To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika virus disease and West Nile virus infection, use insect repellent that contains one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE—only for people older than 3 years old), para-menthane-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone, and IR3535. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. …
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The Heat is On
(and with it, heat exhaustion and heatstroke) Hot weather and exercise are the main causes of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The heat index is not the same as the temperature—the index measures the air temperature plus the effects of humidity. A heat index of 90°F or higher is dangerous. Don’t go outside when the temperature and heat index are high. …
Read MoreTips for Trips—on the Road or in the Air
Spring and summer are popular times for travel—whether it’s hitting the road or flying through the skies. If you are loading up the car, or packing a carry-on along with a checked bag, it is important to keep a few select items where they are easy to reach—it is helpful to have snacks, along with medicines and first aid items, …
Read MoreWARM UP YOUR BODY FOR WARM WEATHER ACTIVITIES
MUSCLE STRAINS AND ACHES CAN BE AVOIDED OR AT LEAST MITIGATED WITH A WARM-UP AND COOL-DOWN Exercise injuries are common during the spring as workouts move outdoors. And spring yard work also provides opportunity for damaging or straining muscles. Before beginning any physical activity, stretch and warm up muscles—and don’t forget to cool down afterwards.
Read MoreBacterial versus Viral Infections – How to tell the difference, and get the right treatment
Bacterial versus Viral Infections – How to tell the difference, and get the right treatment With so many types of infections making the rounds, it can be hard to determine the right way to address an ailment. Infections are either bacterial or viral; bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses. That’s the easy part; …
Read MoreIs It the Flu or COVID-19
The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that can present many of the same symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Most people who become infected by either an influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2, which is the new coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19, will recover without the need for intensive medical intervention. However, both types of infections can lead …
Read MoreHow to Avoid Getting the Flu
Anyone who has ever had the flu knows what a miserable experience it is. For most people, a bout with the flu will likely mean at least a few days in bed with a fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches. Other common symptoms include coughing, a stuffy nose, and nausea. The majority of people who contract the flu will …
Read MoreUrgent Care vs. Emergency Room Treatment: Choosing the Right Level of Medical Services
Urgent care clinics were developed in the 1980s to provide short-notice medical care that didn’t require booking an advance appointment at a traditional doctor’s office or waiting long hours to see an emergency room physician. Today, urgent care centers have become a mainstay in the health care industry, with more than 10,000 urgent care locations across the U.S. When it …
Read MoreHow to Properly Wash Your Hands
There are few good things to be said for the COVID-19 pandemic, but the effort to slow the spread of this serious and highly contagious illness has put the spotlight on simple disease prevention measures like handwashing. Frequent handwashing—especially if you know how to properly wash your hands—is a great way to prevent the spread of many respiratory and digestive …
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