bland dishes. So what exactly is the problem? Too much salt can lead to a wealth of problems – including inflammation – which may significantly raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver damage. While there have been advocates to end the war on salt stating that the exact health effects of eating too much salt are not so clear, it is important to recognize that—like anything else—too much can be harmful. As a result, it’s important to think about some ways you can reduce your salt intake to improve your health to at least some degree. When it comes to cutting salt, putting down the salt shaker is not enough, because the most significant sources of salt are foods that you might not think twice about before eating. Here’s a closer look at where salt is hiding out in your diet:

Processed Foods

Deli meats, snack foods, cheese, and pickled foods can be the enemy of a sodium-conscious eater, because the labels for each of these foods can shock you with the amount of salt they contain. For many of these foods, however, there are low-sodium alternatives available, so be sure to check the labels so you know exactly what you’re getting before you make it part of your diet.

Prepackaged Foods

If you tend to rely on shortcuts in your kitchen with canned goods, frozen foods, and premade salad dressings, it is likely that you are getting too much salt in your diet. Salt is a key ingredient in these foods, because it not only improves flavor, but it also acts as a preservative. There are many prepackaged foods that you might not even think contain salt, including bread and pasta. One slice of white bread may have as much as 230 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly half of what you need in a day to satisfy your nutritional need for salt—about 500 mg. The daily recommended value of sodium is a bit higher at 1,500 mg, though most people exceed this by nearly 2,000 mg daily.

Energy Drinks and Soda

One of the most surprising sources of salt you might encounter is soda, which contains up to 25 mg of sodium per 20 ounce serving. While this may not seem like much, it can add up quickly if you drink two or three sodas per day. If you think diet soda is a better alternative, think again; diet soda actually has even more sodium with about 35 mg per serving! Energy drinks are the worst offenders, as one Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Drink has about 160 mg, or 7% of your daily recommended value of sodium.

The post Where Is Salt Hiding in Your Diet? appeared first on MeMD.

Sushi bars are becoming increasingly popular these days, and a commonly cited reason for the buzz is that sushi offers a healthier alternative to many other standard dining options. And, when considering an alternative to the likes of greasy pizza or a hamburger and fries – sushi can truly be a better option. But, just like many other types of cuisine, there are healthier and less healthy choices, and your selections from the menu will help determine the health benefits you receive from your dining experience. So the next time you reach for the chopsticks – strategize with these simple tips to make sure your lunch is as healthy as possible.

Get a Starter

Most establishments will offer side dishes like miso soup, edamame, or a small side salad to complement your meal. All these options tend to be lower in calories than most sushi rolls, but have the added benefit of curbing your appetite so you don’t overdo it when it comes time to order your main dish.

Pick Your Protein

It’s important to recognize what healthy, and no-so-healthy, ingredients you may run across during your sushi dining experience. Picking a piece of fish that is rich in omega-3s and unsaturated fats will help protect your heart and benefit your brain. Both salmon and tuna are lower-calorie options, which pack plenty of protein and also have high vitamin D levels, in addition to having plenty of omega-3s.

Go Fresh

The type of ingredients and cooking style you choose can also impact the overall health benefits of your meal. Most sushi rolls include rice and a number of other ingredients, and many rolls are now deep-fried (look for the word “tempura” on the menu), to give the roll a crunchy texture. While delicious, tempura rolls – like most things deep-fried – tend to lower the overall health benefits the dish would provide otherwise.

So, in an effort to make your sushi eating healthier for you, attempt to stay away from the crunchy or more exotic sushi rolls that contain numerous ingredients, and instead, focus on simpler rolls that have been steamed or grilled. Sashimi is also a healthy way to go, as it generally consists of just fish, and forgoes with the rice and other ingredients.

You can also try to eat more “veggie” rolls during your sushi outings. Many sushi bars will offer vegetarian options that use a variety of fresh ingredients like avocadoes, cucumbers, and sea vegetables – which are packed with vitamin K and magnesium.

Skip the Sauce

It can be tempting to dunk your sushi into bowls of soy sauce or drizzle them with eel sauce, but practice a light hand when it comes to adding condiments. Anyone with high blood pressure should skip soy sauce entirely, since one tablespoon has almost half your recommended daily value of sodium. If you’re craving extra flavor load up on wasabi, the green paste adds a fiery punch to any dish and has numerous health benefits.

In the end, just remember, while Japanese cuisine is some of the healthiest in the world, Westerners have a way of taking something that’s good for you – and then making it a whole lot worse (think, adding cream cheese to all the rolls…) So the next time you head out for sushi, take the time to look at the ingredients listed on the menu and make an educated decision – your body will thank you!

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There is currently a lot of buzz about super lice – or mutant lice – which might conjure up some horrifying images of 20-foot tall blood-sucking insects (or just make your scalp suddenly feel itchy). Fortunately, the reality of super lice is much less terrifying when put in perspective. The terms “super” and “mutant” have come about to describe lice that are resistant to drug treatments for head lice that contain the chemical permethrin. This chemical is found in most over-the-counter head lice treatments, which have been used for decades to treat outbreaks of head lice commonly seen in elementary school classrooms. Read on to understand how super lice have built up an immunity to permethrin-based treatments, and discover the steps you can take to treat these resistant insects.

A Closer Look at Head Lice

Head lice are not a major health threat, since they do not spread disease to humans. They are, however, a big nuisance that can cause itching and irritation (along with the heebie-jeebies). These very tiny parasitic insects live on the scalp, in the eyelashes, and in the eyebrows, and they spread through head-to-head contact from person-to-person. Lice are most common in children, which is due in part to the close contact kids have with one another on the playground and in the classroom. Still, you might wonder why the parent of a child with lice might not ever have these insects on his or her own head. Interestingly, the skin actually becomes more acidic throughout the aging process, so adult scalps are naturally less hospitable for lice seeking a new home.

Chemical-Resistant Lice

Now that you know a little bit about how lice live and spread, let’s take a look at how lice have turned into super bugs that do not die off with chemical treatment. As noted earlier, most lotions and shampoos for lice contain a chemical called permethrin. When these products are used repeatedly, new generations of head lice will naturally build up a resistance to the active ingredient. The rate of resistance is not consistent from state to state, but there is an overall pattern of failed treatment with the same products that have effectively killed off head lice in the past. It’s also important to note that no product to treat lice will kill recently laid eggs, so a second line of treatment is almost always necessary, even when you aren’t dealing with super lice.

Treatment for Modern Super Bugs

Fortunately, there are remedies that can target super lice even when over-the-counter products containing permethrin don’t do the trick. A new product with the drug invermectin has recently been approved by the FDA and is available by prescription. Experts also advise parents to use lice combing, which does require patience and persistence, but will work to eliminate adult lice and their eggs. Some parents will tout “natural” remedies like applying mayonnaise on the scalp to suffocate lice, but these remedies are unproven and likely to lead to some unnecessary discomfort.

If your child does come home from school with head lice, don’t panic. A quick consultation with a MeMD provider can help you to get the right medication to treat lice, along with helpful tips for combing and prevention, to keep lice out of your home for good.

The post Creepy Crawly Mutants: What You Should Know About Super Lice appeared first on MeMD.

Spring is upon us, which means you might be planning to break out the soap and sponges and revitalize your home with the fresh feeling of cleanliness. Not only will spring cleaning give you a more welcoming living environment, but it can also keep you healthier by eliminating allergens, reducing airborne irritants that can make you sick, and preventing food-related illnesses. The tips below will put you on track for a healthy spring cleaning routine that will make it easier to keep your home clean and tidy all year long.

Get organized, then clean

Before you take on deep cleaning, you should organize each room, finding a space for any item that is simply sitting out. Once you have gotten rid of the clutter, you can get down to the serious business of cleaning and disinfecting that will truly refresh your home. Plus, if you set a goal to tidy up at a certain time each week or day, you will have less work later.

Disinfect your kitchen

You probably clean your kitchen fairly often, but you may not think to disinfect cutting boards or clean out the drain in the kitchen sink. These areas can be home to a wide range of different bacteria, so it is important to disinfect with alcohol, vinegar, or the high heat of the dishwasher or microwave. The average cutting board typically has more harmful bacteria on it than the average toilet seat, which can lead to foodborne illness if you neglect proper cleaning.

Clean your cleaning supplies

It’s easy to forget that sponges, mops, and cleaning appliances can get dirty themselves. When you use a mildew-laden washing machine or bacteria-packed sponge, you are really just spreading the germs around, so take the time to scrub the basin of your washing machine, empty the trap in your dishwasher, and microwave sponges for 30 seconds to get a clean start with your spring cleaning.

Focus on neglected areas

While you’re thinking about things that tend to not get cleaned very often, you might look to your bedroom and bathroom for frequently neglected areas that can harbor dust mites, insects (and their droppings), and all kinds of germs. Your mattress, for example, probably doesn’t get cleaned very often. You can remedy this issue by vacuuming the mattress itself and getting a washable cover that you wash monthly in hot water. Other areas to think about cleaning more often include inside the fridge, the shower curtain, and the garbage can.

Opt for natural cleaning products

While you might reach for strong cleaning chemicals during deep spring cleaning, you should try out some all-natural solutions for everyday cleaning. Baking soda, vinegar, and plain water can go a long way in cleansing and deodorizing the kitchen, bathroom, and floors, and these products won’t cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and lungs.

If you are fighting indoor allergies as you take on your spring cleaning, connect with MeMD to find relief that will let you get back to your seasonal chores.

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In the excitement of March Madness, it is easy to get caught up watching players sweat it out on the court as you sit back, relax, and hope that you made accurate predictions in your bracket. To mix things up and keep moving without missing a second of the action, consider changing the way you view the games so that you stay in shape while your eyes are on the screen. You might add some fun and excitement by creating a workout bracket to try out new exercises during each game, or you can keep it casual and follow these easy tips to pick up at any time during the tournament.

Challenge yourself during commercial breaks

When commercials come on tap into your competitive side and see how many jumping jacks or pushups you can do before the break ends. This can add up, since during a 40-minute game, there are at least 9 mandatory television timeouts. So even if you do not move a muscle while the game is actually on, you can burn substantial calories by getting up during each ad break. Plus, you might be so distracted by your mini workout that you forget to grab a beer or snacks during game breaks, saving you from downing extra empty calories.

Celebrate with sit-ups

Staying invested in your workout is important, so try out a routine where you do a few sit-ups every time your team scores so that you don’t hit a lull while the game is on. If you are more motivated by aggression than victory, channel your rage through squats or burpees every time the opposing team makes a basket – it will be much more productive than yelling at the screen!

Ditch the couch completely

It is easy to say that you will work out while watching the game, but if you start out on the couch, you might get too comfortable and forget to keep moving. Therefore, it could be more helpful to watch the game at the gym or move the couch against a wall so you have more room to move around while keeping up with the NCAA tournament action at home.

The post March Madness: Ways to Work Out While Watching the Game appeared first on MeMD.

When sugary treats and salty snacks taste so good, it can be a battle to eat healthy in the face of cravings. So what if you could trick yourself into craving healthier options so you actually make lasting changes to your eating habits? As it turns out, there are actually a few tricks that can alter how you taste your food, and applying these hacks to your daily life might lead to more sustainable cravings that won’t ruin your nutritious lifestyle.

Adjust the serving temperature of certain foods

Have you ever notices how hot coffee tastes much more bitter when it begins to cool off? In fact, many foods and beverages will taste markedly different when they are served at varying temperatures. Bitterness is more prominent at cold temperatures, while sour and astringent flavors are more pronounced with heat. If these flavor sensations are displeasing, try serving characteristically bitter foods at hotter temperatures and doing the opposite for sour foods. Toning down the intensity of a previously unfavorable flavor can dramatically alter your perception and enjoyment of certain foods.

Try out new food pairings

You don’t eat individual foods in a vacuum. Instead, you pair different items on a plate to explore various flavor combinations, and this can help you introduce elements that you might not find favorable individually. By pairing a food you don’t usually like with one that you do, you might grow to like the resulting dish—think cauliflower in cheese sauce. What’s more is that you will find that combining certain foods can create phantom flavors that can be more pleasing overall. Which means it might take some experimenting in the kitchen to find the best way to bring out the goodness in otherwise bland and unappealing health foods – just imagine all the ways you could experiment with kale!

Give old foods another chance

As a child, you probably enjoyed candy that you might find intolerably sweet today. The reason for your shift in opinion is that taste buds change as you get older. Therefore, that childhood aversion that you had to broccoli may be worth revisiting as an adult. You might also try out a new cooking method that can make certain foods taste better. In the case of Brussels sprouts, you might find that roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which is lost when these veggies are steamed or boiled.

The post Trick Your Taste Buds and Eat Healthier appeared first on MeMD.

When you go to the doctor with an illness, it’s likely you’ll be prescribed a medication to ease your symptoms and fight off an infection. While you might not think much about taking a new medication, it is important to consider possible interactions that could occur. A growing number of adults are on multiple ongoing medications and supplements, posing a risk for adverse reactions caused by mixing different drugs. Keep reading to get a closer look at what you should know when it comes to safely combining medications and avoiding adverse side effects.

Older adults and prescription medication use

In older adults, it is common to take five or more medications on a daily basis, which often include blood thinners, cholesterol medication, and insulin. When medications like these are used, it is important to not only consider the side effects they have on their own, but also the possible interactions between these drugs. In many cases, bleeding is a common side effect of mixing medications, meaning that taking the wrong cocktail of prescriptions could have serious consequences.

Over-the-counter supplement interactions

In addition to thinking about how prescription drugs work together, you should also remember that supplements and over-the-counter medications can have side effects and interactions of their own. Many people tend to think of supplements as harmless, but taking the wrong ones or mixing a bad combination of supplements can be very harmful to your health. Fish oil is one particularly popular supplement that is commonly used by individuals with heart disease, who may also take blood thinners. In combination with one another, these drugs pose a risk for bleeding and other complications. That’s why it is important to check with your doctor before beginning to take any supplement, no matter how benign the supplement itself may seem.

Chronic disease management with medication

Because of the affordability and availability of prescription drugs, it’s not unlikely to have a daily medication routine for the management of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and arthritis. If you do take medications for a chronic illness, communication with your doctor will be essential for managing your prescriptions and supplements – remember, you’re your own best advocate!

By providing convenient web consultations with board certified physicians 24/7, MeMD can allow you to manage medications or get recommendations for supplements and over-the-counter medications with ease. Visit us today to get started on your first visit, or explore more of our blog for more helpful information to manage your health.

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Quick – pause and evaluate how you’re sitting. Chances are you’re slumped in your seat. Unfortunately, bad posture is an easy habit to maintain, since it’s simple to disengage your muscles while sitting, standing, or walking, which then allows your spine to become curved. Good posture does take some work, because you must engage your core muscles and make a conscious effort to keep your back in a neutral position, but the benefits of good posture are well worth the effort. Once you adjust to maintaining better posture, it will become second nature, and you’ll begin to see some changes in your overall health and mood that can pay off for years to come.

Improved Breathing

Do you tend to slouch when you sit down or curve your shoulders as you walk? If so, you are probably not breathing as deeply as you could be. A bend in your upper back can significantly inhibit your breathing, meaning you actually limit your oxygen intake with poor posture. Therefore, optimizing your breathing with better posture can help you to reduce soreness by supplying more oxygen to the muscle tissue. Plus, deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, allowing you to relax and de-stress more efficiently.

Increased Focus and Productivity

If your office has invested in standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and other solutions to encourage better posture at work, your employer is likely savvy of the benefits that good posture can have in terms of productivity. When you are seated (or standing) with good posture, your brain recognizes that you are in a position of focus and power. As a result, your brain actually increases testosterone production, which in turn boosts your efficiency in tasks requiring a high level of cognitive interaction. Plus, good posture can provide an energy boost when you start to feel afternoon fatigue set in. So – if you are beginning to feel sleepy at work – try getting up to stretch and then sitting back down with your head facing straight ahead and your shoulders moved back, but relaxed. This position helps support your lower back by reducing stress on your lower body with a more neutral spine.

Higher Confidence

When you feel good, you might stand up a little taller and radiate confidence. Alternatively, you might fake it until you make it by maintaining great posture even when you are not feeling your most confident. By taking on a position that reflects power and dominance, you can change your attitude and feel good more often. As an added benefit, your confident posture will actually be helpful in attracting members of the opposite sex.

So go forth, and stand (or sit) up a little straighter!

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This week is National Public Health Week, making it the perfect time to start thinking not only about your personal health, but the health of your local community as well. Currently, National Public Health Week is focused on creating the healthiest nation through safer community design, increased high school graduation rates, and social justice initiatives to provide safe housing and plentiful healthy food options to everyone. While these are big goals, they are achievable when every member of the community plays a role. By working to strengthen the health of yourself and those around you, you can create a brighter future of health for future generations, who face the threats of obesity, climate change, and limited healthcare resources.

Take Advantage of Healthcare Technologies

Technology has become so integrated into daily life that it is hard to notice how much you might rely on it. In the world of healthcare, technology can have substantial benefits with readily available educational resources, apps, and greater accessibility when it comes to seeing a physician. One of the most effective ways to integrate technology into your healthcare routine is to take advantage of services like telehealth, which can allow you to stay home when you are sick and in need of medical care—thereby preventing the spread of illnesses to friends and coworkers while getting better yourself.

Volunteer Locally

Not only can volunteering help you give back to the community by helping individuals in need gain access to food, healthcare, shelter, or education, but it can actually boost your own health as well. Those who volunteer tend to be happier and have lower mortality rates. Think you don’t have time to volunteer? Think again—studies have shown that people who volunteer their time tend to perceive themselves as “time affluent” individuals, similar to the trend of feeling wealthier after donating to charity.

Use Gadgets to Get Healthier

The spirit of competition can be a great motivator when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes. Gadgets like fitness watches and step trackers have made it easier than ever to compete with friends and neighbors when trying to get active, lose weight, or reach other fitness goals.

Join (or Start) a Community Garden

Having nutritious food options available is a key in maintaining strong public health. One particularly fun initiative that can ensure healthy food for everyone is a community garden, in which volunteers of all ages can grow healthy fruits and veggies. In addition to getting exercise through gardening and learning to grow their own food, children who take part in community gardening will have the unique benefit of establishing lifelong healthy eating habits. When kids take part in food production, they are usually much less hesitant to try out new fruits and veggies at dinnertime.

Building good health is an ongoing process, and MeMD is there to help you in every stage. Explore more of our blog for some healthcare tips, or create an account with us so you can connect with a physician 24/7.

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Spring has arrived, flowers are in bloom, green grass is growing, and your allergies are kicking into high gear. Along with the beauty of spring comes an upswing of pollen in the air, which for many of us can mean watery eyes, runny noses, and lots of sneezing. If allergies tend to irritate you every spring, you don’t have to let allergy symptoms run your life. Knowing when to see a doctor about allergies and what to expect during your appointment can help you discover the right solutions for treating your seasonal allergies; freeing you from uncomfortable symptoms and adverse allergy side effects like chronic sinus infections.

Why You Experience Allergies

In order to understand allergy treatment, it’s helpful to know what exactly causes allergic reactions in the first place. With seasonal allergies, an abundance of pollen, mold, and dust can trigger your immune system to start fighting off these substances when you are exposed to them. In other words, allergies occur because your immune system confuses otherwise harmless substances for viruses or bacteria that are trying to attack the whole body. As a result, the immune system overreacts, causing you to feel the classic symptoms of seasonal allergies. Most springtime allergy sufferers will not experience extreme reactions that lead to anaphylaxis, but it is important to recognize this threat with certain allergens like insect stings and various foods, which are known to cause more severe symptoms.

What an Allergist Can Do to Help

Many seasonal allergy sufferers don’t actually know what exactly they are allergic to, making it difficult to avoid these triggers. To resolve this issue, your doctor may order an allergy test to narrow down potential offenders. Additionally, your allergist might ask about your daily habits and lifestyle and take note of how these details align with your allergy symptoms. From here, the doctor can present different treatment options and lifestyle changes that will let you breathe easier in the spring season. If you aren’t sure whether or not you should see an allergist about your springtime allergies, consider the questions below:

• Does over-the-counter medication fail to control your allergy symptoms?
• Do you regularly experience respiratory infections when allergies kick up?
• Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction that led to anaphylaxis?
• Do you have asthma or other known allergies?
• Do seasonal allergies disrupt your nightly sleep?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor to discuss your symptoms. MeMD makes it convenient to connect with a fully qualified, board-certified medical provider from the comfort of home to get the prescription medications you need to control your allergies, along with lifestyle tips to help you avoid contact with allergens and irritants.

The post Do You Need to See a Doctor for Your Seasonal Allergies? appeared first on MeMD.

Asparagus is a food that can be tricky to love. While asparagus does have a very distinctive flavor that might be considered an acquired taste, it also boasts a wide range of health benefits that might convince you to give it another try. Plus, you can enjoy it in numerous ways that don’t involve bottled water (we’re looking at you Whole Foods). When grilled or roasted, thin stalks of asparagus can become a tasty fixture on the dinner table during the spring season, delivering a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, E, and K along with fiber, folate, and chromium. Keep reading to discover more of the health benefits that might have you picking up a bundle of asparagus on your next grocery run.

Cancer-Fighting Goodness

Cancer is caused by cell mutations that have been linked to the presence of free radicals in the body. These dangerous compounds have a natural enemy in detoxifying nutrients like glutathione, which is abundant in asparagus. On top of that, asparagus has plenty of antioxidants that may help fight the aging process.

Increased Brain Power

Vegetarians should consider eating lots more asparagus, because it is rich in vitamin B12, which many people get in their diet through meat and fish. This nutrient is a brain-power booster that can prevent cognitive decline and increase mental flexibility.

Diuretic Qualities

Diuretics are good for the body, because they help fight off fluid retention and excess salts that lead to inflammation. Asparagus is a natural diuretic, so it is great for those with edemas, hypertension, heart disease, and other inflammation-related disorders. If you notice a distinctive asparagus-like aroma when you urinate after eating asparagus, you’ll know that you’ve done your body good with this underrated superfood!

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If you’ve ever had a case of sinusitis, you know the discomfort and pain it can cause – but do you know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a sinus infection?

Read on to learn about common myths surrounding sinus infections and get the facts to aid in future diagnoses and treatment.

Fact: There are different categories of sinusitis.

With more than 3 million cases in the U.S. per year, it’s one of the most common medical issues, yet there is a good deal of confusion surrounding sinusitis.

A sinus infection is typically characterized by inflammation of the sinus cavities. When these cavities become inflamed they shrink and obstructs the nasal passages, thereby preventing mucus from draining properly.

There are three categories of sinusitis:

• Acute sinusitis – can last up to three weeks
• Chronic sinusitis – can last for a longer period, even years
• Recurrent sinusitis – recurs frequently, and repeatedly impacts the sufferer’s health

And, while a sinus infection can be caused by a number of factors – a cold, an allergy, or an infection – it tends to present the same way, with symptoms including facial pain, headache, and congestion.

Myth: Antibiotics are required to cure a sinus infection.

Although antibiotics can help in many cases, it’s important to remember that whether or not you need antibiotics depends on the actual cause, type, and severity of infection. If you experience symptoms such as sinus pain, congestion, and have discolored mucus you may very well have a sinus infection. Nonetheless, in many cases an antibiotic is still unnecessary – and that’s because 98% of the time a new sinus infection is caused by a virus that antibiotics won’t help. In fact, current medical guidelines recommend use of antibiotics only after ten days of experiencing continued sinus infection symptoms. Use of antibiotics before this ten-day period could actually do more harm than good, since antibiotics can cause allergic reactions, promote antibiotic resistance, contribute to secondary infections, and cause other complications if not used properly.

Some alternative ways to treat symptoms of a sinus infection can include using decongestants, acetaminophen for pain and/or fever, and a saline rinse of the nasal passage. 

Myth: Sinus headaches are caused by a sinus infection.

A sinus headache describes pain that occurs in the area of the sinuses – around and behind your eyes. While a bacterial sinus infection can cause such pain, a sinus headache is unlikely to actually be caused by a bacterial sinus infection. Instead, the more frequent culprits are the common cold, an allergic reaction, and/or a migraine headache. It’s important to remember that the common cold can cause sinus pain that can mimic a sinus infection; but again, the common cold is a viral infection. Viral infections only lead to a true bacterial sinus infection about 2% of the time.

Allergies can be another cause of sinus headaches. Whether it’s pollen, dirt and dust, pet dander, or something else, allergic reactions can cause swelling, obstruct the sinuses, and result in sinus pain without any actual infection. If allergies are contributing to continued sinus infection symptoms, then treatment with antihistamines or a nasal steroid may be helpful. (But, always remember to consult a doctor before taking any medications.)

Because it can be difficult to distinguish between all of these possible causes of a sinus headache, taking note of your symptoms can be very helpful in receiving the correct diagnosis and thus proper treatment. Remember though, if you experience chronic sinus headaches and/or a sinus infection not showing signs of improvement within ten days, be sure to seek medical advice from your doctor immediately.

Myth: Sinus infections are contagious.

There is no evidence to suggest sinus infections are contagious. But, you may get a cold from someone else that can then lead to a sinus infection if not cared for properly. The best prevention from getting ill is to practice regular handwashing.

If you or a loved one are suffering from symptoms of a sinus infection be sure to seek the appropriate medical diagnosis and care. One great way to help ensure proper diagnosis and timely treatment is by requesting an on-demand medical exam with a MeMD provider.

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Seasonal allergies are not uncommon. In fact, most people will struggle with the itchy discomfort of seasonal allergies this spring. Because so many people suffer from allergies, there is a seemingly never-ending list of natural remedies that claim to put an end to symptoms. While natural allergy relief can be effective, it is important to separate myths from facts when it comes to natural remedies for seasonal allergies.

Neti pots are not a cure-all

The nose acts like an air filter for your respiratory system, and like any filter, it can begin to work less effectively when it is filled with dust and other airborne irritants. Neti pots are a popular way to clear out the nasal passages and facilitate easier breathing, but it is important to recognize how dangerous they can be if used incorrectly. Using water in a neti pot that has not been properly filtered can lead to serious side effects, because tap water contains a wide range of microorganisms that can cause infections. These microorganisms are generally killed by stomach acid when water is ingested, but there is no line of protection when water is funneled directly into the nasal passages.

Local honey is not proven to cure allergies

There is seemingly sound logic behind the idea that local honey can cure allergies, but there is, unfortunately, no science to prove it. The theory is that local honey can provide controlled exposure to allergens similar to allergy shots, but honey actually doesn’t contain the same types of pollen that contribute to seasonal allergies. So, while honey does have some medicinal powers as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial serum, it won’t do you good if you are trying to reduce allergy symptoms. You can, however, affect your allergies with some other dietary changes. Avoiding red meat and adding fish oil to your diet are both measures that can reduce your allergic response to common irritants, and these strategies are both backed by scientific studies.

Allergens can follow you indoors

One of the simplest ways to prevent seasonal allergies is by avoiding contact with allergens; though this might be a difficult task when you consider the fact that pollen and dust can be tracked indoors on your clothes, hair, and skin. Therefore, it might be helpful to make a habit of showering and changing your clothes as soon as you come inside during allergy season. Increasing the frequency of washing your sheets and other linens is another helpful measure in keeping allergens out of the home—just remember to use hot water and run the dryer on its highest temperature.

Medication is a safe solution

Natural remedies definitely have their place, but you should remember that antihistamine medications are a perfectly safe solution for seasonal allergies. There are a number of daily non-drowsy medications that can offer allergy relief when natural remedies won’t cut it. To connect with a doctor to discuss your allergy medication needs, meet with a MeMD physician today. They can also help you to identify if allergies are actually the cause of your symptoms by ruling out the possibility of a spring cold first.

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Like most people, you probably have a love/hate relationship with your smartphone. You feel like you can’t leave the house without it, and may suffer a minor panic attack when your battery is low and a charger is nowhere to be found. If you just can’t seem to break the bond between yourself and your device, you aren’t alone. Handheld technology in the form of smartphones and tablets is everywhere—you’d be crazy not to own at least one of these devices—which is why it may not come as much of a surprise that health and social issues related to smartphone use are an increasing concern. So is it possible to use this type of tech responsibly without acting like an addict when you aren’t able to respond to a text right away or check for news updates every 10 minutes? This article will take a closer look at common smartphone behaviors and strategies to break free from these patterns – so you can use technology as a tool, rather than becoming a slave to it.

Bad Habits in Smartphone Use

If you think that smartphone addiction is only a problem among young people, think again. About 56% of adults admit to checking their phones while driving, which indicates that many adults feel that they simply cannot wait to respond to messages or social updates. These habits are passed along to kids and teens, who spend up to 9 hours daily using social media and other smartphone apps. These behaviors can cause conflict at home and reduce healthy social interactions, which, ironically, are really what smartphone addicted teens are after. A big component of smartphone use is connecting to others either through social networking apps or direct messaging. Unfortunately, there is something left to be desired with this impersonal connectivity, which may be part of the reason it’s so addictive. The problem of smartphone addiction is actually so widespread that Germany has outfitted pedestrian walkways with special lights to alert people not to walk into traffic when they are staring at their phones.

Common Technology Stressors

A constant need to respond to smartphone alerts is a huge source of stress, as it can actually lead to legitimate anxiety issues. What’s more is that smartphones can be a source of physical stress as well. Keeping your head down to look at the screen of your phone can contribute to back and neck pain as well as eye strain, which can become more serious problems later on. In general, technology can make you lazier. Having a device that tells you everything you may need to know and allows you to place orders at the push of a button can stop you from actually going out into the world and enjoying the scenery around you.

Smarter Smartphone Habits

You don’t need to abandon your phone and other devices completely to restore your mental and physical health, but it is helpful to turn these devices off for designated periods of time. You might start with just an hour or two each week, but having time to unplug can help you legitimately relax and break the need to stay tethered to your phone. It’s also beneficial to focus on the positives of technology. For example, your smartphone can allow you to see a doctor from the comfort of home, track your steps throughout the day, or track what you eat to help you stay healthier. Just remember, when you start to feel too dependent on your phone, it’s time to put it down, go outside, and forget about your phone for a while.

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If you are gearing up for swimsuit season by reading up on the latest crash diets and beach body exercise routines, you might transition the way you set goals to improve your appearance and your health. While looking better may motivate you to change your diet and exercise habits, it’s important to look beyond aesthetic benefits to the mental and physical perks of caring for your body. Shifting your focus from achieving the ideal body to improving your body image can help you feel confident when you show off your summer wardrobe and be happier with the results of your efforts. Beauty is not limited to what you see in the mirror—it is a state of mind. That’s why you should stop chasing the idea of someone else’s perfect body and embrace your own body with all its imperfections and quirks.

What forms your body image?

It’s not fair to say that your body image has nothing to do with how you look, but it is important to recognize that people with all different body types can have a negative body image. Those who do maintain this negative image of their bodies are more likely to suffer from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and obsessive behaviors. They are also more prone to participating in risky habits – like crash diets and weight loss drugs – which can have a wide range of serious side effects from malnutrition to arrhythmias and heart palpitations. So what contributes to negative body image? There are many different factors, but one of the most significant is the portrayal of different body types portrayed in the media. Among both men and women, there are very few “acceptable” body types seen in films and magazines, yet only about 5% of North Americans have figures that fit in with these standards.

How can you improve your body positivity?

Rethink your role models – There is a changing idea of beauty seen in the media, but you might still have to make an effort to identify role models that promote body positivity. One strategy you could use is looking up to friends and relatives rather than celebrities. Identifying positive influences in your own life and spending more time with those individuals can do great things for your own attitude.

Start exercising (without the “beach body” goal) – If you start an exercise regimen with the goal to look like a particular celebrity or lose a certain amount of weight, you might end up disappointed. Recognizing the other benefits that exercise has to offer can help you keep on track. Regular physical activity has been shown to ward off depression, aid sobriety, improve gut bacteria, and extend life expectancy. Additionally, exercise can help you feel better about yourself and improve your mental health—even if you don’t actually lose much weight by working out.

Let yourself indulge – You’ve probably heard the phrase “nothing tastes better than skinny feels,” but people who say that have likely forgotten what chocolate cake even tastes like. While it’s important to focus on your nutrition, you should still allow yourself indulgences rather than feeling constantly deprived. Along the same lines, you should steer clear of diet trends and aim to form a balanced diet that you can sustain instead of a diet you consistently want to cheat on.

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The Mediterranean diet is much more than just a fad — in fact it’s based on the centuries-old eating habits those who live in the Mediterranean. In contrast to other diets, a Mediterranean style diet emphasizes the healthy options you should be eating all the time, rather than restricting the foods you eat and limiting your portion sizes. Foods like olive oil, fish, fresh fruits, veggies, yogurt, and whole grains are all staples in the Mediterranean diet. Check out three more benefits below that might have you considering a shift toward the Mediterranean lifestyle, regardless of your geographical location.

Reduce Your Cardiovascular Health Risks

One of the most frequently discussed benefits of Mediterranean style eating is a dramatic improvement in heart and circulatory health. This is no surprise, considering that the Mediterranean diet utilizes omega-3 rich healthy fats, fish and plant based proteins, rather than saturated fats, red meat, and heavily processed meats. These choices help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure, which are all integral steps in preventing heart attack and stroke.

Slow Down the Aging Process

The superfoods consumed in the Mediterranean diet can do good for your whole body by reducing age-related cell degeneration that can otherwise lead to osteoporosis, cancer, and a number of other serious conditions. If you want proof that this diet can help you live longer, take a trip to Ikaria, Greece, where it is not uncommon for residents to live well into their 90s and 100s. As an added bonus, the same nutrients that promote good health in Mediterranean dieters also help to nourish the skin and hair for a more youthful appearance in your later years.

Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Importantly, the Mediterranean way of eating is not about what you can’t have; it’s focused on the foods that will nourish the body most – meaning that you won’t feel deprived as you change your eating habits. This can be a great help as you try to lose weight, which you will then be able to keep off with the sustainable habits of the Mediterranean diet. Plus, the negative effects of junk food are actually lessened when you primarily eat foods that follow suit with Mediterranean style, so you can still splurge every once in a while when you just can’t get potato chips or a juicy steak out of your head.

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