Monthly Archives: June 2012

Remember, What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

booking.com for the win. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

“Except for herpes. That sh*t will come back with you.”

Not only will herpes hitch a ride back with you from Sin City, but it will stick with you forever (forever, ever, forever, ever?). There’s still no cure for herpes (fingers crossed that the future doctors and scientists discover one asap). But for the meantime, the best thing to do is to prevent yourself from getting it.

Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), but most cases are caused by HSV-2. Most people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. Usually, one or more blisters form on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break and then POOF! tender ulcers (sores) are left, which can take 2-4 weeks to heal the first time they occur.

“Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.  Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years” (CDC). The first outbreak usually occurs 2 days to 2 weeks after the infection (NIH). If you think you got infected or experience any symptoms, get checked out by your health provider asap.

For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. The infected partner may or may not have a visible sore. So choose wisely my friend. On the other end, HSV-1 generally causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” Genital HSV-1 infection is caused by (you guessed it!) oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person infected with HSV-1.

Complications with herpes can happen. Genital herpes can cause recurrent genital sores in many adults. For people with suppressed immune systems, a herpes infection can be severe. Also, it’s very important that pregnant women avoid contracting herpes because it puts the baby at risk of getting the virus as well. If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, the chance of a baby getting herpes from the infected mother is rare. In addition to the physical discomfort, herpes also causes psychological distress for those who know they’re infected.

Like I said earlier, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, there is medical treatment. “Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners” (CDC).

image source: mylot.com

With all that said, one question remains: How can herpes be prevented? The answer: Don’t go to Vegas! I’m absolutely kidding. But could you imagine if that was the only way to avoid getting herpes?! I don’t even want to think about it. Fortunately, there are effective alternatives:

  1. Abstinence
  2. Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
  3. Use latex condoms correctly and consistently (Note: genital herpes can also occur in both male and female genital areas that aren’t covered by a condom)

So, go to Vegas! If you have a lot of money, then stay at the Cosmopolitan. Wanna feel like money but are a little low on the funds? Then stay at PH Towers Westgate with 20 of your closest friends and split a penthouse suite. Grab a sandwich at Earl’s. Spend the day basking in the sun at the Marquee Dayclub. Then dance all night long at XS. Get your 3am steak and eggs fix. Gamble just a little so you can say that you did and maybe you’ll get lucky. Then stuff your face at the M buffet! Just don’t catch herpes!

Penthouse Suite at PH Towers. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

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#2 Pencil Not Required

image source: The Cornerstone

SAT, DAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT, LSAT: All tests that none of us want to take but kinda have to. They are painfully long exams that usually require hours and hours of studying. Despite the endless chemical reactions, complex math equations, and critical reading passages, these tests are worth the blood, sweat, and tears. College, dental school, grad school, med school, pharm school, law school: All are stepping stones to a better and brighter future.

Unlike the MCAT and LSAT, the HIV test doesn’t require any studying. You just need to show up. Like the MCAT and LSAT, the HIV test is so worth it. It wouldn’t just be a stepping stone. It would be a stepping boulder to a better and brighter future. A lot of us are willing to sacrifice an entire summer studying for a standardized test, so why not sacrifice 20 minutes to get tested for HIV?

In honor of National HIV Testing Day, here are 5 reasons why you should get tested for HIV:

1. Knowing your status is empowering. If you test positive, you can seek medical treatment that will help you live a longer and healthier life. If you test negative, then you can take steps to stay negative, such as using condoms correctly every time you have sex. Take the test and take control of your life.

2. HIV has no boundaries. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, home address, job, etc., HIV doesn’t care. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It could have just been that “not so smart decision” you made that “one time.” Just get tested.

3. There is no vaccine or cure for HIV yet. Medication, however, is available. The only way you will know that you need medical treatment is if you get tested.

4. It takes 20 minutes. You can watch an entire episode of Modern Family commercial free and still have 1 minute and 34 seconds to spare. The rapid test, which is an HIV screening test, usually uses oral fluid to detect HIV antibodies. It’s absolutely painless.

5. It can save your life.

For more information on HIV, check out MTV It’s Your (Sex) Life – HIV/AIDS 101.

Click here to find a testing site near you.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Who Let the Dogs Out?!

Bow Wow. Photo by Arielle Colon

Memorial Day has passed, which means one thing: summer is here!!! Summertime is great for barbecues, swimming, the beach, and the outdoors. Unfortunately, summertime also brings about heat, humidity, and bugs (Gross)! If you have a fluffy best-friend around your house, summertime also means that you have to take extra care of your pet. If you keep your pet healthy, you keep your home and yourself healthy, as well!  So here are a few tips on keeping your pet’s health at its best (AVMA and Chatham County’s Public Health Department):

First of all, it is EXTREMELY important to keep water around inside and outside of your home. Getting dehydrated is a lot easier during the summer, so check water bowls periodically throughout the day and carry some water with you on car-rides and walks.

Sophie. Photo by Arielle Colon

Grooming isn’t just for looks.  Your pets are supposed to be well-groomed so that their fur can protect them from the the rays and warmth of the sun.  If your pet has too many tangles (or too much fur in general), it’s best to cut off some of those locks in order to release some of the trapped heat.

On walks/runs, make sure your pet doesn’t drink from any puddles (in case there is something toxic mixed in) and don’t overexert your pet (because your pet might have trouble keeping a normal body temperature in hot or humid weather).

Also, keep your pets inside when it’s a burning hot day (and I don’t mean inside a car)! It’s easy for pets to get overheated, and if that happens, your pet can get sick, get brain damage or die!  If your pet is panting excessively or passes out, spray water on him/her and get him/her to a vet quickly (LA County’s Department of Animal Care and Control)!

Finally, just like humans need regular check-ups, animals do too!  In order to avoid easily preventable diseases within pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association said that 95% of veterinarians recommend at least one annual exam.  The AVMA believes that the veterinary field needs to start promoting overall health, instead of just treating the sick or giving vaccinations.

Socks. Photo by Arielle Colon

Keeping your pets healthy means that you keep your home healthy.  If your pet is unhealthy, your family runs the risk of becoming unhealthy, as well.  For instance, many immunocompromised people (people who can’t fight off disease normally, like chemotherapy patients, HIV infected people, etc) run risks of catching zoonoses (diseases that can be transmitted from animal to human) from bites (The Emergence of Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Impact of Animal and Human Health- Workshop Summary by Tom Burroughs). This means you have to keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date!  Help your pet out with fleas, too!  Not only will he/she be uncomfortably itchy, but you might suffer from flea bites. Make sure to wash your hands right after touching your pet or anything that comest into contact with them, such as treats and toys.  Point is–by keeping your pet healthy, you not only help your pet, you help yourself! 

For more information, check out CDC’s Healthy Pets Healthy People.

Dotty. Photo by Arielle Colon

By ARIELLE COLON

You are my Sunshine

My only sunshine. You make me happy when the skies are grey. You’ll never know dear how much I love you. So please don’t take my sunshine away! No one will be taking your sunshine away, because today is the longest day of the year (aka Summer Solstice)! And it’s the first official day of summer!!!

Before you soak up the sun, here are some tips from the CDC on how to protect yourself from UV radiation.

  1. Seek shade, especially during midday hours. If you’re going to the beach, bring an umbrella.
  2. Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. But it’s hot! I don’t think this means you have to wear a turtleneck sweater and long pants, but it is still important that you protect your skin. See #5
  3. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
  4. Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. Your favorite pair of fraybans (I have some too) might not actually be protecting you from the rays of the sun.
  5. Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Click here for a list of the best sunscreens. Make sure to also put some sunscreen on your face!
  6. Avoid indoor tanning. I don’t want you looking like a snookie cookie fresh out of the oven!

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types of skin cancer and they are highly curable. “However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous. About 65%–90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (CDC).” It’s definitely worthwhile to take an extra couple of minutes to put on some sunblock.

Not only can you get a nice tan from the sun, but you can also get vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones. “The body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun, and most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs this way” (NIH). However, your body won’t produce vitamin D if your skin is exposed to sunshine indoors through a window. So go outside, but not for too long! And make sure to follow those tips mentioned earlier!

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Summer, Summer, Summertime

A few weeks ago, Huffington Post shared 100 Tips for a Healthier Summer. That’s a lot. So, I’ve chosen the best of the best (and the most doable).

Here are getPHYT’s top 10 picks!

1. #3: Start with a high-fiber breakfast of complex carbohydrates. Try crispy whole grain cereal, a berry-studded bran muffin or chewy nine-grain bread. Summer days are long and jam-packed with fun, outdoor activities, which can be draining. Start your day off with a nutritious breakfast to give you a much-needed boost of energy. The Best Part of Waking Up is Breakfast!

2. #18: Be sure to have protein with all meals and snacks. Remember that we’re trying to burn fat and maintain muscle. It’s important to feed our muscles when we’re busy with fat-torching exercise! Get your grill on! Check out these recipes from Bobby Flay.

3. #25: Good hydration is important year round, especially when you’re actively exercising. It’s even more important in the summer months, so be sure to keep your water bottle with you at all times. Water keeps you hydrated, keeps you cool, and keeps “things” moving when you’re focused on a healthy, high-fiber diet. Don’t get a heat stroke. Hydrate yourself.

4. #33: Baked, broiled, grilled or poached usually mean less or no added fat. Pass on the fried or sautéed menu choices. Here are some fresh, healthy summer recipes courtesy of Food Network.

5. #48: Skip the second helpings — get used to having one serving. “Please, sir, I want some more.” NO!!!

6. #51: Go nuts! Sure they’re high in fat, but they’re mostly good fats and a small amount goes a long way. A few almonds and an apple make a quick and portable snack choice. Going to a theme park or taking a road trip? Take some nuts with you! They’re the perfect snack!

7. #66: Kabobs are great. Cut veggies such as peppers, eggplant, or zucchini in even-sized pieces and thread them on skewers with cherry tomatoes or mushrooms before popping them on the grill. When they’re all the same size, they’ll cook at the same rate. And they’re low in calories and high in fiber. Click here for recipes for 50 different kinds of kabobs. 

8. #88: Whether you’re watching television or talking on the phone, stand up! It burns more calories than sitting, and every calorie counts! What?! That’s easy!

9. #93: Instead of sunbathing on your vacation, get active! Plan a biking or hiking trip this year. Visit at least one of the 397 National Parks in the United States this summer and Park it Like it’s Hot.

10. #97: Get plenty of sleep. It’s easier to overeat when you’re tired. Caffeine, sugar and simple carbs are the worst choices for a pick-me-up. You’ll be ready to take on the day after a good night’s sleep. Rock-a-bye Baby!

Have a great summer!

image source: memegenerator.net

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Silent but Deadly

Silent but deadly AND caused by mass consumption of bean burritos? No, it’s not what you’re thinking. I’m referring to high blood pressure (aka hypertension), the real silent killer. DUN DUN DUN!

68 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. There are 313,682,908 people in America (Census). So, 68 million is quite significant. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults have hypertension.

High blood pressure is a major health concern because it leads to heart attack and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. “In 2008 alone, hypertension was a primary or contributing cause for death more than 347,000 Americans. High blood pressure is also a major risk factor for other diseases such as congestive heart failure and kidney disease.” (CDC). So, hypertension is pretty much the root of all evil health problems.

early cuff sphygmomanometer, 1904. image source: antique scientifica

What does high blood pressure really mean? Blood pressure measures the “force of blood pushing against artery walls” as it circulates throughout the body. Imagine pumping air into a tire. Too much air pressure can damage the tire. Similarly, high blood pressure can damage arteries.

120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure (BP). 120 is the systolic BP and 80 is the diastolic BP.

  • Systolic BP: Pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. This is when blood is being pushed through the arteries.
  • Diastolic BP: Pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

140/90 or higher is high blood pressure. So, you better check yo self before you wreck yo self.

Can somebody NOT pass the salt, please? Eating too much sodium increases the risk for developing hypertension. The average American consumes 3,300 mg of sodium per day (CDC). That’s twice the recommended limit for most adults. “The Institute of Medicine recommends 1500 mg of sodium per day as the Adequate Intake level for most Americans and advises everyone to limit sodium intake to less than 2300 mg per day, the Tolerable Upper Limit” (CDC).

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Reducing sodium intake can reduce blood pressure. Decreasing sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day could prevent 11 million cases of hypertension each year, explains the CDC. Resist the urge to add salt to your (probably) already salty food.

Whats the difference between “salt-free” and “unsalted” or “low sodium” and “less sodium”? Is there a difference? Don’t be fooled by food labels! Use this guide, courtesy of Mayo Clinic, to decode sodium content:

  • Sodium-free or salt-free. < 5 mg of sodium/serving, So, technically, it’s not salt-free.
  • Very low sodium. ≤ 35 mg of sodium/serving
  • Low sodium. ≤ 140 mg of sodium/serving
  • Reduced or less sodium. 25% less sodium than the regular version. Check the label to see how much sodium is in a serving.
  • Lite or light in sodium. 50% less sodium than the regular version. Check the label to see how much sodium is in a serving.
  • Unsalted or no salt added. No salt is added during processing of a food that normally contains salt. However, some foods with these labels may still be high in sodium because some of the ingredients may be high in sodium. Sneaky, sneaky!

If you’re interested in the biology of sodium’s effect on the body, then check out Livestrong‘s Why Does Sodium Increase Blood Pressure?

Here are some tips from the CDC on how to maintain a normal blood pressure:

  • Have your blood pressure checked and then monitor it regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Watch your alcohol intake (fewer than two drinks per day for men, or one drink per day for women).
  • If you have been prescribed blood pressure medication, take it as directed.
  • If you have trouble with side effects, talk to your healthcare professional about other medications you can try.

image source: LOLCATS

On a less serious and very much smelly note, enjoy these FARTASTIC posts from Thought Catalog:

By ALYSSA LLAMAS