Get The Wax Out of Your Ears!

Earwax Basics

 

Earwax. Great table topic, right? Maybe not, but earwax is a natural, normal part of your body. It helps clean and lubricate your ears. Without it, your ears would become dry and itchy and pretty uncomfortable.

             Earwax forms in glands located in the skin of the outer part of your ears. It traps dust and dirt, and gradually transports these "invaders," along with skin cells, to the ear opening. There, it flakes and falls out or gets washed out by you. When all goes well, you don't even need to clean your ear canals. Just wash your outer ears with soap and water when taking a shower or bath.^1,2

            But if earwax builds up, it's time to take action. You may have symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, ringing, discharge, itching, odor, or partial hearing loss.¹ Here's another clue: Your family members have started teasing, "Didn't you hear me? Get the wax outta your ears!"

            Start by cleaning the external ear with a cloth, but don't insert anything, such as a cotton-tipped applicator, bobby pin, piece of paper – or even your finger – into your ear canal. This does just the opposite of what you intend: It pushes wax deeper into your ear canal and can cause infection. You can also damage the ear canal or eardrum.²   Whatever you do, don't try a product called ear candles for extracting earwax. These involve inserting a cone-type device into the ear canal and setting the other end on fire! They can cause serious injury. ^1,2

            What if you still have symptoms? In most cases, home treatments to soften wax work just fine. I can direct you to some possible options in our store.

            At home, lie on your side and deposit a few drops of one of these products in your ear. If this alone doesn't work, you can try ear syringing. This involves suctioning the wax out of year ears. Again, I can help you find these ear syringes here in our store. They work best if you put water, saline, or wax dissolving drops in the ear canal about 15–30 minutes beforehand.¹

            Before trying any of these products, it's best to discuss it with your doctor.² If you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, perforated eardrum, or tube in your eardrum, a doctor should manually remove any built-up earwax, using special devices such as graspers and suction. A special ear, nose, and throat doctor called an otolaryngologist may be the best person for the job, especially if you have a narrow ear canal. ¹ Occasionally, you may also need antibiotic eardrops for an infection.²

            New nickname, Shrek? No worries. Some people make more earwax than others.²  If needed, you can see your doctor for preventive cleaning as often as every 6 to 12 months. ¹ 

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

 

Sources:

1.                  American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery: "Earwax." Available at: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/earwax.cfm. Accessed April 18, 2012.

 

2.                  Nemours Foundation: "Dealing With Earwax." Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/earwax.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle. Accessed April 18, 2012.

Children and the Importance of Exercise

Exercise Makes the Grade

Want your child to do better in school? Make sure exercise doesn't get the short end of the stick. A review of 12 exercise studies recently underscored how important exercise is for the brain, not just the body. It found that children who regularly exercised tended to do better in school.¹

                These were a few of the research findings:

• Middle school kids who exercised vigorously for at least 20 minutes, three days a week, achieved higher grades over two semesters than students who did not intensely exercise.
• Elementary school children with good aerobic fitness were more likely to excel in reading and math.
• Overweight children who exercised 40 minutes every day for 15 weeks scored better in tests of executive function – the "conductor" of cognitive skills – than overweight kids who only exercised 20 minutes.¹

                More research may be needed to reinforce results like these. But researchers point to several possible reasons for these promising findings. For one, physical activity increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. And, as you may already know, exercise boosts endorphins. These are hormones in the brain that improve mood. They may give kids an extra lift for tackling academic challenges. Exercise also promotes development of a protein that acts a little like Miracle-Gro for your brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is found in areas of the brain that are critical for learning, memory, and higher thinking.²

                Unfortunately, many children today aren't getting the physical activity their bodies and brains so desperately need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that children and teens need a minimum of 60 minutes of mostly aerobic, physical activity each day. Aerobic activities are the ones that get your heart beating faster, such as fast walking or running.³ 

                What if your child isn't into sports or shuns the idea of physical exercise altogether? Then, it's up to you as a parent to help make exercise become a habit. Here are some ideas:

• Do what you can to set a positive example.
• Find fun activities you can enjoy together as a family. Hike, jump on a trampoline, or play hide-and-go seek.
• Give gifts that promote physical activity, not just sedentary ones.
• Help your child find physical activities he or she enjoys. Remember: it's not the same for everyone. Some like team sports. Others enjoy individual activities such as swimming or skating.
• Set up an electronics-free time each week.⁴      

                With teens, exercise may be an even tougher sell, but remember that exercise doesn't have to be just for jocks.  There are countless ways to hook a kid into being more active. Think of potentially more popular activities like the video game, DanceDance Revolution. Or maybe hip-hop, martial arts, or mountain biking is the way to go.

                Want to learn more? Check out the fitness articles in our online Wellness Library at HealthMart.com.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

           

Sources

1.                   Singh, A. et al. "Physical Activity and Performance at School: A Systematic Review of the Literature Including a Methodological Quality Assessment." Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(1):49–55.  Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Physical%20Activity%20and%20Performance%20at%20School%3A%20A%20Systematic%20Review%20of%20the%20Literature%20Including%20a%20Methodological%20Quality%20Assessment. Accessed March 21, 2012.

2.                    Edutopia: "A Fit Body Means a Fit Mind." Available at: http://www.edutopia.org/exercise-fitness-brain-benefits-learning. Accessed March 21, 2012.

3.                   CDC: "How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?" Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.html. Accessed March 21, 2012.

4.                   CDC: Available at: "Making Physical Activity a Part of a Child's Life." http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/children.html. Accessed March 21, 2012.

Ban the Burns

According to a new study, risky sun exposure increases as children age.  Not exactly news for those of you with teens, is it? Looking at the sun behaviors of 360 fifth graders in 2004 and again three years later, researchers found this: More than half the kids had had at least one sunburn by age 11. And, although half the kids used sunscreen at age 11, only a quarter of 14-year-olds did.^1,2

            Maybe you're thinking, what's the big deal, in the whole scheme of things? Or, how can I ever get my teen to use sunscreen, especially when she and her friends are competing for the "golden glow" award?

            Well, I'm here to tell you it's worth a try.  Here's why: Sunburn is a sign of skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Repeated sunburns increase your risk for skin cancer.³ That risk is even higher in people with lots of moles and freckles, very fair skin and hair, or a family history of skin cancer.⁴ One type of skin cancer (melanoma) is on the rise.⁵ Although once a cancer of older people, cases are now also showing up in young adults and teens. This could be due to their increased use of tanning beds and sun lamps.⁵

            Too much UV exposure can also cause other types of cancer, cataracts, and a weakened immune system.⁶ And it can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and leathery skin, making you age before your time.⁵ (Perhaps this will get the attention of those "invulnerable" teens!)

            Of course it's not realistic – or right – to ask your kids to stay out of the sun altogether. So do you best to encourage respect for the sun, not sun worship.  Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen, blocking both UVA and UVB rays, with at least SPF 15. And encourage your teen to:

• Wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with at least SPF 15 every day.
• Apply the sunscreen thickly.
• Reapply every couple of hours after swimming or sweating.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.
• Remember that both water and snow reflect UV radiation and can increase the risk of burns.
• Avoid tanning pills that claim to speed up tanning.

            And, by the way, plenty of UV rays seep through sunscreen to help your body get enough vitamin D. So that's not a reason to avoid sun protection.⁵

            If your teen still insists on getting a tan, suggest trying sunless self-tanner, which contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Available in sprays, lotions, moisturizers, and towelettes, these products gradually stain dead cells in the skin's outer layer. The effect can last up to a week. ⁵

            You can find many sun-protection products in our store.  If you can't find what you're looking, don't hesitate to ask for help.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

           

Sources

1.                  MedlinePlus: "Only 1 in 4 Young Teens Uses Sunscreen Regularly, Study Finds." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_121079.html. Accessed March 12, 2012.

2.                  Dusza, SW et al. Pediatrics. 2012 Feb; 129(2):309–17. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22271688. Accessed March 12, 2012.

3.                  MedlinePlus: "Sun Exposure." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sunexposure.html. Accessed March 12, 2012.

4.                  Nemours Foundation: "Sunburn." Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/sunburn_sheet.html. Accessed March 12, 2012.

5.                  Nemours Foundation: "Tanning." Available at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/tanning.html. Accessed March 12, 2012.

6.                  EPA: "Health Effects of Overexposure to the Sun." Available at: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvandhealth.html. Accessed March 12, 2012.

Links Between Childhood Asthma and Obesity

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes airways to become inflamed. Does your child have this disease? If so, you're no doubt familiar with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing. Today, a whopping nine million children under age 18 have asthma – or have had it in the past.¹

            But with rates of childhood obesity climbing faster than a ten-year-old scrambling up a tree, this number could quickly skyrocket. Why? Because children who are overweight or obese are more likely to have asthma than children of a healthy weight. The strength of this link varies by race and ethnicity. It hurts Hispanic children the most.²

            Extra weight isn't considered a cause of asthma, simply a contributor. But what, then, accounts for the connection between the two ? One theory is that a hormone found in fat tissue increases the body's chronic inflammation. And this may increase the risk of asthma. ^3,4

            Overweight or obese children have double the risk of asthma as their normal-weight peers if they become or remain heavy in their early school years. But, parents, listen up. Here's the good news: If children slim down by age seven, they may wipe out that increased risk. It's not quite as easy as erasing a string of numbers from a blackboard. But it's way more powerful. That's especially true given that childhood obesity is not only linked to asthma, but to a whole host of other health problems, including diabetes and high cholesterol.⁴

            Extra weight also sends kids with asthma to the doctor and emergency room more often and requires higher doses of asthma medications.² In fact, a recent small study found that overweight and obese children needed about twice as much of a commonly used asthma medication (an inhaled corticosteroid) as healthy-weight kids. These findings are similar to those reported on earlier in adults. The response to the medication decreased as weight and body mass index (BMI) rose, according to study researcher Pia Hauk, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at National Jewish Health in Denver, CO.³

            If your child has asthma, don't forget that I'm here to help you and your child manage this condition as well as you can. Remember that your child's asthma management plan may be different than another child's. I can help guide you in understanding how and when to use asthma medications. Getting the right care by a knowledgeable allergist is also key. This is someone who has special training and experience in figuring out whether a child has asthma, what is triggering it, and how to move forward to treat it effectively.  Together, we can form an awesome team!⁵

Sources

1.                  MedlinePlus: "Asthma in Children." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asthmainchildren.html. Accessed March 5, 2012.

2.                  MedlinePlus: "Obesity Linked to Asthma in Children." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122445.html. Accessed March 5, 2012.

3.                  MedlinePlus: "Heavy Kids May Not Respond as Well to Asthma Meds." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122575.html. Accessed March 5, 2012.

4.                  MedlinePlus: "Overweight 7-Year-Olds Face Higher Risk of Asthma." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_120071.html. Accessed March 5, 2012.

5.                  American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: "Childhood Asthma: Tips to Remember." http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/childhood-asthma.aspx

The Reason for Your Sneezin'

The Reason for Your Sneezin'

Written March 2012

Winter was milder than usual in many parts of the country this year. Warmer weather has brought earlier pollination of trees and – you guessed it – an earlier hay fever season as well.

            If you suffer from hay fever, buckle your seat belt. You and about 35 million other people may be in for a rougher ride not only this year, but also in years to come.¹ That's because recent studies suggest that rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels from climate change are behind earlier and longer hay fever seasons.²

            But what exactly is hay fever? And how can you know for sure whether your sniffles and sneezes are due to a late winter cold or an early hay fever attack? Hay fever is a nasal allergic reaction to airborne particles such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. It's more likely to be hay fever than a cold if your symptoms last longer than a week or so and your nasal discharge is clear.  Also, colds can cause body aches and fevers, but allergies don't.³

            The symptoms of hay fever may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing, along with postnasal drip
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Sore throat or hoarse voice
• Facial pressure or pain
• Fatigue^4,5

            You can do many things to ease the discomfort of allergies. First, track pollen counts in your area. In general, it may help you to know that pollen levels tend to be highest in the morning during ragweed pollen season (late summer and early fall). They tend to be highest in the evening during grass pollen season (spring and summer). And, as you probably already know – sunny, windy days are often the worst.⁶

            One easy way to find pollen counts in your area is to visit the web page of the National Allergy Bureau. Here, you can also sign up for free email alerts with daily pollen and mold reports.⁷ Then, try to stay inside on high pollen-count days. Also:

• Keep house and car windows closed. If necessary, use air conditioning instead.
• Avoid outdoor chores such as yard work or mowing grass.
• Wear a facemask that filters pollen out if you can't avoid being outdoors.
• Take a shower and wash your hair right after being outdoors.^2,6    

            See me if you need help selecting over-the-counter allergy medicines such as nasal sprays and rinses and oral medication. I can also answer your questions about any prescription medications you might need. And if your hay fever is really wreaking havoc, ask an allergist about whether you're a good candidate for allergy shots. They can provide long-term relief by making you less sensitive to pollen.⁴

           

Sources

1.                  American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: "Outdoor Allergens: Tips to Remember." Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/outdoor-allergens.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2012.

2.                  American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: "Climate Change and Outdoor Allergies » " Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/rhinitis.aspx.

3.                  MedlinePlus: "Mild Winter Heralds Early Sneezin' Season." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122249.html. Accessed March 8, 2012.

4.                  MedlinePlus: "Hayfever." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hayfever.html. Accessed March 8, 2012. 

5.                  UpToDate: "Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) (Beyond the Basics)." Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-allergic-rhinitis-seasonal-allergies-beyond-the-basics?view=print. Accessed March 8, 2012.

6.                  FDA: "Itching for Allergy Relief?" Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm153549.htm#AvoidPollen. Accessed March 8, 2012.

7.                  American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: " National Allergy Bureau." Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx. Accessed March 8, 2012.

8.                  MedlinePlus: "Mild Winter Heralds Early Sneezin' Season." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122249.html

Stop Winter Germs in Their Tracks

Colds and flu – no big deal, right?  Well, yes and no. They usually don't last a really long time or cause serious problems.

          Colds can plague you with everything from a stuffy and runny nose to a scratchy throat and watery eyes – and nonstop sneezing that can even put your cat on edge. Flu bugs bring symptoms that can look a lot like a cold. But the flu tends to ambush you suddenly, last longer, and pile on other "treats" such as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and achiness.¹

          Some people who get the flu, though, are at risk for pretty serious health problems. In fact, flu-related complications send more than 200,000 Americans to the hospital each year with thousands dying.¹ Even the common cold takes a toll, accounting for 22 million lost school days in the U.S. each year.²

          Prevention is looking better and better, isn't it?

          The number-one thing you can do to prevent the flu? Get a flu vaccine, which protects against the three most likely flu viruses to strike each season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine. Get the vaccine as soon as it is available if you are at high risk – you are pregnant, 65 or older, or have a chronic disease. It's also more important if you are a health care worker or care for someone who is at increased risk.³

          Available as a shot or nasal spray, the flu vaccine is best received in October or November, although you may still benefit in December or January.¹ Ask your doctor or me if you have questions about this.

          Colds and flu are spread mostly by droplets in the air or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your eyes or nose. So some other simple steps may go a long way toward helping you prevent these common diseases.

          Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water for about 15 to 20 seconds.  If you're away from soap and water, an alcohol-based hand rub will do. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as much as you can. No free rides for these germs! Set a good example for your kids and encourage them to do the same. Also, try to limit being around people who are infected. ¹

          Sneezing and coughing yourself? You know the drill: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, then throw it in the trash. If there's no tissue in sight, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve. Be sure to pass this tip on to your kids. If you've got a fever, stay home for at last 24 hours after the fever is gone – that is, gone without the use of a fever-lowering medicine. ³

          Don't forget that other all-around healthy habits – a balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and stress control – can help prevent colds and flu. And, remember that exposure to tobacco – firsthand or secondhand – makes you more prone to respiratory illnesses. ¹

Sources

1.                 FDA: "Get Set for Winter Illness Season." http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092805.htm

2.                 CDC: "Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School." http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/home_work_school.htm

3.                 CDC. "CDC Says 'Take 3' Actions To Fight the Flu." http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

The Dangers of Tanning – Indoors or Outdoors

Ever been mistaken for Casper the Friendly Ghost? Even if you're not quite that white, you might still value a nice tan. Many people think a little color gives them a healthier –maybe even sexier – look.

          So isn't it ironic that getting that glorious tan can actually put you at risk?

          When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – whether from the sun or a tanning device – your skin reacts by producing more melanin. That's the pigment that darkens your skin. In addition to bringing on premature wrinkling, skin spots, and a "lovely" leathery look down the road, tanning can also suppress your body's immune system and cause eye damage or allergic reactions.¹

          Some people even develop skin cancer from too much UV radiation. Were you one of those kids who shunned skin protection or overstayed your time in the sun? If so, you probably had a severe sunburn or two, putting you at greater risk for the deadliest form of skin cancer: melanoma.¹

          But the sun isn't the only culprit. Tanning devices like sunlamps used in tanning beds are more dangerous than previously thought. A few years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) looked at 19 studies conducted over 25 years. It found a link between indoor tanning and two kinds of skin cancer, as well as melanoma of the eye. The risk of skin melanoma increased by 75 percent when indoor tanning began before age 35. As a result, the agency moved these devices into the highest cancer risk category: "carcinogenic to humans." ¹

          Time to take stock of that warning. That's especially true if you have pale skin; blond, red or light brown hair, or you or a family member has had skin cancer.²  Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women in their 20s. And, one in eight with melanoma die from the disease.¹

          So, besides avoiding tanning salons, what can you do?          Take precautions, whether you're at the poolside or on the ski slopes. If you can, limit time in the sun when rays are strongest – between 10 am and 4 pm. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and long pants, when possible. Use a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Make sure it protects against all types of skin damage (called broad spectrum).

          Be sure to apply sunscreen to areas of uncovered skin about 15 minutes before you go outside. And pay special attention to your nose, ears, neck, lips, and hands. Reapply, after two hours. If you have a child younger than 6 months, talk with the doctor or me before you apply sunscreen. And, check with us about any medications and cosmetics you're using. Some make you more sensitive to UV rays. ^1,2

          What else? Buy sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV protection – even for your kids. ² If you're not sure whether yours offer this protection, check with your eye care professional. Remember that you can find many of these sun protection products right here, in our store.

Sources

1.                 FDA: "Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays." http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm186687.htm

2.                 FDA: "Sun Safety: Save Your Skin!" http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049090.htm