Middletown, NY (PRWEB) may 07, 2012

a stuffed nose, sneezing, a persistent cough, breathing difficulties— it must be spring. Parents often scratch their heads when a child complains of these symptoms. are they the sign of a common cold or seasonal allergies? Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) reminds parents it may not be easy to figure out specifically what is bothering a child and whether it requires a visit to the doctor.

“This year is unusual in that allergy season started early because warm weather forced plants to bloom and flower weeks ahead of schedule,” explains Dr. Virginia E. Feldman, MD, an allergy specialist at Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT). “At a time when colds are highly common, children also have symptoms that could be caused by seasonal allergies to grass, weeds, trees, and dust. “A long, dry allergy season like the one we are experiencing this year means that the various allergens remain in the air week after week rather than getting washed away.”

While people think of typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, symptoms also can include headache, lethargy, a scratchy throat, the sensation of a lump in the throat, ear popping, and decreased hearing. More seriously, untreated allergies can contribute to asthma, ear infections, chronic fluid in the ears, enlarged adenoid and tonsils, and sinus infections.

Over-the-counter medications may bring some relief, but a trip to the doctor might be necessary if breathing continues to be difficult or symptoms don’t improve. if allergies are suspected, an allergy specialist can identify which allergens are problematic and how to best handle them.

“Many patients can be managed with medications that help control symptoms,” says Dr. Feldman. “Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may be needed against particular allergens if medication doesn’t help. But with proper treatment, allergy symptoms and related complications will be much improved.”

Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. is located at 75 Crystal Run Road, Building B, Suite 220, Middletown, NY. for more information, please call 888.350.1368 (ENT) or visit hudsonvalleyent.com.

About Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C., has been redefining the healthcare experience in the Hudson Valley for more than ten years. Its board-certified physicians, supported by licensed audiologists and dedicated staff, have established a reputation for superior care in treating patients with allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, hearing and balance disorders, nasal and sinus disease, head and neck cancer, sleep apnea, snoring, and pediatric ear and throat disorders. Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat utilizes state-of-the-art technology to make the patient experience as efficient, comfortable, and caring as possible.

Read the full story at prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9482119.htm

With help from family, friends and other supporters, Danette Anderson has raised more than $100,000 for the Vasculitis Foundation.

The Alamance County woman has no plans to slow her efforts. Instead, she and other organizers are busy preparing for another fundraiser in May.

This year’s event will be the 11th Annual N.C. Fundraiser for Vasculitis. The first 10 events, held since 2002, have raised a total of $101,492.

Anderson has Wegener’s Granulomatosis, which the Vasculitis Foundation groups with related diseases in promoting education and research and in supporting those who suffer from disease. Wegener’s Granulomatosis involves inflamed blood vessels, and can result in a variety of severe health issues.

“I’ve had sinus surgery, lung surgery (and) all kinds of chemo treatment,” Anderson said.

This year’s fundraiser is planned for May 5 at the Burlington Shrine Club. Anderson said a motorcycle run has historically been the focal point of the event. but with so many of the runs organized in the area, she and other organizers are shifting the focus to food, music, and drawings for prizes. A motorcycle ride will still be included if the weather is good that day.

On Friday afternoon, Anderson had set up at the outside entrance of Hamrick’s at Holly Hill Mall in Burlington, accepting donations (people who gave got a brownie or cookies), passing out education information and promoting the May 5 event. The store had a sidewalk sale going on, making it easier for Anderson and family members to get people’s attention.

Nothing has been more important than support from her family, Anderson said. that includes her parents, Danner and Shirley Ferguson; her husband, Randy Anderson; two daughters, Lisa Hall and Kimberly Anderson; two brothers, Craig Ferguson and Jay Ferguson; and four grandchildren, Lexie, Abby, Kayla and Isabel.

“I’ve had nieces running lemonade stands, to selling tickets, to everything,” she said.

The fundraiser typically draws people from other states who have connections to the disease.

“we have people coming from Virginia (and) some from South Carolina,” Anderson said. “One couple came from Kentucky one year.

“This is supposed to be the biggest fundraiser that the Vasculitis Foundation has that is ongoing,” Anderson said.

Anderson, now 54, first went to the doctor in 1996 with the symptoms that led to her diagnosis with Wegener’s Granulomatosis.

In 2005, a study grant awarded to Duke University’s School of Medicine for research into the disease was named in her honor.

And at a symposium about the disease in Chapel Hill last year, Anderson was recognized for surpassing the $100,000 mark in raising money for the foundation.

“that really shocked me,” she said.

Mike Wilder can be reached at mwilder@thetimesnews.com or 336-506-3046.

A local Registered Nurse was nice enough and took a little time to give us a quick lesson in sickness, just in time for the flu & cold season.

This is the third article in a three part series called “Cold & Flu 101?:

Adults

This is the final installment for this season and now we address the topic of Colds and Flus as they affect Adults. Once again these articles are to disseminate information only and not as a means to treat or diagnose. If you have concerns or chronic medical problems with lung or heart issues or a decreased immune system with any cold/flu symptoms please check in with your doctor to make sure you’re on the right track.

The stats still say that flu season is still not “officially” upon us for adults (meaning that the number of diagnosed “flu” hasn’t reached 10% in the doctor’s office) however, I’m noticing a significant increase of patients with flu like symptoms. so hang on to your seats.

Very quickly let’s review the difference between a cold and a flu? It’s a great idea to get the flu shot, this years flu shot only contains three viruses (typically the shot only has 2-3 viruses every year in it). There are over 200 viruses that cause cause an array of symptoms ranging from a slight runny nose to a doctor appointment for a cough that wont go away or sinus infection to hospitalization related to complications (ie: pneumonia). Knowing the warning signs of a progressing problem are important.

Cold symptoms: this is a virus that causes runny nose, sore throat, cough, feverish/chills, yellow/green mucus. you usually feel icky but day 3 can be the worst day as your body is fighting off the virus and depositing it into your lungs and nose in the form of mucus. Usually after the 3rd day, symptoms don’t worsen too much and slowly go away over 1-2 weeks.

Flu symptoms: this is a virus and causes sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, body aches, and the every famous yellow/green mucus. The difference is that you are down for the count on day one or sometimes day two. Usually you have a difficult time even getting out of bed because of the fatigue and body aches. These symptoms can last for 5 days or so and then start to level off and decline…but just in time for the nasal congestion and cough which can go on for 1-2 weeks.

Complications: If at anytime after day 5, you are feeling worse or fevering, call your doctor. Complications of a common cold or virus are usually Sinus Infections, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. We’ll review symptoms of each. Information for these descriptions is from the National Institute of Health website.

Sinus Infection: The nasal passage ways are tubes that run from your nostrils and around to your throat. off of these tubes are balloon/sac like structures called sinuses located above the eyebrows and to either side of the nose. we actually aren’t sure the function of these sacs but they get filled with mucus when we are sick. when they fill up bacteria can begin to grow. If the sinuses are not emptied quickly via blowing/steam/nasal sprays then the bacteria grow in numbers such that by 10-14 days after the beginning of your symptoms, voila…sinus infection. The time frame is an average, some people are sooner by a few days and other can be 3-5 weeks out. Symptoms of this are continuing yellow-green mucus past 7-10 days, pressure/pain in the forehead above the eyebrows, either side of the nose and even upper teeth pain as inflammation increases. you may have one of these areas affected, usually one side, or in some cases both. Some people will run a low grade fever of 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Treatment for this usually means antibiotics but tends to clear up quickly within a few days. very important to finish the whole run of medication to avoid a return of symptoms because not all the bacteria are killed.

Bronchitis: following a viral cold/flu that causes a cough you can develop inflammation in the main air passages to the lungs. People most at risk are the elderly, people with heart or lung disease (ie: Asthma) and smokers. Symptoms of Bronchitis can include chest discomfort with breathing or coughing, yellow-green mucus, fatigue, low grade fever (99-100 degrees Fahrenheit), shortness of breath and wheezing. Onset of bronchitis depends on your overall health but usually after the 7-10 day period since onset of the cold/flu and you’re getting worse not better. this diagnosis is usually done by physical exam where the doctor listens for changes in lung sounds. Treatment usually consists of a tailored recipe of the following: antibiotics, inhalers and possibly oral steroids. even with proper treatment the healing phase can take weeks for the coughing to go away but should be slowing decreasing and never worsening again. If symptoms return or worsen after the start of the treatment phase then a re-evaluation is necessary.

Pneumonia: this diagnosis can lead to hospitalization and be life threatening. If you feel that you fit into these symptoms and have been sick longer than the normal 7-10 day cold/flu period it it imperative that you seek medical attention. that being said I’ve actually seen people that have developed a pneumonia within the first 7 days of the illness so listen to your body and trust your instincts. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial (more common) so it is important to get accurate treatment as their symptoms are mostly the same but only the bacterial version responds to antibiotics. after a viral infection the body tries to fight off the invader and for a myriad of reasons begins to lose the battle and bacteria begins to grow or the virus increases in numbers actually causing a build up of fluid in the lung (usually just one but can be both lungs) in response to the illness. Typical symptoms are cough, can be dry or producing yellow-green phlegm, fever (can range from 99-104 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, shortness of breath and one classic sign is sharp pain on the chest/side/back when breathing or coughing. Some experience trouble breathing laying down and find themselves propped up in bed or sleeping in a chair at night. again, seek medical attention for these symptoms. Coughing after successful treatment can continue for 6 weeks or more but there should be a decrease in symptoms slowly over this time period.

For a basic cold/flu where you are improving from day 7-10 double check with your doctor to make sure you’re taking the right decongestant/cough medicine and do the following: rest as much as you can, drink plenty of fluids and steam to keep the mucus thin and draining to prevent complications. Good luck for the cold/flu season.

To read the previous “Cold & Flu 101? articles, please click ON THIS LINK.

Have you ever wondered why the colder months are also the season for colds and flu? People spend more time indoors, air circulation is poorer, and there is far greater chance of catching airborne germs. put one child with a cold in a room full of other children, and you can create a cold epidemic in just days. 

Once again, cold season has commenced, with coughing, sinus congestion, and the dullness that colds impart. the same is true for flu. Fortunately, natural remedies can help you to battle colds and flu more quickly, and to reduce the severity of symptoms. Here are a few of my favorite, side effect-free natural remedies.

Cauliflower a Day keeps Cold Away

Ginger

Fresh ginger root is my favorite pick for cold care. Buy ginger fresh (preferably organic) and cut a piece about an inch and a half long. Either chop the ginger finely, or grate it. put the finely minced ginger into a tea strainer, and put the tea strainer in a cup. Pour fresh boiling water into the cup. Let the tea sit for five minutes. Remove the tea strainer, and squeeze the ginger with a spoon to get a bit more of the ginger juice into the cup. Flavor with a spoonful of honey, and sip. Ginger contains a group of compounds called sesquiterpenes, which kills rhinoviruses, the agents that cause colds. so when you have a cold, several bracing cups of fresh ginger root tea can help you to reduce the severity and duration of that unwanted event. Ginger tea also helps to relieve a sore throat. Drink three or more cups daily until you are well. for children, dilute the concentration of the tea, so it’s less spicy.

Garlic

Sometimes called the stinking rose, garlic has long occupied a special place in natural healing. this fragrant and pungent member of the allium family enhances overall cardiovascular health, fights various types of cancer cells well, and is a potent immune booster. But garlic goes beyond this, actually killing many of the types of bacteria that cause food poisoning. Heavy use of garlic is prevalent in places and cultures where food preparation hygiene may be poor, and where refrigeration is not always available. Adding fresh-pressed garlic into food, or cooking with garlic, may prevent sickness due to bacterial contamination. and if you have a cold, press a clove of garlic into a cup of hot water, add the juice of a lemon, mix in a teaspoon of honey, and drink it down. this shot to the immune system will help you to get rid of the cold faster.

How to Prevent Cold and Flu

Echinacea

A traditional remedy used by Native Americans, echinacea is also known as purple cone flower. Many human clinical studies have shown that echinacea, a traditional herbal cold remedy, does in fact reduce both the severity and the duration of colds. your best echinacea remedies are those made from fresh echinacea. try the Gaia Herbs brand or the Herb Pharm brand of fluid echinacea extracts, or Echinaforce by a. Vogel. you can also get echinacea as an herbal tea. try Traditional Medicinal’s Echinacea plus.

Essential oils

One way to decongest clogged sinuses is to breathe the vapors of certain aromatic substances including menthol or eucalyptus. the Swiss company Olbas makes a couple of terrific products in this category. One, the Olbas inhaler, contains menthol, oils of peppermint, cajeput and eucalyptol, one of the components of eucalyptus. you just apply the inhaler to your nose, take a nice breath, and the vapors open up the sinuses.

Umcka

When I was conducting plant research in South Africa, I was introduced to a funny-sounding plant called umcka. this is a traditional San tribal name for the South African herb Pelargonium sidoides. Especially when taken at the onset of a cold, umcka can cut the entire misery short. Human clinical studies show that umcka works well. My two favorite brands are umcka by Nature’s Way, and Cold Check by EuroPharma, which contains both umcka and another cold-fighting herb, andrographis.

Oscillococcinum

Don’t even try to pronounce this one! just call it “oscillo” for short. did you know that almost all flu comes from birds, mostly ducks? It’s true. this is why the national flu research center keeps tens of thousands of samples of duck organs in its lab refrigerators. Made from a highly dilute extract of the heart and liver of the Barbary duck, oscillo helps to reduce both the duration and severity of the flu, especially when taken at the first signs of sickness.

When Is the Flu Contagious?

Elderberry

In various human studies, elderberry has demonstrated anti-flu activity. this is due to a group of antioxidant flavonoids in elderberry that bind to the influenza virus and prevent infection. while some health authorities question the real efficacy of elderberry as a flu-fighter, it does demonstrate some value. One study of elderberry extract and the (scary) H1N1 virus showed that the antioxidant compounds in the berries inhibit the proliferation of that virus. while further work must be done on this, the study suggests that at least, elderberry may help to reduce the activity of this flu. Hippocrates, widely recognized as one of the greatest pioneers of medicine, called elder his medicine chest, and he knew what he was talking about.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. he teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer in Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. his field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at MedicineHunter.com

Zipnosis, a St. Paul-based startup that offers online treatment for a limited set of health conditions, is now partnering with the Minneapolis-based Fairview health system to provide the service, according to an announcement Thursday.

In August, Zipnosis officials said the company’s previous partner – Park Nicollet Health Services, based in St. Louis Park – was not renewing its contract.

The startup competes in the nascent online health business against services from Bloomington-based HealthPartners and Eagan-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

Fairview doctors, in fact, already provide consultations through the Blue Cross service, which is called Online Care anywhere.

“We have been collaborating with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the past year around a different virtual care platform that uses video visits,” said Terry Martinson, executive regional medical director for Fairview Medical Group. “Our relationship with Zipnosis won’t affect our relationship with…Blue Cross.”

Differences exist among all three services in terms of prices, hours of operation and the number of conditions treated.

Zipnosis offers treatment plans for about 10 basic conditions such as urinary tract infections and sinus infections. Patients complete an online interview about their symptoms that is reviewed by a clinician who sends a treatment plan.

Starting in January, Fairview clinicians will respond to the inquiries, providing plans within an hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, Martinson said. If symptoms suggest a more serious condition, Zipnosis will give patients a phone number to speak with Fairview nurses.

Zipnosis and Fairview did not disclose the financial terms of their agreement, although Martinson said that Fairview will get a portion of each $25 fee collected by the online service. The partnership also gives the health system a chance to attract new patients, he said.

In August, Park Nicollet said it was considering options other than Zipnosis for continuing to provide online diagnosis and treatment, although there has been no further announcement on the subject.

Meanwhile, HealthPartners says that its online care service Virtuwell is now regarded as a network provider in many health plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. That means some Blue Cross members – like many with HealthPartners insurance – will have some or all costs of their Virtuwell visits covered, said Jeff Shelman, a spokesman for HealthPartners.

Christopher Snowbeck can be reached at 651-228-5479. Follow him at twitter.com/chrissnowbeck.

Religious statues damaged by windstorms last week lie among downed trees at the historic San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, CA. (AP/Nick Ut)

Explore weather.com

For people with asthma and allergies, the Santa Ana winds are still a daily nuisance. the unusually strong winds kick up allergens, causing a host of miserable symptoms.

You might be feeling it in your nose, throat and eyes. Thanks to last week’s strong winds and the continuing Santa Anas, allergy doctors are reporting a boom of business. But you don’t have to continue suffering.

Once that wind blows we have several days afterwards that we’re dealing with people that suffer from allergies having persistent symptoms, because it does bring up a lot of mold, it brings up pollen and it brings up a lot of dust that irritates people’s symptoms, said Dr. Joseph Shapiro, Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

Those 90-mile-per-hour gusts kicked up buried soot and carried pollen and pollution from miles away.

Dr. Shapiro says allergy sufferers should continue to take cover.

Keep the windows closed,said Shapiro. You also want to keep your air purifiers going so you can filter out any of the allergens and irritants that get into the house. Make sure you change your filters on a regular basis.

But you’ve got to go out some time. so Dr. Shapiro recommends taking precautions before you head out.

These include antihistamines and nasal decongestants, as well some of these sinus-irrigation techniques that allow a person to clean out the irritants that build up inside their sinus cavities and nasal cavities, said Shapiro.

Your nose and throat aren’t the only things affected by the high winds. Doctors report many patients are complaining about dry skin and irritated eyes.

There’s some great over-the-counter eye drops and also, even better prescription eye drops, as well as saline eye drops that can be very effective with just washing out whatever irritants are getting in their eyes, said Shapiro.

Dr. Shapiro also recommends drinking plenty of water and keeping dry skin moisturized.

Dr. Shapiro says the change in barometric pressure can also trigger allergic symptoms.

If your symptoms persist, he recommends you see an allergist to create a long-term treatment plan, which may include regular medication and/or allergy shots.

A 51-year-old DeSoto Parish woman died recently after using tap water in a (irrigation) pot to irrigate her sinuses and becoming infected with the deadly ameba, and in June, a 20-year-old St. Bernard Parish man died under the same circumstances.

  In light of those deaths, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is warning residents about the dangers of the improper use of (sinus irrigation) pots. The warning follows the state’s second death this year caused by Naegleria fowleri, the so-called brain-eating ameba.

  “If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a (irrigation) pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution,” said Louisiana State Epidemiologist, Dr. Raoult Ratard. 

“Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.”  It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

  Naegleria fowleri infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria fowleri infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated tap water less than 116.6 degrees Fahrenheit) enters the nose when people submerge their heads or when people irrigate their sinuses with devices such as a neti pot.

You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking water.

Naegleria fowleri causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. In its early stages, symptoms of PAM may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis.

Initial symptoms of PAM start one to seven days after infection. The initial symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. after the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.

Naegleria fowleri infections are very rare.

In the 10 years from 2001 to 2010, 32 infections were reported in the U.S. of those cases, 30 people were infected by contaminated recreational water and two people were infected by water from a geothermal drinking water supply.

  to learn more about DHH, visit dhh.louisiana.gov. for up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH’s blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 03, 2011

On November 24th, the Emmy Award-winning show “The Doctors” featured Allergy Armor products by AchooAllergy.com as part of their episode “Air: Are you Breathing yourself Sick”.

First airing in 2008,”The Doctors” has been touted as a groundbreaking show that addresses important health issues and provides relevant information about pressing health concerns. As part of their focus on allergens in the household, they identified Allergy Armor bedding as one of the foremost ways to reduce allergic reactions from dust mites and other bedding related allergens.

Dust mites are an inevitable part of every household, but for millions of Americans who are allergic to their allergens, they are a constant source of irritation. Dust mites consume particles of dead skin, the primary component of dust, and they are found in the highest concentrations in pillows and mattresses where there can be anywhere from 100 to 500 mites in each gram of dust.

Dust mite waste particles and tiny pieces of dead dust mites are light enough to become airborne where they are then inhaled, causing allergic reactions like congestion, coughing, wheezing, and sinus swelling.

The problem for allergy sufferers is that most household insecticides have no effect on dust mites. However, there are ways that individuals can reduce their exposure to dust mites in the home and, according to “The Doctors,” this is where Allergy Armor bedding can help. Allergy Armor bedding has the smallest average pore size in the industry – 2.8 microns – which is so small that dust mite feces, pet dander and other allergens cannot fit through it.

Dr. Travis Stork, in describing Allergy Armor Ultra pillows, “These are pillows covered with an allergen barrier fabric, that are hypoallergenic… and that helps control some of the dust mites, pet dander that can cause these symptoms.”

AchooAllergy.com offers five different types of Allergy Armor bedding including: mattress covers, duvet covers, box spring covers, pillows, and blankets. They also have seven different types of bedding fabric that are designed to combine top of the line allergen control with luxurious comfort. According to James Simmons, product manager for AchooAllergy.com, “There is such a variety of Allergy Armor bedding because each allergy sufferer has differing needs.”

There are organic bedding options that provide allergen protection for people with multiple chemical sensitivity; there are unique fabrics that shield again pet dander, moisture, and mold as well as dust mites; and there are also breathable cotton options and some with an antimicrobial finish. that is part of what makes Allergy Armor bedding the most comprehensive choice for allergy protection in the industry.

About AchooAllergy: Founded in 2000, AchooAllergy.com provides an entire range of products to address the control of allergens throughout the household. this includes asthma relief products, air purifiers, HEPA vacuum cleaners, humidifiers, steam cleaners, and dehumidifiers, in addition to allergy bedding. Products like the Dyson vacuum and Whirlpool AP510 featured in the episode are also offered.

Allergy Armor Ultra bedding covers, pillows and blankets are all made locally in Atlanta, Georgia. these, and all of the products mentioned, are available in their Atlanta showroom, via the Internet, a product catalog, or a network of over 4,000 referring allergy physicians. for more information, visit AchooAllergy.com or contact a customer service representative at 1-800-339-7123.

Read the full story at prweb.com/releases/2011/12/prweb9011985.htm

LinkedIn is one of the most familiar, and most highly visible networking sites on the Internet today, so it’s not surprising that it is now the third largest social networking site. The platform is mainly used as a networking area for those looking for work, marketers looking to extend their business reach and established companies that are looking to recruit highly skilled individuals. But how many of you have truly understood its potential when it comes to marketing your business? Let’s take a brief look through how you can utilize LinkedIn to your advantage and use it to take your marketing strategy to a new level:

1. Interact with well respected, well established LinkedIn groups: LinkedIn plays host to tens of thousands of groups in every niche imaginable: marketing; mentoring; idea sharing; you name it and you will without doubt find a related group. by taking advantage of these established groups you can find a whole new audience to advertise and market to. If you are planning an event or product launch, don’t be afraid to let these groups know; if just one group member takes notice, then it’s been a worthwhile exercise. not only will your message be seen by that group, but to their extended connections. The more people view your profile on LinkedIn, the more your online visibility will start to soar.

2. Use LinkedIn for research purposes: perhaps you have a product or service that you are looking to improve or upgrade, or a new product that has yet to be launched? This is where LinkedIn comes into it’s own. by using the questions and answers section on LinkedIn, you can easily ascertain what it is your customer wants. LinkedIn users are a very interactive bunch, and you will find that the professionals here will be more than happy to showcase their skills by helping to answer your questions and providing you with invaluable feedback on your ideas.

3. Status updates and Tweeting to promote your company: Don’t underestimate the extremely useful status updates and tweets apps. Send out regular yet focused messages. Don’t waste time with too much irrelevant information. Keep your messages short and sweet. let people know of any changes you are making. But remember also to give helpful and timely advice as well.

You could give advice to people seeking work or for those working in similar niche markets as yourself. Wouldn’t you like to read something useful about a topic you are interested in? LinkedIn users are the same; they are always on the lookout for something helpful that they can use to endorse themselves or add to their knowledge base. LinkedIn is all about putting yourself out there in the marketplace, increasing your visibility and promoting your professionalism.

4. Direct advertising: Take full advantage of the recent advertising services LinkedIn have incorporated into the site and use them to promote your service or product. a LinkedIn advertising campaign can help you to effortlessly reach a worldwide audience. Having read over the LinkedIn Ts and Cs they appear to be offering reasonably affordable and flexible terms. definitely worth a small investment for a month or two and take it from there then.

5. Looking for investment? your ideal investor could be using LinkedIn: If you are in a situation where your business, idea, product development or service needs investment then you couldn’t have come to a better place. by using LinkedIn as a marketing tool, you are ensuring that your company is commanding great visibility in all the search engines.

Use your profile to it’s fullest by explaining your venture in detail and encouraging potential investors to get in contact. everything of note can be detailed on you profile: portfolio; video; product documents; achievements; education and much, much more.

As you can see LinkedIn is not just a great place to meet new people, but is a proven way to promote your business and brand. Once you start taking full advantage of LinkedIn I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed by the results.

Scott is a prolific networker – online and offline!  He is a director of an SEO Agency and also writes travel blogs for one of his clients – no.1 Traveller, operators of airport lounges across London airports.

One whiff of a plant known as the headache tree can spur intense, excruciating pain — and now scientists know why.  an ingredient in the tree sets off a chain of events that eventually amps up blood flow to the brain’s outer membrane.

Other headache triggers, such as chlorine, cigarette smoke and formaldehyde, interact with some of the same cellular machinery, suggesting they all work via the same pain-inducing mechanism.

In the new study, an international group of researchers extracted the plant compound umbellulone from dried bay laurel leaves and then exposed various mouse and rat cells to the compound.  Umbellulone tickles the same cellular detector that responds to painfully cold stimuli and the sinus-clearing scent of wasabi and mustard oil, the researchers report online October 27 in Brain.

Stimulating this chemical detector ultimately triggers the release of a particular protein implicated in migraine headaches, the researchers found. This protein prompts blood vessels to swell, and scientists think this swelling puts pressure on the skull and nerves, causing pain.

The new research is solid, says neuroscientist Peter Goadsby, director of the headache center at the University of California, San Francisco. other irritants linked to headaches interact with the same chemical detector, and it may be a good target for therapy, Goadsby says.

The scent of the bay laurel tree, Umbellularia californica, had been anecdotally implicated as a headache trigger, but it took a self-experimenting headache-sufferer to bring the plant to the attention of researchers in the Headache Center at the University of Florence. Pierangelo Geppetti, who led the study, heard from a friend about a man who was trimming trees on his property and suddenly experienced a cold sensation in his left nostril and then excruciating pain around his left eye. in his youth, the man had regularly gotten cluster headaches, which are one-sided, intense bouts of exceptional pain that often recur in people who suffer from them.

Unlike a full-bore cluster headache, the man’s symptoms quickly faded, and he forgot about the episode. but a few months later when he was again working with bay laurel, the headache struck again.  This prompted him to experiment, intentionally sniffing the crushed leaves of the tree. the intense pain resumed and not long after, Geppetti heard the headache story from their mutual friend.  Intrigued, he began investigating the chemical compounds that might be responsible.

found in: Body & Brain and Molecules