Sing, make noise, and be thankful!

And consider another way to access the Bible- the Dwell app where you can read, listen, or both anytime, in multiple formats, with music or not. And this affiliate link helps support Watercress Words. I use Dwell and hope you will also.

 

A Psalm for giving thanks.

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

 Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and  the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good,his steadfast love endures forever,

and his  faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100, English Standard Version (ESV) 

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

an ornate white church
photo of Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island, Michigan by Dr. Aletha

Tens of millions of people are using The Bible App-YouVersion to make God’s Word a part of their daily lives.

phone-bible app lifestyle2

Download the free app and access your bookmarks, notes, and reading plans from anywhere. Enjoy hundreds of versions, including audio, all on your mobile device.

I have the Bible App on my phone. Try it and let me know how you like it.

sharing the HEART of

Dr. Aletha

And consider another way to access the Bible- the Dwell app where you can read, listen, or both anytime, in multiple formats, with music or not. And this affiliate link helps support Watercress Words. I use Dwell and hope you will also.

How to Navigate the Antibiotic Highway

The post emphasizes the need to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which are estimated to be up to 50% in the U.S., contributing to antibiotic resistance and increased medical costs. It categorizes infections into three groups: those to treat with antibiotics, those to delay treatment, and those to avoid treating with antibiotics altogether.

updated October 28, 2022

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.

Like driving on a multilane highway, using antibiotics appropriately can be complex. But like driving, it’s made easier by following some basic evidence-based rules, while unexpected events may intervene to change the route.

stoplight
Most medical experts believe we need to STOP using unnecessary antibiotics. (photo from Pixabay)

As many as 50% of the antibiotics prescribed in the United States may be unnecessary or inappropriate. This contributes to

  • antibiotic resistance ,
  • avoidable side effects of the drugs, and
  • increased medical cost without benefit.

The best source of medical advice for you personally is your own doctor, or one who talks to and examines you.

Exceptions to rules exist, every medical situation is unique.  So although these recommendations are firm, they are not absolute. This is just a partial list which includes most but not all common infections.

2015-11-11 11.20.31

STOP- don’t treat these with antibiotics

Most upper respiratory infections including

Acute viral gastroenteritis, aka stomach flu, with nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Some of these may be treated with anti- VIRAL medication, not antibiotics.

2015-11-11 11.20.16

 

SLOW DOWN- these may not need an antibiotic, at least not immediately

Ear infections -otitis media

Sinusitis– sinus infections

spider or tick bites– many of these are not bites at all, but are other skin diseases, including bacterial infections (see below)

sore throats– pharyngitis or tonsillitis

 

GO- these infections usually need antibiotics to resolve successfully

Urinary tract infections- this includes the kidney, bladder, prostate

Skin infections including animal and human bites

Pneumonia (although it can be due to viruses, especially in children)

Whooping cough –pertussis

Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever- these are both transmitted by tick bites, but not all tick bites result in infection

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria – gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis

Any infection severe enough to require admission to a hospital- including infections of any internal organ, bones, joints, brain; included here are infections which develop during a hospital stay

Check out the links for more info.

(By the way, I hope you enjoyed the photos. I took them at a Veterans Day parade.)

2015-11-11 12.07.51

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha