Sniffling, sneezing, and sinus headaches—those are the signs of seasonal allergies that can make thousands of people miserable each year. However, many people live with year-round allergies, which are reactions to specific substances called allergens. Some allergies are mild, while others are more severe—even life threatening. The most severe form is anaphylaxis, a reaction that involves a person’s entire body.

Types of Allergies

The most common allergens are medications, foods, and insect bites or stings. While these substances are harmless to most people, those with allergies can be seriously affected by them. It is important to know what substances you and your family members are allergic to.

Many people are affected by foods such as peanuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, milk, and eggs. Other people have reactions to penicillin, insulin preparations, anticonvulsants, and other drugs. As for insects, the main culprits are bees, wasps, hornets, fleas, and mites. Some spider bites can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms

If you notice any of these symptoms—for yourself or someone you care for—be sure to get medical attention right away:

• Hives
• Itching skin or eyes
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, face, or at the site of a bite
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid pulse
• Slurred speech
• Anxiety or confusion
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping or pain

Remember that a first-time exposure to an allergen may not result in a reaction, but repeated exposure may lead to serious reactions. In the case of anaphylaxis, a person can be affected within minutes and can get worse very quickly. In fact, some victims of anaphylaxis may require lifesaving treatment within 15 minutes. People with a history of severe allergies are advised to wear a medical ID tag and carry emergency medications, per their doctor’s instructions.

At Edward White Hospital, our emergency medical team is ready to handle any medical crisis that you face, and our ER wait times are consistently below the national average. Have questions? Call our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-888-243-3627.

Sources:

Edward White Hospital Healthy Library

National Institutes of Health

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It’s hard to overstate the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to the daily diet, but even those with the best intentions still struggle with getting their fill of produce. Convenience foods rarely come with an adequate serving of vegetables, and many hopeful health nuts find their fruit bowl filled with squishy bananas and brown apples after a week of neglect. Healthy diets don’t need to be complicated, expensive, or tasteless. Find creative and simple ways of adding fruits and veggies to your regular meal plans.

Breakfast Ideas

Start with your usual breakfast routine when brainstorming ideas to add fruits or vegetables. If you usually begin the day with cereal or yogurt, this is the perfect opportunity to throw in some fresh berries or a banana. If you usually spend your mornings crafting the perfect omelet, add some peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the mix. These additions will add both taste and health to your morning routine.

Lunch Ideas

Lunch sandwiches provide the perfect medium for adding some nutrient-rich veggies to your diet. Trade out your faded iceberg lettuce for spinach leaves, kale, or mustard greens. Replace your cheese for caramelized onions and lightly cooked mushrooms. Adding banana peppers will give your sandwich a burst of flavor.

If you usually eat a light lunch, try ordering a salad filled with carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, and red radishes. A bowl full of dark leafy greens can be surprisingly filling. Salads can also be topped with fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or orange slices.

Dinner Ideas

There are several main courses that you can easily pump up with extra servings of vegetables. Some suggestions are:

• Pizza
• Lasagna
• Pasta sauces
• Casseroles
• Soups

Dinner is also the perfect meal to serve sides of vegetables or a fruit salad. Instead of reaching for frozen fries at the store, grab a bag of frozen veggies to steam and serve with your family’s favorite entrée.

Snacks

Snacking can be an otherwise healthy eater’s downfall—or victory, if she does it right. Keep fresh fruit on hand at home for a quick bite to eat between meals. When you’re on the go, dried fruits are great snacks. Keep some in your purse or car in case you get hungry on the road.

Do you need more information about eating a healthy diet? The Food and Nutrition section of the Edward White Hospital Health Library offers great articles, tips, and recipes. If you want to speak to a doctor about your nutritional goals, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-243-3627 for a physician referral.

Sources:

Edward White Hospital Health Library

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Maybe you have a weird ache in your left shoulder, and you’re not sure what it is. Or maybe you have noticed a new freckle—or is that a mole?—and you’re worried about it.

When you have concerns like these, iTriage is a remarkable resource for you. When you log on, you will see a diagram of the human body and you can click on the body part that is affected or you can search a list of the symptoms you are experiencing. Then you will be directed to a list of possible causes.

You can also search an alphabetical list of diseases. Each disease listing offers a description of the condition, what the symptoms are, what tests may be necessary for diagnosis, and what treatment is available. The listing may also include helpful photos and videos.

At iTriage, you can learn about a variety of common procedures. You will find a description about what to expect, along with the average cost of the procedure and common side effects.

Have questions about a medication? You’ll find those answers at iTriage, too. The site offers information about what the medication is for, what the dosage should be, and what special instructions you should follow.

What if you read about your symptoms and then need a physician to talk to? You can find a provider at iTriage, just by typing in a location, name, or type of doctor you need.

Not near a computer? No problem! You can also use the iTriage app on your smartphone. Wherever you are, iTriage offers a wealth of health information, right at your fingertips.

For more information, you can also check out the Health Library at Edward White Hospital. There, you will find lists of conditions and procedures, wellness tips, and the latest health news.

Sources:

iTriage

Health Library at Edward White Hospital

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If you are about to have surgery—or if you have just undergone a procedure—you may think your work is done. However, in many cases, surgery is just the first step in alleviating a problem. Once your surgery is over, physical therapy plays a key role in getting you back on your feet and back to your life.

Physical therapy offers many benefits, especially if you have had orthopedic surgery. Following a joint replacement or repair, you will find that your joint is stiff and you may hesitate to use it. If you have had spinal surgery, you need help learning how to sit up, stand, and stretch again. In these and other instances, you can work with a physical therapist and learn exercises that will help you get used to your body and how it has changed. Your therapy will likely begin in the hospital, and then you will continue working with a physical therapist on an outpatient basis.

When you follow a regular rehabilitation program, you can experience these and other benefits:

• Increased range of motion
• Less pain
• More strength in the surrounding muscles, which support the joint
• Increased flexibility
• Decreased inflammation and swelling

Be aware the physical therapy is necessary for your recovery to be completely successful. Without it, you may never fully regain use of the joint or other affected body parts. When you commit to the rehabilitation program, you are taking an important step in improving your way of life.

At the Edward White Rehabilitation Institute, our team can help you recover from surgery, as well as illness and physical changes. To learn more, visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-243-3627 for a physician referral.

Sources:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Spine Universe

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