Health Room Notes for Spring 2004

An Occasional Publication on Heath and Wellness in the Lathrop Community

Springtime and Summer health issues: Although it is overcast and drizzly as I write this, the forecast is for temperatures in the high 70's later today, so I want to unpack some warm weather cautions and advice: Insect bites or stings, sun damage to your skin and problems of overheating and dehydration are common and preventable seasonal challenges. None of what follows is really “news”; I'm sure you've heard it a million times before, but I'm going to say it anyway.

•  Wearing effective bug lotion or spray on exposed skin can decrease your risk of tic and mosquito-borne diseases. If you walk outside in the grass or woods, please heed the warning to wear long slacks, tucked into socks; light colors will help you spot any tics that land on your clothing. This will also give you some protection against irritating plant oils like those from poison ivy. Bug spray can be applied to outer clothing to give protection without leaving tacky or smelly stuff on your skin. I can't advise you about particular brands – some of you have health conditions that may require special care in choosing a product. Please ask your health care provider for personal advice.

•  Apply a high number [SPF 15 or higher] sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun. Long-term consequences of sun exposure include skin cancer; even short-term exposure can leave burns that put you at risk for infection, as well as causing pain. If you are sweating while outside, you should renew the application of sunscreen. Some products are labeled for “sports” use; these may give longer protection. Don't forget the top of your head, back of the neck and ears. Or better yet, wear a hat with a broad brim to protect these areas. If you are not wearing socks, protect the tops of your feet with sunscreen. Long sleeves and slacks also offer some sun protection.

•  In warm weather, drink plenty of watery fluids and arrange your most strenuous activities for early morning and late afternoon or evening. This will help you avoid dehydration, which can happen faster in an 80 year old than in a 40 year old. Starting in late-middle age, thirst is not a reliable guide to your body's need for liquids. Drink even when you are not thirsty, and drink before and after outdoor warm weather activities.

 

Balancing privacy and safety concerns: In both the Northampton and Easthampton Lathrop campuses, concerned persons have raised the alarm about a neighbor, and by doing so allowed health-saving medical care to be offered.

Both campuses have also had incidents when individuals have sought help for neighbors who did not appreciate the attention. I'd like to encourage you to think about when and how a concern about your neighbor should be passed on to Lathrop staff. When the neighbor is also a close friend, you may already have discussed how you each want this handled.

When I get news about a resident who may need help or advice, I follow up. In most cases, I will not be able to tell other residents “what's up”, but I do thank you for your concern.

 

Check in before your Check-Up : Many of us leave medical appointments and spend the trip home remembering all the things we didn't ask; all the issues we forgot about or were too embarrassed to mention. It can be very helpful to take the time to prepare a written list of questions and concerns before going to a medical appointment. There are several ways to approach this list, but it is always helpful to ask yourself: what is new since my last check-up; what is going better, what is worse? Is there anything I am particularly worried about? What am I hoping to get from this visit?

If you do not get asked about something that is on your mind, please speak up! Very few physicians are mind readers, and some areas may be skipped unless you raise a concern. Whether your appointment is for a particular problem or for a comprehensive exam, you may get more out of the appointment if you go in prepared with written questions and concerns.

If you are scheduled for an annual or semi-annual check-up, please take the time to review your File of Life and bring it up to date. I will leave some File of Life cards in the mailroom. Please take a fresh one if yours is missing or outdated.

If you would like my help preparing for an appointment, please let me know. I'd be happy to sit with you and review your health concerns and questions. If you'd like some help filling in you File of Life cards, just give me call or leave me a note.

Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Q: Are you ever in your office? What are your hours?

A: Yes! I work from 8 am to 3 pm most days now. If I am expecting you, I will be here. I am in and out of my office all the time. If you do not want to leave a message in my voicemail, ask the person who answers the phone to stick a note in my box instead.

Q: I care for my spouse full time. If I have an accident or medical emergency, what will happen to my spouse? What are our choices?

A: Each couple needs to have a personal plan for this situation. Most plans will include family and/or friends, personal care staff already working for you or for your neighbors, and a homecare agency with 24 hour coverage. Few of us enjoy talking about or planning for the worst, but running into trouble without a plan is even tougher. If you need help putting this together, please let me know. Please don't delay.