HealthyLife Articles

Category: Self-Care Corner

  • Caring For Toe Injuries

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Close up of injured toe.

    Toes are an important part of walking and balance. And their bones and ligaments are small, so they can be easily injured.

    Many people think doctors won’t do anything about an injured toe. This is not true. A broken or sprained toe may need medical attention. But minor toe injuries may get better with some simple home care.

    What to do if you hurt your toe

    *  If the pain is not severe, try putting ice on it for 10 minutes at a time. Be careful not to get the toe too cold.

    *  If needed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

    *  Stay off the foot if possible. Try to elevate it when sitting down.

    *  Look for signs of bruising and swelling, which could mean a possible sprain or broken toe.

    *  If the pain is severe, contact your doctor or seek urgent medical care.

    *  If pain and swelling don’t get better within two days, see a health care provider.

    *  Elevate the affected toe to help with swelling.

    Sprained vs. broken toe

    A sprain means that the ligaments in the toe have been injured. You can usually walk on a sprained toe, but it may still be very sore from swelling and bruising.

    Sprains may happen when you overstretch the toe during sports, running or jumping. “Turf toe” is a sprain of the big toe that is quite common in athletes.

    If you have a broken toe, you may not be able to move the toe or put weight on it. It may have a lot of swelling and bruising. The pain may not get better, even after a couple of days. Broken toes can happen during sports and activities. They also occur with falls and accidents or when you drop something heavy on your foot.

    Should you get medical care?

    Some minor toe injuries can be treated at home. But toe sprains and breaks can be more serious. Don’t ignore toe pain that lasts more than two days. See a health care provider if you think your toe is sprained or broken.

    If you have diabetes

    Always see a health care provider for any kind of foot or toe injury.

    Sources: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Treat Cat & Dog Bites

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Aggrestive dog barking while owner is holding it back.

    Family pets, stray dogs and cats or neighborhood animals can all bite. Do you know what to do if you or your child gets a bite?

    What to do now

    Right away, you should:

    *  Wash the skin wound with soap and water.

    *  If it’s bleeding, use a clean towel to gently press down on the area.

    *  Once bleeding has stopped, apply a sterile bandage.

    Should I call a doctor?

    Some bites may need medical care. Call your doctor if:

    *  You think it might be infected. Look for fever, redness, swelling, warmth and drainage.

    *  You can’t get the bleeding to stop after pressing on it for 15 minutes.

    *  You think the injury is serious or it looks deep.

    *  You think there might be a broken bone.

    *  You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

    *  Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. Or, you don’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.

    *  You were bit by a wild or stray animal.

    *  The bite was on the face.

    *  The bite happened to a child.

    *  You don’t know if the animal is up to date on all its vaccines (shots).

    Do I need a rabies shot?

    Most cats and dogs in the U.S. don’t have rabies. So most people who get bit by a cat or dog don’t need to get a rabies shot. Many wild animals can have rabies, though. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats and coyotes may have it.

    If you know the owner of the cat or dog that bit you, ask for their health records. Sometimes the pet needs to be isolated so they can look for signs of rabies. If any signs show up, they will test the animal for rabies. If the animal tests positive, then you need a rabies shot.

    If you were bit by a stray animal, call animal control. They will try to find the animal so they can test it for rabies. You may need to report the bite to animal control or your local health department too. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Take A Shot At Allergies

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Women outside using a tissue while sneezing.

    Chronic congestion? Watery, itchy eyes? Sneezing and coughing? These may be symptoms of an allergy.

    If your doctor diagnoses you with an allergy, they may recommend allergy shots. For the right person, an allergy shot regimen may bring much-needed relief from frustrating and ongoing symptoms.

    The cause of allergies

    An allergy occurs when the immune system attacks an allergen. This creates mucous and the classic allergy symptoms. Allergens are substances that are usually not harmful, but the immune system over-reacts to them, causing an allergy. Common allergens include:

    *  Mold

    *  Pollen

    *  Dander

    *  Dust mites

    *  Grass

    *  Ragweed

    *  Animal dander

    How allergy shots work

    Each allergy shot contains a small amount of an allergen. When the immune system senses the allergen, it responds by producing an antibody. Antibodies neutralize and block the allergen from causing symptoms.

    In general, the goal of an allergy shot regimen is to reduce the body’s reactivity to the allergen. By introducing a small dose at a time, the immune system learns to identify and quickly neutralize the allergen. Over time, your immune system becomes more efficient and reduces allergy symptoms.

    Benefits of allergy shots

    Many different medications are available to treat allergies. However, for some people, those do not bring relief. Their doctor may recommend allergy shots as a safe and effective treatment to help them feel better. Shots may:

    *  Reduce allergy symptoms

    *  Reduce asthma symptoms for some people

    *  Reduce the risk of future allergies

    *  Reduce the need for other allergy medications

    Drawbacks

    Allergy shots are not for everyone. Your doctor is your best resource to determine the right treatment for your allergies. Drawbacks of allergy shots include:

    *  Possible redness or swelling at the injection site

    *  Potential for a severe reaction

    *  Requires frequent visits to your doctor

    *  Not appropriate for people with certain medical conditions

    *  Not used for food allergies

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Clear Facts On Eye Drops

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man placing eye drop in eye.

    Staring at a computer, dry winter air, cold temperatures, allergies, medications. A number of things can make eyes red, dry or uncomfortable.

    Many people turn to a bottle of eye drops for quick relief. But, if you use eye drops often, there are a few things you should know.

    Seeing red

    Redness relief eye drops contain an ingredient that shrinks blood vessels in the eye, giving you that bright-eyed effect. But, these drops can be harmful if you overuse them.

    Using redness drops frequently can cause a “rebound” effect, making the redness even worse. Then you feel like you have to use the drops more and more to control the redness.

    Don’t use redness relief drops on a regular basis. If your eyes are often red, you should see an eye care professional to get to the root cause.

    Artificial tears

    Artificial tear eye drops are generally safe to use regularly. They don’t contain any active ingredients. Instead, they are designed to mimic your own tears. These work well for occasional dryness or discomfort.

    Keep an eye on preservatives

    Many eye drops contain preservatives. These keep germs from growing in the drops. They allow you to use the same bottle of drops for a longer period of time.

    Some people find that the preservatives in eye drops make their eyes itchy or irritated. If you notice any burning or stinging after using eye drops, even artificial tears, stop using them.

    Preservative-free eye drops are available. These work well for people who are sensitive to preservatives. They are usually in small single-use vials that come in a pack. You use the vial once and throw it away.

    Eye health red flags

    The best way to keep eyes healthy is to see your eye health professional regularly. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist how often they should see you. It will depend on your age, any health issues and your eye health history.

    Call your eye professional right away if you notice:

    *  Pain or itching in the eye

    *  Redness that won’t go away

    *  Dry eyes that aren’t relieved with artificial tears

    *  Changes in vision, such as not seeing as well

    *  Cloudy or blurry vision

    *  Floaters or other spots in your vision

    Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Irritated Eyelids And Blepharitis

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Grandfather and grandson flexing arms.

    You might not think about your eyelids very much. That is, until there’s a problem with them. Blepharitis, a common eyelid condition, can cause irritated, red, itchy eyelids. It can also cause flaking on the eyelids.

    What causes blepharitis?

    Blepharitis usually happens when bacteria on the skin become unbalanced. Certain things can trigger this bacteria growth, including:

    *  Allergies

    *  Mites

    *  Dandruff

    *  Oily skin

    *  Rosacea

    Signs and symptoms

    Blepharitis can feel different to different people. Blepharitis symptoms include:

    *  Watery eyes or extra tearing

    *  Red and swollen eyelids

    *  Dry eyes

    *  Crusting of the eyelids

    *  Itching

    *  Blurry vision

    Self-care

    Most people can manage blepharitis with self-care at home. Here’s how:

    *  Wash your hands. Then apply a warm, moist compress to each eyelid twice a day. Use a clean cloth for each eye.

    *  Gently scrub the eyelids with water and baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser.

    *  Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry with a clean towel.

    *  If you have dandruff, wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis.

    *  Avoid using eye makeup or wearing contact lenses until blepharitis symptoms are gone.

    Is blepharitis dangerous?

    Blepharitis isn’t usually dangerous. But its symptoms can be painful or bothersome. Sometimes blepharitis can cause other eye problems, such as:

    *Stye:A red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.

    *Chalazion:A red bump on the eyelid that doesn’t hurt.

    *Cornea damage:The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.

    If blepharitis doesn’t get better with self-care measures, contact your doctor. In some cases, you may need special eye drops or antibiotic ointment. Always ask your doctor before using any drops or other products in your eyes.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Take Care Of  Bleeding Gums

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man smiling at dentist office with dentist about to start exam.

    Bleeding gums are never a good thing. If you notice small amounts of blood when you brush or floss, it’s a signal there’s a problem. Thankfully, there are effective treatments for many common triggers of gum bleeding.

    The two most common causes are plaque buildup and gum disease. But, whatever the cause, you should address the underlying issue right away to protect the health of your gums and teeth.

    Causes of gum bleeding

    In many cases, gums bleed when there is underlying inflammation of the gum tissue. Inflammation can happen for a variety of reasons.

    *  Plaque buildup

    *  Brushing too hard

    *  Poor flossing

    *  Tooth or gum infection

    *  Pregnancy hormone changes

    *  Gum disease

    *  Ill-fitting dental appliances

    *  Vitamins K or C deficiency

    *  Certain medications

    Occasionally, bleeding gums may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, such as a bleeding disorder. Visit your primary care doctor for follow-up if your dentist is unable to find a cause for the bleeding.

    What to do

    Visit the dentist. Regular dentist visits and professional cleanings are key to preventing gum disease and plaque buildup. Talk to your dentist about gum bleeding and always follow their recommendations for oral hygiene.

    Brush twice daily. There is no substitute for routine brushing to rid your teeth of plaque. Plaque is made up of sticky bacteria that irritate the gums. If your gums bleed when you brush, be gentle but thorough.

    Floss every day. Floss gets into the tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Lack of flossing or poor technique could result in plaque buildup around the gum line and gingivitis, a major culprit of gum bleeding.

    Healthy habits, healthy gums

    Many daily habits impact the overall health of your gums. For good long-term oral health, follow these healthy lifestyle habits.

    *  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

    *  Limit added sugar in your diet

    *  Avoid tobacco and drug use

    *  Drink water instead of sugary beverages

    *  Ask your dentist if a mouthwash is right for you

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Cool That Heartburn

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man suffering from heartburn.

    Do you get a burning feeling in your chest after eating or at night? Does it get worse if you lie down or bend over?

    Many people have heartburn once in a while.

    Don’t ignore frequent heartburn

    When heartburn keeps happening, it could hurt your health. Frequent heartburn that lasts longer than two weeks is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can damage your throat or even cause breathing problems.

    See a doctor about frequent heartburn so you can get treatment.

    If you get occasional heartburn, there are several ways you can reduce it or avoid it:

    *  Stay upright after eating. Don’t lie down after a meal. This can cause the acid and food to come up and into your esophagus.

    *  Avoid activities that use the tummy muscles right after eating. This includes activities like hard exercise or lifting heavy objects.

    *  Eat smaller meals. Eat your food slowly and stop before you feel overly full.

    *  Avoid heartburn triggers. This includes caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods and spicy foods.

    *  Work toward a healthy weight if you are overweight.

    *  Ask your doctor about using an antacid for occasional heartburn.

    Heartburn drug recall

    Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that an acid reflux (GERD) medicine contained a “probable human carcinogen” at low levels. This means that these medicines contain something that could potentially cause cancer.

    The drug, known as ranitidine or Zantac, is an H2-blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. After FDA’s announcement, some drug companies recalled their ranitidine products. Some pharmacies also pulled the medicine off their shelves.

    If you are taking ranitidine or Zantac, talk to your doctor. There are other FDA-approved medicines that could work for you. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment.

    FDA continues to evaluate the safety of ranitidine and will provide more information as it becomes available.

    Source: Food and Drug Administration

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is It Food Poisoning Or A Virus?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man holding a glass of water with one hand and holding stomach in pain with the other hand.

    Many people know the awful feeling of an upset stomach. It happens to almost everyone at least a few times in our lives. Many times, we blame the last thing we ate. But this is not always the cause.

    It can be hard to know what made you sick. If you got food poisoning, it can take 24 hours or more to get sick from some germs. And if you caught a virus, it can take several days to get sick after you were exposed.

    ‘Stomach flu’ isn’t the flu

    Many people will say they had the “stomach flu” if they had a stomach virus. But the flu, or influenza, is not the same thing. The real flu rarely causes stomach problems in adults. Instead, it causes fever, coughing, headache and body aches.

    Norovirus is a virus that often causes stomach symptoms. It spreads easily in crowded places, schools and daycares.

    What is food poisoning, anyway?

    Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something that contains harmful germs.

    If you were with others who ate the same food as you, they could get sick too. This is where it becomes hard to know if you have food poisoning or a viral infection. You can only get food poisoning through contaminated food. You get norovirus from other people.

    Symptoms look the same

    Both viruses and food poisoning can cause:

    *  Stomach pain

    *  Vomiting

    *  Diarrhea

    *  Fever

    *  Headache

    *  Body aches

    *  Tiredness

    Which one is it?

    If there is a large outbreak of food poisoning, you may find out about it. It could be in the news if many people got sick. But often, you may never know if you had a stomach virus or food poisoning. The symptoms are very similar.

    Sometimes doctors may run tests to find out what kind of illness you have. Usually, however, this isn’t necessary.

    Talk to your doctor

    Most people get better on their own after a stomach illness. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They can tell you what you should do based on your symptoms, age and health history.

    If you’re worried about serious dehydration or if the illness is severe, you should get medical help right away.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Telemedicine: Pros & Cons

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Doctor smilng and waving Hi while on a telemedicine call.

    For some people, seeing their doctor from the comfort of their own home has made accessing care easier. But, for others, the lack of in-person care makes managing their health difficult.

    Telemedicine is unlikely to go away. As a patient, you need to know how to get the most out of virtual visits and when an in-person visit might be the way to go.

    Pros of telemedicine

    *  Fast and flexible access to care

    *  Decreased exposure to other ill patients

    *  No need to leave home when dealing with a minor illness or concern

    *  Less time spent driving

    *  Ease of follow-up for existing health issues

    *  Less time lost at work

    Cons of telemedicine

    *  Insurance may not cover video visits; check your plan carefully

    *  Not everyone has access to technology

    *  Diagnosing a new condition may not be possible over video

    *  Challenges in monitoring vital signs, like blood pressure, etc.

    *  Loss of meaningful relationship with healthcare providers

    *  Important symptoms may get missed

    Get the most from telemedicine

    *  Check your technology set-up in advance.

    *  Keep your doctor’s phone number handy in case you get disconnected.

    *  Write down a list of symptoms and questions.

    *  Write down measurements your doctor may need (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.).

    *  Have your medication list on-hand.

    *  Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted.

    *  Be on time.

    *  If your doctor recommends any tests or follow-ups, make those appointments right away.

    When in-person is best

    Not every situation is right for a telemedicine visit. Here are times when in-person may be recommended:

    *  Pediatric visits

    *  Emergency situations

    *  Yearly physicals

    *  Situations where a physical exam is needed

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Covid-19, Cold, Flu, Or Allergy?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Women wearing a face mask.

    Know the difference

    You’re feeling pretty lousy. You’ve got sniffles, sneezing, and a sore throat. Is it COVID-19, a cold, flu, or allergies? It can be hard to tell them apart because they share so many symptoms. But understanding the differences will help you choose the best treatment.

    Comparison chart of symptoms between COVID-19, Cold, Flu and Allergies.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine