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January 2012
COLD OR FLU?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses sometimes have similar symptoms, it can often be difficult to tell the difference.

 

Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems and the symptoms can be treated with over the counter medications. Unfortunately, there are no medications available to treat a cold directly.

 

The flu is typically much worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, and extreme tiredness are more common and intense. Infection with the flu virus can lead to additional serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations.

 

Unlike a cold, an infection with the flu virus can be treated with medication but treatment must be started during the very early stages of the illness. Realizing that you may have the flu quickly is important and seeking treatment from your doctor within the first 48 hours can reduce the length and severity of your flu.

 

If you think you are experiencing flu symptoms or you are experiencing prolonged cold symptoms, contact your doctor. 

 

Foxhall Internists can be reached at (202) 362-4467.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR HEART SMART

January is the time for resolutions. If you are like many people (myself included), every January I vow to go forth and exercise. Indeed, there is a surge in new gym memberships and the purchase of exercise equipment at this time of year.  Exercise, on the whole, is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your overall health and cardiovascular fitness -- it is often much more important than diet or weight.  

 

BUT - there are things you need to know before you go out and run in your new gym.

 

The question basically is, "What is your cardiovascular health?" A reputable gym will often have you fill-out a cardiac questionnaire in an effort to identify people who may be at higher risk. As you exercise, your body demands more from your heart. Your heart is asked to pump harder, faster, and under higher pressure. Not everyone's heart is prepared for this. 

 

Anyone over 50 should have a thorough discussion with the doctor about their cardiac risks, and decide what is the "right" way to approach exercise. In addition, if you have cardiovascular risk factors, especially a family history of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, elevated inflammatory markers, diabetes, smoking history or if you are significantly overweight, then you really should consider a functional assessment of your cardiac health before embarking on your exercise program.

 

In today's world, a "functional assessment" is more that a stress test.  Exercise studies are not simply "pass/fail." They can tell us a great deal about your cardiac health, your chronic risk exposures, your future risk, and most importantly: we can be guided as to how to best protect you and your heart. This includes a formal "exercise prescription" if necessary. That is, specific guidelines for you as to the what is the best way for you to safely exercise your heart.

 

So, a good New Year's resolution can be, "exercise regularly, but know your cardiovascular health first."

 

This information was provided by Foxhall Internists cardiologist Dr. Joshua Yamamoto.

 
FOXHALL INTERNISTS IN THE NEWS
Our physicians and staff are often called upon by the media to provide expert advice on important health issues. 
  • Dr. Linda Yau recently appeared on CNN to discuss common diabetes myths.
Dr. Linda Yau - Foxhall Internists, Washington, DC - Diabetes Myths & Facts (CNN)