Why New Year Resolutions Often Fail
PodcastDX
By the end of the first week of the new year, nearly 77% of New Year’s resolutions have already failed (Norcross, 1988). That’s discouraging—but it doesn’t mean you should stop trying. It means most of us are setting resolutions in ways that don’t work. You aren’t weak or lazy. More often, the problem is a misaligned system—one that relies too heavily on willpower and short-lived motivation. Motivation naturally fades over time, even when our intentions are good. Think about how often you enthusiastically agree to plans weeks in advance, only to feel tired or unmotivated when...
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The Lymphatic System
PodcastDX
The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is one of the components of the circulatory system, and it serves a critical role in both immune function and surplus extracellular fluid drainage. Components of the lymphatic system include lymph, lymphatic vessels and plexuses, lymph nodes, lymphatic cells, and a variety of lymphoid organs. The pattern and form of lymphatic channels are more variable and complex but generally parallel those of the peripheral vascular system. The lymphatic system partly functions to convey lymphatic fluid, or lymph, through a network of lymphatic channels,...
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Pancreatic Cancer
PodcastDX
This week we are talking about Pancreatic cancer. This is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer rarely is found at its early stages when the chance of curing it is greatest. This is because it often doesn't cause symptoms until...
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Diabetes Type 1 & 2
PodcastDX
This week we discuss diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational...
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome MCAS
PodcastDX
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is when you have unexplained episodes of severe symptoms like swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, flushing and itching. Unlike that happen with a specific exposure, MCAS episodes happen without a clear trigger. In some cases, mast cell activation can cause , a severe allergic condition that can be life-threatening. It can cause you to have trouble breathing and drop your to dangerously low levels. Call 911 (or your local emergency service number) or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis. are a type of immune cell...
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Lung Cancer
PodcastDX
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It’s caused by harmful cells in your lungs growing unchecked. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs. Screening is recommended if you’re at high risk. Advances in treatments have caused a significant decline in lung cancer deaths in recent years. Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in your . Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as a part of their normal function. But sometimes, they get changes (mutations) that cause them to keep making...
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Home Eye Safety
PodcastDX
Did you know that about half of all eye injuries happen right at home? Home activities that can injure your eyes include: Cleaning. Chemicals like bleach in household cleaning products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year. Home Improvement. Screws, nails and hand tools can launch into the air—and into your eyes. Power tools can also send wood chips or other substances flying into the air. Yard Work. Lawn mowers, trimmers and even shovels can throw dirt and debris into the air. Branches, twigs and thorns can also be dangerous. Unfortunately, only about three out of 10 people wear...
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Change the Outcome with Nutrition & Exercise
PodcastDX
This week we discuss changing the outcome of your health with nutrition & exercise. Our guest today is Dr. James Thompson, the author of Fearless Wellness and a passionate advocate for transformational change. He completed medical training 35 years ago and has dedicated my career to empowering others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. He experienced a life-changing event in 2012 and participated in a 2 with my church community. Though the three-week diet, equivalent to a whole food plant-based diet, was intended to emphasize prayer, the impact of the food intrigued...
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Dangers of Impaired Driving
PodcastDX
This week we discuss the dangers of impaired driving. Impaired driving poses significant dangers, leading to thousands of fatalities and injuries each year due to reduced coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Definition and Causes Statistics Effects of Impairment Preventive Measures Conclusion Impaired driving is a serious public safety issue that leads to numerous preventable deaths and injuries each year. By understanding the dangers and implementing effective preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the incidence of impaired driving and...
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Falls Prevention
PodcastDX
Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don't have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls, even for older adults. We identify older adults as anyone 65 years and older. Physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't...
info_outlineThis week we will discuss another respiratory virus that has been really hitting hard here in the United States this season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that is usually mild, but can severely affect the lungs and respiratory airways in older adults
While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy. And if you're aged 60 or older, you can get RSV.
But don’t worry, by coming here you’ve taken a savvy first step toward learning about RSV so you can be informed. Let’s dive in.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults.
RSV symptoms may include:
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Fever
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Cough
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Sore Throat
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Runny Nose
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Congestion
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Headache
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Tiredness
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, especially those 65 years of age and older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems.
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How does RSV spread?
Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms.
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There’s a trio of viruses spreading in the U.S. — COVID-19, the flu and RSV — and some in the medical world are calling it a “tripledemic.”
Public health officials have seen “elevated” levels of all three viruses circulating in the U.S. If you’re feeling sick, it can be tough to differentiate among COVID-19, the flu and RSV because they share similar symptoms and can also look like the common cold.
When it comes to COVID-19, the CDC reports cases and deaths have risen in the past few weeks, as of Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Walenksy said at the briefing that flu and RSV cases are higher than what’s been historically typical this season.
It’s possible that you might be sick with one of the viruses. But keep in mind that from late August through March, it’s also a prime time to get a cold
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Am I sick with COVID, RSV, the flu or simply a cold?
Before getting into symptoms, one characteristic COVID-19, the flu and RSV shares is that they’re respiratory infections affecting the airways, lungs, sinuses and throat. The cold is similar in that it is an upper respiratory infection affecting the nose and throat.
COVID-19 and the flu have quite a few overlapping symptoms, according to the CDC, including:
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Fever
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Cough
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Trouble breathing
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Feeling tired
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Sore throat
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Headache
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Vomiting
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Runny or a stuffy nose
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Diarrhea is listed as a flu and COVID-19 symptom by the CDC. However, while anyone with COVID-19 can experience diarrhea, it is more likely that children with the flu will experience the symptom, according to the agency.
The CDC notes that COVID-19 symptoms may take longer to show up after an initial infection compared with the flu.
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Overall, the flu is the most likely to result in muscle aches and a fever compared to COVID-19, a cold and RSV, according to NYU Langone Health.
In the U.S., the flu and RSV is hitting children hard and overwhelming hospitals, NPR reports.
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RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can affect anyone with “cold-like” symptoms and has the potential to be most severe for babies and older adults, according to the CDC.
The most common symptoms of RSV and a cold
Similarly to COVID-19 and the flu, RSV symptoms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Trouble breathing, including wheezing and shortness of breath
• Feeling tired
• Stuffy nose
Other symptoms include sneezing, flaring nostrils, lack of appetite, and “head bobbing or chest caving in between and under ribs with each breath,” the American Academy of Pediatrics reports.
The common cold also shares overlapping symptoms of COVID-19, the flu and RSV, according to Mayo Clinic.
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Some include:
• Low-grade fever
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Congestion
Meanwhile, sneezing, body aches and a mild headache are also cold symptoms. Getting evaluated for COVID-19 or the flu
With COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC reports that “you cannot tell the difference between” the pair based on symptoms.
Luckily, there is a test that can detect whether you have COVID-19, the flu and even RSV that you can get through a health care provider.
If all three are ruled out, there’s potential that you could have a cold.
Generally, good habits to prevent yourself from getting sick include washing hands, avoiding touching your face, avoiding close physical contact, staying home and cleaning surfaces
(CREDITS: https://bit.ly/3jIWxbG)
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