flu fright

Still debating about getting that flu shot this season? The Texas Department of Health (T.D.H.) recommends the public take precautions against this year’s flu season which lasts until May and peaks during January and February. Texas Commissioner of Health, Eduardo Sanchez, says, “It is not unusual to have flu occur this early in the season. What’s unusual is to have this much of it this early.” Individuals who are more susceptible to influenza include: children 6 months to 23 months, people 50 and older, residents of nursing homes, women who will be in their second or third trimester of their pregnancy during flu season, and those with weakened immune systems and asthma or other chronic respiratory, heart or kidney conditions. Symptoms of influenza, a viral respiratory illness, are a sudden onset of fever, headache, extreme fatigue, a dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. This illness is highly contagious and is spread through talking, sneezing and coughing. For more information, visit www.thd.state.tx.us.hunting and hiking hazards Hunters and hikers are urged to exercise caution as they take to the outdoors. Several illnesses exist in the wild. One common illness is the West Nile virus, found in infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of this condition are headache, high fever, nausea, muscle tenderness, partial unconsciousness and even coma. The Texas Department of Health had a reported 363 cases of West Nile virus in 75 Texas counties this year with 27 deaths. Other diseases found in nature can include Lyme’s disease, spread by ticks, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, plague, rabies and hantavirus.

Protect yourself from infectious insects by using insect repellent containing D.E.E.T., staying on marked trails when hiking, avoiding overgrown plants and grass, wearing protective clothing and checking your body for ticks every few hours as they can attach to any part of the body. For more information, visit www.tdh.state.tx.us/news/news.htm.

parenting pay-offs

Recent studies conducted by The U.S. Department of Education found that “greater family involvement in children’s learning [has been] identified as a critical link to achieving a high-quality education.” If even the most pressed-for-time parents will interact regularly with their children, it will make a big difference. There are many opportunities to get involved. The Austin Independent School District Family Resource Center can give you practical information to help you make a plan.

Some parents may want to help in after-school activities. There are a range of activities that can show your children you care while making a positive impact on their education.For more information, call the A.I.S.D. Family Resource Center at 414-3485.

healthy hot cocoa

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports that hot cocoa may do more than just keep you warm on chilly nights. Studies show the concentration of antioxidants in a cup of the chocolate treat was almost two times more than that found in red wine, two or three times stronger than in green tea and four to five times stronger than in black tea.

Another option for beverages high in antioxidants reported in the journal is cranberry juice. Experts still recommend getting the majority of our antioxidants from an assortment of fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit www.healthfinder.gov.

age-old ways to battle obesity

The National Center for Health Statistics claims that 97.1 million adults are overweight and 39.8 million are obese. It is also reported that 280,000 deaths are attributed to obesity every year. Acupuncture may help fight those alarming numbers. Using thin needles inserted into the body at strategic locations, acupuncture works in several ways to battle factors that contribute to obesity. In one way, this practice can release the same endorphins certain foods would release, thus keeping the patient from breaking their diet and redirecting the cravings they experience.

According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, practicing t’ai chi also may be a way to lose weight and, because of its gentle nature, is appropriate for people of various fitness levels. This practice focuses on building strength, restoring balance, reducing stress and increasing flexibility. The movements of t’ai chi are believed to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, lower anxiety and depression, and much more. For more information, call (800) 729-0941 or visit www.pacificcollege.edu.