Still not sure if you have a cold or an allergy? Did you know that your sneezes are a clue? A poll by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation suggests repetitive sneezing is a sign of an allergy while occasional sneezing means you likely have a cold.
I realize this sounds sort of simple and perhaps obvious...but I think there are many people who aren't sure. I wasn't sure in the beginning myself. So, there you go...hope it was helpful bit of info for you. And Bless You!
April 20, 2009
Excessive fatigue was one of the most pronouced and debilitating symptoms I experienced when I first became ill with sinusitis/rhinitis condition. And even as healing and recovery take place, exhaustion returns without much warning if I don't pace myself and take needed breaks. I understand that with our hectic hurried lives, it's easier said than done. Still, if we want to avoid a major setback on the road to getting well, rest and relaxation are essential. Here are six supplements that would alleviate fatigue. Ask your doctor about them and use them as directed for safety and optimal benefit.
Magnesium and calcium. Oral magnesium supplementation has been shown to help reduce symptoms of fatigue in persons with low magnesium levels.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Studies show that eleuthero can help enhance mental activity as well as physical endurance.
Coenzyme Q10. This vital nutrient is involved in cellular energy production throughout the body.
Ashwaganda, an Ayurvedic herb prized for its ability to help the body deal with stress.
Cordyceps, a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom that may help fight fatigue and boost energy levels.
(Source: Andrew Weil, M.D.)
April 12, 2009
I really enjoyed gardening. Notice the past tense, "enjoyed." Meaning I loved being in my backyard and gardening before my seasonal allergy became worse few years ago. Well, my symptoms are more manageable now and I generally feel well and yet, there is still the fear of going outside to garden during high pollen season. Then I learned of following simple useful tips that would help people who love to garden but concerned about pollens. I hope you find it valuable for your needs.
Pollen is released in the early morning hours. And by early evening, it is less likely to be near the ground. Hence, it is good to garden later in the day. Also less exposure to full sunlight will be beneficial to your skin.
You can garden in the rain or afterwards. What?, you may ask. Well, it it known that on wet and humid days, pollen counts tend to be low. Besides, it may boost your mood further by playing in the puddles and mud...just don't forget to wear raincoat and rubber boots.
I know, this isn't much fun (at least for me) but try to weed early and often. Pulling weeds before they mature and produce pollen is a good preventive measure to reduce presence of pollen in your garden. What's better is hoeing between plants so weeds don't take root in the first place.
Know what? I change my mind about weeding. I realize it can be quite therapeutic. Next time you weed, try this: Think of a source that causes stress for you, now imagine a weed you are about to pluck out of the ground is that source. Then throw the weed into a bin along with whatever is causing your inner distress. Shut the lid and the weed and the stress it represents are gone. Believe and accept that the stressful source was useless and unhealthy to your well-being just like a weed is toxic to other desirable, healthy plants around it.
April 5, 2009
No doubt we live in difficult times. There is a lot coming at us that cause anxiety, anger, and stress. We are all affected, though some more directly, by the current events, including my family.
Under severe distress, it's hard to consider anything positive let alone to be thankful for. And of course, the doom and gloom sentiments feed on themselves to create further mental, emotional, and physical unease.
So as one way to deal with this situation constructively, I think, it may be a good idea to give oneself a limited time (let's say...about 10 minutes?) to do nothing but bitch, moan, scream, or whatever without self-criticism and judgment. Then after the release of pent-up frustrations, we can move on to do some other productive things.
And/or we can sing and whistle along to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Life of Brian movie by Monty Python. I just sang along for the second time and I feel much better already. And indeed, I do start to look at what is good in life.
P.S. While singing along and you can't whistle too well like me, I suggest humming.
First-Person Stories 
