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Summer is Here & so is the Heat
How to Prevent & Treat Heat-related Illness
June marks the halfway point of the year and often causes many to think, "Only six more months 'til Christmas!" For some, especially those with kids, it marks the end of school and the unofficial start of summer.
June is when the weather starts getting hot. People go on vacation; spend time at the beach; and do more things outdoors, including outdoor summer sports. Year-round, our paseos are filled with people running, riding bikes or walking their dog. Some choose to go over to Towsley Canyon for a hike. Whatever the case may be, it is important to ensure you are monitoring for heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness comes in different forms, all from prolonged periods in direct sunlight and heat. Some people, such as children, are more susceptible than others to heat-related illness.
Some illnesses we see at Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Often these illnesses occur in workplaces where workers spend most of their time outdoors where sun and heat exposure is unavoidable. Construction workers, road workers, landscapers - and even some healthcare workers doing outdoor COVID-related treatment of patients - are at risk for this. Whatever the situation, it is important that you monitor not just yourself, but those around you for signs and symptoms and act quickly to prevent further complications.
Here's what to watch out for:
• Rapid heart rate
• Fainting
• Increased or decreased sweating (salt marks)
• Confusion
• Headache
• Dizziness/weakness
• Thirst
• Decreased urination/dark colored urine
If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to move the person to a cool, shaded area and begin cool-down efforts immediately. Give cool water to drink, remove excess clothing and apply ice to the neck, in the underarms and in groin areas. Also, get the person to the nearest urgent care or emergency department to prevent their condition from worsening. If help is unavailable, call 9-1-1.
With everything, prevention is the best medicine. Keep watch on weather conditions before heading outside and avoid doing so during peak heat hours. Per LA County guidelines, peak heat hours are usually between 10am and 3pm. If you spend time outdoors for work, take frequent shaded rest breaks and drink lots of water. Know that per OSHA guidelines, your employer is to facilitate these things for you and your wellbeing while at work.
As you head out to work or play during these next hot summer months, make sure to keep watch and take all precautions possible to prevent heat illness for yourself and for others. Stay cool, Santa Clarita!
Angie Luna, RN, is manager of Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care. henrymayo.com

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When's the Last Time You had your Primary Care Health Check Up?
You know what they say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And the best prevention is your routine health check up - it's how your medical team can ensure your body stays healthy.
Don't think it's necessary? Many health concerns - like heart disease and high blood pressure - can be identified before you even notice symptoms... and early treatment can mean everything for your health and wellbeing.
At Mind Body Infusion, your primary care health check up includes a thorough examination that's never rushed. Your care team will thoughtfully listen to any of your concerns and work with you on your path to joyful health and wellness.
Mind Body Infusion 544-4036

Are You a Caregiver Feeling Lost or Alone?
Reach Out for Support
It's no secret that caring for someone with dementia, or any debilitating disease, is challenging and painfully stressful. It's normal for family caregivers to feel alone, lost or without direction.
There are many benefits to attending a support group - either virtually or in person. Knowing when to reach out for help and support is key to your success in your caregiver journey. Being a caregiver can be very isolating, so meeting with people on a similar journey who just "get it" can help lift your spirits and definitely make you feel less alone.
"As co-facilitator for a local dementia support group, I promise you the effort of joining and participating in a support group is well worth it," explains Charlene Perrone, owner of Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys.
You will benefit a hundred times over from the care and compassion you will encounter in these groups. Start by looking at what support groups are available in your area. Google groups dedicated to specific illnesses or you can go to individual organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to find local support groups that fit your needs.
Whatever you choose, sharing your experiences - both successful and challenging - will allow others to give your ideas or techniques to try. They will be there to support you in your successes and to cut through the chaos as you muddle through your challenges. If you need help in finding a support group near you, feel free to call.
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys 254-8701

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Another Virus?
by Angie Luna, RN
Mask mandates have been lifted and more people are now gathering. Unsurprisingly, we are seeing a rise in another virus - the norovirus, also known as the stomach flu.
But what is the stomach flu exactly? Simply stated: it's a highly-contagious bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea. There can be other associated symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal cramping and fever.
This virus spreads easily on surfaces, contact with another person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Symptoms tend to manifest rather quickly; usually within 12 to 48 hours from exposure and are short-term, lasting only a few days.
With exciting events going on like major league baseball back in season or the NBA playoffs - all reasons to gather with friends, family and food - we need to exercise caution and continue to wash our hands. Hand washing remains the number-one way to prevent the spread of germs.
Typically, the stomach flu can be treated at home by practicing supportive care such as taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, an anti-diarrheal if diarrhea is present in adults and - most importantly - fluid replacement. Drink those clear fluids!
In the event you are unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours, are losing too much from frequent trips to the restroom, feel weak, or you notice your heart rate is faster than usual, head into urgent care or an emergency department to determine if IV fluids are needed to rehydrate you. In children, it is important to note how much fluid they consume versus how much urine they produce. If you have an infant who is crying without tears, head in right away.
As you enjoy your weekend eating that delicious brisket at your next family gathering, or are simply out and about running your errands, please remember to frequently wash your hands. And if that stomach bug gets you, Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care is here to help. We're located on the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital campus.
Angie Luna, RN, is manager of Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care. henrymayo.com

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Cryotherapy Shown to be Effective in Management of Chronic Pain
For many people, pain relief only comes with the pop of a pill - but we know that those little doses can add up to big problems later. That's why more and more pain sufferers are turning to holistic health and wellness treatments, including cryotherapy. There's data to support this choice. Recently, 22 randomized controlled trials were reviewed by researchers to evaluate the use of cryotherapy for the management of chronic pain, including pain associated with diseases that are rheumatic and degenerative. The researchers concluded that cryotherapy was an easy, low-risk treatment option for patients who suffered from chronic pain. Is cryotherapy right for you? Check with your pain management specialist - and then experience it for yourself.
Mend Health & Wellness 294-7898

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Spotlight on... VENEERS
Veneers are a great way to keep a healthy, bright, natural smile. This form of cosmetic dentistry is a simple way to get rid of the things that may cause you to hide your smile like cracked teeth, discolorations and gaps between your teeth. Curious to find out what veneers are best for you? Call for a consultation.
Skyline Smiles 244-4036

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Sclerotherapy as Spider Vein & Varicose Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy can be an excellent solution for both spider veins and some varicose veins. This type of treatment is minimally invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure at the LA Vein Center.
When you suffer from either spider veins or varicose veins, you may experience not only embarrassment but also pain, discomfort and other symptoms. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive way to eliminate the veins without surgery.
This type of treatment is often done for cosmetic reasons - for example, in cases where you feel embarrassed to wear shorts or a swimsuit due to your unsightly leg veins. Sclerotherapy can also be done strictly for medical reasons. If abnormal veins aren't treated, leg ulcers or open wounds may develop on the legs - and this can lead to serious consequences.
Harvard- and Stanford-trained, double-board-certified surgeon Dr. Larisse Lee focuses on the most up-to-date techniques to get the results you want. Be it hand and leg vein treatment, laser liposuction or other concerns, Dr. Lee can tailor a plan for you. Her state-of-the-art facility offers minimally-invasive procedures with exceptional results.
LA Vein Center is just a short drive from Santa Clarita, located at 4955 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 704 in Sherman Oaks. 818-325-0400

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How Home Care can Help Seniors with Chronic Pain
It's estimated that over 66 percent of people over the age of 65 are dealing with chronic pain. In-home caregivers can be a welcome relief for seniors dealing with debilitating discomfort.
A Visiting Angel can remind older adults to perform prescribed exercises and supervise regimens, as well as alert them to take their medication. They're also on hand to watch for symptoms and side effects of meds and make recommendations for additional safety measures, like installing railings to help prevent falls.
The emotional support and socialization a caregiver can provide is also important for overall health and wellbeing, especially for older adults with limited mobility or those who are homebound because of chronic pain.
A caregiver can also provide assistance with light housekeeping duties, including meal prep, as well as personal-care tasks like transferring, toileting and dressing. Transportation to and from their doctor's office, or even to the grocery store or local park, can also make a huge difference in their quality of life.
If you're performing any or all of these services for an older adult with chronic pain, you deserve a break. Respite care is one of the services a Visiting Angel can provide so that you can have some time to care for yourself.
Visiting Angels 263-2273

"I am a very active 43 year old and had a large 14mm bulge at C6/C7 with terrible pain, numbness and left arm atrophy. I met with three neurosurgeons and felt like Dr. Moza was the most knowledgeable about my case. He recommended a disc replacement. Surgery went exactly as he said it would and recovery was quicker than expected. I am four weeks post op and back to running trails daily. I have nothing but praise for Dr. Moza and his entire staff. Office staff are a pleasure to deal with and all the doctors who assisted with my surgery were outstanding."
5-star review by Jeremy Frazier via Google for Dr. Kapil Moza
drmoza.com