Why does everything seem to happen around the holidays? There was that year the kids somehow dislodged a yellow jacket hideout on a warm Thanksgiving. This year you are hoping for a safe and uneventful holiday weekend. Just in case, here is your Thanksgiving health and safety guide.
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We are approaching the holidays and it is a time of camaraderie, celebrations, and love. At the same time it can be detrimental to our health, lead to depression, and leave us feeling guilty if we over indulge. Make a plan now, and consider these tips to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.
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Choking is the leading cause of injuries among young children and infants. One child in the US dies from choking every five days, and 75% of deaths occur in children under three. Let’s look at common choking hazards in infants and toddlers and what parents can do to prevent it from happening. Continue reading “Choking Hazards In Infants And Toddlers”
Remember when Mom would chase after you, insisting you put on your hat and scarf before you headed out into the frigid weather? Remember how you would protest, and maybe even leave that hat and scarf behind?
Our bodies lose copious amounts of heat from our heads, which can affect core body temperature, but that’s not the whole story. Failing to keep your ears protected from cold weather can contribute to, or even cause, hearing loss.
Ears, like your nose, are comprised mostly of cartilage, so there is no insulation (fat) to keep them warm when the temperatures drop. You probably figured that out when you were last in the cold: your nose and ears are usually the first body parts to feel the chill.
Our hands and feet are also susceptible to conditions such as frostbite, but that is usually avoided by wearing gloves, socks, and shoes.
In fact, once the temperature hits 59°F, you need to make sure your ears are protected. In many parts of the country, 59°F is hardly bundle-up weather. But at this temperature, your hypothalamus (a small portion of the brain that is responsible for multiple body functions, including temperature control) begins to conserve heat for your internal organs, moving blood away from your extremities (that means your ears).
Cold ears are annoying, to be sure, but unprotected ears in cold weather can actually be dangerous. When your ears are exposed to cold, bone spurs, also called exostosis, can result. This happens when excess bone grows in the ear canal to protect the ear. This condition is sometimes called surfer’s ear, since surfers who frequent cold water wear wetsuits, but they do not usually protect their ears.
Excess bone growth can be incredibly painful. When that bone growth occurs in the ear canal, it can lead to a host of other problems. Water, dirt, and bacteria can become trapped in the ear and lead to recurring ear infections. The only treatment for exostosis is surgery.
For more information on how to protect your ears this winter, contact Premier Urgent Care at (773) 891-2890.
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The holiday season is here, and while it’s the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also one of the most stressful. Schedules are full, it’s cold and flu season, and everyone is trying to accomplish a lot in a short period of time.
All the bustle and stress of the holiday season can easily cause some people to overlook disease prevention, and cutting corners during daily tasks and chores can easily lead to the spread of infectious diseases and put a damper on your holiday celebrations. The following tips can help you and your loved one stay healthy this holiday season.
Winter weather means lots of snow and ice. Staying dry is one of the best ways to prevent illness. When the temperature drops and it’s snowing outside, wear a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes or boots. While it’s a myth that being cold causes a cold, staying outside when you’re cold and wet taxes your body and can lead to poor immune system function.
Germs and disease-causing bacteria thrive on dirty surfaces and spread easily. Make sure to wash your hands before and after all meals and after personal contact with others. Use warm running water and soap, washing for at least 20 full seconds. Be sure to keep your fingernails trimmed to reasonable lengths and clean under them as well every time you wash.
Make sure you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations. Try to get them out of the way before the winter weather starts if possible, and pay close attention for any signs of adverse reactions.
The holiday season is a great time to enjoy home cooked meals with friends and family, but be careful not to overdo it. Eating too much is taxing on the body and can cause an upset stomach and other gastrointestinal issues. Foods with high levels of sugar can trigger inflammation and other issues.
When serving holiday meals, use instant-read meat thermometers to ensure all prepared meats are cooked to appropriate temperatures. Undercooked meat can carry diseases like salmonella and may lead to serious illness.
You might be very busy over the holidays, but you shouldn’t neglect sleep. Aim for at least six to eight hours of sleep each night and adjust your schedule accordingly. Burning yourself out and tackling your holiday errands without adequate rest is not only stressful for your body, but also leaves you more vulnerable to illness and more prone to accidental injuries.
When these health issues do arise, Premier Urgent Care in Chicago can provide safe and timely treatment. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate care.
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Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, spooks and ghouls, and all the fun Halloween events that occur around the Chicago area every October. It’s a festive time of year that kids love, but it does come with some risks. Ensuring your family stays safe can be a significant task in this day and age. Below are a few Halloween safety tips to prevent injury and keep safe.
Pedestrians are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year. Be sure to:
Even if costumes are light colored enough to remain visible at night, they may pose other risks. Make sure costumes:
Chicago streets are full on Halloween. Special consideration for child safety is often necessary as a result. Make sure you:
We at Premier Urgent Care wish you a Happy and safe Halloween.
Our board-certified staff provides quick, convenient urgent care services to keep the whole family healthy. Please visit us at our Southside Chicago location whenever you are in need of urgent care services.
Learn why patients have come to trust Premier Health Network. Visit https://premierucchicago.com.
