Illness

As we launch into spring, many people unfortunately find their desire to be outside more enjoying the warmer weather and longer daylight hours impeded by allergies and the possibility of an asthma attack. While the two are often talked about in the same context, they are not the same – although severe allergies my precipitate an asthma attack.

Getting into the water is probably one of almost everyone’s favorite things about summer. However, that favorite “swimming hole,” – whether your backyard or neighborhood pool, a nearby lake, or the ocean – may be hiding some nasty waterborne illnesses which can take the fun out of your water activities.

If you have been outdoors lately, you may have noticed – it’s HOT! Even though we know it’s coming, it seems like really HOT weather can come very quickly, especially here in Texas. Being outdoors in hot weather, especially when the heat is accompanied by high humidity, requires special precautions.

We aren’t the only ones who enjoy the warmer weather – as you continue to enjoy your time outside during the summer months, be wary of the pests who might want to join you. Reports released recently from the CDC revealed that the number of disease cases from mosquito, tick, and flea bites in the US tripled between 2004 and 2016.

You may feel like a sunburn is permanently attached to your list of summer activities—family vacations, beach days, pool parties, camping trips, grill-outs, and sunburns. It’s all part of the fun! But did you know that every sunburn can cause serious damage to your skin over the course of your life?

“‘Tis the season to be sneezing” is the song most Texans will be singing soon—if they aren’t already. Allergy season is upon us, and while it is unavoidable for most people, it doesn’t have to be miserable. That’s right – you don’t have to endure the awful symptoms associated with allergies. As you learn more about seasonal allergies, discover the treatment options that are available to help you feel better faster.

This is the third in a series of blog posts designed to serve as a quick reference guide. Each will focus on a sudden injury or illness and is designed to help you make an informed decision on a plan of action when the unexpected happens. The seal-like, barking, cough that accompanies croup can be scary for both you and your child. You can treat a mild case of croup at home, but more serious cases need to be evaluated by a medical professional. This guide will help you decide.

A quick check of the pollen counts explains the stuffy noses, watery eyes, and throbbing headaches many of us are experiencing lately. Pollen levels have been high nearly every day. During the spring and summer months, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny grains of pollen, which travel through the air and enter the nose and throat, potentially causing an allergic reaction.