When you are not feeling well, you may reach for some type of medicine like aspirin for a fever. When taking medication, there are things you can do to ensure you are using them safely. All medications have benefits, but they also have potential risks. Here are some ways you can understand the benefits and risks:
1. Keep a list of all medications you take. Include maintenance medications, medications taken only when needed, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, and herbal remedies. Take this list with you when you visit your doctor or a specialist. Keep a list in your purse or wallet in case of an emergency.
2. Use one primary pharmacy. If you use mutliple pharmacies make sure that each knows what medicines you are on. The pharmacist can help you look for potential interactions.
3. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergic reactions or severe side effects you may have with a particular medication.
4. Take the time to read labels carefully and follow the directions.
5. Make sure you understand exactly how you should take each medication.
6. Don't take someone elses medicine or take medication that is past its expiration date.
7. Use antibiotics wisely and take them until completed even if you are feeling better. (If you have a sore throat or lung congestion, these may be due to a virus which an antibiotic will not help.)
8. Store medications properly. Some medications must be refrigerated. Keep all medications in a cool, dry location, which means the bathroom is not the best place to keep them.
9. Do not over use Tylenol (Acetaminophen). I recommend only using Tylenol to break a fever. If the fever has not broken in 12 hours you need to seek medical advice. A recent study showed that nearly 4 out of 10 adults who took the maximum dose of acetaminophen for eight days had lab tests suggesting possible harmful liver effects.
"The journey of life is taken one step at a time... none of them should be painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Leg pain may be circulatory.
Leg pain, especially at night or leg pain after walking short distances (less than 3 or 4 blocks), could be a medical condition known as peripheral arterial disease. This involves narrowing of the blood vessels supply blood to your lower extremity. Plaque composed of fat and cholesterol builds up inside the walls of your arteries and restricts normal blood flow. This build up is known as atherosclerosis also known as hardening of the arteries. When it affects the heart it is called coronary artery disease (CAD) which can cause a heart attack. When it affects the arteries to he brain it is called carotid artery disease and can lead to a stroke.
Artherosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to kidneys, stomach, arms, legs, or feetis called periperal arterial disease (PAD). Currently it is estimated this disease affects 8 million Americans and tends to incease with age and is present in a disproportionate number of African-Americans. Compated to other people, someone with PAD is six to seven times more likely to experience coronary artery disease heart attack, stroke, or a ministroke called a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). What is a disturbing statistic is half of the population with PAD do not have symptoms.
"One of the first signs of PAD can be painful cramping or fatigue in the legs and buttocks that occurs during activity but stops during rest," says Chacko Alexander, M.D. "PAD can also cause leg numbness, cold legs or feet, skin color changes in the arms or legs, toe or foot sores that don't heal quickly, hair loss on feet and legs, and burning or achy feet and toes when resting or lying down. In advanced stages, blood flow to a leg or foot can be severely blocked, causing tissue death that may result in amputation."
People diagnosed with PAD usually can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both. In some instances, however, surgery may be necessary to open vessels using a variety of techniques.
If you exprience any of these symptoms and are African-American, older than 40, female on birth control pills, diabetic, smoke, have a history of heart disease or a family member with PAD or CAD, consult your family doctor or see a Podiatrist for an evaluation.
"The journey of life is taken one step at a time... none of them should painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS
Artherosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to kidneys, stomach, arms, legs, or feetis called periperal arterial disease (PAD). Currently it is estimated this disease affects 8 million Americans and tends to incease with age and is present in a disproportionate number of African-Americans. Compated to other people, someone with PAD is six to seven times more likely to experience coronary artery disease heart attack, stroke, or a ministroke called a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). What is a disturbing statistic is half of the population with PAD do not have symptoms.
"One of the first signs of PAD can be painful cramping or fatigue in the legs and buttocks that occurs during activity but stops during rest," says Chacko Alexander, M.D. "PAD can also cause leg numbness, cold legs or feet, skin color changes in the arms or legs, toe or foot sores that don't heal quickly, hair loss on feet and legs, and burning or achy feet and toes when resting or lying down. In advanced stages, blood flow to a leg or foot can be severely blocked, causing tissue death that may result in amputation."
People diagnosed with PAD usually can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both. In some instances, however, surgery may be necessary to open vessels using a variety of techniques.
If you exprience any of these symptoms and are African-American, older than 40, female on birth control pills, diabetic, smoke, have a history of heart disease or a family member with PAD or CAD, consult your family doctor or see a Podiatrist for an evaluation.
"The journey of life is taken one step at a time... none of them should painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS
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