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We want to hear your questions about health and a healthy lifestyle – everything from breakfast ideas to sleep habits. Go ahead and email your question today.

Our health advisors will review your question along with the others they receive. And they will frequently post questions and answers right here. So check back often.


Your Questions, Our Answers

Here's the answers from our health advisors to some of your latest questions:


1. What is the flu and how can I avoid getting it this winter?
2. What’s the difference between dementia and forgetfulness?
3. How often should I get a massage?
1 What is the flu and how can I avoid getting it this winter?
 

Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection which attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) and is caused by various strains of the influenza A or B virus. The flu virus can change and adapt quickly though, making it possible for you to become sick more than once in the same flu season.

Some symptoms you should be watching out for include:

  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills
  • Joint aches and pains
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Muscle aches and pains
If you feel like you’re coming down with the flu, it’s important to monitor your symptoms – which typically last up to 10 days – as the flu can lead to other serious illnesses like pneumonia. See your doctor if your symptoms are severe or worsen as time passes.

Here are some tips to keep you healthy during flu season:

  • Get your flu shot every year
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
  • Use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer when water and soap aren’t available
  • Cover your mouth when you cough, either with your sleeve or with a tissue
  • Regularly disinfect common areas surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops, etc.
  • Stay home when you aren’t feeling well to prevent others from becoming ill
2 What’s the difference between dementia and forgetfulness?
 

Changes in memory and brain function are a normal part of the aging process, which is why we can find it difficult to learn new skills or remember things as we get older. The effects of aging on our brains are usually fairly minor though, so if you start to notice more stark changes in your ability to complete daily activities, there may be something more serious going on.

Dementia is the loss of one’s ability to think, remember and reason in a way that impairs their daily function and activity. Dementia may appear in individuals as a result of a number of different neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, or serious head trauma.

Symptoms of dementia include:

  • Loss of memory
  • Repetitive speech – telling the same story repeatedly or asking the same question numerous times
  • Disorientation in familiar places
  • Inability to recognize familiar people
  • Neglecting to complete basic daily tasks such as bathing, eating, etc.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, or someone you know, you should discuss them with your physician immediately.
3 How often should I get a massage?
 

Massage frequency really depends on the person, the type of massage you’re receiving and the reason for the massage. While massages are great for general relaxation, they are also very helpful in alleviating chronic pain and assisting the body in recovering from an injury.

If you’re receiving a basic relaxation massage, once a month may be all that’s necessary to contribute to overall good health. However, if you’re receiving a massage as part of a therapy plan for an injury, then your massage therapist will discuss a treatment schedule with you.