Home Remedies for Summer Bug Bites

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

wasp bug bites-475238867 Warm weather is inviting and motivates us to spend more time outside, but it also serves as an invitation to insects that thrive outdoors during the summer. Your encounters with bugs that bite such as ants, bees, wasps, mosquitos and ticks, will become more difficult to avoid during these months. When they attack, the results can be irritating, itchy, painful or in severe cases, life threatening.

There are several home remedies that you can try to help bring relief, reduce swelling and prevent infection in minor cases. Before trying these home remedies, you should first try to identify what caused the bite. Look for tell- tale signs that are synonymous with the culprit. Here are a few signs that will help you to identify these bugs and their bites-followed by suggested home remedies.

1. Mosquitoes– Round, red bumps with an insatiable itch.

Remedies- Aloe vera gel, rubbing alcohol and witch hazel can help relieve the itching. Preparation H is also known to relieve the itch and reduce inflammation. Honey can be dabbed on the skin to prevent the bite from getting infected.

2.Ticks- Red welts; however, if a tick carrying Lyme disease bites you, it will usually leave a circular rash around the bite. This resembles a bull’s eye target.

Remedies-Remove the tick with a sterilized fine-tipped tweezer, if a tweezer is not available cover your fingers with tissue paper (you should never remove a tick with your bare hands). Wash the bitten area with warm water and soap. Apply ice to relieve pain, itching or swelling. An application of antibiotic ointment and a bandage will help with irritation. For the next few days continue to inspect the area for signs of a bite from a tick that carries Lyme disease.

3.Bees or wasps- In most cases, the area where you have been stung will become red and swollen with white surrounding the site of the sting. The area may also feel hot to the touch and have a lingering dull pain.

Remedies- Remove the stinger as soon as possible. Apply ice or a wet cloth to the site to help relieve pain and swelling. Over the counter medications such as antihistamines and pain killers work well for pain relief.

4.Ants- A sharp pain and burning sensation at the site, followed by painful and itchy red bumps or blisters.

Remedies- Applying ice can reduce the swelling. Diluted tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol and calamine lotion can help with the maddening itch. To prevent infection of the site, baking soda and water made into a paste or apple cider vinegar is recommended.

Trying these home remedies can help you treat bites from these unwelcomed summer pests but prevention is always best. Keep in mind; these remedies are for minor reactions only-more serious reactions require immediate medical attention.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Unusual but True – Werewolf Syndrome

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Werewolf Syndrome does exist but it is not what Hollywood or science fiction depicts it to be. Werewolf syndrome is medically known as hypertrichosis. It is a disorder that is characterized by excessive body hair. Typically the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are covered in dense hair, which can resemble fur. In some cases hair growth can be localized to a specific body part such as the back, elbows or ears.

Hypertrichosis can be classified into three main subcategories: congenital hypertrichosis terminalis, Naevoid hypertrichosis and congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa.

Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis- Is often associated with gingival hyperplasia, which causes those that are afflicted to have very few teeth or soft voices.
Naevoid hypertrichosis – Symptoms may include excessive beard growth (men and women), a heavy unibrow, hairy ears and in some cases with underlying spina bifida-a tail on the lower back.
Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa- This form of hypertrichosis is extremely rare and is characterized by excessive hair at birth. There have only been about 50 cases reported globally since the middle ages.

Some possible conditions believed to cause hypertrichosis are metabolic disorders or genetic disorders caused by spontaneous mutations. The recommended treatment for this condition is hair removal because it is usually considered a cosmetic problem.

Viral Hepatitis “The Silent Epidemic”- How Dangerous is This Disease?

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The medical community has labeled viral hepatitis, “The Silent Epidemic,” because there are millions of people living in the United States with some form of the disease. What is most alarming is 65% of these people are unaware that they are infected and are unknowingly contributing to the rapid spread of the virus.

Viral hepatitis is characterized by the inflammation of the liver and is most commonly caused by the hepatitis A, B or C virus. Each type of hepatitis has its severities and can develop into chronic or life-threatening conditions, such as liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis (scarring and dysfunction of the liver). While the degree of severity may differ with each strain, the advanced symptoms that present themselves are similar.

Symptoms may include:

Dark urine
Diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes and tongue)
Weight loss
Itchy skin
Light colored feces
Muscle or joint pain

Transmission of viral hepatitis differs with each form of the virus.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) – Is caused by consuming infected food and water or anal to oral contact during sex. Prevention includes washing your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, drinking bottled or treated water and eating food that has been thoroughly cleaned.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) – Is a sexually transmitted disease. HBV is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. It is spread by contact with bodily fluids such as blood or semen. Prevention includes practicing safe sex, using clean syringes, tattoo or acupuncture needles and not sharing personal items such as razor or toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) – Is transmitted by direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease. Prevention includes covering wounds, not sharing personal effects such as razors, manicure equipment or toothbrushes and using sterilized needles.

It is important for people to know their status and help combat the rapid acceleration of viral hepatitis. Public health organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) encourage people to get screened for the disease whether or not they are displaying symptoms. Individuals who are infected should seek treatment and exercise methods to prevent transmission.Health organizations are also increasing their efforts in educating the public about Hepatitis by promoting campaigns during Hepatitis Awareness Month, which is designated as May in the United States.

7 Amazing Facts About Your Lips

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

1. The color of your lips is caused by visible blood capillaries under your skin. They are visible because the lips have one of the thinnest layers of skin on the body.
2. They are the most sensitive part on your body-they have over 1 million nerve endings.
3.Lips never sweat- because they do not have sweat glands.
4. They get thinner as you get older.
5.They are unique- like finger prints.
6.They are the only parts of the body where the inside extends to the outside. The membrane that makes up the inner lips also makes the outer lips.
7.The dip above your upper lip is called the Philtrum

Facts About AFib (Atrial Fibrillation)

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is a type of heart arrhythmia (an irregularity in the rhythm of the heart), which is caused by a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system rhythmically contracts the upper chambers (atria) of the heart in synergy with the lower chambers (ventricles). However, with AFib the heart’s two upper chambers contract rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers.

Each person’s experience with AFib may differ; some people may have no symptoms, while others may have incidents of:

Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

If you are frequently experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician. Your doctor will run the following to diagnose atrial fibrillation: electrocardiogram, trans- telephonic monitor, holter monitor or portable event monitor testing.

If symptoms are ignored and AFib goes untreated it can develop into serious health complications such as:

Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Pulmonary embolism
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension
Stroke

There are many options available to treat or improve the symptoms of AFib. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help in controlling the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke and normalizing the rhythm of the heart. He or she may also recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet, as well as several lifestyle changes which can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Car Accidents Still A Leading Cause of Death in Children

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Despite growing public service advertising campaigns and state enforced child restraint laws, information collected from agencies such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports the notion that parents still need to do more to protect their children while driving. According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are still a leading cause of death and injury among children in the United States.

Further investigation has shown that one in every three children involved in a fatal car accident was not buckled up or incorrectly restrained. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper use of car safety restraints such as car seats, booster seats or seat belts.

It is estimated that proper usage of car seats reduces the risk of death for babies by 54%. In children between the ages of four to eight years old the use of booster seats decreases the risk of premature death by 45%. In older children the proper use of seat belts reduces fatalities by approximately 50%.

Safety precautions vary with children’s ages. Parents need to practice and enforce appropriate seat belt, car and booster seat use. By following these tips they can reduce the risk of injuries if involved in a car accident.

Children under the age of one: Children should always be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Ages one to three: Your child should continue using a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the recommended height requirement suggested by the car seat manufacturer.
Ages four to seven: If your child has outgrown the recommended height requirement for a rear-facing car seat, they can graduate to a forward-facing car seat that is secured with a harness and seat belt.
Ages seven to twelve: Once your child has outgrown the car seat it’s time to use a booster seat. Continue to use the booster seat until they fit properly in a seatbelt. To ensure that the seat belt is a proper fit, make certain that the shoulder belt lies snugly across the shoulder and chest and the lap belt lies across the upper thighs.

To learn more about child car safety please use resources provided by organizations such as the NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov), the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ www.healthychildren.org.

Health and Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

coconut oil -176906001 The use of coconut oil has grown in popularity over the years. It has been discovered that ingesting the oil or using it topically has countless benefits. The benefits are often attributed to its healthy saturated fats such as lauric, caprylic and capric acid. Coconut oil is also composed of linoleic acid, poly-phenols, oleic acid, several essential minerals such as iron, as well as vitamins such as E and K. It is also known to have many anti-fungal, anti- bacterial, anti-parasitic and anti- oxidant properties.

Studies have shown that coconut oil can improve thyroid and heart function, insulin levels and several skin conditions. Whether you choose to ingest coconut oil or use it topically it can provide these additional benefits to your health:

Promotes weight loss– The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) contained in coconut oil boosts the metabolism and increases energy.
Lowers cholesterol– It has been shown that the lauric acid increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.
Improves digestion– It supports the absorption of nutrients during the digestive process.
Improves hair and scalp condition– Coconut oil provides the hair and scalp with optimal hydration. It is often used as a conditioner to repair damaged hair and maintain lustrous locks. It also serves as an effective anti-dandruff agent because of anti –fungal properties.
Promotes healthy skin– This essential oil can moisturize, treat and soothe dry skin. It is rich in vitamin E which prevents premature aging and wrinkling. Coconut oil is sometimes used in the treatment of eczema, acne and psoriasis.
Improves Immunity- Lauric and caprylic acid contains anti-viral properties and anti- bacterial properties which can help in strengthening the immune system.

There are several forms of coconut oil available for purchase; however, experts highly recommend the use of fresh-pressed virgin coconut oil because it is the least refined, is extracted from fresh coconuts and is of a higher quality. It is also easy to digest.

Be sure to talk to your physician about adding coconut oil to your daily diet or applying it on your body.

True or False? A lack of sleep can lead to death

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

insomnia-502559447 The answer is true, but only in rare circumstances and in uncommon conditions such as fatal familial insomnia (FFI). This genetic disorder causes affected individuals to suffer from chronic insomnia. People who suffer from FFI often describe the disease as being in a constant state of wakefulness; it’s as if the brain has forgotten how to sleep. Symptoms that are associated with FFI are high blood pressure, episodes of hyperventilation, sexual and urinary tract dysfunction. The consistent lack of sleep experienced during this disease also leads to the deterioration of mental function and motor skills. Unfortunately there are no treatments available and the disease ultimately causes premature death. Death can occur within a few months to a few years.

Are You Having Difficulty Breathing While At Work?

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Do you experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness while you are at work? Do these symptoms seem to go away when you are on vacation or away from work? There is a possibility that you may have a condition called occupational asthma.

As defined by Medicine.net, “Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by exposure to a particular substance in the workplace. Occupational asthma is not the same as previously diagnosed asthma that is worsened by being at work (this condition would be called work-aggravated asthma).”

There are several substances or triggers that can cause occupational asthma attacks. The most common are chemicals used in insulation, packing materials, paints or resins. Other irritants include metals such as nickel sulfate, smoke, gases and plant substances such as wheat, hemp or cotton.

Additional symptoms of this disease can include: inflammation of the lining around the eyes, runny nose, tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. Symptoms may get worse during the work week and go away after you have left work. They can also continue to occur both at work and outside of work. The longer you are exposed to the cause of the asthma attacks is the more likely you can develop long-lasting symptoms.

Some people are more at risk for developing occupational asthma. You may have an increased risk if you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you have a pre- existing asthma or allergy condition, you are a smoker or you work in an environment that has asthma triggers.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of occupational asthma it is advised that you see a physician as soon as possible because asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Upon your visit to the doctor, he (she) may perform a series of tests such as pulmonary function, spirometry or peak flow measurement. Treatments and suggestions may include wearing a mask or respirator while working as well as prescribed medications.

To make an appointment with the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Facts and Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

acupuncture 115527170 The practice of acupuncture originated in China and can be traced as far back as 2,500 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and illness occurs when the energy (Chi) which flows throughout the body along pathways (meridians) is blocked or interrupted. Inserting very thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body will unblock that energy, allowing it to flow freely and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment with traditional western medicine. It is commonly known to help relieve pain and nausea; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that acupuncture is effective in providing therapeutic treatment for an estimated 28 health conditions.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments are:

Depression
Rheumatoid arthritis
Peptic ulcers
Acute and chronic gastritis
Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
Stroke
Renal colic

As with any form of medical treatment there are risks associated with acupuncture. This treatment can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. If needles are unsterilized you may run the risk of contracting an infection. It is possible, although very rare for needles to break and cause damage to internal organs or needles to be inserted too deeply into the upper back or chest causing lungs to collapse. It is advised that you seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist as this will ensure that required guidelines are being followed.

Generally speaking acupuncture is safe and can be combined as a method of treatment with traditional medicine. Speak with your physician to further discuss the safety of acupuncture and how it can potentially benefit your health.