In most of Wisconsin, we experienced a very cloudy, rainy spring - so most of us are ill-prepared to adapt to the intense rays of the sun this June. It is always important to protect yourself from the sun in summer - sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and avoiding peak sun exposure (10 am to 2 pm) are key. But this year I’m seeing even more cases of severe sunburn and skin reactions caused by exposure to the sun.
What determines whether or not you get sunburned? Your skin type, how long you are in the sun, when you are in the sun and where you are - including your altitude. The type of sunscreen you use and medications you are taking can also determine how your skin reacts to the sun. Medications such as antibiotics, diuretics, heart drugs, birth control, antidepressants, antifungals, antibacterials and acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Waking up with a “Charlie Horse” in the middle of the night can certainly be unpleasant. And it’s something that is often more frequently seen in the warmer months. Why? Because for some people leg cramps are a result of dehydration that can be caused by hot days, sun, exercise and a lack of liquids. When your body’s electrolytes are depleted, the result can be cramps - more commonly in the legs and feet.
Other causes of muscles cramping include:
- Diuretic drugs that can result in dehydration or a depletion of sodium or potassium.
- Overusing muscles that you haven’t exercised in a while.
- Prolonged sitting.
- Imbalance in calcium levels caused by parathyroid disease. This usually causes cramping in the hands or arms.
- Medications taken to reduce cholesterol or stomach acid. Birth control pills, antipsychotics and steroids can lead to cramping as well.
- Flat feet.
If you experience muscle cramping regularly, it’s a good idea to visit your physician. In most cases, your health care provider will examine your medication history and run blood tests to check your potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium levels. A thyroid function test may be run as well.
To prevent cramping stay well-hydrated, exercise often, and stretch your muscles often. Also avoid drinks with caffeine, as well as alcoholic beverages that tend to dehyrdrate your body. It’s a good idea to eat foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium as well. Some people find that milk (for the calcium) or a daily vitamin B complex can help prevent cramping.
Noroviruses - which can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting - are highly contagious. Thus outbreaks typically occur in crowded environments such as resorts, daycare facilities, hospitals, cruise ships or nursing homes. The infection can be spread by close contact with an infected person - who may or may not have symptoms - or via food or drink that has been contaminated by an infected person or animal.
Most people infected with norovirus become ill within 24 to 48 hours and recover within three days after becoming ill. However, in some cases infected persons may suffer from more severe diarrhea and vomiting, and may be sick up to five or six days. In such cases it is very impotant that the person drink plenty of fluids in order to remain hydrated. Remember that sodas, sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages do not help a person hydrate and can, in fact, lead to more frequent urination that contributes to dehydration.
One of the more puzzling medical conditions we see today is interstitial cystitis, a condition with symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. It affects an estimated 700,000 Americans - 90% of whom are women. What can be troubling is that the condition does not respond to antibiotics nor is it caused by an infection. In fact, the actual cause of interstitial cystitis is still in question.
With interstitial cystitis, the bladder wall becomes irritated leading to symptoms that include:
- An intense urge to urinate, including awakening from sleep to urinate
- Pressure or tenderness near the bladder -that can intensify as the bladder fills -in the pelvic region or below the belly button
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
In the United States, one of every 15 people will suffer from appendicitis. And those most likely to be affected are people between the ages of 10 and 30. So, is appendicitis an emergency? Yes. An inflamed appendix, if left untreated, can burst and release infectious materials inside your body. If these materials are released, it can lead to peritonitis - inflammation of your abdominal cavity - which can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics.
Just what causes appendicitis? It can be the result of an infection, cancer or blockage caused by stool.
It’s important you be aware of the various symptoms of appendicitis, particularly as appendicitis can often mimic the symptoms of other conditions such as a urinary tract infection, a gallbladder problem, ovarian pain, gastritis, a bladder infection or an infection within the intestines.
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