Seasonl Flu:
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.
Read more at the Center for Disease Control >>
Meningitis:
Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meningites. Read more at the Center for Disease Control >>
International Travel Health:
Information on destinations, vaccinations, injury & illness abroad and more at the Center for Disease Control >>>
Noroviruses:
A group of related, single-stranded RNA, nonenveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. Find out about symptoms and treatments from the Center for Disease Control >>>
2009 H1N1 Flu:
This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The virus spreads from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Read more at the Center for Disease Control >>
Colds:
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose -- everyone knows the first miserable signs of a common cold. Understand the basics and find out what to do to get rid of that nasty feeling at WebMD >>
Sinusitis:
Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Find out what causes sinusitis and what to do about it at WebMD >>
Dry Air Syndrome (DAS) aka Cold Weather Dehydration
When the heat comes on, the air we breath becomes dehydrated which in turn causes our skin and our mucus membranes to dry out. Dry, mucus membranes can swell and cause added discomfort. This situation then allows dust, dust mites, other allergens, viruses, and bacteria a better chance to invade our bodies. Excessively dry skin can crack and become very painful.
During warm weather we perspire and we become thirstier. This helps us to remember to drink more water. Truth be told, thirst is the body's way of telling us that we have used an excess of water and need even more than the 64 oz of water normally required in a day. In cold weather months, we just tend to forget to drink. Tea, decaffeinated beverages and juices don't hydrate us because all of them have diuretic properties.
So slather on the moisturizing lotion right after you shower while you're still wet to help trap the water that is on your skin. You can use a humidifier in the bedroom, or whole house, but be careful to use a hemostat as too much hydration can cause mold spores to grow and that is not good.
For those dry noses and annoying sinuses, use a salt water nasal spray (Saline nasal spray), or nose drops, several times a day to re-hydrate mucus membranes and flush sinuses. Most grocery stores and drug stores stock these over the counter remedies.
And drink your water!
American Social Health Association
"Since 1914, the American Social Health Association (ASHA) has been dedicated to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on preventing sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs/STIs) and their harmful consequences."
The Bacchus Network
"The BACCHUS Network™ is a university and community based network focusing on comprehensive health and safety initiatives."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
"Collaborating to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health - through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats."
CDC Travelers Health
"CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel."
Freedom From Fear
"The mission of FFF is to impact, in a positive way, the lives of all those affected by anxiety, depressive and related disorders through advocacy, education, research and community support. "
Go Ask Alice
"The Alice! Health Promotion Program seeks to make the campus healthier by connecting students with information and resources, cultivating healthy attitudes and behaviors and fostering a culture that values and supports a healthy community. "
The Mayo Clinic
"Our mission is to empower people to manage their health. We accomplish this by providing useful and up-to-date information and tools that reflect the expertise and standard of excellence of Mayo Clinic. "
National Eating Disorders Association
"Our organization is dedicated to providing education, resources and support to those affected by eating disorders. Whether you are an individual living with an eating disorder, a family member or friend looking to offer support to a loved one, or a treatment professional looking to help others - we have structured our site to address your needs."
National Institutes of Health
"Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives, NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases."
Planned Parenthood
"Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide."
smokefree.gov
"Smokefree.gov is intended to help you or someone you care about quit smoking. Different people need different resources as they try to quit. The information and professional assistance available on this Web site can help to support both your immediate and long-term needs as you become, and remain, a nonsmoker."
WebMD
"The WebMD content staff blends award-winning expertise in medicine, journalism, health communication and content creation to bring you the best health information possible."
Note: All quoted text comes directly from and is credited to each of the respective web sites.
