HealthyLife Articles

Tag: infection

Clean Contacts Matter

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to keep them clean and care for them properly. Not taking care of your contact lens could cause an eye infection known as keratitis, which can cause serious eye problems. The CDC says 988,000 people had keratitis in 2010. The biggest risk factor was improper care of contact lenses.

You can greatly reduce your risk of this infection by doing the following things each day:

* Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your lenses.

* Use only sterile contact lens solution and disinfectant. Don’t use water, saliva, or other liquids to store or rinse your lenses.

* Gently rub your lenses with disinfectant daily.

* Remove your lenses before showering, swimming and sleeping.

* Use fresh solution every day. Dump out all the old solution.

* Don’t wear lenses longer than directed. For instance, some disposable contacts are designed to be worn for one day. Some can be worn for several weeks or longer. Ask your eye care professional if you’re not sure.

* Don’t use expired solution or contacts.

* Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.

Source: The American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cellulitis

Skin Conditions

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissues below it. Most often, cellulitis occurs on the arms and legs or on the face.

Signs & Symptoms

* Red, swollen, painful, tender, and warm skin.

* Red lines that spread from the wound.

* Swollen lymph nodes near the wound.

* Chills and fever.

Causes

Cellulitis is caused by several types of bacteria. These usually enter the body through minor skin breaks (cuts, burns, other wounds). One cause for cellulitis that recurs is community-acquired MRSA (Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus.)

Treatment

Oral, topical, and/or IV antibiotics are given. The type(s) used depend on how serious the infection is. Medicine to relieve pain may be needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Prevent Cellulitis

* Keep your skin clean and protect it from injury.

* Clean cuts, scrapes, and other skin wounds and injuries, thoroughly, with soap and water. Keep wounds and sores clean, dry, and covered until healed.

* To help prevent community-acquired MRSA, avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages in schools, health care settings and sports. Do not share towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with an infected wound or bandage. Shower right after sporting events, workouts, etc.

To Treat Cellulitis

* Follow your treatment plan. Take all of your prescribed antibiotic(s).

* Take pain relievers as directed.

* Rest the affected area. Elevate it to reduce swelling.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is It The Flu?

MEDICAL NEWS

Influenza, or the flu, circulates every winter and leaves thousands of people sick with a cough, aches, fever, and fatigue. The flu is much more serious than a cold: thousands of people die each year from flu-related complications. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the flu until it’s too late. By then, they may have exposed people at work, school, or other public places. Here’s how to know if you have the flu, or just a cold:

When you come down with a cold, your symptoms usually appear very gradually over a few days. They often start with a sore throat followed by a runny nose. The flu often hits hard, very quickly. Symptoms appear suddenly and the exhaustion and aches can quickly become severe.

If in doubt, try to stay home and stay away from others when you’re sick. In particular, try to avoid exposing young children and older adults, who may be more likely to suffer from flu-related problems. Wash your hands frequently and encourage others in your household to do the same.

If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. You may be able to take an antiviral medication (brand name: Tamiflu), which can decrease your symptoms and the amount of time you are sick. Antiviral medications should be taken within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.

Finally, talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot each year: it’s the number one way to help avoid getting – and spreading – the flu!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Diarrhea

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Diarrhea occurs when body wastes are discharged from the bowel more often and in a more liquid state than usual.

Signs & Symptoms

* Frequent watery, loose stools.

* Cramping or pain in the abdomen.

Causes

Common causes are infections that affect the digestive system, food allergies, overuse of laxatives or alcohol, and taking some antibiotics. Diarrhea is also a symptom of lactose intolerance, diverticulitis, food poisoning, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Treatment

Self-care usually treats diarrhea. The goal is to replace lost fluids and minerals to prevent dehydration.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* If vomiting is also present, treat for vomiting first.

* To prevent dehydration:

– Drink plenty of water and other fluids, such as sports drinks, broths, and Kool-Aid (which usually has less sugar than soda).

– Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

– Avoid having high “simple” sugar drinks, like apple juice, grape juice, and sodas. These can make the diarrhea persist. Or, dilute juices and sodas with water.

If you have signs of dehydration seek medical care. Until you get care, drink fluids:

* Broths and sports drinks.

* For children less than 2 years old, give over- the-counter mixtures, such as Pedialyte as advised by their doctors.

* If you breast-feed, give only as much milk as your baby wants. Feed every 2 hours.

* Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

* Choose foods that don’t upset your stomach.

* Do not have foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or very sweet.

* Avoid milk, but try yogurt that has live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus (unless you are lactose intolerant).

* Follow a light diet. Eat foods that are easy to digest, such as:

– Bananas.

– Plain rice.

– Boiled potatoes.

– Toast.

– Crackers.

– Cooked carrots.

– Baked chicken without the skin or fat.

– Soups with vegetables and noodles or rice.

* Don’t exercise too hard.

* Adults can try an over-the-counter medicine, such as Imodium A-D or Pepto-Bismol. Follow the directions on the label. {Note: Stools can become black after taking Pepto- Bismol. Also, do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates, such as Pepto- Bismol, to anyone under 19 years of age, due to the link to Reye’s syndrome.}

* Wash your hands after you go to the toilet and before you prepare food. Use paper towels to dry your hands. Throw the towels away.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)www2.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Nail The Infection

SELF-CARE CORNER

Despite the wealth of over-the-counter products available that claim to treat fungal nail infections (in the toenails and sometimes in the fingernails), the only way to cure an infection is to see a skin doctor (a dermatologist).

Over-the-counter topical medications don’t penetrate the nail and therefore aren’t as effective as oral prescriptions. A dermatologist can prescribe the proper drugs to get rid of the fungi that are the problem in yellowing and misshapen nails.

One of the best ways to deal with fungal nail infections is to prevent them from happening. The fungi love warm, damp environments around swimming pools and gym locker rooms-and inside your warm, sweaty socks.

The best way to nail a nail infection is to keep your feet clean and dry and wear sandals in public shower areas.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Earaches

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Mild to severe ear pain.

* Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the ears.

* Tugging at the ear and restlessness in young children.

* Ear pain.

* Some hearing loss.

* Blood or other discharge from the ear (especially after sticking an object in the ear or exposure to extremely loud noise).

Causes

The most common cause of earaches is plugged Eustachian tubes. These go from the back of the throat to the middle ear. Fluid or pressure in a plugged Eustachian tube causes pain. This is caused by an infection of the middle ear, a cold or sinus infection, or allergies. Other things that can cause ear pain include changes in air pressure in a plane, something stuck in the ear, too much earwax, tooth problems, and ear injuries.

Treatment

Treatment includes pain relievers and methods to dry up or clear the blocked ear canal. Self-care can be used to treat many earaches. Severe and/or constant ear pain needs a medical diagnosis. Often, antibiotics are not needed for middle ear infections in children. About 8 in 10 children with ear infections get better without antibiotics. Let your child’s doctor decide if and when an antibiotic should be prescribed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent Ear Pain

* Don’t put cotton-tipped swabs, bobby pins, etc., in your ears. This could damage the eardrum.

* Don’t blow your nose with too much force.

* If you can, avoid places that have very loud noises (construction sites, etc.). Wear earplugs when exposed to loud noises.

* Keep the volume on low when using stereos, compact discs (CDs), etc. If someone else can hear the music when you are listening to one of these devices with earphones, the volume is too loud.

To Avoid Getting “Swimmer’s Ear”

* Wear wax or silicone earplugs.

* Wear a bathing cap.

* Don’t swim in dirty water. Swim on the surface not underneath the water.

* Use an over-the-counter product, such as Swim-Ear, as directed.

To Reduce Ear Pain

* Place a warm washcloth next to the ear. Some health professionals recommend putting an ice bag or ice in a wet washcloth over the painful ear for 20 minutes.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed on the label.

To Open Up the Eustachian Tubes and Help Them Drain

* Sit up. Prop your head up when you sleep.

* Yawn. This helps move the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes.

* Chew gum or suck on hard candy. (Do not give to children under age 5.) This tip is especially helpful during pressure changes that take place during air travel, but can also help if you wake up with ear pain.

* When traveling by air, stay awake when the plane takes off and lands. Wear ear plugs.

* Take a steamy shower.

* Use a cool-mist vaporizer, especially at night.

* Drink plenty of cool water.

* Gently, but firmly, blow through your nose while holding both nostrils closed until you hear a pop. This can be done several times a day.

* If okay with your doctor, take a decongestant to help relieve the swelling that causes the pain. (Don’t use a nasal spray decongestant for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor.)

* When you give a baby a bottle, hold the baby in an upright position.

To Treat a Mild Case of “Swimmer’s Ear”

The goal is to clean and dry the outer ear canal without doing further damage to the top layer of skin.

* Shake the head to expel trapped water.

* Dry the ear canal. Get a clean facial tissue. Twist each corner into a tip and gently place each tip into the ear canal for 10 seconds. Repeat with the other ear using a new tissue.

* Use an over-the-counter product, such as Swim-Ear. Drop it into the ears to fight infection. Follow package directions.

* Do not remove earwax. This protects the ear canal.

For an Insect in the Ear

Shine a flashlight into the ear. Doing this may cause the insect to come out.

Resources

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

800.241.1044

www.nidcd.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Ear Infections

FAMILY LIFE

“Most children will have at least one ear infection by the time they are 2 years old,” said Dr. Heather Gomes of the Boys Town National Research Hospital. “For those children who have recurring ear infections, further evaluation and treatment by an ear, nose and throat physician is recommended to avoid delays in speech and language skills.”

The top 5 tips to prevent ear infections –

1. Protect your child from secondhand tobacco smoke.

2. Reduce your child’s exposure to colds during the first 2 years of life as much as possible.

3. Breast-feed your baby during the first 6 to 12 months of life.

4. Bottle-feed your child by holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle.

5. Discuss with your doctor any significant symptoms such as excessive spitting up or stomach pain because this is a risk factor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fever

General Health Conditions

The average normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C).

Signs & Symptoms

A fever means that body temperature is higher than:

* 99°F (37.2°C) under the arm.

* 99.5°F (37.5°C) by mouth or ear.

* 100.4°F (38°C) by rectum. Rectal temperatures are advised for infants.

Don’t use a glass mercury thermometer. If it breaks, droplets of toxic mercury can be released. If this happens, don’t use a vacuum or broom to clean up the mercury. Call your local health or fire department to find out what to do.

Causes

Fever is usually a sign of another problem, such as an infection.

Body temperature changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors can increase body temperature. These include:

* Wearing too much clothing.

* Exercise.

* Hot, humid weather.

* Taking a temperature by mouth after drinking a hot liquid, like tea.

Treatment

Treatment includes self-care measures and treating the cause.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink lots of fluids, such as fruit juice, water, etc.

* Take a sponge bath with warm (about 70ºF) water. Don’t use cold or cool water. Don’t use rubbing alcohol.

* Take the right dose of an over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever, as directed.

* Rest.

* Don’t do heavy exercise.

* Don’t wear too many clothes. Don’t use too many blankets.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sepsis: Be Aware Of This Deadly Condition

MEDICAL NEWS

Sepsis is among the top causes of disease-related death in our country, killing about 200,000 people each year. Actress Patty Duke’s recent death from sepsis brought more attention to this dangerous disease. It’s important to know the signs of sepsis so you can seek emergency medical care for this serious condition. Early treatment can save lives.

Sepsis is a strong and harmful reaction of the body’s immune system. It can be triggered by common infections, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or even a minor infection like a cut or scrape, if it becomes infected and the infection spreads.

Most of the time, these infections don’t cause sepsis. But when sepsis does occur, it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, resulting in organ failure and death. It tends to affect the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Influenza vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines may help prevent sepsis. Consider getting these vaccines to reduce your risk.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
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