Erie County Medical Society

The summer season is upon us and fireworks may be part of the festivities.  But fireworks have a dark side.  

• Even a seemingly innocuous sparkler burns at over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to ignite wood, melt glass, and produce fourth-degree burns.
• 12% of patients seen in Emergency Rooms for fireworks injuries require hospital admission. 
• Children under age 15 comprise over 50% of fireworks–injured patients.
• In one study 76% of fireworks injuries involved the most crucial parts of the body: 32% hands and fingers, 28% eyes, and 16% head or face. 

But the Erie County Medical Society has these suggestions to help you enjoy safe summer festivities.

• Only adults should use fireworks.
• Purchase only legal fireworks from reliable dealers.  
• Never use homemade or altered fireworks.
• Adults using fireworks should read and follow directions.  Absence of directions may indicate that the fireworks are not legal or reliable.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Don’t use fireworks near areas of dry grass or buildings.
• Separate fireworks being used from unlit fireworks by a safe distance.
• Fireworks usage and alcohol do not mix.
• Wear eye protection when using fireworks.
• Define a perimeter within which only ONE person is designated to enter for the ignition of fireworks.
• Have a hose, a bucket of water, and wet towels handy when using fireworks.  Make sure that the hose is long enough to extend 10 feet beyond the firework ignition point.                                                                                 

So, now you’re ready to light your fireworks … not quite.  Remember:

• Never ignite multiple fireworks simultaneously.  
• Don’t ignite fireworks in a metal or glass container.  
• Never throw fireworks at people or animals.  
• Ignite fireworks only while they are stabilized or on a surface, NOT while they are held in your or someone else’s hand.  
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.  Wait one minute and douse them with water before retrieving.
• Be sure that the area is clear of fireworks debris before reopening it to children or pets.
• Immediately cool fireworks burns with water and transport them to the Emergency Room.

“Surely,” you say, “there is an easier way.”  There is!  

Leave fireworks to the professionals.  Fireworks are more impressive when seen from a distance at the large, super-illuminated, professionally planned, community displays.  It is safer and you’ll have more fun!

When viewing professionally planned fireworks displays, all you need to keep in mind is:

• Respect safety barriers designed to protect you from the firing site.
• Leave your own fireworks, including sparklers, at home.
• Do not approach unexploded fireworks that fall to the ground; notify the authorities.
• Leave pets at home.
• Have fun!

The Erie County Medical Society hopes that by following these tips you will enjoy a safe and festive summer holiday season.

Thomas Falasca, DO

INCIDENCE

Every springtime 35-40 million Americans struggle with the problem of seasonal allergies.   Allergies are one of the most common reasons that people miss or underperform at work or school.  They are thought to be responsible for 10,000 school absences daily.

The incidence of allergy is 10% in children below 10 years of age, but doubles in the child’s next 10 years.  So it may be wishful thinking to hope that the child will outgrow the problem.  But, on a brighter note, studies show that allergic kids who are treated do better at school than those who are not. 

POLLEN

Seasonal allergies are typically triggered by pollen, tree pollen in early spring, with grass pollen causing problems in late May or June.  Here, in Erie, there is little problem with mold until later in the season.  Finally, ragweed becomes the offender in August and September.

When a sensitized allergic individual comes in contact with pollen, an immunologic reaction occurs that releases mediators, which, in turn, cause symptoms. 

SYMPTOMS

The most common allergic symptoms are nasal stuffiness, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and dark under-eye circles.  These symptoms interfere with restful sleep producing next-day tiredness and difficulty in thinking.  Additionally, asthma patients who have allergies may experience an increase in their asthma symptoms during the allergy season

Allergic tendency runs in families.  But specific symptoms and triggering allergens can vary among the family members depending on each individual’s exposure and other factors currently under investigation. 

The three ways to address allergy are avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy (“allergy shots”).

AVOIDANCE

Most importantly, don’t let the pollen get to you!      

• Keep doors and windows closed to reduce indoor pollen.
• Keep car windows closed and set the ventilator to “recirculate” to minimize the vehicle’s pollen intake.
• Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry; this gives pollen a “free ride” into your home.
• Especially avoid mowing lawns and raking leaves, activities that only stir up pollen and molds.
• Minimize outdoor work on heavy pollen days, and wear a mask.
• When returning home from outdoors on heavy pollen days, shower, wash hair, and change clothing to avoid transferring the sticky pollen into your home.       

In general, pollen counts are highest on dry windy days and lowest on rainy days.  Fortunately, you can learn the specific pollen count by listening to the local weather forecast or by consulting the website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at www.aaaai.org.  This website even has an “app” that you can download to your smart phone!

MEDICATION

For mild cases of seasonal allergy, you may find it helpful to try nonsedating over-the-counter, known as “OTC,” antihistamines.  But it is better to avoid those antihistamines that can cause drowsiness as well as oral decongestants that can cause tremors or aggravate hypertension and glaucoma.  Be aware also that decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound swelling of the nasal passages, especially if used improperly or for more than seven days.  Of course, if symptoms persist, you should see your primary care doctor who can treat you with prescription nasal sprays and/or eye drops.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

If even prescription medications fail to control symptoms or if these medications must be taken for an extended period of time, it may be time to consult a specialist physician called an allergist.  If the allergist thinks that immunotherapy is appropriate, he or she can initiate skin and/or blood tests to identify the specific problematic allergen or allergens and begin the appropriate injections to help create immunization against them.

With the treatments now available people should enjoy the spring comfortably. So don’t suffer in silence.  You can reduce the problem of seasonal allergies.

The Erie County Medical Society wishes you a pleasant welcome to the nicer weather and a springtime free of seasonal allergies.

Thomas Falasca, DO                            Philip Gallagher, MD

                              

For further information please see

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at http://aafa.org

Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics at http://www.aanma.org

The Erie County Medical Society wants you to enjoy winter without falling victim to snow shoveling perils.So here are some helpful tips.

First and foremost

• Check with your doctor.  Shoveling stresses the heart because of both exertion and cold.       Consider hiring someone for the task.
• Do not shovel after eating or smoking as these activities reduce blood flow to the heart.
• Stop if you feel chest pain, or get excessively tired or have shortness of breath.  You may need immediate professional care.     
•  Dress in layers with water-repellant clothing outermost.  Remember hats, gloves, and warm socks because substantial body heat is lost from these areas.

Choose an appropriate snow shovel.

• A curved-handled shovel helps keep your back straighter when shoveling.
• Choose a shovel with an appropriate length handle.  The length is appropriate when, at the beginning of the shoveling stroke, it allows you to slightly bend your knees and bend your back less than 10 degrees while still holding the handle comfortably.
•  A plastic shovel blade adds less weight to the lift than a metal blade.
•  A smaller shovel blade may add to the time of the task; but, by picking up less snow, it reduces the risk of a heavy shovel load.

Be mindful of your shoveling actions.The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends

•  If you must lift snow, squat with legs apart, knees bent, and back straight.
•  Lift with the legs instead of bending at the waist; this reduces strain on the back.
•  Scoop small amounts of snow with the shovel and walk to the dumping area. 
•  Outstretched arms exaggerate strain on the back.
•  Remove deep snow in layers of an inch or two in thickness.
•  Move feet instead of twisting.

In addition, remember that

•  Pushing the snow instead of lifting it reduces strain on the back.
•  Gripping the snow shovel with your hands at least 12 inches apart increases leverage and decreases body strain.
• Throwing snow over your shoulder is dangerous.  It twists the back and predisposes to injury.
•  Warming up muscles before shoveling reduces the risk of strains and sprains.
•  Frequent breaks to gently stretch back, arms, and legs reduce stress to these areas and distributes over time exertion on the heart.
•   Wet snow is especially heavy and one shovelful can weigh 25 pounds.     
•  Clearing snow early and often to avoid dealing with a large amount of heavy, packed snow.

So follow these tips and avoid becoming a snow-shoveling casualty.

Thomas Falasca, DO

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Since the season is upon us when children receive an increased number of toys, the Erie County Medical Society wants to keep you up to date on the following toy safety tips. 

GENERAL

• Read and heed all warning labels regarding safe toy assembly and use.
• Promptly discard all toy packaging such as plastic wrap, foam, staples and twist ties that can case a child to suffocate or choke.

CHOKING HAZARDS

• Avoid small toys or toys with small parts for children under age 3.  Toys or parts that can pass through a toilet paper tube, are unsafe for any child who still puts things in his/her mouth.
• Never give young children small balls or balloons as they can completely block a child’s airway. Balls for children under 6 years old must be more than 1.75 inches in diameter.
• Inspect squeeze toys to determine that the small squeakers or reeds are not removable.
• Check that toy cars and trucks do not have wheels, tires or other small parts that are loose or removable.
• Ascertain that stuffed toys do not have eyes, nose and other small parts that can be pulled off.

LATEX BALLOONS

• A balloon can be inhaled and can block a child’s airway
• Keep uninflated latex balloons, out of the reach of children and immediately discard broken balloon pieces.

STRANGULATION HAZARDS

• Keep mobiles out of the reach of children in cribs and remove them before the baby is five months old or can push him/herself up.
• Remove knobs and beads from cords longer than one foot to prevent the cords from tangling into a dangerous loop. 
• Stretchy or sticky cords are a particular strangulation hazard.
• Clothing with drawstrings on the hood can tangle on fixed objects and pose a strangulation hazard.

MAGNETS

• Magnetic items are hazardous if the item or the magnet itself, is small enough to be swallowed. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract one another in the stomach and intestines causing life-threatening complications.
• If a child swallows, or is suspected to have swallowed, even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention. 

BATTERIES

• Keep batteries, especially “disc” batteries away from children. If swallowed, the battery acid can cause fatal internal injuries.
• Only adults should install batteries. Improper installation or mixing different battery types can cause battery leakage or overheating, which can result in injury.
• Make certain that young children cannot open a toy’s battery compartment.

NOISE

• If a toy seems too loud for your ears, it is probably too loud for a child. Take the batteries out of loud toys or cover the speakers with tape.

LEAD AND OTHER TOXICS

• While lead and phthalates are generally absent from newer toys, older toys may still contain them.
• Toys made of PVC plastic could contain toxic phthalates posing developmental hazards; unpainted wooden toys are a better option. 
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found high levels of lead paint on toys, in vinyl lunch boxes, and in children’s costume jewelry. Remove all lead from a child’s environment. Testing items for lead is easy and economical with a home lead tester available at hardware stores and online. 
• Avoid products with xylene, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate.

TOY STORAGE

• Store toys and games for older children separately from those for younger children.
• Use a toy box with no lid, or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall on or trap a child.

RIDE-ON TOYS

• Make sure that the ride-on toy will not tip when weight is placed on any riding point.

BABY WALKERS

• A walker increases the propensity for accident by increasing the child’s mobility and reach.  They are illegal in some countries.
• Avoid falls down stairs by making sure that doors or gates at the top of stairs are closed.
• Avoid tip-overs by ascertaining that the area of use is smooth and clear of carpet edges, door thresholds and other impediments that can cause a walker to tip over.
• Always keep a child in a walker away from swimming pools and other areas of water.

 

The Erie County Medical Society hopes that you find these tips useful in insuring that the children in your life enjoy their new toys safely and happily.

Thomas Falasca, DO 

 

To many of us, winter brings thoughts of outdoor sports, indoor socializing, and holiday cheer.  But to some it is a time of varying depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Incidence

SAD occurs more frequently in women and in areas farther from the equator, where seasonal daylight changes are more extreme.

Symptoms

Symptom onset is usually gradual and frequently includes weight gain, increased sleep, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and irritability along with a loss of energy, interest, and ability to concentrate.  It is occasionally a precursor to long-term depression.

Tests

There is no specific test for SAD.  However, tests are available to help rule out physical conditions that can cause depression.

Treatment

As with other forms of depression, medication and cognitive (talk) therapy can be most effective.

Light Therapy

Light therapy with a very bright light made especially for the purpose may be helpful.  This should be begun in early winter or late fall and sessions are usually 30 minutes every morning to mimic sunrise.  It usually requires sitting a few feet from the lamp and keeping one’s eyes open, but without looking directly into the lamp.

Of course, before beginning light therapy, always check with your eye doctor and your family physician, as medications such as antibiotics and antipsychotic which some patients may be taking may make them more sensitive to light.

What You Can Do

• Get enough sleep.
• Be alert to the early signs of the depression.
• Participate regularly in a form of exercise that you really enjoy.
• Seek group activities.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Develop a support system.
• Get help immediately if you develop any thoughts of injuring yourself or anyone else.

Prognosis

Most cases respond well to treatment or are self-limiting with the change of seasons.

So, please keep this advice in mind if you are afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder or know someone who is.

Thomas Falasca, DO

 School days are upon us and that brings new concerns for our children’s health, concerns regarding backpacks, lunches, starting school, homework/study habits, and hygiene.Here are some helpful tips on how you can promote a healthier, happier school year.

 Backpacks

• Backpacks should have wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• The backpack should never weight more than 10-20% of the child’s weight.
• Both shoulder straps should be used so as not to produce uneven strain on either side of the back.
• Heavier items should be arranged close to the midline of the back.
• Do not ignore back pain in a child.
• If a child develops back pain that doesn’t improve, consider a second set of textbooks to keep at home.

Lunches

• Consult school menus and consider packing a lunch on days when the menu includes items that your child doesn’t eat.
• Remember that a typical 12-ounce soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories.  Drinking just one can daily increases your child’s risk of obesity by 60%.

For Children Starting School

• Answer any questions about school before classes begin.
• Introduce children to their school and, if possible, to their teacher, in advance.
• If possible, introduce them to classmates before the school year begins.
• Spend time talking with children about what happened in school.
• Make morning preparation as stress-free as possible by laying out books and clothes the night before.
• Let the child know that is normal to be a little anxious about starting school       Assign a permanent workspace conducive to doing homework.

Hygiene

• Stress hand washing before eating and after using the toilet,blowing the nose, tying the shoes, or playing outside.
• Handwashing should continue for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday Song” twice.
• Give the child an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use whenever washing is unavailable and after using shared computers, pencil sharpeners, or other community objects.
• Remind the child to keep hands away from eyes and out of mouth.
• Stress the importance of not sharing food, water bottles, or other personal items.

 So, with these tips in mind, the school year should bring peace of mind to the adults and new growth to the children.

Thomas Falasca, DO

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September 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM is the Third Annual Health Fair in Perry Square!

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