Danger: This Flu Season Is for Real!!

If anyone has seen the news, this year’s flu season is one of the worst on record. Every state in the United States, except Hawaii, is reporting larger numbers of flu cases this year. We are seeing record hospitalizations for influenza than just about every year and is rivaling the swine flu outbreak several years ago. This year’s flu strain, H3N2, is particularly dangerous since the flu vaccine for this season seems to be less effective. Once diagnosed with influenza, how do we combat the symptoms to ease their effects and get the rest to help our bodies recuperate?

I Thought Flu Is Harmless?

Most people consider the flu a relatively benign malady and they would be right. The standard demographic that is affected by influenza is the elderly and infants/babies who don’t have a fully developed immune system yet. Others that are in the at risk demographic are those with underlying health issues such as COPD, immune system issues, or any other health issues that can compromise our respiratory system or other body parts. Normally the vaccine is based upon particular flu strains that show up in the southern hemisphere during our summer time. Unfortunately, this year’s deadly strain (H3N2) is not effectively killed by this year’s flu shot. What’s more dangerous this year is the fact that relatively healthy adults are being affected severely and deaths are being reported at an alarming rate. It’s not the flu that can kill you, but the other issues such as pneumonia that can turn sepsis caused by influenza.

Symptoms

The influenza virus attacks your respiratory system which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. Often the symptoms mimic those of the common cold, but with the flu the symptoms are more severe and come on much faster. It usually starts with a runny nose, sore throat, and maybe even sneezing but can quickly escalate to dangerous effects. The Mayo Clinic says common symptoms of influenza include:

• Fever over 100.4°F (38 C)
• Aching muscles
• Chills/sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent cough
• Nasal congestion/sore throat

The flu virus is transmitted by air droplets that are suspended in the air when an infected person coughs. It is when you directly inhale these droplets or touch a surface that has been contaminated and touch your mouth that you contract influenza. People are contagious typically from a couple of days before symptoms surface and roughly 10 days after.

Finding Relief

Once influenza symptoms have appeared and you are in an at risk demographic you should see your doctor immediately. The one course of treatment your doctor may prescribe is an antiviral prescription medicine such as Tamiflu. These can diminish some of the symptoms and duration of the flu virus. There are methods for alleviating the symptoms on your own that can make you rest and more importantly get a good night’s sleep. They include:

1. 

   Kaz Vicks Electric Personal Steam Inhaler: With congestion comes difficulty breathing and the soothing relief of moist steam can help alleviate this problem. This steam inhaler allows warm steam to enter your nasal passages and lungs to temporarily give relief from coughs and congestion. This lessens mucus production and soothes your nose and throat which can help minimize coughing and the associated headache coughing can cause.
   
   
   
2. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Tablets: Since many of the symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold, these effervescent tablets dissolve in water and can provide temporary relief from sinus pressure, head and body aches, and nasal congestion. As someone who has worked outdoors during the winter season, I can attest to their effectiveness. By alleviating some of these symptoms, you can get more rest and sleep to allow your body to overcome the flu virus.
3. Boiron Oscillococcinum Cold and Flu Quick Dissolving Pellets: Minimizing and reducing the symptoms of influenza can expedite healing. These sweet tasting pellets dissolve on your tongue and don’t require chewing or swallowing of a pill/tablet whole. Symptoms such as body aches, fever, chills, and fatigue can all be lessened with these pellets and they have no known interactions with other medications. These are recommended for those aged 2 and up and work best when flu symptoms first appear.
4. Himalayan Chandra Extra Strength Saline Neti Spray: The use of a Neti pot is an old world remedy for congested nasal passages. This spray is designed to naturally assist and facilitate breathing relief without the need of pouring water into your sinuses. It uses a natural, sterile saline solution that is sprayed in a fine mist into your nose which opens nasal passages and keeps your nose moist. It can help you breathe better and get more rest.
5. Hero Nutritional Products Slice Vitamin C: It’s a well-known fact that vitamin C helps our bodies avoid and/or recover faster from cold and flu symptoms. These adult gummy vitamins help support the immune system which is our own body’s defense mechanism again foreign dangers such as the influenza virus. It uses a potent blend of toxin fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, and pomegranate to jumpstart our immune system to fight the flu.
6. Burts Bees Honey Throat Drops: One of the most common symptoms or effects of the flu is a sore throat caused by a persistent cough or postnasal drip. These throat drops use 35% pure honey and cooling menthol to soothe the throat naturally. Honey has been a natural remedy for centuries and can now allow you to get the sleep you need without being interrupted by a nasty, persistent cough.

This year is a particularly nasty flu season. You should start every flu season with the flu vaccine even if it is not 100% effective. It can help jumpstart your immune system and diminish any symptoms and longevity of the flu. Be sure to see your doctor if you develop symptoms and are someone with underlying health issues that may make the flu especially dangerous. Be vigilant and safe!!

Using Armedica Quantum 400 Intersegmental Traction Table for Pain Relief

By Kevin Cleary

The Armedica Quantum 400 Traction Table is the perfect device for helping to relieve back pain and muscle tension through massage and making IST therapy simple and efficient.

Back pain does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female, young or old, active or sedentary, anyone can be at risk. Back pain is caused by several reasons that may include lumbar facet syndrome, scoliosis or just plain stress/tension all of which can cause muscle spasms resulting in pain. Common ailments, such as herniated or protruding discs, that result in back pain can greatly benefit from using this therapy. Nothing can ruin your day faster than dealing with debilitating back pain or soreness. Many turn to an intersegmental traction table for relief.

Back therapy

As with any injury or medical problem, relief from back pain is unique to each patient and you should always consult (and listen to) your doctor or therapist. One of the tools available to therapists and chiropractors alike is the Armedica Quantum 400 Intersegmental Traction Table (IST). This device can be a great way to alleviate a number of painful symptoms that are associated with a multitude of causes for back pain. The Armedica Quantum 400 uses nylon rollers for manipulating the back and spine area to allow a gentle stretching of the entire area, therefore promoting pain relief. It is durable and easy to use especially with the handheld remote control with cord, head bolster and cover for the foot area for protection. All the patient needs to do is to lie in a prone position on their back and let the table work its magic. The table is also available with an optional face cut out.

Magic fingers?

So how exactly does the Armedica Quantum 400 work? The table incorporates three different rollers that travel longitudinally along the spine and also vertically to offer a variety of intensity and tumble. The massage pressure is visible via an easy-to-read LED display. The rollers are comfortable since they are made from smooth nylon to maximize patient comfort, while the table frame is rugged and constructed with high quality components for durability and product longevity. Also, this table is large enough to accommodate almost every patient imaginable since it measures 25”W x 78”L x 27”H. This traction table has an adjustable vibration timer and soothing heat for customizable therapy that can target the entire spine or one specific area.

Directions for use

Care should always be taken when using any therapy apparatus and the Quantum 400 is no different. The patient should be assisted on and off the traction table. One recommendation is the optional patient assist bar, but even with this it’s good to have an operator assist the patient. Better safe than sorry!

Once the patient is on the table and positioned correctly, the operator should adjust the roller height to assure patient comfort. At no point during therapy should the patient feel any discomfort. The operator should throughout monitor the patient for signs of pain or discomfort. One of the optional features of the Quantum 400 is heat which should be used with care. All patients using the heat option need to be monitored at all times, especially those with reduced sensory perception. During therapy, a calm and relaxed atmosphere should be created using dim lights or other relaxing stimuli. The therapist or technician should evaluate the patient before and after a therapy session. Extreme caution should be exercised around elderly patients and those with acute pain. The Quantum 400 is not recommended for patients weighing over 300 lbs.

Below is an illustration of the controls for the Armedica Quantum 400 Intersegmental Traction Table:

Operation of Quantum 400 Controls:

Operation manual

Caution and cleaning

Not every therapy is appropriate for every patient and there are some contraindications that need to be considered when using the Quantum 400. It should not be used for conditions such as:

·         Phlebitis

·         Fractures or suspected fractures

·         Fused discs or scoliosis rods

·         Skin problems that may be irritated by the rollers

·         Osteoporosis

Proper cleaning of the Armedica Quantum 400 Traction Table is simple and easy and can extend its serviceable lifetime, not to mention keeping it sanitary for different patients. Simply use a mild soap and water solution or vinyl cleaner to keep the traction table clean and presentable, taking care to wipe any residue after cleaning. Alcohol, window cleaner or abrasive material should be avoided to assure the vinyl surface will not dry out. To prevent skin oils accumulating on the vinyl or cervical area/pillow, paper face squares should be used.

Back pain can be excruciating and debilitating, but the Armedica Quantum 400 Intersegmental Traction Table is a major tool in the alleviation of this pain. It offers customizable, individual therapy for each patient’s specific needs. Pain relief to get you back on your feet!