13 Tips to Manage Eczema

Eczema is a remarkably common skin condition, affecting some 15 million people in the United States. While not dangerous or contagious, the condition (also known as atopic dermatitis) is incurable and uncomfortable, usually causing red, swollen, and itchy skin.

Despite its prevalence, the root causes of eczema remain a bit of a mystery. Scientists do know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role, but beyond that, the science gets a little vague. Fortunately, the factors that cause eczema to flare up are easier to spot—the key is identifying and avoiding these triggers.

Dermatologists recommend following these 13 tips to help prevent and manage eczema flare ups:

• Limit your contact with irritants, including household cleaners, detergents, aftershaves, soap, gas, turpentine, and other solvents.
• Wash your hands only when necessary, as soap and wetness can irritate eczema. Dry your hands completely after you wash them.
• If you're going to work around water or other irritants, wear vinyl or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Take occasional breaks to remove the gloves to avoid sweat buildup.
• Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry out skin, and dryness can make eczema worse.
• Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate skin.
• Use a small amount of mild soap in cool or warm water when showering or bathing. Soaking in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes can help skin absorb water, making it less likely to dry out. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Use prescription creams or ointments or over-the-counter versions right after bathing when eczema flares up. If the area becomes infected, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Other treatments include antihistamines and tar treatments to reduce itching, and ultraviolet light applied directly to the skin.
• Use a skin moisturizer daily to keep your skin soft, flexible, and uncracked. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and extra ingredients.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas. Scratching can break the skin, which can encourage bacteria and cause infections. Reach for a cold compress when you get the urge to scratch.
• Avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
• Rinse your clothes twice after washing, and always wash new clothes before wearing them. This process will remove any laundry detergent, fragrances, or fabric conditioners that could irritate skin.
• Learn how to manage stress, which can cause eczema to flare up.
• Continue skin care even after your skin has healed. The area where you had the eczema may get irritated again rather easily.

12 Tips for an Allergy-Free Vacation

When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:

• Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.

• Turn on your vehicle's air-conditioner or heater and open the windows for at least 10 minutes to flush out dust mites or molds before starting a long car trip.

• Close your windows and turn on the AC during trips if you are allergic to outdoor pollens and molds.

• Travel in the early mornings or late evenings to avoid excess air pollution. Air quality is better at that time of day because the traffic isn't as heavy as at other times.

• Stay in a hotel that offers "allergy-free" guest rooms.

• Request a sunny, dry hotel room away from indoor pools.

• Use extreme caution when eating airline or restaurant food to keep from setting off your food allergies. The ingredients that bring out your allergies may not be listed on the menus.

• Make sure to carry your portable, injectable epinephrine in case of a severe allergic reaction.

• If you're traveling by air, delay your trip until your symptoms of sinusitis or a sinus or ear infection get better. Air travel can cause significant pain.

• Take a short-acting oral decongestant or use a nasal spray decongestant about one hour before takeoff if you believe air travel will cause pain.

• Use saline nasal spray once every hour to keep very dry air on airplanes from drying out your nasal membranes.

• Make sure you bring along more than enough medications and store them in their original containers with instructions on how to take them and obtain refills.

6 Easy Ways to Beat the Heat

A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.

Summer Survival Strategies

"Heat stroke is not an accident," says Dr. Marilyn J. Heine, an emergency-room physician in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. "But it's a condition that generally can be prevented with a little effort and lots of common sense." She offers the following tips for keeping cool:

• Don't overexert yourself.
• Drink a quart of fluids an hour.
• Wear loose clothing in light colors and fabrics, as well as a hat and sunscreen, and stay in the shade or indoors if possible.
• Open windows and use fans, or turn on the air-conditioning. If you don't have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, like a mall, library, or movie theater.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can speed up dehydration.
• Check on elderly and chronically ill persons regularly to make sure they're holding up under the heat.

Happens Too Frequently

Despite the many preventative measures people can take, heat stroke happens frequently. "Over the summer, we see too many cases of heat-related illness in the emergency room," Heine says. Professional athletes, players at the high-school and college level, as well as non-athletes, have all fallen victim to the potentially life-threatening condition.

In fact, Heine recalls a 78-year-old woman who was rushed to the ER after a neighbor noticed she hadn't left her apartment for two days when temperatures surpassed 90 degrees. The woman was dehydrated, with a temperature of 104.7 degrees and decreased blood pressure of 100/70. Fortunately, she was resuscitated with intravenous fluids and then hospitalized, Heine says.

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is an injury to internal organs caused by excessively high body temperature that can damage the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and other organs. There are two types of heat stroke: exertional, or activity-induced, which primarily affects athletes, laborers, and soldiers; and classic, or non-exercise-induced, which can affect anyone exposed to extremely hot environments for extended lengths of time.

In general, those most at risk for classic, or non-exercise-induced, heat stroke are the elderly; infants; people with chronic illness, such as heart and other cardiovascular diseases; and people on certain medications. Individuals who consume large amounts of caffeine and alcohol may also be susceptible, Heine warns.

Symptoms of Heat Problems

So, how can you predict when the heat is most likely to take its toll? Relative humidity of at least 70 percent and temperatures of 95 degrees or more are the first warning signs, according to the National Weather Service. Also, be alert to other heat-related afflictions, such as heat cramps (characterized by muscle spasms and a normal temperature), and heat exhaustion (evidenced by pale, moist skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, elevated temperature, and profuse sweating). If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the heat, rest, and drink plenty of cool fluids, preferably ones containing sugar and salt, Heine suggests.

The symptoms of a full-blown case of heat stroke are similar to those mentioned above but are even more severe and may include:

• profuse sweating, then hot, dry, red skin;
• high fever;
• vomiting;
• confusion;
• seizures during cooling;
• unconsciousness.

Blood pressure may be low or high; lack of sweating is common, though athletes may perspire; and body temperature often will be 105 degrees or higher.

If a friend or family member experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, move the victim to a cooler location, remove any heavy clothing, fan the body, apply a cool sponge or cloth to the skin, and encourage the individual to drink cool fluids. At the hospital, the patient probably will be given fluids intravenously, Heine says.

8 Easy Stressbusters

Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. Family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally.

To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction:

1. Take a Deep Breath

When people are stressed, they tend to take shallow breaths, which can actually increase feelings of tension. Taking several slow, deep breaths can restore a sense of calm, and can be done almost anywhere. Start by exhaling deeply while contracting your stomach, then inhale slowly as you expand your abdomen. Continue inhaling as you expand your chest and raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then slowly exhale in a reverse pattern. Repeat two or three times, and feel the stress melt from your body.

2. Exercise

Activity helps the body to relieve tension, and it also releases endorphins, our own feel-good chemicals. Any type of exercise is beneficial, so anything from jogging to swimming to a brisk walk around the office can help decrease stress.

3. Slow Down

When things get hectic, particularly at work, we tend to speed up in order to feel like we are getting things done in a timely manner. If you feel stressed out while doing your job, practice slowing down. Instead of breathlessly answering your phone the second it rings, take a moment to calm yourself before picking up. Slow down your speaking, too; talking at a rapid pace may make you sound tense, as well as cause you to feel flustered and out of control.

4. Visualize a Stress-Free You

During visualization, also known as guided imagery, you're in control of your own peaceful dream. Imagine a calm, relaxed setting, such as a beach, mountain peak, or your patio, and insert yourself into the scene. Stay with your vision for several minutes, until you feel your mind and body relax. Visualization can be practiced at home or in your office, with or without an audiotape to guide you.

5. Remember to Eat

Hunger and dehydration can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as cause headaches. No matter how busy you are, be sure to eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids.

6. Check Your Posture

Remember to keep your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.

7. Try Yoga

Yoga, a widely practiced mind-body exercise, can reduce stress and help you feel calm and centered. Yoga poses improve flexibility and strength, and incorporate breathing techniques that aid in relaxation and general feelings of well-being.

8. Enjoy a Massage

Treat yourself to a professional massage. Massage consists of kneading muscles and soft body tissues to relieve stress, tension, and pain. A good massage therapist can loosen and relax tight or sore muscles. Your whole body will feel relaxed, yet refreshed and invigorated.

Avoiding Classroom Allergies and Asthma

For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock?

Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.

"Allergies and asthma account for over 14 million missed school days, millions of dollars in medical bills and even lost work days for parents of children who suffer from allergic disease," says Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, an indoor-allergen expert with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

"Therefore, it is important for children and their families to prepare for back-to-school season by learning about ways to prevent allergies and asthma in the classroom. Having a plan of action for avoiding triggers will keep students focused on their school work and not on their symptoms."

Common triggers

The most common allergens and triggers at school that may cause an allergic or asthmatic reaction include:

• Dust mites;
• Chalk dust;
• Pollen and molds;
• Exercise;
• Insect stings;
• Animal dander from class pets or pet hair on a student's clothing;
• Pest allergens.

If your children have food sensitivities, remind them not to share food with their friends. Milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy and tree nuts account for 90 percent of food allergies in children.

Tips to prepare for back-to-school

You have less control over the allergens your children may be exposed to at school than at home. The key to reducing the severity of symptoms? Avoiding the triggers.

Take a look at this helpful checklist to find out what you can do to help relieve some potential allergens that may affect your child's allergies or asthma during school:

• Tour the school before school starts to identify potential allergy/asthma triggers in the classrooms.
• Meet with teachers and school nurses to discuss your child's allergic condition.
• Encourage your children to take their medications as prescribed.
• Review your children's triggers with them and encourage them to ask their teachers for help when symptoms worsen.
• Tell teachers and school cafeteria staff to avoid giving your children foods that will trigger an asthma or allergic reation. Have the cafeteria staff suggest safe alternatives.
• Fix your food-sensitive child a lunch to take to school each day.
• Ensure a dose of auto-injectable epinephrine is with your child for emergency situations, and make sure that teachers and the school nurse know how to use it properly.
• Inform physical education teachers and coaches about asthma and warning signs of exacerbation that could trigger exercise-induced asthma.
• See an allergist/immunologist, a medical doctor trained to treat such conditions, before a school year begins or as close to opening day as possible If you believe your child suffers from an allergy or asthma.

Studies show that children and adults under the care of allergist/immunologists make fewer visits to hospital emergency rooms and are better able to manage their allergies and asthma, according to the academy.

Bipolar Disorder: One Man's Story

"I'll never forget the day when my doctor put his comforting hand on my shoulder and said the two words that cleared up a lifelong mystery:

"Bipolar disorder.

"Until then, I simply couldn't figure out why, like an out-of-control roller-coaster, I plunged into a downward spiral from extreme happiness to extreme depression, why I plummeted from such highs to such lows.

"Throughout my life, I'd experienced such incredible highs emotionally. I felt like I could do and accomplish anything. Just tell me, and I'd accomplish it.

"Or so I thought.

"I didn't need much sleep. My friends complained that I talked too quickly.

"I felt almost as if I were one of those tops that would spin uncontrollably when its string was yanked. I was spinning so fast that people around me seemed to move too slowly.

"Then, almost like turning off a light switch, I would plunge into the depths of depression and sadness. When I was a kid, I became such a prisoner of my down moods that I skipped school, simply because I just couldn't get out of bed.

"Later in life, my job was getting more stressful, and my 'up' and 'down' times became more frequent. Even my wife and friends said I acted very differently from my 'usual self.'

"I ignored them or told them to leave me alone.

"Suddenly, my world came crashing down: I simply couldn't keep my life together. I quit going to work. I stayed in bed, hunkered down in the covers, all the time, for days.

"My life had spiraled so low that at 3 o'clock one morning, as I retreated beneath the bedcovers, I concluded that my life wasn't worth living anymore. Frightened for my welfare, my wife made an appointment for me to see our doctor and she insisted that she go with me.

"Much to my surprise, my doctor referred me to a psychiatrist, a medical doctor trained to treat the kinds of problems I was having.

"A week later, the psychiatrist talked with me about my feelings and actions over the past six months. And we talked about how my grandfather had serious ups and downs like me.

"Then, he uttered two words that were unfamiliar to me: bipolar disorder.

"When he described the symptoms, he was describing the demons I had fought my entire life. Finally, I knew my ups and downs were actually periods of 'mania' and 'depression' caused by an illness that my psychiatrist could treat.

"I began taking prescription medication to stabilize my moods, and now I see my psychiatrist once a month and a psychologist for "talk" therapy, which helps me learn how to deal with my bipolar disorder in everyday life.

"I'm not saying I'm out of the woods. The first few weeks were the hardest in my life as I waited for the medicine to kick in and my talk therapy began working.

"There were times I thought I wouldn't make it, but my wife and friends kept pushing and supporting me.

"Now, my mood changes are much less severe and less frequent. I go to work each day, and I'm productive once I'm there.

"I'm enjoying life again. I'm enjoying my wife and kids again. Yes, indeed, life is good! Finally!

Caring for Loved Ones Is More Rewarding Than Expected

Findings from the CVS/pharmacy and Caring Today 2007 "Caregiver Insights Study: Well-Being and Care Management" indicate that family caregivers find the caregiving experience more enjoyable than expected. Findings further revealed that those caregivers who were better prepared to fill the caregiver role and responsibilities had more positive experiences than those who were unprepared.

The online study, conducted by Anderson Analytics among 514 prescreened qualified adults between April 26 and May 20, 2007, was intended to better understand the impact of family caregiving on caregivers' lives by examining many aspects, including impact on health and emotional well-being, relationships, medication management, and available resources.

Preparation Is Key

According to the study, 76 percent of participants reported that, in general, they enjoyed the tasks associated with being a family caregiver. In addition, 54 percent indicated that they bonded with their care recipients more than they had anticipated. The study also found that level of preparedness makes a difference in caregivers' emotional response and behaviors. While only 26 percent of respondents found themselves prepared for the role, the ones who were prepared were significantly less likely to experience feelings of depression. Prepared caregivers were also significantly more likely to eat properly, feel focused, and continue to see friends.

"While it's difficult for anyone to really be prepared to take on the monumental challenge of being the primary caregiver for someone, this study shows that it's never too early to start thinking that one day this might be a reality—and to start learning about resources out there to help," said Victor Imbimbo, president and CEO of Caring Today.

Managing Medications

The study also surveyed medication management trends. Caregivers reported that their care recipients take an average of 4.5 prescription drugs and 46 percent take five or more. The vast majority (87 percent) of respondents reported that understanding medication is very important. Their primary concerns were not knowing enough about drug interactions (36 percent) and not recognizing side effects (21 percent).

"Caregiver confusion about medications is understandable, especially when administering more than one," said Papatya Tankut, vice president, Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS/pharmacy. "Caregivers can have questions about side effects, adverse interactions, and timing of dosages. We encourage them to discuss these questions with their pharmacists, in addition to the prescribing physician."

The study revealed that fewer than half of caregivers (46 percent) talk with their pharmacist to learn more about the medications their care recipient is taking. Less than 44 percent of respondents reported that all of the recipient's medicines are coordinated by one doctor. "To avoid potential interactions, caregivers should inform their doctor(s) and pharmacist of all the prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and vitamins the recipient is taking," advised Tankut.

Who Cares for the Caregiver?

For caregivers, juggling the demands of work and family with parenting our own parents can be a struggle. Just listen to the emotional turmoil expressed by fellow caregivers attempting to manage a turbulent, uncharted course and fill a role they most definitely never wished for.

In Their Own Words

"It's like no experience I've ever had. When I'm at work, I worry about her alone at home, and when I stay home, I'm a basket case thinking that I'll lose my job. I barely have words to describe how hard it is." --P.P.

"Guiding decisions for my in-laws who live in Florida while I'm in Connecticut is like walking through an unlit minefield. It requires understanding legal, financial, and medical regulations and terms that are the equivalent of trying to learn three foreign languages all at the same time. I am beyond crazed." --M.S.

"From the day they diagnosed my mom with Alzheimer's, I felt like Alice in Wonderland, falling down a rabbit hole into a totally alien world—no compass, no map to guide me. Desperation doesn't begin to describe it." --H.M.

Taking a Toll on Women

What's more, according to Homewatch International, the task of caregiving in America is increasingly falling on women. Acknowledging the physical, emotional, and psychological toll such as role can take, the National Women's Health Information Center urges female caregivers to be especially mindful about making their health and well-being a priority.

"Studies show that female caregivers have more emotional and physical health problems, employment-related problems, and financial strain than male caregivers," the Center reports. Plus, "caregivers for people with Alzheimer's disease or other kinds of dementia are particularly vulnerable to burnout.

12 Tips for Caregivers

The good news? You can take positive steps to prevent exhaustion and burnout by following 12 self-care tips:

1. Ask for and accept help.
2. Stay in touch with friends and family (social activities can help you feel connected and may reduce stress).
3. Find time for exercise most days of the week.
4. Prioritize and establish a daily routine.
5. See your doctor for a checkup; ask about symptoms of depression or sickness you may be having.
6. Ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin.
7. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fat.
8. Look to faith-based groups for encouragement and support.
9. Join an online support group for caregivers.
10. Try to get enough sleep and rest.
11. Take it one day at a time.
12. And finally, with the dawn of each new day, do something to make your life a little bit better, a little bit easier, a little bit happier. If you do, you will have learned how to make inner peace a way of life instead of an occasional experience!