November 2007: Health Briefs from Baylor Health Care System
Not Sure How to Treat Your Child's Cough or Cold this Year? Tips for Parents Concerned About Medications Recently Pulled from Shelves
It's been a few weeks since the FDA recommended that all infant cold and cough medications be pulled from shelves. But as cold and flu season rolls in—parents are asking, 'What am I supposed to do now for my sick baby?'""Parents are concerned about how to treat the cough and cold this year since they don't have access to or feel safe using over the counter cough medications right now," says Arthur Benzick, M.D., pediatrician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. "They're all asking what they should do instead."
According to Dr. Benzick, there are lots of things parents can do for a cough or cold that does not include medication.
"For example, nasal saline can be used on a young child. You can also elevate the head of the bed or use a humidifier or vaporizer to help the child sleep through the night," explains Dr. Benzick.
Many pediatricians add that it's a misconception that these cough and cold medications are cures.
"Most of the viruses and common colds that circulate every year go away on their own without any medication," adds Dr. Benzick. "These medications only help relieve the symptoms—not kill the virus. Usually, a virus like that will run its course in about five to 10 days."
If your child comes down with a cough or cold this year, Dr. Benzick recommends the following tips to help alleviate symptoms.
- Use nasal saline drops.
- Elevate the head of the crib.
- Use a humidifier.
"If the child still appears to be uncomfortable you can also give them a non-aspirin pain reliever," says Dr. Benzick.
So should parents contact their pediatrician when their children show symptoms? Or should they just try the recommendations above?
Dr. Benzick says that with most colds, kids will get better on their own.
"But if your child runs a fever of more than 100.4 degrees or if they have had a cough for more than a few days, it's best to go ahead and call their pediatrician," adds Dr. Benzick.
Surviving Diabetes Requires More Than Just Managing Blood Sugar
For the nearly 20 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, monitoring their blood sugar levels is a critical and daily task. But while keeping blood sugar numbers in check is essential for managing the disease, paying attention to some other levels is just as important—cholesterol and blood pressure.According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 73,000 diabetics die each year from diabetes-related complications. And topping the list of complications is cardiovascular disease. In fact, the ADA estimates that two out of three diabetics will eventually die from heart disease or stroke. But while cardiovascular disease is a serious and common complication of diabetes, only 18 percent of diabetics are aware of this, according to a survey conducted by the ADA.
So what's the link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes? Jeffrey Astbury, M.D., internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie says that over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to increased fatty deposits on blood vessel walls, affecting blood flow and increasing the risk of clogging and atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels) ultimately increasing the risk for a heart attack.
"While high blood sugar is indeed dangerous and can cause other complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves—un-checked cholesterol and blood pressure levels are even more so," says Dr. Astbury. "Even if a diabetic is meticulous about controlling their blood sugar, they are still at risk for heart disease."
Dr. Astbury says to help prevent heart disease, diabetics should work with their physician to determine the best treatment plan.
Dr. Astbury recommends the following guidelines:
- Maintain normal blood glucose levels. "Blood glucose levels vary depending on the time of day, what and how much you have eaten as well as if you have exercised or not, but a 'normal' blood glucose level is in the low to mid 100s."
- Keep blood pressure under 130/80, using medication if necessary. "High blood pressure puts diabetics at risk for heart attack, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease. Have your blood pressure checked regularly if you are a diabetic. It can usually be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes."
- Keep cholesterol levels under control, using medication if necessary. "There is no way to tell if your cholesterol levels are high without a blood test. It is recommended that diabetics keep their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dl, their HDL (good) levels above 40 mg/dl and their triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dl."
- Maintain a healthy weight. "In most cases, weight loss can lessen the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and in some cases keep it under control without the use of medication."
- Exercise regularly. "Regular exercise is crucial for type 2 diabetics and it's never too late to start. Exercise can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and actually increase your energy level."
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat and salt. "Try to avoid food that is high in fat as this can increase your cholesterol levels and anything high in sodium can increase your blood pressure. Try to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and choose lean meats and low-fat dairy. Most importantly, type 2 diabetics should avoid sugar."
The most common signs of a heart attack include:
- chest pain or discomfort
- pain or discomfort in your arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach
- shortness of breath
- sweating or light-headedness
- indigestion or nausea
- fatigue
"Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent thirst and urination, weakness and fatigue, blurred vision and tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet to name a few. If you suspect you may have type 2 diabetes talk to your physician about taking a blood glucose test."
Calm My Restless Legs
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) describe unsettling feelings of burning, tugging or a creepy-crawly sensation. The only way to relieve this discomfort is to move the legs. Unfortunately, the symptoms tend to worsen when sufferers lie down or try to relax, making it difficult for them to fall asleep.The lack of sleep leads to fatigue and exhaustion, and the tossing and turning takes its toll on the bed partner as well. Researchers estimate that 12 million Americans may suffer from the condition, which can affect anyone, including children.
If you suspect RLS in yourself or your partner, don't jump to conclusions-start with a visit to your primary care physician. The correct diagnosis may take some detective work.
"It's very important to identify the actual cause of RLS," says Michael Ampelas, D.O., family practice physician on the medical staff at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth. "Sometimes RLS symptoms are related to an underlying condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or iron deficiency." Also, certain antidepressant medications can create a similar feeling of restlessness, called akathesia.
When there's no obvious medical cause, a sleep study may help clarify things.
"Though it's not always necessary, a sleep study will track periodic leg movements and resulting sleep disturbances, confirming the diagnosis of primary RLS," says Dr. Ampelas.
Treatment options vary; if an underlying condition is involved, treating that will resolve the symptoms.
"It's helpful to avoid substances and foods that may aggravate the symptoms, such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine," he says. Some people may benefit from a leg massage before bedtime, though the relief is only temporary.
Current RLS medications are quite effective, Dr. Ampelas notes. Since RLS is related to dopamine levels in the brain, the drugs for Parkinson's disease are often tried first.
Holiday Survival Guide for Diabetics
OK, it's not as if you've been dropped into the Sahara Desert with only your wits to rely on, but surviving the holidays with diabetes can still pose a challenge. Pam Davis, R.D., L.D., CDE, certified diabetes educator at Baylor Medical Center at Garland, offers some advice on keeping your diabetes regimen from going astray.Plan ahead. Prepare ahead of time for the food choices you want to make. "Establish what you will and won't allow yourself," says Davis. "For example, if you know you're going to want some dessert at your friend's dinner party, reserve some of your 'carbohydrate budget' out of the rest of the meal."
At the office potluck, you can still taste a bit of everything by using portion control. "Don't punish yourself by saying 'I can't have that'—instead, try a spoonful of all the items you'd like to sample," says Davis. You won't feel overly full, you'll be happy that you tried everything, and you can compliment your co-workers on the dishes they brought.
Stick to the schedule. Shopping, parties, out-of-town guests and other seasonal events will disrupt your normal routine. "It's even more important during this time of year to continue to monitor your blood sugar so you stay on track," says Davis. And remember to find time for exercise—mall walking is a great way to plan your gift-giving and burn calories at the same time!
Don't stress out. "Even if you're careful about what you're eating, stress from holiday travel and dealing with family members can sometimes elevate your blood sugar," explains Davis. Tip: Always contact your airline and get updated security regulations about carrying your diabetes medications and supplies on the plane.
"Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to take care of yourself—but if you're smart about it, you can still have the things you want," says Davis.
Try Adding These Superfoods to Your Thanksgiving Dinner This Year
Tired of spinach, bored with broccoli? Experts say there's a new generation of superfoods that promise to do double or triple-duty when it comes to preventing illness.At the top of the list—kiwi.
"In a recent study, kiwi was found to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits out of 27 fruits," says Stephanie Dean, R.D., dietitian with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Kiwis are full of antioxidants, vitamin E and lutein. They ward off vision problems, blood clots, and even lower cholesterol—almost as effectively as the second new superfood on the list-barley.
"The USDA found that barley specifically could lower your LDL or 'bad' cholesterol by 17.4 percent which is a phenomenal percentage," adds Dean.
Barley, a wheat, can be added to soups or even eaten instead of oatmeal for breakfast. Next on the list is a traditional Thanksgiving favorite—cranberries.
"The crimson color of cranberries signal that they are full of flavonoids," explains Dean.
Flavonoids—high in antioxidants—help prevent everything from infections to strokes and cancer.
A drink milks the next spot on the list—kefir.
"Kefir is a wonderful source of calcium. Every eight ounce glass has about 300 milligrams which is a little less than one-third of the recommended daily intake for adults," says Dean.
Kefir not only contains just as much calcium as milk, but also packs more beneficial bacteria than yogurt.
And finally—a close cousin to an old superfood—broccoli sprouts.
"Broccoli sprouts have been shown to actually contain 20 percent more anti-cancer agents than regular broccoli," says Dean.
Broccoli sprouts are sold by the package and can be thrown on top of salads or can be a great addition to sandwiches.
Are these considered specialty foods or can you find them in most grocery stores? You can find them in most grocery stores; however, some are usually seasonal.