First Aid Handbook: Upper Respiratory Infections
Now that fall is here, it’s not uncommon to wake up one morning with that scratchy feeling in the back of your throat or find yourself having a sneezing attack at work. While many of us may experience seasonal allergies at this time of year, colds and upper respiratory infections may also be the cause of symptoms like these. The upper respiratory tract includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, throat, and larynx and an infection may occur in any or all of these passageways.
Joint Pain and Seasonal Change – Is There A Link?
Have you ever heard your grandmother (or another older person) claim she can predict a change in the weather, based on their level of joint pain? Turns out, there may be some scientific support for that claim.
Flu Shot Myths
Have you gotten a flu shot this year? Life happens and it’s easy to put it off until a better time, but here are a few thoughts to help you make the decision to immunize you and your family – today. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says, “Flu vaccinations save lives.”
OUCH – What's that Pain in my Toe?
Ouch! Have you ever woken up with an excruciating pain in your big toe – literally? If this has every happened to you, it may be a symptom of a condition known as gout.
First Aid Handbook: Preventing Fall Flu
Fall officially begins with the autumnal equinox (this year on September 22), when even in Texas our thoughts turn to pumpkin spice [everything!], harvest festivals, scarecrows, sweaters, and [of course] football. While you may not think about flu season until the weather really starts to feel like fall, the best time to get your annual fall flu shot may be earlier than you think.
Do You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder
Does the thought of shorter days and longer nights with the coming fall and winter months cause you to feel more down that you think you should? The changing seasons cause changes in the way we feel as well, but if the feelings linger and you have felt moody and unenergetic for more than a couple of days, you may be experiencing SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.
Every year, Texans brace themselves for hurricane season June 1 – November 30. Even if you don’t live in the Gulf Coast Region, the impact of hurricanes can be far-reaching. If it seems like many of the recent hurricanes (including Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey) to impact the Gulf Coast Region and Texas have occurred in September, that’s because the climatological peak of activity occurs around September 10 each year.
Back to School Health Tips
You may have been turning a blind eye to the back-to-school ads which have been appearing for weeks from Wal-Mart, Target, and other stores, but once the calendar turns to August it’s hard to deny that back-to-school is coming soon!
Healthcare and College – What You Need to Know
As students and parents prepare for the new school year, one thing that may be easy to overlook on your “to do” list is healthcare coverage. With those long lists of books, furnishings, late-night study snacks and beverages, clothes, and everything else, one thing you don’t want to forget is adequate healthcare coverage.
Indoor Activities to Get Your Kids Moving
Thoughts of summer include lots of outdoor fun like pool parties, playing in the sprinklers, baseball and soccer games, and nature hikes. But there are days when it is just too HOT to be outside, especially for little ones. Overheating can happen very quickly on these extremely hot days we’ve had recently. So, what are some ways to get kids – and adults – moving inside, rather than just plopping down in front of the TV?
