The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

I don't believe in the whole "milk does a body good" mantra, even if the regulations are different here in Canada than in the US. The body can't digest milk properly after the age of three, and I can think of much better foods and supplements that would give you more calcium, vitamin D without all the added sugar.

 

Milk Doesn't Produce Phlegm

Fact or fiction: Milk makes you mucus-y?

FICTION
You may be used to avoiding your daily glass of milk whenever you find yourself battling a cold — it's commonly thought that milk increases phlegm and makes your cold worse. But there's no evidence that milk causes your body to produce more phlegm than it normally does when you're sick. However, for some people, drinking milk can make phlegm thicker and irritate the throat more — so if that's you, stick to water.

Smooching Spreads Germs? 

 

 

 

The last thing you want to do when you're sick is give your cold to someone you love. But do you really need to put your lips on lock down when you have a cold?

Fact or fiction: Smooching spreads germs?
FICTION
Don't shy away from your sweetie's smooch just because one of you has a cold. It's actually pretty difficult to catch a cold from exchanging saliva — most viruses make their way into our body from the hands through the nose or eyes. The amount of the virus on someones lips or mouth is usually pretty low, and so is the risk — especially compared to the feel-good powers of a kiss.
(source Medhelp.org)

So there you have it. Some factual and fictional answers to common cold questions. Again if you are the type of person like me that likes to prevent colds and the flu then check out a previous blog BEAT THE FLU

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

I have to disagree with this answer. Vitamin C in large doses 4 or more grams a day have proven to shorten clients being sick by half compared to others who don't take it. Unfortunately most people will only take or test on 1-2 grams of vitamin C.
 
“C” Doesn’t Stand for Cure

Fact or fiction: Vitamin C keeps colds away?

FICTION

Most of us feel a cold coming on and immediately start stocking up on vitamin C. But it turns out that vitamin C has no proven effect on preventing a cold. And, it won't make you feel better or recover too much faster once you've caught the virus.

But that's no excuse to stop drinking your daily glass of orange juice — vitamin C still helps prevent immune system deficiencies and heart disease, and helps your skin look smooth.

 

Airplane Air Makes You Sick?

 

Many travelers blame cramped, chilly airplane cabins for the cold symptoms they bring back from vacation. Does the air inside of planes really carry more cold-causing germs than the air you breathe on the ground?

Fact or fiction: Airplane air makes you sick?
FICTION (mostly)
It is true that many people contract a cold after a flight — but that's not due to the re-circulated air you're breathing on the plane. The 50 percent of airplane air that is re-circulated passes through air filters that remove dust, vapors, bacteria and mold — most anything the virus could attach itself to.
The other 50 percent is fresh air, but because it is high-altitude air, it's extremely dry as it enters the cabin. Dry air can negatively affect the mucus system responsible for capturing and getting rid of viruses and bacteria.
If you do get sick after a flight, it's probably because travel involves exposure to a large number of people, from the security line to the waiting area to those way-too-small seats.

 

Milk Makes You Mucus-y?

 

It goes great with a couple of chocolate chip cookies or your favorite breakfast cereal. But can drinking milk while you're sick make your cold symptoms worse?

(Source Medhelp.org)

 

Check back tomorrow for the answer and more Fact or Fiction!

 

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

 

The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

Fact or fiction: Stress makes you sick?

FACT

While stress may not be responsible for the cold virus itself, there is research that suggests those with higher prolonged stress levels are more likely to catch a cold.

One specific study found that people who were happy, lively, calm or positive were less likely to catch colds than more pessimistic people, and also reported fewer symptoms when they did get sick.

 

Lack of Sleep Courts a Cold?

Long hours at work coupled with late nights out with your friends can leave you feeling cranky and worn-down. But can lack of sleep cause you to catch a cold, too?

Sleep Bolsters Immunity

Fact or fiction: Lack of sleep courts a cold?

FACT

Sleep deprivation can contribute to how easily you catch a cold. In several studies, people who slept less (especially those who tossed and turned throughout the night or lay in bed for a long time trying to fall asleep) were two to three times more likely to catch a cold.

 

Vitamin C Keeps Colds Away?

 

 

                  

For most of us, a tall glass of orange juice is a sick-day staple — we keep it on our bedside table right next to our box of tissues and sore-throat lozenges. But just how key is vitamin C when it comes to curing the common cold?

Check back tomorrow for the answer.
(Source Medhelp.org)

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

Health benefits of sex!

Why is sex and, er, solo sex, so good for you? These statistics are sure to get you in the mood

1) Regular sex can decrease his risk of heart conditions by 45%. Good news for your bloke! 2) When women masturbate to orgasm, the pain tolerance threshold is believed to increase by 74.6% – the Big O’s a natural pain killer! 3) An active and fulfilling sex life can increase your lifespan by 50%. 4) Burn 7,500 calories a year by making love three times a week. 5) Cut your risk of stroke by up to 50% by making love several times a week. 6) 1-2 times a week is all it takes for sex to increase your production of the immune-strengthening antibody immunoglobulin by a third. * Warning: Health benefits based on moderation. Excess excitement may have contraindications. Find out the secrets of good sex and don't forget to check out Valentine's Day sex guide. Source Women's Health and Fitness Australia Have a Healthy and Successful Weekend!

The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

Coach Mask is going to have two question and answers today as a 2 for 1 Black Friday special! Exercise Cautiously with a Cold.
Today's answer to the question: Exercise exacerbates cold symptoms?
                   

Fact or fiction:  

FICTION (mostly)

When it comes to deciding whether to exercise while you have a cold, there's only one hard and fast rule — let your body be the judge. Generally, if most of your symptoms are above the neck (nasal congestion, sneezing or a slight sore throat), exercise may actually help to open your nasal passages and relieve that stuffy, congested feeling. Just make sure to scale back the length and intensity of your workout — exercising too hard or for too long while you have a cold can actually slow down your recovery.

If you have below-the neck-symptoms (chest congestion, an upset stomach or a deep cough), it's probably best to put your workout routine on hold for a couple of days while you build your strength back up.

And once you've finally kicked that cold, get back on your workout schedule. Studies show that regular exercise boosts immunity.

 

Chicken Soup Soothes Cold Symptoms?

There's no disputing that a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup helps comfort you when you're in bed with a cold. But does it help your body physically fight the virus as well?
                 

Fact or fiction: Chicken soup soothes cold symptoms?

FACT

That's right, your go-to sick-day comfort food actually helps you feel better. Inhaling the steam from a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup can help clear your stuffy nose, and the soup's broth can help keep you hydrated.

Researchers who studied several kinds of chicken noodle soup in a lab also found that the food has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it may actually help reduce some of those cold symptoms that make you feel icky, like coughs or congestion. Send me a message and I will send you my favorite chicken soup recipe!

 

Stress Makes You Sick?

 

 

You may have noticed that you start to feel cold symptoms after a particularly long week at work or after some other stressful event takes place. But is stress really to blame for your stuffy nose and scratchy throat?

 

Check back for my next post for the answer.

(source Medhelp.org)

 

Have a Healthy and Successful Weekend!

The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

Hydrating is very important, but I also believe eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables will help speed up the recovery.

Liquid Health

Fact or fiction: Feed a cold, starve a fever?

FICTION

The old adage, "feed a cold, starve a fever" is actually a myth. When you have a cold, it's not unusual to lose your appetite — and forcing yourself to eat (or denying yourself food if you're hungry) won't do much to help fight the virus. However, added energy can help your body recuperate, so if you're feeling up to it, eating light, healthy foods will help boost your energy.

The real key to recovering from a cold isn't what you eat, it's what you drink. Make sure to drink plenty of water — staying hydrated helps your body flush out the virus.

 

Exercise Exacerbates Cold Symptoms?

Daily exercise helps keep you feeling strong and healthy. But does pushing ahead with your workout routine help or hurt your body when it's fighting a cold?

Check back tomorrow to find out.
(Source medhelp.org)

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

 

The Common Cold - Fact or Fiction Continued....

I must say I get a little irritated when I see someone cough or sneeze and not cover their mouth with their arm. If you use your hand your just passing along the germs.

Here's the answer to yesterday's question. Fact or fiction: Wash hands to keep colds at bay?

FACT
Whenever someone coughs, sneezes or blows their nose, the virus jumps on to their hands and then spreads to whatever they touch. That makes it easier for you to pick up the virus with your hands, and then put it into your body when you touch your eyes or nose.
The best way to keep germs at bay? Make hand-washing a regular habit. Use warm water and soap, and scrub for about 20-30 seconds. Take special care to wash your hands — or use an alcohol-based sanitizer — after close contact with a group of people (like a business meeting), before a meal or after touching commonly-used items like elevator buttons or the office copy machine.

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?

                  

You've heard it before — feed a cold, starve a fever. Or was that, starve a cold, feed a fever? Which one is right — and how much does your diet really matter to your recovery?

Check back tomorrow for the answer.
(Source Medhelp.org)

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!