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The coffee table talk goes very low when you whisper, “yeast infection”, but the body screams RELIEF NOW! A trip to the doctor, adverse side effects and nothing natural would be the next thought. Can there be a natural solution to a disease that each woman will suffer at least twice in her life?

Yeast infection is like a ghost waiting to scare young and older women when their body becomes out of balance due to stress, dubious partners, hormonal changes and/or immune system weakness.

A few women will elude this voracious monster but unfortunately most will be frightened at least twice in their life and others will live with a chronic reoccurrence of yeast infection.

The most important message is to recognize the yeast infection early and try an available natural remedy that you can use in the comfort of the home that is safe and no prescription required.

Natural antibiotics are always a choice that should be taken over a prescription if possible. Colloidal silver has been a patented drug and then relabeled a natural supplement. Oregano oil is also a natural antibiotic.

In addition to natural antibiotics there are two other home remedies that have been used to control yeast infection, yogurt insertion and tea tree oil. The body will always respond quicker to a natural solution and return to a healthy state if it doesn’t have a compound job to do. The dual duty of the immune system would be trying to rid the body of an invasive disease while expelling man made toxins in prescription drugs that usually cause unbalanced ph in the blood and immune system.

Natural antibiotics and home remedies are not in any way the answer to all medical problems and do not take the place of a medical doctor. However taking care of your body and boosting your immune system to support good health is your everyday job. Only you know that responsibility best.

The World Wide Web has become a highway to a library of testimonials for natural disease remedies. There is an effort to suppress all natural vitamin, herbs, minerals and home remedy practice. We are a voice crying RELIEF in cyberspace from the proven archives of our word-of-mouth ancestors. We practice freedom of speech, and deny that these references are an attempt to diagnose or treat any disease, symptom or individual.

Yeast infection treatments can be administered at home with prescription medication or potentially after recommendations from people who have experienced it. Treatment can take effect within a week. If your infection is not too severe, you can continue with your home treatment, but if you are experiencing heavy infections, it is important to consult your doctor. There might be some symptoms that means your particular infection is not appropriate for self-treatment or medication.

You can buy yeast infection treatments over the counter (OTC) in drugstores without a prescription from the doctor. Some examples of common treatments are: Miconazole, Tioconazole, Butoconazole and Clotrimazole.

These medications are known as the azole treatments, which block the production of ergosterol. Ergosterol is present in yeast cell walls. In the absence of ergosterol, the yeast cell wall deteriorates and the yeast cell dies. Azole treatments are proven safe to use and are known to effectively fight probable symptoms of yeast infection.

Nystatin and amphotericin B. are good treatments, which can be found in Polyene antifungals. Nystatin is known to be effective for superficial candidal infections and also for thrush while amphotericin B is reserved for more serious cases of fungal infection. These works by attacking ergosterol in the yeast cell wall.

These treatments are applied by topically over a period of 1-7 days, but always read the labels carefully for the correct application procedure. You should watch carefully in case irritation occurs. If it does, you should discontinue using the medication immediately. Pregnant women are not advised to use these medications without prescription from their doctors.

Other medical treatments include pills, creams, troches, lotions and vaginal depositories. To know the right and safe option, you should always seek the advice of your doctor.

OTC products are useful in treating vaginal yeast infections. They tend to be made up of four active ingredients that stop the spread of yeast infection. These drugs are part of the anti-fungal family, which works actively to stop and break down the cell wall of the Candida and bacteria. OTC treatments have been approved by the FDA to effectively stop forms of yeast infection, however, it is useful to be aware that antibiotics may disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria present in the vagina and intestine, which may lead to diarrhea, vaginitis and constipation.

It is important to carefully understand and take seriously yeast infection treatment. If it is your first time visiting your doctor regarding a yeast infection, you should be open and candid with the symptoms that you have as this will help the doctor determine if your infection is manageable or needs more serious treatments. When the doctor explains the effects and how the treatments can be handled properly, you should listen closely so that you can apply the treatment effectively. The use of vaginal suppositories and creams need the right dosage as if used incorrectly your infection may get worse.

What To Do If Someone You Know Is Diagnosed With Bird Flu

Bird flu is a scary and devastating disease. It has been decades since an influenza virus has had such misfortunate potential. With the virus sweeping through most of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it is just a matter of time before it reaches every corner of the world. If the virus mutates, an even more deadly issue will be at hand. With such negative predictions, it is almost impossible not to imagine yourself or a love one at the hands of the disease. What would you do if this virus hit home?

The important thing to understand is the infection of bird flu is not necessarily a death sentence. Although a large number of deaths have occurred, almost half of those infected survived the disease. Therefore, with advanced medicine and proper care, a person may be able to live after bird flu.

What you do if someone you know is diagnosed will greatly depend on how well you know the person. Is it a friend? Acquaintance? Family member? Obviously, if it is a close friend or family member, you will want to be as supportive as possible. This will be a difficult time for them and any assistance you can provide will probably be greatly appreciated. On the other hand, if you are only dealing with an acquaintance, you may feel relieved and fortunate to have not suffered the same fate. While you may feel guilt at this thought, you can consider it a wake up call to bring the risk to your attention. You may also use this time to lend a helping hand, although you do not feel emotionally obligated to do so.

When someone you know becomes infected, you should also consider the source of the infection and the severity of the threat present. If a family member becomes ill while working on a family farm, you may ascertain infected agricultural animals are to blame and the threat must be alleviated. On the other hand, if no apparent cause is known, human to human contact may be a consideration. This is not only essential information for you to know, but also health professionals in your area. Currently human contact is not a transmission means; therefore, the onset of such would be of great concern.

The important thing to remember is to be there for your loved ones and feel blessed that you are available to help them as opposed to sharing their fate. You will, of course, want to be careful not to become infected during this time, if it can be avoided.

Women often face infection and inflammation of the vulva and vagina which is known as vulvovaginitis. This disease is uncomfortable but it could be easily treated. The common symptoms include itching, irritation or pain in the external genital area and pain in the vagina during intercourse. This vaginal discharge is heavier than usual and is discolored and has an unpleasant odor.

Healthy vaginal discharge is made up of aging cells that cast off from your vaginal walls, secretions from the cervix that help to protect the uterus from infection and aid in fertility and other chemicals produced by vaginal bacteria and fungi.

There could be some changes in the vaginal discharge that could be normal and bear no relation to any possible infection. These changes are governed by the menstrual cycle and shifting hormonal patterns of puberty and menopause.

Very high levels of sexual hormones are necessary to produce vaginal discharge and therefore during childhood and menopause when hormone levels are very low, this discharge is minimal. During the reproductive years, your discharge changes in response to your monthly cycle. And as your hormone level drops after menstrual period, it becomes lighter. When new eggs begin to develop in the ovaries, the level of estrogen and progesterone increases and this leads to a white cream color discharge. At the time of ovulation this discharge changes abruptly and becomes transparent and stretchy like egg white.

How to keep away from such infections?
Various microscopic organs live in an acidic environment that prevents overproduction of any species and repel foreign invaders. Factors that worsen this balance include sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, menopause and chronic illness such as emotional stress and clothing that holds in body heat and moisture.

You should take good care of yours and have healthy, varied diet and maintain proper weight. You need to reduce stress through exercise, meditation and other activities that relieves tension.

For more information, visit our website womensreproductivehealth.info

It is a common problem with no serious or permanent ill-effects. Tinea Versicolor is a fungus which mainly affects adolescent or teenagers skin. This occurs due to heavy growth of the yeast on the skin surface. When such kind of a growth occurs it causes uneven skin color, scaling which can be itchy. An oily skin type makes things easier for this kind of a condition. The area affected is the neck, upper chest and back. You develop these spots which are light reddish brown in color.

Yeast named Pityrosporum Orbiculare or Malassezia Furfur is the main cause of this condition. It is lipophilic which means fats are its vulnerability. This provides you the reason of infestation in a specific area like chest, arms and back. As these parts have huge number of sebaceous oily glands. The yeast remains dormant in our skin and with specific changes in environment like warm weather it reacts to it accordingly. When the skin is exposed to excess heat it causes the skin to tan which is affected by the fungus. The warm weather aggravates this problem further.

Tinea Versicolor can be easily recognized. It is generally seen as small, scaly whitish-pink or tanned brown spots scattered all over your body. This fungus grows slowly, preventing the skin to tan in a normal fashion. It can be mistaken as any other skin disease but by doing some relevant tests it can be confirmed as Tinea Versicolor. Even after treating this condition the pigment changes may take a while to disappear.

Some of the other known causes for this condition are the removal of adrenal gland, Cushings disease, pregnancy, malnutrition, burns, steroid therapy, curbed immune system, oral contraceptives, increased heat and humidity. Once you start getting treatments change the bedding as well as night clothes to avoid any recurrence. You may have to continue with this treatment to prevent its return. To start with you can do the re-treating once for 3-4 weeks and then once for 3-4 months.

Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor

It can be treated by antifungal agents who are good in eradicating the lesions. These medicines include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole.

Over the counter dandruff shampoo also seems to work. The presence of selenium in the shampoos works against the fungus. A layer of this shampoo spread on the affected area and kept overnight could work out properly for your skin.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

The Dangers of Avian Flu as it Spreads to More Countries

As some of you will know, I first started writing about Avian or Bird Flu in May, 2005, since then it has spread to more countries, with the latest being the continent of Africa, namely Nigeria just announced, Turkey and Romania where there has been a number of deaths in the last few weeks.

I have also mentioned before that I believe that two of the best things that anyone can do to help themselves, is to ensure that their Immune System is functioning as efficiently as is possible, in other words, using your own preventative system to ward off the virus, and the second thing to do is to say a prayer.

Whether you visit my websites and use the products that I offer to help your immune system, or whether you go somewhere else, that is your choice, but, the important thing is that you do something.

Medical supply companies state that in recent times there has been a huge increase in the sale of surgical masks, about 500%. Please don’t think that they will help you as a normal surgical mask is worn by surgeons and nurses to protect the patient from receiving germs breathed out by medical staff, not to prevent the surgical staff from receiving germs from the patient.

Masks in fact could enhance the spread of flu, because when a mask becomes damp through breathing, it loses nearly all of it efficiency in protecting the wearer from inhaling the germs.
If you touch your mask with your fingers the virus can be spread wherever your fingers go, door knobs, touching your own nose or mouth, or other peoples hands.

Masks that can filter out germs, are usually large and cumbersome, also expensive, and they must have a very secure seal around your nose and mouth, they are a long way from being 100% secure.

The current drugs available, like Tamiflu, might help, once you have the flu, and there is currently no vaccine available, to prevent you from catching the flu, because it can’t be produced until the virus has mutated, that fortunately has not happened yet.

If mutation occurs, the virus will be isolated and then rushed to the three laboratories in the world that is used by the United Nations, World Health Organisation to produce a vaccine to fight, prevent and to overcome any pandemic. These three laboratories are usually the ones used each year to design the anti flu vaccine, that is used worldwide, then it is passed to various manufacturers for mass production.

You should be getting the idea, that if this virus becomes pandemic, perhaps hundreds of thousands of people will die, at this point in time it is still only going from bird to bird and to human and not human to human. Hopefully the virus will not mutate, unfortunately a number of scientists believe that it is not will it mutate, but when.

There is wide concern in Europe, the Governments of countries near to, or bordering with Turkey, are taking numerous precautions to stop the spread, the problem is, how do you prevent birds from flying over the border? birds know nothing about borders or passports and visa’s.

There is without doubt a spread of Bird Flu, as it first started in Asia spreading to adjoining countries by passing from bird to bird, with a few human deaths everywhere that it has been, I feel sure that it will not stop in Turkey, that would be very naive, it will spread to bordering countries, where lots of farm livestock such as chickens will have to be put down, making chicken and eggs more expensive due to short supply.

I will once again emphasise that the important things to do, is to make sure you have an efficient immune system and say a prayer.

Is it a sinus infection or a common cold? Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish the difference. Infection or inflammation of the sinuses also known as sinusitis affects millions of people every year and in many instances causes serious discomfort or pain. The symptoms of sinus infections actually depend upon which of the four sinuses are affected and whether or not the sinus infection is acute or chronic.

Acute sinusitis normally lasts eight weeks or less or occurs no more than three times per year with an average episode lasting less than ten days. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand normally lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting longer than twenty days.

There are many symptoms of acute sinus infection including nasal discharge, post nasal drip whereby mucus drips down the throat behind the nose, facial pain or pressure in the area of the affected sinus cavities, fever and headaches.

Symptoms of chronic sinus infection include chronic soar throat, chronic nasal discharge, bad breath, prolonged facial pain, discomfort below the eyes or across the bridge of the nose, toothaches and low-grade headaches.

It is often difficult to determine whether or not you have a common cold or a sinus infection. For example, a stuffy nose could be a symptom of a sinus infection or a common cold.

Your doctor can diagnose sinusitis using an assortment of methods including listening to your symptoms, doing a physical examination, taking X-rays, and if necessary, an MRI or CT scan (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography).

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What is actually allergy rhinitis? Allergy rhinitis is an allergic disease, which is caused by the sensitinogen that reacting on the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity. It consists two types that are perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year; whereas, seasonal allergic rhinitis usually occurs during the blossoming or flowering season. In this season, plants start to release their pollen for breeding purpose. Pollen is one of the sensitinogens to the allergic rhinitis. Clinical features of allergic rhinitis are; itching in the nose, sneezing, watery nasal discharge and nasal obstruction. There are about 20 % of adults and children have seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis [Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1986;94:470-5]. Although it is prevalence in most of the countries regardless tropical or seasonal, most of the conditions are not treated adequately and the consequence is that allergic rhinitis becomes chronic. The chronic state of allergic rhinitis usually will lead to more serious complications of the upper and lower airways such as asthma, sinusitis and otitis media with effusion. Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. Fluid is built up in the middle ear and causes temporary lose of hearing. However, if this chronic disease is not treated properly, it may lead to permanent hearing impairment.

A few medical scientists had carried out surveys to study the epidemiologic links between allergic rhinitis and other airway diseases. What they had found out were, 78% of patients who had asthma were also had allergic rhinitis [Allergy 1983;38:25-9]. They also found out that 99% of adults and 93% of adolescents, who had allergic asthma, also had allergic rhinitis [J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:S138]. Besides, the other study that had been carried out for 23 years was found out that college students who previously had allergic rhinitis had three times higher the possibility to have asthma compared to those students who had not had allergic rhinitis before [Allergy Proc 1994;15:21-5].

Many researches and works had been carried out to study the epidemiologic link between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The results had been well documented. The earlier study showed that 53% of children, who had allergic rhinitis, also had sinusitis [J Allergy Clin Immunol 1978;61:310-4]. They proved this from the children abnormal sinus radiographs. Whereas, recent study showed that up to 70% of children, who had allergy and chronic rhinitis, had abnormal sinus radiographs [J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988;82:935-40]. 78% of the patients who had recurrent sinus infection, rhinitis allergy was coming together with their extensive sinus disease. For the children who had otitis media with effusion, 40 to 50% of them had allergic rhinitis [J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:S787-97.]. This was confirmed by positive allergy skin tests or increased serum IgE antibodies to specific allergens test.

Scientist had proposed a model for the development of sinusitis and otitis media. Their proposed model assumes that the earliest cause for sinusitis is not bacterial infection but it is due to the obstruction in the nasal cavity, which hinders the normal movement of air and secretions in and out of sinuses. Virus that causes nasal inflammation is upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) type, which is called rhinovirus. Research had been carried out to study the effect of this virus to the nasal diseases. The result showed that when rhinovirus is inoculated into the nasal passage of a group people, one third of these people would develop sinus abnormities and typical sinus disease symptoms [J Allergy Clin Immunol 1992;90:474-8]. Another study also showed that 87% of healthy adult, who voluntarily went through self-diagnosed colds, had maxillary sinuses illness [Engl J Med 1994;330:25-30].

Fluid inside the sinus cavity must be drained normally to keep the nasal healthy. When nasal being infected by bacteria or virus, or exposure to allergen, dust or chemicals, thicken secretion will be developed and it has higher possibility blocks the narrowed sinus ostia (opening that connect to the sinus cavity). Accumulation of these secretions in the sinus cavity will lead to further obstruction, mucosal swelling and also thicken the sinus mucosa. This will create an anaerobic environment that further favorite the bacterial growth and lead to infection. Congested sinus ostia must be resolved if not, it will lead to recurrent acute and eventually chronic nasal disease. This model also explained why chronic sinusitis is resistant to the antimicrobials treatment alone. To treat the sinusitis properly, antihistamines and corticosteroids have to be used as a combination with the antimicrobials treatment.

A similar model had been developed by scientist to explain the occurrence of otitis media with effusion. 83% of the children had at least once occurrence of acute otits media by the time they reach 3 years old [J Infect Dis 1989;160:83-94]. This model hypothesizes that nasal inflammation that is caused by allergens or URTIs virus will further cause inflammatory swelling and obstruction of the Eustachian tube. Obstruction of the Eustachian tube will increase negative pressure in the middle area and without improper ventilation; fluids will accumulate in the middle ear. Obstructed Eustachian tube will open occasionally with an effusion and this will suck the inner nasal secretion, which contain bacteria, virus and allergens into the middle ear cavity. Consequently, this will cause acute bacterial otitis media.

From the information above that have been gathered from various scientific publications, we know that common nasal allergy should not be left untreated. This is because it will lead to obstruction, fluid accumulation, bacterial infection and acute disease. If these diseases are not treated properly or successfully, a chronic state of inflammation, nasal congestion, and sinus infection will be developed and it can cause mucosal damage and ultimately, chronic disease. If the disease spreads to the middle ear, it will cause permanent hearing impairment

Pure Water Hydration in an Avian Flu Pandemic – The Value of Planning in Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. Metro Area

A threat to the nations health is emerging in Asia and the Indian Sub Continent that has potentially devastating implications. Avian Flu (the H5N1 strain of Influenza A) is a fact in many parts of Asia, although to date the avian strain has not combined with human influenza in a sustained manner. If a new strain emerges in humans with the fatality profile of the H5N1 virus, the effect on the world population will be dramatic.

When the combination to create a human to human strain occurs however, and isolated cases may already involve human to human transmission, the conditions precedent to a world wide pandemic will be met. Pandemic flu is defined as a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person world wide. (Source: Grattan Woodson, MD, FACP) The original Avian Flu (H5N1) represents a deadly strain for humans with a 50% mortality rate and many experts believe that the pandemic could be equally lethal..

Pandemics occur when existing flu strains mutate and make their way from birds or swine to humans in a new strain for which humans have little no immunity. Historically pandemic influenza has caused widespread damage and death. Influenza pandemics are a regular occurrence in history.

Pandemics in History

To date, only influenza outbreaks account for pandemics and pandemics have occurred throughout history. Over thirty pandemics have happened in recorded history. All influenza pandemics infect many times more people than normal seasonal ( flu caused by viruses that are already among people) influenza outbreaks. In addition major pandemics can have severe adverse effects on the economy and daily life.

Three flu pandemics occurred in the 20th century with differing levels of intensity..

The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic- A “major level event” pandemic that accounted for over 50 million deaths world wide.( Originated in Kansas, USA)

The 1957-58 Asian Flu pandemic A minor level event pandemic that accounted for 36,000 deaths in the United States alone

The Hong Kong Influenza of 1968-69 A “minor level event “pandemic that accounted for about the same level of deaths as seasonal flu.

The severity of a pandemic depends upon the virus that causes it and the H5N1 Avian flu virus has proven to be particularly fatal to humans. One fact is clear: pandemic influenza will occur again it is only a question of when. When a virus starts to spread easily and rapidly among humans the conditions for a pandemic have been met.

The 20th century pandemic examples occurred in waves of illness of up to three waves over a 9-12 month period. Often the first wave was not the most severe. During the 1918 Pandemic, over 90% of the deaths of the pandemic occurred during the second wave.

Human Impact on Virginia of a Medium Level Event

Northern Virginia is a densely populated, high technology corridor adjacent to Washington, D.C.. Because of the buildup in the Homeland Defense industry as a result of the war on terrorism, the population is large and experiencing rapid growth. Many of the new comers are young professionals with young families.

Based upon historic data a medium level event, more serious than the Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957-58 but not as severe as the 1918 Pandemic, will result in the following estimates for the State of Virginia:

2,700 to 6,300 deaths

12,000 to 28,500 hospitalizations

575,000 to 1.35 million outpatient visits

1.08 million to 2.52 million people becoming sick

Estimates for losses from a major level event are significantly higher.

Infrastructure Impact

In addition to human damage, the effect on the infrastructure will be considerable. Having a large number of ill people will be very destructive to the infrastructure. A major pandemic will likely disrupt essential public services and supplies and create temporary breakdowns in food delivery, electric and water utility service and possible public order in major urban centers. These critical industries are highly dependent on raw materials supplied by vendors and key employees with the expertise to maintain operations.

An Integrated Economy

The United Sates enjoys the benefits of a highly integrated economy with highly efficient delivery of goods and services and rapid communications. This level of integration allows for more efficient management of material inventories but would break down rapidly in the event of dislocation in any part of the chain. Basic industries like electrical and water utilities would soon cease to function. Disruption of channels of distribution for the food industry would result in rapid and near total shortages of food and water.

What Can Be Done to Prevent a Pandemic?

Flu Shots and the Pandemic

Standard flu shots for seasonal (normal) flu will not guard against a new pandemic strain of the flu virus because each new flu mutations have different DNA characteristics. For new strains it takes many months to develop and distribute a vaccine and during this time the new strain will most like have run its course.

Anti-Viral Treatments

Presently, the only available anti-viral antibiotic effective against the H5N1 strain of influenza is Tamiflu (oseltamivir) . This drug is in short supply, requires a doctors prescription and is not manufactured in the United States. Other anti viral antibiotics are in the development stage but are not proven ready for production.

What Can Be Done to Prepare for a Pandemic? Prepare Now!!

Preparing now can limit the spread and effects of pandemic influenza. A pandemic would touch every aspect of society, so every part of society needs to prepare. Essential services may be disrupted, food and water supplies may be limited and medical care for those with chronic illnesses may be suspended..

Although most people will have little or no immunity to pandemic influenza, in the event of a flu pandemic proper planning and preparation will help mitigate the damage. Planning has already begun at the international, federal, state, local, community and individual business levels but experts agree that all planning must start at the family level.

The family will serve as the core of wellness and remedial care since hospitals and other health care provides will become quickly overrun with patients if a major level pandemic occurs.

As a basic unit of society, the family can provide first line care and prepare a preventative survival plan that can be rapidly implemented. These plans include improvement of basic hygiene, assembly of food, water and medical supplies and protocols for avoiding infection. Management of the protection of the family unit, with proper planning, can significantly reduce the impact of a pandemic.

Federal, state and local internet sites are the best source to help develop workable and effective Family Survival Plans. The State of Virginia and local counties in Northern Virginia like Fairfax County have initiated plans and planning out reach that will help mitigate the effects of a pandemic. Like all disaster plans, there is nominal cost associated with proper planning.

There are two parts of planning: resource planning and home treatment planning. Resource planning involves the stock piling of food, water, regular prescription and non prescription drugs and strategies for home care of infected individuals. Home treatment planning involves specific actions to treat infected individuals.

A key aspect of home treatment is treating dehydration.

Planning for the Treatment of Dehydration

As part of an overall pandemic disaster survival plan, the role of hydration cannot be overemphasized. The human body can survive for weeks without food but only days without water.

Preventing dehydration ranks highest of all treatments for influenza and many experts feel that preventing dehydration in flu victims will save more lives than all other treatments combined. (Source: Preparing for the Coming Influenza Pandemic by Grattan Woodson, MD, FACP)

Most family survival plans provide for a sufficient supply of drinking water to last for an extended period in the event that normal drinking water supply is disrupted. Pure water is required for both drinking and cooking. Many estimates call for 1 gallon per person per day for as long as the normal supply is disrupted.(At least two weeks and possibly more).

A good source of bottled water is required since normal supplies will be disrupted.

How to Choose a Water Supplier:

A family pandemic disaster plan needs to provide for a consistent source of pure drinking water. Tap and well water are unreliable sources during a pandemic and bottled water is considered the best source by many experts.

Purified water, because all minerals and contaminants have been removed, is the purest water and has the longest shelf life of any bottled water. Extended shelf life is important if the pandemic is extended by subsequent waves of infection.

Many believe that distilled/filtered/oxygenated water is the purest, best tasting water with the longest shelf life.

Pick a supplier with local manufacturing in the Northern Virginia area to avoid home delivery disruption. In the event that a pandemic disrupts channels of distribution, avoid bottled water suppliers who source their product from remote springs with long supply lines.

Although no one can predict with certainty the timing and virus strain of the next pandemic, the risk of an influenza pandemic is serious. Proper planning will serve to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Like all disaster planning, a small amount of serious planning is cost effective and good insurance to maintain good health. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Though Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a general problem, it is more common amongst women than men. This problem becomes serious because many women do not follow the commonest protocol to prevent or minimize the chances of UTI.

Preventive Measures

Drink 10-14 glasses of water to protect oneself from urinary infection. Drinking so much water flushes out bacteria and other microorganisms which contaminate the urinary tract.

Do not suppress the urge to urinate, as it may have dire consequences on your health leading to a fully-developed urinary tract infection.

Always wipe yourself from front to back, this stops the entry of the bacteria from the anus into the vagina or urethra. After having a bath or a bowel movement, follow this simple rule.

Take showers instead of bubble bath to prevent entrance of bacteria into the urethra which causes UTI.

Wash your genital area before and after a sexual intercourse. Also urinate before and after an intercourse. This avoids the transference of bacteria from one partner to another.

Douching and scented sprays can cause infection and irritation of the vaginal area. These do not help the cause of alleviating the Urinary Tract Infection problem.

Drink good amount of cranberry juice as it one of the most simple and natural way of treating urinary tract infection. It prevents as well as heals the infection due to its medicinal properties.

Stay away from caffeine found in coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, chocolates and many more.

On the onset of urinary tract symptoms consume vitamin C supplements. It increases the acidity level of urine which helps to decrease the bacteria present in the urinary tract.

You can apply a warm heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen to ease the pain.

Use of spices like cinnamon and tincture mixture of herbs like buchu, uva ursi and juniper berries can act as antiseptics to clean kidney and bladder.

Drink one glass of water for every 10 hours of the day. This will help you keep tab on the amount of water you drink.

Avoid bladder irritants like citrus, tomatoes, aged cheese, chocolate, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. The irritants may differ for some individuals, but these are some of the common ones.

Avoid tight underwear as it creates an ideal environment for undesirable bacteria to breed.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.