HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

First Aid Precautions

First Aid

First Aid Safety Steps

1. LOOK around. Is it safe to help? If not, call 9-1-1, have someone else call, or seek medical help. If it is safe to help, stay calm and go to step 2.

2. CHECK for a response.

* Gently tap the person. Ask, “Are you okay?” Ask loudly. Call the person by name if you know it.

* If the person responds or moves, attend to his or her problem, as needed. If the person is injured or the problem is serious, call for emergency medical care. Give first aid as needed, until medical help arrives.

* If the person does not respond or move, begin CPR.

3. PROTECT yourself from hepatitis B virus and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You can get these from an infected person’s blood or other body fluids if they enter your body. These organisms can enter through cuts or breaks in your skin or through the lining of your mouth, nose, and eyes. When you give first aid or do CPR, take these steps, especially if you don’t know the person:

* Use plastic wrap or a plastic bag that you can throw away whenever you touch another person’s body fluids, blood, or other objects that may be soiled with his or her blood. If possible, have the person apply pressure to the wound with his or her own hand.

* Cover the person’s open wounds with dressings, extra gauze, or waterproof material.

* Using a mouth-to-mouth barrier device when you give rescue breaths may or may not protect you from picking up an infection. You do not need to give rescue breaths with Hands-Only CPR.

* Within 1 to 2 hours, report every incident that exposes you to another person’s blood or other body fluids to your doctor and EMS personnel.

4. FIND out if the person has certain medical needs.

* Ask if he or she has prescribed medicine, such as nitroglycerin, to take for a heart condition. Ask where he or she keeps the medicine. Find out how much to give. Ask the person or read the directions on the medicine’s label, if there is one.

* Ask the person if you can give the medicine to him or her.

* Look for a medical alert tag to find out about health problems the person has.

* Find out if the person is allergic to any medicine.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hay Fever

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Hay fever has nothing to do with hay or fever. The medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis. It is most common in spring and fall when a lot of ragweed is in the air. Some people have hay fever all year, though.

Signs & Symptoms

* Itchy or watery eyes.

* Runny, itchy nose.

* Congestion.

* Sneezing.

Causes

Hay fever is a reaction of the upper respiratory tract to allergens.

Treatment

Talk to your doctor if self-care measures do not help. He or she may prescribe:

* Antihistamines. For best results, take the antihistamine 30 minutes before going outside. {Note: Some over-the-counter antihistamines can make you more drowsy than prescribed ones. Be careful when driving and operating machinery since some antihistamines can make you drowsy.}

* A decongestant. {Note: Do not give antihistamines, decongestants, and other over-the-counter medicines for colds, coughs, and/or the flu to children less than 2 years old. For children 2 years old and older, follow their doctor’s advice.

* A corticosteroid nasal spray and eye drops, cromolyn sodium, and oral corticosteroids.

* Skin tests to find out what things you are allergic to.

* Allergy shots.

It is best to take what your doctor advises instead of testing over-the-counter products on your own.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* If you are allergic to pollen and molds, let someone else do outside chores. Mowing the lawn or raking leaves can make you very sick.

* Keep windows and doors shut and stay inside when the pollen count or humidity is high. Early morning is sometimes the worst.

* Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.

* Don’t have pets. If you have a pet, keep it out of the bedroom. When you can, keep the pet outdoors.

* Use an air conditioner or air cleaner in your house, especially in the bedroom. Electronic air filters are better than mechanical ones. Clean the filter often. Or, try a doctor-approved air purifier, especially in the bedroom. Devices with HEPA filters can be very effective in cleaning indoor air.

To limit dust, mold, and pollen:

* Put a plastic cover on your mattress or cover it completely with an allergen-free mattress cover.

* Sleep with no pillow or with the kind your doctor or health care provider recommends. If you use a pillow, cover it with an allergen-free cover.

* Don’t dry sheets and blankets outside.

* Try not to have stuffed animals kept in the bedroom. If you must, have only one that can be washed. Wash it in hot water once a week.

* Use curtains and rugs that can be washed often. Don’t use carpeting.

* Dust and vacuum often. Wear a dust filter mask when you do.

* Put an electronic air filter on your furnace or use portable air purifiers.

* Shower or bathe and wash your hair after heavy exposure to pollen, dust, etc.

Resources

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

800.7.ASTHMA (727.8462)

www.aafa.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ingrown Toenails

Skin Conditions

An ingrown toenail digs into the skin next to the side of the nail. The most common site is the big toe. Other toes and even fingernails can be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

* Redness.

* Tenderness.

* Discomfort or pain.

Causes

* Jamming your toes.

* Wearing shoes or socks that fit too tight.

* Clipping toenails too short. The corners can penetrate the skin as the nail grows out.

* Having wider-than-average toenails.

Treatment

Self-care usually treats ingrown toenails. If this fails to work, a doctor or podiatrist may have to remove a portion of the nail.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Cut nails straight across. Don’t cut the nails shorter at the sides than in the middle. {Note: If you have diabetes or circulation problems, follow your doctor’s advice about clipping your toenails.}

* File the nails if they’re sharp after clipping them.

* Wear shoes and socks that fit well.

To Treat an Ingrown Toenail

* Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes, 1 to 3 times a day.

* Gently lift the nail away from the reddened skin at the outer corners with the tip of a nail file.

* Soak a small piece of cotton in an antiseptic, such as Betadine. Place it just under the outer corners of the toenails, if you can.

* Repeat the previous 3 steps, daily, until the nail begins to grow correctly and pressure is relieved. Wear roomy shoes during this time.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Nosebleeds

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Bleeding from a nostril.

* Bleeding from the nose and down the back of the throat.

Causes

Nosebleeds are often caused by broken blood vessels just inside the nose. Risk factors include:

* A cold or allergies.

* A dry environment.

* Frequent nose blowing and picking.

* Using too much nasal spray.

* A punch or other blow to the nose.

A nosebleed is serious when heavy bleeding from deep within the nose is hard to stop. This type occurs most often in the elderly. It can be caused by: Hardening of nasal blood vessels; high blood pressure; and medicines that treat blood clots.

Treatment

Self-care treats most nosebleeds. A doctor can pack the nostril to stop the bleeding or do a treatment that seals the blood vessel that bleeds.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Sit with your head leaning forward. Pinch the nostrils shut. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze the nose’s midsection.

* Hold for up to 20 minutes without stopping. Use a clock to time this. Breathe through your mouth while you do this. Repeat a second time, if needed. If a second attempt fails, go to an urgent care center or hospital emergency department. Don’t take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* For the next 24 hours, elevate your head above the level of your heart. Also, try not to blow your nose, lift heavy objects, or exercise hard.

* Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to add moisture to household air.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Shock

First Aid

Shock occurs when the circulation system fails to send blood to all parts of the body. With shock, blood flow or blood volume is too low to meet the body’s needs. Areas of the body are deprived of oxygen. The result is damage to the limbs, lungs, heart, and brain.

Signs & Symptoms

* Weakness. Trembling.

* Feeling restless. Confusion.

* Pale or blue-colored lips, skin, and/or fingernails. Cool and moist skin.

* Rapid, shallow breathing. Weak, but fast pulse.

* Nausea. Vomiting. Extreme thirst.

* Enlarged pupils.

* Loss of consciousness.

Causes

* A heart attack.

* Severe or sudden blood loss from an injury or serious illness. Bleeding can occur inside or outside the body.

* A large drop in body fluids, such as following a severe burn.

Treatment

Shock requires emergency medical care.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

First Aid for Shock Before Emergency Care

* CHECK for a response. Give Rescue Breaths or CPR as needed.

* Lay the person flat, face-up, but do not move him or her if you suspect a head, back, or neck injury.

* Raise the person’s feet about 12 inches. Use a box, etc. Do not raise the feet or move the legs if hip or leg bones are broken. Keep the person lying flat.

* If the person vomits or has trouble breathing, raise him or her to a half-sitting position (if no head, back, or neck injury). Or, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

* Loosen tight clothing. Keep the person warm. Cover the person with a coat, blanket, etc.

* Monitor for a response. Repeat the steps listed above, as needed.

* Do not give any food or liquids. If the person wants water, moisten the lips.

* Reassure the person. Make him or her as comfortable as you can.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Thyroid Awareness

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

The thyroid is in front of the windpipe. It helps control your metabolism.

An easy blood test can help diagnose thyroid problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any symptoms.

Low thyroid is called hypothyroidism. With this, body functions slow down because the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. See your doctor if you have a lot of fatigue, are depressed, have dry, pale skin, feel cold often, and have constipation.

High thyroid is called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. It gets larger. This is called goiter. Other symptoms include weight loss, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, sweating, trouble sleeping, and more.

Do a “Neck Check:” In front of a mirror, tilt your chin up slightly and swallow a glass of water. Look at your neck as you swallow. Check for any bulges between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. If you see any, contact your doctor.

© 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
Diabetes-Related Vision Loss Increasing

MEDICAL NEWS

More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes today. Living a healthy life with diabetes is possible, but it is a serious disease that requires proper medical care.

Diabetic retinopathy is a possible complication of diabetes. It is caused by damage in the blood vessels of the eye’s retina. It is also a leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy rates are rapidly increasing, according to the National Eye Institute. From 2000 to 2010, diabetic retinopathy cases increased 89 percent from 4.06 million to 7.69 million. And, that number is expected to nearly double by the year 2050.

Keeping eyes healthy

If you have diabetes, there are ways to lead a healthy life and avoid problems like diabetic retinopathy. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease recommends:

*Keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels under control.High blood glucose damages the blood vessels on the retina over time. The blood vessels may become blocked, cutting off blood supply to the retina. Work with your doctor to set a target blood glucose number. Get clear instruction from your medical team on how you can meet your goal. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain diabetes medicines may be needed.

*Track your blood pressure.Many people associate blood pressure with heart disease, but it matters for diabetes too. Long-term high blood pressure also harms your retina’s blood vessels. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your doctor how often it should be checked. If you need blood pressure medicine, take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Early signs of eye problems

Diabetic retinopathy may not have any early signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s important to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, even if you feel fine.

If you notice any of the following problems, see your doctor:

* Double vision

* Blurry vision

* Seeing rings, flashes or spots

* Eye pain or a feeling of pressure in the eye

* Trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye

You can take steps to manage diabetes. Talk to your doctor, nutritionist, and medical team about keeping your eyes – and your entire body – as healthy as possible.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know The Signs Of Autism

MEDICAL NEWS

Autism affects about 1 in 68 children in our country today, according to the CDC. Autism is a developmental disability that can affect how a person interacts with others, learns, and behaves. For some people, the symptoms are severe. Others can lead fairly normal, independent lives.

Although experts don’t know what causes autism in many cases, they do know that treating it early can help improve symptoms. Many children with autism show some signs between one and two years of age.

Now is a great time to learn the early signs of autism and talk to your child’s physician if needed. Some signs to watch for are if your child:

* Doesn’t respond to his or her name

* Doesn’t point, wave, or gesture

* Doesn’t look people in the eye or respond to facial expressions

* Doesn’t like physical contact with others

* Repeats words or phrases over and over, often without knowing what they mean

* Performs repeated body movements such as rocking, spinning, or twirling hands or fingers

* Has obsessive interests in only a few activities

* Gets very upset with change or differences in routines

* Is very interested in organization, such as lining things up in a certain way

* Talks in a “robot-like” voice with no emotion or change in tone

If your child has one of these signs or you notice any unusual behavior, it doesn’t mean your child has autism. But, you should talk with your child’s doctor if you are concerned or have questions about your child’s well-being.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ringing In The Ears

SELF-CARE CORNER

Developing tinnitus or ringing in the ears can be annoying at best. At worse, the condition can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other serious medical issues. Tinnitus is often described as buzzing, ringing, hissing, humming, roaring, or whistling that someone hears. Imagine hearing something that seems to come from inside your head. More than 50 million people in the United States have the condition, according to the American Tinnitus Association.

If you struggle with tinnitus, you may find help with these tips from Neuromonics:

*Be good to yourself.Tinnitus can affect many areas of life.

*Educate yourself.Tinnitus has several causes and affects each person differently. The more a tinnitus sufferer understands, the greater the chances of making the tinnitus less bothersome.

*Educate others.Family members, friends, coworkers, and associates can benefit from understanding tinnitus and its effects. They can be more supportive if they understand the conditions that are difficult for a tinnitus sufferer.

*Seek out support.A few individuals who understand the daily trials of tinnitus can be invaluable. Consider a formal support group-in-person or online-to find out about coping strategies.

*Contact the ATA’s Support Networkatwww.ata.org/support.

*Obtain counseling.For some people, a licensed therapist or counselor can help with techniques to make tinnitus symptoms less bothersome and with effects of tinnitus such as anxiety and depression.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026