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  • Morning Routine Secrets to Boost Your Day

    Morning Routine Secrets to Boost Your Day

    Morning Routine Secrets to Boost Your Day

    Starting your day on a positive note can be a game-changer. A well-planned morning routine can set the tone for a productive, focused, and energized day. But what exactly is the secret to creating an effective morning routine? In this article, we’ll explore the morning routine secrets to boost your day and give you the edge you need to succeed.

    1. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

    Before you can start planning your morning routine, you need to set clear goals and priorities. What are your most important tasks for the day? What are your goals for the week, month, and year? Take some time to reflect on what needs to be accomplished, and prioritize the most important tasks. This will help you create a sense of direction and purpose, setting the stage for a productive day.

    2. Get Moving

    Exercise is a crucial component of a successful morning routine. It not only gets your blood pumping, but it also helps to clear your mind and increase energy levels. Whether it’s a 10-minute yoga routine, a 30-minute jog, or a quick weightlifting session, make sure to include some form of physical activity in your morning routine. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in your mood and focus.

    3. Practice Gratitude

    Starting your day by practicing gratitude can be a powerful way to boost your mood and set a positive tone. Take a few minutes each morning to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal, or simply take a moment to silently acknowledge them. Focusing on what you have, rather than what you don’t have, can help to shift your perspective and create a more positive outlook.

    4. Eat a Nourishing Breakfast

    Breakfast is often overlooked as a vital part of the morning routine, but it’s crucial for providing energy and focus. Aim for a balanced breakfast that includes a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary cereals and opt for whole foods instead, such as scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, or oatmeal with fruit.

    5. Plan Your Day

    Before you start tackling your to-do list, take a few minutes to plan out your day. What are the most important tasks that need to be completed? What are the potential obstacles that might arise, and how will you overcome them? By planning your day, you’ll be able to stay focused and on track, maximizing your productivity and minimizing stress.

    6. Take Breaks and Breathe

    It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it’s essential to take breaks and breathe. Whether it’s a short walk outside, a few deep breaths, or a quick meditation session, make time to pause and recharge. This will help to reduce stress and increase focus, making you more productive and efficient throughout the day.

    7. Review and Reflect

    Finally, take a few minutes each morning to review and reflect on your progress. What did you accomplish yesterday? What do you need to improve on today? By reflecting on your goals and progress, you’ll be able to adjust your approach and stay on track, ensuring maximum success.

    Conclusion

    Creating a morning routine that boosts your day takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. By incorporating these morning routine secrets into your daily routine, you’ll be able to set a positive tone, increase productivity, and achieve your goals. Remember to prioritize your tasks, get moving, practice gratitude, eat a nourishing breakfast, plan your day, take breaks, and review and reflect on your progress. With these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to a more energized, focused, and successful day.

    FAQs

    Q: How long should my morning routine be?
    A: Aim for 30-60 minutes of dedicated time to your morning routine, including a mix of exercise, self-care, and productivity.

    Q: What if I’m not a morning person?
    A: Start small! Begin with a gentle wake-up routine, such as stretching or a short walk, and gradually add more activities over time.

    Q: Can I still have a morning routine if I’m working from home?
    A: Yes! While you may not need to commute, you can still structure your morning routine to prioritize self-care, exercise, and goal-setting.

    Q: What if I’m not a fan of exercise?
    A: Try to find something you enjoy, such as yoga or walking, and incorporate it into your routine. You can also try waking up 15-30 minutes earlier each day to build up your tolerance.

    Q: Can I adjust my morning routine on the weekends?
    A: Yes! Consider adjusting your weekend routine to focus on self-care and relaxation, or maintain a similar structure to keep you on track.

  • Ephedra-Like Weight Loss Minus the Risks 

    Ephedra-Like Weight Loss Minus the Risks 

    The diving reflex shows that it’s possible to have selective adrenal hormone effects.

    Thermogenic drugs like DNP can cause people to overheat to death; they can increase resting metabolic rates by 300 percent or more. A more physiological spread would range about ten times less, from a 30 percent slower metabolism in people with an underactive thyroid to a 30 percent higher metabolism when the part of our nervous system that controls our fight-or-flight response is activated. In response to a fright or acute stress, special nerves release a chemical called noradrenaline to ready us for confrontation. We experience this by our skin getting paler, cold, and clammy, as blood is diverted to our more vital organs. Our mouth can get dry as our digestive system is put on hold, and our heart starts to beat faster. What we don’t feel is the extra fat being burned to liberate energy for the fight.

    That’s why people started taking ephedra for weight loss—“to stimulate the release of noradrenaline from nerve endings.”

    Ephedra is an evergreen shrub. It’s been used in China for thousands of years to treat asthma because it causes that same release of noradrenaline that offers relief to people with asthma by dilating their airways. In the United States, it was appropriated for use as a metabolic stimulant, shown to result in about 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of weight loss a month in 19 placebo-controlled trials. By the late 1990s, millions of Americans were taking it. The problem is that it also had all the other noradrenaline effects, like increasing heart rate and blood pressure. So, chronic use resulted in “stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, and death.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned of its risks in 1994, but ephedra wasn’t banned until a decade later after a 23-year-old Major League Baseball pitcher dropped dead. His “autopsy report revealed evidence of ephedra, which the medical examiner said contributed to his death.”

    In the current Wild West of dietary supplement regulation, not only can a supplement be “marketed without any safety data” at all, but the manufacturer is under no obligation to disclose adverse effects that may arise. No surprise, then, that online vendors assured absolute safety: “No negative side effects to date.” “No adverse side-effects, no nervous jitters or underlying anxiety, no moodiness…” “100% safe for long-term use.” “It will not interact with medications and has no harmful side effects.” The president of Metabolife International, a leading seller of ephedra, assured the FDA that the company had never received a single “notice from a consumer that any serious adverse health event has occurred…” In reality, it had received about 13,000 health complaints, including reports of serious injuries, hospitalizations, and even deaths. 

    If only there were a way to get the good without the bad. As I discuss in my video How to Get the Weight Loss Benefits of Ephedra Without the Risks, there is. But to understand it, you first have to grasp a remarkable biological phenomenon known as the diving reflex.

    Imagine walking across a frozen lake and suddenly falling through the ice, plunging into the freezing depths. It’s hard to think of a greater, instantaneous fight-or-flight shock than that. Indeed, noradrenaline would be released, causing the blood vessels in your arms and legs to constrict to bring blood back to your core. You can imagine how fast your heart might start racing, but that would be counterproductive because you’d use up your oxygen faster. Remarkably, what happens instead is your heart rate slows down. That’s the diving reflex, first described in the 1700s. Air-breathing animals are born with this automatic safety feature to help keep us from drowning.

    In medicine, we can exploit this physiological quirk with what’s called a “cold face test.” To determine if a comatose patient has intact neural pathways, you can apply cold compresses to their face to see if their heart immediately starts slowing down. Or, more dramatically, it can be used to treat people who flip into an abnormally rapid heartbeat. Remember that episode of ER where Carter dunked a patient’s face into a tray of ice water? (That show aired on TV when I was in medical school, and a group of us would gather around and count how many times they violated “universal precautions.”)

    What does this have to do with weight loss? The problem with noradrenaline-releasing drugs like ephedra is the accompanying rise in heart rate and blood pressure. What the diving reflex shows is that it’s possible to experience selective noradrenaline effects, raising the possibility that there may be a way to get the metabolic boost without the risk of stroking out. Unbelievably, this intricate physiological feat may be accomplished by the simplest of acts: Instead of drowning in water, simply drink it. Really? Yes, you can boost your metabolism by drinking water. Buckle your safety belts because you are in for a wild ride—one that continues next.

    This is the first in a four-part video series. Stay tuned for:

    You may also be interested in Friday Favorites: The Best Diet for Weight Loss and Disease Prevention.



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  • Alternative For Patients With Limited Antibacterial Treatment Options

    Alternative For Patients With Limited Antibacterial Treatment Options

    A new drug for urinary tract infections, Orlynvah, gets FDA approval, opening new treatment options for those patients with limited or no alternative antibacterial treatments.

    A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, and nearly half of all people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will experience one in their lifetime. Although UTIs are less common in men, they can still occur. Around 1% to 2% of children may also be affected.

    Orlynvah, an oral tablet from drug manufacturer Iterum Therapeutics, combining sulopenem etzadroxil and probenecid has been approved for use specifically for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult women. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the tract without abnormalities in the structure.

    The new medicine could be a game-changer for those with limited treatment choices, as it showed effectiveness in two large clinical trials with over 3,800 participants. The trial results also indicated that Orlynvah would work similar, or even better than, traditional antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin.

    “The FDA approval of ORLYNVAH™ is tremendous news for those of us who have been hoping for a new option to treat appropriate at-risk patients suffering from UTIs. Based on the totality of clinical data generated, ORLYNVAH™ has the potential to be an important treatment alternative for use in the community,” said Dr. Marjorie Golden, Site Chief, Infectious Disease, St. Raphael Campus Yale New Haven Hospital in a news release.

    However, Orlynvah did not show effectiveness in treating patients with complicated urinary tract infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections.

    The drug could be prescribed to be taken twice daily for 5 days.

    “ORLYNVAH™ offers new hope for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat uUTIs. The introduction of novel products, like ORLYNVAH™, is an important way to combat antimicrobial resistance to other approved oral agents and offers a potential solution to patients and physicians,” said Corey Fishman, Iterum’s Chief Executive Officer.

    Safety information:

    Though Orlynvah is generally deemed safe, there can be certain common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vaginal yeast infection, headache, and vomiting.

    Orlynvah is not recommended for those who have gout as it can aggravate symptoms of gout. The drug should not be taken by those patients who have hypersensitivity reactions to sulopenem etzadroxil and probenecid or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. It is also not safe for patients with blood dyscrasias, uric acid kidney stones, and those on ketorolac tromethamine.

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  • Is It OK to Carry Condoms in a Wallet? (for Teens)

    Is It OK to Carry Condoms in a Wallet? (for Teens)

    Some people carry condoms in their wallet so they’re prepared in case they have sex. But that isn’t the best place for them. Over time, the condom material can wear down, making it weaker and more likely to break. Using a broken condom during sex can make it easier to get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and lead to pregnancy.

    Here’s condoms can get damaged — and better places to keep them.

    How Can Condoms Get Damaged When Stored?

    If you’ve kept a condom in a wallet, its wrapper can look fine, but the condom inside might not be. Condoms can get folded when you open and close a wallet. They can also become worn from pressure if you sat on the wallet.

    It’s easy to forget you’re carrying a condom and leave it in your wallet for a long time. Condoms have expiration dates, and older condoms that have expired may not work as well as new ones. Old condoms are more likely to break down.

    Keeping condoms in other places also can damage them. Condoms can get too hot, bent, and worn in back pockets. Condoms and their wrappers might rip if carried next to sharp things like keys. If a wrapper gets torn, the condom can dry out, making it more likely to break.

    What’s the Best Way to Store and Carry Condoms?

    To help protect condoms at home, keep them in your bedside drawer or somewhere that doesn’t get too hot, cold, or humid. A bathroom isn’t a good storage place. Think about putting them where you keep your phone, wallet, or other items you always take with you. That way you’ll remember to bring the condoms too.

    Before you go out, put a few condoms in your purse or jacket pocket. It’s also OK to carry them in a front pants pocket for a few hours. You can put any unopened ones back when you get home.

    What Else Should I Know?

    Sometimes condoms can tear even if you store and carry them the right way. If you have sex and a condom breaks (or slips off), you and your partner should get tested for STDs.

    If either of you could get pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about emergency contraception (a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex). You can also go to a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.

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  • A Nurse Married the Train Driver Who Stopped Her from Killing Herself on Railroad Tracks. She Returned the Favor by Saving His Life

    A Nurse Married the Train Driver Who Stopped Her from Killing Herself on Railroad Tracks. She Returned the Favor by Saving His Life

    A British nurse who married the man who saved her from suicide by train has now returned the favor years later.

    Charlotte Lay first met her now-husband Dave Lay in the summer of 2019. Charlotte, who said she has struggled with her mental health since she was a teenager, made an “impulsive decision” to go on to the train tracks to attempt suicide, as reported by SurreyLive.

    However, someone alerted the conductor and the next train stopped for Charlotte. The train driver got off and introduced himself as Dave, and proceeded to just talk to Charlotte until she agreed to get off the tracks and stay with police.

    “The conversation from what I can remember was just about mundane things and about both our lives, but it was enough to break the crisis. Life didn’t feel as heavy anymore,” Charlotte told SurreyLive.

    Desperate to thank Dave for his kindness, Charlotte said she took to Facebook to see if anyone could connect them. One of Dave’s colleagues found her message, and shared his phone number with her, as reported by the BBC.

    The two agreed to meet for coffee two months later, and later began dating. But just a year later, Dave accredited Charlotte for saving his life this time.

    Dave said Charlotte repeatedly told him to go to the doctor after complaining of a bad back. While visiting for that reason in July 2020, Dave was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Dave said that a hospital consultant told him that if he had not been diagnosed when he was, he likely would have died.

    “Charlotte may say I saved her life, which I don’t know about really, but she saved my life as well,” Dave told the BBC.

    Dave was declared cancer free weeks later. The two are still together, and got married in 2022. They now share three children together. Charlotte told the BBC, “Life does get better. You just have to be here to see it.”

    Originally published by Latin Times.

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  • Abundance Frequency

    Abundance Frequency

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  • 5 Minute Mindfulness Exercises to Melt Away Stress

    5 Minute Mindfulness Exercises to Melt Away Stress

    5 Minute Mindfulness Exercises to Melt Away Stress

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life? Do you often find yourself stuck in a state of constant stress and anxiety? If so, you’re not alone. Stress is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, but it’s crucial to find ways to manage it effectively. One of the most effective ways to do so is through mindfulness exercises. In this article, we’ll explore five 5-minute mindfulness exercises that can help melt away stress and bring a sense of calm and clarity to your life.

    Exercise 1: One-Minute Breathing

    The first exercise is a simple yet powerful one-minute breathing technique that can help calm your mind and body. Find a quiet and comfortable spot, and sit down with your back straight. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Hold the breath for a second, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, emptying your lungs completely. Repeat this process for one minute, focusing solely on the sensation of your breath. As your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sensation of the breath.

    Exercise 2: Body Scan

    The second exercise is a body scan, designed to help you release physical tension and calm your nervous system. Find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down, and close your eyes. Starting from your toes, bring your awareness to each part of your body, working your way up to the crown of your head. As you focus on each area, release any physical sensations, such as tension or discomfort, and allow them to melt away. Take your time, and don’t rush through this process.

    Exercise 3: Sensory Exploration

    The third exercise is a sensory exploration that can help you shift your focus from stressful thoughts and emotions to the present moment. Choose an object, such as a small stone, a leaf, or a flower, and hold it in your hand. Gaze at the object, noticing its shape, texture, color, and scent. Then, bring your attention to your other senses, focusing on the sounds, smells, and sensations around you. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience, letting go of any thoughts or worries.

    Exercise 4: Mindful Walking

    The fourth exercise is a simple yet effective way to clear your mind and reduce stress. Find a quiet space, either indoors or outdoors, and walk slowly and deliberately. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs and arms, and the rhythm of your breath. As your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sensation of your walk. Take long, deep breaths, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience.

    Exercise 5: Loving-Kindness Meditation

    The final exercise is a loving-kindness meditation, designed to cultivate feelings of kindness, compassion, and understanding towards yourself and others. Find a quiet and comfortable spot, and sit with your back straight. Close your eyes and bring to mind someone or something you feel affection for, such as a loved one, a pet, or a nature scene. Repeat the following phrases to yourself, allowing the feelings to sink deep: "May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace." As you move on to the next person or thing, repeat the phrases, expanding your circle of kindness and compassion.

    Conclusion

    Incorporating these 5-minute mindfulness exercises into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. By taking just a few short moments each day to focus on the present, you can:

    • Reduces stress and anxiety

    • Improve your mood and overall sense of well-being

    • Enhance your self-awareness and self-acceptance

    • Develop greater resilience and coping skills

    • Cultivate a deeper sense of connection and compassion with yourself and others

    By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you can begin to melt away stress and cultivate a more peaceful, centered, and compassionate relationship with yourself and the world around you.

    FAQs

    Q: What is mindfulness, and how does it help with stress?
    A: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, often through meditation or other relaxation techniques. It helps with stress by training the mind to focus on the present, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future.

    Q: Do I need to be a "good" at mindfulness to benefit from these exercises?
    A: Absolutely not! Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed with practice, and the exercises in this article are designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of their experience or background.

    Q: How often should I practice mindfulness exercises?
    A: It’s recommended to practice mindfulness exercises daily, ideally at the same time each day, to develop a consistent routine and optimal benefits.

    Q: Can I do these exercises anywhere?
    A: Yes, these exercises can be done anywhere, either seated or lying down, and even in short intervals throughout the day.

    Q: Are these exercises specifically designed for people with anxiety or depression?
    A: Yes, these exercises can be beneficial for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, as they can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-awareness.

  • Recover, Rebuild, Repeat: The Critical Role of Rest Days in Muscle Growth

    Recover, Rebuild, Repeat: The Critical Role of Rest Days in Muscle Growth

    The importance of rest and recovery in muscle growth cannot be overstated. When it comes to building muscle, many gym rats make the mistake of thinking that the more they train, the better. However, this approach can lead to burnout, injury, and ultimately, decreased progress. The concept of "recover, rebuild, repeat" is crucial for achievement of optimal muscle growth. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of rest and recovery, exploring its role in the muscle-building process, and provide valuable insights on how to incorporate it into your routine.

    The Role of Rest in Muscle Growth

    Rest and recovery are essential components of the muscle-building process. When you exercise, your muscles undergo micro-tears, and it’s the repair and rebuilding of these tissues that leads to muscle growth. However, this process cannot occur without adequate rest. During recovery, your body repairs and rebuilds muscle fibers, making them thicker and stronger.

    Adequate rest allows for:

    • Reduced muscle damage: When you’re well-rested, your body can repair damaged muscle fibers more efficiently, reducing the risk of injury and wear and tear.

    • Increased protein synthesis: Rest helps stimulate protein synthesis, the process by which your body builds new muscle tissue.

    • Improved immune function: Adequate rest allows your immune system to recover, reducing the risk of illness and infection.

    The Concept of Overreaching

    Overreaching occurs when your body is pushed beyond its capacity, leading to a prolonged states of fatigue, decreased performance, and increased risk of injury. This can occur when:

    • You don’t allow for adequate rest and recovery

    • Your training volume or intensity is too high

    • You’re not fueling your body with the right nutrients

    Recognizing the Signs of Overreaching

    Recognizing the signs of overreaching is crucial to prevent unnecessary setbacks. common indicators include:

    • Persistent fatigue

    • Decreased performance

    • Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns

    • Increased irritability or mood swings

    • Muscle soreness or stiffness that persists for extended periods

    The Importance of Active Recovery

    Active recovery techniques can help alleviate muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and promote blood flow. Some popular methods include:

    • Foam rolling or self-myofascial release

    • Gentle cardio, such as a 15-30 minute walk or jog

    • Stretching or yoga

    • Contrast showers or sauna usage

    The Role of Nutrition in Recovery

    Nutrition plays a critical role in the recovery process. Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle repair and rebuilding. Aim for 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, spread out over 3-5 meals per day.

    Sample Recovery Routine

    Developing a recovery routine can help guide you towards optimal rest and recovery. Consider incorporating the following:

    • A 10-15 minute morning stretching routine

    • A 30-minute walk or jog during lunch breaks

    • A 15-30 minute evening yoga or stretching session

    • A 7-9 hour sleep schedule, with a consistent bedtime routine

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, rest and recovery are not optional components of the muscle-building process. A well-planned recovery routine can make all the difference in achieving optimal results. Remember, "recover, rebuild, repeat" is a critical concept to grasp, and by incorporating these principles, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How often should I take rest days?
    A: Aim for 1-2 rest days per week, allowing for adequate time for recovery and muscle repair.

    Q: How can I speed up my recovery?
    A: Prioritize nutrition, stay hydrated, and incorporate active recovery techniques, such as foam rolling or gentle cardio.

    Q: Can I still make progress without rest days?
    A: No, excessive training without adequate rest can lead to overreaching, decreased performance, and increased risk of injury. Make sure to incorporate rest days into your routine.

    Q: What are some signs of overreaching?
    A: Look for persistent fatigue, decreased performance, insomnia, increased irritability, and persistent muscle soreness or stiffness.

    By incorporating rest and recovery into your routine, you’ll be able to optimize your training, reduce the risk of injury, and achieve your fitness goals. Remember, "recover, rebuild, repeat" is the key to success.

    recover-rebuild-repeat-the-critical-role-of-rest-days-in-muscle-growth

  • Antibiotics (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

    Antibiotics (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

    What Are Antibiotics?

    Antibiotics are medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria, a type of germ. Some bacteria are good for our bodies, but others cause illness. Bacterial infections happen when harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply.

    How Do Antibiotics Work?

    Antibiotic (an-ty-by-AH-tik) medicines treat infections by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. Bacteria are different from other kinds of germs (like viruses and fungi). Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. That means they won’t work against illnesses like colds or the flu.

    What Are the Types of Antibiotics?

    Antibiotics come in different forms. Doctors might prescribe them as:

    • liquids or pills that are swallowed
    • topical creams (applied to skin). Many of these are also available without a prescription at drugstores and superstores. 
    • injections (shots) given directly into the muscle
    • a special liquid form put into an IV line (into a vein). IV antibiotics are usually given (or at least started) in the hospital. Kids can also safely get IV treatment at home.

    What Problems Can Antibiotics Treat?

    Many infections and other problems caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, including:

    How Should I Give My Child an Antibiotic?

    If your child needs an antibiotic:

    Follow the doctor’s directions. Make sure to give the right amount at the right times.

    Know how to give the medicine. Check the label if you aren’t sure. Some antibiotics might have special directions for use, such as taking them on an empty stomach, with a meal, or with lots of water. While on some kinds of antibiotics, kids might need to limit their sun exposure or stop taking other kinds of medicine.

    Give all the doses. Your child should take all doses of the medicine as directed, even if they start to feel better. This is the best way to kill the harmful bacteria. If they stop taking the antibiotics early, the infection may not be fully treated and may come back and be harder to treat.

    Store the medicine carefully. Some antibiotics need to be in the refrigerator. Hot temperatures can affect antibiotics, so don’t keep them in hot places like your car. If you have questions about how to store the medicine, check the label or talk to the pharmacist. Keep all medicines out of reach of young children.

    Follow up when your child is done taking the medicine. The doctor might want to see your child after they’re done taking the antibiotics to make sure the infection is gone.

    What Do Antibiotic Overuse and Resistant Bacteria Mean?

    Antibiotic overuse is when antibiotics are used when they’re not needed. Overprescribing of antibiotics has led to resistant bacteria. These germs are harder to treat because they no longer respond as well to antibiotic treatment. Some bacteria are now resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics.

    What Can Help Prevent Antibiotic Overuse and Resistant Bacteria?

    Doctors prescribe antibiotics only for infections they think the drugs will help treat. It can be tempting to ask your doctor for antibiotics when your child is sick. But they won’t help when an illness is likely due to a virus. Instead, talk to the doctor about ways to treat the symptoms to help your child feel better.

    If your doctor does prescribe antibiotics:

    • Give your child the antibiotics exactly as prescribed. They should not stop taking them early, even if they feel better.
    • Only give your child the antibiotics prescribed for them for that infection.
    • Don’t give antibiotics prescribed for your child to someone else.
    • Don’t save leftover doses for “next time.” Doctors pick an antibiotic very carefully to treat each bacterial infection. So antibiotics for one infection might not work against another infection caused by different bacteria. Throw out leftover antibiotics or get rid of them through a medicine take-back program in your community. Talk to your pharmacist if you need help.

    What Side Effects Can Antibiotics Cause?

    Antibiotics can cause such side effects as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, a rash, and yeast infections. Most side effects usually are mild and stop when a person is done taking the medicine. Check with your doctor, though, if your child has a rash or a yeast infection. A rash could be just a side effect that will go away or could be a sign of an allergy. A yeast infection might need treatment to get better.

    If your child has an upset stomach or diarrhea while taking antibiotics, ask the doctor if they should take probiotics. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help keep the intestines healthy. Also, when antibiotics kill the “good” bacteria in the intestines, bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C diff., for short) can overgrow and cause an infection. This can cause diarrhea and other problems and needs treatment to get better.

    When Should I Call the Doctor?

    Call the doctor if your child is on an antibiotic and:

    • doesn’t start to feel better or still has a fever within 48 hours of starting the antibiotic
    • has stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
    • has blood in the poop
    • has trouble taking the antibiotic
    • develops a new rash
    • seems to be getting worse

    Go to the ER if your child:

    • has trouble breathing
    • has trouble swallowing
    • has swelling of the throat or tongue

    Rarely, an infection can get much worse, leading to a medical emergency called sepsis. You know your child best. Call the doctor or get medical help right away if your child is sick and not getting better, seems sicker than usual to you, or has an infection that’s not getting better or gets worse.

    What Else Should I Know?

    Besides treating bacterial infections, antibiotics sometimes are used to prevent them. A child who gets a lot of UTIs, for example, might take a small dose of antibiotics to make them less likely to come back.

    Doctors also might give “prophylactic” antibiotics to patients before an operation to help prevent skin infections around the surgical area.

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  • Diabetes Onset Before 40 Raises Risk Of Death To Four Times: Study

    Diabetes Onset Before 40 Raises Risk Of Death To Four Times: Study

    Diabetes is not just about having high blood sugar levels; it is a chronic condition that could potentially lead to several health issues, such as heart attack and stroke. But does the timing of diabetes onset affect the risk of complications and mortality? A recent study revealed that developing diabetes before age 40 is linked to a significantly higher risk of early death.

    While diagnosing diabetes before 40 quadrupled the risk of early death, later onset was linked to a one-and-a-half times higher risk of death compared with the general population without the condition, according to the study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The findings underscore the importance of delaying the onset of diabetes to reduce complications and risk of premature death.

    To understand the impact of diabetes on overall health, researchers followed up 4,550 individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes for over 30 years. The participants were between the ages of 25 and 65.

    The analysis revealed that diabetic diagnosis at an earlier stage was linked to a higher rate of related complications, particularly microvascular diseases such as eye damage and kidney failure, and a higher risk of death. Diabetes onset at a younger age also was linked to poorer blood sugar control.

    “Over the past 30 years, the number of young adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has increased markedly worldwide. Evidence to date suggests that younger-onset type 2 diabetes, characterized by earlier and longer exposure to high levels of blood glucose, maybe more aggressive than later onset disease. This might include a faster deterioration in β-cell function—the cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin- and a greater risk of complications such as cardiovascular and kidney disease,” said Amanda Adler, co-author of the study in a news release.

    According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Beryl Lin, more clinical trials should focus on tailored treatments for delaying diabetic complications in young people.

    “We particularly need to understand why young adults with type 2 diabetes suffer greater risks of complications, and how we can identify and help this vulnerable group of people who have to live with diabetes for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Lin said.

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