admin, Author at On Call Medical Clinic

Flu Shots – Get One

flu shot

Flu Shot – Many people question whether they should get a flu shot or not. Many will have an excuse why they shouldn’t have the flu shot.

Well let’s clear up those excuses

I don’t want the shot because it will give me the Flu

This is not true. The flu shot or nasal spray cannot give you the flu. It takes a couple of weeks for the body to be protected from influenzas after receiving the vaccination. So, there is a possibility that you could contract the flu in that timeframe.

It doesn’t really make a difference if I get the flu shot or not.

Again, this is not true. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that vaccinations prevented 79,000 flu hospitalizations and 6.6 million flu-associated illnesses during the influenza season. Complications from the flu can be serious and result in hospitalization, and even death, for some patients. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.

I am not a candidate for the flu vaccine

With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine. Pregnant women, those younger than 5 or older than 65 and people with certain chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu-related complications.

I don’t need the flu shot because I never get sick

Even if you don’t get sick — or only experience mild illness when you are sick — others might not be as lucky. Infants, the elderly and people with multiple medical conditions or weakened immune systems may not be able to fight off Influenza as well as you do.

Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps protect others who may not be able to fight off illness as well as you.

I heard the vaccine has side effects

Side effects of flu vaccination are generally mild. If you get the flu shot, you might feel achy or have redness or soreness where the shot was given. If you get the nasal spray vaccine, you could get a stuffy nose or throat irritation.

Talk with your doctor to find out which type of vaccine is right for you and make sure to let him or her know if you get any of these symptoms. Often, we can recommend supportive measures to help you through these.

But most potential side effects of the vaccine are nothing, compared to how bad you’d feel if you had to suffer through the actual flu.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information helped clear up your concerns about having a flu shot this season. If you are not feeling well or had a minor injury and your primary care doctor is not available please remember we are here 7 days a week to help. We have laboratory and x-ray capability at our office, so w can quickly diagnosis your medical issue. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to learn more about all the medical services we offer. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at 228 818-5155 7 days a week.

Blurry Vision Why?

blurry vision

Blurry Vision- Why could your vision be blurry? We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to provide you some information that may be helpful when this occurs.

You may need glasses. When your eyeball is shaped more like an egg than round, or your cornea or your lens isn’t curved just so, light can’t focus in the right spot. That can lead to seeing clearly only at certain distances (nearsighted and farsighted) and distorted vision (astigmatism). You can often correct these “refractive errors” with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or minor surgery.
Your Eyes may be tired. Have you been staring at a screen or page or focusing on a task for a long time? People tend to blink less often when they’re concentrating like that. And each time you blink, you’re spreading tears across the surface of your eye to keep it lubricated, clean, and refreshed. You may need to remind yourself to blink more often, take breaks, and look around to prevent vision fatigue.
Eye Inflammation. Eye tissue may swell because it’s been bruised or something bad was splashed in it. The herpes virus from a cold sore could move to your eye. Sleeping in your contacts, not cleaning them correctly, or not throwing them away when you should can also lead to infections. Immune system diseases that affect other parts of your body, like psoriasis, IBS, and rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause inflammation in your eye.
Low Blood Pressure. Feeling weak and dizzy, too? Your blood pressure might be too low because you’re dehydrated — maybe from too much activity in the hot sun. Things like some medications, heart problems, poor nutrition, and hormone imbalances could also cause low blood pressure and related blurry vision.
Fluid build-up around your eyes. That can put pressure on the optic nerve and damage it. If you’re also seeing halos around lights, your eyes are very red and hurt a lot, and you feel queasy, you may have acute angle glaucoma. It develops very quickly, and you could lose your vision within a day if it’s not treated. Open-angle glaucoma is more common, but it doesn’t usually affect your vision at first.
Migrate Headaches. About 1/4 of people who have migraines get visual auras, usually before the pain and for less than an hour. These range from shimmering zig-zag lines, sparkles, and flashes to blind spots and tunnel vision. It may seem like you’re looking through water or cracked glass. (You could also have vision symptoms without or after the headache.) If it happens only in one eye, see your doctor in case it’s a serious problem.
You may have Cataracts. That’s a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. They grow slowly, usually in both eyes, after age 55. But younger people, even kids, can get them, too. Colors may seem faded, it may be harder to see at night, and you may be more sensitive to glare. Special glasses and lens coatings can help you see. Surgery can replace the cloudy lens with a man-made one.
Or maybe it’s getting Older. Starting around 40, you’ll notice it’s harder to focus on up-close tasks like reading. The clear lens inside your eye isn’t as flexible as younger people’s. It’s a normal part of aging. Your eye doctor can help you with reading glasses, contacts, or surgery.

These are some of the causes of blurred vision that you may be witnessing. This information was obtained from the WebMD website. We at On Call Medical Clinic hope this information is helpful. We are here 7 days a week to help when minor illnesses or accidents occur. Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about us and all the services we offer.

You may need glasses. When your eyeball is shaped more like an egg than round, or your cornea or your lens isn’t curved just so, light can’t focus in the right spot. That can lead to seeing clearly only at certain distances (nearsighted and farsighted) and distorted vision (astigmatism). You can often correct these “refractive errors” with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or minor surgery.
Your Eyes may be tired. Have you been staring at a screen or page or focusing on a task for a long time? People tend to blink less often when they’re concentrating like that. And each time you blink, you’re spreading tears across the surface of your eye to keep it lubricated, clean, and refreshed. You may need to remind yourself to blink more often, take breaks, and look around to prevent vision fatigue.
Eye Inflammation. Eye tissue may swell because it’s been bruised or something bad was splashed in it. The herpes virus from a cold sore could move to your eye. Sleeping in your contacts, not cleaning them correctly, or not throwing them away when you should can also lead to infections. Immune system diseases that affect other parts of your body, like psoriasis, IBS, and rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause inflammation in your eye.
Low Blood Pressure. Feeling weak and dizzy, too? Your blood pressure might be too low because you’re dehydrated — maybe from too much activity in the hot sun. Things like some medications, heart problems, poor nutrition, and hormone imbalances could also cause low blood pressure and related blurry vision.
Fluid build-up around your eyes. That can put pressure on the optic nerve and damage it. If you’re also seeing halos around lights, your eyes are very red and hurt a lot, and you feel queasy, you may have acute angle glaucoma. It develops very quickly, and you could lose your vision within a day if it’s not treated. Open-angle glaucoma is more common, but it doesn’t usually affect your vision at first.
Migrate Headaches. About 1/4 of people who have migraines get visual auras, usually before the pain and for less than an hour. These range from shimmering zig-zag lines, sparkles, and flashes to blind spots and tunnel vision. It may seem like you’re looking through water or cracked glass. (You could also have vision symptoms without or after the headache.) If it happens only in one eye, see your doctor in case it’s a serious problem.
You may have Cataracts. That’s a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. They grow slowly, usually in both eyes, after age 55. But younger people, even kids, can get them, too. Colors may seem faded, it may be harder to see at night, and you may be more sensitive to glare. Special glasses and lens coatings can help you see. Surgery can replace the cloudy lens with a man-made one.
Or maybe it’s getting Older. Starting around 40, you’ll notice it’s harder to focus on up-close tasks like reading. The clear lens inside your eye isn’t as flexible as younger people’s. It’s a normal part of aging. Your eye doctor can help you with reading glasses, contacts, or surgery.

Women Vitamins Health

women vitamins health

Women are always concerned about what are the best women vitamins to take for women’s health needs. Mother Nature’s blueprint isn’t exactly high-tech, and no matter what sophisticated gadgets we use, certain age-old processes are going to continue, both monthly and over the course of a woman’s lifetime. Fortunately, we’ve evolved nutritionally and learned that along with a clean diet, rich in non-starchy veggies and lean protein, the right supplements can help smooth out the bumpy road of life.

Here are three important women vitamins that women should take.

B Vitamins

They’re essential for healthy metabolism of sugars and starches and for hormone production. They help turn hormones into active or inactive forms, make sure hormones reach the correct destination within a woman’s body, and help eliminate excess hormones to prevent toxicity.

B vitamins are vital for the production of neurotransmitters. “B vitamins also help combat sugar cravings and fatigue.

You should eat whole grains, lean meat, fish and eggs as well as take a B-complex supplement with 25 to 50 mg of vitamins B1, B2, and B5. Also 1,000 mcg of B12. You should always start your day out with these supplements.

Vitamin D3

Low levels of vitamin D, quite prevalent among women. This is linked to greater odds of PMS, death from breast cancer, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, difficult pregnancies, uterine fibroids, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired sugar metabolism, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart disease, postmenopausal loss of bone and muscle. Optimal liver health is necessary for vitamin D absorption.

You should have your vitamin D levels checked and take the proper supplement for your particular needs.

Magnesium

Last magnesium is essential for many processes for a women’s body. Your magnesium can be deleted by too many sodas, caffeine and certain medications. Also, stress can delete this needed vitamin.

You should start with 100 mg daily and increase to 200-800 mg daily. You should cut back if you have loose stools.

If you don’t like the idea of the pill, you can take a bathe in Epsom salts: 2 cups in a warm tub soaking for 15 minutes 3 times a week will work.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that you enjoyed this information. We are here 7 days a week to help when you have minor injuries or sicknesses. We also preform several skin care services here as well. Please visit our website, www.oncallclinic.com to learn about all our services.

Holiday Safety Is Important

holiday safety is important

Holiday Safety-With the holidays here and the colder temperatures, there are steps you should take to stay healthy and safe. By doing so you should be ready to enjoy the holidays. You can brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Here are some helpful steps to take.

Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control.
Get Plenty of Sleep, do your best to avoid that late-night Christmas wrapping.
Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip.
Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives.
Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach.
Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope these tips will help you and your family to have a safe and happy holiday season. Remember when minor accidents or illnesses occur, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here for you 7 days a week. Please visit our website at https://oncallclinic.com to review all the services we offer, including our skincare treatment services/

Dry Skin when the Weather gets Cooler

dry skin

Dry skin when the Weather gets Cooler-The temperatures are dropping, and we are all excited about the Fall Season with not only cooler weather but also the change to show off our Fall wardrobe and enjoy some Football. The weather however changing will bring colder air, harsh winds, and other seasonal factors can lead to issues with your skin.

We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to share some helpful tips that may help you protect you from dry skin with the changing temperatures.

Apply skin moisturizers daily to help prevent the colder air from drying out your skin
Strong winds can strip the skin of its natural lipids, which is the most important part of the skin barrier and helping the skin from drying out. Wearing a hat and applying skin moisture is important when going out doors when the wind is chilly and strong,
The heat in your home can also dry out your skin. A humidifier can help keep moisture in the air.
When lighting a fire in your fireplace, remember to stay far away from the glow and don’t sit in front of the fire too long. The heat from the fire can toast your skin, dead skin builds up quicker in dry heat.
We all like to take a hot shower when coming in from a cold dry air all day. But hot water is actually bad for your skin. Try using lukewarm water instead so to help prevent your skin from drying out. It is best to keep a shower around 10 minutes.
On a cold day, we oven turn to Coffee or Hot Chocolate to warm us up. We probably never realized that it is drying our skin from the inside. Even a Hot Toddy has the same effect, alcohol is a diuretic and has a dehydrating effect on your body. A good solution is to always stay hydrated; with every glass of wine or cup of coffee, it is good to have a glass of water.
Winter clothing can also sometimes be an issue. Wearing wool may make you feel warm and cozy, but it can cause irritation and make you skin itchy. Choose fabrics made with cotton or silk that are softer on your skin.
We all are aware of the damaging effects of the sun in the Summer, well they still exist in the Winter as well. Also insure that you have the correct sunscreen needed when exposing your skin to the sun’s rays.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information was helpful to you when having dry skin when the weather turns cooler. Please remember that we offer many skin care services like Juvederm and Ultherapy. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to see all the skin care services we offer. Also remember when minor illnesses or accidents occur, we are here 7 days a week to help.

Fall Illnesses

fall illnesses

At On Call Medical Clinic we want to make you aware of types of diseases that are prevalent in Autumn. Here are some of the most prevalent fall illnesses during the autumn season:

Influenza
The seasonal flu is consistently one of the most common fall illnesses. People spend more time together indoors, aiding the spread of the virus, and often the general population is unaware that instances of influenza really start to ramp up in autumn as they are in the cold winter months.

Health professionals should work with patients to build an understanding of the importance of the flu shot. Friendly reminders can be effective in minimizing more serious treatment down the line.

Sore Throat

This symptom of fall allergies can follow the flu, a runny nose and/or a nasal drip. These conditions cause irritation of the throat.

Arthritis pain
Weather changes in fall can also be rather volatile, and a drop in atmospheric pressure has been linked to greater discomfort among those living with arthritis. These changes may also cause sinus problems and migraines.
Raynaud Syndrome and heart disease
Raynaud Syndrome is one of the most common fall illnesses, with the most common symptoms associated with this disease such as poor circulation, numbness and swelling. Cooler weather can affect blood flow, and it can be difficult for the body to adapt. Individuals living with heart disease may even experience more pain or difficulty during autumn for similar reasons.
Arthritis pain
Weather changes in fall can also be rather volatile, and a drop in atmospheric pressure has been linked to greater discomfort among those living with arthritis. These changes may also cause sinus problems and migraines.
Sinusitis

Sinusitis is more common in fall weather, and the pain associated with sinus headaches worsens from cold and damp weather,

Phenomenon

Cooler temperatures and emotional stress can lead to blood vessels constricting in your fingers and toes. This phenomenon causes numbness and pain in the extremities.

Regardless of what condition may occur in the fall remember at On Call Medical Clinic we are here 7 days a week to diagnosis and treat your minor illness condition. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to learn about all the medical and skin services we offer.

Itching – What Causes It?

itching

There could be several reasons you are itching. We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to share some reasons why you are itching. These possible reasons may help you discover the case.

Problems with your Thyroid

It’s a gland in your neck that makes a hormone that helps your body store and burn energy. If it doesn’t make enough, you could feel tired, weak, achy, and foggy-headed. You could also get dry, itchy skin. It’s more common in women who might notice changes in their monthly cycle or problems getting pregnant.

Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, your body sends more blood to the skin and stretches it over your belly, which may cause mild itching. You can manage it with loose, breathable clothing, cool baths, and moisturizers. If the itching is very bad, especially on your hands or feet, it could be a more serious condition called cholestasis. It’s caused by a buildup of bile salts from your liver. Tell your doctor about this.

Diabetes

Skin problems are sometimes the first sign of this disease. If you’re itchy, it could be a yeast infection or dry skin, among other things. When circulation is the problem, your lower legs may be the itchiest. It’s important to treat your diabetes, but you can also soothe the itch if you take shorter showers or baths, use mild soap, and moisturize afterward.

Pinched Nerve

This could be the cause if you have an itchy patch with no rash in just one area of your body. It can happen in a fall or an accident or because you repeat a movement too much, like typing. An infection might lead to swelling that presses on a nerve. Sometimes it goes away with rest, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy, but you may need surgery if you have a serious case.

Mediation

They sometimes cause a reaction that makes you itch. You may have a rash, but not always. Sometimes your skin looks normal and itches anyway. Typical culprits include antibiotics, antifungals, antimalarials, and narcotic pain drugs like opioids. Talk to your doctor about this.

Lack of Iron

It causes anemia, which means you don’t have enough red blood cells. That may make you tired, weak, and short of breath. And your skin could get pale and itchy. You can get iron from red meat, beef liver, oysters, and dark chocolate. And manufacturers add it to breakfast cereals. Ask your doctor about how to avoid foods and medications that make it harder to absorb iron and find out if supplements are a good idea for you.

Restless Leg Syndrome

It may feel as if the tissue deep under your skin is crawling, creeping, aching, tingling, or itching. You get a strong urge to move your leg, especially if you’ve been still a while. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but it could have something to do with a brain chemical called dopamine. There are medications that can treat it.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information will be helpful to help answer some questions about itching. We gathered this information from the WebMD website. Please remember that we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help when you have a minor illness or injury. Our well-trained professional staff is here ready to help. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to review all the medical and skin care services we offer.

Food Allergies – Are They Common

food allergies

Food allergies are a common occurrence throughout America. We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to share some important information about food allergies that may be helpful.

More than 50 million Americans have an allergy of some kind. Food allergies are estimated to affect 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Food allergy symptoms are most common in babies and children, but they can appear at any age.

The body’s immune system keeps you healthy by fighting off infections and other dangers to good health. A food allergy reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a food or a substance in a food, identifying it as a danger and triggering a protective response.

While allergies tend to run in families, it is impossible to predict whether a child will inherit a parent’s food allergy or whether siblings will have a similar condition.

Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe. A food that triggered only mild symptoms on one occasion may cause more severe symptoms at another time.

The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis — a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction that can impair your breathing, cause a dramatic drop in your blood pressure and affect your heart rate. Anaphylaxis can come on within minutes of exposure to the trigger food. It can be fatal and must be treated promptly with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline).

Below are the most common foods that cause allergies in people.

Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat and Soy.

Certain seeds, including sesame and mustard seeds, also are common food allergy triggers and considered a major allergen in some countries.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may involve the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory tract. They can surface in one or more of the following ways:

Vomiting and/or stomach cramps
Hives
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Repetitive cough
Shock or circulatory collapse
Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing
Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to talk or breathe
Weak pulse
Pale or blue coloring of skin
Dizziness or feeling faint

Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock; reactions may simultaneously affect different parts of the body (for example, a stomachache accompanied by a rash)

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope this information was helpful. We gathered this information from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology’s website. Please remember that we are here 7 days a week when you need us. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn about all the services we offer as well as skin care services.

Flu Season – Should I get a Shot

flu shot

Flu Season – Many people question whether they should get a flu shot or not. Many will have an excuse why they shouldn’t have the flu shot.

Well let’s clear up those excuses

I don’t want the shot because it will give me the Flu

It doesn’t really make a difference if I get the flu shot or not.

I am not a candidate for the flu vaccine

I don’t need the flu shot because I never get sick

Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps protect others who may not be able to fight off illness as well as you.

I heard the vaccine has side effects

But most potential side effects of the vaccine are nothing, compared to how bad you’d feel if you had to suffer through the actual flu.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information helped clear up your concerns about having a flu shot this season. If you are not feeling well or had a minor injury and your primary care doctor is not available please remember we are here 7 days a week to help. We have laboratory and x-ray capability at our office, so we can quickly diagnosis your medical issue. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to learn more about all the medical services we offer. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at 228 818-5155 7 days a week.

Hurricane Season -Midst of Worst Months

hurricane season

Hurricane Season is not over? In fact, August through October lately have been the worst months for hurricanes. This means that now is a good time to start preparing for this last stretch of months with potential hazardous storm systems coming your way. What precautions should you take for Hurricane Season?

Stock up on emergency supplies for Hurricane Season

Do not wait for the hurricane warning to be blaring across your television before you rush to the store for emergency supplies. Often useful items like generators, bottled water, and batteries fly off the shelf before a big storm. Beat the rush and have these products at home already so you can focus on fortifying your house instead of running to the crowded store. Good things to have on hand are flash lights, batteries, camp lights, water, and nonperishable food. A first aid kit is a must. A battery-powered radio would be another smart purchase since when power is lost, emergency information is broadcasted over the radio.

Fill up the pantry with non-perishables for Hurricane Season

It is important to make sure you can still eat without needing to use an oven. A portable butane burner or a grill could be used to boil water. Dried fruit and vegetables are also good buys to make sure you are having an appropriate nutrition intake. Canned food is also a cost-effective way to stay full when you can’t cook. Emergency food has made great advances in the recent years. Check out these freeze-dried entrees: just add hot water, and in just a few minutes they become tasty home cooked meals. Most of these freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years!

Prepare your house for Hurricane Season

Head to the store and grab enough plywood and nails for all your windows if your home doesn’t have storm shutters. When the strong hurricane winds come, they will help protect your home from some costly damage. Also, fill your bathtubs with water in the event of water being cut off.

Know the Hurricane Season plan.

Become familiar with all evacuation routes if you are seaside. Also, evaluate your flood risk using this FEMA portal. If your area is calling for an evacuation, be smart. Do not risk staying in town hoping to ride out a storm if the local authorities are announcing a state of emergency. It is better to go through the inconvenience in traffic than to be trapped at home amid flood waters.

If you have any minor illnesses or accidents that you need immediate care for whether before or after the storm, please remember we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. Please call us at 228 818-5115, one of our medical experts is ready to take your call. You may visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com/ to review all the services we offer. covered today.