BLOG 287 ANEMIA

BLOG 287 ANEMIA 

When the blood lacks healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, anemia can develop. We need hemoglobin to bind oxygen. When a person has too few red blood cells or hemoglobin is abnormal, then the cells in the body do not get enough oxygen. Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S., affecting nearly 5.6% of the population. This condition is marked by fatigue because the organs are not getting the oxygen they need to function properly. Persons more susceptible are women, children, and people with chronic conditions. Infants can be affected from the time of birth is based down genetically. Women during pregnancy are more susceptible due to increased blood supply demands. Older adults are also risk because of medical conditions and poor diet.

There are actually different types of anemia, reaching nearly 400 kinds. The most common type is iron deficiency anemia which is very treatable. Iron supplements and diet modifications can be made. The three main groups of anemia are categorized according to causality. These include anemia caused by blood loss, anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells, and anemia caused by lack of or faulty red blood cells. Blood loss can be caused by gastrointestinal issues, anti-inflammatory drugs, and menstruation. Having low or faulty red blood cells can result from a lack of vitamins or mineral, sickle cell anemia, or bone marrow or stem problems. Sickle cells anemia occurs when the crescent shape of the red blood cells, which is a genetic condition, break down so quickly that the red blood cells cannot deliver the oxygen to organs. It is common among African Americans and Hispanics. When a person is deficient in vitamin B12 and folate, the body is not able to make red blood cells.

Symptoms of anemia depending on causality. The most common symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, and cold hands and feet. The role of red blood cells has become disrupted in the body. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which give them their color. Hemoglobin is what allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to the lungs and to all parts of the body and to also carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to the lungs to be exhaled.

The recipe the body needs to make red blood cells includes iron, folate, vitamin B12, and then other nutrients from one’s diet. The best food sources include animal products (red meat having more), white beans, cooked oysters, lentils, spinach, organ meats like liver, fortified cereals, sardines, tofu, and soybeans. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption so often it is recommended when taking an iron supplement and/or trying to benefit from the iron in the food you are consuming.

 Anemia should not be left untreated. It can result in rapid or irregular heartbeat, inability to complete daily tasks due to extreme fatigue, and complications with pregnancy. Healthy blood is needed for a healthy body, so be sure to seek help is your energy is zapped and you can’t seem to figure out why.

BLOG 286 MOSQUITO BITES

BLOG 286 MOSQUITO BITES

Summertime brings those pesky, itchy, pink colored bumps to our skin. Mosquito bites are the result of the mouthpart of the insect puncturing our skin and feeding on our blood…. Yuck!!!! For most of us, they bother for just a couple days then go away. However, certain people have worse reactions (especially children) which can include swelling and soreness to the area. In children, this is called skeeter syndrome. We all get them, some more than others, so let’s explore these common “bites” further.

The trouble is that mosquito bites can carry parasites and viruses. Some parts of the world are greatly affected by the West Nile virus that these bugs. Other illnesses included yellow fever and malaria. A person’s inflammatory response can include fever, hives, and swollen lymph nodes. Typically, one should see if a doctor if after a bite a person develops a fever, headache, or has body aches.

Did you know that the only mosquitos that bite us are female?? Males do not have the blood sucking mouth part. Females need the protein from our blood to produce eggs. The “ladybug” fills herself with our blood and then spits it back into our skin which causes the itchy bump. They are drawn to the scent of our skin, sweat, and our exhaled carbon dioxide.

We should avoid areas that are mosquito-filled and wear repellent when exposed. The strongest repellent is DEET. Wearing long sleeves and light colors is recommended. Mosquitos like standing water. Simple tricks at home can be changing bird bath water, unclogging roof gutters, getting rid of old tires sitting around, and emptying any flowerpots or outdoor items that collect water.

Some funny but effective at home tricks to relieve the itch include toothpaste, oatmeal, honey, baking soda, basil, vinegar, onion, and garlic. So basically, strong spices.

A few summers ago, I was getting bad reactions to the bites, with major swelling and redness to the areas. I’m an itcher so that didn’t help. However, infection can only worsen if you break the skin of the bite and have it exposed. The itching sensation doesn’t go away when we scratch, it only prolongs the scratching cycle. But that is some serous mental toughness to just let the bite be haha. I’m “bugging” out. I sort of equate mosquito bites to flea bites on our pets. They can be miserable. So, this summer, I know I make you sweaty and mosquito tasty, but be sure to shower right after workouts, drink your water so it isn’t idle, and wear long sleeves and pants when you go for your walks and runs at reasonably climate friendly times.

BLOG 285 RIGHT HANDED vs LEFT HANDED PEOPLE

BLOG 285 RIGHT HANDED vs LEFT HANDED PEOPLE

From the moment we learn how to use our hands, one side seems to feel more comfortable than the other. Shortly thereafter, we determine which will be our dominant hand that we use throughout life. How does this choice come to be, especially when nearly 85-90% of people are “right-handed”?

Historically, being left-handed has been the minority. Using scissors, knives, and desks were not accommodated for those who didn’t fit the norm.  Discrimination and stigmatism against “lefties have gone away. However, right is still associated with “correct” and left comes from the Latin interpretations of “sinister”.

DNA doesn’t determine which hand we are destined to use. From an evolutionary standpoint, if being left-handed was a disadvantage, it would have phased out and disappeared. From a combat perspective, to fight and defend yourself as a lefty is an advantage because most people are used to fighting against righties. Today this can also hold true for sports like fencing and other one-on-one sports.

We know which hand we favor by different life skills.  We know by the strength and ability when we write, throw a ball, use a fork, and/or when you reach for something. These motor skills don’t require us to pause and think which hand do I use? We just know. Even when we clap our hands, we place our dominant hand on top without even thinking about it. Typically, by the time we are almost 1 year old, we have the dominant hand established.

More research is needed to determine the exact reason we have a dominant hand and how this is determined. Brain development and/or environment can be influential, but this is yet to be validated. Some children might mimic their parent’s and use the hand their mom/dad uses. By school age, if a hand has not been established, typically the education system will guide the child and help them learn which hand will work best for them. It’s a skill to be ambidextrous and a rare ability that could be advantageous especially in the world of sports. We even wave hello and goodbye with our dominant hand.

BLOG 284 EYEBROWS & EYELASHES

BLOG 284 EYEBROWS & EYELASHES

We pluck them, trim them, shape them, and curl them. Eyebrows and eyelashes might seem all for aesthetics and we can get a little vain with their appearances. The reason we have both of them is to protect the eyes. As humans, we rely on sight more than any other sense, which means we want a strong defense when it comes to anything that could harm our vision.

Eyebrows

Eyebrows keep sweat and unwanted liquid, like rain, out of the eyes. They’re able to deflect debris and keep out water from blurring vision. They also shield our eyes from the sun. We might lose other body hair with age, but eyebrows tend to remain. Another role of the eyebrows is their ability to communicate via facial expressions. It’s like drawing a picture. Depending on how those lines above the eyes are drawn, the eyebrows can express anger, surprise, and an array of emotions. Eyebrows exaggerate our expressions.

Eyelashes

Eyelashes are also protective. One might think of eyelashes being like whiskers. If something touches our eyelashes, we blink so that none of the debris or substance will enter the eyes. If we didn’t have eyelashes, our reflex to blink would take much longer. We don’t always see what is coming our way.

Many people chose to alter their eyebrows and eyelashes for cosmetic reasons. This is fine but be careful of any mascara products or dyes you might use that can have toxins. Some people use these products to make their eyebrows and lashes longer and thicker.

There are certain health conditions that can cause someone to lose their eyebrows and/or eyelashes. Alopecia is a condition in which a person experiences patchy hair loss. Trichotillomania is a condition that occurs when someone has the compulsion to pull out their hair. Having an underactive thyroid can cause the eyebrows to become too thin. Lupus can cause the eyebrows to fall out. Therefore, sometimes eyebrows and eyelashes can be used as indications to be weary of our health and to seek medical attention. Thin, thick, long, or short, eyebrows and eyelashes serve a purpose, so protect them and they will protect you.

Sales are high for products that help grow thicker, fuller eyebrows and eyelashes. For this, there are actually natural remedies you can do at home versus spending money on expensive trial and errors products. Some you may already be doing for your skin but can now apply to these hairs. Natural remedies you can do at home include using coconut oil, tea tree oil, saw palmetto, lavender oil, and olive oil. It is also important not to over groom these hairs, such as over plucking your eyebrows. Sometimes overdoing it with makeup can hinder hair growth as well. Avoiding stress is always good and this theory aligns with the saying, “I’m so stressed, I’m losing my hair”. Well, eyebrows and eyelashes are hairs too.

Our face is our first impression and the most noticeable part of ourselves. With today’s technology, our face is on camera and in pictures now more than ever. Naturally taking self-care measures is not only part of good hygiene, but it can be a boost to our confidence, our self-efficacy, and even make us smile a little bigger because we feel good about the face we see in the mirror.