On a flight to China last year, I was awoken by a flight attendant who requested I look at a passenger who apparently had become ill 8 hours into our 12 hour flight. The “patient” was a 12 year old young girl traveling with her mother, neither spoke English. A flight attendant acted as my interpreter.

The only clear story I could get from the translation was the concern of the mother that her daughter had a fever. Trying to confirm that the only concern of the mother was a fever, I was a bit animated in my attempt to confirm the only concern was that her daughter had a fever. When the word fever was spoken loudly, several of the passengers near by got out of their seats and moved away. Remember, this was the season of H1N1. I realized I now had more to deal with than the “ill patient”.

At that time, the nation seemed to be on the brink of a vaccine crisis for the H1N1 condition. Production delays led to shortages, people were confused about who needed that vaccine as well as the regular annual flu shots. Health agencies could have been clearer in there messaging to the public. The quick manufacturing process led to uncertainty about its safety and effectiveness and resurrected concerns about vaccine safety in general.

Research continues to document the benefits of other vaccines, in particular, two problems that plaque older people, pneumonia and shingles. However, immunization rates for adults still lag far behind those for children. Many physicians still under value vaccinations for adults. Adult patients need to take the lead in talking with their healthcare provider about the shots they need; be the CEO of your health.

This season, there will be just one influenza vaccine for almost everyone older than 6 months. It is best to get vaccinated soon after the vaccine become available, usually in September, so you will have protection for the whole flu season. In June 2010 the CDC reported preliminary results that showed that for every 1 million vaccinations, there was less than one extra case of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Additional studies found that people who get the shot have a strong immune response to it, which indicates that the vaccine provides substantial protection against the virus. People who regularly get vaccinated against the flu reduce their risk of developing potentially deadly complications from the disease.

Shingles, a recurrence of the chicken-pox virus can trigger rashes and nerve pain. Even though the vaccine has been available since 2006, it is reported that only 2 to 7 percent of eligible adults have had the shot. People 60 years and older and who don’t have a weakened immune system should discuss this vaccination with their healthcare provider.

Pneumoccus bacterium which causes a serious form of pneumonia, has a better record with about 35 percent of adults over 65 not being vaccinated. Younger people at high risk of developing respiratory problems are candidates for this vaccination, since complications from the infection hospitalize or kills a significant number of people.


Are you up-to-date on your vaccines? The following vaccines can cause mild side effects, including redness, soreness or rashes around the injection site. Occasionally, more serious side effects might occur, especially in those who experience an allergic reaction. Vaccines recommended by the CDC have a very good safety record, and all offer benefits that far outweigh any risks.

You should review your vaccination history with your healthcare provider. The vaccines to be addressed should include the following;
- Hepatitis A and B
- Chicken pox
- Human Papillomavirus
- Influenza
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis

After a thorough physical examination I explained to the mother, that her daughter was fine and had NO fever. As this information was translated by the flight attendant, the surrounding passengers smiled and returned to their seats. The Captain wanted to know the status of the passenger, as if I had any concerns of H1N1, we all would be quarantined on the airplane for 4 hours, once we landed at our destination.

My diagnosis confirmed as I noted the young girl was wildly running around the airport while we waited patiently for our luggage. My wife and I enjoyed the bottle of Champagne presented to me, by the Captain, as we deplaned. It was a great start to our vacation.

Aftermath of the World Soccer Cup!

Over the last month, no matter what North American City I found my self in, I made one observation common to all. Bars and coffee shops had their TV’s tuned to the soccer matches and enthusiastic patrons went wild when their favorite team scoured. Walking between terminals in Louisville, KY, taxicab drivers waiting in their parking lot, had their radios blaring the game and several were kicking a soccer ball around while they waited for a fare.

One could not help but notice how fit the players appeared, hardly an ounce of body fat, even when they were lying on the ground, feigning an injury. This world event has had an interested aftermath for certain individuals. They have become inspired to “get into shape again.” Great news, but what should you know before starting your exercise program. First I would caution, get in shape to play rather then playing to et in shape.

Yes exercise is good for your health, every health practitioner may tell you to get more exercise, as there are significant benefits for you. The benefits of exercise include: decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke; decreased risk of colon and breast cancer; decreased risk of diabetes, osteoporosis; and decreased risk of depression and dementia.

Exercise also improves your metabolic processes; improves movement of joints and muscles; improves sense of well-being and improves strength and endurance.

Perhaps the most important aspect for success in exercising is your motivation. If you align your interest in exercising with your purpose in life, you are much more likely to be successful in maintaining a regular exercise program and receive the benefits you not only deserve, but you desire.

Exercise can be thought of as a menu rather than a diet. Choose physical activities that you enjoy personally, sports, dancing, or swimming. Develop an interest or hobby that requires physical activity. Plan to exercise with friends. You can adopt routines such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the store for milk or parking your car at the farthest end of the parking lot when you are shopping. Use an accountability process to confirm your progress. Pedometers worn daily with a 10,000 step target, are an accurate way of accessing your cardio exercise.

What is the best exercise for you? It is the exercise you enjoy and the one you will do. However, an exercise program that includes aerobic exercises, strength, flexibility, and balanced training provide you with the best health benefits.

Aerobic exercise is any activity that makes your muscles use oxygen. You heart has to work harder to get oxygen to your muscles and this makes your heart stronger. Aerobic exercises decrease your blood pressure and your resting heart rate which puts less stress on your heart. This type of exercise will also increase your “good” cholesterol (HDL), burn more calories and help you lose weight. Individuals who complete 10,000 steps a day for a year, on average will lose between 11 and 14 pounds.

Strength or resistance training builds muscle strength, helps maintain bone density and associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Isometric training, pushing against a wall, does not lengthen the muscle but eccentric contractions, the down phase as weights are lowered, do. Concentric contractions, a bicep curl, shorten the muscle. Strength or resistance training can benefit individuals well into their 90s.

Flexibility or stretching can be particularly useful for yore back. This can prevent cramps, stiffness and injuries and improve joint movement. Flexibility practices such as YOGA, Tai chi and Pilates also involve breathing techniques that reduce stress.

Using balance accessories such as balls, Bosu ball or a balance board will strengthen your core muscles and help prevent injuries particularly from falls.

There are three ways to mea sue your exercise: frequency, duration and intensity. Try to get 150 minutes of exercise per week to enjoy the benefits for regular exercise. A goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes at a time. The intensity provides a good measure of your aerobic exercise. Maintaining your target heart rate for 20 minutes is a good goal. Your target heart rate can be calculated my figuring out your maximum heart rate. (MHR)

MHR = 220 – age. An example, if you are 40 years old your MHR would be 180 beats per minute. (220 – 40 = 180). Your target rate should be between 60 to 80 percent of your MHR. ( 60 % of 180 = 108, and 80% of 180 = 153) During your exercise, if you heart rate is below 108, you need to speed up and if your heart rate is greater than 153 you need to slow down.

Don’t forget to cool down after your exercise and let your heart rate and breathing return to a normal level. This is a good time to stretch the muscles you used for about 10 minutes.

Well you may not be ready for the next world cup, but you will enjoy the health benefits you desire.

Dr. Larry Ohlhauser

Is Kindness Contagious?

Last week I was getting an early morning coffee at the local drive-through. When I approached the window and started to hand over the change for my coffee, the attendant stopped me and said my order had already been paid. Bemused, I asked her how that could be.

"The customer ahead of you does this every morning. He pays for his coffee and then leaves behind enough for the next customer. It's his way of brightening up someone's morning I guess."

I thought that was a great idea and handed over my money. "That's for the next one in line."

Random acts of kindness seem to have a way of spreading, and it usually doesn't take much to bring a smile to an unsuspecting stranger's face.

Speaking of people who don't get what they expect when they place an order, check out this Japanese restaurant where you receive the order of the person ahead of you.

Andropause

Welcome to adulthood-May I take your testosterone?
If you’re male and over 35, you almost definitely have less testosterone than you used to. But you think that everything related to testosterone is working, so why worry.

Symptoms:
- decreased libido
- decreased strength
- loss of muscle mass
- lack of energy
- loss of sense of well being, depression
- falling asleep after dinner.

Diagnosis:

Blood tests ordered by your physician at certain times during the day.

Treatment;

Generally reserved only for men diagnosed with enough deficiency to cause problems. It is not an anti aging miracle treatment for men with normal testosterone levels.

Pros:
Improves muscle mass
Improves bone strength
Decrease levels of LDL, the lousy cholesterol, therefore cardio protective
Improve insulin sensitivity

Cons:
Criticism that testosterone therapy increase the risk of prostate cancer, although not clinically proven.
May increase risk of heart disease

How is it taken:

Taken as an injection.
Gel or patch
Sublingually, under the tongue
Blood tests needed to monitor hormone levels.

http://www.thehealthyceo/: download a self assessment questionnaire

Tip of the day: So if you are losing your testosterone after 35, it is time to start with the exercise program including strength training to increase muscle mass and decrease osteoporosis.