Though the flu virus can be detected all year-round, it usually starts in October and peaks between December and February. Every year, 5 to 20 percent of the population across the U.S are affected by the flu virus, presenting most severe repercussions in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who suffer from certain health conditions, like asthma and heart disease.
The summer sun is beaming down upon our Central Texas countryside, school has left the minds of our kids, and vacation plans are in full swing. There is not a better time of year to enjoy the blessings of family and friends than with celebration, being poolside, and relaxing in the midst of it all with a cold beer or a mouthwatering margarita.
Joshua Strommen MD, FACEP
Firework Related Injuries
Fireworks maintain a nostalgic part of our hearts. We all have grown old with wonderful memories of 4th of July fireworks alongside all its companion foods and drinks. However, we are also familiar with the dangers of fireworks if not careful. On a yearly basis, the Consumer Product Safety Commission accumulates data on firework-related deaths and injuries. The CPSC (https://www.cpsc.gov/Research--Statistics/Injury-Statistics) does this for many products to include ATV’s, appliances, pools, and nursery products to name just a few. As of 2016, the most recent report, here are some notable facts on firework injuries:
· There were 11,100 injuries and 4 deaths nationwide.
· Ages 20-24 had the highest incidence of injuries.
· Of the patients who came in -
Hands and fingers were injured the most at 33% of the time
Head/face/ears at 20%
Eyes at 9% of the time
· Burns caused 69% of all injuries.
Sparklers can burn at temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit!
· Sparklers and reloadable shells are most associated with injuries.
· Malfunction (tipping over, errant flight path, and short fuses) of the firework was more common as the cause of injury than misuse (improper placement, mischief, or holding in the hand).
· About 10% of the injuries will end up in hospitalization and/or a surgical procedure.
A few pointers to remember for safety:
· Never allow young children to ignite fireworks.
· Sparklers burn at blistering hot temperatures.
· Never place your body over a firework that is intended to shoot up or out.
· Never re-light a firework that didn’t ignite fully initially.
· Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy when you are shooting fireworks.
Thanksgiving is mostly synonymous with overindulgence and can be the bane of anyone trying to eat lean. However, the holidays should be a joyous occasion. Let’s try to focus on some positives of a traditional thanksgiving meal, and develop a little strategy to detour dietary dread.
Turkey has a lot of lean white meat, but its darker meat isn’t marginally worse for you either. Both are lower in saturated fat than red meat, however the darker has higher levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Turkey also has an essential amino acid called L-tryptophan, which is incorrectly thought of as the reason for post-Thanksgiving drowsiness. L-tryptophan is important in the synthesis of serotonin, but Thanksgiving tiredness is generally from blood flowing to the digestive system and away from the brain.
Potatoes, especially dishes that include the skin, are quite high in potassium. Sweet potatoes have more beta carotene and vitamin C as well, though you should watch out for added sugars in most recipes involving them. Green beans and other vegetables not in casserole form could be your friend in fulfilling satiety.
Macaroni and cheese or cheese grits might require more moderation due to the sodium and saturated fat content. It can be a good source of calcium, however. Also, try to go with a true whole grain roll with little butter if possible.
Overindulgence on desserts and sweets may be the downfall for the health conscious. Just give yourself a bit of time after the main course to let satiety sink in before packing in the pie. If you’re especially nutritionally savvy, maybe use Thanksgiving as one of the days to carb-load for a later endurance event.
If you do go a little overboard, at least try to time the feast a little earlier than bedtime. Having a meal too late can lead to insulin spikes throughout the night that may disrupt restful sleep.
Joshua Strommen MD, FACEP
Influenza A and B are the two strands of virus that cause the coughing, aching, feverish, nauseating, head pounding constellation of symptoms we refer to as the “flu”. Influenza is a virus that infects the upper and lower airway and is predominately seen during the winter months from November to March.
Symptoms of Influenza
Is Influenza a dangerous illness?
Influenza can be more dangerous if
What is the potentially serious complication of Influenza?
How is Influenza treated?
2017-2018 Flu Facts
How can PremiER help you?
