HealthyLife Articles

Category: Self-Care Corner

Clear Facts On Eye Drops

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Irritated Eyelids And Blepharitis

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Telemedicine: Pros & Cons

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Cool That Heartburn

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Is It Food Poisoning Or A Virus?

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
The Causes Of Coughing

SELF-CARE CORNER

It’s the season for colds and flu – and that means coughing. Coughing is an important function in your body. It helps clear your airways. Many times, a mild cough will go away on its own. But when should you see a doctor about a cough?

Common cold

A common cold may cause some coughing. When you have a runny nose, the fluids drain down your throat. This causes your cough reflex to kick in. It’s a way your body protects your lungs. Although a cough from a cold can be annoying, it usually goes away quickly. Antibiotics won’t help with a cough related to a cold.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation in the tiny tubes in the lungs. These tubes are called bronchioles. Viruses and bacteria can get into the bronchioles and make you sick. Chemicals and toxins like tobacco smoke can also invade the bronchioles and lead to bronchitis.

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

* Coughing, especially with mucus

* Wheezing or feeling short of breath

* Low fever

* Chest pain

Bronchitis is most often caused by a virus so antibiotics will not help. Rest, drinking more fluids and a humidifier can help you feel better.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in the air sacs inside the lungs. These sacs are called alveoli. Pneumonia can range from mild to serious. If you have pneumonia, you may notice:

* Cough with greenish, yellow or bloody mucus

* Fever, sweating and chills

* Trouble breathing

* Stabbing chest pain that hurts when you cough or take a deep breath

* Loss of appetite

* Feeling weak or tired

* Nausea and vomiting (common in small children)

Many times, a doctor will give you antibiotics for pneumonia. Be sure to take them exactly as your doctor tells you. Pneumonia can be life-threatening if it is not treated effectively.

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

Pertussis is very contagious. It may seem like a cold at first. People may have a runny nose or mild cough.

As it gets worse, pertussis causes a severe cough that can last weeks or even months. The cough makes a high-pitched “whoop” sound. It’s especially dangerous for babies and people with weak immune systems.

The best way to protect against pertussis is to get vaccinated. If you aren’t sure whether you’re vaccinated, ask your doctor. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.

Sources: American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Covid-19, Cold, Flu, Or Allergy?

SELF-CARE CORNER

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.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Lasik Right For You?

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s possible you may be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which simply means laser vision correction.

The procedure uses a laser to correct the shape of your cornea and improve your vision. This type of surgery is used to treat:

* Myopia (nearsightedness)

* Hyperopia (farsightedness)

* Astigmatism (an imperfection in the shape of the cornea)

Undergoing LASIK eye surgery may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. But, it’s not right for everyone.

How to qualify

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, you first need to talk to your eye doctor. They will do a comprehensive eye exam and make sure you meet certain criteria such as:

* Stable vision for at least a year

* Eye prescription within the range LASIK can correct

* Thick healthy corneas

* 18 years of age or older

Some conditions may disqualify you from the procedure. These include:

* Severe dry eye

* Eye infections

* Cataracts

* Glaucoma

* Poorly controlled diabetes

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding

The procedure

During the procedure, you will be awake, resting comfortably on a table, and able to see for the majority of the time. It is painless and over in just a few minutes.

1. Drops will be put in your eyes to numb them.

2. An eyelid holder will be put in place to keep your eyes open.

3. A suction ring will be placed on your eye to hold it still. You will feel some pressure, and your vision will briefly fade.

4. The ophthalmologist will use a laser to cut a flap in your cornea.

5. A laser will precisely reshape your cornea, and the flap will be smoothed back into place.

After LASIK surgery

You will need to wear special glasses at first for eye protection and use several types of eye drops for the first few days to weeks until your eyes are healed.

Side effects from the procedure are often temporary and may include:

* Dry eyes

* Light sensitivity

* Blurry vision

* Halos around lights, especially at night

* Glare

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uv Safety 2

SELF-CARE CORNER

Sitting in the warm sun can be great for your mental health and your daily dose of vitamin D. But too much sun exposure can pose a big problem. Before you get some rays, plan ahead so your fun in the sun doesn’t end with a painful sunburn.

*Find shade:You don’t want to be in direct sunlight for too long. Find a shady area or an umbrella to sit under for some respite from the sun.

*Wear clothing:The right clothes can help reduce sun damage. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your arms, legs, chest and back. Find a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck and buy sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Choose clothes with built-in UV protection, as well.

*Rub in sunscreen:Wearing sunscreen is a habit you should practice year-round. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 – SPF 30 is a better choice. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.

How to soothe a sunburn

It’s fun to play in the sun. But what do you do when the sun bites back? First things first, get out of the sun! Cover up your skin if you’re outside and find a cool, dark place. Then, get to work helping your skin recover.

1.Take a cool bath or shower to cool down your skin.Avoid using harsh soaps or body washes, as these could make your skin dry out even more.

2.Apply a moisturizer or aloe vera to the burn.This helps to trap moisture in your skin, which can help with healing. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and may help stop bacteria from growing.

3.Drink water.Your body fights a sunburn by drawing water to the surface of your skin. This could lead to dehydration, so be sure to replenish your fluids often.

4.Take extra care.After a sunburn, it is very important that you stay out of the sun for the next few days so your skin can heal. Wear loose clothing and avoid any itchy fabrics.

5.See a doctor if…you get severe blistering, develop a fever and chills, or see signs of infection, such as oozing pus or red streaks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Daily Habits For A Restful Sleep

SELF-CARE CORNER

Your habits during the day have a significant influence on how well you sleep. From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, the choices you make determine whether your body will be ready to rest at bedtime.

Creating a sleep-minded daily routine will set the stage for a good night’s rest. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, it’s time to reset your daily rhythm so you wake up refreshed and ready to go.

Get up at the same time each day

A consistent sleep schedule lets your body know when to be alert and when to settle down for bed. Getting up at the same time each day is essential to establish a sleep rhythm.

Think of getting up in the morning as step one of your sleep schedule. If step one is consistent, then all the other steps can fall into place. If you’re tired, it’s better to go to bed early than sleep in late.

Spend time outside

Natural light is a signal to the body that it’s time to be awake and alert. Being outdoors stimulates hormones related to your circadian rhythm. These hormones help determine how energetic you feel during the day and how well you sleep at night.

Exposure to early morning sunlight is ideal for regulating your sleep/wake pattern. If you are unable to get outside, use bright lights early in the day to simulate sunlight.

Exercise in the morning

Being physically active first thing in the morning can give you a boost of energy. The more active and energetic you feel during the day, the more likely you will wind down at night.

If exercising first thing isn’t possible, make sure to get your exercise in as early in the day as you can. Avoid exercising within a few hours of bedtime as it may make you too energized to fall asleep.

Eat consistent meals

The timing of your meals is an important part of your sleep cycle. When you eat, you are communicating the time of day to your body. Consistent meals also provide energy so you can be alert and productive during your waking hours.

Avoid skipping meals or snacking late at night. Eating or drinking close to bedtime sends the wrong signal. At night, you want your energy levels to drop and your body to focus on repair and rest.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026