HealthyLife Articles

Category: Self-Care Corner

Using Decongestants Safely

SELF-CARE CORNER

As we approach the peak season for colds and flu, many people turn to over-the-counter medicines for relief. And if you have a stuffy nose (known as nasal congestion), you may be thinking about taking a decongestant.

What are decongestants?

Decongestants are medicines designed to relieve stuffiness and pressure in the nose and sinuses. The two over-the-counter decongestants available are phenylephrine (i.e., Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine are stocked behind a pharmacy counter, but you don’t need a prescription. Both medicines work by shrinking blood vessels in the nose, allowing air to pass through more easily.

Are decongestants safe?

Decongestants are safe when they are used properly. Here’s what to know before you take one:

* Read the label and be sure you understand how much you can take and how often to take it. If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

* Know the active ingredients. Many cold and flu products contain several active ingredients. They are listed on the drug facts label at the top. Be sure you don’t accidentally take too much of one ingredient. For instance, many cold products contain acetaminophen, a pain reliever that can be toxic in high doses. If you’ve already taken a pain reliever with acetaminophen and you take the cold medicine too, you could take too much acetaminophen.

* Talk to your doctor before taking a decongestant if you have diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, glaucoma, prostate problems or thyroid disease.

* If you take other over-the-counter or prescription medicines, ask your doctor if decongestants can be safely taken with your other medicines.

* Do not give decongestants or any cough or cold product to kids under 4 years of age. Ask your child’s pediatrician before giving them any medicines.

* Talk to your doctor if you need to take a decongestant for longer than a week.

What about nasal sprays?

Saline nasal sprays with no medicine in them are safe to use daily, as often as needed. These can help flush out allergens and mucus so you can breathe easier. Not sure if it’s just saline? Look at the drug facts label and be sure it contains only sodium chloride as the active ingredient.

But, decongestant sprays that contain active ingredients are not safe to take for more than three days in a row. This is because your body can become dependent on them. When this happens, your nose may become even stuffier over time, and you’ll have to use more and more spray to get relief.

Medicines can help you cope with bothersome cold and flu symptoms. But, be safe and savvy before you take them – and keep them in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach!

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, Food and Drug Administration

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Things To Know Before Taking Any Medicines

SELF-CARE CORNER

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that adverse drug events (ADEs) are a serious public health problem. An ADE is when an injury occurs after taking medicine. With 82 percent of Americans taking at least one medication, ADEs could happen to almost anyone.

ADEs can be serious, and even deadly. They may include:

* Side effects from a medicine

* Interactions with other medicines or supplements

* Allergic reactions to a medicine

* Overdoses

* Taking the wrong dose or type of medicine

You can avoid ADEs with a few simple steps. Do these things today to keep yourself and loved ones safe:

1.Be aware of any interactions before you take a medicine.Some medicines should not be taken with certain foods, such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Others can cause side effects if taken with certain herbs and supplements. Because of possible interactions, be sure your doctor knows everything you take, including natural supplements, vitamins and herbs. If you’re caring for an aging family member, keep track of all their medications and show the list to their doctors during appointments. If you see more than one doctor, make sure all your doctors know which medications you take.

2.Keep them secure, out of reach from others.Something that’s safe for you to take could be dangerous – or even deadly – to a child or pet. Keep all medicines out of reach of kids and pets, preferably with child-proof packaging.

3.Take only the dose you are prescribed.If you feel your medication isn’t working, talk to your doctor about options. Taking a higher dose than what’s prescribed or mixing it with other medications can lead to serious side effects or overdoses.

4.Don’t share your medicines.It can be dangerous to give someone a prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed to them. Even over-the-counter medicines should be used with caution, especially if a person has health conditions or is taking other medicines.

5.Keep medicines in their original bottles.Putting medicines in other containers could lead to someone accidentally taking the wrong medicine. It also makes it more difficult to keep track of what you’re taking.

6.Dispose of expired or unneeded medicines correctly.Using a drug “take-back” program is a safe option. If you must throw them away, don’t flush them. Put them in the household trash with kitty litter or coffee grounds. For complete information on medicine disposal, visit the FDA website atwww.fda.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Better Health Is In Your Pocket

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Don’t Be Rash

SELF-CARE CORNER

It’s itchy and red. Maybe painful. A rash is your immune system’s way of saying, “I’m protecting you.”

When skin cells detect something suspicious (such as poison ivy or chickenpox), they begin a chain reaction that leads to inflammation or swelling. Doctors call it dermatitis. But you might think of it as a rash.

Rashes can be caused by bacteria, viruses, drugs, allergies, genetic disorders, and even light. So it’s important to find out what is causing the rash. Most rashes clear up and go away quickly. Others may need care over a long time.

Call your doctor if any of these are true, advises the NIH News in Health:

* Your rash is so uncomfortable or painful it interferes with daily activities or sleep.

* The rash is on your face.

* Your rash looks worrisome or seems infected.

* You break out in a rash after taking a new medication.

* Your rash lasts for several days.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again

SELF-CARE CORNER

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 51 million Americans have had success at quitting smoking. Many smokers did not quit on their first try and needed several attempts to have success to quit for good. If you smoke, keep trying to quit.

“Quitting smoking is one of the single most effective things someone can do to improve their health,” said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

It may not be easy to, but the benefits are well worth it:

* Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.

* Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood stream drops to normal.

* Within 3 days, the nicotine leaves your body.

* Within 3 months, your circulation and lung function improves.

* After 9 months, you will cough less and breathe easier.

* After 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

* After 5 years, your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half.

* After 10 years, you are one-half as likely to die from lung cancer, and your risk of larynx or pancreatic cancer decreases.

* After 15 years, your coronary heart disease risk is the same as a non-smoker’s.

Get help to quit smoking

* Talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend counseling or coaching plus over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges or FDA-approved medications. If you are a Veteran, talk to your health care team about VA tobacco cessation programs and services that are available to you.

* Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This is the national number to access state-based quitline services.

* Smokefree.gov atwww.smokefree.govor text QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving messages

*www.cdc.gov/tips

* Smokefree Apps: quitSTART and QuitGuide. Download these from your Smartphone’s App Store or Google Play.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Diabetes

SELF-CARE CORNER

Diabetes may run in your family, but you can avoid or delay its development.

You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, and losing excess weight, according to NIH in Health. Type 2 diabetes occurs due to problems related to a hormone called insulin. When your body digests food, it’s broken down and converted to glucose and other molecules, which then travel through the bloodstream. Insulin signals cells to let glucose in for use as an energy source.

In a person with type 2 diabetes, either the body’s cells have trouble using insulin or the body isn’t making enough insulin. As a result, glucose can build up to harmful levels in the blood. That’s why people with diabetes often have high blood glucose levels.

These high levels raise your risk for heart disease, kidney problems, blindness, amputations, and other serious conditions.

Being overweight, obese, or inactive increases the risk to develop type 2 diabetes. You can change these risk factors. Losing just 5-10 percent of your weight and exercising 30 minutes a day on 5 days a week goes a long way to lower your risk.

Steps to prevent diabetes

* Move more. It doesn’t matter what activity you do, as long as you enjoy it.

* Choose healthy foods. Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

* Maintain a healthy weight. With healthy eating and physical activity, you can drop pounds and keep them off.

* Set reasonable goals. Start with small changes, even walking 15 minutes a day. Add 5 minutes per day next week and so on. Goal: 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

* Record your progress. Keep a diary of what you eat and drink and the number of minutes you exercise to stay focused on your goal.

* Keep at it. Making even small changes is hard in the beginning. If you get off track, start again.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Secrets For Healthier Feet

SELF-CARE CORNER

Podiatrist Dr. Lauren Kishman, Akron General Orthopedics, knows the most common foot complaints and lets you in on some secrets to get your feet summer-ready.

Sweaty, smelly feet?

Use antiperspirant on your feet. Why? Because you have sweat glands on your feet too. Change out your socks often and try a clear roll-on antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet. Apply after showering and drying your feet. If an over-the-counter antiperspirant doesn’t work, you can try a prescription-strength antiperspirant.

Avoid fungus.

Wear sandals around the pool. If you have athlete’s foot, over-the-counter antifungal medications are generally successful. Nail fungus, though, is typically more difficult to treat and often will require prescription medication to recover completely.

Don’t leave nail polish on all summer.

The chemicals and dyes in nail polish can discolor or crack nails. Remove nail polish after about 2 weeks and give your toes a break before reapplying.

Apply sunscreen all over your feet.

Skin cancer can affect the feet. If you notice any suspicious or dark spots on your feet-on your skin or underneath the nails-see a doctor to get them checked out. If you have cracking or dry skin, lotions that contain urea or ammonium lactate can help.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Vaccinations For Adults

SELF-CARE CORNER

Do you think shots are only for kids? Actually, there are several important vaccines you need as an adult.

Vaccinations protect yourself from disease, but also protect people around you. Young babies who aren’t yet vaccinated or people with weak immune systems can benefit from your vaccination. You will be less likely to spread an illness, such as whooping cough, to someone who is more likely to get sick.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask your doctor about which vaccines you may need at your next well visit.

Adults may get shots for a variety of reasons:

* You need to be vaccinated for something that affects adults, such as the flu.

* You need boosters of vaccines you got as a child. This is because many vaccines start to lose their protection over time.

* You didn’t receive the complete set of vaccines in your youth and want to be protected now.

The CDC says that all adults should get:

*Influenza vaccine.This helps prevent influenza, or the flu. You get this every year.

*Td vaccine.This protects you from tetanus and you should get one every 10 years.

*Tdap vaccine instead of Td vaccine (one time only).This protects against tetanus and diphtheria plus whooping cough (pertussis). Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy.

*Pneumonia vaccine.This helps prevent certain bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Ask your doctor when you should get this vaccine.

*Shingles vaccine.This can prevent shingles, a painful rash that can develop from a previous chickenpox infection.

Other shots may also be recommended for you. Not every adult needs the same vaccines. Some will depend on your past vaccines, your age, lifestyle and health. Talk with your doctor about whether you need other shots.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
A Burning Issue: How To Handle Household Burns

SELF-CARE CORNER

Accidental burns can happen just about anywhere in your home, and they’re not always caused by fire. Hot objects or liquids, friction, the sun, electricity, or certain chemicals can also cause burns.

Each year, about a half-million people nationwide seek medical attention for burns. Household burns lead to nearly 7 of 10 admissions to burn centers. The good news is that the number of deaths from severe burns has dropped by more than half over the past 4 decades, in large part because of treatments developed through NIH-funded research.

Burns result in skin or tissue damage. The severity of a burn depends on the area it covers and how deep the damage goes. First-degree burns affect only the thin top layer of skin. Second-degree burns include the thick lower layer of skin. A third-degree burn is the most serious; it penetrates the entire thickness of the skin, permanently destroying it and the tissue that’s underneath.

You can care for most minor burns at home. If the burn is red and painful with mild swelling or little blistering, then it’s a first-degree or minor second-degree burn.

See a doctor if the burn is dark red and looks glossy with a lot of blistering. These are signs of a deep second-degree burn. Get immediate treatment if the burned skin is dry and leathery, perhaps with white, brown, or black patches. These are signs of a third-degree burn.

Burns can become infected with bacteria or other germs if protective layers of skin are lost. Burns can also lead to painful inflammation, as your immune system shifts into gear.

First aid for burns

For minor burns:

* Immerse in fresh, cool water or apply cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes.

* Dry the area with a clean cloth. Cover with sterile gauze or a non-adhesive bandage.

* Don’t apply ointments or butter; these may cause infection.

* Don’t break blisters.

* Over-the-counter pain medications may help reduce inflammation and pain.

Call emergency services (911) if:

* Burns cover a large area of the body

* Burns affect the entire thickness of skin

* The victim is an infant or elderly

* The burn was caused by electricity, which can lead to “invisible” burns

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bites On The Hand That Feeds It

SELF-CARE CORNER

More than 4 million people are bitten by dogs and cats each year. And orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Kennedy said all bites to the hand should receive medical care, although he says most people are reluctant to see a doctor.

Animal saliva contains a broad range of bacteria. Adult dog jaws, especially among larger breeds, can bite with a force of more than 300 pounds, and when combined with the variety and sharpness of their teeth can cause significant injuries to hand and finger ligaments, tendons, and bones.

Cats do not have the jaw strength of dogs, but their sharp, narrow teeth also can cause serious injury. Up to half of cat bites get infected.

Signs of infection:

* Redness

* Swelling

* Pain that worsens

* Fever

If a bite occurs:

* Inspect the hand carefully for any puncture wounds. Even a small wound can inject lethal bacteria under the skin.

* If there is a puncture wound of any size, wash it as soon as possible with soap and water. Then seek medical advice.

* Get immediate medical attention if you see redness, feel increasing pain over time, or see red streaking up the hand or arm (or along a tendon). These are signs of a serious infection.

Antibiotics are often given to reduce the chance of infection. More serious bites may need surgery to clean the wound.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026