National Bicarbonate of Soda Day - 2012

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By Nurse Diane

A friend of mine is not a huge fan of pills and medication; he prefers the more natural remedies.  That’s why when he suffers from indigestion or gas especially after eating all these big holiday meals and goodies, he grabs a box of Bicarbonate Soda, commonly known as Baking Soda.  Stomachs naturally contain hydrochloric acid and too much of it leads to indigestion. The so-called 'baking soda burp' is a sign that this antacid is working. The burp is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas - a natural byproduct when sodium bicarbonate reacts with the acid in the stomach.  Simply mix a teaspoon in a glass of cold water 1-2 hours after eating.  Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have:

An intestinal problem or appendicitis;

Heart problems;

High blood pressure;

Swelling of the arms or legs;

Kidney disease;

Liver disease; or

Problems urinating

If you are pregnant or nursing.

Side effects of sodium Bicarb include:

Nausea or vomiting;

Headache;

Sever mood changes

Muscle pain;

Swelling of feet, ankles or legs

Decreased appetite;

Unusual tiredness;

Constipation;

Dry mouth or increased thirst; or

Increased urination.

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Baking Soda also has other uses such as:

Baking- helps baked goods, like bread, to rise

Relieve stomach indigestion and heartburn when mixed in water

Removing odors in the refrigerator, vents, storage areas, and closets

Removing odor in kitty litter

It is used in fire extinguishers for grease and oil fires

It is often used as a cleaning agent

It can be used as a meat tenderizer

Put it in water with beans to minimize flatulence from eating beans

Polish Silverware

Remove burned food from a pot or a pan

And, the list goes on, and on.

According to punchbowl.com, The ancient Egyptians used natural deposits of sodium bicarbonate as a cleansing agent like soap, but it wasn't until 1791 that French chemist Nicolas Leblanc produced sodium bicarbonate in its modern form. In 1846, two New York bakers named John Dwight and Austin Church established the first factory to make baking soda.

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So, today, on National Bicarbonate of Soda Day, Grab a box and see how many ways you can use it.

Get Smart about Antibiotics Week

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By Nurse Diane

During the first 2 years of my son's life he was always in the doctor's office with ear infections.  This is because the infant’s Eustachian tube is short, and easy for bacteria to crawl inside.  Some parents choose to use ear tubes for their children, however, not knowing what the long term effects would be, I decided against them.  Each time we went to the doctor, he would prescribe either Ceclor or Amoxil.  The reason for the swap was to prevent his body from becoming resistant to the effects of the drug.  Had his doctor only prescribed Ceclor each time, after a while, it would no longer work to kill the infection.

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This same reasoning applies to anyone who may over use antibiotics.  If you take an antibiotic frequently, it loses its power.  Some drugs are used so routinely, that the bugs have changed to "superbugs" and finding a way to destroy them has become more and more difficult.  There are a few guidelines when taking antibiotics.  They include:

• Take all of your prescription, even if you are feeling better.
• Only take prescriptions prescribed for you by your physician
• Don't hold on to any unused prescription to use for a later date.

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This week is Get Smart about Antibiotics Week.  Benjamin Franklin once said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same holds true today.  The first antibiotic, Penicillin, was accidentally discovered in 1920; however was not put into use until 1940.  Since that time hundreds of antibiotics have been developed, and many have been overused.  Taking some of these antibiotics have also even caused problems from their side effects.

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This week, during the cold and flu season, get smart about what drugs you take.  Use one doctor to prescribe for you, and if you see other doctors, be sure to let them know what drugs you have taken.   There is an old saying that a cold will get better in 7 days if you treat it, and will get better in a week if you don't.  If you feel the symptoms of a cold or sinus infection, try a little patience before starting off with antibiotics.  Try hot showers and warm tea and increase your vitamin C if permitted by your doctor.  Save the use of antibiotics as a last resort, so when you really need it, they will be there working in your body.