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West Nile Virus and Mosquito Bites – from CareNow

Posted on September 12, 2012 by sgonzales

While most people who are bitten by mosquitoes do not get sick, West Nile Virus is something you should be aware of. Since 1999, more than 30,000 people across the United States have developed the symptoms of West Nile and 1,200 have been killed by the disease. The reason why some people become severely ill from diseased mosquitoes and others don’t is not entirely known. Follow these tips to protect you and your family against the West Nile Virus.

Understand the severity of the West Nile Virus in your area

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, Texas has seen its worst year for this illness in 2012, and West Nile Virus in Dallas has been particularly prevalent. Around 500 cases of neuroinvasive West Nile disease, the most serious form of the illness, have been diagnosed in Dallas area and 40 people have died from the virus. That accounts for nearly half of all nationwide West Nile deaths this year, which is currently at 87. The numbers are expected to increase well into the fall when the weather begins to cool off.

Don’t make excuses

If you forget to bring repellant, go back and get it. If you rarely get bitten by mosquitoes, wear repellant anyway. We know it doesn’t smell good, but wearing repellant could protect you from the weeks or months of aches and fatigue that accompany West Nile infection. In severe cases, you could be hospitalized for brain swelling and other symptoms – so don’t make excuses about not wearing mosquito repellant.

Choose the right repellant

There are dozens of brands and varieties out there, but the ones that work best have approved ingredients such as:

DEET
IR3535
Picaridin
The plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus

Stay protected from dusk until dawn

Mosquitoes can bite any time, but they are most active from the evening hours until early morning. Avoid being out during these hours if possible. If it can’t be avoided, wear repellant to protect against West Nile Virus.

With Dallas and the rest of Texas hit particularly hard by West Nile this year, it is essential that you take these precautionary measures to avoid contracting West Nile Virus. Visit your local CareNow provider or www.carenow.com to learn more.

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Summer Heat Safety Tips – From CareNow

Posted on July 18, 2012 by sgonzales

Summer heat safety is important when you realize that heat exposure caused more than 8,000 deaths in the United States between 1979 and 2003. When the body can’t cool off properly, heat exposure can cause heat stroke or even death. Here’s a look at the factors that put you at a greater risk for heat-related illness as well as hot weather tips to help ensure your safety this summer.

Summer Heat Safety Risks

High humidity: With more moisture in the air, sweat can’t evaporate as quickly, so you don’t cool off as fast.
Personal factors: The very young and the elderly along with those who have chronic diseases or mental illness are at the greatest risk of heat stroke. Even having a sunburn, being dehydrated, or using drugs and alcohol can put you at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
Strenuous activities: Your age or health status doesn’t matter if you participate in strenuous activities outside without the proper summer heat safety measures.

Hot Weather Tips

Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces
Drink plenty of water, since you lose a lot of your hydration through perspiration
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a healthy coating of sunscreen when you’re outside
Schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening whenever possible
When participating in strenuous outdoor activities, pace yourself and stay hydrated
Take a cool bath or shower to cool off
If you have an elderly neighbor, check on them each day in their home, especially if they don’t have air conditioning, to make sure they’re fairing all right
Never leave a child or pet unattended in the car for their own summer heat safety
Keep on top of weather updates so you can avoid spending time outside when the UV index is at 10 or above

For more summer heat safety tips, visit your local CareNow healthcare provider at one of 23 DFW locations or visit us online at www.CareNow.com.

Staying Healthy – Health Tips for Women from CareNow

Posted on June 13, 2012 by sgonzales

Women and men are at risk for many of the same diseases, but these health tips for women are specifically geared toward three conditions that threaten women more than men. You can take charge of your health by understanding the risks and starting habits that support women’s health from youth to old age.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. There are certain risk factors that make some women more likely than others to contract breast cancer, but there also health tips for women you can utilize to reduce your risk.

The chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases as you age, from family or personal medical history, if you had an early onset of menstruation (before age 12), or if you had a late onset of menopause (after age 55). These conditions are outside your control.

However, what you can control are the following health tips for women:

Reduce your alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Ask about medication risks
Exercise regularly
Control your weight
Talk to your doctor about your individual risks

Osteoporosis

68% of people with osteoporosis are women. Fortunately, the condition is largely preventable. Your risk for contracting the condition is higher as you age, if you have a small, thin-boned frame, have a family history of osteoporosis, have suffered from anorexia, or experience irregular menstrual cycles.

While these risk factors are out of your control, the following health tips for women can help prevent osteoporosis:

Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D
Live an active lifestyle
Quite smoking
Consume less alcohol

Depression

About twice as many women suffer from symptoms of depression than men. Some of the risks of depression include hormonal changes, a family history of depression, heart problems, chronic illness, marital problems, substance abuse, stress, anxiety, and abusive relationships.

Proper women’s health often requires filling your life with meaningful activities and relationships that sustain you through hard times. To help stave off symptoms of depression:

Include something enjoyable in your daily routine
Cultivate nurturing relationships with your family and friends
Seek counseling if you have marital problems
Get help for substance abuse or eating disorders
Abolish stressful situations in your life
Eat a proper diet full of vitamins and nutrients

To learn more health tips for women, visit a provider at www.CareNow.com.

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Staying Healthy – Health Tips for Men from CareNow

Posted on May 30, 2012 by sgonzales

Some diseases are more common in men than women, and vice versa, which is why health tips for men and recommendations for women are not always identical. Here are some tips regarding men’s health to help you avoid some of the most deadly conditions a man can contract.

Exercise: This health tip for men applies to women as well, but it’s critical for a man to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. This will help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure that can lead to cardiac arrest. The more active you are, the lower your health risk is.

Eat well: A diet low in saturated fat, trans fats, sugar and salt – and high in fruits and vegetables – is a great way to support men’s health by reducing the chance of heart problems, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and prostate problems. Eat meat less often or in smaller portions and choose skim or low-fat dairy products to reduce saturated fat. Avoid processed foods and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which contain trans fat. Choose an apple or carrot sticks over heavy, fattening snacks.
Lose weight: If you’re overweight, this health tip for men can greatly reduce the levels of cholesterol in your blood, improve blood pressure and support men’s health in other ways.
Don’t smoke: Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop plaque in their arteries, which can lead to cardiac arrest and high blood pressure. Smoking also leads to lung cancer in men and women.
Drink less alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure, colorectal cancer and other unpleasant conditions.
Reduce your emotional stress: Stress, among other things, can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure in turn can lead to heart problems. By putting this health tip for men into practice, your overall health will benefit.
Go in for regular physical exams: Some male cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer can’t necessarily be prevented by your daily habits. That’s why getting regular physical exams is so important for early detection and treatment of cancer and other conditions.

For even more health tips, visit a provider at www.CareNow.com.

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Spring Allergies in DFW – Tips from CareNow

Posted on May 8, 2012 by sgonzales

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

Posted on March 9, 2012 by sgonzales

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

Posted on January 13, 2012 by sgonzales

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

Posted on December 20, 2011 by sgonzales

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

Posted on December 12, 2011 by sgonzales

A 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™

Posted on October 24, 2011 by sgonzales

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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