Tag Archives: seasonal-health

Bless You!

A Q&A about allergies and testing with Dr. Janice Rutkowski

After the winter season of 2014-2015, we are enjoying the onset of beautiful spring days, but unfortunately not everyone is enjoying the good weather. Maryland is one of the most allergy-prone states, both in air-born allergens and those in food.

In this article, Dr. Janice Rutkowski answers questions about allergies and testing for them.

Q: What are allergies?
A: Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (allergen), such as plant pollen, dust, certain foods, insect stings or bites, or pet dander. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

Q: What are the signs I may have allergies?
A: Allergic symptoms include itchy eyes, nose or throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, cough or wheezing, itchiness or eczema (inflamed or irritated skin). The severity of allergies can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Q: Can allergies be cured?
A: Most allergies can’t be cured, but treatment can help relieve your symptoms. In the case of seasonal allergies, many people find relief with over-the-counter medications. But when they don’t respond to the usual treatments, they require testing to determine the cause.

Q: What allergy tests are available?
A: There are two standard tests: skin tests and blood tests.

Skin tests (known as scratch tests) are the most common and are administered by allergists or dermatologists. A very small amount of certain allergens are put into your skin by making a small indentation or “prick” on the surface of your skin. If you have allergies, a small swelling that looks and feels like a mosquito bite will quickly occur where the allergen(s) is introduced.

However, under certain conditions, a blood allergy test is preferable to the skin test.  Allergy blood testing is recommended if you:

  • Might have an extreme reaction during skin testing or have a history of life-threatening allergic reactions.
  • Have severe skin disorders.
  • Are using a medicine known to interfere with test results and cannot stop taking it for a few days. This would include antihistamines, steroids, and certain antidepressants.
  • Cannot tolerate the many needle scratches required for skin testing.
  • Have an unstable heart condition.
  • Have poorly controlled asthma.

MPCP can administer the blood test in our offices for people who have skin disorders or are at risk for an extreme reaction. We can test for many substances in one sitting.

If you are one of many who suffer from cold-like symptoms with the change of seasons or have one of the symptoms listed above, see your MPCP doctor for evaluation and treatment so you can enjoy this wonderful season in good health!

Professional headshot of MPCP partner, Janice Rutkowski, M.D.

Janice Rutkowski, M.D. is an MPCP partner and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She sees patients at the Arundel Mills office.

New Rules for Sunscreen

By: Lisa Keithley, M.D.

Starting this summer the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated new labeling rules for sunscreen products. These rules should help consumers better understand what’s actually in the product, and some of the limitations of sunscreen.

Since we know most skin cancers are related to sun exposure, and that the sun plays a role in premature skin aging, we must do more than just apply sunscreen. We should be avoiding the sun whenever possible during the hours of 10 a.m-2 p.m., and wearing protective clothing and hats. But sunscreen, worn daily, is a proven tool in helping us protect our skin.

Here’s what to look for:

  • The words “broad spectrum.” This means the sunscreen has been tested and proven to protect against both UVA & UVB rays.
  • Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 30-50. The FDA is still testing products with an SPF above 50 to determine whether they are actually more effective, especially if people apply them less frequently. Those with an SPF lower than 15 must now carry a warning label that they will not protect against skin cancer.
  • “Water-resistance.” Sunscreens can no longer claim to be water or sweat proof, since all will wash off or become diluted over time. However, water resistance does help, and new labels must note a time limit of either 40 or 80 minutes before the sunscreen is ineffective. So, a new label may say: Broad spectrum SPF 30 water resistant (40 minutes)

Just as important as buying the right sunscreen is using it properly. It’s best to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun. And make sure to use enough- a golfball-size dollop- is a good visual. The FDA encourages the use of lotions over sprays since it’s harder to determine if enough spray is being applied, and sprays may not be as safe around the face. In general, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more often if you’ve been in the water.

Remember that sunscreen should not be used at all on infants under 6 months of age, and that older children should be protected as much as possible from mid-day sun. Just one bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.

Lisa Goldberg Keithly, M.D.Dr. Keithley joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC in 2009 and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 1997 and completed her residency program in Family Practice at Chestnut Hill Hospital in 2000.

Summer Health Tips

Because we care about your health and safety, Maryland Primary Care Physicians has put together this list of tips to help your family enjoy a healthy and safe summer.

sun

Tip #1: Beware of the Sun

Studies show that more than a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and that even a few serious sunburns can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. You can protect yourself during the time of day when the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays are strongest — between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. — by wearing long sleeves and pants, and by applying sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection and an SPF of 30 or higher. The American Cancer Society recommends that children wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and that it be reapplied every 2 hours when at the pool or beach where the sunscreen may wear off quickly.

Tip #2: Prevent Heat-related Illness

cannonball
Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool, by letting heat escape through the skin, and by evaporating sweat (perspiration). If the body does not cool properly, or does not cool enough, a person may suffer a heat-related illness. Anyone can be susceptible although the very young and very old are at greater risk. Heat-related illnesses can become serious or even deadly if unattended.

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.  It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
  • Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink  continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol  and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous  activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, either early  morning or late evening.
  • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

Tip #3: Lawn Mower Safety

Warm weather means there’s lots of lawn mowing to be done! Always take the following precautions to guard against injury:glasses

  • Try to use a mower with a safety control that stops the mower if the handle is let go.
  • Wear sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) while mowing.
  • Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
  • Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.

helmet

Tip #4: Bike Safety

While bike riding is a staple of summer for many, it can lead to severe injury for those who aren’t careful. Some rules for bike safety are:

  • Always wear a bicycle helmet. The most serious bike injuries are a result of head injury.
  • Follow all traffic rules (bikes have to follow the same traffic rules and signs as cars), wear bright colors or clothes that reflect light at night so drivers can see you.
  • Also, get a headlight for the front of your bike and reflectors on the front and back of your bike if you ride at night. Wearing a helmet also applies for activities such as skateboarding or rollerblading.

Tip #5: Outdoor Food Safety

basketNo matter what time of the year, more and more people are cooking outdoors. But outdoor barbeques and picnics during the summer pose a few extra challenges. Protect yourself and your friends and family in these ways:

  • Keep perishable food cool on longer trips; place it in a cooler with ice or freezer packs. Put raw meat/poultry in a plastic bag so juices won’t cross-contaminate your fruits or vegetables.
  • Don’t keep food out in the heat; perishable food sitting outside for more than 2 hours is not safe.
  • To prevent food borne illness, don’t use the same utensils or platters for raw and cooked meats, and be sure to keep food surfaces clean.

Tip #6: Keep a First Aid Kit with you in your Home, Car and Boat

Stay safe this summer.  Make sure to have first aid supplies on hand at home, in your car and when you travel.  Here is a list of the key items to include in a family first aid kit from the American Red Cross. 

Click here for a printable version of the Summer Health Tips.

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Doctor’s Advice: 10 Tips for Spring Allergy Symptoms

By Tamara Welch, M.D.

Has the sneezing started at your house?  If so you, or your family members, are likely among the thousands of allergy sufferers who have to deal with the high pollen count in Maryland each spring.  In fact, experts are predicting a record high pollen count this year.  Trees are the first culprit, releasing pollen as they bud in early spring.  Then grasses and weeds take over in late spring and early summer.   Individuals who are allergic to pollen and mold spores will have symptoms ranging from headaches to watery, itchy eyes, to sneezing, to a sore throat.

However, there are several effective treatments for dealing with allergies.  Avoiding triggers – or exposure to allergens – whenever possible is the first step.   But we also have effective over the counter and prescription medications.  Some people respond well to allergy shots.  Here are my top 10 tips to help you deal with spring allergy symptoms:

  1. Limit outdoor time when pollen counts are high- usually in the morning and on windy days.  You can find the pollen counts for your area at http://www.webmd.com/allergies/healthtool-pollen-counter-calculator
  2. Spring cleaning – Make sure to clean windows, screens, air conditioning vents and other surfaces that collect dust and pollen.
  3. Take over the counter or prescription medications as directed by your doctor.  You usually want to take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activities.  Understand the difference between anti-histamines and decongestants and when to take each.
  4. Keep pollen out-  Shut windows at home and in your car.  Take off shoes at the door.
  5. Shower and wash hair before bed to remove any pollen that collected during the day.
  6. Keep pets off furniture and out of bedrooms as pollen can cling to their fur.
  7. Dry clothes in the dryer, not hanging outside.
  8. When gardening or mowing the lawn, wear a filter mask.
  9. Consider using a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter at home.
  10. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if your symptoms persist.  Medications and allergy shots are very effective for many people once the allergen is identified.

Dr. Tamara Welch