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Showing posts from April, 2023

How Do You Make Carsickness Go Away?

How Do You Make Carsickness Go Away?  Warmer weather is finally here in Central Pennsylvania, and we have many road trips planned this summer season. Between our summer bucket list and family several hours away, it seems we are always on the road. It wasn't always this way though.  My daughter started getting carsick just before she turned one. While it seems to be better now that she's older, I continue to have anxiety while traveling. I'm sure no one enjoys carsickness, but even the picture to the left of this text seems somewhat romanticized.  First of all, children should be in the appropriate restraints (car seat, booster seat with seatbelt, etc.). Younger children are unable to communicate that they're feeling carsick, and don't have the faculties to direct their vomit conveniently outside of the car or into a sick bag (commissions earned). You many be traveling alone with your child and unable to assist them from the front seat.  Fortunately, much like  eczem
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Don't diet: follow this healthy eating plan instead

Don't diet: follow this healthy eating plan instead. Let's talk healthy eating. I don't diet nor do I typically recommend any specific diets. This is true in my personal life as well as my professional career as a physician assistant. Diets often backfire and fail; they can be too restrictive in terms of limiting calories, certain foods or entire food groups. Diets can lead to disordered eating and malnutrition. Instead, I follow and recommend guidelines to promote a healthy eating plan. I compiled a list of the most common recommendations in over a decade of working in mostly primary care fields.  According to this  Forbes article , over 40% of Americans are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions, so losing weight  is a worthy pursuit. Developing healthy eating habits should be part of a holistic plan for longevity and wellness regardless of your current or goal weight. Practical guidelines can help you create lasting lifestyle changes. Let's dig i
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Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!

Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!  Let's talk allergic rhinitis treatment options. So you've implemented  home modifications , but you're still suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms. You're not alone! Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology .  I'll always advocate for avoidance, elimination, lifestyle change, etc. where possible. But when these efforts are not possible or fail, then various treatment options are available.  As an allergy sufferer, the symptoms are not fun. I'd much rather treat preemptively than feel miserable with itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sore throat. The inflammation of nasal and throat passages also makes you more prone to acute upper respiratory infections since this is where pathogens are inhaled and replicate to cause illness in the body. When
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Why do my allergies get worse in my house? 7 home modifications to improve environmental allergy symptoms.

Why do my allergies get worse in my house? ? 5 home modifications to improve environmental allergy symptoms.  Let's talk environmental allergy symptoms. Some of the most common allergens are dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen.  Depending on what you're allergic to, you could suffer from symptoms year round, though the severity will likely fluctuate. Check out this  everyday health article  that features a month-by-month guide to allergies.  Environmental allergy symptoms are uncomfortable and a leading cause of doctor visits. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis or hay fever are NOT contagious and include cough, congestion, irritated and itchy eyes, nose, mouth and throat.  Symptoms are caused from breathing in allergens through your nose and mouth triggering the body to release histamine ( Cleveland Clinic ). The best "treatment" of allergic rhinitis is to avoid allergens or triggers. However, we only have so much control over our environment. Let's look at what yo
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Popular posts from this blog

Screening colonoscopy prep and procedure: a firsthand account

Content warning: mentions cancer and death If I had a dollar for every time a patient came into my office and said they “want to be checked for cancer,” well…I probably wouldn’t be writing this blog post! There is no single universal test for cancer, but common things happen commonly. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined ( cancer.org ). Screening for colorectal cancer should be on your list to be “checked for cancer.”  For those at average risk, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 ( cdc.gov ). If you want to know more about colorectal cancer incidence, risk factors and screening methods, then check out last week's blog post  here . I am at increased risk for colorectal cancer, because my father died from complications of colon cancer when he was only 45. So though I’m only in my thirties, I’ve already had my first screening colonoscopy, which is the gold standard screening method for individuals at hig
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Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene

Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene Sleep is essential to function properly. Good sleep hygiene supports the ability to regulate emotions and hunger, manage stress, concentrate and complete tasks, learn, process and retain new information.  NOT getting enough sleep increases the risk of certain medical conditions  (nih.gov) . I’m sure you’ve heard or said the phrase, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Or you’ve gotten the impression that the lack of sleep that accompanies parenthood is considered a badge of honor.  But there’s nothing admirable about sleep deprivation; in fact, it is  a torture method. Thankfully, our culture seems to be shifting its attitude towards rest. There’s no shame in resting; in fact, sleep should be a priority!   If you sleep well, then I don't care what you do (as long as it's safe)! But if sleep is a struggle, then you may benefit from implementing a good sleep hygiene routine.  Lifestyle changes should almost always be made before consi
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5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine

5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine Caffeine is considered the most popular, legal, psychoactive substance in the world.  Over 90% of Americans consume caffeine according to  foodinsight.org ,  Caffeine is most often consumed in coffee and tea , but can also be found in soda, energy drinks, supplements and chocolate (commissions earned). Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes alertness and improves concentration and mood. Sounds great, right? But when it comes to caffeine, you can have too much of a good thing. Let's look at 5 instances where you might consider cutting back on caffeine.  **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions for clicks that result in product(s) purchased, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! 1. Anxiety Caffeine is a stimulant. If you struggle with anxiety, the last thing you would want to do is exacerbate the symptoms. Such symptoms can include sweating, restlessness, racing thoughts, rapid heart beat and breathing. 
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