I've just been keeping the other kid busy with this:
Wailana Little Yogis Daydream Kit. It's working wonders so far. :D
Are Antibiotics Needed?
The dos and don'ts of antibiotic use.
by Dr. Rob for MSN Health & Fitness
Dr. Rob
Can you identify with this scenario? You have a runny nose and it's getting sore. Your throat hurts and you ache all over. So you may think, hey, what harm would it do to take an antibiotic? Before you run to your doctor for a prescription, read on.
According to the American College of Physicians, "Antibiotic treatment of colds, bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections is almost always inappropriate." In fact, most of these problems can be better managed by our bodies own immune defense system, with additional help for symptoms from home remedies such as chicken soup, warm tea with honey (not for children less than one year of age) or gargling with salt water. Sounds like Dr. Mom's advice, huh?
It's important to know that antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Yet, many individuals take these medications for infections caused by viruses with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, clogged ear and irritated throat. And, since we are not using the antibiotics properly, they become less effective against the very infections they were designed to treat.
Because of this concern, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to add a warning label stating that the "inappropriate use of antibiotics will make them less effective in the war against bacterial infections." And, the potential overuse of antibiotics is so important that the American Society of Internal Medicine has issued guidelines for physicians on the proper use of these medications.
However, we all need to work together, so here are some suggestions to help in our battle against antibiotic resistant infections:
* Don't demand an antibiotic from your doctor. (Remember, you are going to your physician for their professional opinion, so it's important to have one you trust.)
* Do finish your prescription as directed. (If you stop taking your antibiotic as soon as you are feeling better but before the prescription is finished, the infection may come back with a vengeance.)
* Do follow the directions. (Take on an empty stomach, one or more times per day, not with milk products, etc.)
* Don't take leftover medications.
* Do get vaccinated to decrease your risk of becoming infected with a vaccine preventable illness.
* Do exercise, eat right and get proper rest to build up your immune system.
* Do wash your hands regularly throughout the day. (Antibacterial soap is NOT necessary as rubbing your hands together for 15 seconds with regular soap and water will do just fine). Hand sanitizers are also an effective alternative if water is not within easy access.
While instructions to wash your hands may seem like a no-brainer, apparently many individuals skip this important infection fighter. A 2007 study sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association observed hand-washing behaviors at selected locations in the cities of Atlanta, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. The results found that 88 percent of women washed their hands after visiting a public restroom, while only 66 percent of men did. Needless to say, hand washing is extremely important and there is no reason the figures shouldn't reach 100 percent.
So, the next time you have a cough or cold, don't insist on getting an antibiotic. Even though it may not seem like it, your physician is actually looking out for your best interests when suggesting you do not need that particular medication. If your condition doesn't improve in a few days or begin to get worse, let your doctor know, as a new examination may be necessary.
