If you’re reading this, you or someone you care about has likely experienced back pain. According to goodbody.com, as many as 540 million people suffer from one type of back pain or another.
It is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and missed workdays. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to reduce your risk of experiencing back pain. This blog post will explore the various causes of back pain. If you’d like to know some preventative techniques and management of back pain, please check out our article on What to Do About Back Pain.
What is the Most Common Cause of Back Pain?
Our muscles rely on a network of nerves that travel through them to deliver signals to the brain. When these nerves are overstretched, as can happen with muscle strains, they can get pinched and cause pain.
Disc problems, technically called intervertebral discs, are another common cause of back pain. The discs that cushion the vertebra in the spine are prone to wear and tear as we age, which increases the risk of the disc rupturing.
They is made up of a gel-like substance, and if the pressure within the disc becomes too great, it will rupture and the gel will leak out. The disc can then press against the surrounding nerves, which will then send pain signals to your brain.
These discs located in the lumbar region of the lower spine are particularly prone to herniation, otherwise known as herniated discs. This is not only the most common cause of back pain in this part of the spine, but it is also the leading cause of sciatica (see below).
Disc Problems
Disc Degeneration: Photo: IStock
Intervertebral discs are soft, spongy pads made of a gelatinous substance called a disc nucleus. It lies between each of the vertebrae to provide a cushion and to allow the vertebrae to rotate.
If the disc nucleus becomes too thick or ruptures, the disc may be unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. It may press against the surrounding nerves or cause irritation that travels down the legs as sciatica.
These kinds of disc problems can lead to degenerative disc disease – when the disc becomes thinner and less able to cushion the vertebrae. This can occur during the normal aging process when the disc may begin to break down.
What Causes Disc Denegation?
Age: The softcore that we mentioned contains mostly water. As you age, it can lose some water, causing discomfort.
Injuries: No doubt any injury can lead to a problem and that includes injuries in your spine.
Sitting is the new cancer! Have you heard that before? Poor posture can occur when you spend long hours sitting or slouching or have an overly stiff spine.
When the spine is in a neutral position, it is straight and flexible. However, when you spend hours at a time in a hunched position or with a stiff spine, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine become shortened.
Over time, these shortened muscles and structures can put excessive pressure on the spine. The spine is composed of bones that are held together by ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues. These structures may not be able to withstand this pressure. Squeezing the spinal discs may cause the disc fluid to leak out, which may irritate nearby nerves and cause pain.
The Types of Back Pain that Are a Cause for Concern
Certain types of back pain can indicate a serious underlying medical condition. The first step in determining whether or not your back pain is cause for concern is to determine what type of pain you are experiencing.
Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, spongy center of a disc pokes through the disc wall and presses against the surrounding nerve roots. It is one of the most common causes of sciatica and back pain.
Sciatica: Sciatica is pain that travels down one or both legs. It is often caused by the irritation of one or more sciatic nerve roots due to a herniated disc.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS): Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which can cause back pain. This is one of the most common causes of back pain that is a cause for concern.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common ailment that can affect anyone at any stage in their life. Luckily, there are lots of ways to prevent and manage back pain.
The most important thing you can do is stay active by following a healthy diet plan and engaging in daily exercise. Stay hydrated, and be sure to get enough rest so that your body can heal properly when it does sustain an injury.
If you do experience back pain, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is often an indication of a more serious underlying condition, such as a possible disc problem.
Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and recommend treatment options that can help you avoid further complications down the road.
While most individuals recover from COVID-19 within a couple of weeks, some continue to experience symptoms or develop new ones in the post-acute phase.
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), is a condition where individuals who were initially affected with the illness continue to have a range of physical, mental, emotional, and/or psychological symptoms after they were infected.
Symptoms can vary widely, from cardiovascular issues, respiratory issues, and/or excessive fatigue are just a few of the symptoms. For some people, it may also include cognitive or psychological problems. Below is a more concise list of symptoms you may encounter if you have long Covid.
Headache
Rapid heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Dizziness/lightheadedness when you get up from bed or you were sitting down
Brain fog – Cognitive issues, such as difficulty concentrating
Change in smell or taste. Yes, what was a major symptom in the years when Covid first came out, those with long Covid may still experience this
Fever
Stomach issues
Muscle or joint pain
Depression or anxiety
The CDC provides extensive instructions on what you should do if you suspect you have long Covid.
Are You Concerned About Long Covid if You Have Had Covid Before?
Photo by FRANK MERIÑO from Pexels
This is still under study and there has been no conclusive as to why some people are more susceptible to developing long Covid than others.
It has been reported that those who had a greater severity of COVID-19, particularly people who were hospitalized or who had health troubles are thought to have an increased risk of acquiring the infection for a longer period.
Additionally, people who did not receive the vaccine or were infected before the vaccines were developed are also thought to be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
In summary, it is safe to conclude at this time that the following people may be more a risk for long Covid:
People who have had more severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care
Those who have been and currently are at high risk
Those who are not vaccinated
You Can Still Get Long Covid if You Have Been Vaccinated
The unfortunate answer to this question is yes. Many studies are still being done regarding this issue, but more and more evidence has been pointing to the fact that regardless of the number of vaccinations you have been given, long Covid is still a possibility.
While those that have Covid can easily spread the disease, even if they were vaccinated, the answer to infecting other people when you have long COVID is no.
The reason is based upon those that have it are not contagious anymore.
What About Children?
Since the onset of Covid-19, most children have not sustained Covid as intensely as adults, but research is still underway to determine if those children who have previously acquired the disease are still at risk of long Covid.
In New York, NYSDOH recommends that all children, including infants and toddlers as young as six months old, receive all the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations to protect them from becoming more ill at a later date.
What Should I Do If I Find Out I Have long COVID?
If you have long Covid or you think you do, seek medical help immediately. If you live in New York State but do not have a health care provider, check out the NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up tool.
Your symptoms and severity will determine if you need physical or occupational therapy, mental health therapy, or both. If you need affordable health coverage, the NY State of Health can assist you in comparing health insurance plans and finding the right coverage for you and your family. NYS of Health plans includes no-premium health insurance, free preventive services, no co-pay for primary care, and low-cost prescriptions. Medicaid and Children’s Health programs are available.
Yes! If you are struggling with long COVID symptoms or suspect you have long COVID, don’t wait to seek care. Reach out to a healthcare provider as early as possible.
Because management of long COVID may require a team approach, a healthcare provider can help you get referrals to other providers who offer focused care. This may include a pulmonologist, cardiologist, or neurologist, as well as mental health experts, physical or occupational therapists, and social workers, depending on your symptoms and severity.
Bottom line – If you have had Covid after a week, and you still don’t feel well, you should seek medical help. As a further precaution, if you are tested positive for the disease, seek the advice of your doctor about what you can do to prevent long Covid.
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It’s also one of the most common reasons why people cannot continue working. The pain is so common that it’s been called “the New Normal”.
This type of discomfort can be caused by several number of factors, including an unhealthy lifestyle and genetics. You may have Degenerative Disc Disease. If so, the options below may be of help, but we recommend you see your medical provider as well.
Exercise
Photo: Graphicstock
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid health issues. Regularly exercising can strengthen your muscles, improve your posture and prevent future discomfort or pain.
When it comes to your spine, it’s best to avoid certain exercises that may irritate it, such as lifting heavy weights. Rather, focus on efforts that can strengthen your spine and core muscles, such as yoga, Pilates, walking, and swimming.
Also, consider gentle stretches in your daily routine. Exercising regularly can also help in managing stress, which can play an integral part in triggering the pain and discomfort you may be feeling.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of shoes you wear and what impact they may have on your posture and health.
Identify the Cause of Your Pain
If you can, pin down why you are having this discomfort. Is it from a previous injury or sports-related? Or are you just waking up feeling this in the morning?
Whatever it can be targeted to, it can help you determine the best course of action for treating your pain. Additionally, some common causes include a weak core, bad posture, poor sleeping habits, incorrect lifting techniques, and spinal injuries.
If you suffer from frequent or recurring pain, you should visit your doctor to determine the cause and get the proper treatment and management plan. If you have on-off episodes of pain, you may be able to treat it on your own at home.
Breathe and Relax
Photo Graphicstock
Relaxation exercises help reduce stress, which often plays a part in triggering pain or discomfort in the spine. Additionally, deep breathing can help improve your posture.
To do deep breathing exercises, find a quiet place to sit, relax your muscles, and focus on your breathing.
You can also do this lying down or even while you’re walking! By taking a few minutes every day to focus on these techniques, you may at the very least, feel a little better. These exercises help with mental stimulation as well.
Most people would jump at the suggestion to get a massage and why not? Regularly receiving massage therapy or other types of bodywork is another excellent home remedy for many types of pain-related ailments.
These treatments can help improve your flexibility and range of motion. If you suffer from frequent or recurring pain, you could visit a massage therapist or bodywork practitioner to help manage your pain and discomfort.
Massage treatments may provide short-term pain relief, but they are not long-term treatment plans. It’s also important to consider the type of massage you receive. Deep tissue massage and myofascial release therapy are two types of massage that may be beneficial for managing spine-related pain.
Make a Scheduled Commitment to Stretching
Regularly making a committed effort to stretch and relax your muscles can help you as well. There are many different stretches you can perform to target different areas of your body and promote flexibility.
For your spine, try lying face-down on the floor and pulling both knees towards your chest, gently extending your arms out in front of you. You can also try sitting in a chair with both feet flat on the ground and slowly leaning back, keeping it straight, and extending your arms straight out so that they are parallel with the floor. Remember that regimens of stretching and relaxation are best performed slowly and gently.
Lay on a Heat-Filled Blanket
Feeling the warmth from a heated blanket can provide you with both a comforting feeling and the added benefit of soothing your vertebrae and muscles.
A heated blanket can help improve blood flow and circulation, which can, in turn, alleviate pain. If you have a heated blanket, simply turning it up to a high temperature will suffice.
Note that using a heated blanket is not recommended while you’re asleep. Doing so may disrupt your sleep, which is not a good idea if you are experiencing pain. Instead, try doing this for about 15 minutes before bedtime.
There are a variety of counter-heating remedies, such as heating pads available at your local retail store.
What is Your Mattress Like?
Studies have shown that a poor or old mattress may be a factor in back pain, especially if you have Degenerative Disc Disease. The reason is that a bad mattress will cause your body to exert pressure on the damaged discs, resulting in the pain you feel in the morning when you wake up.
Photo: iStock
A new mattress that allows your body to ‘sink’ in can relieve some of the pressure on the discs. Additionally, consider getting a mattress base that can move up and down. With this option, you can push a button and the base at your feet will rise, providing reduced pressure on your body, especially the lumbar area where the discs reside.
We know buying a new mattress along with a movable base can get expensive, but it is will be well worth it if you see that your pain has subsided. Many mattress companies give you a 30-day option to try it out and return it if it is not working for you.
Try TENS
TENS, which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation delivers small electrical impulses to your body to help with the pain and discomfort associated with pain.
There are many different TENS machines available, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for you, as well as confer with your doctor. TENS machines are particularly useful for managing pain that is caused by injuries or surgeries.
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, using a TENS machine can help reduce your pain and make your daily life easier. While these machines are effective, they are not FDA-approved for the treatment of this type of discomfort. That being said, they are often used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Of course, you should consult with a pain specialist before acquiring this apparatus yourself.
Bottom line
These are potential remedies you can try to reduce or eliminate pain in your vertebrae. It includes exercise and sleep, eating a balanced diet, managing your stress levels, and reviewing your mattress.
If you are in severe pain or the pain continues, you should seek the assistance of a physician. Even if the pain is not severe or constant, it wouldn’t hurt to see medical advice as well.
We thought that title would catch your attention, and now that we have it, we’d like to clarify that the items listed below will not actually change your daily lifestyle; however, maybe, just maybe, they will make life a little easier for you when you encounter these issues. The knowledge you can gain from this (if you already don’t know about them) is, shall we say, priceless!
We all know it’s almost impossible to reach an IRS agent on the phone, or is it? Well, we found the way. Here’s how:
1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 2. Reply to the Select Your Language option 3. It will ask you to press an option for your income taxes. Press 2 4. Next, press 1 for questions about a form already filed or a payment 5. Then press 3 for all other questions 6. Again, it will ask for all other questions, Press 2 Do not press any key when it asks for your SSN 7. Then press2 for personal or individual tax questions 8. Then press 3 for all other inquiries
Congratulations! You have reached the point where an IRS agent will answer your call, but it may take them time to do so. So, after your fingers did all that walking, you may still have to wait.
We have found that the most opportune time to reach a representative is in the early morning when the wait time is less than a few minutes. If you’re lucky, you might get a representative to answer immediately.
If you call in the afternoon or evening, you may get a recording saying they will call you back. The IRS will call you, and it may be 2 or 3 hours later, but they will call back!
Some additional numbers to keep on hand:
Installment agreement questions: 800-829-3903
Collections: 800-829-7650 (This includes existing installment agreements)
2. Do You Know the Difference Between Real and Fake Silver?
Whether you like it or not, China is a major seller of just about everything. We will not delve into the politics of this, but we’d like to make you aware that everything that is sold in China and other locations is not what it’s made up to be.
Do you have silver jewelry, coins, or even bars? Let’s talk about this.
A customer went to a website and bought what he thought was a great deal on American silver dollar coins. However, these coins turned out to be fake.
How Did He Know the Silver Was Fake?
Easy. Get a magnet. Any magnet. Even a travel magnet that sticks to your refrigerator would work. Put your coin on the magnet. Did it stick to it? If yes, you have a fake!
Silver does not magnetize!!
3. Need Some Spare Change?
Well maybe not this much, but you get the picture! Photo Unsplash
These suggestions will not pay your rent or mortgage, but they can help you with some extra gas money (yes, even at today’s prices), provide tips at restaurants, get you a few extra bus or subway rides, or anything else where some pocket change would be a benefit.
Below are some tried and true methods to make that extra buck!
Take Surveys!
Believe it or not, some businesses will pay you to take surveys, and the pennies add up. Below are a few legitimate companies that will pay you for the services you provide, and you never pay anything to them.
If you like taking surveys, this one’s for you. You can register here. Pay nothing, and you will periodically receive survey questions in your email from different businesses regarding how you like or don’t like a particular webpage, item, or service.
They pay anywhere from .20 to $2.00 per survey, usually taking less than a minute or two to complete. Now, we know that .20 won’t get you anywhere, but as the email requests come in, you can watch the funds add up.
Pennies can add to dollars over time.
This will not pay your monthly mortgage, but it may help you with the little things in life that need to be paid!
You can also register with the Apex Focus Group, which will notify you of surveys and other evaluations that will pay you for participation.
Become an Immitation Juror – It’s Legitimate!
Yes, you heard us right. You participate as a juror in a trial that’s not real and gets paid for it! Not what a standard juror would be paid for an actual trial. You would get much more. It can be $250 or more, and it is usually for only one day!
You will hear attorneys from both sides state their cases, and then, just like in an actual jury room, you will discuss among your peers whether the plaintiff or defendant is at fault (or neither). The whole session is recorded and subsequently evaluated by legal professionals.
MoneyLion is an Internet finance company that offers various services. One is Instant Cash, where you can get $100 or more by answering a few simple questions and linking to your bank account. No credit check is done, and if approved, you can have cash in your bank account within seconds.
As you continue to build trust with them, they will increase the amount you can withdraw. Payback time can be three weeks or more, but be careful about their fees. They will ask you twice if you would like to add a tip. That is up to you, but since this is a computerized digital service, one might ask who is getting the tip.
Sell Your Stuff!
Do you have items in your house, attic, or basement that you no longer use? Do you have old items you once used as a hobby, or did your grandfather give you them ten years ago? Do you have any old cameras, trains, or vintage books? There are markets for them!
EBay would be your first source. Then, you can drill down to other market resources, such as those on Facebook. Also, try the ones that specialize in buying specific items, such as trains or cameras.
Oh, Those Coffee Table Books!
So you’ve gathered those nice picture books that look great on your coffee table, but now you have too many or want to part with them.
You have probably tried a garage sale and ended up getting $1 for what cost you $15, or if you live in an apartment, a garage sale would be out of the question. Maybe you tried eBay, got no bids, or went to your local bookstore, but they wouldn’t take them.
Well, help is on the way! If you live in the NYC area, one bookstore would love to buy your table books. They won’t pay you a market price, but their prices beat the $1 you got at the garage sale.
It is the Strand Book Store on 12 St. in Manhattan, but make sure you take a lot of your books so that you can accumulate some relative value for them, and a word of caution – if you drive, especially on a weekday, parking is horrendous, so you may want to take another driver with you who will stay in the driver’s seat while you visit the store. And yes, there will be a line to get in. Also, pack the books in a suitcase or similar travel case for ease of use.
So there you have it. All you need to do is find the right buyers, and you can sell those things that have been lying around for the last 100 years.
Get Cash for Gift Cards!
Your grandmother gave you a $200 Apple gift card, but you are using Samsung Droid phones, or you just got a $250 gift card from Target, but you would rather have the cash. Whatever the reason, there are ways you can trade in those cards for cash!
Some companies will buy your gift card and send you cash; you can pay for it online! The only caveat is that you won’t get full pay for them, but you will get between 85% – 90% payment, which is not bad.
Have you ever wondered if there is some money owed you that you forgot about? You’ll be surprised how many people are owed money they are unaware of! If you live in New York State, you can go to the NYS Comptroller’s Office website and run a search for unclaimed funds.
Once you register with a mystery shopper company, you will receive emails inviting you to visit a bank, retail outlet, or other institution.
For banks, you will discuss a loan or a bank account. The idea is that they want to see how the bank employee responds to your requests and that he/she follows all policies based on the questions you ask. Sometimes, they may ask you to open a bank account or accept a loan. In this case, you will usually be paid more than if you were just evaluating them.
But it doesn’t stop there. You may be requested to go to retailers, gas stations, supermarkets, and even car dealerships.
Here are two companies that provide mystery shopping:
Your pay can vary widely and range anywhere from $10 to $250, depending on what they ask you to do. Mystery shopping at locations (called shops) that require several hours to complete pay the higher amounts, but most of the time, you may be in the shop for an average of 30 minutes on the low end to possibly two hours on the high end, and filling out the evaluations usually take about 30 minutes to complete. You will be asked to take photos in almost every shop you go to, so make sure you have your cell phone handy. At the same time, make sure you are discrete. We know of cases where mystery shoppers received over $1,200 in one year, and yes, the income is taxable.
Note that these mystery shopping companies have very stringent guidelines; you must pay close attention to detail, or they will not pay you.
Participate in Research Studies
These legitimate companies need people to participate in physical studies, and they can pay $25o or more. One example is where you would be called to serve as a juror and listen to testimony from both the defense and prosecution attorneys.
No real names are given, but they want to see how jurors would discuss the case. Others are studies where folks discuss current events and finance; there is even one about what makeup to wear. Of course, the types of studies change over time, but there is always something to enroll in. Check it out!
Participate in Clinical Studies
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Have you seen those commercials that offer prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (e.g., memory inducers, vitamins, etc.), and the narrator says, “According to a clinical trial of over X participants…”? Did you know you could be one of those individuals who participated in these trials?
You may not be aware, but all the major pharmaceutical companies, as well as other medical companies and organizations, offer people the opportunity to participate in clinical studies such as these.
The trials can vary immensely but usually involve testing new drugs, vaccines, or other medical advancements, as well as studying a person’s reaction to previous diseases they may have had, such as COVID-19.
Here is the Pfizer website for clinical trials, but if you Google pharmaceutical study participants, you will get a whole list of providers that offer these studies.
The pay also varies, from volunteering without pay to $20 to over $150 per study.
Of course, you should be vigilant by researching these companies and consulting with your medical professional before participating, especially if you have a medical issue or are in your senior years.
5. That Insurance Bill is Too High!
Ever get a medical insurance bill that you didn’t expect? You thought that the co-pay was all you need to pay, then you get another bill for $345 that no one told you about.
This is more common than you think. Here’s what you do.
Call your insurance company to confirm that you do own this additional amount. Sometimes, the provider did not put in the correct code or entered incorrect information, causing this amount to appear. It could be as simple as that, and if it is, your insurance company will supply you with the information that you need to relay back to your provider so that they can correct this issue.
If you confirm that you owe this payment, call the provider directly. This might not be the doctor’s office you went to, so call the number on the bill. It could be a third-party affiliate, such as a pathologist or other outside medical provider. You may be surprised to hear that it will work for you to pay the bill, lower the amount, or even remove it altogether. Some providers work on a sliding scale basis, so give them a call. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome!
6. Rideshare
Just about everyone has heard about ridesharing. If you decide to be a driver, you could potentially make a decent amount of money each week.
If ridesharing is too time-consuming for you, you could try delivering food. You pick the date and time when you will be doing the deliveries and get paid accordingly.
Pay varies greatly, but depending on your effort, you can expect to earn anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds per day.
Below are the primary ‘eats’ delivery services that you can register with: Uber Eats Grubhub DoorDash
We bet your burning question is, how much money am I saving vs. driving a conventional gas car? We did research, and the answer depends on your driving habits, lifestyle, and location. With that said, we were able to generalize an amount.
Some electric utility companies will tell you how much you have spent when charging your EV. We called our local electric utility company, which is in Nassau County, NY. The information below came from PSEGLI.
SMS
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By erring caution, we have estimated that for a standard EV, which usually consists of a 65kWh battery, the cost to charge the car to 80% from empty is equivalent to about 230 miles of driving and costs around $13.00 of home electrical costs. $13 is less than half as much if you would be gassing up your car for that same range at today’s gas prices, and it will only get worse for gas drivers and better for EV drivers as inflation keeps sticking its nose into our finances.
8. Saving on Electricity
Did you know that most electrical utility companies offer a Time of Use (TOU) plan? This plan provides peak, off-peak, and super off-peak hours to run your electrical devices and appliances. Of course, the super-off peak would be when electricity costs are the cheapest. Call your electric utility company to set it up.
If you have a thermostat in your house or apartment, you can save a little more by not turning the control from a low to a high value all at once. For example, if your thermostat is at 65 degrees and you want to make it warmer by changing it to 70 degrees, change it gradually. If you increase it all at once, it puts more strain on the furnace and subsequently causes additional oil to be used up compared to if you change it gradually.
9. Yes, Go Ahead and Buy That Sofa!
If your credit score is not up to par with the bank’s requirements, which usually means a FICO score of 660 or below, you might be thinking you will not be able to purchase that furniture, computer, TV, or another item you so dearly wanted.
Well, fear no more. No-credit-check loans are available. These usually consist of companies leasing you the money to buy the item.
Usually, they will offer you a payment plan where you can pay monthly, but the key is to pay it off within three or four months. If, after that period, you have not paid it down in full, the interest rates get pretty high—about 40% or so. But the bottom line is that you will most likely be able to purchase your item but be mindful of the consequences. Read the contract thoroughly before you sign.
Note:The sources provided in this article are for informational purposes only. Howard Fensterman is not affiliated with and does not endorse any companies or entities listed in this article. Please see our Disclaimer for more information.
Bacterial pneumonia, 3D illustration showing rod-shaped bacteria inside alveoli of the lung. Photo: iStock
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that leads to the production of pus. The infection causes the delicate lung tissue to become inflamed, and filled with fluid and creates a hospitable environment for bacteria.
Acquiring bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe is the most common cause of pneumonia. Your body will typically defend your lungs against these germs but sometimes, even if you are in good health, your immune system might not be able to fully neutralize the infection. With that said, under normal conditions and if you are in good health, you should fully recover within a week or two.
But, pneumonia can also be a life-threatening condition that requires treatment in a hospital, especially for the elderly and/or immune-deficient individuals. These more serious cases are known as severe and can lead to long-term consequences such as chronic lung disease or even death.
Different types of pneumonia can be broadly categorized as community-acquired or hospital-acquired pneumonia. Learn more about this condition in this article.
What is the Difference Between Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia?
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is caused by bacteria present in the environment outside of a hospital. CAP occurs when bacteria enter the lungs through the airway and multiply there. This can happen when you have a cold, or another virus.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a type of pneumonia that develops in a patient who has been admitted to the hospital, usually due to an infection that the patient already has, such as a urinary tract infection, blood infection, or lung infection.
It is a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). This means the person contracted it while being treated for another condition in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital.
It is important to note that not all pneumonia acquired in a hospital setting is also healthcare-associated pneumonia. HAP can be life-threatening for patients and can occur after surgery, as a complication of other infections, or as the result of the use of breathing machines. It is therefore important for healthcare providers to follow infection prevention and control practices to reduce the risk of contracting HAP and spreading it to other patients.
Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Lung illustration with red vessels and healthy bronchial vesicles. If pneumonia, fluid would build up on the air sacs AKA Alveoli. Photo: iStock
An infection in the lungs can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.
The infection can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or other microorganisms. It can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as dust or fumes.
Bacterial pneumonia is when bacteria infect the lungs and cause an infection. Viral pneumonia is when a virus infects the lungs and causes an infection.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exams, and lab tests. Healthcare providers may order a chest X-ray to confirm if there is an infection in the lungs and if there is pneumonia. Blood tests can also be done to check for bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, a cat scan may be used to further determine the infection and possibly the cause.
Severity of Pneumonia
The severity is determined by how quickly the condition progresses. The two main factors that determine how quickly a patient might progress with pneumonia are the person’s overall health before getting the infection and if there are any other health conditions present.
People who are generally in good health have a lower chance of progressing to a severe level compared to people who have preexisting medical conditions. Patients with mild pneumonia may not have any symptoms other than a cough that may be so mild that it can be mistaken for a chronic cough.
Mild
Pneumonia is considered mild when patients have a mild cough (that can be mistaken for a chronic cough), an unexplained fever, and/or shortness of breath, as well as other cold-like symptoms.
Its technical name is atypical pneumonia, but it is more commonly known as walking pneumonia since seeking a medical professional is not required, but recommended and the patient can go on with his/her daily routine although feeling like he/she has a bad cold.
Walking pneumonia is most commonly caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcuspneumoniae, which is typically found in the upper respiratory tract. Approximately 900,000 Americans are found to be infected with this bacteria each year.
Severe
Pneumonia is considered severe when the patient’s symptoms are exactly that – severe, meaning that your cough, fever, headaches, shortness of breath, etc. are enough to make you feel so uncomfortable that you want to seek medical attention. (This is not to say that you shouldn’t seek medical attention or advice if you have a mild case). Hospitalization is required for the treatment of severe pneumonia because symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue become more severe.
Treatment for Pneumonia
Pneumonia is treated in several ways, depending on the patient’s overall health and the severity of the infection. Treatment for mild bacterial pneumonia is usually limited to antibiotics and plenty of rest.
For severe cases, patients are placed on mechanical ventilation if their breathing is too shallow or fast or their oxygen level is too low. If the patient is not on a ventilator, they may receive antibiotics intravenously to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Patients who are on mechanical ventilation are given antibiotics through a port placed in their veins as well as supplemental oxygen.
Prevention of Pneumonia
Vaccination is recommended for those who are at a high risk of getting the disease, such as people over 65. Other groups that can benefit from vaccinations include healthcare workers, people traveling to countries where pneumonia is common (such as developing nations), and people who have a weakened immune system.
Smoking tobacco is the leading risk factor for pneumonia as it damages the lungs, compromising their immune function and ability to fight infections.
Stress, particularly chronic stress, can also weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to pneumonia.
There are also steps you can take to reduce the risk of pneumonia, including getting plenty of sleep and avoiding large crowds during flu season.
Conclusion
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria.
Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, but it can be treated with antibiotics, rest, and fluids.
It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have pneumonia, as it can be fatal if left untreated for some people.
There are two types of pneumonia: community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia occurs when bacteria enter the lungs through the airway, either as a result of a viral infection or from exposure to irritants in the air.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is an infection that results from an infection that the patient already has, such as a urinary tract infection, blood infection, or lung infection. It is important to note that not all pneumonia acquired in a hospital setting is also healthcare-associated.
If you do come down with any of these symptoms mentioned and these symptoms are precise beyond the normal course of time where they should have subsided, or if you are immune deficient, elderly, or have other high-risk issues, you should seek a medical professional ASAP!
November 12 is around the corner and that is World Pneumonia Day. It reminds us to come together to demand action against this deadly disease, as it is the world’s leading cause of death among children.
What is Pneumonia?
Simply put, pneumonia is fluid in your lungs. According to the World Health Organization, it’s also the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections in developed countries and accounts for 14% of deaths of children under the age of five.
Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial. If bacterial, antibiotics would be the prominent medication that’s used, and in virtually all cases, the patient will recover 100%. If viral, antibiotics will be of no use and other means of treatment would be necessary.
If you’re over 65, have a chronic illness like diabetes, are a smoker, or have other ‘at risk’ habits, your odds of contracting pneumonia are even higher.
In general, as with all parts of the body, some mechanisms are at work to keep you healthy. Sometimes they move into overdrive if something goes wrong, such as if the body gets invaded by pathogenic agents (AKA, an infection), which may be bacteria, protozoans, or viruses.
Let’s see what overdrive protection the body uses when the lungs become infected with one of these pathogens.
If an inefficient amount of carbon dioxide is produced, then we are not breathing enough, and our blood can be negatively affected; consequently, we will breathe heavier to compensate for more carbon dioxide production.
The PH Indicator
PH is a blood indicator. The normal level of pH in the blood for a healthy person can range from 7.35 to 7.45. Any changes in your pH level, meaning changes in your blood; such as low carbon dioxide production, can indicate a health condition, such as heart, kidney, or lung disease, as well as possible numerous other illnesses.
The heaver breathing mentioned above is because the parts of the brain that control the breathing were signaled that there is not enough carbon dioxide available in the lungs, and it activates the body to tell it to produce deeper breaths, known as respiratory compensation, to bring up the PH blood level.
The Oxygen Factor
If you’re not breathing in enough oxygen or something internal is causing you to not acquire enough oxygen, or something is failing to help your body produce the required amount of carbon dioxide, your immune system will get compromised. When this happens, your body is less able to fight off the bacteria and/or viruses that can lead to illnesses such as pneumonia.
What Can We Do to Help Maintain Proper Carbon Dioxide and PH Blood Levels?
Of course, there is no 100% absolute protection against pneumonia, but we can do certain things to help keep it at bay.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing weight with the Paleo diet
Needless to say, being overweight can be the catalyst for a range of health issues, and contracting pneumonia is no exception. There was a study conducted that determined that obesity can play a role in a person developing pneumonia; so as we have been saying in numerous articles, work to keep your weight down!
Eat Healthy and Exercise!
Photo: Graphicstock
This is a no-brainer, but if you’re already at a healthy weight but have been gaining weight over time, make diet and exercise changes before it’s too late.
And above all, talk to your physician or medical professional about what your best plan would be to work that weight off.
Stay Covered When You’re Out in the Cold
Another no-brainer, but if you spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, dress appropriately. One exception might be if you are a member of the Polar Bear Club but we won’t touch on this one.
Get Your Flu Shot Every Year
The flu virus is responsible for millions of infections every year, including many cases of pneumonia. Get your flu shot to minimize your risk of contracting lung diseases. And don’t forget about pneumococcal pneumonia shot too, and this goes double for seniors!
It must be stated that even if you get these shots, that doesn’t mean that you will not acquire the flu or pneumonia. There was one recent case in Long Island New York where a healthy senior who got all his vaccines, including Covid, still got infected with pneumonia. He fully recovered with antibiotics but remained in the hospital until all the fluid in his lungs had been gone.
It is just so much you can do, but doing that so much would be highly recommended.
Conclusion
Pneumonia is a serious infection that can lead to death but can also be cured. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help prevent acquiring it. . Therefore, it is important to stay on top of your respiratory care, maintain a healthy weight, stay covered when you’re out in the cold, get your required vaccines every year, and make sure your home is well ventilated.
For a more detailed explanation of pneumonia, check out our article What is Pneumonia?
Does Fido go crazy when you come home? You can bet he does and this simple act of wagging his tail might seem like nothing more than a quirk of dog behavior, but there are other reasons too for wagging as our canine friends can show a range of emotions depending upon the situation they are confronted with.
As we have all experienced and most probably the most noticeable of all dog wagging is when Lulu wants to greet you or others, or maybe even other dogs. Wagging can occur when they want something from you as well, like food or to go outside, or when they just want to play.
This behavior is usually with other canine behaviors, such as barking, licking, and sniffing.
So let’s start with a list of dog-wagging traits and then go on from there.
When they see you coming home. We are all familiar with this one and even when a new person comes knocking on the door.
When they want to go outside. Maybe they need their walk, but also, for homeowners, it could be that they want to play in the backyard.
When they see another dog. No explanation is needed here. This is normal expected behavior.
When they are happy.
When they want to play. When Lulu wants to play, you will know!
When they are running. This happens because when dogs run, their muscles contract. This causes their blood vessels to expand, which leads to increased blood flow in their legs and tails, subsequently causing the wagging effect.
Do Dogs Wag Their Tails When They’re Scared?
We have all seen and experienced that when a dog is quiet, his tail is relaxed, but when confronted with emotions, such as nervousness or feeling threatened, his tail starts moving. Most noticeable is that Casper shows fear. His tail may be positioned in a downward state, but this can vary depending on the dog breed.
When They Are Playing?
When two dogs are wrestling or playing, they will often wag as a sign of enjoyment and when they play with us humans, the same will show. Some experts go as far as saying that the direction of their wag is a sign of fright or happiness.
Good Food
Photo iStock. Credit Zontica
No doubt Lassie (remember her?) was more than thrilled with excitement when she saw Tommy coming down with her favorite food. Our canine friends love it when there is something good coming their way and their tails tell us all.
It’s a Communication!
Whatever Rin Tin Tin (why in the world did they name him that?) wags, it is because he is communicating something to us or another animal. Studies have shown something very interesting.
Canines will wag their tails towards the right when they are in a happy mood and their tail will move to the left when they are anxious or scared, and this is not just due to random body movement.
Same to our emotions being elicited from either the right or left side of our brains, similar reactions occur for four-legged friends, so when Fluffy moves her tail to the left, it is the right side of her brain that is causing her to do this.
Researchers have determined that a dog’s left side of the brain is related to good feelings, such as relaxation, happiness, or even love, and that is displayed by her tail moving to the right. Then, knowing that the right half of the brain is associated with bad feelings, Fluffy will move her tail to the left if she anticipates fear or anxiety, or some other negative emotion.
Tell That Tail
When it comes to wagging tails, there are many different reasons that a dog may do it. It may be because they are happy, when they are playing, or even when they are scared of another animal or human.
Wagging tails are just one of the many types of a dog’s communication and when you know what your dog is trying to tell you, you can communicate better with them and both of you can enjoy an optimum relationship!
When this author was young, like five years young, I was in a park with my father. As we were lying on the grass, my father, I guess for fun, picked up some grass and ate it. He said you should try it sometime. Well, I did that day. Being human, I am glad to say nothing happened, but we humans in general don’t eat grass :-).
With that said, have you noticed that as soon as you take your dog outside, he/she may run towards that freshly mowed lawn and begin to munch on the grass? Is this habit healthy? Is it normal? Let’s look at the theories and explanations as to why dogs have such a desire to eat grass.
Grassy Theories
One common hypothesis is that they do this to induce vomiting. Many think if a dog is feeling gassy or has certain things in his digestive system he wants to get rid of, he will chew on grass to induce vomiting. Unfortunately, there is not much evidence backing this theory. Less than 25% of dogs will vomit after eating grass.
Another and more simplified explanation is that they like it! Cats might be mainly carnivores, while dogs on the other hand are much more omnivorous. The average dog will eat anything if given the chance or if he is hungry enough. Wild dogs such as wolves and other canines dabble in plant-eating as well and also devour omnivores and herbivores whole, including the entire stomach contents.
Eating grass may also be a natural way for our domesticated canines to vary their diet. If your dog is eating a lot of grass, this may also be a signal of nutritional deficiency. Like us, dogs cannot digest cellulose, the main energy source of grass. Dogs might just be grazing for a source of fiber. Some grass contains minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium which might explain why dogs only like to munch on only one certain type of grass.
Is Eating Grass Healthy for Dogs?
Photo: iStock
A little grass-eating can be harmless if it hasn’t been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides. This can occur when your landscaper comes. Make sure your landscaper knows you have pets and inform him about putting harmful chemicals on your lawn. Most landscapers will put out signs on the lawn stating that it has just been sprayed with chemicals. They say your pet should not be on the lawn for at least 24 hours, probably 48 may be better after the lawn has been sprayed.
Also, you must make sure everyone in your house is aware of these dangers and not let the dogs out if you suspect the lawn was sprayed. My wife makes extra sure we know about the landscaper’s spraying and if we forget and let the dog out to the backyard, screaming like the woman in Psycho would seem tame.
What About Repeated Grass Eating?
If your dog eats a lot of grass and you are worried about his or her nutrition or digestion, it may be vet time. Be sure to ask the vet for advice on changes to your pet’s diet, but he might ask you to bring him into the facility.
Bottom Line
Dogs eating grass is normal and it won’t harm their digestive system, but doing this exceptionally may indicate a possible issue. Contacting your vet for advice. A possible checkup would be the recommended way to go.
Previously we have mentioned several charitable organizations that Howard Fensterman choose to donate to, and in this article, we will expand out to a broader view of charitable organizations across the globe.
Since there are so many causes that need donations as well as volunteer work, we have picked five that we feel deserve notable attention.
That does not mean that you agree with our picks, as you may have some in mind that you believe are more worthwhile to donate to, and that’s perfectly fine! But we are sure the ones that we have selected here are worthwhile as well, so we simply ask that you read about them and then make your decision. Let’s begin.
$1.8 million per day! That’s what it cost St. Jude to care for these children and they charge the families zero dollars! What’s more precious than a child? What could be more painful than parents who see their child suffer from cancer? Or worse, actually being that child with cancer!
You’ve heard the expression “Let’s stamp out cancer in our lifetime”. Thanks to the superb efforts of St. Jude Cancer Hospital, that may become true!
Established by Danny Thomas, St. Jude works with top scientists and doctors to research, understand, and subsequently treat children with cancer, as well as other life-threatening diseases.
Pediatric cancer is St. Jude’s major research and care and the young patients may be there for quite a while. Possibly up to three years or more, and the costs can be astronomical with an average price tag of around $425,000 but can be up to $1 million or more.
With that said, no family ever pays a penny to St. Jude, but if the family does have insurance, St. Jude will bill the insurance company, but that’s it. No copays or deductibles are ever asked for.
Let’s stay with children’s charities just a bit more. The Shriners Children’s Hospital provides exceptional pediatric care for children suffering from diseases or injuries. They have locations throughout the United States on both coasts and middle America, as well as, one in Hawaii.
Some of the care they provide is orthopedic therapy, gastrointestinal conditions, burn care, rheumatic therapy, sports medicine, and pediatric surgery.
We selected Tunnel to Towers because it represents folks who sacrificed more than anyone would want to-to sacrifice. The charity provides new homes free of charge to first responders, law enforcement members, and the American military who have been permanently injured in the line of duty. Tunnel to Towers also provides homes to gold star families who have lost a loved one.
These homes are state of the art with all the ‘smart’ features necessary for those who have difficulty managing daily home living.
Created by Frank Siller who lost his brother firefighter at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the scariest cancers to acquire. Over 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with this disease in 2022 and it is one of the most difficult to manage almost 49,000 people will die from this cancer this year!
Pancreatic cancer is not easy to diagnose and there are no specific symptoms that occur in the early stages of the disease. Unfortunately, the result is that pancreatic cancer is not found until the later stages, which means that it has already spread through the body, and surgery at that point is not a valid alternative.
That is why we choose the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network as one of our top charities to donate to.
Most of us have heard about Care. An international organization is driven to help hunger strife families throughout the world.
As per their mission statement: “CARE provides quality, gender-focused and localized humanitarian assistance to 10% of those affected in major crises, reaching at least 50 million people by 2030.”, their goal is to help more than 50 million people from external factors such as war, natural disasters, climate change, and migration that cause homelessness and humanitarian food crisis around the world.
Care would like to stamp out hunger once and for all. When you donate to Care you know you are helping families that are in dire need of food and shelter.
A local (NY area) 501c3 nonprofit organization that caterers to children who have lost a parent or sibling. Camp Good Mourning is a bereavement organization.
As per their website: “Camp Good Mourning! supports, educates, and empowers grieving Long Island children in a traditional summer camp setting . . . with something EXTRA SPECIAL . . . the ability to connect with other ways who harass experienced the death of a parent and/or sibling!”
When visiting the camp as we have done, the most prominent aspect that we noticed were the smiling faces of the children as they participated in their activities.
If you have suggestions for us to donate to a worthwhile charitable organization, please let us know!
What is the Difference Between Natural Antibodies and Monoclonal Antibodies?
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Monoclonalantibodies (mAbs) are similar to antibodies produced naturally by the body in response to an infection, but these guys are made artificially in a laboratory. That’s where the term monoclonal comes from. It means they are antibodies created in a lab and are cloned.
Same as natural human antibodies, monoclonal antibodies are designed to resist a virus by recognizing the spike protein in its cell’s outer coat. This makes it quite convenient for lab scientists and technicians to target a specific virus. In this case, Covid.
In doing so, the antibodies block the ability of the virus to replicate inside the body, giving the immune system more time to mount its response against COVID-19 infections.
Who Does Monoclonal Antibodies Help the Most?
Monoclonal antibody infusions are particularly helpful in patients with compromised immune systems, who would find it difficult for their bodies to naturally resist the virus, but it helps healthy people who have caught the virus also, as many have stated that then start feeling better after about 24 hours.
Are Monoclonal Antibodies Only Used for Covid?
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
No. Other monoclonal antibodies work as immunotherapies (treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer), as they allow your body’s immune system to react better, which then allows your body to more effectively find and attack tumor cells. Show Source Texts
Some monoclonal antibodies are attached to a chemotherapy drug to give treatment directly to cancer cells, avoiding healthy cells. Once attached, antibodies may cause other parts of the body’s immune system to destroy cells that harbor an antigen (molecules that induce an immune response).
Once attached, antibodies draw in immune cells to destroy the tumor cells. The antibody latches onto a particular molecule on the surface of a problem cell.
Are Monoclonal Antibodies Connected to Other Drugs When Infused into a Patient?
As previously mentioned, they are made in a lab to combat a specific infection. They can be injected naturally, called Naked mAbs which means that they are not attached to other drugs such as Brentuximab, which is a chemotherapy drug used to fight cancer cells.
How monoclonal antibodies can be injected into the body is broken down into essentially three categories:
Naked MonoclonalAntibodies: These work as a solo drug without any attachments or connections to other drugs. This treatment category is the most commonly used.
Conjugated Monoclonal Antibodies: An additional drug is added with the mAbs, such as with a chemotherapy treatment or a radioactive compound, both used mostly when fighting cancer.
Bispecific Monoclonal Antibodies: Used to target two different proteins at the same time.
Side Effects
When the antibodies are injected into the body, usually intravenous, an allergic reaction may occur, but these side effects are not life-threatening. Some of the effects a patient may incur are fever, headache, nausea, low blood pressure, and/or rashes.
Final Thoughts
Lab-designed antibodies are ongoing research, but what has been done so far has proven to be worthwhile and fairly successful. Most promising is that researchers can create the antibodies to target specific pathogens depending upon what disease they are working on, such as Covid or cancer.
Antibodies may be designed to attach to various molecules in the body, such as turning off an immune response when it is overreacting; this phenomenon, which has also occurred with some Covid-19 patients, is called a cytokine storm, which are proteins thatcontrol the growth of immune cells. They help the body’s immune system to do its job properly.
FFA
