Health & Wellness
Expert Advice on the Flu Don’t forget about the other flu!
Spiro Kangles BSP Pharmacist/Owner The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
W
ith the H1N1 flu pandemic getting most of the attention these days in the media, we tend to forget about the other “flu.” But every year there are upwards of 6,700 deaths in Canada due to influenza and pneumonia, and countless otherwise healthy children and adults miss school or work because of “the flu.” Symptoms are quite different from those of a cold. They typically include a sudden high fever (38-40 C), loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and weakness, headache, dry cough, chills, sweating, and muscle aches and pains. A bout of influenza could leave you bedridden for five to 10 days and can worsen diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease or cancer. The influenza
virus is highly contagious, spreading rapidly from person to person, usually by airborne droplets carried by coughs or sneezes. The virus can even survive on the surface of an inanimate object for up to 48 hours! The flu virus continually changes from year to year, so you need an annual flu shot to make sure your body forms antibodies against the new flu viruses. The recommended time for influenza immunization is the period from October to December, even though one could receive a shot as late as March. The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to provide maximum protection and lasts up to six months, and is shown to prevent illness in approximately 70 to 90 percent. Anyone who wants
protection should consider getting a flu shot, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women, health care workers and anyone suffering from chronic disease. If you’ve had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine or are allergic to eggs (chicken eggs are used in the production of the vaccine) or Thimerosal (a preservative present in contact lens solutions and the vaccine) then you should not receive the flu shot. The flu vaccine is very safe, but like any medication, side effects can occur ranging from soreness and swelling at the site of injection to fever or muscle aches shortly after administration. Lifethreatening reactions are very rare. The flu shot is also
considered safe in pregnant women of all stages of pregnancy and also for breastfeeding mothers. So, as influenza season approaches, be sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor for further information regarding the flu vaccine! FLR Spiro Kangles BSP, Pharmacist/Owner The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy 5928 Rochdale Blvd. Regina Ph: 306-775-1343
Health & Wellness
Minimize Sun Damage And Age Spots Trena Olfert, Skin Care Expert. TÄNDA Holistic Spa & Skin Therapy
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ummer is supposed to be on its way out and now is the perfect time to correct the damage done to your skin. How do you begin correcting sun damage and pigmentation? The first step is to consider avoiding the sun and UV rays. UV rays when entering the body may release carcinogens which are toxic to the body and may lead to further health problems. Second step towards minimizing sun spots, if you’re not already; get on a quality skin-care line designed with lightening or age-defying ingredients. Quality does not necessarily mean expensive, just be sure the product has been manufactured by the actual brand name it represents. Several products are
owned and manufactured with hundreds of other brands within the same facility. Be cautious of products with organic or natural, as you need to question if their ingredients are really derived from a holistic source (preferably their own) or if they actually grow their organic ingredients. Spas or beauty clinics usually carry a professional line that is safe and effective for your personal skincare regimen. The third step is to look for lightening-enhanced ingredients such as lemon bioflavonoid, acerola cherry, bitter orange peel, hydrolyzed oats...to list a few. You may be able to find these ingredients in a skin-care line, an evening treatment, or at-
home facial mask. Your local spa or professional facialist will be able to assist you with professional treatments to get the process rolling. As discussed in the summer issue, wear sunscreen even during the winter months to prevent further damage. Also, don’t forget to exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate. This does not mean to aggressively scrub your skin off; your skin-care line may include exfoliating properties to help the skin shed itself naturally, thus minimizing the appearance of sun damage and brown spots. The last suggestion to consider is diet and exercise. Pigmentation has been associated with hormones, so when our diet and Fall 2009
exercise regimen is in check, our body responds better and heals itself properly. Remember your skin is revealing what is occurring on the inside. Keep everything in balance and you may be able to minimize pigmentation gracefully! FLR TÄNDA Holistic Spa & Skin Therapy Ph: 306 586-1321 www.tandaspay.com fine lifestyles regina
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