Spring Allergies in DFW – Tips from CareNow

Spring Allergies DFW - from CareNow

We know that spring allergies in DFW can severely degrade your quality of life, and since Texas enjoyed such a mild winter, the allergy season has been longer and more severe than usual this year. Coughing, sneezing, congestion and skin rashes abound as spring progresses. For this reason, we want to offer advice for finding allergy relief at this time of year when allergies and asthma attacks are most prevalent.

What is an allergy?

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system is trying to provide your body with a defense, even if the substance that sends it into overdrive isn’t actually harmful. Substances such as pollen, mold, grass and pet dander are some of the most common allergens that trigger spring allergies.

Are seasonal allergies and food allergies related?

Most people don’t associate the two, but many people with tree, grass or other spring allergies also have food allergies. Symptoms of food allergies are generally mild, including facial rash, mouth tingling and diarrhea. Small populations of people may experience an asthma attack from food allergies as well.

How can someone with spring allergies find allergy relief?

  • Avoid the substances you know you are allergic to
  • Take anti-histamines and nasal sprays, which are available over the counter to alleviate symptoms, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) being the most potent of these
  • Ask for prescription medication from your doctor if you suffer from asthma or more severe allergies
  • Get in the habit of washing your hands frequently and showering daily to remove allergens from your body
  • Keep air filters clean by changing them frequently and keep the windows and doors to your home closed
  • Wash bedding weekly in hot water
  • Remove your clothes after spending time outside and wash them before wearing them again
  • Avoid long baths and apply daily moisturizer to help protect your skin

With these tips in mind, you’ll be better able to deal with your spring allergies this season. To learn more about dealing with allergy symptoms – you can visit a CareNow provider or www.CareNow.com.

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Washing Hands Properly – Tips for Teaching Your Children – From CareNow

Teaching Children to Wash Hands Properly

Teaching your children about washing hands properly is by far the best way to prevent them from getting sick. Germs that cause every illness from the common cold and influenza to meningitis and hepatitis A can be transferred if children fail to wash their hands regularly.

All it takes is contact with the droplets from a cough or sneeze, touching an infected surface, or coming in contact with a sick person’s fluids. A quick touch of the hands to the eyes, nose, or mouth and your child could become infected.

Here are some tips for washing hands properly that you can teach your children.

When to Wash

  • During flu season, frequent hand washing is advised simply to keep the germs at bay.
  • As the adult in the household, it’s essential that you wash your hands before and after preparing food. This is especially the case if you are handling raw meat or eggs.
  • Before eating is one of the most important times to teach your kids to wash up. Get your children in this habit to help prevent germs from entering their system.
  • Wash up again after eating to prevent the spread of germs throughout your home.
  • Teach your children about washing hands properly after they use the bathroom.
  • Get the habit of washing your hands after touching any contaminated surfaces or equipment such as soiled kitchen utensils, garbage, a dirty diaper, a used tissue, or an animal.
  • Remember, children learn by example. This means if you set the example by washing your hands often and at the times you ask your children to wash their hands, they are more likely to follow suit.

How to Wash

  • Wash your hands under warm running water with soap.
  • Lather the soap in your hands for about 20 seconds, being sure to get areas like between your fingers, the backs of your hands, your wrists, and under your fingernails. To make it more fun for the kids, teach them to sing “Happy Birthday” twice in a row before they rinse the soap off their hands.
  • Rinse the soap off well and dry with a clean towel.
  • When soap and water isn’t available, use antibacterial hand sanitizer gel or wipes. Rub your hands together until the moisture of the gel or wipe evaporates. There is no need to use water.

Visit a CareNow provider at any of our 23 DFW locations to learn more tips about washing hands properly.

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Bronchitis – When to be Worried about that Cough

Bronchitis Symptoms - from CareNow

The common cold can progress into bronchitis, which is sometimes called a chest cold. This is when the lung’s airways become inflamed and create too much mucus. Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by smoking and is characterized as developing bronchitis for two or three months every year. Acute bronchitis is more common and develops when the cough from a cold worsens after the other cold symptoms have gone away. Here’s more information about bronchitis symptoms and how to know when to contact a doctor at a CareNow for treatment.

Bronchitis Symptoms

If you or your child is trying to recover from a cold, but a frequent mucus-producing cough persists, this could be a sign of bronchitis. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, wheezing and a fever. The wheezing and fever may or may not be present.

When to Call the Doctor

If you notice any bronchitis symptoms after other cold symptoms have dissipated, we recommend you contact a CareNow Clinic for medical attention. You may believe the cough will run its course, which it might; however, if the fever and coughing is persistent or you have shortness of breath, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor.

Treating Bronchitis at Home

After a visit to a CareNow Clinic you should take care of yourself in order to heal quickly. Rest and drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor restricts fluid intake. Ease body aches and pains by taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow the instructions from your doctor to help clear away mucus and report the frequency of your coughing episodes to your doctor so he or she can help you as much as possible.

Visit www.carenow.com for more information about being treated for bronchitis. Also, be sure to use our Web Check-In, and we’ll call you when it’s time to come in so that your wait is minimized.

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Sinusitis (Sinus Infections) – Proper Diagnosis from CareNow

Sinus Infection Symptoms & Sinusitus

Sinus Infections & What to be aware of –

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when sinus tissue becomes inflamed or swollen. A cold, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can lead to sinusitis. Approximately 37 million Americans experience sinus infection symptoms at least once a year. In children, some of the most common factors that result in sinusitis are allergies, exposure to other children with the illness and smoke in the environment. Adults most commonly develop the condition from infections and smoking.

Here are the symptoms of a sinus infection.

Acute Sinus Infection Symptoms

Acute sinusitis is described as an abrupt development of cold-like symptoms and facial pain that persists for up to 4 weeks. Sub-acute sinusitis is the same, except that the inflammation can last up to 8 weeks.

The primary symptoms are facial pain and pressure, thick nasal discharge, congestion, cough and loss of smell and/or taste. Secondary symptoms can include fever, fatigue, toothaches and bad breath.

You may be diagnosed with acute sinusitis if you have at least two of these sinus infection symptoms.

Chronic Sinus Infection Symptoms

Chronic sinusitis is characterized as a sinus infection that lasts longer than 8 weeks without relenting. People with this condition may experience the following symptoms for this length of time: facial congestion or a feeling of “fullness” in the head, nasal blockage, fever, discolored nasal discharge and pus in the nasal cavity.

Additional symptoms may include: headaches, fatigue, bad breath and toothaches.

You may be diagnosed with chronic sinusitis if you have at least two of these symptoms that last longer than 8 weeks.

There is also such a thing as recurrent sinusitis, which means the individual suffers from several sinus infections within a single year. Patients diagnosed with recurrent sinusitis experience the same symptoms as those with other types of the condition.

Visit www.carenow.com for more information about being tested and treated for sinusitis. Also, be sure to use our Web Check-In, and we’ll call you when it’s time to come in so that your wait is minimized.

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Sore Throat? You Might have Strep Throat Symptoms or Just a Common Cold – from CareNow

Strep Throat SymptomsA sore throat can be the first sign of several illnesses, ranging from the common cold to strep throat. If you or your child is suffering from a sore throat, you want to know whether it will simply take time to run its course as a cold or if it is one of the strep throat symptoms that will only get worse. Here’s how to decide whether you need to medical attention for your sore throat.

How Long the Sore Throat Lasts and Other Symptoms

A sore throat caused by a cold generally will last only a day or two and be followed by other cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, headache and fever.

A strep throat symptom may be, a severe sore throat which is sudden and persistent. Other strep throat symptoms accompanying the sore throat may include painful swallowing, loss of appetite, fever, headache, swollen neck glands, muffled voice and belly pain. These symptoms can be treated with antibiotics, which you can get from a CareNow.

Viral or Bacterial Infection

A sore throat can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. If a virus is the cause you cannot be treated with antibiotics. To speed your healing, get plenty of rest, eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink lots of fluids.

Strep throat is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus. Strep throat is common between ages 5 and 13, though it can also occur in adults. Your doctor can perform a strep test to ensure you or your child isn’t accidentally prescribed antibiotics for a common cold, which can make future infections worse.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the strep throat symptoms listed above, we recommend you visit a CareNow, where you will be tested for strep. This is a quick, painless process that involves swabbing the back of your throat. If the rapid test is negative a culture can be sent out to confirm the negative test result. If you test positive, you will be prescribed antibiotics for 7 to 10 days. It’s essential that you take all your prescribed medications, even if the symptoms subside.

Visit www.carenow.com for more information. Also, be sure to use our Web Check-In, and we’ll call you when it’s time to come in so that your wait is minimized.

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CareNow Healthy Savings Card™

The CareNow Healthy Savings Card™ allows members to receive a $68 Sick Visit* at CareNow and save 10% to 60% on a variety of other healthcare services. It is not insurance and may not be used with insurance; it is a discount card usable for CareNow medical, other doctors, specialists and hospitals, plus physical therapy, dental, pharmacy, hearing and vision services.

With the CareNow Healthy Savings Card™, you will pay only $15 per month and receive benefits for yourself, a spouse and all legal dependants.

For more information or to enroll online – please visit http://www.carenow.com/HealthySavings.aspx

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2011 Flu Season & Flu Shots

The kids are back in school, the leaves are starting to change and the weather is cooling off. Along with everything that autumn brings, you can certainly expect the 2011 flu season to arrive with the cooling temperatures. Look into flu shots now to protect you and your family from unpleasant symptoms, missed work and missed school.

Short for influenza, the flu is a respiratory disease that is highly contagious, which is why it spreads so quickly. Anyone can succumb to the flu, and symptoms can lead to serious complications, time in the hospital or even death. The single best way to protect you and your family against the flu is to receive an influenza vaccine this time of year on an annual basis.

Starting at six months old, children can and should be vaccinated every year. Adults should receive the vaccine as well to keep the flu at bay. Some people are particularly susceptible to complications caused by influenza, making flu shots even more important. If you are pregnant, over the age of 50, have a chronic medical condition, live in a nursing home or give care to the sick, it’s particularly important that you seek out a flu shot this season. If you have a child who is younger than 5 years old, they are at greater risk as well and should receive their yearly vaccination.

For many illnesses, you can receive a series of vaccinations and perhaps an occasional booster  and be protected from that illness forever. The flu, however, is an ever-changing virus. Vaccines are updated every year to protect those who receive their flu shots from the most recent strains of the virus. That’s why you should receive an influenza vaccine annually.

Flu shots are administered through a needle, usually into the arm. The vaccine contains the killed virus so your body can become familiar with it and build immunity against it. Since the virus is a killed virus you can’t get the flu from the flu shot.  This vaccine option has been approved for anyone over 6 months of age, whether they are healthy or suffer from a chronic condition.

If you hesitate to have your flu shot during the 2011 flu season because you think the process is difficult or inconvenient, think again. All it takes is a quick visit to the CareNow location nearest you. We offer flu shots throughout the entire season, but the sooner you receive your influenza vaccine, the better chance you will have of staying flu-free all year long.

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Importance of Quality Staff in your Primary Health Facility – from CareNow

There are many things to consider when choosing a primary health facility, but one of the most important parts of your decision is finding a qualified staff.  This can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to if you know what to look for.

First, does the primary health care center have permanent, full-time physicians on staff?  It takes time to develop a trusting relationship with your doctor, and you should feel confident that he or she is available when you need help.

Next, what kind of physician education is required by the urgent care facility?  In order to become a licensed physician, doctors must complete at least eight years of higher education as well as a medical internship.  But some medical centers require their physicians to complete an extended residency program before practicing independently.  Ask yourself: Is it important to me that a physician have this additional experience?

Finally, are the physicians trained to handle a wide variety of medical conditions?  If so, do they have physicians that are trained to provide a wide array of services, such as family medicine, acute or urgent care issues, and even work-related injuries and accidents?  It can be a great comfort and convenience for you and your family if you’re able to rely on just one medical center for multiple concerns.

By taking the time to ask a few simple questions, you can feel confident in finding the medical attention you deserve.  For more helpful tips on finding physicians, or for more information about CareNow’s qualified staff, be sure to visit us at www.CareNow.com.

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Non-Prescription Sleep Aids that Actually Work – No Prescription Needed for these Tips

Non-Prescription Sleeping Tips

You know you aren’t getting enough sleep when your attitude begins to suffer, when you feel tired all day, and when any kind of exertion sounds impossible.  You may be suffering from financial worries, relationship problems, an illness, or other situation causing your quality of sleep to suffer.  You can avoid getting a prescription to help you sleep by using these sleep aids instead.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant, so it seems like a nightcap would help you sleep better.  However, alcohol reduces your quality of sleep.  Drinking before bed is likely to wake you up a few hours into the night instead of helping you sleep soundly all night long.

Don’t Eat Just Before Going to Bed

Big meals late at night will not only cause you to gain weight because the calories aren’t burned off, but they also keep your stomach busy digesting, which may keep you awake.  Also avoid spicy or acidic foods at night because these can lead to heartburn and other stomach trouble.

Don’t Sit Up in Bed and Watch TV

Sitting up will keep you awake, so if you insist on watching TV to help you fall asleep, get into a comfortable reclined position to enjoy your show.  When you find yourself nodding off, shut off the program, turn out the lights, and go to sleep with a completely relaxed body and mind.

Maintain a Quiet, Dark, and Comfortable Bedroom

Your room should be separate from active parts of the home so you can sleep despite what other members of the household are doing.  Shut the blinds, close the door, and climb into your comfortable bed with only relaxing thoughts in mind.  You will also find it easier to fall asleep if you go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

OTC Melatonin

Sleeping pills, even over-the-counter varieties, should be used as a last resort.  One option is called melatonin, which is a hormone that the body naturally creates.  The manufactured version of this hormone is most effective for people needing to sleep at odd hours due to work shifts or for those experiencing jet lag.  This supplement should be discussed with a doctor when considered for people under age 20 or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

All of these sleep tips will help you get that good night’s sleep you are after.  If you find that you need additional help in relaxing your body and mind, your local CareNow provider will be happy to assist.

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Reduce Blood Pressure – 4 Easy ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure – from CareNow

Tips for reducing your Blood Pressure

Reducing your blood pressure through dedicated lifestyle changes is possible, and in some cases can eliminate the need for reliance on medication all together. The following four changes will help lower your blood pressure while also reducing your risk of heart disease.

Avoid Foods High in Sodium and Fat

Try to limit your sodium intake to 1,500mg or less per day.  You can keep track of this by reading food labels, eating fewer processed foods, and not adding table salt to anything you eat.  Instead of reaching for salami, cheese puffs, and beef gravy—all of which are high in sodium and fat—choose whole grains, low-fat dairy and meat products, fruits, and vegetables.  Look for foods high in potassium as well, since these can decrease the effect of sodium on your blood pressure.

Exercise Regularly

30 to 60 minutes of exercise 5 days a week is great for lowering blood pressure, and it won’t take long for you to notice a difference.  If you go from living a sedentary lifestyle to one that includes daily exercise, you  can effectively lower your blood pressure in just a few weeks.  Talk to your doctor about developing a safe, beneficial program.

Lose Excess Weight

High blood pressure is linked to being overweight, so simply by losing ten pounds, you can reduce your blood pressure.  Losing weight also makes any medications you are taking more effective at treating your high blood pressure.  Keep your eye on your waistline as well, since men are at greater risk for high blood pressure once their waistline exceeds 40 inches.  Women are at risk if their waist measures more than 35 inches.

Manage Stress

Stress may not be a confirmed risk factor for high blood pressure, but stress can certainly affect your body and at the very least increase your blood pressure temporarily.  Chronic stress is a condition suffered by people who push themselves too far, don’t allow for any down time, and experience too much mental clutter.  Participate in yoga, get enough sleep, and find other ways to manage your stress to increase your overall wellness and possibly lower your blood pressure.

During your efforts to implement these blood pressure tips, seek the support of your friends and family.  They can help encourage you, keep you motivated, and even be willing to join you in your efforts to increase their own personal healthiness.  For more information about staying healthy and reducing blood pressure, visit a CareNow near you.

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