admin, Author at On Call Medical Clinic

Summer Illnesses – Be Careful

summer illnesses

For most people, the warm Summer months means fun in the Sun. From trips to the beach, to lazy days by the pool, to hiking in the woods, and finally to grilling out in the evenings. But this fun can come to an abrupt halt due to a common summer illness.

Here are 5 common Summer Illnesses you need to watch out for:

Bug Bites – Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and spiders become more active during the hot summer months. Bites from these insects can cause illnesses and infections. Mosquitoes transmit viruses such as West Nile and the Zika virus as well as yellow fever. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Recreational Water Illnesses- There are different types of bacteria that can be transmitted through water used for recreational purposes such as hot tubs, swimming pools, and lakes. These bacteria can cause infections. Some of the most common diseases transmitted through water are Giardia, Crypto, Norovirus, and E. Coli. Swimmers ear is caused by water trapped in the ear canal that grows bacteria, making this a painful situation.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac- When hiking, camping in the woods, or just working in your yard, your chances increase that you will coming in contact with one of these. People who are allergic to these poisonous plants experience a red, itchy, and uncomfortable rash.
Food Poisoning- The warm summer temperatures are a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and live on your foods. You need to be careful not to let your outdoor prepared foods have any less protection that the meals you cook indoors have. For example, keeping them refrigerated if needed prior to eating. Also, insure that you wash your hands as you would when preparing food in your kitchen.
Heat- related illnesses. Heat related illnesses occur when your body loses the ability to cool itself off typically due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures.

We at On Call Medical Clinic are glad to share this information with you. We are here 7 days a week if summer illnesses occur and you need immediate help. Our trained medical staff is ready to help get you relief quickly so that you can continue to enjoy your Summer Fun.

Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Also, visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the services we offer.

Skin Care in the Spring and Summer

skin care

Skin Care in The Spring and Summer. Well it’s Spring and Summer time is right around the corner which means fun in the sun. With more of your body exposed and the summer sun rays you have more of a chance to damage your skin.

Here are some summer skin tips that can help you keep your skin looking good.

Exfoliate for a cleaner and smoother skin. What this does is remove dead, dulling skin to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.
Keep your skin hydrated. Increase your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, that can be used one or two times per week,
Drink Plenty of Water. With higher temperatures while you are spending more time outdoors, internal dehydration can result in headaches and dizzy spells. Drink 8- 8 oz glasses of plain filtered water everyday day.
Always apply enough sunscreen. Most of the time we don’t apply enough sunscreen. Here is what you should apply. One teaspoon for your face and for your body about as much as would fill a shot glass. You should re-apply this every 2 hours.
Soothe Over Exposed Skin. If you didn’t apply enough sunscreen the damage may already be too late. However, you do not need to suffer. Soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness.
Be sure and Repair and treat sun damage.UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.

We hope this information was helpful. Here at On Call Medical Clinic we offer a full array of skin treatments from Botox, to Laser Hair Removal, to Juvederm, and finally to Ultherapy. Please call us at any time with skin care questions that we may be able to help you with. We are open 7 days a week. You are welcome to visit our website at www.oncallskincare.com to learn more about the skin care treatments we offer.

Watermelon – Wow How Healthy

watermelon

Did you know that watermelon is not just a fun summer fruit to enjoy? Did you realize that watermelon has many nutrients to help us?

Here are many of the benefits of enjoying watermelon.

Loaded with Lycopene – these e cheery red color comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show it may help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or veggie — even tomatoes. To load up on lycopene, choose a melon with bright red flesh rather than yellow or orange. And the riper, the better. Also, seedless melon tends to have more lycopene than those with seeds

Sun Benefit- Some pigments help protect plants from the sun. Oddly enough, just eating them may shield your skin, too — at least a little. The lycopene in watermelon may make it less likely that you get sunburned. But that’s not for sure, so keep using your broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every day.

Heart Healthy- Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks. Of course, your whole lifestyle affects your heart health. So, make sure you also work out, don’t smoke, limit saturated fat, and keep up with your doctor’s advice.

Joint Protection- Watermelon has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.

Eye Health – Just one serving of watermelon gives you more than 30% of the vitamin A you need each day. This nutrient is one of the keys to keeping your eyes healthy. Foods are the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Sweet Hydration- Juicy watermelon is 92% water, so it’s a simple way to help stay hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water. Even a small shortage can make you feel sluggish. If you get really dehydrated, it can become serious enough that you need to get fluids by IV.

We at On Call Medical Clinic obtained this information from the WebMD website, we hope this information will be helpful to you. Please remember we are here when minor injuries or illnesses occur that your primary care physician is not available. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about all the medical and skin care services we offer.

Aging Gracefully and Healthy

aging gracefully

Aging Gracefully and Healthy- Aging is a process that we will all have to go through. But there are ways to help you through this process, when dealing with the following occurrences that happen as we get older. Here are some tips.

Aches & Pains- Whether it’s an old injury that keeps flaring up or the start of arthritis, you’re more likely to feel a few aches more often as you age. Regular movement can ease pain and make your joints more flexible. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai-chi. Heating pads or ice packs can help, too. If those don’t give you enough relief, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medicines, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Wrinkles- These show up as your skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic. But some things can make them worse, like smoking and ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning bed. To ease these signs of aging, protect your skin from the sun, and if you smoke, quit. Some skin products, like moisturizers or prescription retinoids, might make wrinkles less noticeable. But you’ll need to give them time to work — most need 6 weeks to 3 months to show results. A dermatologist can help you know what would work best for you.

Dry Skin- Sun protection and quitting smoking will help this problem, too. So, will watching how much alcohol you drink — it can dehydrate you. It’s a good idea to keep showers or baths to less than 10 minutes and to use warm water instead of hot. Then put a heavy, oil-based moisturizer all over your body right away.

Loss of Muscle- Many people lose strength and endurance as they get older, but the reason isn’t really about the aging process. Many people just stop working key muscles. The phrase “use it or lose it” applies here, so see if you can start weight training to build up your strength. Regular exercise, like walking, gardening, or swimming, can help, too. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day — you can split it into two 15-minute sessions if that works better for you.

Sleep Changes- Your need for shut-eye doesn’t change as you age, but your ability to get it can. Older people tend to have a harder time falling asleep, have shorter stretches of deep sleep, and wake up more often in the middle of the night. Coffee and alcohol can cause those issues, so cutting back on those can help. And it’s important to keep health conditions that can affect your sleep, like high blood pressure or GERD, under control. Talk with your doctor if you often have trouble sleeping.

Weight Gain- As you get older, you don’t burn calories like you used to. But you can counter that slower metabolism by being more active and watching what and how much you eat. Make fruits, vegetables, and leaner protein key parts of your diet. Also, limit sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. And keep an eye on portion sizes.

Stay on Top of Your Health – Most older adults have at least one health problem, like heart disease or diabetes. If you do, it’s important to go for regular checkups, keep your prescriptions filled, and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Checkups are key even if you don’t have a health condition, so you can spot any issues early and get tips for staying healthy.

These are just a few tips that can help you be able to enjoy life as you get older.

We at On Call Medical Clinic obtained this information from the WebMD website, we hope this information will be helpful to our older patients as they are aging gracefully and healthy,Please remember we are here when minor injuries or illnesses occur that your primary care physician is not available. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about all the medical and skin care services we offer.

Fatty Fish a Great Source of Omega-3

fatty fish

Fatty fish are the best sources of two of the three most important omega-3s (EPA and DHA). These fatty acids are considered the good fats, unlike the bad saturated fats in meat. They may deliver huge health benefits for your heart, brain, lungs, and circulation. High doses can help slow plaque buildup in your arteries and lower some types of fat in your blood. Lean fish like cod, catfish, and mahi mahi have less fat in their tissues, so they pack less fatty acids.

Here are some of the best fish to eat:

Albacore Tuna

You should eat oily fish 1-2 times a week. A serving is about 3.5 ounces cooked, depending on your weight. Canned tuna in a sandwich or salad is a quick fix. Albacore has about 3 times as much omegas as skipjack or “light” stuff. A great fatty fish.

Farmed Salmon

There’s a good reason why salmon is a poster star for heart-healthy fish. And those raised in fish farms have some of the highest levels of omega-3s of any seafood. Bonus: They’re usually much cheaper than wild salmon and are another great fatty fish.

Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is still a great source of omegas. They’re an especially good pick for pregnant and nursing women because, like farmed salmon, they tend to have lower levels of mercury, PCB, and other toxins.

Atlantic Herring

It’s often pickled in vinegar and eaten throughout Scandinavia and parts of Europe. You can also pickle the fillets in wine or cream.

Mussels

They’re loaded with fatty acids. In fact, make mussels a top pick if you like seafood that comes in shells, not with scales. Ounce for ounce, they have way more omegas than lobster, clams, shrimp, and scallops.

Anchovies

The Spanish marinate them with their silvery skins in oil and vinegar for a tapas called boquerones and eat them with bread and beer. Like herring, these tiny guys put up big numbers for omega-3s.

Swordfish

Their meaty and mild meat is perfect for grilling. But you need to be careful eating swordfish. They eat smaller fish. They pick up more mercury and other pollutants from their diet. When you eat seafood with high levels of methylmercury in their tissues, it can affect your brain and your nervous system. It can be especially harmful to unborn babies and infants. Children and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid swordfish, along with shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and marlin.

Sardines

You can buy them fresh or in a can. Because they’re smaller and live short lives, they’ve got far less mercury built up in their flesh than larger, older fish.

We hope this information was helpful. Remember for all those minor illnesses or injuries, We at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about all the medical services we offer as well as skin care treatments.

Laser Hair Removal

laser hair removal

If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering. We at On Call Medical Clinic preform safe Laser Hair Removal. We can remove hair from your back, bikini area, chest, neck, shoulders, face, especially the upper lip and chin.

Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light. That destroys the hair.

Here are the benefits of laser hair removal:

Precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.

Speed. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour.

Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions.

How Should You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is more than just ”zapping” unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure. We at On Call Medical Clinic will be glad to share many important facts about the procedure as well as our credentials.

If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment. That’s because the laser targets the hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.

You should also avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely.

Just before the procedure, your hair that will be undergoing treatment will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface. The laser equipment will be adjusted according to the color, thickness, and location of your hair being treated as well as your skin color.

Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to see all the skin care medical services we perform at our clinic. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 228 818-5155.One of our friendly staff will be able to answer all your questions.

Skin and Sun- Be Careful

skin and sun

Skin and Sun- We at On Call Skin Care Clinic know that we all like to enjoy the Sun, but sometimes the Sun can cause serious problems for your skin. Below is some important information that can help you stay prepared while enjoying this Spring and Summer outdoors.

The skin uses sunlight to help manufacture vitamin D, which is important for normal bone formation. But sometimes its ultraviolet light can be very detrimental.

Within the skin’s epidermal (outer) layer are cells that contain the pigment melanin. Melanin protects skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can burn the skin, and over time, could reduce its elasticity and cause a person to age prematurely. Sun tanning occurs because exposure to sunlight causes the skin to produce more melanin and to darken. The tan fades as these cells move toward the surface and are sloughed off.

Too much exposure to ultraviolet or UV rays can cause sunburn. UV rays penetrate the outer skin layers and pass into the deeper layers, where they can damage or kill skin cells. People who do not have much melanin and sun burn easily should protect themselves by covering up sensitive areas, wearing sun block, limiting their total exposure time, and limiting their sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Frequent and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays over many years is the chief cause of skin cancer. Examine skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes in an existing skin lesion. Early detection and treatment are key in increasing the cure rate for skin cancer.

Here are some things you can do to help protect you.

For your Eyes

Wear sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun. Sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.

Wear a hat with at least a 3-inch brim. Hats can block as much as half of all UVB rays from your eyes and eyelids.

Finally, whenever you are outside, seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when sunlight is the most intense.

If you detect symptoms of any problems with your eyes or eyelids, be sure to see a physician. Ophthalmologists have the greatest knowledge of eye conditions, while dermatologists are experts on the skin.

Clothing

Clothing is our first line of defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and protects us by absorbing or blocking much of this radiation. The more skin you cover, the better. A long-sleeved shirt covers more skin than a t-shirt, especially if it has a high neckline or collar that shields the back of the neck. Likewise, long pants protect more skin than shorts

Prevention Guidelines

Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Do not burn.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds.

Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.

Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.

See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

We at On Call Skin Care hope this information was helpful. Please review our website at www.oncallskincare.com to review all the skin care services we offer. Please remember when a minor illness or accident occurs, and your primary care doctor is not available, we are here 7 days a week to help. We have our own laboratory facilities to help us quickly diagnose some illnesses.

Spring Colds – What Foods Can Help

spring colds

Spring Colds – We at On Call Medical Clinic know that Spring like Winter can bring on colds and the flu. As the winter starts to fade, our immune systems might be a bit weaker, leaving us susceptible to one last cold before the change of seasons. We would like to give you some good food choices that help you fight colds and the flu.

Yogurt

Trillions of bacteria work to create a healthy balance in our digestive and immune systems. Yogurt and kefir products help fight off bad bacteria types while feeding good bacteria.

Blueberries

The USDA Agriculture Research Service and Cornell University have found that blueberries are the most powerful antioxidants out of all commonly eaten fresh fruit. This is due to their high amount of vitamin C and anthocyanins.

Seeds and nuts

Seeds and nuts offer antibacterial or antioxidant power to fight colds. Use anise seeds as a tea up to three times a day to ease coughing or congestion. Pumpkin seeds, high in vitamin E and zinc, can reduce the time you’re sick with a cold. Antioxidants in sunflower seeds reduce phlegm, and protect cell walls from damage that can open them to infection. Lastly, only a few brazil nuts a day have enough selenium and cytokine proteins to battle bad bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic contains an antimicrobial ingredient allicin, which helps fight against bad bacteria like yeast, rids the body of toxins, and promotes healthy gut flora. Studies have shown that garlic can not only help you recover from colds, but also ward them off.

Fish

Coming out of spring, your body is naturally low in vitamin D which is a key cold fighter. Wild salmon, tuna, or sardines are high in Vitamin D, and pair well with citrus and a yogurt dressing – also beneficial for colds. These are likewise rich in zinc and omega 3s which reduce inflammation.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, that later turns into vitamin A, and is found in other bright orange veggies, such as carrots. This boosts T-cell function, which blocks or destroys harmful cold-causing bacteria. Vitamin A also strengthens mucosal surfaces such as your eyes, skin, nose and digestive system – all key targets for pesky colds.

Red Peppers

Red peppers are similar to citrus fruits in that they are extremely high in vitamin C. One pepper has about 150 mg of the vitamin. While that’s twice the daily recommended amount for women, you’ll need four times as much a day if you have a cold. Nevertheless, peppers can be paired with yogurt dips and are an easy way to snack your way to better health.

Milk

Vitamin D doesn’t just fight depression and build strong bones, but also helps combat our risk of catching a cold. Vitamin D in milk helps build up weakened immune defense from a lack of sun during winter months. Vitamin D milk can also help lower risk of respiratory infections, as well as thicken mucus and phlegm to help flush out respiratory bacteria.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that you found this information helpful. Remember when the cold or flu creeps up on you and your primary physician is not available, we are her for you 7 days a week. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to see all the medical services we offer.

Skin Care in the Spring

skin care in the spring

Here are some summer skin tips that can help you keep your skin looking good.

Exfoliate for a cleaner and smoother skin. What this does is remove dead, dulling skin to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.
Keep your skin hydrated. Increase your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, that can be used one or two times per week,
Drink Plenty of Water.With higher temperatures while you are spending more time outdoors, internal dehydration can result in headaches and dizzy spells. Drink 8 8oz glasses of plain filtered water everyday day.
Always apply enough sunscreen. Most of the time we don’t apply enough sunscreen. Here is what you should apply. One teaspoon for your face and for your body about as much as would fill a shot glass. You should re-apply this every 2 hours.
Soothe Over Exposed Skin. If you didn’t apply enough sunscreen the damage may already be too late. However, you do not need to suffer. Soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness.
Be sure and Repair and treat sun damage.UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.

Spring Allergies or just a Cold

spring allergies

Spring is here and this can mean a problem for the more than 50 million Americans with spring allergies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness.

Allergies have been found to be a leading cause of chronic sinusitis, a chronic condition that may result in multiple sick days and lost productivity. Spring and fall are the worst time for allergies and sinusitis.

There are differences between a cold and spring allergies in the Springtime. Here is how you tell the difference.

Allergy attacks never include fever as part of their presentation. Colds often involve low-grade fevers, below 101 degrees, and can run higher if the virus is aggressive.
Common colds often involve some form of cough while patients may never cough during an allergy attack. Some allergy patients, however, especially asthmatics, can experience wheezing or cough as part of their presentation.
Frequent and multiple sneezes are a hallmark of the allergy attack, especially in a patient who doesn’t feel “sick.”
Runny, stuffy nose. Nasal congestion is a common symptom for both allergy and cold sufferers. It results from increased blood flow to the internal mucous membranes of the nose and sinus cavity as the immune system responds to the condition at hand. Generally, allergic mucous is clear and watery, while an infection causes thick, colored mucous. Contrary to popular belief, the color of nasal mucous does not distinguish whether the infection is viral or bacterial.
Often congestion can cause a feeling of pain or pressure within the sinuses, sometimes called “sinus headaches.” This can occur in both allergies and colds. But if the headache is one-sided, that could indicate a more serious bacterial infection.
Itchy eyes, ears and throat. Itching in these areas almost always suggests an allergic cause of the symptoms.
Sore throat. Both colds and allergies can result in sore throats. But allergy patients often describe the pain as more “scratchy” while colds produce a more severe, “sharp” sore throat.
Swollen glands. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and under the chin frequently accompanies the common cold and resolves on its own. Allergies seldom produce swollen glands.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information was helpful. We are here 7 days a week if you are suffering from a Spring cold or allergies. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the medical services we offer. Our friendly and courteous staff is ready to help you get back out and enjoy the Spring.