The warm months of summer are behind us, and the cooler autumn months are ahead. Many of us have enjoyed hours swimming in lakes and rivers and may have now moved to pools and hot tubs. While it may sound like the risks of swimmer’s ear infections are behind you, they have many sources. In addition to pools and rivers, they can also be caused by baths, showers, and even hot tubs. With the cold season being upon us, it can be difficult to determine if that infection is a swimmer’s ear infection or a middle ear infection. This guide will help you know the difference and give a couple of tips about preventing swimmer’s ear infections.

How To Know If It’s A Swimmer’s Ear Infection

It’s common for a middle-ear infection to be mistaken for a swimmer’s ear infection, but there are ways to tell them apart. It starts with location. Swimmer’s ear infections form in the outer canal area of the ear, outside the eardrum. Middle-ear infections form in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. As you might suspect, this can result in similar but also very different symptoms. 

Consider the following questions and what they mean for your ear infection:

• Where is the pain? – Pain near the external part of the ear that increases when you tug on the earlobe indicates a swimmer’s ear infection. Deeper pain that intensifies when you lay down is likely a middle ear infection. Middle ear infections can also impact your quality of sleep due to this increased pain.
• What Are The Visible Symptoms? – Swelling or a rash-like appearance on the outside of the ear indicates a swimmer’s ear infection. In many cases, it will be quite itchy and may occasionally release a foul-smelling discharge. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and ear pulling, however, are middle-ear infection symptoms.
• Is There Hearing difficulty? – Difficulty hearing can occur with either type of infection. It often serves as the first sign an infection is present.
• What Are The Possible Sources? – Have you been in a body of water lately? Did you spend time in a pool or a hot tub? Was there water in your ear after a bath or shower? All of these can tell you a little about the source of the infection, and in these cases, it’s likely a swimmer’s ear infection. Take care to ensure all the water is out of your ear canal when you’re done swimming.
• Where/Are There Respiratory Issues – If you have a runny nose, watery eyes, or concerns with your upper respiratory tract, it’s likely a middle-ear infection. These symptoms can appear before or during a middle-ear infection. This is what makes the cold season a tricky time for discovering ear infection sources.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both acceptable options for controlling pain and discomfort from these infections. They can ease the discomfort caused by swelling and other symptoms of the infection. A warm compress on the ear will often ease pain from a swimmer’s ear infection. While these ease the symptoms, you’ll need antibiotics to treat the infection.

When To Reach Out To Your Health Professional

A visit to your doctor’s office may be in order if you’re experiencing symptoms like the above. However, swimmer’s ear infections can often be treated via telemedicine options. Middle-ear infections may require a visit to the office for a physical inspection, however. It pays to call your doctor’s office and describe your symptoms in either case and follow their advice.

Most of the time a drippy nose is just a drippy nose. When you get a cough to go with it, often it’s just a normal cold. However, there’s always a chance that your symptoms are an indicator of something else. Other times, they can be the doorway for more serious diseases to take hold. Sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even COVID-19 can all start as a mere case of sniffles. Knowing how to tell when it’s time to see your doctor isn’t always easy. Thankfully, we have some tips to help you know.

Three Ways To Know If Your Cold May Be Something More

There are a few relatively clear signs that your doctor needs to be your next visit. Among them is a fever that accompanies your other symptoms. Colds often come with sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and post-nasal drip. What isn’t as common is an elevated temperature, except in children. Other diseases such as pneumonia, the flu, and the like are more likely to be responsible in this case. Other signs that you may have more than a common cold include:

• Sudden Onset: One common sign that you may have bigger concerns is if the symptoms come on suddenly. Colds usually have a gradual onset, and come with feelings of fatigue. The next day you’ll wake up with a runny nose or a sore throat. Over the next several days those symptoms will worsen and new ones will develop. Diseases like the flu can happen rapidly, often in just a few hours. If you got hit with symptoms suddenly, it’s time to call your doctor.
• Lasting Symptoms: Colds are annoying, and their symptoms are frustrating. What colds are not is enduring. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, your doctor needs to see you. Even if your symptoms have changed if you haven’t had a break since the onset you probably have something worse than a cold.

These are the biggest signs that your physician needs to see you. One thing to keep in mind, however. The COVID-19 virus is an exception to tip #1. The common symptoms of this condition tend to come on slowly over time. In addition, they often seem to mimic other respiratory illnesses, but continue to get worse over time. If you’re concerned you may have COVID, keep an eye out for symptoms like these that persist:

• Tiredness
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Chest pain
• Chest pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of ability to speak
• Movement difficulty

If these symptoms appear and you’ve already been vaccinated, it’s still time to see your physician. While the vaccines have been continuing to be incredibly effective, they’re not 100% guaranteed. This is why it’s essential that continue wearing masks and social distancing, even once we’re vaccinated.

Speak To Your Physician To Learn More

Now that you’ve got a quick guide, don’t hesitate. If you have a possible reason to suspect that your cold may be something more, call your physician. They’ll be able to do additional testing to make a final diagnosis. The sooner you start getting the right treatment, the sooner you’ll be feeling better!

The cycle of the seasons and the results of climate change can make dressing for the weather difficult. If you’re one of those who stow the winter wardrobe until the season changes, it can be even trickier. Checking the weather reports will give you an idea of what’s to come, but it may not be enough. This week may be summertime hot, and next fall seasons cold. On top of it all, these fluctuations can make it easier for you to become ill. We’ll provide you with steps to help you avoid getting sick, even if caught out in the wrong clothes.

Understanding Your Immune System And How To Stay Well

Let’s start by eliminating some myths. Being caught out in the cold isn’t going to make you sick instantly. Our immune system is a complex and resilient part of staying well. What happens when you get cold is that it becomes somewhat repressed. If you are blessed with a resilient immune system, then a little time in the cold isn’t going to hurt you. Getting too hot is often more dangerous in the short term. It leads to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

• Stay Hydrated – So this brings us to our first point. Make sure you get plenty of water throughout the day. Several glasses of water throughout the day can help flush toxins, battle illness, and absorb nutrients properly.
• Clear The Air – Mold, and pollen can be a problem during allergy season, but they aren’t the only threat out there. Research has shown that the spaces we live in often have the most polluted air. Ensuring that your home is fitted with proper HEPA filters and investing in an air purification system can help.
• Exercise In The Great Outdoors – Working out at home or in the gym is great, but outdoors is best. The sun not only helps elevate your mood, but it also provides essential Vitamin D. When inclimate weather strikes, staying indoors is then the best option.
• Rest – Our bodies require rest to be at their best. This fact is true for our immune system as well as staying alert and active. It even helps us heal faster. When possible, make sure you get those essential 7-8 hours a night.
• Dress Right – Let’s start where we began. Wearing the right clothes provides effective defense against the weather. Whether you’re staying cool on hot days or bundling up on cold ones, your health will benefit. When the weather outside is unpredictable, be sure to dress in layers.  

Speak To Your Primary Health Provider For More Advice

Speaking to your doctor is often the best source for advice on these topics. While they may not have anything new to suggest, they know your medical history well. This knowledge means they’ll be aware of special conditions that may require additional consideration. Suppressed immune systems are just one example. Give them a call for help today!

It’s common knowledge that women tend to have a longer lifespan than men. On average, they tend to live at least ten years longer than men in the US. Less than 20% of people who live to 100 years old are men. Thankfully, there are steps men can take to help extend their lifespan. This extension means more time with their friends, families, and other loved ones. Starting these practices early in life means a higher chance of more years of life for these men.

Understanding How Men Can Live A Longer, Happier Life

To understand the steps men can take to live longer lives, let’s talk about why women tend to live longer. One of the most significant factors is a higher incidence rate of heart disease in men. It doesn’t stop with heart disease, either. This heightened risk also increases the risk of related diseases, including stroke. Other reasons women tend to live longer include:

• Double-X Chromosomes – Women tend to develop fewer genetic variations, such as hemophilia.
• Testosterone – Risky or aggressive behavior are commonly driven by testosterone. As a result, more men are claimed by accident or violence.
• Alcohol and Smoking – Statistically, men represent a higher percentage of the population who engage in these activities.

One of the essential steps that men can take to improve their longevity is to focus on better health habits. This focus means paying greater attention to their health, eating habits, and bodies in general. Regular check-ups are essential in this practice so that your practitioner can identify problems early. Diabetes, colon cancer, skin cancer, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer are all examples. These conditions have higher treatment success rates when selected early.

There are four steps that men can take to help live longer and more fulfilling lives:

• Break Bad Dietary Habits – Our diets have a lot to do with our overall health. Obesity, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart disease can all result from a poor diet. By changing the way they eat, men can cut these concerns off at the pass. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables can all contribute. Exercise can also help.
• De-Stress – Another common factor in reduced lifespans in stress. Men tend to be expected to uphold their stress rather than treat it. Taking advantage of stress management classes, yoga, exercise, and even meditation can help. 
• Smoking – Smoking has been identified as one of the significant contributors to heart disease in all patients. Eliminating the habit helps to reduce your risk. The sooner you quit, the better the benefits are.
• Limit Alcohol – Those men under 65 need to avoid drinking more than two adult beverages a day. This number drops to one a day after 65.

Speak To Your Health Professional To Learn More

Your PCP can provide you with informed options about improving your overall health. Their knowledge of your medical history, including familial influences, is essential. This information allows them to provide specific changes that will directly benefit you. For instance, those who suffer from sodium-sensitive high blood pressure may be instructed to limit their salt further. This change is just one example of how tailored decisions can help extend your life.

Summertime presents us with lots of opportunities to get outside. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trails or spending time in the garden, hydration is going to be essential. When you’re working or playing hard, and it’s hot outside, dehydration can hit fast. We’ve put together this guide for those who want to ensure they’re getting enough water. There are some quick and simple ways to know numerous ways to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

Signs You’re Dehydrated And How To Keep Hydrated

One clear sign you require water is being thirsty. It’s the primary method our body has for letting us know we’re getting low. Some people don’t recognize that they’re hungry or may not realize it’s an important sign. Your urine also holds clues that tell you if you’re getting enough water. The darker your urine comes out, the more dehydrated you likely are. You want your urine to be palish yellow, similar to lemonade. If it’s turning the color of apple juice, it’s time for more water.

For the majority of people, eight eight-ounce glasses per day will be sufficient hydration. If you’re out in the heat and sweating hard, you may find that you need more. Patients who have diabetes or using diuretic pills should consult with their doctor. These factors can result in a need to consume more water than the average person.

Summer can create some risky situations when it comes to hydration. When we’re out in the sun, our body starts to heat up. This heat causes our body to push more blood to the skin, making us sweat. The evaporation of sweat helps keep our bodies cool. If we aren’t cooling property, we may find that our body temperature rises. As our core temp rises, our heart works to keep blood flowing to the skin. Help your heart out with these tips

• Drink more water to replace that lost while sweating
• Be aware of the humidity; high humidity won’t let you cool as efficiently
• Stay inside during heat advisories, or visit your favorite swimming hole

Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages while enjoying the sun. These drinks can quickly lead to dehydration. Some common signs of dehydration are nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. These signs indicate the early stages of dehydration and can be offset by drinking water. More severe hydration will result in rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, chills, and darkening urine. The situation at this point is becoming dangerous, and you must get medical help.

Get Tips From Your Physician For A Safe Summer

Your physician can help you learn what steps to take to stay hydrated. They can also let you know if there are special considerations with any medication you’re on. Some medical conditions can result in higher water loss or a sensitivity to the sun. By speaking to your physician, you’ll know that all your bases are covered. Don’t let your summer get ruined by a failure to prepare. Learn what you need to do and keep hydrated all season long!

It’s certainly been a long and trying winter and spring, hasn’t it? The pandemic has had us all locked in isolation for over a year. The vaccine couldn’t have hit the scene at a better time. Summer is just ahead, and there are real opportunities ahead to enjoy it. We’ve been lurking inside so long we may have forgotten some essential safety tips. In the enthusiasm to get out and enjoy the summer mask-free, don’t get careless. With a little bit of caution and a reminder of what the outside looks like, we can make sure we enjoy it to the fullest.

Common Risks Of Enjoying Summer, And How To Avoid Them

Getting outside and enjoying summer is bound to result in a few bumps and bruises. Sunburns, bug bites, and a host of injuries and illnesses await us. The risk of all of these is worth it for a bit of activity and fresh air. With a bit of safety-mindedness, the worst injuries can be avoided, however. Consider the following list of common summertime injuries.

• Bicycle Injuries – When you’re off on your bike for another grand adventure, don’t forget your helmet. Injuries from riding bikes are one of the most common of summer. The types of injuries range from cuts and scrapes to more severe fractures. You can limit your risk of a head injury with a helmet. These injuries can be fatal, especially if a vehicle is involved. Helmets reduce instances of brain injury by up to 88%
• Injuries on the Playground – Kids aren’t known for their caution, especially while at play. Swings, slides, and monkey bars can all be the source of summertime injuries. This fact is especially actual if the equipment isn’t well maintained. Stick to playgrounds that are in good condition, and avoid those with gravel or concrete bases. Also, make sure to monitor your children while at play.
• Trampoline Injuries – Lots of kids enjoy playing on the trampoline during the summer. This toy leads to all sorts of creative injuries. The least problematic of them are bruises, bumps, and bloody noses. More serious on the list are broken bones and head injuries from landing on a hard surface. A good solution is to get a trampoline with a net around the outer rim that prevents falls.
• Drowning and Water Injuries – Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do, but it can be dangerous. Stick to swimming in well-supervised areas or in public pools to help prevent mishaps. Water shoes can help prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. If you have a private pool, make sure it’s covered when not in use. Life jackets are essential if you’re on a boat.

Speak To Your Physician For More Advice

Medical practitioners see all sorts of injuries throughout the year. You can avoid most of them with just a little bit of caution. Speaking to your professional can help generate ideas you can use at home and with your family. Talk to them about your favorite activities and get what advice they have to give about enjoying the summer safely. With their help, you can make it through injury-free.

As respiratory illnesses have gained more awareness, getting your annual flu shot has become more important than ever. The influenza virus can be harmful to those with compromised immune systems and can cause severe breathing issues. Most often, if you catch the flu, our bodies will fight the virus off, and the disease will go away within a few weeks. But to prevent getting future variations of the flu virus and protecting those with compromised immune systems, getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself. As medical professionals, we highly recommend getting your annual flu shot to help prevent its spread and getting sick during flu season. 

Influenza Season, The Virus, and How It Affects You 

Influenza is a common illness, as millions of people get the flu each year. People can experience the illness for up to two weeks, and afterward, symptoms go away. Most often, flu season occurs during the fall and winter, but the virus is able to spread year-round. The flu virus peaks during the months of December to February but can be active as long as May. Even while millions of people catch the flu each year, the virus can pose a more severe threat to those with compromised immune systems, such as children, the elderly, and those with autoimmune diseases. 

Because of the nature of the influenza virus, the flu virus evolves each year, making it harder to control. Our only method of controlling the virus is through vaccination shots. These vaccination shots contain a tiny amount of deactivated influenza virus, just enough to allow our immune systems to recognize and destroy the virus within our systems. These vaccinations are specifically designed to boost immunity and help protect the body from future strains. For those planning to get the flu shot this fall or winter, there are some side effects that come with the flu shot, including: 

• Low-Grade Fevers
• Soreness At Injection Site
• Muscles Aches
• Headaches
• Nausea

Flu shots have been medically proven to reduce the risk of future flu infections, and due to its ever-evolving nature, it can be a difficult illness to manage each year without an updated vaccine. After getting a flu shot, though, immunity from influenza will last about six months. 

Get Your Vaccinations Today!

As the Covid-19 pandemic lessens its impact over time, it can become easier to become more relaxed about getting your vaccinations. For those people who have not been vaccinated for the Covid virus, flu symptoms and covid symptoms have been misrecognized and mixed up over time due to their similarity in symptoms. The CDC recommends getting the flu shot is vital alongside the Covid-19 vaccine because it helps reduce pressure from healthcare professionals responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. To best protect yourself against both Covid and the influenza virus, getting both the Covid vaccine and flu vaccine with two weeks in between periods is the most assured way to protect yourself from getting sick this year.

Asking questions is essential for communicating with your doctor about your body, any conditions you may have, and what you should expect from your treatment. Our bodies are complex systems made of muscle, tissue, and bone, and most often, our bodies experience issues that can be embarrassing on some level. With this embarrassment, it can be difficult for patients to talk to their doctors about what’s going on with them. Many medical problems, especially if they deal with the intestinal tract, urinary system, or sexual organs, are often a place of awkwardness, but for your doctor, it’s more important than ever to learn about it. 

Learning about these issues gives your doctor vital information about your health. However, as the disparity between doctors and their patients grows from these issues, we’re here to help make discussing these issues easier between you and your doctor by giving you some tips to follow at your next appointment. 

Why People Shy Away From The Doctor’s Office

The patient-doctor relationship is a personal connection as well as a professional one because these relationships should be a safe place to talk about sensitive subjects and find solutions. However, the embarrassment that comes with talking about memory issues, sex, digestion problems, and other health issues can often go undisclosed. Talking about these issues is a crucial part of providing healthcare, and for physicians working in general offices and urgent care centers, these topics are especially vital for providing care. 

But for many working in the healthcare industry, this concept is an all too familiar problem because it relates to the patient’s trust and privacy of their health problems. Our methods for handling these health issues involve a complex look at how we socially interact with patients, and what researchers have found is that there isn’t an established social script for how nurses and medical professionals handle the delicacy and privacy of these issues. This lack of clear guidelines means that everything involved has to occur between the patient and their doctors, and when it comes to approaching sensitive issues, the solution has to come from how we as professionals provide a safer atmosphere to allow interpersonal relationships to develop. 

Suggested Ways to Overcome Embarrassment 

So, what’s the best solution for this issue? It all comes down to reaching out, speaking to a professional that will listen to your concerns without judgment, and working towards finding better solutions for your health. When speaking to your doctor, these tips can help you find the treatment you need: 

• Be Honest About Your Emotions: If you’re embarrassed, then be honest. If you’ve already worked with your doctor a few times, then they’ll be able to provide you with the privacy you need. The more you speak with them, the better experience you will have. 
• Practice Speaking Beforehand: if this is your first appointment, practice addressing your questions beforehand to relieve any feelings of nervousness. It can help you feel more prepared when speaking with your doctor. 
• Discuss General Symptoms: Start by discussing the general symptoms and work your way from there. Using language you know can help your doctor give you a better diagnosis. 
• Do Your Research: If you intend on researching, do research through reputable sources such as medical blogs and online communities to help narrow down your experiences and find common ground. 

When it comes to seeking help from your doctor, know that they’re here to help you. Speaking to your doctor about these issues, even while they’re sensitive, gives your healthcare team the best ability they have towards helping you receive treatment.

Weeks have passed since the CDC announced that the Covid-19 vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease and approved it for adults back in April; many researchers are still learning about how effective the vaccines are against the Covid-19 variants, how well the vaccines work for those with weakened immune systems, and how the vaccines can protect people long-term. As the CDC continues to update people regarding the vaccinations, many people waiting for their first or second dose of the vaccine may experience some side effects.

Although you may not be able to choose which vaccine you can get, we can help inform you about the various side effects that may occur once you’ve received your vaccinations and help you prepare for how to proceed knowing you’ve been vaccinated.

How Do The Vaccinations Differ?

Vaccinations from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson have been in constant distribution throughout the United States and the rest of the world. With these three vaccines being authorized by the FDA, understanding what makes each of these different and what side effects are most usual with them can be helpful to know by the time you’re scheduled for your appointment.

Below, we’ll outline these three vaccines available within the US in greater detail and note their side effects:

• Pfizer-BioNTech: As the first vaccine to be approved by the FDA, it has a 95% effectiveness against Covid-19 disease and its symptoms for those without prior infection. It works as a messenger mRNA vaccine, delivering a piece of the genetic code from the virus to the host cells in the body. This relative and new technology allow the cells to gain instructions to create proteins and trigger an immune system response to produce antibodies. It is also reported to be 95% effective against the UK and South African variants. Common side effects include headaches, chills, tiredness, and swelling at the injection site.
• Moderna: As the second authorized vaccine, the Moderna vaccine also uses MRNA technology to help the cells produce proteins and initiate an immune system response. It has a 94.1% effectiveness rate at preventing infection from Covid-19, and because of its laxer storage procedures, the vaccine has become easier to distribute. However, for those 65 and older, the Moderna vaccine was less effective at 86%. Common side effects include chills, headaches, swelling and redness from the vaccination site, muscle pain, and tiredness.
• Johnson & Johnson: Through the Johnson & Johnson company, this vaccine uses a carrier or virus vector to create an immunity response. However, the vaccine does come with a warning about an uncommon but potentially deadly blood-clotting disorder when administered. Because it requires one single shot instead of two, the vaccine is easier to store and has been shown to have an efficiency of 72% overall and 86% against severe disease. Side effects from the vaccine include fatigue, fevers, muscle group pain, and injection site pain.

Protecting Yourself and Others During Covid-19

If you’re considered fully vaccinated, the best resource to follow is the CDC guidelines for protecting yourself and others. If not, please make sure you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or urgent care center for your vaccination today!

The invention of penicillin changed medicine forever, and today, antibiotics are used constantly to treat various infections and diseases. Antibiotics work to destroy the growth of bacteria, and with the numerous options available for treating infections, antibiotics are often misused in cases where people feel sick and miserable. Antibiotics aren’t a complete solution to every time you’re sick, and understanding how antibiotics work can help remove any potential side effects and help you feel better quicker. 

Understanding How Antibiotics Work

Not all antibiotics work to kill off your illness. Antibiotics only work to kill off certain types of bacteria and work to aid the immune system. Our immune systems work to detect and kill strains of bacteria through our white blood cells, and if detected, work to fight off that infection through those white blood cells. However, if the bacteria has been present long enough that it’s spread uncontrollably, then our immune systems can become compromised, causing us to become sick. Antibiotics work to kill off bacteria that have developed to uncontrollable degrees and aids the immune system in destroying the bacteria cell wall and making it disappear completely. 

Antibiotics are a vital part of how we fight off diseases and infections each day, but there are moments when antibiotics won’t work. Overused antibiotics, according to the CDC, can help bacteria strains develop a resistance to the medication. Because bacteria is an ever-evolving organism, antibiotics that are used constantly won’t work against it. For medical professionals, prescribing medications for infections has to be used sparingly to help patients long-term improve their immune systems’ ability to combat disease. 

What To Do When Taking Antibiotics 

If you have any infection causing pain, inflammation, and muscle aches, your primary care doctor probably prescribed you medication. As a general rule, we recommend following your doctor’s advice for your medication, as well as these tips: 

• Follow Medication Instructions: Only take your antibiotics when you need them, and according to the instructions provided by both your doctor and your pharmacy. Take your medication according to the days given, and complete the medication even when you feel better. 
• Understand Its Side Effects: In some cases, you may experience some nasty side effects such as nausea and vomiting with your antibiotics. Understanding your side effects can help you control your symptoms better, and know that these side effects will disappear once you complete taking your medication. 
• Antibiotics Work For Only Bacteria: Antibiotics are considered antibacterial, so infections and diseases caused by viruses will not be affected. In some cases, taking antibiotics can make your viral infection worse. 
• Practice Healthy Living: Wash your hands, follow CDC guidelines for sanitation, and getting vaccinated is your best way to prevent spreading your infection to others and stay healthy. 

If you have any signs of a bacteria infection, speak with your primary care doctor. If you have symptoms that have become more severe within the last few days, visit your urgent local center for treatment.