What To Do About Flu

It’s That Time Again!

Every fall doctors and nurses start to get after you to get your flu shot and every year people have lots of questions about the flu shot. What is it? Do I need it? Who shouldn’t get it?  What’s with the nasal vaccine? Should my kids get it? Can it hurt me? So here are some answers!

1. What is in the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a medicine that is very similar to the flu virus itself.  When your body sees gets vaccinated your immune system learns how to fight off viruses that are like those in the vaccine. That way when you get exposed to the flu your body already knows how to handle it and you do not get sick.

2. What about the Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Every year people at the United States Center for Disease Control try to figure out which flu viruses will be the worst and most dangerous. Last year they left one out, the H1N1 swine flu. That is why last year there were 2 different flu shots. This year they included the H1N1 swine flu into the regular seasonal flu vaccine. There are also other strains of flu in this year’s vaccine.

3. What is the Nasal Flu Vaccine (FluMist)?

FluMist is actually a live flu that is changed so that it does not make you sick. It is a nose spray instead of a shot.  You must be over age 2 and younger than 49 to get this form of flu vaccine. However, some people should not get this form of vaccine. Kids with asthma, and people with poor immune systems and risk for complications from flu as well as people who have close contact with other people who have poor immune systems.

4. Who should get it?

Odds are you should get a flu vaccine.  The Center for Disease control includes more people every year in the group that should get vaccinated. Everyone who is over 6 months old who does not have a medical reason that they can’t get the vaccine should get it. People who are allergic to eggs can’t get the flu vaccine. Kids getting the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses!

5. But I got it LAST YEAR!

I know! You have to get it EVERY YEAR. The pesky thing about the flu is it changes every year and so your flu vaccine from last year isn’t protecting you anymore.

6. Should I get it if I am pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to get pregnant?

YES! It is super important to get the flu vaccine when you are pregnant. For reasons that we don’t understand pregnant women are very susceptible to getting very sick and even dying from the flu. It makes many women nervous to get vaccines if they are pregnant but, there is no evidence that the vaccine hurts the baby.

7. What happens if I don’t get it?
If you do not get vaccinated there is a higher risk of getting flu and of having complications from the flu. The flu can cause serious medical problems and death.

8. Are there risks associated with getting the flu vaccine?
There are risks to the flu vaccine. There is a rare neurological problem called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which about 1 in 100,000 people will get with the flu vaccine.

SO WHERE DO I GET IT?

There are flu shots all over, if you have a doctor, call your doctor to ask abour flu shots. You may also be able to get one at work or school. They have flu shots in grocery stores and pharmacies as well!


TAKE THE FLU QUIZ

Flu IQ

         

So go get your flu shot….
And Remember ….
The FLU ends with U!

For more information on the flu vaccine try:  http://flu.gov/

Picture:

http://www.topnews.in/two-die-swine-flu-kerala-2267037

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/buttons_badges.htm

Ta-tas 4 Life!!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and many are gearing up to spread the word on breast cancer screening and treatment. Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in women 40 years of age and above. However, all women, at any age, are at risk for breast cancer. Men too, but this is rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2006 (the latest year for which statistics are available), 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,820 women died from the disease.

While more white women get breast cancer, more black women die from it. Unfortunately, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all combined major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.



When it comes to prevention, knowing is half the battle...but it's a start. To help lower your risk of getting breast cancer here are few tips:

• Stay physically active by getting regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or find out the risks and benefits of HRT and if it is right for you.
• Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.
• If you are 50+, get a mammogram. Check with your health professional if you have any symptoms or changes in your breast, or if breast cancer runs in your family. He or she may recommend that you have mammograms before age 50 or more often than usual.

Till next time, take care of your ta-tas, they'll thank you for it.

It's Apple Season!!!

Apple picking is a great way to get in some fun, outdoor exercise before the sun sets too early and the temperature falls too low. Set up a day to go apple picking with your family. Spend some fun, quality time together while burning calories. Mix up how you pick: reach for apple on a high branch work your obliques; squat down for the apples on the floor to work your legs and glutes; your biceps will feel powerful at the end of the day after carrying a bag of apples.

Apples make a wonderful snack. They are low in calories but packed with fiber to help aid in digestion and make you feel fuller longer. Apples also contain phytochemicals and antioxidants to help keep that immune system strong as flu season approaches (don’t forget to get your flu shot soon!). Make sure to eat the skin to get the biggest dose of health boosting chemicals!

Here are some healthy ways to enjoy your picked apples:

Bake them in the oven with a little honey and cinnamon
Cut into slices and have with peanut butter
Make a healthy apple crisp with oats, almonds or walnuts and raisins
Make apple bread or apple muffins using whole wheat flour
Cut into cubes and mix into your salad

Visit http://www.pickyourown.org/ to find an orchard near you to go apple picking.

August 7, 2010-Diabetes and the Heat

Controlling diabetes at any time of year is an ongoing battle, but during the summer month, diabetics are more likely to develop heat related illnesses. People with diabetes have an impaired ability to sweat which makes it more difficult to control body temperature, causing more heat-related problems. Diabetes medications are also vulnerable in the heat, and medications such as insulin can lose efficacy above a certain temperature range. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about diabetes.

For more information, please see http://news.health.com/2010/06/22/many-diabetics-unaware-of-hot-weather-hazards/

August 5, 2010-Treating Sunburn

As much as we tried to protect and warn you, sometimes sunburns happen anyway. There isn’t much you can do to stop the pain and discomfort, but there are a few remedies that can help take the edge off.

o Use cool cloths on sunburned areas

o Take frequent cool showers or baths

o Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas

o Drink lots of fluids

Photo from: http://dermnetnz.org/common/image.php?path=/reactions/img/sunburn1.jpg

August 3, 2010-Exercise May Guard Girls Against Dementia in Senior Years

A new study released shows that girls who exercise in their adolescence have a decreased chance of developing dementia later on in life. While the evidence is not 100% conclusive, it does show that physical activity early in life is important for health later in life. The two theories that may explain this phenomenon are that exercise may prevent blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain or exercise helps develop new connections within the brain, which help it function later on. Encourage all children to exercise, and come up with ways to make it fun with family and friends.

For more information, please see http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/hsn/exercisemayguardgirlsagainstdementiainsenioryears.

August 2, 2010- Road Trip!!

When it comes to taking road trips, you’re more than likely getting most of your meals from fast-food restaurants or rest stops. It’s easy to grab a bag of junk food, or sugary candy from off the shelf, but we all know that’s not the healthiest choice we should be making. Here are a few tips for finding healthy snacks and meals on the go:

• If you’re eating from a convenience store go for a package of mixed nuts, dried fruit and yogurt and make a healthy parfait
• If your only option is a rest stop on the highway, avoid the high caloric coffee stands, and try and find a meal that covers several food groups (a turkey wrap or a grilled chicken sandwich)
• If your only option is fast food, avoid supersizing! By keeping the meal small you can avoid a lot of calories. Also, keep in mind that just because something is called a salad doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you. Certain dressings can double the amount of calories in a salad! Avoid creamy dressings and save yourself a lot of calories!

For more road trip tips, please see http://diet.health.com/2010/06/22/road-trip-eat-healthy-anywhere/

August 1, 2010- Life’s a Beach

As if we needed another reason to escape to the shore this summer, it turns out there actually is something special about the air near the ocean. The mix of the waves, wind, and sunlight help to break apart air molecules and create negatively charged ions that help to improve your mood! Negatively charged ions cling to dust in the air, making it settle to the ground allowing for more oxygen-rich air that we can breathe. While not every day can be a beach day, air from the outdoors tends to have more negative ions than indoor air,so crack open a window and let the fresh air in!!

Philadelphia Ujima Brings Health Education to Women's Prison

Raise and shine, Ujima’s next latest adventure was to the Riverside Correctional facilities for Women’s in Philadelphia on July 14, 2010.
At the correctional facilities, a great number of influential organizations attended the fair addressing a composite of health, wellness and advice on transitioning back into society to the women and staff. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the presentations, giveaways and helpful information that were dispensed at the fair. Ujima’s presented a wide range of information covering nutrition, sexual health and women’s general health. The participants enjoyed the visual demonstration of our breast kit which simulated a real life like breast with cancerous tumors, addressing the importance of self awareness for a healthier you.

Philadelphia Ujima Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week 2010!

National Teacher Appreciation Week which last from the 3rd till the 7th, is the week in which you can show your gratitude to the special teachers in your life. Celebrate those that imparted their invaluable knowledge over the years. The truth is that we are ALL teachers and we are ALL learners. And when it comes to health and wellness, it doesn't get much clearer. Our role as teachers and learners are very clear and concrete.

1. All of us are DISPENSER OF KNOWLEDGE. We should be telling, teaching, disseminating information as it relates to health and wellness to our friends, family, and community. Knowledge is truly power and without it, we can't begin to change ourselves.

2. we are all ROLE MODELS. When it comes to nutrition and fitness, we should be remodeling the healthy behaviors that we preach. Mom can't tell her kids to eat healthy, when she not doing it herself. We can't just talk the talk, we must walk the walk.

3. LISTENING. This is one of the most important skills that we can have. Listening is crucial for understanding where people are at and what they know. By listening, we can provide very effective support structures to guide and help people achieve their health goals.

4. EMPOWERMENT. We must empower each other with the skills, resources, and knowledge to needed to improve health. Each of us have the power to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to take control of their health.

As you celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, remember that you don't have to be formally employed as a teacher to impart knowledge and make a difference in someones life.

What's on the Menu? How To Get To Healthy on a TIght Schedule

We had a fabulous opportunity to talk about What's on the Menu? How To Get To Healthy on a TIght Schedule workshop at the Family Planning Council annual conference. In addition to our discussion we had a wonderful demonstration of how one recipe can be modified for at least three different (and quick) meals by Chef Christina from Clean Your Plate

We talked about Knowing Your Numbers and Status  

as well as Doing Small Things to Bring About Big Change.

Here's The Heart Truth site and your Body Mass Index Calculator and the My Pyramid.gov site. If you'd like some bookmarks or information contact us at philadelphiaujima.gmail.com.

Upcoming Health Awareness Sessions!!

Thanks for a great session today at NNCC - on Key Facts you need to know about Diabetes!


Next up - next weeks a busy one!!

On April 21st - PCA Nutrition Series - "How Do I Decode A Food Label (and what then?)"

On April 23rd - the EARN Center - "Focus on Fitness"

Then on April 27th, at Queen Lane - "Essential Ingredients for Heart Health"

Nutrition Workshop at PCA - 4/14/2010

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Congratulation to all of our Philly Walk Against Hunger Folks!

Look for us at Philadelphia Corportation for the Aging on Wednesday 

Topic is Nutrition and Chronic Disease
On Friday, April 16th, we'll be at National Nursing Centers Consortium talking about Diabetes Management Tips!

Philly Ujima Walk Against Hunger

Welcome to the Ujima Blog!

Join us tomorrow for the

 Walk Against Hunger.

We'll meet at 9 am under the Rocky statue at the Art Museum. 

Come join us and get your free T-shirts!!!

We know that the weather will be better than last year! :>

Stay tune for more info on Ujima Events!

Save the date for Family Fun, Fitness and Health Day on May 15!!

Welcome to the Philadelphia Ujima Blog

Stay tuned for more posts for important information about the program and tips important for your health.