Edina is fortunate to feature a plethora of health care experts, which include Dr. Carol Carlson of Southdale Pediatric Associates; Tim Fargo, D.C. of Chiropractic Health and Wellness; and Dr. Mary Figueroa of Fairview Clinics – Edina. We asked them to share their tips for tending to common ailments.
Allergy Symptoms
Pay attention to symptoms, Carlson says, to determine if they are seasonal. If they are, simply closing windows and turning on the air conditioner can help stave off warm-weather symptoms, especially at night. Non-drowsy over-the-counter medicines can be effective. Figueroa recommends noting the amount of sleepiness any meds can produce, with Benadryl being the most sedative of the over-the-counter allergy medicines.
Dry Skin and Sun Burn
If avoiding the sun isn’t an option, Carlson suggests using PABA-free, waterproof sunscreen on children 6 months and older. Reapply as directed. If skin is burned, she recommends using a cool cloth and the appropriate dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort. “The best sunburn treatment is prevention,” Figueroa says. If needed, she recommends aloe vera, calamine lotion and over-the-counter pain relievers for comfort. She recommends wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from long-term sun exposure, which can increase the risk for cataracts. Lips, which have even less pigment, need protection, too. “It’s the last place people remember,” Figueroa says.
Dry skin is treatable with alcohol- and scent-free lotions after bathing, Carlson recommends Aquaphor and Eucerin. She also reminds that children and older people, who don’t produce as much sweat and oil, typically don’t need to bathe daily, as it leads to drier skin. Figueroa suggests shorter, cooler showers, staying hydrated with water and taking vitamin D for skin health. “Eighty-five percent of Minnesotans are vitamin D-deficient,” she says. Fish oil can also serve skin well.
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headache or migraine sufferers know that preventing their symptoms is key. Figueroa suggests butterbur (Petadolex), feverfew, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). While acetaminophen is the basic course of treatment for pain, she cautions that it can irritate the liver and recommends avoiding drinking alcohol while taking it.
Indigestion
Older children may be given Tums, but caution should be taken in terms of their diet. Stick to clear fluids and bland foods, and avoid dairy products and sauces. “The first line of treatment is the antacids,” Figueroa says. The next level is Zantac and Pepcid. “What people don’t realize is that antacids work quickly,” she says, noting the stronger treatments might take a couple of days to work. “The main thing with heartburn is to find out why you have it,” she says. Smoking is the No. 1 cause, followed by alcohol, chocolate, peppermint and caffeine. Figueroa suggests losing extra weight, which can cause pressure on the stomach, forcing acid upward. Chewing gum can alleviate some symptoms, as it increases saliva production, neutralizing the acid.
Fargo believes these symptoms often can be aggravated or caused by nutrition. He asserts that allergies are a cumulative phenomenon, whether brought on by airborne allergens or those consumed in food. While it may be necessary to treat symptoms for palliative reasons, it’s also imperative to locate the cause of the symptom, he says.
Always contact your regular health care provider before making any changes to your health or treatment regime.
