Let’s Talk FAM (Finances and Medicine...and more).

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  e...

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...

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. ...

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 loo...

How Can I Treat Eczema in My Child at Home? Lifestyle Changes to Treat Eczema at Home. Let's talk eczema.I'm sure you've heard of it, even if you haven't personally experienced it.  Eczema is a condition that seems synonymous with childhood, though all ages can be affected. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin.  In children, eczema patches are common in the elbow creases as pictured, and behind the knees. Eczema is common, affecting 10-20% of infants according to  Cleveland Clinic . There is no cure for eczema, but symptom control is possible, and those affected tend to "outgrow" the condition. Once you identify and remove allergens, irritants and triggers, eczema often becomes a thing of the past.  My daughter and I both have eczema, and I've treated many clients with it during my career. Eczema symptoms can be uncomfortable and lead to cuts in the skin that are prone to secondary infection. Let's look at lifest...

7 Ways to Stop Unnecessary Spending Addressing unnecessary spending is like gardening. For something to grow to its full potential, it should be pruned from time to time.  To prune is to cut out that which is unnecessary, to eliminate the areas that are using energy but aren’t producing fruit.  You can prune many areas of your life - eliminate the suckers to maximize your growth and reach your full potential - including your expenses. Before you consider expenses what to cut, you need a budget to know exactly where your money is going, and how you can better allocate it.  Choose a budget that works for you without being so restrictive that you set yourself up for failure.  Having a budget should make you feel better about spending. You can treat yourself without guilt, because you already allocated money to living expenses, savings and retirement accounts, etc. Now, back to pruning.  7 Ways to Stop Unnecessary Spending 1. Cut the Cord  I’m aware that most ...

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 a...