Cryptosporidium in public pools

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cryptosporidium in public poolsWhat’s in your pool water?

School is out, summer is in full swing, and both kids and adults are flocking to local public swimming pools and wading pools.

And that’s where an ugly parasitic infection lurks: Cryptosporidium.

Cryptosporidium (aka “Crypto”) causes diarrhea. It spreads when contaminated fecal matter gets into the pool. Which is frighteningly easy to do, especially when toddlers wear diapers into wading pools or onto splash … read on

“Brain on Fire” – A diagnostic odyssey

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Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

I wrote this post two years ago, but the movie is now available on Netflix. It’s worth watching, although the book goes into much more detail so I definitely recommend you read it, too, if you like medical mysteries. FN

As a twenty-something cub reporter in New York, Ms. Cahalan began experiencing strange, seemingly unconnected symptoms, such as forgetfulness, paranoia and the sensation … read on

Be prepared for warmer temperatures

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How hot will your city be in the year 2100?

I’m still undecided if earth’s warming trend is the result of man-made emissions or just another cycle that will come and go like others throughout the millennia.

Whatever the cause, I love this interactive map from Climate Central. Find your city on the map and it will tell you what the average summer temperatures will be in 2100.

Seattle … read on

First aid for sunburns

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first aid for sunburnsA common summer ailment

Few summer ailments are as common as sunburns.

If you or your kids get a sunburn, here are some simple steps you can take to stop the burning and promote healing.

You don’t need to buy a bunch of special or expensive products. The important steps are to stop the burning, treat the pain, and stay hydrated.

Sunscreen—Prevention is key

Use sunscreen! The American Academy of … read on

How to choose the best sunscreen

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How to choose a sunscreen—what works?

Do you know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen product?

Do you understand what SPF means and which ingredients offer effective protection?

If you aren’t reading labels, and are judging by brand, price or marketing claims alone, you might not be getting the best deal.

So what should you look for on a label?

Because protection from UVA rays is more difficult … read on

Tips for living with Restless Legs Syndrome

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restless leg syndromeThere is no cure for Restless Legs Syndrome

I have to be honest.

This post will not tell you about a miracle cure for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), or how you can achieve quality sleep every night.

I’ve suffered (and those of you with RLS will sympathize) with RLS for most of my adult life. I’ve tried prescription medications, supplements, elimination diets, exercise and even acupuncture in my quest for … read on

4th of July safety tips

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4th of july safety tipsStay safe this 4th of July!

My state’s Fire Marshall recently reported a record number of fireworks-related injuries and fires in 2017.

As a nurse I’ve seen what both legal and illegal fireworks can do to hands and faces. It’s not pretty.

It’s especially tragic when small children are burned or disfigured.

The American Academy of Pediatrics makes this statement on their website:

​The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues

… read on

The lack of transparency in healthcare hurts

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A symptom of a broken system

A recent trip to my primary care physician highlighted one of my biggest complaints as a “healthcare consumer”: a complete lack of transparency about what things cost.

How are patients (I hate the word consumer) supposed to make thoughtful, cost-conscious decisions about healthcare when it’s impossible to know what any service costs before we buy?

Out-of-control costs is just a symptom of underlying illness. … read on

First aid for bee stings

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Allergy vs severe reaction

Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants all belong to the same order of insects, Hymenoptera, so their venoms cause similar reactions if you are stung or bitten.

People’s bodies react in one of three ways:

  1. 85-90% experience a small local reaction—pain, redness and some swelling just around the sting site.
  2. 10% experience what is called a “large local reaction”—pain, itching, redness and swelling
… read on

Prevent and treat mosquito bites

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prevent and treat mosquito bitesSpring is mosquito season

Mosquitoes love warm, wet weather. Spring is their favorite season!

Research has shown that mosquitoes prefer certain people over others. Blame your genes. 😕

But you won’t always be able to hide behind a tastier friend.

And even though mosquito bites are mostly a seasonal annoyance, in some parts of the country/world mosquitoes carry serious diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever … read on