Barb's Daily Dose

When to Use Ice or Heat

A few days ago, my husband strained his knee while playing with our son.   He didn't feel anything immediately, but after about 10 minutes had a slight pain on the inside of the knee cap.  It's tough getting older!  He made a bee-line to freezer, exactly the right thing to do and got out an ice pack.  Ofter the next 24 hours, he used ice and tried to avoid stressing the area to see if it improved on it's own.

9 Spices with Super Healing Powers

Today's Featured Guest Writer is Megan Kempston of Caring.com

Have you checked your spice rack lately? Spices and herbs can do a lot more than add pizzazz to your cooking -- they can also promote heart health, fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and more. Here are nine super spices and herbs that are good for you and taste good, too.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a nutritional powerhouse, with antioxidant properties that keep cells safe from oxidative stress and dangerous free radicals. Antioxidants help fight such diseases as cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and Parkinson's.

Continue here to read more of this informative article.

What to Do for a Stomach Bug

Does NOTHING Help a Somach Bug??

I recently got this question and thought it would be great to cover it on The Daily Dose.

Here's a ICU Nurse Tip for Stomach Bugs

We use this to help people get re-hydrated. Wait at least 30 minutes after throwing up to even try to get some liquids. Then, mix water with clear juice and whatever  you do, DO NOT give more than a teaspoon at a time and wait 5 minutes between small sips. The liquids will be absorbed in the mouth and esophagus before they reach a very irritated stomach, so are less likely to come back up.

Black Cohosh and Menopause

Here's the scoop on Black Cohosh

The studies done on Black Cohosh have not shown consistent results.  In a few, it is better than placebo, and in others, it's no better than placebo.  However, one thing I explain to my patients, is that with ANY menopause treatment, the placebo response can range from 30-50%, so if if works for you, then it works.

Part of the problem when looking at Black Cohosh, is that there are so many different formulations and it's available in different strengths.  It also seems that some women do very well with it, while others are left scratching their heads wondering what the big deal is.  

7 Natural Cures for Migraines

Our Featured Guest Writer Today is Nikki Jong, Contributing Editor at Caring.com

For most people who experience an occasional headache, a couple of aspirin will usually do the trick. Migraine sufferers don't have it so easy. Not only do many migraine meds have side effects that range from nausea and stomach ulcers to an increased risk of stroke and even heart attack, but up to two-thirds of users have also reported that they don't deliver satisfactory results.

What to do? Plenty, according to the latest research.

Read more here.

A Few Secrets about Colon Cleanses

Want to know a secret about Colon cleanses?  I'll actually tell you a few. Many people call me to ask whether they should have a "cleanse", colon that is. Hmmm, up until the last 2 years, colon cleanses were known by different terms. You could call it a clean out or a rapid clean out.  Essentially a colon cleanse is the over the counter version of a colonoscopy prep, just a little gentler and less emergent.

Medicine Cabinet

Open Up the Medicine Cabinet

One mistake many people make is assuming that the medicines in their medicine cabinet are safe and up to date.  Almost everyone keeps expired prescription and over the counter medications languishing in the back of the cabinet and are surprised when they go to pull it out and find that it's over 3 years past it's expiration date.  I visited a patient in their home recently who was using medication that had expired in 2006!  So take a moment to go through your medicine cabinet and dispose of the expired medications. Don't dump them down the toilet, just empty the bottle into your garbage and recycle the plastic container.

Help With Sleeping

I saw a patient the other day who asked me what she could take to help her sleep at night.  She had deep, dark bags under her half-closed eyes and was moving a bit slower than usual.  She looked exhausted.  

Olive Oil

As you may know, I'm 1/2 Italian and baby, we use Olive oil for everything!   I mean everything.  I used olive oil for my son's cradle cap, I recommend it for a massage oil, it can even be used as a  personal lubricant.  Oh yes, and you can cook with it too!!

We use gallons of extra virgin olive oil in my house.  I like to make my own homemade pesto with it, we use it to slowly saute vidalia onions until they caramelize.  We also dip bread in it, toss salads with it, and make an amazing pasta pomodoro (a basic red tomato sauce) with it.  Are you hungry yet?