General Health Articles

In the News Understanding RSV – Part II

Continued from Part I… 

What is the treatment for RSV?

While there is no specific routine treatment for an RSV infection, doctors will offer suggestions on how to manage RSV symptoms, such as how to reduce fever or how to use saline drops to help clear a stuffy nose. Doctors may also suggest IVs, oxygen, or a breathing machine. 

Is there a vaccine or immunization for RSV?

Currently there is no vaccine or immunization for RSV, although scientists are working daily to come up with a vaccine. 

Isn’t RSV just a virus that children get?

Many think that RSV is a disease for infants and children. RSV causes approximately 100-500 deaths each year in children less than 5 years old; it also causes an estimated 14,000 deaths annually in adults aged 65 years and older. 

How long does it take for RSV to go away?

It usually takes 7 to 10 days for RSV to clear up on its own. Sometimes that can be shortened with breathing treatments and saline drops. 

How can I alleviate my symptoms of RSV?

• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Keeping your child upright as much as possible.
• Using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to keep air moist.
• Using saline drips or a nasal rinse to ease sinus congestion.
• Managing pain with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Staying away from cigarette smoke.  

How can I prevent RSV?

Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and clean frequently touched surfaces. 

In the News Understanding RSV – Part I

If you have listened to any medical broadcast over the past few months, then you have certainly heard the letters RSV. But what do you know about RSV? In this two-part article, we hope to provide you with a full understanding of what RSV is, signs, symptoms, treatments and how you can help yourself and those around you from getting RSV.

What does RSV stand for?

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a contagious virus that is usually mild but can severely affect the lungs and respiratory airways.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can last up to two weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults. RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, and tiredness.

How does RSV spread?

Like some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks – even after they stop showing symptoms. 

Can you get RSV more than once?

Yes, people can get RSV multiple times throughout their life. 

How is RSV diagnosed?

Since most cases of RSV are mild, tests are usually not required to diagnose infection. However, depending on your medical history and the time of year, your doctor may obtain a sample with a buccal swab or do a blood test to look for the presence of viruses and check the white blood cell count. In more severe cases and where hospitalization is required, your doctor may perform a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for pulmonary complications.

Continued in Part II…

Healthy Living What Your Feet Say About Your Health

As odd as it may seem, your feet may be the window to your overall body health. Here are some things to look for regarding your feet that will give you clues that there may be other important body issues to investigate.

Thick, yellow toenails 

Toenails are not supposed to be thick and/or yellow.  Thick, yellow nails are most often an indication of a fungal infection living beneath your toenails.  People that have other medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other immune deficiencies are more likely to get a fungal infection than those that do not have these conditions.  To treat thick, yellow toenails, you will need to consult a podiatrist.  While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for thick, yellow toenails, by the time your nails are already discolored and thick it is too late for any over-the-counter creams or medicines to work. You must discuss your options with a professional.

No hair on your feet or toes 

If your feet or toes are lacking hair, it can be a sign of having poor circulation because of vascular disease.  If you notice that your feet and toes do not have any hair on them, you will want to consult your doctor to find out ways to improve your circulation thereby reducing your risk of acquiring vascular disease.

A wound that won’t heal on your foot  

Wounds on your feet that just won’t heal could be an indication of diabetes.  Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious nerve damage in your feet and because of this damage you may not feel when you have a sore or a wound on your foot.  If your wound continues to go unhealed there could be major problems, including amputation.  If you notice a wound that won’t heal on your feet, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss your wound.  If you are currently living with or being treated for diabetes, be sure to check your feet often and mark any changes.

In the News Best Resolutions for 2023 – Part II

(Continued from Part I…)

• Enroll in courses to gain more knowledge and to learn new skills or improve your current one.
• Start your own business.
• Get out of your shell, make new friends, and find ways to become more confident.
• Travel more, even if that means taking short trips or traveling within the city in which you live.
• Make better financial decisions this year by saving money, becoming more conscious about your spending, budgeting, investing, etc.
• Reduce social media use.
• Quit bad habits that have been holding you back like substance abuse, procrastination, and self-sabotage.
• Let go of toxic friends and unhealthy relationships.
• Read more books.
• Adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Give back to the community through donations, volunteering, and doing random acts of kindness.  

New Year’s Resolutions act as a guide for how you want your life to be for the next 365 days. You can also adjust as the year goes along. If you find something you can do to improve your life in the middle of the year, you don’t have to wait until next year to implement it. 

Happy New Year and Here’s to a Successful 2023.

In the News Best Resolutions for 2023 – Part I

Every year when the calendar flips to January 1, everyone starts thinking about their New Year’s Resolution. For the past couple years though, many people have given up on resolutions because the pandemic caused many to think that it was pointless to make a resolution when life is so unpredictable. 

Experts say though that it is still important to make resolutions. They say that you should adjust your expectations, be realistic and make achievable resolutions for 2023. 

Here are some of the best resolutions you can make for a successful New Year. 

• Get more organized at home and at work.
• Stop worrying about what others think and things you cannot control.
• Start living in the moment.
• Establish a work-life balance and spend more time with family and people who mean the most to you.
• Lead a healthier lifestyle by starting a fitness program, eating a healthier diet, and protecting your mental health.
• Start standing up for yourself.
• Become more optimistic.
• Quit an unfulfilling job and change careers.
• Make yourself a priority this year by giving yourself a makeover, learn how to put yourself first more often, and taking time off work for “me time”.
• Stop holding grudges, forgive others and let go of the past.
• Try new things even if they seem scary.
• Learn when to say yes and, also when to say no. 

(Continued in Part II…)