As another flu season rapidly approaches, the need for fast, accurate flu testing is more important than ever.

The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, and is sometimes mistaken for the common cold, making it difficult for people to receive the treatment they need. With rapid flu testing at the point of care, people can be diagnosed and treated for the flu within minutes, right at their doctor’s office or nearby walk-in clinic.

The flu spreads easily and can pose serious risks for certain groups, including some of our most vulnerable populations – children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems. According to the CDC, in the U.S. there are an estimated 9.3 to 49 million flu cases each year. The flu and its complications cause as many as 960,000 hospitalizations every year, and according to recent data from the CDC, nearly 80,000 people died from the flu last year.

It’s important to get tested by a doctor if you think you have the flu. Antiviral medications that attack the flu virus work best when administered early – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms – and speed your path to recovery. And knowing now means you can take precautions from spreading the flu to others if you are infected.

Medical experts say it’s never too early or late to begin preparing for the flu season, especially given the last flu season was so brutal. Since flu season is incredibly unpredictable, making sure you and your family are prepared is for everyone’s benefit, not just your own.

The post THE LIFE-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN HELP YOU & YOUR FAMILY GET THROUGH THIS FLU SEASON appeared first on Good News!.

Measuring blood pressure is one of the most common procedures performed at a medical office. Yet, studies have shown that numerous mistakes are made when taking readings.

For example, if you’ve ever had a conversation while getting checked you may have added an additional 10-15 mm Hg to a measurement. Having a full bladder can tack on 10-15 mm Hg, while putting the cuff over clothing, rather than a bare arm, can add 10-40 mm Hg. These errors may lead to higher readings, which may lead to a misdiagnosis.

In this interview Dr. Michael Hochman, Spokesperson for the American Heart Association, shares the most common mistakes (whether taken at home or at your doctor’s office) and 7 simple tips to ensure an accurate blood pressure reading. Dr. Hochman will also talks about the updated high blood pressure guidelines and what to do if your numbers are now borderline. In addition, Marcus Whitehead, a police officer and high blood pressure patient shares how not knowing his numbers almost lead to serious health complications, and what he now does to stay in a healthy range.

The post Dr. Michael Hochman & Officer Marcus Whitehead, Know Your Numbers: Is Your Blood Pressure Being Taken All Wrong?, Click Here for Video & Podcast… appeared first on Good News!.

She is the Associate Director, Department of External Affair for NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. Renee is the President of Reenbow Media LLC, an advertising, broadcasting and public relations Company in the US. She serves as an advisor in the Women’s Cabinet to the NYC Mayor’s office of Immigrant Affairs.

An indefatigable advocate for the South Asian community and a civic and community educator, Renee has dedicated herself to addressing the needs of immigrant communities of the tri state area through television and print media and her nonprofit organization POWER (Providing Our Women Equal Rights) to deepen their awareness about their rights as New Americans so they can create their own stories of success

The post Renee Mehrra Shares Good News with Us – She is a “Do Gooder” appeared first on Good News!.