How to Survive Allergy Season

How to Survive Allergy Season
By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript
Published May 19, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers. Plus, test your allergy IQ with our quiz...
Peek into any pharmacy and you'll see hundreds of products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know:
Antihistimines are the first line of allergy defense.
“When you block histamine production in the body, you cut down on the misery-causing symptoms, like sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat, runny nose and so forth,” says Suzy Cohen, LifeScript’s pharmacist and author of Drug Muggers and The 24-Hour Pharmacist.
Over-the-Counter Antihistamines Some popular over-the-counter anti-allergy brands include Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton and Tavist.
The first generation of antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton, often make people drowsy or dizzy. But doctors still recommend Benadryl because it acts quickly to quell allergic reactions, Cohen says.
Claritin and Zyrtec are two second-generation antihistamines without drowsy side effects, Cohen says. Try one and if it doesn’t work, check out the other.
The drugs are “most effective when taken before exposure, so they can sit on the histamine receptor of your cell like a pit bull in a doorway,” Cohen says. They prevent allergy triggers (like dander or pollen) from getting on the receptor and sparking all the misery.
If you have allergic reactions that are episodic, such as a sneezing fit triggered by a friend's cat, take an antihistamine about half an hour before heading over to her house.
“Claritin really helps with cat allergies," says Judy Kinzy, M.D., an internist in Knoxville, Tenn. "I take it a half-hour before I visit friends with cats and I’m fine.”
DecongestantsYou know that cotton-stuffed head feeling you get when allergies kick in? Blame that on allergens too: They can cause the tissues in your nose to swell and produce more fluid and mucus.
To reduce the swelling and the pressure, try a decongestant, such as Mucinex and Sudafed.
But beware: Allergies can sometimes weaken the immune system. If what’s coming out of your nose turns yellow or green, you might have a secondary infection and you'll need to see a doctor for antibiotics, Kinzy says.
Combination MedicinesCombination medicines, such as Zyrtec-D and Tylenol Allergy and Sinus, contain an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple symptoms.
These may help if you have a sinus headache or infection, Cohen says. “The antihistamine dries you up and the decongestant opens up airways so you can beat that stuffy nose.”
But combination pills carry more side effects because they have two active ingredients, Cohen says. So be sure you need both.
“If all you have is a stuffy nose, you might only need the decongestant,” she says. “Less is more when it comes to medication.”
Skin Creams and OintmentsAllergies can also irritate the skin and cause rashes, hives, blisters and swelling. Topical creams – Cortaid is a popular brand – can help control the itching, redness and swelling.
“Try a topical steroid creams like hydrocortisone cream – it comes in .50% and 1% strengths,” Cohen says.
Many hydrocortisone creams also contain soothing ingredients such as aloe or vitamin E, which can relieve mild to moderate itching, redness and soreness associated with bug bites, contact dermatitis, diaper rash and poison ivy rashes, she says.
Home RemediesWhat if you want a more natural approach?
Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.
“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.
Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.
“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.
You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:
Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.
Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.” Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day. Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.
German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.
Spirulina: The algae sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, "such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function, then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.” Prescription MedicationsIf you don’t find relief from over-the-counter drugstore products, see an allergist or your physician.
The first line of prescription defense is a nasal spray. If that’s not enough, your doctor may prescribe a prescription antihistamine, such as Allegra.Steroid Nasal SpraysNasal sprays, such as Rhinocort and Nasonex, help by reducing inflammation and congestion. Although all nasal sprays have the same mechanism, every person reacts differently to each.“Steroids are still steroids,” and they can suppress immune function (like all steroids) and should be reserved for the hardest cases,” Cohen says.
Ask your doctor for recommendations. Nasal antihistamines, such as Astelin and Patonase, may also bring relief. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are good for a quick, temporary fix, Cohen says, so you can get a good night’s sleep.
But they should only be used for three days or less, or you can get addicted to them with a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, a sort of rebound nasal congestion. Then it’s really hard to get off, she says.
Leukotriene ModifiersThe body also produces leukotriene, a chemical that causes inflammation, during an allergic reaction. Products like Singulair block the chemical and are used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms.
Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you have any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.
Steroid inhalers and bronchodilators are typically prescribed for asthma and work only if used properly.
Primatene Mist, an over-the-counter bronchodilator, should not be used to treat asthma, but it is useful for allergic emergencies.
“If someone has a really bad reaction to food or a bee sting," says internist Kinzy, "Primatene can save that person’s life while waiting for an ambulance.”
ImmunotherapyRagweed in the fall, mold in the winter and flowers in the spring and early summer – allergens exist year-round and some unlucky folks find themselves sneezing every season.
If you have severe allergies that aren’t relieved by medications, you may need shots, ultimately the most effective means of treating allergies.
They work like vaccines, teaching your immune system to tolerate the allergens.
The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.Check out our Allergies Health Center.
What’s Your Allergy IQ? Maybe you suffer from seasonal allergies. Or perhaps the bed bugs really are biting. Do you know what’s making you itch? Find out with this allergy quiz.
Check out Health Bistro, where LifeScript editors let it all hang out. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

热量限制 -- Eat Less, the only verified way to live longer

科学家的研究已经发现，热量限制可以延长包括哺乳动物在内的许多物种动物的生命周期。其原因，一种解释是它减少了氧自由基对细胞造成的损伤。利用酶聚合反应，通过抗氧化剂来控制氧化压力。研究发现，由于限制热量摄入而延长生命的现象与一种叫作SIR2基因有关。

预防流感的中药药方

今天上午，记者从国家中医药管理局了解到，国家中医药管理局最新制定了《甲型H1N1流感中医药预防方案》，给出市民预防流感的中药药方。
　　下一步，国家中医药管理局将进一步密切关注疫情情况，一旦我国发生甲型H1N1流感病例，立即组织中医专家开展相关调研和救治工作，早参与、早介入，详细了解临床表现，研究分析症候特点，完善中医诊疗方案。
　　饮食预防
　　饮食宜清淡，少食膏粱厚味之品（易化生积热），所以在日常生活中，做一些简单、美味的小药膳，对预防流感也有帮助。
　　■二白汤：葱白15g、白萝卜30g、香菜3g。加水适量，煮沸热饮。
　　■姜枣薄荷饮：薄荷3g、生姜3g、大枣3个。生姜切丝，大枣切开去核，与薄荷共装入茶杯内，冲入沸水200至300ml，加盖浸泡5至10分钟趁热饮用。
　　■桑叶菊花水：桑叶3g、菊花3g、芦根10g。沸水浸泡代茶频频饮服。
　　■薄荷梨粥：薄荷3g、带皮鸭梨1个（削皮）、大枣6枚（切开去核），加水适量，煎汤过滤。用小米或大米50g煮粥，粥熟后加入薄荷梨汤，再煮沸即可食用，平时容易“上火”的人可吃。
　　■鲜鱼腥草30至60g，蒜汁加醋凉拌。
　　■鲜败酱草30至60g，开水焯后，蒜汁加醋凉拌或蘸酱吃。
　　■鲜马齿苋30至60g，开水焯后，蒜汁加醋凉拌或蘸酱吃。
　　■赤小豆、绿豆适量熬汤服用。
　　■绿豆60g、生甘草6g（布包）、生薏米20g熬汤后去甘草包，服用。
　　■若口鼻干燥较重，可以棉签蘸香油外涂，具有润燥的功用。
　　药物预防
　　■成人
　　1．太子参10g、苏叶6g、黄芩10g、牛蒡子10g
　　适用人群：素体虚弱，易于外感的人群。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　2．大青叶5g、紫草5g、生甘草5g
　　功能：解毒清热
　　适用人群：面色偏红，口咽、鼻时有干燥，喜凉，大便略干，小便黄。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　3．桑叶10g、白茅根15g、金银花12g
　　功能：清热宣肺
　　适应人群：面色偏红，口咽、鼻时有干燥，喜凉，大便略干，小便黄。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　4．苏叶10g、佩兰10g、陈皮10g
　　功能：健脾化湿
　　适应人群：面晦无光，常有腹胀，大便偏溏。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　建议不同人群在执业医师的指导下使用，在流行期间可连服用3至5剂。
　　■儿童
　　藿香6g、苏叶6g、银花10g、生山楂10g
　　功能：清热消滞
　　适应人群：儿童易夹食夹滞者。此类儿童容易“上火”，口气酸腐，大便臭秽或干燥。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　■服用中药预防感冒需要注意事项：
　　1．老人应在医师的指导下适当调整用量服用；
　　2．慢性疾病患者及孕妇慎用；
　　3．预防感冒的中药不宜长期服用，一般服用3至5天；
　　4．服用期间或服用后感觉不适者，应立即停止服药并及时咨询医师;
　　5．对上述药物有过敏史者禁用，过敏体质慎用；
　　6．不要轻信所谓的秘方、偏方和验方。
　　■其他
　　根据中医和民间传统，多用具有芳香化浊类中药，制成香囊或香薰，具有除瘴避秽的作用，如苍术、艾叶、藿香、当归、白芷、山柰等。

这10个习惯会帮助你活到100岁甚至更长

下面的这10个习惯会帮助你活到100岁甚至更长：
　　
1.不退休
　　研究发现，如果人们退休,突然停止工作，那么患有肥胖和慢性疾病的几率会急剧增加。专家建议：退休后可以去当地的博物馆或美术馆作义务讲解员，或在小学当老师。
　　
2.每天用牙线
　　这可以使你的动脉保持健康。研究发现，每天使用牙线可以防止引起牙龈疾病的口腔细菌，这种细菌会进入血液，引起动脉发炎，从而导致心脏疾病。口腔内部的大量细菌会导致动脉壁变厚，而这也是心脏疾病的先兆。
　　
3.经常运动
　　运动是永葆年轻的唯一方式。大量研究发现，锻炼可以改善心情、提高智力、促进平衡和骨质健康。你不必非去健身馆，每天在小区附近或购物中心散步大约30分钟就可以了。

4.富含纤维的早餐
　　最新研究发现，每天早上使用全麦食品会使老年人的全天血糖浓度保持稳定，防止糖尿病。
　　
5.每天睡眠时间最少为6个小时
　　睡眠是体内最重要的细胞医治方式之一。而这种效用只有在每天至少睡眠6小时后才会有效。那些百岁老人无一例外地都有充足的睡眠时间。
　　
6.多吃水果、蔬菜和全麦食品，而不是补充剂和营养品
　　研究表明摄入大量硒、类胡萝卜素、维生素C和维生素E等营养物质的人不易衰老，并且较少有认知障碍。但是服用含有这些营养物质的补充剂和营养品却没有这种效果。专家建议，少食用营养缺失的食物，如面包、面粉和糖类，多吃水果、蔬菜和全麦面包。
　　
7.不要太神经质
　　研究发现，百岁老人不会把事情装在心里，也不会总是思考他们的烦恼。如果你天生做不到这样，那么寻找合适的释放压力方式，如瑜伽、锻炼、深思、太极或仅仅是深呼吸。 　　

8.像个教徒似的生活
　　研究发现，美国教徒的平均年龄为89岁，比其他美国人多10岁。其中一个重要原因是他们珍惜从上帝那里借来的身体。也就是说，他们不吸烟，不喝酒并且不会沉迷于糖类。他们一般都是素食主义者，食用水果、蔬菜、豆类食品和坚果，而且经常锻炼。此外，他们有很强的家庭和社区观念。 　　

9.有自己的习惯
　　百岁老人都有很严谨的生活习惯，他们一生会吃同样的食物，做同样的事情。在每天同一个时间点起床和睡觉也是维持身体稳定的好习惯。因为当你变老的时候，身体也会变得虚弱。如果你每晚少睡几个小时或喝太多的酒，你的免疫防护系统会被破坏，从而使你更容易感染流感或其他传染疾病。　

10.和别人保持联系
　　和朋友或爱人经常保持联系可以防止抑郁，因为抑郁可以导致猝死。心理学家甚至认为老年人锻炼的最大好处之一就是他们和其他人一起运动时的相互影响。如果和朋友或家人保持联系，他们会告诉你，你的记忆力是否下降或在你不舒服时提醒你看医生

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Don't Drink 'Alone'

Don't Drink 'Alone'
Sunday, April 12, 2009

Drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure, but did you know that it’s how you drink your beer, wine or martini that can really make a difference? Drinking alcohol à la carte (without food) raises your blood pressure temporarily and can actually increase your risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) by 40%, which also increases your risk for heart disease. Without eating something to “soak up” some of the effects of the alcohol, your blood pressure is highly altered. If you are already at risk for high blood pressure or you drink regularly, don’t drink alone. Alcoholic drinks should always be enjoyed in the company of food and should only be consumed in moderation, which means having only one or two drinks on occasion.

One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer or a wine cooler, five ounces of wine, 1.5 ounce of 80-proof liquor or one ounce of 100-proof liquor. So whether you’re having a glass of merlot with your spaghetti and meatballs or drinking beer with your buffalo wings, make sure you eat as you drink to help keep your blood pressure under control.

Baby Carrots

Who loves those little mini carrots? We do! According to a USA Today report, baby carrots alone have boosted carrot sales over the last 40 years by almost 100%. And that’s no small feat, even for these miniature-sized veggies. If you haven’t developed a love for baby carrots yet, it’s about time you experienced the juicy, sweet crunch for yourself. Baby carrots make for a quick and easy snack that you can munch on anytime, anywhere (except maybe the movie theater and library). At only 35 calories per half cup of carrots and more than 300% of the RDA for vitamin A (as beta-carotene), these fiber-rich veggies are also a great diet tool. Just like eating a salad before the main course works to reduce total calorie intake from that meal, carrots can help curb your appetite to help you eat less. Get your crunch on with a handful of these wonderful baby carrots and take a tasty step closer to weight-loss success and a healthier, more satisfied you