Author Archives: argerlac

Avoid Risk of Dry Drowning

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As temperatures soar this summer and pool use becomes more common, stay aware of the risk of something called “Dry Drowning”.

Dry and Secondary Drowning: The Signs Every Parent Needs to Know

Most parents think the risk of drowning ends when their child exits the pool or reaches the shoreline. However, danger can linger even after a child’s swim time is over. Although rare, dry and secondary drowning incidents can occur anytime up to 24 hours later.

Mark A. Mitchell, DO, an osteopathic​ emergency medicine physician from Chicago, discusses the common signs of dry and secondary drowning and provides tips to keep you and your family safe both in and out of the water.

How does it happen?

According to Dr. Mitchell, dry and secondary drowning can occur after inhaling water through the nose or mouth. In cases of dry drowning, the water triggers a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up and impact breathing. Unlike dry drowning, delayed or secondary drowning occurs when swimmers have taken water into their lungs. The water builds up over time, eventually causing breathing difficulties.

​What Are the Warning Signs?

While symptoms of dry drowning typically occur right after a water incident, secondary drowning symptoms can appear hours after a near-drowning experience. If your child has recently had a near-drowning experience, or inhaled a large amount of water, Dr. Mitchell suggests watching them for the following signs:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Coughing
  • Sleepiness or a drop in energy level
  • Irritability
  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting

“Be attentive to sudden changes in behavior,” advises Dr. Mitchell. “Many parents don’t recognize the signs of delayed drowning because they believe their child is fatigued from a long day of swimming, or exhausted from nearly drowning.” While symptoms are often mild and improve over time, it is still important to have your child examined as a precautionary measure.

 “Treat dry or secondary drowning as a medical emergency. If you or someone you know starts exhibiting these signs, go to the hospital,” says Dr. Mitchell. Your physician can determine if airways are blocked, water is in the lungs, or oxygen levels are low. Once diagnosed, a physician will be able to provide the best treatment to restore your health.

 How can it be prevented?

To help prevent water-related injuries and emergencies, Dr. Mitchell encourages parents and caregivers to:

  • Teach water safety, including no diving in shallow waters and only swimming in areas with lifeguards.

  • Help your kids learn to swim as early as possible.

  • Ensure pools are properly guarded.

  • Warn teens of the risk of swimming under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

  • Never let children swim alone. Be vigilant when watching them swim or play around large and small bodies of water such as plastic pools or bathtubs.

  • Discourage rough play, such as head dunking, in and around water.

Staying Safe in the Water Year-Round

Like many accidents, dry and secondary drowning can be prevented. “Never let your guard down, and always be attentive to sudden changes in behavior after your child has been in the water,” says Dr. Mitchell.

http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/childrens-health/Pages/secondary-drowning.aspx

Early Morning Wake-up Routine

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How to Establish a Wake-up Routine for a Good Morning Every Morning

Good sleep habits and an effective morning routine can help you wake up feeling energized and prepared for the day ahead. Try these tips and techniques to start your day right.

A New Day Dawns

We’ve all had one of those days: groggy all morning, lethargic through lunch, and cranky all afternoon. You know one reason for your muddled brain and foul mood: sleep — not enough of it, and not the right kind. It would be nice if bedtimes and wake-up routines were only important in our childhood years, but adults can also benefit from a bit of early-hour planning.

If you haven’t been hopping out of bed each morning, ready to crush your to-do list, these handy techniques might help.

Ready!

Quantity Counts: The foundation to a good morning starts with getting the right amount of sleep. Even adults need a solid 7-9 hours (yes, really!), so make sure you hit the sack at the right time the night before.

Feel the Rhythm: Quantity is important, but timing also matters. Your body and brain work best with a set wake-up time to keep your biological rhythms synced.1 Don’t vary your wake-up time too much — it can throw off your system from its natural routine.

Nightly Recharge: If you think you can skimp on sleep for a few nights and make up for it with a lazy day later on, think again. Make sure you’re getting a full charge of sleep every night to so you’re ready for the next day.

Set!

Snoozing Sucks: Turning your car on and off isn’t the best way to get it warmed up in the morning, and it’s no good for your brain, either. Hitting snooze to nod off for another restless 5 minutes may only leave you groggier when you wake up for a second (or third) time.2

Good Morning, Sunshine: If you can, wake up to bright, natural sunlight streaming through your window. If you can’t, at least get indoor lights going (and no, the glare of your cell phone screen isn’t enough). Research suggests that morning light can help you wake up more naturally and quickly.3

Get Moving: And not just to check your email — in fact, skip the tech if you can. Instead, get in a morning walk to start the day off right. Good sleep and exercise go hand in hand: moving your body will help you wake up in the morning and sleep better later that night.

Go!

Break Your Fast: You’ve gone all night without eating, and some of the latest research still shows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for staying fit and healthy.4 Prepare your breakfast the night before so it’s ready to go.

Pep Talks: If the day seems daunting, set aside a few minutes to get pumped. Maybe it’s meditation or prayer, or a bit of yoga — you do you! Focusing on your mental wellbeing for ten minutes can help with stress and anxiety over the next ten hours.5

Jump In: Once you’re ready to dive into the day, it’s a good habit to tackle the hardest tasks first. Research shows that your brain is at peak power at mid-morning, so that’s the best time for difficult tasks.6 Moreover, if you get the big stuff out of the way, the rest of the day feels like a breeze.

Ready for a better night’s sleep?

Start now with a “go to bed” alarm. It only takes a few seconds to start your new bedtime routine.

  • Just take out your phone and set a “go to bed” alarm. This will tell you when it’s time to turn off the TV, log off social media and wind down for the night.
  • Make sure the alarm repeats every day, so you’ll get the 7-9 hours of rest your body needs.

Tomorrow morning, wake up right, so you can be Healthy For Good!

http://view.heartemail.org/?qs=c951655750781fbeed2bf182f08907679d0c948623469b591e7f7ddfa83d79c6eefdcde61d85de7bd2a80e4103f81ec481999153b24922402f55fa395b8295abc3ac7c40322052fcea629b6e0f9379d1

Avoid/Treat Heat Exhaustion

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As beautiful weather is upon us and temperatures are climbing, take care to avoid the unexpected symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Image result for heat exhaustion

Overview

Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It’s one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.

 Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise. Possible heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:

  • Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
  • Heavy sweating
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Low blood pressure upon standing
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Headache

When to see a doctor

If you think you’re experiencing heat exhaustion:

  • Stop all activity and rest
  • Move to a cooler place
  • Drink cool water or sports drinks

Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms worsen or if they don’t improve within one hour. If you are with someone showing signs of heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention if he or she becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness, or is unable to drink. You will need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention if your core body temperature (measured by a rectal thermometer) reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250

How to Build a Summer First Aid Kit

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How to Build an Essential Summer First Aid Kit

By: Kathleen Berchelmann, MD, FAAP

Every year the summer arrives with full force in my ER: cuts, ticks, poison ivy, infected bug bites, sunburns, eye injuries, broken bones, and all other kinds of summer fun gone wrong. Luckily, you can easily treat or prevent much of the summer craziness if you are prepared.

Being prepared means you need a “Dr. Mom” first aid kit and know how to use it. Although pre-made store-bought first aid kits are a good start, these kits typically lack many items you’ll need for your family.

Shopping List for Your Summer First Aid Kit

So to help you get ready, I have prepared a shopping list below for your summer first aid kit. Get it built now, so that you spend your summer having fun, not in the ER.

For more the suggested list and more information check:  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/First-Aid-Supplies-for-your-Car.aspx