The 10 million-plus Americans who have allergic asthma — where allergy symptoms that result in asthma are triggered not only by seasonal plants but also environmental threats, such as cat dander, dust mites and mold — need to be especially careful over the next few months.

New research has revealed some additional flu-related health risks for this population that warrant taking extra protective measures to stay healthy when colds and flu are going around.

Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas learned that certain flu-fighting immune cells are disabled in people with allergic asthma and that exposure to allergens may depress their anti-flu immune response even further, says the study author, Michelle Gill, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics.

This means that people with allergic asthma may experience more intense flu symptoms… take longer to recover… and are at higher risk for serious complications such as pneumonia.

Dr. Gill’s study included 56 people, ages three to 35. Twenty-six had allergic asthma while the others had no known allergies.

Researchers took blood samples and then isolated immune cells that direct the body’s response to viral infections.

When the blood of those with allergic asthma was exposed to the flu virus and the relevant allergen, the cells’ ability to fight the flu virus was impaired about half the time.

The same thing happened when the cells were exposed to rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. A future study will examine whether the opposite response also occurs — that is, whether exposure to flu viruses blocks the allergic response, which could, ironically, make patients less allergic while they are sick with a cold or flu.

SPECIAL PROBLEM, SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

In the meantime, what we now know is that a person with allergic asthma (triggered by dust mites, for instance) is likely to have more trouble fighting off a flu or cold virus when the allergic trigger is also in play (the house isn’t clean).

So, said Dr. Gill, the important take-home finding here is that controlling the allergen triggers is especially important during flu season.

Be aware of your allergy triggers, and be vigilant about doing all you can to reduce exposure to them during flu season.

Take extra measures to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest and manage stress appropriately in order to support your health and immunity.

A naturopathic physician also may offer advice on what vitamins and supplements can be helpful in strengthening your immune system.

Ask your doctor whether you should get a flu shot.
Limit your exposure to people with flu as well as those with colds.

If you do get sick, see your doctor right away. Antivirals exist for the flu, and though there are none for cold viruses, your doctor can recommend appropriate testing and treatment.

Lastly, she says (no surprise here) — keep your hands clean.

Source(s):

Michelle Gill, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

Anyway you have been emailing me about the bodybuilders selected to represent Guam. This article should shed some light on most of your questions.

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Are you interested in performance sports and want to beef up so as to stand a better chance of making the team and even going professional?

To be an athlete, one must be tough mentally and physically. And while there are no shortcuts to strength training, some people use supplements to help their performance and endurance.

But it’s best to consult your doctor before putting any supplements in your body.

The Pacific Daily News recently sat down with Dr. Sean Fitzsimmons, a full-time orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Guam Surgicenter and Guam Memorial Hospital, to talk about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to supplements and improving performance and endurance.

Here’s what he had to say about how much of that is good for you and how much will hinder your performance:

Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks like Gatorade — These are good for endurance sports, Fitzsimmons said. People who are working out for 30 to 45 minutes have shown to perform better with carbohydrate electrolyte drinks, he said.

“It’s important to be hydrated on Guam when playing sports in a hot and humid environment,” he added.

Protein/protein shakes — Fitzsimmons said protein is advantageous if it’s lean protein like chicken, turkey or fish. He added that most people who are not vegetarians get enough protein in their diets.

Creatine — This has been shown to be effective for strength and power, but not useful in endurance sport because it causes dehydration, Fitzsimmons said.

“I wouldn’t recommend it for athletes who are practicing in hot weather,” he added. “I wouldn’t recommend anyone to take it.”

Amino acids — These are the building blocks for protein, but Fitzsimmons said these haven’t been shown effective in building muscles.

Caffeine — Caffeine is a stimulant that has been shown to have some performance benefits in endurance sports. However, its use is limited by athletic organizations like the International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Fitzsimmons said.

“Caffeine is a diuretic, so athletes need to be careful in using this in performance sports,” he added. “A diuretic can make you dehydrated. Dehydration can put you at risk for heat stroke — a serious medical condition.”
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LA: Charlie Melancon over David Vitter

WA: Patty Murray over Dino Rossi

WI: Russ Feingold over Ron Johnson

They will lose if the republicans have their way. The fix is in for them.

If you ever get tired of men(or just want to play), I am willing.

Nicolette