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Arthritis Joint Pains in the US – Time To Take Action /wp-content/uploads/kp.jpg 640 425 Statcare Urgent Medical Care Statcare Urgent Medical Care https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f3a338f5a9b77cd5b1e7b7ec87bc7c5a?s=96&d=mm&r=g June 22, 2017 November 7, 2018

Arthritis Joint Pains in the US – Time To Take Action

Arthritis affects about 1 in 4 adults (54 million) in the United States.
It is the leading cause of disability in the US. 24 million adults report limitations due to arthritis.
The most common form of arthritis in the US is osteoarthritis.
Arthritis makes it harder to manage heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Being physically activate can reduce arthritis pain.

Tips:

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis can help people with the condition live well without pain.
Exercise (swimming, biking, walking) regularly to stay healthy.
Physical activity has been proven to reduce arthritis pain and restore function.
Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout and may decrease disease progression and arthritis-related activity limitations.Source: CDC

7 Tips To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear /wp-content/uploads/swimming-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Statcare Urgent Medical Care Statcare Urgent Medical Care https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f3a338f5a9b77cd5b1e7b7ec87bc7c5a?s=96&d=mm&r=g April 30, 2017 November 7, 2018

7 Tips To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal, which is a slender channel about one-inch long that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear can include pain, redness, and swelling of the ear canal and an itchy feeling in the ear. Pain when tugging the earlobe, or when chewing food, is also a symptom. Some patients report temporary hearing loss or their ears feeling “full.” Patients may experience symptoms differently and at different levels of severity. It is important to note that swimmer’s ear is different from a middle ear infection, which is common in young children.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection that occurs when water remains trapped in the ear canal. This moist environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria, and, in rare cases, fungus. Some patients get swimmer’s ear from swimming, although it can happen from bathing, showering, or even sweating. A lack of earwax due to aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs or small objects can cause swimmer’s ear. Earwax limits the growth of bacteria and is a natural barrier to moisture. Skin conditions such as eczema, and chemicals from hairspray or dyes, can also prompt swimmer’s ear.

7 Tips For Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

Never put anything in the ear canal (cotton swabs, paper clips, liquids or even your finger). This can damage or irritate the skin.
Leave ear wax in the canal.
Do not use ear plugs. They can irritate the ear canal.
If you swim or surf, use a bathing cap to keep water out of your ears.
Keep your ears as dry as possible. Use a towel to dry your ears well after swimming or showering.
Help the water run out of your ears by turning your head to each side and pulling the earlobe in different directions.
Blow dry your ears on a low setting, holding the dryer 12 inches away.

If you or a family member experience any of the above symptoms, walk-in to any of our clinics for an evaluation and talk to our health care providers. No appointment is necessary at our clinics and you’ll only wait minutes to be seen. You can call ahead at (855) 9 FOR DOC and let us know you’re on the way or you can check in online.

Back Pain? Watch out for these 8 Red-Flags /wp-content/uploads/Back-Pain-1024x576.jpg 1024 576 Statcare Urgent Medical Care Statcare Urgent Medical Care https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f3a338f5a9b77cd5b1e7b7ec87bc7c5a?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 23, 2017 November 7, 2018

Back Pain? Watch out for these 8 Red-Flags

About 80% of people have at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime. Factors that increase the risk of developing low back pain include smoking, obesity, older age, physically strenuous work, sedentary work, a stressful job, job dissatisfaction and psychological factors such as anxiety or depression.

A common feature of low back pain is radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root is irritated by protruding disc or arthritis of the spine. Sciatica refers to the most common symptom of radiculopathy. It causes a sharp or burning pain that extends down the back or side of the thigh, usually to the foot or ankle. It is associated with tingling and numbness. Occasionally, sciatica may be associated with muscle weakness in the leg or the foot.

Red flag symptoms – you must seek immediate help:

If you are 70 years or older with new back pain.
Pain that does not go away, even at night or when lying down.
Weakness in one or both legs or problems with bowel, bladder, or sexual function.
If you have back pain accompanied by unexplained fever or weight loss.
If you have a history of cancer, a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, or have used corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) for a prolonged period of time.
If the back pain is a result of falling or an accident, especially if you are older than 50 years.
If pain spreads into the lower leg, particularly if accompanied by weakness of the leg.
If back pain does not improve within 4 weeks.

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop by any of our clinics. No appointment is necessary at our clinics and you’ll only wait minutes to be seen. We are open on weekends as well. You can call ahead at (855) 9 FOR DOC and let us know you’re on the way or you can check in online.