- For influenza (flu) usually recommend decongestants, pain relievers, anti-viral medications prescribed by a doctor, medicines to reduce fever. Depending on the severity, your doctor may prescribe other drugs and in some cases require hospitalization.

- For the cold: decongestants, medicines for pain and if need be, to reduce fever.

Now that you have more clearly the difference between cold and flu, remember that the best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands frequently and staying away of infected people. In the case of the flu (influenza), we also recommend that you vaccinate against influenza each year is prepared against the most severe cases of this season, especially in the winter.

Remember that if you have severe pain, high fever or cough that is not removed, you should consult your doctor immediately. The anti-viral drugs to be effective, must be prescribed within 48 hours after symptoms begin. If you get caught a flu or cold you, stay home, eat well, drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Say you have the flu is not to say that you have a cold. However, many people are confused and at the first sneeze, sore throat quite properly declared, “Oh no way! I have flu “. Although they may not be wrong, there is a possibility that instead of influenza, are experiencing symptoms of common cold. The truth is that they are similar and it is easy to fall into this confusion.

So how do you differentiate the common cold and flu? Here we give you some guidelines for the next time you plug the nose know more precisely whether the culprit is the flu or if it is just a cold.

First, it is important to note that both the flu and colds are respiratory infections caused by viruses. The difference between these two diseases lies precisely here: the flu is caused certain types of viruses, particularly influenza viruses (there are several types, known as RNA virus ribonucleic acid-), while the common cold has its origin in more than 200 types of viruses.

- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Learning to manage stress
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth using the arm (not hands) or a tissue (and then throw it away)
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water (20 seconds) or clean with alcohol gel (jelly), and hold
- Stay away from sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, since that is how germs spread

If someone in the household is sick, try to stay in a room separate from other residents of the house
Keep surfaces clean and disinfected the house, such as bedside tables, bathrooms, kitchen and children’s toys.

See how easy? It is better that instead of taking the supplements that have not yet shown its beneficial effects and preventive measures put into practice these just mentioned to reduce the chances of getting various diseases, including influenza (in addition to the vaccine), that can be dangerous and uncomfortable cold.

This table lists some alternatives that many people take against colds, although there is no scientific evidence to date to support the recommendation of its use, both to try to prevent colds:

- Vitamin C
- Echinacea
- Zinc
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- South African geranium or “Umckaloabo” (Pelargonium sidoides)
- American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
- Honey
- Probiotics
- Propolis
- Yellow root or golden root (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Green tea
- Vitamin E

Supplements Against Influenza

As in the previous case, there is no evidence that these supplements are a useful alternative to combat the flu. Therefore, vaccination is the best way to protect against this disease, also known as influenza. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health problems are at higher risk for influenza-related complications such as pneumonia.

Some natural products that people try to fight this disease:

- Elder
- Echinacea
- American Ginseng
- Chinese medicinal herbs
- Oscillococcinum
- Green tea
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- N-acetylcysteine ??(NAC)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

In this cold season in the northern hemisphere countries and of heat and temperature changes in the Southern Hemisphere, which would be good to fight the flu and cold with a rich and warm mint tea and honey, right? Many people like you looking for natural alternatives to prevent and combat these diseases characteristic of winter and drastic temperature changes, not only because it’s annoying to feel bad but also because they prefer to avoid using drugs.

However, many times not all natural things are as good as it looks. Many times the effects of these substances have not been substantiated scientifically, although in some cases can be comforting and to relieve symptoms (such as a rich cup of tea of ??mint and honey), and if they are obtained through foods generally also have harmful effects. Although it means in this case, a recent study if confirmed scientifically that honey helps with the symptom of cough. But remember that he was not give honey to children younger than 2 years for the risk of developing botulism, is for children 2 years and anyone from that age.

However, it is important that you consider it’s not the same get vitamins from food, for example eating more citrus fruits-oranges, tangerines and lemons-they provide vitamin C, vitamin supplements taken in pill or powder.

Before taking any vitamins or OTC supplements, it is important that you consult your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, if you have any chronic illness, if you are taking other medicines or supplements or if you’re considering giving these drugs to a child as can sometimes have side effects or counter-productive and damaging the health rather than help. Once you’ve talked to a professional, then always choose products to ensure their content and be wary of advertisements that may be misleading.

That said, what vitamins you can find a flu and cold in particular? Remember that cold and flu are caused by different viruses diseases and present with different symptoms, the first is an infection of the upper airway that lasts about a week and can cause sneezing, nasal congestion (stuffy or runny) , sore throat and cough: Whereas the latter is a respiratory disease, sometimes with symptoms in the digestive tract, which may occur abruptly and may cause more severe symptoms than the cold, including fever (usually high), pain headache, sore muscles and joints and extreme tiredness, and can have serious complications. Also remember that the flu can be prevented with a vaccine is prepared each year.

Does your partner demands attention but you do not feel the same intensity in sexual desire you felt before? What can you do to recover your libido and get back to the nights of passionate sex and pleasure?
If you’re asking these questions is likely to also be considering taking medication to help you, or you may prefer the so-called natural supplements that are supposed to be effective and produce fewer side effects, although this is not necessarily so.

One of the most popular supplements used for this purpose is ginseng, of which there are three different types: the Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is generally used as an aphrodisiac and some not considered a true ginseng, Korean or Asian (Panax ginseng), used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been the subject of several studies, and American (Panax quinquefolius), whose effectiveness for changing sexual impotence has not been proven.

In general, the final product varies according to the type of ginseng in question and the manner of processing it has received. These herbal supplements contain ginsenosides denominated assets and many other compounds. Are believed to provide energy and can improve the mood of the people. Hence it is said to have effects on sexual desire in both men and women.

In reference to these effects, a study conducted in 2002 among 45 men suffering from erectile dysfunction found that ginseng improved symptoms of sexual dysfunction and penile rigidity. Alongside this, several other studies suggest the benefits of ginseng on health but there is no completely convincing results, as such, do not specify or what type of ginseng is ginsenoside or what is causing the effects obtained.

Another dietary supplement that some choose is L-arginine, an amino acid the body needs to perform various functions, including improving immunity and produce nitric oxide (which they say produces an effect similar to Viagra. By the way, and so on. Amino is found naturally in red meat, poultry meat and dairy products.

It has been found that L-arginine improves blood flow to the penis and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness of this amino acid as “possibly effective” for treating erectile problems. Anyway, be careful because it can interact with other medicines, especially those for hypertension.

Similarly, should be careful with those taking L-arginine Cialis, Levitra or Viagra (or Nitroglycerin, a drug for the treatment of angina pectoris), since it can reduce blood pressure suddenly (suddenly). For all this, it is advisable that you take L-arginine without consulting your doctor.

Another case with which we must be careful with is called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a natural hormone that is converted into the male or female sex hormones in the body.

Sold as anti-aging supplement but its possible long-term effects have not been studied nor has been proven to be effective. A sexual level, specifically, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists it as “possibly effective” to “improve the ability to have an erection in men suffering from erectile dysfunction. But there seems to be effective if the erectile dysfunction due to diabetes or nerve disorders.”

Besides these examples, there are other supplements such as pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of French maritime tree is believed to help protect veins and promotes the production of nitric oxide, similar to L-arginine and ginseng) and pomegranate juice (for its antioxidants). In all cases, it is best to consult a doctor and choose safe products. Remember that sometimes sexual dysfunction can be the first symptom of a physical problem (like diabetes or a heart problem).

Finally, besides thinking in supplements and medicines, have you considered other types of stimuli? Maybe it’s a good idea to revive the charm and try new joint activities that could have fun with your partner. After all, some experts believe that the brain is the biggest sex organ we have.

So if you are considering taking any supplement, vitamin or herb or continue any alternative therapies, find as much information as possible, try to consult reliable sources and alternative therapists (who are graduates of colleges of quality) and then coméntale your intention to your doctor so he can guide you in your decision.

Unfortunately, there are many charlatans who prey on people in these times of trouble. Fortunately more and are becoming more scientific studies at universities around the world and in places like the National Institutes of Health in the United States aimed at finding whether these treatments work and if they have negative effects or not. Unfortunately many people do not sell them because the objective is not “your own good” is the good of your pocket.

Meanwhile, we tell you some alternatives you can find:

- Medicine for body and mind. They are based on the idea that the mind can alter the body. For example, includes meditation, hypnosis, yoga and the use of images, among other disciplines.
- Biological practices. Include what is generally known as “natural” herbs and dietary supplements, including vitamins and highlights certain foods with particular characteristics, such as antioxidants.
- Practices based manipulation of the body. They are based on the work on one or more body parts, such as massage, reflexology and chiropractic healing.
- Energy medicine. It is based on the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used to heal. This is the case of Tai Chi and Reiki, for example.
- Complete medical systems. These are systems and beliefs of different cultures and parts of the world that have evolved over time, such as Ayurvedic medicine (India), traditional Chinese medicine (including acupuncture, for example) and homeopathy.

Considers that none of these methods has been scientifically proven to cure cancer. However, although these alternatives do not work for everyone, some can help you relax and reduce your stress, nausea, pain and other symptoms or side effects that will cause the treatment, and to lead a more enjoyable and healthy once you have completed treatment for cancer. Therefore, many university sites use them in conjunction with traditional treatments. Some such as meditation and yoga are wonderful. But remember, always consult your doctor.

That afternoon, Carla had come to the office, so happy and convinced that it was difficult to change her mind. He had been offered a compound of vitamins, apparently “all natural”, that would solve the problem of cancer that simple, as if by magic.

Unfortunately, while there are many advances in medicine that can offer different alternatives to treat cancer, there is still no magic formula to eliminate it. If something like what happened to Carla happens to you, do not believe without question yourself how and why that would happen would be that easy.
Receiving the news that you have some type of cancer is very distressing, so it is logical to look for all possible methods that can heal and soothe you, both physically and spiritually.

Even after starting treatment, you may feel some discomfort, including nausea, weakness and fatigue, sometimes chemotherapy or radiation can cause. Sometimes this could hamper your everyday life and this could help make your mind decays.

In these situations, more and more people look for what are called complementary therapies, alternative or integrated. In all cases, it is important that you consult with your doctor to ensure that these interfere with your treatment and to counsel you.

Many times, people fear that their doctors do not support or do not understand them when they decide to pursue a complementary therapy, or pass them as Carla came very excited but left the office with a different idea in his mind.

Carla discovered that consuming too much vitamins could interfere with treatment or even reduce or slow the effects. Even for those without cancer, consume vitamins in excess can be harmful. In addition, his doctor suggested other complementary therapies such as yoga, to accompany their treatment and pain relief.

Africa: Ethiopia, chewed the leaves of the dill and fennel to treat headaches.

Arab medicine: systems of medicine in Arabic, Anethum graveolens is used as a carminative (an agent for the expulsion of gases from the digestive system) for abdominal colic. In Unani medicine, it is reported that the dill is used as a digestive aid and for fever, ulcers, kidney and eye disorders.

Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, it is believed that the dill (which has several names: satapuspa, satakuppa, sookshamapatra and vataghna) “balances the vata dosha” and is used as a carminative for colic, flatulence and indigestion. After meals, is often used as a digestive postprandial.

Egypt: Dill is said to be mentioned in Egyptian medical texts dating from 3000 BC. Supposedly, the ancient Egyptians used dill as a carminative (antiflatulente) and as an ingredient in a prearación for pain and headache relief (headache). According to secondary sources, were found on stems, leaves and flowers of dill in the tomb of Amenhotep II.

Chinese Medicine: In ancient China, dill was used as a carminative. In Chinese medicine it is considered that the dill seeds have stimulant properties and is believed to benefit the spleen, kidneys and stomach. It is mainly used for stomach ache, colic and dyspepsia and as a digestive.

European medicine: The ancient Romans supposedly used as a carminative dill. The dill (Anethi fructus), the dried fruit of Anethum graveolens have been approved by Germany’s Commission E for treatment of dyspepsia. Herbalists (herbalists) in Europe also use dill for colic, as a digestive aid and to promote breastfeeding.

Modern medicine (Western) herbal: The herbalists today use dill for flatulence, colic and bad breath, and in promoting breastfeeding and antispasmodic. It is also used in combination with other herbs for coughs, colds and flu. It is considered appropriate for use as a carminative to treat digestive disorders in children. For colic in babies, the traditional recipe of “influenza water” contains a syrup of dill, fennel and sodium bicarbonate. Herbalists also prescribe only dill tea infusion for colic.

For more information about the dill, please visit our Dictionary of Remedies and Natural Treatments (up on the blue tab that says “Natural Remedies”), developed in collaboration with Natural Standard.

It is normal when it comes to talking to a baby, adults put a different voice and we explain things in much more detail with repetitions and vocalizing excessively. This is fine, as babies are developing your brain with amazing speed and need to speech stimuli. His intelligence is amazing, unlike what they thought the philosophers and psychologists like Jean Piaget, at the time: that babies and young children were irrational and illogical.

This is not true! The great Piaget would have to teach all scientific studies with evidence demonstrating otherwise. The latest, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, describes infants between 6 and 9 months of age learn the meaning of certain parts of the body and certain foods by their daily contact with the language. That is, they recognize the relationship between the word “nose” for example, and the nose itself. These results are surprising, as many psychologists thought that babies could not this kind of understanding, not exceeding a year.

In reaching this conclusion, researchers studied the behavior of 33 infants who were between 6 and 9 months. They were put to see the image of a food and a body part on a screen in the company of their parents, who had to repeat a sentence in which appointed the food or the body part that was on the screen. With an eye tracking device, you could see the response of babies every sentence pronounced. After taking into account possible errors and distractions of babies, researchers found that babies of this age looked much more the image showed them that any other image. Even more than older babies who were between 10 and 20 months.

The conclusion to scientists is that babies understand the meaning of the word. However, the curious and the importance of this study is that found that babies can understand the meaning of words that indicate generic categories. Not just words like “mama” or “dada,” much before speaking.

Isn’t it interesting? So when you talk to your baby and he or she will look like I was getting it, chances are that way. Be sure to share and talk, because this interaction depends on the development of language and other cognitive skills.