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What You Don’t Know About Zika This Year Might Surprise You

Now that we have a lot more information about Zika, we are better able to tell you whether or not you should turn that vacation into a staycation.

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When Zika hit the scene last summer it had the whole world freaking out. The virus is no joke, it causes birth defects and even some health problems in infants. Now that we have a lot more information about this virus, we are better able to tell you whether or not you should turn that vacation into a staycation.

 

Should you vacay while pregnant?

Traveling is great and if you’re pregnant then you might want to check off some bucket list destinations before that baby pops out and your travel time turns into toddler time. But should you be worried about Zika?

Yes, you should. Traveling to places where the virus’s transmission is ongoing is a risk that, in our opinion, is not worth taking. Check the CDC website for which locations are currently having a Zika outbreak, if your destination is not listed, then you’re good to go. If your location is listed, then maybe rethink your travel plans.

 

Looking to get knocked up? Maybe do it domestically.

If you’re planning on making a baby then maybe a destination conception isn’t the best idea. The first trimester is the most important time to take care of your baby and it’s an incredibly hard time because most women don’t even know they’re pregnant during that time.

If you do travel to an area that is infected then women should wait at least eight weeks and men need to wait six months before bumping uglies.

 

What if the type of mosquito that carries the Zika virus is where you’re traveling to but there’s no Zika, should you still be worried?

We now know what type of mosquitos carry the virus, the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus (duh says all the entomologists.) These mosquitoes have been popping up in the U.S. where we have never seen them before. Does that mean they’re all carrying Zika?

No, if there is no outbreak then the risk is super low. Still use common sense though, wear bug spray and don’t have a mosquito bite contest with your friends but other than that, you should be fine.

 

Let’s be real, what are the chances that you will get Zika?

Well, we can’t say. If you’re the type of person who has mosquito bite contests with your friends then your risk might be higher than others so it’s impossible to give an exact percentage.

What we do know, according to studies, is that five to fifteen percent of women who get Zika while pregnant actually have babies with birth defects or brain damage. So even if you catch Zika the risks are low, but they are still risks and the consequences are very real.

 

Is Zika planning a sequel this summer?

Zika will definitely be around this summer but most likely it will not be as big as last year. The number of infections is likely to go down this year because after you catch Zika once, you can’t catch it again. Plus a lot of people will read this very informative article which is bound to drop the number of infections even further.

 

 

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Health

3 Asbestos Risks to Know About Before Tackling a DIY Home Reno

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While warm weather seasons might be a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects, you must consider more than the scope of the renovation and the anticipated expense.

Depending on the age of your home, there are potential health risks to be mindful of before getting behind walls, handling insulation, ripping out floor tiles, or doing other things.

Asbestos risks are real. While there wasn’t a total asbestos ban until recently, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited asbestos use in some new products after 1989. So, a home built before then might have materials containing asbestos. And if the asbestos fibers get into the air and are inhaled by you, your family, or visitors, the long-term consequences could be severe. 

For example, asbestos exposure can lead to a severe form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive. By the time it’s diagnosed — it can take decades before it develops and causes problems — the cancer is typically at an advanced stage.

So, it makes sense to hire a professional contractor if your home may contain asbestos.

Consider these three things you must know about asbestos. You’ll see why caution is vital when contemplating a DIY home renovation project.

1. All Asbestos Is Dangerous

While some believe that some asbestos is less harmful than others, it’s best to treat all asbestos as detrimental to one’s well-being. And the more asbestos fibers you breathe in, the higher your odds of getting asbestos-related ailments. The problem with undertaking DIY home renovations is that products containing asbestos can, if the products are removed carelessly, release asbestos fibers into the air. So, if you’re ripping out flooring tiles with asbestos and damage the tiles in the process, that’s all it’ll take to potentially release asbestos fibers.

2. You Won’t Immediately Know You’ve Been Exposed

One of the problems with asbestos exposure is that you won’t necessarily know you have been exposed. If working in an environment with materials containing asbestos, you might suspect possible exposure. But if you breathe in asbestos fibers, you won’t experience tell-tale signs. So, your lungs won’t feel irritated, your throat won’t itch, and you won’t cough. 

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, which means you won’t see it in the air. 

Considering that it can take decades between exposure and symptoms, you can appreciate why people with asbestos-related ailments are often surprised by a diagnosis later in life.

If you renovate your basement, bathroom, or some other space without taking proper precautions to prevent asbestos fibers from getting into the air, you could endanger the health of anyone in your home. It’s just that they may not know it until decades later if they get mesothelioma.

3. Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Other Diseases

Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, are known as dose-related ailments. This means the more asbestos fibers you inhale, the more probable you’ll get one of these two diseases. 

What makes mesothelioma different from lung cancer and asbestosis is that even a relatively small exposure can cause mesothelioma. And exposure can come in different ways. If your loved one works in an environment with asbestos, you might breathe in the fibers if they come home after work and have asbestos fibers on their clothes. So, second-hand exposure is possible.

These are three things to know about asbestos exposure before tackling any home improvement project. While you likely have nothing to worry about if your home was built after 1989, you should exercise caution if you have an older home. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can give your home a once-over to let you know if there are any asbestos risks.

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Navigating Holistic Wellness: A Journey as an RN Health Coach

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Embarking on the path of an RN Health Coach sets forth an expedition brimming with discovery, connection, and cultural immersion. From traversing distant lands to fostering wellness in remote communities, this journey intertwines travel with the pursuit of holistic well-being. Let’s explore the captivating voyage of an RN Health Coach, navigating diverse landscapes while promoting vitality and global health advocacy.

Exploring Cultural Health Traditions

As an RN Health Coach, venturing into different corners of the world unveils a tapestry of diverse cultural health practices. From the tranquil temples of Thailand to the vibrant markets of Morocco, each destination offers a unique insight into ancient healing modalities deeply entrenched in wellness traditions. In these experiences, we embrace practices like Thai massage in Thailand and forest bathing in Japan, witnessing firsthand their rejuvenating effects on both body and mind.

Empowering Remote Communities

Beyond exotic wellness practices, the role of an RN Health Coach extends to remote communities where healthcare access may be scarce. Trekking through rugged terrains and expansive landscapes, we collaborate with local healers and community leaders to address prevalent health challenges. In rural Himalayan villages, education initiatives and preventive care programs empower individuals to take charge of their health. Similarly, our work in the Amazon rainforest bridges modern medical knowledge with indigenous healing practices, fostering holistic wellness that respects tradition and innovation.

Curating Wellness Retreats

RN Health Coaches curate immersive wellness retreats, blending travel with transformative experiences. From secluded yoga retreats in Costa Rica to mindfulness workshops in Bali, these sanctuaries offer a space for self-discovery and renewal. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, participants embark on a journey of introspection guided by expert practitioners. Through yoga, meditation, and nutritious cuisine, guests rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits, emerging with a renewed sense of vitality.

Advocating for Global Health

The journey of an RN Health Coach transcends individual wellness pursuits, encompassing a mission of global health advocacy. Whether advocating for clean water access or promoting vaccination initiatives, we strive to create positive change on a global scale. Through partnerships with local organizations and international aid agencies, we address pressing health issues, advocating for equitable healthcare systems and promoting health literacy worldwide.

Joining The Nurse Coach Collective

For those aspiring to embark on a transformative journey into holistic nurse coaching, The Nurse Coach Collective offers a comprehensive Transformative Nurse Coach 7-month Program. Join a community dedicated to fostering wellness, transcending borders, and embracing the transformative power of travel and holistic health.

In conclusion, the journey of an RN Health Coach is a dynamic odyssey fueled by purpose and passion. From exploring ancient healing traditions to empowering communities with vital healthcare resources, every step of this journey contributes to a healthier, more resilient world. Let us inspire others to embark on their own journey towards optimal health and well-being, embracing the transformative adventure that awaits on the path to wellness.

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Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution

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Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution (AAORS) represents a significant advancement in medical science, especially in the realm of hydration and nutrient replenishment. These solutions, enriched with amino acids, offer therapeutic benefits that go beyond simple hydration, aiding in faster recovery and improved metabolic functions.

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins, which are crucial for countless bodily functions. They play key roles in the process of building muscles, repairing tissue, and producing enzymes and neurotransmitters. When included in ORS solutions, Amino Acids can provide essential or conditionally essential nutrients directly to the body’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring rapid and efficient absorption.

One of the primary advantages of AAORS products is their ability to improve hydration efficiency. Conventional ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) products mainly address the electrolyte balance in the body. However, Amino Acid-based ORS products enhance this by not only replenishing fluids and electrolytes but also providing nutrients that support cellular health and recovery.

For patients who are unable to consume sufficient nutrients orally due to illness, surgery, or digestive complications, AAORS products such as IV2 can be lifesaving. The amino acids in the product help maintain muscle mass and prevent protein-energy malnutrition. It is particularly beneficial in clinical settings involving critical care, postoperative recovery, and cancer treatment, where patients might have elevated nutrient requirements or limited capacity to consume or absorb nutrients.

The hydration provided by Amino Acid-based IV2 is also more sustainable compared to typical ORS products. The presence of amino acids can enhance the body’s ability to retain water, thus providing a longer-lasting hydrating effect. This is particularly important in conditions that require prolonged hydration, such as chronic illnesses, extreme physical activities, or exposure to high temperatures.

IV2 is a zero-sugar, amino acid-based electrolyte developed by military doctors in South Korea. Well known for muscle recovery and energy boost, Amino Acids take up 40% in a single packet of IV2, calling it the Amino Acid-based ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). This precise ratio of Amino Acids and essential ingredients of the AAA Formula™ effectively hydrates and replenishes without the use of sugar.  

In conclusion, AAORS products such as IV2 mark a profound shift in how hydration and nutrition are approached in clinical settings. By delivering both essential fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, these solutions ensure rapid absorption, improve cellular function, and enhance overall performance. 

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