Fall Is Almost Here!

Fall is almost here! School has either started or is getting ready to start.


The hot days of summer are fading and the mornings are getting cooler. Fall brings us beautiful colors but not so nice allergies such as ragweed. And, for those who have allergy-associated asthma, ragweed can bring on asthma symptoms.

So, what is asthma?

• Asthma is a condition that affects the lung’s bronchial tubes. These are the main breathing tubes of the lung. They can become tight, narrow and irritated. Many things, including allergies, can trigger asthma.

What does an asthma flare-up feel like?

• It feels like you can’t fully get air in and out of your lungs. At first, you may just feel tired and have more trouble walking up hills. But, later, as it progresses, you may have trouble with more active exercise and even while you are resting. Trouble breathing can be scary so let’s prepare to prevent the problem.

• Often, coughing is the first sign of an asthma flare-up.


What are common Fall season triggers for asthma flare-ups?

• Pollen

• Tree pollen: Ragweed is high right now. So, close your windows at home and in the car, and use your air conditioner or heat.

• Colds/Infection

• School has started so remember to wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Get your Flu shot at your Asthma Medicine Visit or Check-Up: FLU SHOTS ARE ALREADY IN OUR OFFICE, SO COME EARLY TO GET YOUR VACCINE

• Eat a well-balanced diet and take a multivitamin

• Weather change

• For some people, a 20 degree or more change in temperature can trigger wheezing or cough.

• Dress warmly as the weather cool and wear layers of clothes. Remember Grandma said this is pneumonia weather.

• Exercise

• Remember, Exercise keeps you healthy! But, if you are having breathing problems during exercise, see your doctor.

• Indoor Triggers

• Mold

• Room “fresheners” or deodorizers (these are actually pollutants)

• Perfumes

• Smoke: No one should smoke. If you do smoke, do so outside of the house and car. Plan to quit – A plan is the first step!

• Pets: certain pets are more likely to be associated with allergies. (If “Fluffy” is already your pet, just keep him/her out of the bedroom).

• PREVENTION IS KEY TO CONTROLLING YOUR ASTHMA

• Know your triggers and try to avoid them

• Try to prevent yourself from getting colds and Flu. GET YOUR FLU SHOT!

• Exercise smart with your rescue inhaler on hand at all times

• Know the names of your asthma medications and their roles in your asthma care. Check the expiration date of your medicines.

• Go to your pediatrician at least once a year for an asthma medicine visit. During that visit, your doctor will:
• Review your Asthma Treatment Plan
• Review your medications and decide if you can “step-down” or change treatment
• Do a Pulmonary Function Test (to check your lung function)
• Help you better understand your asthma

Dr. Crawford

August is Here!

With the end of August quickly approaching, it's time for school and sports to begin.

PLAN FOR SCHOOL

MEALS: Moms - plan ahead with a menu and buy all your ingredients for the week at the grocery. Cook on the weekend. When your kids get home from school and activities, dinner is already made!

LUNCH: Some school lunches are very poor (high in fat, low in fiber). Some children/teens need to pack a healthy lunch to continue with a healthy low fat, nutritious diet.

SLEEP: Yes, it is time to start getting to bed earlier and getting up earlier so our bodies adjust to the Fall/School time schedule.

EXERCISE: Time to come up with a fall/winter exercise plan. We need to exercise at least 5 days per week for 30-60 minutes of cardio. YMCA, the Wii, XBox, TaeBo, Zumba, indoor swimming are some good examples of things you can do.

ILLNESS: Fall brings ragweed which is a tree pollen. Pollen triggers hay fever, asthma, and other allergies. If your child has fall asthma restart or continue your controller medication and watch for that tell tale cough. Pull out that asthma plan for your reference!

INFECTION: School is the hot-spot for shared germs like strep, stomach viruses, and other colds. Washing hands and not eating or drinking after people helps.

So as we enjoy our last 30-60 days of sun and fun, prepare for winter and don't forget about Vitamin D. If your child does not drink 3-4 glasses of milk per day, a multivitamin would be best!

ENJOY THE SUN!

Dr. Crawford

Going to College

For the Parents:


This is the time of the year after the Graduation party to get ready for college. This is tough for the young adult even if they deny it. It is the first time they will be on their own, pick their own classes, and decide which path to take for their future. Mom and Dad are no longer in charge. They are stressed because late at night when they need a hug, you will not be there. If they have been acting differently this year, it may be due to sorting through all the feelings of both hating you and loving you at the same time.


Here is a list of things your young adult should have when preparing to leave for college:


PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

1. Ace Bandage
2. Acne Medication
3. ADHD Medication
4. Allergy Eye drops
5. Antibiotic Ointment – Neosporin or Polysporin
6. Asthma Medication (Follow Green Zone Every Day)
7. Benadryl , Zyrtec or Claritin
8. Cough Medication
9. Diarrhea kit – Gatorade, Immodium and Culturelle
10. Hydrocortisone 1% for itchy rash / bumps
11. Motrin
12. Nasal Spray
13. Tylenol
14. Copy of Insurance Card
15. Phone Number Of Health Center
16. Phone Number and Location of Hospital
17. Label all Supplies for Student
18. Write down parents, child and any other important numbers down on paper in case cell phone is lost or broken.
19. Roommates phone number- also give this number to parent
20. Stay in contact with your siblings. Friends come and go Family is always there.
21. Remember to ask your student to sign the consent for parents to view grades and speak with financial aid department.



For the College Freshman:

We are so pround of you, so be proud of yourself. Don't forget what you are going to college to get....A DEGREE!

Here are some tips for you as you embark on this new phase of your life:

TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS


1. Become your own parent
*Be your best cheerleader
*Talk nice to yourself.
*Encourage yourself to eat healthy and exercise

2. Think about what kind of life partner you want
*Is the person I am with the type of person I want to spend my life with or do I need an upgrade?
*Do I need to upgrade my friends?

3. You do not have to be sexually active – It is your choice!
*If you decide to be active, to do nothing is to plan a pregnancy.
*To do nothing to prevent a sexually transmitted disease is to invite them into your body.

4. Drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs, are a risk.
*Not only are they illegal, but your behavior may end up being embarrassing and dangerous under the influence.

5. Be your own accountant.
*Have an emergency fund, a budget, and limit credit card and debt.

6. Teach people how to treat you with respect and treat yourself with respect.

7. Learn how to deal with life stressors.
*Problems with money, grades you did not expect, partner and friend problems, and depression.
*Who can you call for help?

Birds Singing...It must be spring! Yeah!

We all love spring, but what does it bring with the great change in season.

Sun:

Great! I hate the grey of winter. Please wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater). What a great time to get outside and exercise the winter blues away!

Allergies & Asthma:

Nasal Allergies - It is better to start your nasal allergy medication before your nose runs like a faucet (Zyrtec, Claritin, Nasal Spray).

Mold - Mold increases in the spring with all the april showers. Watch out!

Asthma - If this is a time your wheezing starts, be ready and use your controller (preventative medications) before you cough or wheeze. Call for refills if you are out of your medications and schedule an Asthma Check-Up.

Accidents:

Accidents increase in the spring/summer.

Parents review:

1. Stranger Safety


2. Strange Dog Safety


3. Neighborhood Safety


4. Outdoor Safety


5. Street Safety

Helmets save lives - WEAR ONE!!!

Helmets need to be worn when you:

• ride bikes


• skate board


• ride 4 - Wheeler (Oh heck, they are never safe)

Poison Ivy:

Know what it looks like before it gets you.

Minor Cuts:

Clean minor cuts with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Bug Bites:

Bugs bite more in late evenings. Wear long sleeves and pants to help prevent getting bitten. If it's to late, hydrocortisone and an antihistamine can help with itching.

SO move out of the way Groundhog - We are ready to enjoy Spring!

Back to School

Wow - What Stress!!!!

I have to get everyone up for school in the AM, make sure they have completed their daily routine (brush teeth, bath, clothes, etc.), and get them out the door on time. They must have their lunches ready, a plan for returning home, and a plan for after school activities.

Who needs to be Where and Who is taking them there????

Then I go to work, do a great job, and be supportive of my fellow workers. I come home and must feed the family, help them complete homework, pack up stuff for the next day and get them in bed on-time. And OOPS - do not forget to smile and be loving to my significant other if I have one.

Why does school have to start?

To make matters worse, my doctor wants me to feed my children a balanced diet (no fast food), read to my toddler, and eat dinner at the dinner table as a family. She even has the NERVE to want me to do a Date Night or Singular Night (Single parent out enjoying life) on a regular schedule.

Well, here are some suggestions that may help.

1. Plan and write down your menu for the week (breakfast and dinner).

2. Grocery shop and get it all. Cook all your meals on the weekend. Example: So no brain work needed, on Tuesday we have baked chicken, new potatoes, and green beans, already done when I get home.

3. Buy and use a slow cooker, get Tupperware travel plates when on the go, and a warming sleeve like the pizza guy has for his food.

4. Lay out clothes and pack back pack before bed or right after dinner. (One of my kids would take a bath at night, get dressed for school, and make his bed. He would lay on top of his bed to sleep and would be all ready to go in the morning....a little drastic but it worked for him.)

5. Make lunches and have them labeled and ready in the fridge.

6. Color code each kid on the calendar for each of their activities and specify who is the transporter to and from the activity.

7. Give the kids chores to help out. They can be small at first: set table, clear dishes, call out bath schedule, check younger kids homework, read to toddler, pack lunches (my sister packed us an onion sandwich one time and yes, I did eat it...I was hungry!), check weather the next day, check traffic in AM, set out packed lunches in the AM, etc.

8. Stay on schedule for bedtimes and wake ups even on the weekend (OK, not that far off).

9. Bedtime should be 1-2 hours before you go to bed.

10. Use that 1-2 hours of ME time for yourself, your special person, or just to relax and turn off your brain.

11. Plan a date night long in advance so there is no stress.

One of the best presents you could give your children if you are a happy couple is to stiol be a happy couple when they are 17 years old. Do not put your relationship on autopilot and think it will be there waiting for you 15 years later.

If you are a single parent, your a better parent when there is time put aside for you to explore who you are and do the things that make you happy. Remember to be a complete person not just defined as _____'s Mom. It is not selfish for a person to do adult things.

Have a good school year. I can't wait for summer again.

Doctor C