Category: Self-Care Corner

For a medicine to work for you-you’ve got to take the right dose. Many over-the-counter liquid medicines-such as pain relievers, cold medicines, cough syrups, and digestion aids-come with spoons, cups, oral droppers, or syringes designed to help you measure the right dose. To avoid giving too much or too little of a medicine, use these 10 tips from the FDA:

*Always follow the directions on the Drug Facts label.Read the label every time before you give the medicine.

*Know the “active ingredient” in the medicine.This is what makes the medicine work and it is always listed at the top of the Drug Facts label. Make sure, if you’re taking more than one medicine such as to treat a cold and a headache, that both don’t have the same active ingredient. You could be giving two times the normal dose. If you’re confused, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

*Give the right medicine, in the right amount.Medicines with the same brand name can be sold in different strengths, such as infant, children, and adult formulas. The dose and directions also vary for children of different ages or weights. Always use the right strength and follow the directions exactly.

*Use the dosage delivery device that comes with the medicine, such as a dropper or a dosing cup.A different device, or a kitchen spoon, could hold the wrong amount of medicine. And never drink liquid medicine from the bottle.

*Know the difference between a tablespoon (tbsp) and a teaspoon (tsp).A tablespoon holds 3 times as much medicine as a teaspoon.

*Know your child’s weight.Dosage amounts for some medicines are based on weight. Never guess how much to give your child or try to figure it out using instructions for the adult dose.

*Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to find out what mixes well and what doesn’t.Some medicines should not be taken with other medicines, vitamins, supplements, foods, and beverages.

*Prevent a poison emergency by always using a child-resistant cap.Relock the cap after each use. Be especially careful with any medicines that contain iron. They are the leading cause of poisoning deaths in young children.

*Store all medicines in a safe place.Some are tasty, colorful, and many can be chewed. Store all medicines and vitamins out of your child’s (and your pet’s) sight and reach.

*Check the medicine 3 times before using.First, check the outside packaging for cuts, slices, or tears. Second, once you’re at home, check the label on the inside package to be sure you have the right medicine and that the lid and seal are not broken. Third, check the color, shape, size, and smell. If you notice anything unusual, talk to a pharmacist before using.

According to the World Stroke Organization, you can take these 6 steps to reduce your risk of stroke-a blockage or bleeding in your brain:

1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.

2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.

3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet.

4. Limit your alcohol intake.

5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop.

6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke: a sudden numbness, especially on one side of the body; sudden trouble speaking or seeing; loss of balance; and a sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.

Stroke is a call-911 medical emergency!

When winter arrives, will you be ready? Being prepared for winter weather is more than having a warm coat and boots in your closet. No matter where you live, you can be prepared and safe all winter long with a few tips fromReady.gov:

*Use space heaters carefully.Keep them out of reach of little ones. Space heaters get very hot and can burn children’s hands. In addition, some may cause a fire if they are within five feet of furniture or draperies. Keep a working fire extinguisher near space heaters.

*Have a family plan.Talk to each member of your household about where to go and what to do if you are separated when a storm strikes. Have cell phone numbers programmed into your phones. Keep supplies like blankets and extra food and water in each car.

*Be aware of carbon monoxide.Anything that runs on gasoline, propane, or kerosene should never be used inside your home or garage. This includes generators, heaters, camp stoves, and grills. They can give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Only use these outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home.

*Get your vehicle serviced.Before bad weather comes, get any problems, the battery and antifreeze checked out. Top off fluid levels…Make sure you have good windshield wiper blades.

*Consider getting a NOAA radio.This can run on batteries if the power goes out and will alert you to a variety of weather hazards.

*Stay inside.Many people end up with frostbite or injuries from trying to shovel snow during very cold weather. If you can, postpone shoveling until it’s safe to go outside. If you must go outdoors, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.

Signs of frostbite

Frostbite is a dangerous condition that can lead to permanent skin damage or even loss of a limb, according to the Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention. Signs of frostbite include:

*  Numbness

*  White or grayish skin color

*  Skin that feels hard or waxy

*  Slurred speech

*  Confusion

If you think you have frostbite, get inside to a warm area as soon as possible. Loosen or remove wet or tight clothing. Remove jewelry. You may immerse the affected skin in warm water. Do not rub or massage the area. Don’t use hot stoves or heating pads, as the skin can easily burn. Get medical help as soon as possible.

No matter where you live, it’s wise to be prepared for weather emergencies. Be ready for old man winter before he takes you by surprise.

A peptic ulcer, commonly called an “ulcer,” is a sore in the stomach caused by acid. Although many people believe that stress causes peptic ulcers, research has shown this is not the case. But there’s a catch: if you already have an ulcer, high stress levels can make it worse.

The American College of Gastroenterology states that peptic ulcers are actually caused by two things: bacteria and some medicines.

Helicobacter pylori infection:This bacteria, also called H. pylori, is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. Scientists aren’t sure why some people get infected with this bacteria, but genetics may be partly to blame. If you have symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor may test you for this bacteria. If your test is positive, the infection can be treated with antibiotics and medicines that reduce stomach acid. Once the infection has been treated, your ulcer should go away. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the entire course as instructed by your doctor.

Medicines:Long-term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause peptic ulcers in some people. NSAIDs include pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Taking these occasionally will not cause an ulcer, but if you take them for a long time or at high doses, you increase your risk.

Know the symptoms

Peptic ulcers often cause burning pain in the stomach or abdominal area. The pain may be worse when you lie down at night or when your stomach is empty. If you have symptoms of an ulcer, your doctor may refer you to a specialist to get further tests done. Proper diagnosis and treatment can usually cure an ulcer.

If you are taking NSAID medicines and are diagnosed with an ulcer, your doctor may talk with you about finding another treatment.

If you have an ulcer, you do not have to follow a bland diet. Spicy or rich foods do not make an ulcer worse. Following a healthy diet, however, can improve your health and will help your ulcer heal as quickly as possible after treatment. Visitchoosemyplate.govfor the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

We’ve all experienced pain. But when pain doesn’t go away, it’s called chronic pain, and it can be tricky to treat, according to the NIH News in Health. Chronic pain can come from low-back problems, cancer, migraine, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Long-term pain can affect your daily life and lead to depression.

Some pain medications target inflammation, too, but come with side effects. NIH scientists are looking for ways to control pain. The following techniques may bring some relief:

*  Keep your weight in check. Extra weight can slow healing or make some pain worse especially in the back, knees, hips, and feet.

*  Exercise. If pain keeps you inactive, ask your doctor whether exercise might help.

*  Get enough sleep. It will improve healing and your mood.

*  Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol.

*  Get the right medical help. If your regular doctor hasn’t found a helpful approach for your pain, see a pain specialist.

*  Join a pain support group. Talk with others about how they deal with pain.