Influenza - When To Call a Doctor

A baby younger than 3 months has a high fever.

You are having trouble breathing or feel very short of breath.

You have a severe headache or stiff neck and are confused or having trouble staying awake.


Call your doctor if:

You have an extremely high fever.

Your fever lasts for longer than 3 days.

You are finding it harder and harder to breathe.

Wheezing develops.

New pain develops or pain localizes to one area, such as an ear, the throat, the chest, or the sinuses.

Symptoms persist in spite of home treatment.

Symptoms become more severe or frequent.




Watchful Waiting:
In most healthy people, the flu will go away in 5 to 7 days, although fatigue can last much longer. Although you may feel very sick, home treatment is usually all that is needed. If it is flu season, you may just want to treat your symptoms at home. Watch closely for symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as nasal drainage that changes from clear to colored after 5 to 7 days and symptoms that return or get worse.
Early treatment (within 48 hours of your first symptoms) with antiviral medicines may reduce the severity of influenza and may prevent serious flu-related complications. 2 Babies, older adults, and people who have chronic health problems are more likely to have complications from the flu, and they may need to see a doctor for care beyond home treatment. But not all antiviral medicines work against all strains of the flu. Talk to your doctor if you think you may need an antiviral medicine.
Call your doctor if you think your symptoms are caused by something other than the flu.

Botulinum toxin (Botox)

Treatment Overview
The injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, has become very popular for reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the aging face. The effects are only temporary, but the injections can be done quickly, require no recovery time, and are not as complicated as many other cosmetic procedures for the face.
Botulinum toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When a small amount of Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract. The effect is that it temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles and smoothes or eliminates wrinkles in the skin for a few months.
Getting a Botox injection takes just a few minutes.

What To Expect After Treatment
For the first 2 to 3 hours after treatment, take it easy and do not rub the treated area. After that, you can return to your regular activities.
It can take 3 to 4 days before you notice an effect from the Botox. The full effect may take up to 1 week. The results may last 90 to 120 days. After that, you will begin to see the wrinkles return.

Why It Is Done
Botulinum toxin has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating frown lines in adults younger than 65.1 Botox injections also are frequently used to reduce other wrinkles on the face and neck, such as crow's feet, brow furrow, and forehead lines.2
Botulinum toxin is also approved by the FDA to treat eye muscle disorders, including strabismus (cross-eyes), abnormal neck and shoulder contractions, and vocal cord spasms.

How Well It Works
Within 72 hours after treatment, the injection of Botox partly or completely smooths wrinkles for most people. It works in up to 85% of adults younger than 50 and up to 70% of adults between 50 and 65.1 But the results are temporary, typically lasting only 3 to 4 months. You will have to return for injections every 3 to 4 months to maintain the effects. The dose of Botox usually is the same each time you get an injection.
The long-term effects of repeated Botox injections are not known.

Risks
The most common side effects are:
Headache.
Bruising.
Drooping eyelid (rare).
Other side effects include flu-like symptoms, nausea, temporary facial pain, redness at the injection site, reduced blinking, and weakness in the muscles of the face. In extreme cases, this muscle weakness can limit your facial expressions. On rare occasions, a sore may develop on the white of the eye (corneal ulceration).
The risks of repeated Botox injections are not known.

What To Think About
Botox injections are more convenient and less painful than other procedures for reducing wrinkles and making your face look younger (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, face-lift). Keep in mind that the effects of an injection last only a few months. To maintain the effects, you will have to receive injections several times a year. While a single injection may seem inexpensive, the cost of repeated injections can quickly add up.
There are no known serious side effects from Botox. But be aware that it is too soon to know whether any long-term problems will result from repeatedly injecting a paralyzing agent into the muscles.

Spring Clean Your Diet

It's that time of year again ... the birds are chirping away, the trees are blooming, and maybe you're wondering how you're going to get in shape for the summer season. Well, just like your house and wardrobe, your diet can probably use a spring cleaning as well.
Here are some tips to help you spring into your healthiest weight ever.
Salads. Add unusual toppings to give extra zest to your salads. Some of my favorite toppings include craisins (dried cranberries), pineapple (fresh, or in its own juice), raspberries, blueberries, raw pumpkin seeds (somewhat higher in calories but with plenty of fiber and protein to help fill you up), alfalfa sprouts, edemame (raw soy beans), and walnuts (higher in calories too, but great for fiber, protein, and omega-3 fats—aim for about ¼ cup here). Also, try substituting arugula for traditional greens; it has a lot of vitamins and minerals and a yummy, peppery flavor.
Salad Dressings. Try the newer "salad spritzers." They're high in flavor yet low in calories, and can help you avoid the high-calorie salads that result from pouring on those rich dressings. For a light summer salad or meal, I find that drizzling balsamic vinegar and some extra-virgin olive oil over fresh sliced mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil is a winner.
Pastas. Look for the higher-protein (and sometimes lower-calorie) pastas, such as those made from lentils and whole wheat. Add plenty of fresh or canned tomatoes to increase the nutrients without weighing yourself down. Or add lean ground turkey or soy crumbles for "meatballs" that will cut the fat and calories without stealing the flavor. Shredded low-fat cheeses are full of protein and make great additions to these "meatballs."
Herbs. I love fresh herbs, especially from the farmer's market. They taste great and are so good for you and your waist. Two of my spring-time favorites are basil and cilantro.
Pizzas. You can use pita bread instead of traditional dough for a light yet tasty pizza. Low-carb pita bread can up the fiber content and lower the calories further. Top your pizzas with low-fat shredded mozzarella and tons of veggies for a nutritious pizza that won't weigh you down!
Sandwiches. Use low-carb pita breads made from soy or oat/wheat instead of regular bread, to ensure higher protein and fiber and fewer calories. These pita breads are so versatile, you might want to try roasting some of your favorite veggies and adding some low-fat goat cheese for a yummy, yet healthy, veggie pita pocket! You could also use low-carb wraps for great nutrition and calorie bargains. Or, skip the bread altogether: Just roll up some low-fat cheese along with low-fat turkey or other lean luncheon meats, with some lettuce and tomato. Get in the habit of taking these sandwiches to work and you'll save both calories and money!

Happy spring, dear readers!