Insect stings can come from bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants.  All of these insects have stingers that inject venom into their unfortunate victims. An insect sting typically causes an intense, burning pain which is quickly followed by a patch of redness and a small area of swelling (up to 1 cm) around the sting. Insect stings usually ease and go away after a few hours. 

If you have an allergic reaction to the venom from the insect sting this reaction may be much worse. In a local allergic reaction the swelling at the site of the sting is usually greater than five inches but may cover the entire arm or leg. This swelling from insect stings isn’t immediate nor is it dangerous; it develops over a 12-24 hour period.  Taking an oral antihistamine after being stung will decrease the severity of the symptoms.

Generalized reactions to insect stings involve the whole body. The venom may cause your immune system to react more violently. Symptoms may include hives, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, dizziness and nausea after which shock and unconsciousness may occur. A generalized reaction will develop within 10 minutes of a sting and may be life threatening. These severe generalized allergic reactions are called anaphylaxis and are a medical emergency. If you suffer from generalized reactions to insect stings make sure you carry an adrenalin pen at all times.

Tips to prevent getting stung:

• Stay Calm: If a wasp, bee or any other stinging insect flies near you stay calm. Do not flap, wave or swat at it. Getting agitated may incite the insect to sting.
• Avoid bright clothes as bright flowery clothing attracts insects. To prevent insect stings stick to pale smooth fabrics and avoid bright jewellry when you plan to spend time outdoors.
• Avoid all fragrances such as perfumes, colognes, scented creams and soaps as they will attract insects.
• Avoid walking barefoot: Bare feet are vulnerable to insect stings since bees and wasps love to hover in the flowers within the grass.
• Cover your food: The smell from your food attracts insects.  Always cover your drinks and don’t drink from a can if it is left exposed. Insect stings on the tongue or throat are not only very painful but may be dangerous as well. 
• Take vitamin B before going outdoors: insects are repelled by the scent of vitamin B, garlic or onions.

Hot flashes are considered to be the hallmark of Menopause. They are the most common Perimenopausal symptoms in our culture, occurring in about 70 to 85 percent of all western perimenopausal women. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, often beginning with a sudden sensation of warmth that radiates over the face, scalp and chest which can then become intense heat. The hot flash is usually followed by a flush consisting of redness, perspiration, increased heart rate and/or nausea and then finally by a feeling of being chilled.  Hot flashes relief is most welcome after such a session.

Hot flashes are triggered by the erratic changes in the levels of estrogen and   progesterone during Perimenopause. Both estrogen and progesterone have a direct effect on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, sleep cycles, sex hormones and body temperature.  The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone trigger a brief but sudden downward adjustment in the body’s internal temperature setting. The body manifests this release of excess heat as a hot flash which often starts just before a menstrual period and becomes most frequent and severe once the periods actually stop. Natural hot flashes relief occurs with time, usually by disappearing a year or two after menopause.

We don’t fully understand the exact mechanism that triggers hot flashes.   Fluctuating hormones, lifestyle and medications all influence their intensity and frequency. The incidence is less common in non-western countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Mexico. In Japan, 10% or less of menopausal women experience hot flashes due to their high-fibre, low-fat and high dietary intake of soy products. 

The medical profession often approaches menopause as an illness to be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) instead of a natural process in which diet and lifestyle changes may reduce symptoms.

For hot flashes relief consume foods that are high in phytoestrogens containing soy such as  tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk and whole soybeans which are plant hormones with weak estrogen like effects.  Other foods specifically indicated for hot flashes relief include flaxseed and high-lignin flaxseed oil, fennel, celery and parsley.  Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in lignins which help normalize estrogen levels.  Fennel, celery, parsley and all legumes are excellent sources of phytoestrogens.  Conversely, eating a high-fat, low-fibre diet increases symptoms. Foods high in sugars, refined carbohydrates, caffeine containing beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol all trigger hot flashes.

Exercise at least 30 minutes per day. You can walk or jog or take an aerobics class.  Exercise increases the release of opiates.  While exercising is essential, it is also beneficial to avoid exercise within three hours of going to bed as this will help prevent night sweats.

Take 400-800 IU of Vitamin E daily which significantly reduces the occurrence and frequency of hot flashes. Also Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and protects the heart.

Black cohosh (20-60 mg three times daily) can provide effective relief for symptoms of menopause headache, heart palpitations and anxiety.  Hot flashes relief occurs within 8 weeks of starting therapy.