Do you think you might have cancer? Is something wrong and your intuition is telling you that it could be something you need to act on? Are you afraid to find out what the changes in your body mean? Don’t be too alarmed; here are some early warning signs to watch for. Early recognition of changes is the key to detection and prevention. These days there are so many treatments for cancer when it is caught early, so if you have changes act quickly and see your physician.
· A chronic cough that does not resolve
· Constant tiredness
· Weight loss, problems with swallowing, or an inability to keep foods down
· Sores that do not heal in the usual amount of time: sores that do not show signs of healing progression
· Lumps or growths that appear, especially if they grow, are irregular in shape, and are NOT painful
· Constant infections
There are so many types of cancer, but the good news is that there are many new treatments these days that can be utilized especially if the cancer is diagnosed early. This involves participation on your part. Knowing your body and then watching for changes that do not resolve is a very important job in determining what is occurring in your body. Changes occur with aging, even in our twenties. Regular physical exams are important, but it is helpful to know your body and to be prepared to take action when changes occur. Don’t wait and worry when you can have an evaluation that will give you some answers. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better are the choices you will have in your pathway to recovery. Take care.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Heat Exhaustion
We all look forward to sunny days and warmer weather each year and plan activities such as exercise, gardening, car washing, and lawn mowing when the weather is better. But, we may not be prepared when we get out in the sunny weather for the potential to develop heat exhaustion. We all think we know our limits and take good care of ourselves, but heat exhaustion can be life threatening and can come on quickly without warning. Here are some things to know this year about preventing heat exhaustion, also called heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by extreme body heat and sweating. A person can develop a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion and blurred vision. All of these symptoms if not treated immediately can lead to fainting and collapse.
Here are some ways to prevent heat exhaustion:
· Heat exhaustion is caused by rapid dehydration or fluid loss. When we get out in the heat and the sun, we tend to sweat and lose body fluids. We need to replenish the fluids frequently with water, or even energy drinks without caffeine that contain sodium and potassium. Water is best.
· Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol has a drying effect and can increase dehydration.
If you find yourself experiencing dehydration and heat exhaustion, here are some things you need to do very quickly:
· Go inside, or into the shade if you are not close to a building. Yell for help if you are outside.
· You need to cool down right away; wet a large towel with cool water if you are at home and place it over your head, shoulders and arms. Wet towels can also be placed under your arms. If someone is with you, have them call for emergency personnel, or now make the call yourself.
· Drink cool fluids, and continue to drink fluids until you feel better. You will need at least 2 liters or 2 quarts to equalize and feel better.
The emergency personnel can give you further advice as you continue the cooling process. We are all tough, but we don’t often know where the boundary lines of danger lie when a new season of sunny weather begins. Try to plan vigorous activities before the noonday sun and when the heat of the day between noon and five o’clock are at their peak.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by extreme body heat and sweating. A person can develop a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion and blurred vision. All of these symptoms if not treated immediately can lead to fainting and collapse.
Here are some ways to prevent heat exhaustion:
· Heat exhaustion is caused by rapid dehydration or fluid loss. When we get out in the heat and the sun, we tend to sweat and lose body fluids. We need to replenish the fluids frequently with water, or even energy drinks without caffeine that contain sodium and potassium. Water is best.
· Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol has a drying effect and can increase dehydration.
If you find yourself experiencing dehydration and heat exhaustion, here are some things you need to do very quickly:
· Go inside, or into the shade if you are not close to a building. Yell for help if you are outside.
· You need to cool down right away; wet a large towel with cool water if you are at home and place it over your head, shoulders and arms. Wet towels can also be placed under your arms. If someone is with you, have them call for emergency personnel, or now make the call yourself.
· Drink cool fluids, and continue to drink fluids until you feel better. You will need at least 2 liters or 2 quarts to equalize and feel better.
The emergency personnel can give you further advice as you continue the cooling process. We are all tough, but we don’t often know where the boundary lines of danger lie when a new season of sunny weather begins. Try to plan vigorous activities before the noonday sun and when the heat of the day between noon and five o’clock are at their peak.
Leg Wounds: Stasis Ulcers
Leg Wounds: Stasis Ulcers
Have you developed open sores on your lower legs and maybe even your feet? Do you have swelling in your lower legs and feet? You may have a condition called stasis ulcers. People with a history of varicose veins, circulatory problems with their heart and lungs, and also those with diabetes may be susceptible to the development of stasis ulcers. Also, people who are overweight and not very active can develop a stasis ulcer.
Stasis ulcers form as a result of fluid accumulation in the tissues of the lower legs and feet. The veins in the legs that usually pump these fluids back up to the top of the body do not work properly, so the fluids build up under the skin and then burst open causing the fluid to weep out of the wound. It is usually a clear colored fluid. The area surrounding the ulcer wound is usually tender and can be painful. These wounds are different from ulcers or bedsores that develop from pressure on a bony area of the ankle or on the heels; pressure ulcers are caused by a lack of blood flow entirely. With stasis ulcers the blood flows down to the area of the lower legs and feet, but cannot flow back up toward the heart; then the fluids from the veins seep out into surrounding tissues and accumulate. If you develop a wound on your legs or feet, please see a physician right away so that a plan of treatment can be determined and worsening of the wound can be prevented.
Most physicians recommend cleansing a stasis ulcer with mild soap and water, then pat dry. Next, a thin layer of petroleum jelly is applied with a cotton swab to the wound to keep bandages from sticking. Then a clean dry gauze square is applied. If there is a lot of fluid draining from the wound, several layers of gauze can be applied. A stretch tubing or “stockinette” type netting is a tube that is slipped over the leg to hold the dressing in place; most physicians prefer not to tape the gauze bandages because the tape can harm the surrounding skin or harm the wound that is trying to heal.
The physician might also prescribe compression stockings to be worn over the dressings during the day. These are strong elastic stockings that compress the fluids back upward and prevent further pooling. They come in different sizes and usually require a measurement for proper fit. They can then be purchased at a medical supply store or a pharmacy. The most important thing about putting these stockings on is to have a smooth fit without wrinkles. Gather them up with two hands and put them on over the toes first, then stretch them upwards as you put them on. It is easier to put these on if you have someone that can help you. They can be taken off at bedtime; most people rinse them out in cool water and hang them on a hanger to dry overnight. They really help prevent further ulcers from developing and can help in the healing process.
Stasis ulcers usually heal in a couple of months with diligent treatment. It is especially helpful to keep your feet and legs up when sitting down. Consult your physician if you notice any of the following:
· Increased redness around the wound
· A change in the fluid that leaks from the wound, from clear to a yellow or green drainage
· Any foul odor coming from the wound that is different
· Appearance of a scab over the wound
· Increased warmth around the wound
Your physician can tell you if you are at risk for developing stasis ulcers; regular checks in the shower of your feet and legs can help identify them early so that treatment and healing can begin.
Have you developed open sores on your lower legs and maybe even your feet? Do you have swelling in your lower legs and feet? You may have a condition called stasis ulcers. People with a history of varicose veins, circulatory problems with their heart and lungs, and also those with diabetes may be susceptible to the development of stasis ulcers. Also, people who are overweight and not very active can develop a stasis ulcer.
Stasis ulcers form as a result of fluid accumulation in the tissues of the lower legs and feet. The veins in the legs that usually pump these fluids back up to the top of the body do not work properly, so the fluids build up under the skin and then burst open causing the fluid to weep out of the wound. It is usually a clear colored fluid. The area surrounding the ulcer wound is usually tender and can be painful. These wounds are different from ulcers or bedsores that develop from pressure on a bony area of the ankle or on the heels; pressure ulcers are caused by a lack of blood flow entirely. With stasis ulcers the blood flows down to the area of the lower legs and feet, but cannot flow back up toward the heart; then the fluids from the veins seep out into surrounding tissues and accumulate. If you develop a wound on your legs or feet, please see a physician right away so that a plan of treatment can be determined and worsening of the wound can be prevented.
Most physicians recommend cleansing a stasis ulcer with mild soap and water, then pat dry. Next, a thin layer of petroleum jelly is applied with a cotton swab to the wound to keep bandages from sticking. Then a clean dry gauze square is applied. If there is a lot of fluid draining from the wound, several layers of gauze can be applied. A stretch tubing or “stockinette” type netting is a tube that is slipped over the leg to hold the dressing in place; most physicians prefer not to tape the gauze bandages because the tape can harm the surrounding skin or harm the wound that is trying to heal.
The physician might also prescribe compression stockings to be worn over the dressings during the day. These are strong elastic stockings that compress the fluids back upward and prevent further pooling. They come in different sizes and usually require a measurement for proper fit. They can then be purchased at a medical supply store or a pharmacy. The most important thing about putting these stockings on is to have a smooth fit without wrinkles. Gather them up with two hands and put them on over the toes first, then stretch them upwards as you put them on. It is easier to put these on if you have someone that can help you. They can be taken off at bedtime; most people rinse them out in cool water and hang them on a hanger to dry overnight. They really help prevent further ulcers from developing and can help in the healing process.
Stasis ulcers usually heal in a couple of months with diligent treatment. It is especially helpful to keep your feet and legs up when sitting down. Consult your physician if you notice any of the following:
· Increased redness around the wound
· A change in the fluid that leaks from the wound, from clear to a yellow or green drainage
· Any foul odor coming from the wound that is different
· Appearance of a scab over the wound
· Increased warmth around the wound
Your physician can tell you if you are at risk for developing stasis ulcers; regular checks in the shower of your feet and legs can help identify them early so that treatment and healing can begin.
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