Pneumonia is an infection of the lung. It is caused by bacteria or viruses or bacteria-like germs. Usually, it does not spread from person to person.
To cure the infection:
If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, start them right away. Do not delay!
••• Antibiotics take several doses to start to work.
••• If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, take them until the medicine is all gone Do not stop early because you feel better
••• Drink at least one glass of water every hour. This helps thin the sputum so that you can cough it up
••• Take several deep breaths, then cough several times each day
••• Use a cool (not hot) vaporizer
To reduce fever or pain:
••• Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) per the box instructions, or take Advil (ibuprofen) per the box instructions, or take the medication your doctor has prescribed for pain.
••• Do not use Aspirin or medicines containing (acetyl)-salicylic acid- this could lead to Reyes Syndrome which causes brain and liver damage.
How much should you be doing?
••• Rest in bed until your temperature is normal (37 C or 98.6 F)
••• Start your normal activities slowly
••• Most people with pneumonia feel tired. It can take as long a 6 weeks to get back to your normal self
What should you eat?
••• Eat a proper balanced diet even if you are not hungry
••• Try soups and juices if you are having difficulty with solid foods
••• Avoid alcohol
See your doctor if:
••• your fever continues
••• your chest pain does not get better
••• you ahve vomiting or diarrhea
••• you are coughing up bloody sputum
••• you have any problem with your medicines
See your doctor immediately or go to an Urgent Care Center if:
••• you have a lot of trouble breathing, or your skin color, fingernail or lip color is darker or blue
••• you continue to have a fever, chills and feel worse
••• you become confused, have a severe headache or neck stiffness
••• you are becoming sicker

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac

Touching these plans causes an itchy skin rash. The skin reacts to the oil of the plant. The fluid from the blisters will not cause another person to catch the rash.
If you get the rash:
••• Try not to scratch the rash, as this causes the rash to spread.
••• Use a cool compress to soothe the rash. This can be a cloth soaked in cool water or Burow's solution (Buro-sol powder) from your drug store. Dissolve 1 packet of Buro-sol powder in 2 cups of cool water.
••• Soak a clean cloth in this, wring it out, and place the cloth on the rash. Soak the cloth again every few minutes and place it on the rash again. Do this several times a day for an hour each time.
••• If the rash is too large an area to cover with compresses, then take 3 baths each day with cornstarch in the bath water.
••• Put 1 pound of cornstarch in a little water to make a paste, then mix this into a tub of water.
••• Soak in this for 20 minutes.
••• Wash any clothes, shoes, sporting gear and tools that might have the oil of the plant on them.
••• Remember to wash your dog with soap and water if your animal was with you.
See your doctor if:
••• you develop a fever
••• the rash becomes more painful
••• the redness spreads around the rash
••• there is red streaking
••• there is pus
••• the rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, genital area, or covers 1/4 of your skin
••• you have problems with your medicines.

Scabies

Scabies is a disease caused by a parasite which burrows into the skin. The itching eruption on the skin is most likely to appear between the fingers, on the wrists, above the elbows and along the belt line. Other areas can also be involved.
How is Scabies Spread?
••• Scabies is spread by close contact with other infected people
••• This type of infestation is not necessarily limited to persons living in crowded and unsanitary surroundings
••• A positive diagnosis can be made by removing the parasite with a needle and identifying it under a microscope
Treatment:
••• In established cases, all members of the family should receive treatment at the same time
••• If the disease is suspected but not established, a trial on one member should be attempted first
••• Good response to treatment will prove the diagnosis.
••• Take a hot soaking bath with an antiseptic soap such as Dial, Zest or Phisohex
••• Apply Kwalla Cream or Lotion, or Benzyl Bensoate emulsion to all parts of the body from the neck down with special care to areas between fingers and toes, and to the genital areas
••• Twelve hours after the bath, re-apply the medication but do not bathe before-hand
••• Twelve hours after re-medication, take another soap and water bath
••• Change all linens in the house
••• Boil, launder or dry clean all clothing
••• Iron everything not boiled
••• Retreatment may be necessary, but is unlikely

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

What is shingles?
Shingles, (herpes zoster), is a painful rash, often with blisters, that affects people over fifty, or those with weakened immune systems. About one million people come down with shingles a year in the US. Susceptibility to shingles increases with age, and about 50% of people who live to 85 years ultimately develop shingles.
••• Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster or HZV). Genital herpes, which is caused by a different virus, is not at all related to shingles
••• One can only get shingles after exposure to chickenpox, or the chickenpox vaccine. After chickenpox, usually in childhood, the HZV virus is contained in nerve cells, and stays in your body
••• As one ages, or if the immune system weakens, the HZV virus can escape from the nerve cells to cause shingles
What are the symptoms of shingles?
••• A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts two to four weeks.
••• Pain, which is the hallmark of the disease, can be quite severe.
••• Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach.
••• Very rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing loss, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or even death.
Is shingles preventable?
Yes. A vaccine called Zostavax became available in 2006.
••• This vaccine significantly reduces the chances of getting shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
••• A single dose of shingles vaccine is indicated for adults 60 years of age and older.
Zostavax is not for everyone. You should not get vaccinated if you:
••• are allergic to any of its ingredients
••• are allergic to gelatin or neomycin
••• have a weakened immune system (leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS)
••• take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth.
••• are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
How is shingles contracted?
••• Shingles is not contagious from one person to another; however, it can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had the disease or not received the chickenpox vaccine.
••• The HZV virus lives in the blisters of people with shingles, and the virus can be spread until the blisters are healed.
••• Anyone with shingles should stay away from babies under 12 months and pregnant women.
What medications are effective for shingles?
••• Medications that can help clear up the infection and reduce the chances of getting post-herpetic neuralgia include Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex.
••• It is essential to get to your doctor quickly, within 3 days if possible.
••• Your physician might also elect to use steroid medication.
••• If the infection spreads to the eye, there are special drops your physician can prescribe.
••• The pain can be treated in different ways.
••• Your doctor may recommend over-the-counters analgesics, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), or a prescription painkiller.
••• Do not use Aspirin or medicines containing (acetyl)-salicylic acid- this could lead to Reyes Syndrome which causes brain and liver damage.
••• Avoid chilling drafts
••• Avoid rought washing of the skin eruptions as much as possible
••• Do not bandage the sore(s)
••• You may apply warmth if it decreases the pain
••• Moist compresses to the skin may also be used for comfort
Activity:
••• You should make every effort to remain as active as your feeling of well-being and energy allow.
Diet:
••• There are no particular restrictions on your diet, but try to eat balanced meals.
••• A new vaccine, Zostavax, significantly reduces the chances of getting shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Post-herpetic neuralgia:
••• Severe pain can continue after the rash clears up (post-herpetic neuralgia). About 20% of shingles sufferers develop this chronic condition
••• Like shingles, it causes a stinging or burning sensation. The skin might become extremely sensitive to temperature changes or a light touch, such as from moving air or a bed sheet
••• There are various medications that physicians prescribe including creams and skin patches
••• If these do not work, then medication that is sometimes used to treat depression can be helpful

Stress

Most people have some stress in their lives. Too much stress, however, is not good for your mental or physical health. Stress can cause many symptoms.
Here are some things you can do to relieve stress:
••• Share your problems with family or friends.
••• Talking things over will help.
••• Do not try to do everything at once.
••• List the things you need to do, and then start with the most important ones. Finish that thing and move on to the next important item on your list.
••• Reward yourself when you finish something.
••• Exercise at least 3 times a week. This will help you relax. You don't need expensive equipment to exercise. Even walking is good for you.
••• Eat a balanced diet. Avoid junk food. Extra B vitamins can help.
••• Caffeine (coffee, strong tea and most sodas- not just colas) and nicotine add to the problem.
••• Get lots of sleep.
••• Take a break and have some fun.
••• Better to work hard for a few hours and then have a good break, than to work long periods and get little done because of fatigue.
••• Relax your body by closing your eyes and taking some deep breaths.
••• Tense the muscles of your face for a few seconds then relax them. Do this again with the muscles of your neck, shoulders, hands, stomach, back and legs.
••• Develop a hobby or interest.
••• If you are breathing too quickly (hyperventilating), try to calm your breathing. Breathing into a small paper bag that surrounds your mouth for a few minutes will help many people feel better.
••• Alcohol and drugs are not the answer. Say no.
••• If the problem is serious, you should get some help by seeing a trained counsellor. Your family doctor would be a good person to see.
••• Seeing a psychiatrist or a psychologist might also be helpful.

Stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911. Get to a hospital right away!
There are new highly effective medicines that can limit and even reverse debilitating damage caused by strokes, BUT YOU MUST BE TREATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE for them to be effective!
Stroke Warning Signs:
••• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
••• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
••• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
••• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
••• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Be prepared for an emergency:
••• Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
••• Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24-hour emergency stroke care.
••• Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office.
Take action:
••• Expect the patient to protest &emdash; denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action!
••• Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
••• Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
••• If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 911 so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.

Vomiting and Diarrhea In Small Children Under 6 Months

Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) are common problems in small children.
Diarrhea can be dangerous if not treated properly. It drains water and salts from your child. If these are not replaced quickly, then your child can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.
To Prevent Dehydration:
••• Give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Gastrolyte, Pedialyte, or Lytren. These preparations contain the proper balance of water, salts (electrolytes) and sugar. These are available at any drug store.
••• Soda, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, fruit juice, Jello, sweetened tea, broth or rice water all have the wrong amounts of water, sugar and salts and may make the diarrhea worse!
••• If breast feeding, continue to breast feed on demand and offer one of the oral rehydrtion solutions such as Gastrolyte, Pedialyte, or Lytren 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
••• If your child is vomiting:
••• Give nothing by mouth for 30 minutes then feed smaller amounts more frequently, then start breast milk on demand or give one of the oral rehydration solutions such as Gastrolyte, Pedialyte, or Lytren 15 ml (1 tablespoon) every 10-15 minutes to give 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
••• If your child refuses an oral rehydration solution by the cup or bottle, give this solution using a medicine dropper or small spoon.
••• If your child vomits again, try again in 30 minutes.
Recovery (6-24 hours):
••• Keep giving the oral rehydration until the diarrhea is less often.
••• When vomiting stops, start the child's usual diet (formula or whole milk or food) in frequent feedinbgs. Stools may increase at first.
••• It may take 7 to 10 days or longer for stools to become completely formed. This is part of the healing of the bowel.
••• Do not give over-the-counter medications to stop diarrhea. These will stop the body from getting rid of the infection.
••• If the diarrhea or cramping lasts more than 5-7 days, then your doctor may suggest lactose-free milk until the diarrhea improves.
••• Careful handwashing after toileting or changing diapers will help prevent the spread of infection to others.
When to Call Your Doctor:
••• if your child has diarrhea for 48 hours, and is less than 3 months of age
••• if your child is still vomiting after 4-6 hours
••• if there is a fever - temperature greater than 38.5 C or 101.5 F for longer than 2 days
••• if the diarrhea becomes much more frequent
••• if there is blood in the diarrhea or the stools are black
••• if the child appears sicker or dehydrated (lethargic, no tears when crying
••• if the amount of urine is small (less than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours)
••• if the inside of mouth is dry or sticky
••• if the eyes are sunken
••• if the soft spot (fontanelle) on the infant's head is sunken
••• if the skin is grayish)

Vomiting and Diarrhea In Older Children and Adults

Although many things can cause vomiting and diarrhea, the reason is usually not serious and the condition usually gets better quickly.
If you continue having vomiting and diarrhea for more than a few days, you should be checked for dehydration. This is very important, especially in the very young and the elderly.
Treatment:
••• It is best to try to drink even if you are vomiting.
••• Use ice chips or very small amounts (spoonfuls) of fluids every 10-15 minutes.
••• Once the vomiting slows down, you may try clear fluids like soft drinks (without caffeine), soup and diluted juices. Clear fluids are drinks that you can see through.
••• Try to return to a normal diet as you are getting better.
••• It is not necessary to stop milk or dairy products.
••• Foods high in starch, like noodles, bread, rice and potatoes, may be helpful.
••• When you are just having diarrhea, you do not have to change your regular diet, but do continue to eat.
••• Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Medications:
••• Gravol suppositories and Kaopectate are quite safe in adults and may improve the condition.
••• If you continue to vomit and have diarrhea for longer than a few days, the doctor may prescribe medications.
See your doctor if:
••• there is no improvement after 2 days
••• there is blood in the vomit or diarrhea
••• abdominal pain develops that is constant and not cramping
••• there are signs of dehydration (such as no tears or moisture in the mouth, or no urination for 8 hours)
••• the person appears sicker.

Yeast Vaginitis

Yeast infections of the vagina are common. A yeast called Candida causes this infection. Many women have small amounts of this fungus in their vagina, and usually it does not cause problems. If conditions in the vagina change, then an infection can start.
Yeast infections are more common in these cases:
••• pregnancy
••• diabetes
••• women on the birth control pill
••• women taking antibiotics
Yeast infections are not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. Usually, the treatment works well. Sometimes, the infection is hard to get rid of; some women have repeated attacks.
Medication:
Prescription only:
••• Diflucan (fluconzole) single dose by mouth (sometimes causes nausea)
••• Flagylstatin cream
Over-the-counter choices that can treat the infection well:
••• Canesten (clotriamazole) cream: (Considered safe in pregnancy).
••• Gynecure (tioconazole) cream: 1-day single treatment
••• Monistat (miconazole) cream: (Considered safe in pregnancy).
If you choose a cream, then it is best to use a thin sanitary napkin to protect your clothing:
••• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
••• Take showers instead of tub baths, and use plain soap that has no perfume in it.
••• Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or powders.
••• If your infection does not get better in a few days please see your doctor.