The Little Clinic

Travel Vaccines For Your Spring Break Trip

2012-02-27T09:44:00.002-08:00

From the Florida beaches to overseas landmarks to third world countries, spring break is time for travel. If this year’s trip means traveling internationally, the CDC advises you to contact healthcare providers to obtain vaccinations and medications prior to departure.

A study conducted at Kennedy International Airport showed that while 73 percent of international travelers believed that vaccinations were effective for prevention, only 11 percent had received a tetanus shot, 14 percent had received a Hepatitis A vaccine, 13 percent had received a Hepatitis B vaccine and 5 percent had received a yellow fever vaccine. In addition, although 73 percent were traveling to areas where malaria was a high risk, only 46 percent carried anti-malarial medications with them.

The Little Clinic is a resource for your spring break and summer travel healthcare needs, including vaccinations and other travel healthcare services. Healthcare providers at The Little Clinic are able to help you understand any health risks of your travel and advise on the recommended pre-travel vaccines for your intended destination. Your travel health provider at The Little Clinic will also suggest over-the-counter medications and write prescription medications to help you stay well during and after your travel.

The Little Clinic is open both during the evening and on weekends, so receiving information on travel health, vaccination and prescription needs is convenient and affordable. Please note that only select locations of The Little Clinic are a resource for travel healthcare. Click here to find a travel healthcare clinic nearest you.

Help Your Loved One Kick the Habit for Good

2012-02-20T09:37:00.002-08:00

There are lots of ways you can help encourage your friend or family member to quit tobacco use and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

How should I suggest to my loved one that they quit tobacco use?

Sit down to have a sincere talk with your friend or family member. Knowing that a loved one is worried about them helps them to realize the seriousness of the issue. Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. Your loved one will be more receptive to listen to you when you start with “I want you to be around for our 25^th anniversary,” rather than “you should quit or you’re going to die.” Be sure to educate yourself beforehand about the medical side effects of smoking and the damage it causes the human body. Tobacco use contributes to numerous chronic, debilitating illnesses and can ultimately lead to death. During your conversation, suggest a specific action to help with quitting, such as visiting The Little Clinic to begin the SmartPath® Tobacco Cessation Program.

What if my loved one doesn’t want to quit?

Acknowledge that your friend or family member may get something out of smoking and may find it difficult to quit. If they don't want to quit, try to find out why. Start a conversation by letting your loved one know your concern about their health. Be encouraging and express your faith that the smoker can quit for good.

How can I be supportive when my loved one decides to quit?

Ask what he or she needs from you in order to quit. Find out what they would like you to say and do when cravings arise, when they’re in a situation where they used to smoke and when they’re feeling stressed. In addition, be understanding when your loved one goes through the symptoms of withdrawal. They may be irritable, cranky, tired or even mildly depressed while their body rids itself of the harmful products in tobacco. Don’t take it personally.

Most importantly, reassure your loved one that you are there to listen. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and what they’re going through as they quit using tobacco. Participating in the SmartPath® Tobacco Cessation Program at The Little Clinic can also help by providing counseling on subjects like withdrawal, dealing with stress and other topics.

Learning The Heart Truth About Women and Heart Disease

2012-02-15T07:48:00.003-08:00

One in four American women dies of heart disease, and most fail to make the connection between risk factors—such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol—and their personal risk of developing heart disease.

The Heart Truth campaign, started by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, educates women about heart disease and provides tools to help them take action against its risk factors. The campaign is primarily targeted to women ages 40 to 60, the time when a woman’s risk of heart disease begins to increase. However, it’s never too early—or too late—to take action to prevent and control risk factors, since heart disease develops over time and can start at a young age— even in the teen years.

Know the risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, age (55 or older for women) and family history. Talk to your healthcare provider. Find out your risk. And take action to lower it.

Questions to ask:

What is my risk for heart disease?
What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me, and what do I need to do about it?
What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood and food.) What do they mean for me, and what do I need to do about them?
What is my “body mass index” and waist measurement? Do they mean that I need to lose weight for my health?
What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean I’m at risk for diabetes? If so, what do I need to do about it?
What other screening tests for heart disease do I need?
What can you do to help me quit smoking?
How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
What is a heart healthy eating plan for me?
How can I tell if I may be having a heart attack? If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

Make a Family Health History

2012-02-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Family members share genes, behaviors, lifestyles and environments that together may influence their health and their risk of chronic disease. Most people have a family health history of some chronic diseases, such as cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes and health conditions like high blood pressure. People who have a close family member with a chronic disease may have a higher risk of developing that disease than those without such a family member.

What is a family health history?

A family health history is a record of the diseases and health issues present in your family. A useful family health history shows three generations of your biological relatives, the age at diagnosis and the age and cause of death of deceased family members. Family health history is a useful tool for understanding health risks and preventing disease in individuals and their close relatives.

Why is a family health history important?

A family health history allows family members will have organized and accurate information ready to share with their healthcare provider. Family health history information may help health care providers determine which tests and screenings are recommended to help family members know their health risk.

How do I make a family health history?

Some people may know a lot about their family health history or only a little. It is helpful to talk with family members about your health history, write this information down, draw a family tree and record health information. If possible, look at death certificates and family medical records. Update this information periodically.

How can knowing my family history help lower my risk of disease?

You can’t change your genes, but you can change behaviors that affect your health, such as smoking, inactivity and poor eating habits. People with a family history of chronic disease may have the most to gain from making lifestyle changes. In many cases, making these changes can reduce your risk of disease even if the disease runs in your family. Another change you can make is to participate in screening tests, such as mammograms and colorectal cancer screening, for early detection of disease. Finding disease early, before symptoms appear, can mean better health in the long run.

This information and more can be found on the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services websites. To help individuals collect and organize their family history information, CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics collaborated with the U.S. Surgeon General and other federal agencies to develop a web-based tool called “My Family Health Portrait.” This can help you get started and maintain your health history.

Fight Germs with Clorox, Colgate and The Little Clinic

2012-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

As we’re in the midst of cold and flu season The Little Clinic is partnering with Clorox and Colgate to help reduce the spread of germs and keep you and your family healthy.

Being prepared during cold and flu season is the first step to reducing the spread of germs. Taking precautions can go a long way to decreasing the chances of spreading germs to family and friends – both when you’re noticeably sick and when you’re not.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.
Disinfect daily to help keep your family healthier this season. Some of the places that germs hide, but are sometimes forgotten are on the refrigerator, microwave, door handles, TV remote, phones, kitchen & bathroom sinks and faucets, light switches, kids toys, tables, and countertops.
Change your toothbrush after having a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat. Germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue you should cough/ sneeze into the middle of your arm.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective.
Keep your hands away from your face to reduce the chance of delivering germs and bacteria to your eyes or nose.
Stay home if you are sick and limit contact with others.

Be proactive and stay healthy this season.

Plan a Healthy Diet

2012-01-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

When it comes to developing a healthy diet, it’s about making small, steady changes. A healthier diet can result in increased energy, fewer mood swings and a reduced risk of illnesses. The positives far outweigh the “negatives.” Making some strategic food swaps can help us live healthier without turning our whole lifestyle upside down.

Take a look at your favorite recipes. Do they call for canned vegetables? Switch to veggies you can get fresh in the produce section or plain, frozen veggies to cut down unwanted preservatives and sodium.

When cooking, use olive or canola oil instead of butter.

Drink a glass of water before eating.. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so you’ll likely find yourself satisfied (and more hydrated) after a glass of water.

Serve (or order) a sweet vegetable, such as baby carrots, sweet potatoes or yams, as part of your dinner. Finishing on something sweet will help lessen the craving for dessert. (Just make sure those yams aren’t covered with marshmallow.)

Switch to whole grains. In the U.S., check for the Whole Grain Stamps that distinguish between partial whole grain and 100 percent whole grain.

Ditch the soda in favor of sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or a twist of lemon or lime. One 12-oz soda has more than the daily-recommended limit of sugar.

Ordering smaller portions when eating out or taking half home in a box, can significantly reduce the fat, sodium and calories of a restaurant meal.

As you start to make some of these substitutions, realize that these changes take time. Trying to do too much at once often causes burnout and you’ll find yourself back at square one.

National Thank You Month

2012-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

January is often thought of a month for looking ahead. It’s a time for making changes and an opportunity to make the coming year the best one yet. What we don’t often do in January is say, “Thank you.” Isn’t that what November is for?

Actually, January is National Thank You Month, giving us another opportunity to thank to those who impact us on a daily basis. For all of us at The Little Clinic, that means thanking YOU, our patients and fans. We know there are many healthcare choices, from urgent care to primary care physicians to other retail health providers, and we want you to know how much we appreciate your choice to use The Little Clinic for minor illnesses and injuries.

As we continue to add new clinics and services, we hope you’ll continue to let us be your source for quality, affordable and convenient healthcare. It’s our pleasure to keep you feeling your best.

Prevent Accidental Overdoses

2012-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Last month the CDC, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Education Foundation and a coalition of partners launched an educational program called “Up and Away and Out of Sight,” encouraging parents to take some simple steps to protect children from unintentional medication overdose.

Each year, one of every 150 two–year–olds visits an emergency room in the United States for an unintentional medication overdose, most often after eating or drinking medicines found without adult supervision.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission required that most medicines have child–resistant packaging. This requirement has saved hundreds of children’s lives, but doesn't work unless the child–resistant caps are used properly.

To protect children, parents and caregivers can:

Listen for the click. Make sure the safety cap is locked. If the medicine has a locking cap that turns, twist it until the click is heard.
Keep medications – prescription and over-the-counter – in a place children cannot reach or see. Any medicine or vitamin can cause harm if taken the wrong way.
Teach children about medicine safety. Never tell children that medicine is candy to get them to take it, even if the child does not like to take his or her medicine.
Put medicines and vitamins away every time you use them. Even if you intend to put them away in a few minutes or intend to give (or take) the medication again in a few hours. Never leave medications in a place accessible to unattended children.
Make sure guests know the importance you’re placing on medicine safety. Ask visitors to keep purses, bags or coats that have medicines in them up and away and out of sight when they are visiting.
Be prepared in case of emergency. Program the poison control number into home and cell phones (1–800–222–1222).

For more information on the Up and Away educational program, visit www.UpAndAway.org.

Top Ten List of New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

At the end of each year we look back on the past 365 days and identify areas in our lives we want to change. These often end up being our “New Year’s Resolutions.” With a nod to positive lifestyle changes in the next 365 days, we pulled a list of the Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions most people make:

Stop Smoking
Quit Drinking
Lose Weight / Go On A Diet
Start An Exercise Program / Get Fit
Get Out Of Debt / Take Control Of Spending
Eat More Healthily
Take Some Time Just For Yourself
Spend More Quality Time With Kids And/Or Family
Learn Something New / Go Back To School
Get Organized / Be On Time

Five of these resolutions are focused on attaining better health. Stopping smoking, quitting drinking, losing weight, getting fit and eating healthier are all great resolutions that contribute to a better life both short-term and well into the future.

As you look to follow through with these resolutions in 2012, The Little Clinic is here to help. We’ll spend the next year providing you with quality, convenient healthcare services (like smoking cessation) that allow you to spend more time with the family and less time in the waiting room, as well as sending you healthy food and exercise tips on Facebook and here on the blog.

Here’s to better health in the New Year!

Packing Up Stress Free

2011-12-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season begins to wind down, the packing up phase is just beginning. Decorations, wrapping paper and new gifts are scattered throughout the house, but if you make some intentional organizational choices now, you’ll thank yourself when next year’s holiday season rolls around.

Gift Wrap

As you clean up, remember that wrapping paper can be recycled. Instead of throwing it into a garbage bag with leftovers, keep it separate and add it to your recycle bin or run it up to the recycling center. Hold on to boxes, gift bags and tissue paper, which can be reused year after year.

Lights

If you plan to reuse holiday lights for decorating next year, make sure they are wrapped in a way that won’t cause them to get tangled. Many home improvement and retail stores sell storage boxes designed to keep your lights tangle free.

Replacing Toys

As you begin to put away new gifts, make a point of getting rid of an item for every new item you add. If you received a new scarf, get rid of one you haven’t worn yet this season. For every new item, donate the old one to a charity that will share it with someone less fortunate.

Rooms by Boxes

Pack up décor by room. For example, have one box dedicated to everything from the dining room and another box dedicated to everything from the living room. Be sure to label the boxes so you know which is which.

Storage Containers

Visit a local retailer and check out their storage container section. These stores provide many solutions – from boxes specifically designed for storing wreaths to boxes for storing ornaments and wrapping supplies.

Recipes

Did you make or try any foods that were big hits at parties this year? Write down or print off some favorites and save them in a holiday recipe box (or create a section in your existing recipe box), so you’ll know exactly what to make next year.

Sniffles? Don’t Rule Out Allergies.

2011-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Wintertime usually means lots of stuffy noses and sneezing, but they might be due to something other than a cold. Allergies can be just as miserable in winter as they are in the spring and summer.

What can cause winter allergies?

Unlike summer allergies, which are caused by pollen and other outdoor triggers, winter allergies are often the result of mold and dust mites within the home. As colder weather drives families inside for longer periods of time, winter allergies can flare up.

Additionally, winter holidays often mean eating meals prepared by friends and relatives and tasting unfamiliar foods at holiday parties. Food allergies can flare up in some people when these meals contain eggs, milk, nuts, wheat and other ingredients known to cause reactions.

How can you treat winter allergies?

The number one way to treat allergies is to avoid whatever causes your reaction, whether it’s food, mold, animal hair, dust mites or perfume. Consider these tips as ways to combat common allergy triggers:

Frequently bathe furry pets to remove excess fur and don’t let them sleep in the bedroom.
Remove shower curtains, carpeting, towels and other items in your home that may contain mold. Clean other moldy areas – such as showers and sinks – with a diluted bleach solution.
Wash all bedding weekly and use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, pillows and comforters.
Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent. This will control the population of dust mites and keep mold count down.
As you start decorating for Christmas, consider an artificial tree rather than a real one, which can bring mold into your home. Additionally, clean off dusty decorations before placing them out in your home.
Take your own pillow when travelling to visit friends and relatives.
Let the host of a party you attend know of your allergy. He/she can either prepare foods without trigger ingredients or direct you to foods that don’t have them included.

Your Provider at The Little Clinic can also suggest over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications to help with any winter allergy flare-ups.

Cold or allergy?

How can you tell what’s causing the sniffles and sneezes? A cold usually lasts fewer than 10 days, so if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you’re most likely dealing with an allergy. Your allergy will last as long as you are in contact with the trigger, so consider taking some of the steps above to eliminate it from your home or work environment.

Healthy Eating During Holiday Mayhem

2011-12-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

With trips to visit relatives, daylong shopping expeditions and kitchen time spent baking holiday goodies, make sure healthy meals don’t get lost in the holiday hustle and bustle. While a healthy diet is important for everyone, maintaining healthy eating habits during this stressful season is particularly important for children.

Carry along nutritional snacks like string cheese, fruits and cut-up vegetables to avoid impulsive food spending at the mall.
After a long day, resist the urge to stop at fast food. Picking up a rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables at the grocery store is just as quick, and your family can still reap the benefits of a (semi) home-cooked meal.
Do some online shopping of healthier fast food restaurants so you’ll know where to stop when you need to stop for a meal.
Feed your family a balanced meal before going to an evening event. A full stomach is less likely to over consume the holiday goodies at parties and events.

The holiday season is marked by being out of your normal routine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still eat healthy. Be intentional about making nutritious food choices and you’ll find your family with more energy and less tummy aches all season long.

Get a Flu Shot Before the Flu Gets You

2011-12-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again. Christmas is just around the corner. Unfortunately, something else is lurking around that same corner – the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 36 percent of adults have already gotten their flu vaccine this year. If you still have questions about vaccination, let’s review some of the facts:

The timing of the flu each year is unpredictable and can vary from season to season, making it hard to say when flu activity will begin. Once the shot is received, the vaccine will stay active for the entire flu season.

The flu virus changes frequently, so just because you contracted the flu or got flu shot in previous years doesn’t mean you’ll be protected this year.

While everyone should plan on getting a flu shot, pregnant women, children under the age of five and adults over the age of 50, individuals with chronic illnesses and people in long-term care or nursing home facilities are at an especially high risk. In years where the flu vaccine matches the most prominent flu strains, the vaccine can be up to 90 percent effective at preventing illness.

The flu shot is especially recommended for those with an existing medical condition. The vaccination will not make existing medical conditions worse.

The flu shot does not cause the flu.

Even with the flu shot it is impossible to be 100 percent protected against the flu, so continue to take precautions to protect yourself during flu season. Wash your hands frequently, especially before preparing or eating food, after going to the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, being around someone who is sick and handling an animal or animal waste.

If despite your best efforts of prevention, you come down with flu, it is important that you stay home and rest. Because influenza is a highly contagious virus, you should avoid going to work, school and running errands. Rest, fluids, over the counter pain and fever reducing medications and cough medicine can help relieve fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough and reduce the chance of dehydration.

Visit The Little Clinic if you begin to experience flu-like symptoms. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants will assess your symptoms and may prescribe medications that can help treat the flu by preventing and reducing the duration of fever and other flu symptoms.

Is it a Cold or the Flu? Be aware of the differences.

2011-11-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Most people who begin to have symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and body aches are not sure whether they have a cold or the seasonal flu.

It’s important to know the differences between cold and flu symptoms. A cold has milder symptoms and can affect you for a few days. Seasonal flu comes packed with a punch and can make you feel quite ill for several days to weeks. If you think you have the flu, a health care provider can prescribe medications that can help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of symptoms.

Ways to Stay Healthy

Besides getting a flu shot, you should protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, and keeping your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose. Eating healthy foods, exercising and getting enough sleep are also excellent ways to keep your immune system strong.

Amp Up the Whole Grains this Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving this week and Christmas just around the corner, The Little Clinic recommends incorporating more whole grains into your holiday meals and reaping the health benefits. According to the Whole Grains Council, studies show that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. This includes:

Stroke risk reduced 30-36 percent
Type 2 diabetes risk reduced 21-30 percent
Heart disease risk reduced 25-28 percent
Better weight maintenance

Other benefits indicated by recent studies include:

Reduced risk of asthma
Healthier carotid arteries
Reduction of inflammatory disease risk
Lower risk of colorectal cancer
Healthier blood pressure level
Less gum disease and tooth loss

So how can you add whole grains to your meals? The Whole Grains Council has tips for that, too. Try some of the following:

Make easy substitutions.

Substitute half the white flour with whole-wheat flour in your regular recipes for cookies, muffins, quick breads and pancakes. Or be bold and add up to 20 percent of another whole grain flour such as sorghum.
Replace one third of the flour in a recipe with quick oats or old-fashioned oats.
Add half a cup of cooked wheat or rye berries, wild rice, brown rice, sorghum or barley to your favorite canned or homemade soup.
Use whole corn meal for corn cakes, corn breads and corn muffins.
Add three-quarters of a cup of uncooked oats for each pound of ground beef or turkey when you make meatballs, burgers or meatloaf.
Stir a handful of rolled oats in your yogurt, for quick crunch with no cooking necessary.

Try new foods.

Make risottos, pilafs and other rice-like dishes with whole grains such as barley, brown rice, bulgur, millet, quinoa or sorghum.
Enjoy whole grain salads like tabbouleh.
Buy whole grain pasta, or one of the blends that’s part whole-grain, part white.
Try whole grain breads. Kids especially like whole grain pita bread.
Look for cereals made with grains like kamut, kasha (buckwheat) or spelt.

Take Steps to Avoid Diabetes

2011-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Diabetes affects 25.8 million people, or about 8.3 percent of the U.S. population, and more than seven million of these are undiagnosed and unaware of the risks associated with their condition. In addition, an estimated 79 million more people live with pre-diabetes, characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels. If not monitored and kept under control, people with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

According to the American Diabetes Association, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to reduce diabetes risk by up to 58 percent. Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine doesn’t mean finding hours to dedicate to the gym. Try the following tips to add some extra health into your life:

Park farther away from the entrance.
Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk or skate the rest of the way.
Stand while talking on the phone
Get up and down from your chair more often.
Have a walking meeting with your co-workers or walk around the building during a break.
Schedule to meet someone to walk at lunch or after work.
Use a pedometer and count your steps – 10,000 steps a day is the goal.
Pace back and forth while thinking.
Exercise for 10 minutes three times a day. It’s just as effective as 30 minutes at one time.
Plan your exercise. What time are you exercising today?

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just seven percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200), through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating.

November is American Diabetes Month, so celebrate by taking steps to avoid diabetes!

Lung Cancer, the Number One Cancer Killer

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout, making it a great time to remind yourself and your loved ones about the risks of tobacco use and then make the choice to quit before the holidays. Don’t wait until the New Year, but instead make this decision a Holiday gift to you and your family.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 200,000 people in the United States are told they have lung cancer and more than 90,000 people die from this disease each year. Deaths from lung cancer represent about one out of every six deaths from cancer in the U.S.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 46 million adults in the United States currently smoke, and approximately half will die prematurely from smoking related disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and more than 80 percent of lung cancers are thought to result from smoking. Smoking causes nearly one in five deaths from all causes.

Different people have different symptoms for lung cancer. Some don't have any symptoms at all when first diagnosed with lung cancer. Over time, lung cancer symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing that doesn't go away

• Wheezing

• Coughing up blood

• Chest pain

• Repeated respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Talk to your primary care physician if you have symptoms like these that persist.

Additionally, participate in this year’s Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which will be held on November 17.

“The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.”

The Little Clinic offers SmartPath® Tobacco Cessation Programs to help you or your loved one kick the habit. Stop by any clinic location to learn more.

Protect Your Family from Food Poisoning

2011-10-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

In recent months, Tyson has recalled 131,300 pounds of ground beef thought to be contaminated with E. coli, Colorado cantaloupes have caused a Listeria outbreak causing 23 deaths and Cargill has recalled 36 million pounds of turkey products out of concern for Salmonella. As a result, food poisoning concerns have been elevated among many Americans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year roughly one out of six Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. Food poisoning typically occurs after eating at picnics, school cafeterias, large social functions or restaurants, but the great majority of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day or two.

Risks

Pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe infections such as Listeria and should be particularly careful not to consume undercooked meats and animal products. Specific foods that should be avoided include soft French-style cheeses, uncooked hot dogs and sliced deli meats. Those at higher risk should also avoid alfalfa sprouts and unpasteurized juices.

A bottle-fed infant is at an increased risk for severe infections related to Salmonella or other bacteria that can grow in a bottle of warm formula left at room temperature for an extended period of time. Particular care is needed to ensure the bottle is cleaned and disinfected and that leftover milk formula or juice is not held in the bottle for more than several hours.

Complications

Dehydration is the most common complication from foodborne illnesses and can occur from any types of food poisoning. While ill, be sure to stay properly hydrated to combat the potential for dehydration.

Less common but much more serious complications depend on the bacteria that is causing the food poisoning. These may include arthritis, bleeding problems, kidney problems, damage to the nervous system and swelling or irritation in the tissue around the heart. Let your healthcare provider know if you have:

• Blood or pus in your stools.

• Black stools.

• Stomach pain that does not go away after a bowel movement.

• Symptoms of dehydration (thirst, dizziness, light-headedness).

• Diarrhea with a fever above 101°F (100.4°F in children).

• Recently traveled to a foreign country and developed diarrhea.

• The diarrhea gets worse or does not get better in two days for an infant or child, or five days for adults.

• A child over three months old has been vomiting for more than 12 hours; in younger babies, call as soon as vomiting or diarrhea begins.

Prevention

Take special care when choosing a restaurant for you and your family. Restaurants are inspected by the local health department to make sure they are clean and have adequate kitchen facilities. Typically the latest inspection score is posted in the restaurant, so you can use this as a guide when choosing a restaurant.

You can also protect yourself from foodborne disease by using the same standards at a restaurant as you would at home. For example, when ordering a hamburger, ask for it to be cooked to a temperature of 160°F and send it back if it arrives with pink in the middle. Before you order something that is made with many eggs pooled together, such as scrambled eggs, omelets or French toast, ask the waiter if it is made with pasteurized eggs. Choose something else if it is not.

For more FAQs about food poisoning and foodborne illnesses, visit the CDC website.

The Trick to Safe Halloween Treats

2011-10-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Whether dressed up as a pirate, dinosaur or a fairy princess, Halloween can be one of the most exciting and magical days of the year for your child. For most children, the concept of dressing up in a crazy costume and receiving tons of free candy is beyond thrilling. While we may enjoy it just as much as our kids, as parents, we want to make sure Halloween always remains filled with happy and safe memories.

Practice these Halloween safety tips to ensure that you and your kids have a great holiday:

Plan your safe route ahead of time. Make sure you are leading your kids through populated and well-lit areas.

Trick-or-Treat in groups rather than allowing your child to travel alone. Make sure at least one responsible adult is with your group of Trick-or-Treaters.

Reflectors and flashlights are a must for your children to carry and have attached to their costumes. This increases the likelihood that a driver will see your child. Additionally, always walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. This not only allows drivers to see your party more easily, but also enables you to detect danger much faster. Make sure to pay special attention to crosswalks and intersections. Never assume that a driver can see your child.

Remember to tell your kids about Stranger Danger and be sure they understand that it means more than not talking to strangers. Tell your kids never to enter the home or car of anyone they don’t know.

Check the candy when you get home and make sure nobody eats any until after it has been inspected. While checking, look for the following:

Old worn wrappers
Torn wrappers (even with the smallest hole like a needle hole)
Homemade treats
Unwrapped treats
Toys with small parts that may be a choking hazard
Fruit
Money (change)
ANY candy that looks like it may have been tampered with
For small children, remove any hard candies
Lickable stamps
Glass or sharp objects

Consider some new ways to trick-or-treating and take your kids to a local community center, library or church offering a Halloween program. These places give out free candy and often have games and prizes for children. By spending Halloween here instead of in the neighborhood, you eliminate multiple safety risks.

Bottom line: Discuss safety rules with your kids ahead of time. Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Be One in a Million Hearts

2011-10-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Million Hearts is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Million Hearts brings together existing efforts and new programs to improve health across communities and help Americans live longer, healthier, more productive lives.

Preventing one million heart attacks and strokes in the next five years will require the work and commitment to change from all of us. There are steps that each of us can take to reach this goal as a nation. Be one in a Million Hearts and see how your actions can make a positive difference. A Million Hearts begins with you.

What can you do?

1. PREVENT heart disease and stroke in your family by UNDERSTANDING the risks.

· We're all at risk for heart disease and stroke. People of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities are affected. However, certain groups—including African Americans, older individuals, and women—are at higher risk than others.

· Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Americans suffer more than 2 million heart attacks and strokes each year. Do the right thing for your heart and your family by understanding the risks.

2. GET UP and GET ACTIVE by exercising for 30 minutes on most days of the week.

3. KNOW your ABCS:

· Appropriate Aspirin Therapy

· Blood Pressure Control

· Cholesterol Control

· Smoking Cessation

4. STAY STRONG by eating a heart-healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol.

5. TAKE CONTROL of your heart health by following your healthcare provider’s instructions for medications and treatment.

Get more information from http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Recognizing Survivors

2011-10-04T12:20:00.001-07:00

Marilyn Harris, breast cancer survivor and Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at The Little Clinic in Nashville, is sharing her story of survival on Special K Multigrain Oats and Honey cereal boxes on store shelves as part The Kroger Co.’s annual Giving Hope a Hand® campaign. Kicking off in stores on September 25, the campaign features 53 Kroger associates and breast cancer survivors who share their survival stories on the packaging of select items in Kroger's family of stores.

On Marilyn’s cereal box she shares, “On December 20, 2009, I performed a breast self-exam and discovered a tender lump in my right breast. I am a board-certified family nurse practitioner and I have had two sisters who are breast cancer survivors, but ownership of a white coat, experience and degrees mean nothing when the cancer is your own.

“My attitude, faith and family are my strongholds, and continue to be my source of strength. I feel happy and blessed to be on this side of the journey. Surround yourself with those who love you. Ask questions, and if you don’t understand the answers, ask some more. Another survivor will be all too happy to share the walk with you. Fear can poison your mind and body -- let it out -- and shout if you must. And above all else, do not do it alone.”

One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, and nearly 70 percent of breast cancers are found through self-examinations. For women in the U.S., breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and is second to lung cancer as the most deadly type. Breast cancer risk increases with age, and to date, there are about 2.5 million women in the U.S. who have survived the disease.

At the end of this year, Kroger will have donated more than $18 million to support breast cancer research, education and services since Giving Hope a Hand® began in 2006.

We are very proud to honor Marilyn as a survivor! Visit us on Facebook and share the name of a patient or survivor you want to honor. Or, to read more stories of hope, visit: www.sharingcourage.com.

Graceful and Healthy Aging

2011-09-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Aging gracefully, actively and positively is all about combining physical, social, mental and financial fitness. In support of September as Healthy Aging® Month, we thought we’d share some tips for Baby Boomers in transition. Even more tips can be found at http://www.healthyaging.net/.

How can I eat better as I age?

Eat fresh. Make a commitment to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. September is still harvest time in many areas, so opt for fresh produce over the canned food aisle. Skip the processed foods as often as possible.

How much do I need to eat?

Check this easy calculator to find out how many fruits and vegetables you need each day, based on your daily calories needs: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/

What is exercising my mind and how can I do it?

Your mind is like a muscle – Use it or lose it. This month, choose a new activity that will sharpen your mental skills. Consider picking up a new hobby, like crafting or piano playing. Also check out continuing education classes at your local schools and recreation centers. There are many one-day or one-evening courses to spark you imagination.

How much physical exercise do I need to stay in shape?

Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day or walk 10,000 steps. Find a friend and make a “date” to meet every day or every other day to walk. Choose fun places to walk, like the local park, shopping mall or the local school track. You will have fun and feel more energized. Plus, there’s the extra bonus of connecting with a friend on a regular basis.

I want to grow old and live independently in my own home. What kinds of help can I get?

Research shows that Americans' attitudes, ambitions and preparation for retirement have changed dramatically as a result of the recession. It has also been found that more and more people want to stay in their own homes and live independently. Tips for how to “age in place” can be found on the National Institutes of Health website here.

How can I stay connected with my family as they grow older and move away?

If you haven’t already, start a Facebook page. According to Forrester Research, an independent research firm, “Baby Boomers aren't technology Luddites; in fact, more than 60% of them consume socially created content.” Skype, which allows users to make voice and video calls over the Internet, is another a great tool communicating with friends and family at a distance. Keep up with technology, friends, family and job connections by getting social.

Hand Washing Tips for Parents and Caregivers

2011-09-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Families share pretty much everything: meals, chores, clothes, cars, computers, celebrations... and germs. In such close living quarters, it can be easy to pass illness-causing germs around the dinner table, bring them home after soccer practice or tuck them in at bedtime. But that doesn’t have to be the case. This year, create a new family tradition to help your children stay healthy: hand washing.

Family Facts

Much of the time, illnesses such as the flu or a cold pass from person to person via a sneeze or cough. However, germs can also spread by touching the same surfaces as a family member who is sick, such as a desk, doorknob or the kitchen counter. These viruses and bacteria can live on hands and on surfaces for hours.

With busy family schedules and many distractions, it can be hard to get kids to take time out for hand washing, but it’s well worth it. According to the CDC, almost 22 million school days are lost each year to the common cold. Luckily, proper hand washing makes a difference. Studies have shown that elementary school children who use proper hand washing techniques miss fewer days of school than children who don’t.

Be an example.

To make hand washing a family affair, it’s important to be a hand washing role model. After all, parents and caregivers can share germs too. Here’s the run-down:

Wash your hands under warm water and with soap for at least 20 seconds — or to make it more fun for the kids, sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Don’t forget to wash more than just the palms of your hands — germs can stick under nails, on the back of your hands and around the wrist area.

Always wash your hands before, during and after preparing food. Also, wash your hands after rolling around with the family pet, taking out the garbage and using the restroom, as well as if you’re around someone who is sick.

Make hand washing fun.

Through the eyes of a child, hand washing can seem like just another chore. So, make hand washing an enjoyable experience. Buy special, fun-shaped soap just for the kids. Keep colorful stools next to the sinks so the smaller children can easily reach the faucet. Create your own 20-second hand washing songs for singing during hand washing time.

Clean hands are good for the whole family. It’s one family tradition that can keep your kids healthy far into the future.

Check out http://www.getreadyforflu.org/handwashing.htm for more tips.

Get Your Child Back in Class

2011-09-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Now that school has started back, instances of sickness are inevitably on the rise. Do you know the top five illnesses that cause students to miss school (and therefore cause mom and dad to miss work)?

Colds

Children typically have six-to-10 colds a year and also tend to have more severe and longer lasting symptoms than do adults.

Ear Infection

Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. Most ear infections can clear on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed if the condition doesn’t improve.

Stomach Flu

The stomach flu is a very common childhood illness that can lead to dehydration. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include: excessive thirst, dry mouth, severe weakness or lethargy, nausea or vomiting.

Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is highly contagious, so pink eye rates increase substantially during the school year. Signs and symptoms of pink eye include: redness, itchiness and/or discharge in one or both eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light and tearing.

Sore Throat

Dry scratchiness and painful swallowing are the hallmarks of a sore throat, but it is most often a symptom of another illness – usually a viral infection such as a cold or the flu. Only a small number of sore throats are the result of strep throat and most go away within a few days. For children with strep throat, a fever above 101°F is common and swallowing can be so painful that your child may have difficulty eating. Antibiotics are required to combat strep throat.

The best way to prevent illness is to anticipate that it can happen and take preventative steps. The most important thing you can do is to remind your kids to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently. Luckily, a child’s immunity improves over time. Eventually, school-age children become less prone to common illnesses and are quick to recover from any sicknesses they do have.

Providers at The Little Clinic are available on nights and weekends, with no appointment necessary, to diagnose and write a prescription for your sick child.

Fun for the End of a Season

2011-08-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend represents the unofficial end of summer, and for many, that means a farewell celebration to the hottest season of the year. Since most students have just started school after months of trips and camps, Labor Day celebrations often turn into “staycations.”

There are many ways to capitalize on this three-day weekend – from barbecues to a pool day to in-town tourism. As you plan next weekend’s festivities, consider some of these fun options:

Do a little research online on some of the things your town has to offer. Your local chamber of commerce can help, too. Do you have a local zoo? A public botanical garden or park? Some historic houses or battle sites? Pack a picnic and make a day trip out of it.

Bid farewell to the pool with one last hurrah! Most public pools close after Labor Day weekend, so splash around and soak up the sun while you still have time.

Labor Day is a popular holiday for bringing people together. Call up your friends, family or neighbors (of all of them!) and organize a cookout. Ask everyone to bring a dish and make a day out of it. Congregate around a pool or park for some added entertainment for the kids.

As the three-day weekend comes to a close, wave goodbye to summer days, white clothes and the public pool and look ahead to fall.

When Acne Catches Back Up With You

2011-08-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Adult acne affects 25 percent of all adult men and 50 percent of all adult women at some time in their adult lives. In addition, one-third of adults affected with facial acne also have acne on their body. People can develop unpleasant acne or have an acne recurrence in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Regardless of when someone struggles with acne, it can be difficult to cope.

Adult acne is caused by an oily substance produced by the skin. This substance clogs pores, which attract bacteria and become inflamed. Typically, this can be a result of hormone overproduction or imbalances. Pregnancy and menopause elevate the likelihood of breakouts in women. Some medications and oil-based cosmetics can also contribute to the development of acne.

Treating adult acne can be difficult, as most acne medications are designed for teen skin and are less effective for adults. Many adult acne products exist, so it’s important to find a system that works best for you. Providers at The Little Clinic are trained to advise on mild to moderate acne treatment for all ages.

The USO and The Little Clinic

2011-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Little Clinic is supporting our men and women in uniform with a special donation program connected to our children and students in uniforms – sports uniforms that is.

Every day, thousands of dedicated men and women serve in our military to protect our country and preserve our way of life at home. They do so at great personal sacrifice to themselves and their families.

The USO, a private, non-profit organization provides a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases. Founded in 1941, the USO was created in response to a request by President Franklin D. Roosevelt asking for more support services for American troops.

The USO provides critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen. Participation in the USO also helps to bridge the gap between civilians and the military. The organization is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

To show our continued support of our military service men and women, The Little Clinic will donate $10,000 to the USO in connection with sports physicals provided during July, August, and September to help lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families.

Nutrition Inside the School Walls

2011-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Eating right will help provide the nutrients needed to have energy, build strong bones, and fight diseases and other conditions. Pay attention to what and how much your kids eat. A change in eating habits may be an early warning sign for other problems.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, about 25 percent of all American children and adolescents are overweight, an alarming 20 percent increase over 10 years ago. Statistics show that nearly one-fourth of kids’ daily energy intake comes from snacks between meals. Unfortunately, many of these snacks offer few nutrients and an abundance of calories. It’s not always easy to persuade your kids to eat healthy snacks, but here are a few snack-time tips to help get you started:

Replace chips and soda with healthy alternatives, such as favorite fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat cheese and mini-sandwiches available at home and for school lunches.
Substitute similar choices. Instead of ice cream offer your child frozen yogurt.
Provide small containers of bottled water and low-fat milk to help your child avoid vending machines.
Provide variety. Be sure to select snacks from a variety of food groups so your kids won’t be bored with their snack choice.
Limit fruit juice. Although juice does contain some healthy nutrients, it contains calories that aren’t filling and can contribute to tooth decay if consumed in excess. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children drink no more than two 6-ounce servings of fruit juice a day.
Be creative. Dress up fruits and vegetables – offer celery with peanut butter, or carrots with a low-fat dip.
Encourage children to eat a healthy breakfast such as oatmeal. Kids who eat breakfast are more alert and do better in school.
When your child arrives home from school, encourage fun physical activity—such as shooting basketball, bicycle riding or dancing—for the first hour or two, rather than doing homework..
Schedule time right after dinner for homework and household chores. This limits the amount of television viewing and sedentary time.
Eat family meals together at home. Studies show that eating out frequently, especially at fast food restaurants contributes to weight gain. Preparing a few meals over the weekend can help you be ready for busy weeknights.

Health and Safety for Back-to-School

2011-08-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

As your students are beginning to head back to school, there are some important things to remember in order to keep them at their safest and healthiest. Making a point to encourage a sleep and a physical activity schedule will help them stay alert and active during the school year. And, reinforcing tips for traveling to and from school can keep your child safe when riding the school bus or the carpool.

Healthy Sleep

Children’s health and behavior can take a nosedive when they get too far outside of a normal sleep schedule. Similarly, sleeping adequate amounts will go a long way to boost a child’s energy and enthusiasm. Good-quality sleep also can help your child learn more easily and reduce many behavioral problems.

Generally, between the ages of six and nine, most children need about 10 hours of sleep a night, while preteens need a little over nine hours. Each child is different and has his or her own way of approaching sleep, so find a routine that suits your family and stick with it.

Sleep Tips for Your Children

Set a regular time for bed each night and stick to it.
Avoid feeding children big meals close to bedtime.
Avoid giving anything with caffeine less than six hours before bedtime.
Make after-dinner playtime a relaxing time.
Establish a calming bedtime routine.

Get Moving

It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week. Encourage kids to choose any type of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, playing tag, jumping rope, or swimming, as long as it adds up to at least one hour a day.

Taking everyday activities outside is a great way to encourage children to be active. Studying, normally an indoor activity, can take on a whole new dimension when done outside. Try turning typical studying into an outdoor activity, like incorporating addition into a hopscotch game or practicing for a spelling test while taking a walk in the evening.

Travel to and from School

It’s estimated that 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Teach your bus riders these few tips to ensure they get to and from school safely.

Tips for School Bus Riders

Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.
Carry all loose belongings in a bag or backpack and never reach under the school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen beneath it.
Line up facing the bus, not along side it.
Move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic after getting off the bus.
Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.

Tips for Carpool Riders

Tell your child to NEVER get in the car with a stranger.
Have a pre-determined place and time for everyone in the carpool to meet each day, both to and from school.
Always wear your seatbelt whether you ride in the front or the back seat.

Backpack Safety

For tips on packing your child’s backpack, check our post from last year’s National School Backpack Awareness Day (September 15) by clicking here.

Check Vaccinations Off the To-Do List

2011-07-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

With the start of school only a few weeks away, you might want to consider certain vaccinations to keep your student protected during the school year when close quarters often allow illness to spread quickly.

As a guide, below are some important vaccinations to consider. All of these vaccinations are available from your provider at The Little Clinic:

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

According to the CDC, about eight to nine of every 10 people who receive the vaccination are completely protected from chickenpox. In addition, the vaccine almost always prevents against severe disease. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually a very mild case lasting only a few days and involving fewer skin lesions (usually less than 50), mild or no fever, and few other symptoms.

Tdap

Because it is spread person to person, pertussis (whooping cough) can be extremely dangerous when introduced into a school setting. It is contagious, can last for months and interferes with school and schoolwork. Because of these risks, many states are requiring the Tdap vaccination before entering the 7th grade. Tdap provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and is recommended every 10 years for people 11 through 64 years of age.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a severe infection caused by meningococcal bacteria that can result in permanent nerve damage, organ failure, shock and death. Adolescents between the ages 16 and 21 have the highest rates of meningococcal disease. It is recommended that all 11-12 year olds be vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) and a booster dose should be given at age 16.

Gardasil

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and is caused by a sexually-transmitted virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil, an FDA-approved vaccine, prevents a woman from becoming infected with HPV if it is given before she is exposed to the virus. Gardasil is given in three doses over six months and is recommended for those ages 11 through 26 years of age for the prevention of cervical cancer.

Your provider at The Little Clinic can review your child’s vaccination history and help determine if your child can benefit from any of these vaccinations. Additionally, since vaccinations don’t last a lifetime, you might be ready for some updates yourself.

Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors

2011-07-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

If your summer plans include a family camping trip, make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Camping places you in situations and environments that are very different than your day-to-day life, so it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to pack:

A map or GPS
Flashlight
Tent
Whistle
Sunscreen
Bottled water and food
Clean socks
Rain gear
A first aid kit
Waterproof matches

Check out these other tips for ways to have a safe and fun camping trip:

Food and Water

Avoid drinking from streams or lakes. Instead, be prepared and bring bottled water. Likewise, never eat wild berries. Be on the safe side and pack snacks such as fruit, trail mix, crackers, granola bars, bread and peanut butter.

Clothing

Wear comfortable shoes when hiking to avoid blisters and make sure your ankles are well supported. Additionally, keep your arms and legs covered to avoid ticks and insect bites. Also make sure to take rain gear, such as ponchos and waterproof jackets, in case an unexpected shower occurs.

Poison Ivy

If someone in your group accidentally touches poison ivy, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. The oil from the poison ivy plant is easily spread, particularly on clothes.

Fire

If your camping trip involves a campfire, dump water or shovel dirt on it when you head to bed or leave your campsite. Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving it.

Bugs

Setting up camp away from water and building a small fire will help keep bugs away.

At the end of the day, check everyone for ticks. Pay special attention to areas behind your knees and ears, under your arms and in your groin. If you find a tick, use tweezers to grasp it firmly at its head or mouth (next to the skin) and pull firmly and steadily on the tick until it lets go (do not twist or jerk the tick), then swab the skin with alcohol.

For other bug bites, make sure the skin area is clear (the stinger is removed) and wash carefully with soap and water two to three times a day until the skin is healed. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce swelling.

The Little Clinic can help if poison ivy, bug bites or minor injuries or sunburns occur while enjoying the great outdoors, so visit our website for a location near you.

Travel Healthcare Services Available at Select Locations of The Little Clinic

2011-07-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

The summer season generally means an influx in travel, with destinations ranging from the Florida beaches to overseas landmarks. When it comes to international travel, the CDC advises travelers to contact healthcare providers to obtain vaccinations and medications at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

For those planning an international trip in the coming months, The Little Clinic in select Kroger, King Soopers and Fry’s stores is now a resource for travel healthcare services. Healthcare providers at The Little Clinic are able to advise travelers on the recommended pre-travel vaccines for their intended destinations, as well as suggest over-the-counter medications and write prescription medications for diseases and illnesses common to the destination.

The Little Clinic is open both during the evening and on weekends, so receiving information on travel health, vaccination and prescription needs is convenient and affordable. Please note that not all locations of The Little Clinic are a resource for travel vaccines. A list of locations able to provide this service is below:

Phoenix: 1935 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa

Cincinnati: 3760 Paxton Avenue, Cincinnati

Columbus: 7100 Hospital Drive, Dublin

Louisville: 2440 Bardstown Road, Louisville

Lexington: 3101 Richmond Rd., Lexington

Memphis: 3685 Houston Levee Road,  Collierville

Knoxville: 189 Brooklawn Street, Farragut

Nashville: 2131 Abbott Martin Road, Nashville (Green Hills)

Colorado: 9551 South University Blvd.,  Highlands Ranch

Why Every Part of Your Body Needs Water

2011-07-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

We all know how important it is to stay properly hydrated. Regardless of age, gender, fitness level, health condition or personal challenges, maintaining an adequate hydration level plays an important role for overall well-being.

Listening to your body’s signals is a good start, but sometimes your thirst signals may lag behind your body’s needs. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already have begun experiencing the first stages of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – stay ahead of the game by drinking more fluids more often.

Every part of your body needs water and can profit from the benefits of hydration:

Brain

Adequate hydration is important for proper brain functioning. Mild dehydration (1-2%) can impair your ability to concentrate. More severe dehydration can affect your brain’s processing abilities and can impair short-term memory.

Heart

Fluids are important for healthy heart function and play a role in normalizing blood pressure. Dehydration may lead to increased heart rate and changes in blood pressure.

Temperature

Your body’s water helps dissipate heat, regulating your overall body temperature.

Skin

Water helps preserve skin’s elasticity, softness and coloring. Water bathes skin cells, inside and out.

Cells

The water in your body is crucial for transporting carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and other important nutrients to your cells. Your cells then produce energy to help keep you going.

Kidneys

Water helps kidneys remove waste, toxins and excess nutrients from the body.

Digestive Tract

Water aids in digestion of food -— it’s found almost everywhere in the digestive tract, from the saliva in your mouth to the solution of enzymes in your intestine.

Muscles & Joints

Water helps cushion joints and keeps muscles working properly. In fact, approximately 70 to 75 percent of your muscle is made up of water. About 60 percent of an average person’s weight is water.

As part of its campaign to promote the benefits of hydration among active Americans, The Little Clinic has partnered with POWERADE. Right now, POWERADE is offering a product coupon to save $1.00 when you by any POWERADE ION4 or POWERADE Zero 8-pack to those who receive a sports physical at The Little Clinic, while supplies last.

Enjoy the holiday and stay safe too!

2011-06-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

Fireworks Safety

While 46 states plus the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks, personal use of fireworks is not always the safest choice. Most communities offer fireworks displays by professional companies, however, if you do choose to purchase and shoot fireworks, we suggest the following tips:

Always read directions. It’s dangerous to assume that all fireworks work the same way. Read directions to make sure you’re using fireworks in the way they were intended.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Fireworks are NOT toys. Pointing fireworks at other people, even as a joke, is one of the largest contributors to 4th of July injuries.

Keep fireworks away from children. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 have three times the risk of fireworks injuries compared to the general population.

Avoid baggy clothing. Wear fitted shirts and pants, as baggy clothing is more likely to catch flame or get caught on other objects.

Keep a bucket of water handy. Use this if a firework appears to be defective or if something nearby catches on fire.

Never attempt to fix “broken” fireworks. If a firework doesn’t ignite as expected, leave it alone! Wait twenty minutes and then douse the firework in a bucket of water.

Water Safety

If your holiday festivities take you to the lake, pool or other body of water, it’s a good idea to brush up on some water safety tips:

Always supervise children. Watching your child prevents drowning. Period.

Use a buddy system. Swimming alone increases drowning risk.

Make sure that children learn how to swim early, and learn to swim yourself.

Take a CPR course. This can save lives while waiting for help to arrive.

Avoid inflatable toys. These toys are not designed to safely keep children afloat.

Clear the pool deck of toys. A major cause of drowning is falling in while trying to retrieve a toy from the pool.

Practice good hygiene. Washing hands after spending time in the water is very important in avoiding water-related illnesses.

Food Safety

Outdoor celebrations are amongst their most popular around long holiday weekends. By taking a few precautions when preparing food or eating outdoors, you can ensure that everyone in your party stays well and can truly enjoy the fun!

Cook food to proper temperatures. Failing to cook food to the recommended temperature may leave bacteria within the meat that can cause food-borne illnesses. Cook hamburger and other ground meats (veal, lamb, and pork) to an internal temperature of 160 °F and ground poultry to 165 °F. Beef, veal and lamb steaks and roasts may be cooked to 145 °F for medium rare. Whole poultry should be cooked to 180 °F as measured in the thigh; breast meat to 170 °F. All cuts of pork should reach 160 °F.

Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Never leave food out in temperatures between 40°F and 90°F for more than two hours, one hour in temperatures above 90 °F.

Don’t cross-contaminate. Don’t reuse any food platters or utensils that have come in contact with uncooked meats without first washing with hot water and soap and drying with a clean towel.

Wash your hands often. When preparing food and also before and after eating, everyone should wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 15 seconds, drying your hands with a clean towel. When clean water is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used. Keeping hands clean is a primary defense against contracting or transmitting any foodborne illnesses.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. The National Safety Council rates the 4th of July as America’s most lethal holiday with thousands of accidents linked to alcohol overindulgence. Know your limits and designate a sober driver.

The Facts of Heartburn and GERD

2011-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Heartburn is a monthly occurrence for more than 60 million Americans, with about 15 million suffering daily. The condition is characterized as a burning discomfort that is felt in the middle of the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning is caused by the acid and contents of the stomach moving up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) instead of staying within the stomach.

In certain cases, chronic heartburn can indicate a more serious condition known as GERD (gasteroesophageal reflux disease). GERD occurs when the band of muscle around the bottom part of the esophagus does not tighten enough and allows food and liquid from the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. If untreated, GERD can contribute to more serious health problems including asthma, chronic cough and other lung diseases.

Altering certain lifestyle and dietary factors can lessen the effects of heartburn and GERD. If you or a loved one is affected by this issue consider:

Avoiding food and beverages such as chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, raw onions, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages.
Wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Avoiding lying down for three hours after a meal.
Losing weight if needed.

Those considered overweight or obese by their body mass index should consider losing weight as a means to heartburn relief. Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can push stomach contents up into the esophagus. In some cases, GERD symptoms disappear completely after an overweight person loses 10-15 pounds.

During the month of June, The Little Clinic is offering educational information about heartburn and GERD at all clinic locations, as well as free blood pressure and BMI screenings.

Hey Guys! Health Matters for You Too!

2011-06-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

By Eric Flener, FNP, The Little Clinic inside Kroger (Louisville, Ky.)

The nationally recognized Men’s Health Week is June 13-19 this year, providing a great reminder for dads, brothers, uncles and granddads that monitoring your health is important, regardless of your age.

Fuel for Your Body

Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice any of us could take is to think of food as medicine! Eating more wholesome foods in the right amounts can help you stay fit, energetic, and in a good mood. A wholesome diet keeps us healthier by reducing our risks for heart disease, diabetes and cancer..

So, start by noticing what foods you consume, making sure you are taking in the right amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to fuel your body with good health in mind.

Work Safely

According to the CDC, an estimated 11,500 private-sector workers have a nonfatal work-related injury or illness daily. As a result, more than half require a job transfer, work restrictions or time away from their jobs. You can take some precautions to be safe at work:

Use and carry tools and equipment properly and use safety gear when needed.
Get proper training.
Get assistance when needed.
Take breaks and rest when needed.
Use chemicals and other hazardous substances with care.

Get an Annual Physical (even if you feel fine)

Annual checkups are recommended for men at any age. These visits provide a healthcare history for you and allow the provider to monitor your health, family history and other contributing factors that can lead to illness or disease. There are certain diseases and conditions that may not have symptoms, so regular checkups are very important.

Start by implementing small changes in your life that will positively affect your health. Once those small changes become habit, you’ll be able to see the positive results which will in turn encourage you to adopt even more healthy activities into your daily habits.

The Importance of the Body Mass Index

2011-06-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

What is Body Mass Index or BMI?

Body Mass Index is a tool for indicating weight status in adults. It is a measure of weight for height. For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of these categories:

BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.

How does BMI relate to health?

The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death. BMI over 25 may increase the risk for some disease. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include:

• Premature death

• Cardiovascular disease

• High blood pressure

• Osteoarthritis

• Some cancers

• Diabetes

BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease risk.

What can I do if my BMI falls into overweight or obese categories?

By having your BMI measured by The Little Clinic, you have taken the first step! If your BMI is greater than 25.0, you can do a lot to reduce it. Your next step should be to make a visit to a qualified care provider to determine the best treatment for you. It may include:

• Changing Your Diet

• Changing Your Lifestyle

• Regular Physical Activity

During the month of June, The Little Clinic is partnering with Zantac to offer free blood pressure and BMI screenings. Stop by any clinic location to receive a free BMI screening and take another step toward knowing your numbers.

Tobacco Cessation Launches at The Little Clinic

2011-05-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today is World No Tobacco Day, sponsored by the World Health Organization. This year, more than five million people will die from a tobacco-related heart attack, stroke, cancer, lung ailment or other disease. That does not include the more than 600,000 people – more than a quarter of them children – who will die from exposure to second-hand smoke. The heath concerns associated with tobacco use continue to build, making the significance of quitting more important by the day.

Counseling and medication have been shown to more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed. The Little Clinic recognizes that in order to have a solid foundation for health, tobacco users need motivation and assistance, so this month The Little Clinic has launched the SmartPath® Tobacco Cessation Program at all clinic locations.

The SmartPath® Tobacco Cessation Program offers a two-visit program to help you get started. The first visit assesses the patient’s health status and nicotine dependence. If appropriate, medication will be recommended and prescribed. On the second visit, medication effectiveness and side effects will be evaluated along with tips for quitting for good. To help improve a patient’s success rate, TLC offers additional coaching sessions to help with topics such as reducing temptations for tobacco, managing stress, preventing weight gain and relapse prevention.

The Little Clinic appreciates the time constraints and multiple demands on life and offers a convenient, effective tobacco cessation program that works around your schedule. No appointment is necessary to begin the program, so it’s as easy as stopping by The Little Clinic nearest you. Let this year’s World No Tobacco Day be the day that you make a decision to talk to someone you love about the importance of quitting or choose kick the habit yourself.