By Ken Waugh
Special to the Turnagain Times
Winter is upon us and here in the Girdwood valley images of sparkling snowflakes and long gracefully carved turns across untracked powder fill our thoughts. But unfortunately winter can also be a time of illness and injury, if people fail to take adequate health and safety precautions. Here are a few tips to make your winter a little more enjoyable.
Colds
More than 100 viruses can cause colds, the world's most common illness, so few people escape being exposed to at least one of them. In the United States, most people average about three colds every year.
Once it enters the body through the nose or throat, the cold virus begins to multiply, causing any of a number of symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, aches and pains, mild fever, nasal congestion and coughing. A cold usually lasts a week or two.
The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible and drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the illness and in some cases may even prove to be dangerous by raising blood pressure, interfering with other medications or effecting mental alertness. No medication is without unintended effects so try to check with a health care professional before start taking anything.
While there is no vaccine to protect you from catching a cold, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep up your natural resistance through good nutrition and getting enough sleep and exercise. Turn your thermostat down and keep the humidity up in your home. Dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.
Influenza
This a contagious respiratory infection, influenza is not a serious health threat for most people. However, for the elderly, pregnant women or those who have a chronic health problems, influenza can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Symptoms of the flu usually develop suddenly, about three days after being exposed to the virus. They include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and soreness and aching in the back, arms and legs. Although these are similar to those caused by cold viruses, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and to last longer. The flu is highly contagious and, if it occurs in your family there is no practical way to avoid exposure to the virus. Bed rest, a mild pain reliever and lots of fluids are the best treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against flu viruses, anti-virals can shorten the course of the illness but must be started no longer than 48 hours after symptoms appear to be effective.
Flu vaccines, don't always prevent the illness, but can reduce the severity of the symptoms and protect against complications that could develop. The shots are strongly recommended for persons 65 years of age and older and those who suffer from such chronic health problems as heart disease, respiratory problems, renal disease, diabetes, anemia or any disease that weakens the body's immune system. Infants, children and young people up to 18 years should also get a flu shot. Persons allergic to eggs or who have a high fever, however, should avoid or postpone getting a flu shot.
Because influenza vaccine is only effective for one year and viruses vary from year to year, it is necessary to get a flu shot every year. Remember that the seasonal flu shot is not the same as the H1N1 flu shot and for those high risk folks, both should be administered this ‘09-'10 season.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees or less and can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. In the United States, about 700 deaths occur each year from hypothermia.
When the body temperature drops, the blood vessels near the surface of the body narrow to reduce heat loss. Muscles begin to tighten to make heat. If the body temperature continues to drop, the person will begin to shiver. The shivering continues until the temperature drops to about 90 degrees. Temperatures below 90 degrees create a life-threatening situation.
Signs of hypothermia include forgetfulness, drowsiness, slurred speech, change in appearance (e.g., puffy face), weak pulse, slow heartbeat, and very slow and shallow breathing. If the body temperature drops to or below 86 degrees, a person may slip into a coma or have a death-like appearance.
If you notice these symptoms developing in a person try to prevent further heat loss, wrap the patient in a warm blanket. A hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) can by applied to the person's stomach. If the victim is alert, give small quantities of warm food or drink.
There are several things you should not do to a hypothermia victim. Do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give a hot shower or bath, since it could cause shock. Generally, do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be treated in a hospital.
Frostbite
The parts of the body most affected by frostbite are exposed areas of the face (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead), the ears, wrists, hands and feet. Frostbitten skin is whitish and stiff and feels numb rather than painful. When spending time outdoors during cold weather, be alert for signs of frostbite and, if you notice any, take immediate action.
To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. If no warm wrappings are available, place frostbitten hands under the armpits or use your body to cover the affected area. Seek medical attention immediately.
Do not rub frostbitten areas; the friction can damage the tissue. Do not apply snow to frostbitten areas. Because its temperature is below freezing, snow will aggravate the condition. Superficial frostbite is called frostnip and should be keep clean and dry. It is important to keep the damaged area warm, clean, dry, and protected from further damage. Frostbitten areas should be examined by a medical professional and may require consultation or referral to a specialist
These are a just a few of the common winter time health problems seen in Girdwood and the Turnagain area. We also have an over abundance of orthopedic injuries related to ice and snow this time of year. A general rule for injuries is to ice pack and immobilize the area, and see a medical professional as soon as possible. The Alyeska Ski Patrol, our local Girdwood EMS squad, and the Girdwood Clinic are all happy to assist with injuries as needed.
Ken Waugh is a certified Physician Assistant at the Girdwood Clinic.
