Tag Archives: cold and flu

01.02.20
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Boost Your Immunity with Chiropractic

cold flu fort myers chiropractic dr kaster

2019 has been one of the worst flu years in history according to the CDC and that number is continuing into 2020. We are experiencing high numbers in cases of influenza all over the country including right here in Southwest, Florida.

The key to staying healthy is a strong boosted immune system.

With regular chiropractic adjustments combined with a healthy lifestyle you can be prepared to take on cold and flu season and remain perfectly well throughout.

It’s true that there is no cure for the common cold or for the flu. The best cure is prevention. Not getting worn down and sick in the first place is ideal. Chiropractic helps boost immunity and fight off viruses. The nervous system and the immune system are intertwined. The brainstem and spinal cord regulate all of the body’s functions while working with the immune system.

Subluxations (spinal misalignments) often cause neural dysfunction, which adds stress to the body leading to a weakened immune system.

Additional to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments incorporate the following into your daily life for best results.

Load Up On Vitamin C!

Vitamin C deficiency has been shown to increase your risk of becoming sick. Vitamin C’s best source is fresh foods – citrus fruits and dark leafy greens are the highest in Vitamin C. Supplements can help as well.

Get Rest

Your body needs rest and recuperation in order to be in top shape immunity wise. When you feel tired, it’s a message. You need to rest. Whatever you are doing can wait. Nothing is more important than your health.

Exercise

Exercise circulates the blood. This helps to kickstart your immune system which releases virus killing substances in your body helping you get well and stay well.

Visit Your Chiropractor – Getting adjusted regularly keeps you in alignment and your nervous and immune systems going strong. Come see us!

11.06.19
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The Right Cold Medicine for High Blood Pressure

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardio

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardioThe temperatures are dropping fast. With the sudden change in weather, our bodies sometimes don’t fully adjust right away. This can put a dent in our immunity and leave us exposed to potential cold and flu viruses going around.

While there is still no cure for the common cold or the flu, millions of Americans seek relief through over the counter medicines which can help shorten the duration of the illness as well as mask symptoms and help you cope with the bugs and feel a little better temporarily allowing you to get through your days.

These medicines work very well for most people. If you happen to have problems with your heart health though you need to be aware of potential complications and side effects even over the counter remedies may provoke.

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (High blood pressure), heart disease, or heart failure, common decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can be a danger. They are both vasoconstrictors, meaning they constrict blood vessels in the sinus and nasal passages which helps with drainage and swelling – making it easier for you to breathe. The problem is because they are taken orally the effects don’t just take place in the sinuses and nose. They can make your heart work harder than it needs to and that can spell trouble for some.

Safer Alternatives that Still Work

Nasal Decongestant Sprays – This helps minimize the cardiovascular effect because of the direct delivery system. Please use no more than twice daily and only as directed.

Neti Pot – A neti pot is a small plastic pot that holds (non-tap) water, lukewarm, mixed with salt (the salts come with the pots in small pre-measured packages). Mix and rinse one side of the nose at a time. They are great for clearing out dust, pollen, dander, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria and more from your sinus cavities and have no side effects. They are free to be used with any medications.

Hot compress – holding a heating pad or hot compress against your face not only feels good, but it also helps loosen and release sinus pain and pressure allowing the mucus to drain more easily.

Antihistamines – these may be a safe alternative. Antihistamines can help dry up nasal mucosa. Just be aware they may cause drowsiness.

Steam – Be it a wet sauna, a hot shower, or a bowl of boiled water with a towel, the fact is steam loosens up sinuses and helps them to drain. All of these are great helpers.

When choosing a product, always read the label carefully.

  1. Look at both the “active” and “inactive” ingredients. Many contain multiple active ingredients that could affect your cardiovascular health, interact with your cardiovascular medications, and cause side effects.
  2. Decongestants and antihistamines come in extended-release meaning that you take them less frequently. Always read the directions on the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor with any questions.

For more heart-healthy advice visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM OR CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT  813-975-2800.