Where are you most likely to pick up the cold, flu or something more serious, like meningitis? At the office. Highly contagious viruses and infections like these are passed around by bacteria that have been left behind by a sick person or someone who doesn’t yet realize that he is getting sick. From investing in a medical ID bracelet to avoiding certain office areas, you can take steps to stay healthy at work.

Keep your hands clean

Bacteria left on common areas in the office can live through the entire day and infect everyone who comes in contact. Here are some areas often ripe with germs:

According to BHIA.org, over 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis and related symptoms. 285,000 of those affected are children. As a parent, it’s important to provide a diet for your children that keeps them healthy. Plus, by eating the right foods, you could lessen your own chances of having severe flare ups. By including these 10 foods in your diet, you could have fewer arthritis symptoms from now on.

1.  Salmon has Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the chemicals in your body that spread inflammation.

2.  Low-fat milk is a good source of Vitamin D, which helps prevent swelling and soreness. However, it’s smart to limit your daily dairy intake.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in roughly 111 children from certain testing sites across America have a form of autism. This includes classic autism, pervasive development disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. Just one year later, researchers showed that one in every 91 American children is on the autism spectrum. This developmental disorder is growing at such a rapid pace that medical personnel are shocked, and studies have proven that closely spaced pregnancies have played a part in this phenomenon.

Take these diet and exercise tips to heart to watch your cholesterol levels drop.

Has your doctor mentioned lowering your cholesterol? Whether it’s something you’ve been struggling with for a while or if you’ve been recently diagnosed with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), this quick list can help you lower your levels through diet and exercise. Cholesterol can be a huge problem, especially if you have a family history or are prone to heart disease, clotting or a number of other conditions. Lowering your cholesterol can leave you happier and most of all, healthier.

Being safe and saving the earth? It’s possible! For those of you that wear medical ID bracelets, you know how important it can be to keep them in good shape. Even with the most dedicated care, they can still fade or tarnish, becoming difficult if not impossible to read. This can cause problems for medical personnel who may need to provide you immediate care. Unreadable bracelets can be misread or illegible entirely, and if the time comes that you need critical care, their warning may go unheeded. Also, your bracelet may start coming apart or break entirely. What then?

Do you know someone with a food allergy? Likely you do. 1 in 25 children are affected by food allergies, and many adults suffer as well. It’s a common, though unsung, problem that many Americans live with. What should you look for, and how can you help? Prevention is much of the battle, and knowing what to look for goes a long way.

Being educated on the matter can only help in the long run if you or someone you may know has an allergic reaction to certain foods. Remember, if someone appears to be having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction may not seem bad at first, but it can progress quickly. It’s not possible to cure allergies, only avoid the triggers and be prepared in the event of a reaction.

For those of you unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), it is a neurological or brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking ability. Eventually, the disease progresses to the point that a person can’t carry out basic, everyday tasks. Mostly, symptoms of AD appear after age 60; however, AD can also affect younger patients in early-onset cases. Researchers believe that the disease may begin affecting a patient 10-20 years before symptoms are noticeable.

What is the #1 safety precaution if you are taking a blood thinner? A medical identification bracelet. It’s a simple, but effective intervention that all patients should consider.

If you are currently taking a blood thinner, your doctor has probably recommended it to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Common blood thinners include: Coumidin, Plavix and Warafin, although blood thinners are marketed under a variety of different pharmaceutical names. In general, they are all considered anticoagulants because they can prevent clotting in the arteries and the veins. They are important and life saving medications.

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, and you should also try finding a place to work out outdoors periodically. Not only is the fresh air great for your body, but the change of scenery might motivate you to keep a regular workout schedule. Exercising regularly has great health benefits, but you should also know how to stay safe when exercising outdoors as well. That’s where medical ID jewelry and other precautions can help!

The health benefits of regular exercise

Food allergies cause a variety of symptoms in children and adults alike. However, these allergies can be especially frightening for kids because the food allergy might be discovered at school, daycare or somewhere else that is not under a parent’s supervision. Find out why investing in a medical ID bracelet could save your child’s life and avoid complications.

The seriousness of food allergies in children