Category: Blog

Summer is around the corner, and for many of us  it can’t come soon enough. It’s a time for barbecues, swimming, bike rides, and spending time outside: playing sports, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. However, these fun outdoor activities bring inevitable pain – kids, in particular, are susceptible to falling, which leads to scraped knees and cut-up hands.

 

Whether you spend the summer at home, or you rent a beach house or visit family, you need to be prepared for the worst. Often, preparedness is the number one step for injury prevention and mitigation – and having a first aid kit on hand is the first line of defense.

 

Travel first aid kits are perfect to keep by the pool or in your car, to take with you on a trip, or to leave on your boat or bring camping. There are numerous products made by several different companies and sold in nearly every grocery or drug store – look for a red cross on a little plastic suitcase. When you have the essentials on hand, you’ll always be ready to treat cuts and scrapes on the go, so you can continue to enjoy your own well-deserved vacation time.

 

What to keep in your first aid kit

Almost any pharmacy will have pre-made, cost-effective kits with the following essentials:

• Adhesive bandages in many sizes
• Gauze dressing pads
• First aid tape
• Rolls of gauze bandage
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment packs
• First aid instruction booklet

 

In addition to first aid kits, you may also want to get a small bag or backpack to fit a few other things. Other items that may come in handy for quick mends after summer falls or slips:

• Small scissors for cutting bandages
• Numbing spray for the more painful cuts
• Disposable sanitary gloves
• Single-dose packages of ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Tweezers for splinters
• Burn cream
• A clean towel and bottle of water

 

Treating wounds

Here are some basic guidelines to help you care for minor cuts and scrapes:

• Wash your hands before you treat cuts and scrapes to avoid infection. Minor cuts and scrapes usually will stop bleeding on their own fairly quickly, but if they don’t, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or the gauze or the fresh towel in your kit and elevate the wound until the bleeding stops.
• Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with fresh water or the recommended distilled water from your kit. If you’re near a faucet, put the wound right under the tap water to rinse it out. Wash around the wound with soap if at home, or with the antiseptic wipes. But don’t get soap in the wound. And don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, for these products can all sting and be irritating. Remove any dirt or debris with tweezers (you can wipe the tweezers down with an antiseptic wipe to ensure cleanliness).
• Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment right away to keep the scrape moist and to prevent scarring.
• As soon as the cut is dry, apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. Covering the wound keeps it clean. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch, leave it uncovered.
• Change the dressing at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
• Know when to seek professional treatment (see below).

 

When to seek professional treatment

Call your doctor or visit a local urgent care facility if:

• You can’t remove all debris that may have gotten into the cut
• Bleeding persists for more than a few minutes after the incident and doesn’t stop after bandaging
• The wound doesn’t heal as expected or opens back up after starting to heal
• There is redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling in or around the wound – this could indicate infection and may require antibiotics
• If you are cut by, or step on, rusty metal (such as a nail) and you aren’t sure if you are up to date on your tetanus vaccine

 

Finally, remember we are always here to help if you need us!

As the weather warms up, many of us will start heading outdoors to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Whether you are planning a picnic at your favorite park or a week-long camping trip, spending time outdoors brings an increased risk of insect bites and bee stings. Mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders and scorpions can all cause adverse reactions, ranging from minor annoyances to life-threatening conditions.

While the types of insects you’ll encounter may vary by region, you’ve likely experienced a bug bite or sting at some point in your life. For most people, they result in localized pain and itching, but sometimes you may need to seek medical care. Read on for information on how to treat bites and stings at home, how to reduce the risk of being targeted by pests, and when to seek medical attention.

What to do if you’ve been bitten or stung

If you have already had a run-in with a biting or stinging insect, there are some steps you can take to minimize your discomfort:

1. Remove stingers or ticks as quickly as possible.
2. Move to a safe place. If you’re stung and are near a wasp nest or bee hive, retreat to an area where you won’t get swarmed.
3. Use antiseptic soap to clean the wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
4. Use a cold compress or ice to reduce swelling, and relieve pain and itching.
5. Consider using an over-the-counter antihistamine (such as Benadryl) to reduce swelling and itching.

What can you do to reduce the risk of being bitten or stung in the first place?

1. Use an insect repellent spray on your body to deter mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
2. Use citronella candles in outdoor spaces to repel mosquitoes from the area.
3. Hang yellowjacket traps around your yard.
4. Regularly check under the eaves of your roof, in your attic, bushes, dead tree stumps, and other dark corners for signs of bee and wasp nests.  You can buy bee and wasp spray that kills on contact and prevents them from coming back to their hive later.

When to seek treatment

Call 911 or head to the ER if you notice any of the following signs of allergic reaction:

1. Hives
2. Lightheadedness or fainting
3. Nausea or vomiting
4. Shortness of breath or wheezing
5. Chest pain
6. Difficulty swallowing or tongue swelling

In some cases, even if you don’t experience an allergic reaction, you may still need to seek treatment. If you are bitten by a tick, there is a chance of contracting Lyme Disease or other tick-borne illnesses. If you find a tick on yourself, should remove it and place it in an airtight container in your freezer and watch for signs of Lyme disease. If you have any symptoms of Lyme DIsease, your healthcare provider can test the tick to see if it’s a carrier. The sooner they diagnose Lyme Disease, the easier and more successful treatment can be.

Further, you might need to see a doctor if a bug bite becomes infected. Signs of infection include swelling that doesn’t improve or gets worse over many days, fluid leaking from the wound, the presence of sores around the wound, warmth radiating from the affected area, fever, and chills. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

We hope that your summer gets off to a great start and you can enjoy the outdoors bug-free! But if you find yourself in need of treatment or advice, we’re here to help. Walk in appointments are always welcome!

The weather is starting to warm up as we head into spring – and with that warm weather comes seasonal allergies. Do you find yourself plagued by itchy eyes, a runny nose, and endless sneezing every time you venture outdoors in the spring? According to the CDC, you may be among the 7.7% of adults (and 7.2% of children) who experience allergic rhinitis – more commonly referred to as hay fever. While seasonal allergies can be unpleasant, there is a lot you can do to reduce your symptoms. 

What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and flowering plants. Unlike environmental allergies (allergies caused by food, insect bites/stings, dust, and pet dander, for example), seasonal allergies are triggered by changes in weather. While about ⅔ of people who suffer from seasonal allergies also suffer from at least one environmental allergy, there are many things you can do to reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms.

Common allergy symptoms and how to treat them at home

Most people with seasonal allergies experience a combination of respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, and/or coughing) and contact reactions (itchy eyes, hives and/or rashes). For some, these symptoms can be debilitating, while for others, it’s a minor inconvenience. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are many options for treating them:

1. Over-the-counter allergy medication: Allergy pills such as Zyrtec or Claritin are often all it takes for people to find relief from hay fever. Sometimes you will need to try different formulations to find the one that works best for you. If pills alone are not enough or don’t work for you, nasal sprays such as Flonase or Nasacort can also offer relief by delivering medicine directly to your sinuses, where most allergy symptoms originate.
2. Nasal rinses/Neti Pot: A non-medical option that works for many people is a daily nasal rinse using a Neti Pot or pre-packaged aerosol nasal spray. If using a Neti Pot or something similar, be sure to use filtered water to avoid introducing bacteria into your nasal cavity. You will also need to add saline to the water to avoid irritating the fragile sinus tissue. 
3. Avoiding allergens: Pollen counts are greatly affected by weather – wind will stir up pollen and lead to worse symptoms, while rain temporarily decreases pollen counts (although after rain, pollen counts generally skyrocket). Check your local weather report daily (or visit pollen.com) to see what the pollen count is in your area. If it’s high, consider staying indoors with the windows closed, if possible. An air purifier can also help reduce airborne pollen in your home, as will vacuuming (although vacuuming can also temporarily increase airborne pollen inside, being diligent about keeping carpets clean can reduce exposure in the long run). Further, if you must be outdoors when the pollen count is high, consider wearing an N95 mask – especially if you are mowing the lawn or doing other yardwork.

What to do if over-the-counter medication and prevention don’t work

For some people, at-home treatment won’t be enough to offer relief from allergy symptoms. If you are still suffering from hay fever despite taking the steps above, you may want to talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist about next steps. You might be offered allergy testing in the form of a blood test or skin test to figure out what is causing your symptoms; in some cases, you may discover that your allergies are both seasonal AND environmental, and treatment may vary depending on what you are allergic to. Your doctor might recommend a series of allergy shots to desensitize you to your allergens or may prescribe a stronger course of medication to keep your symptoms in check.

 

If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, we are here to help! Reserve a spot online or walk in today – no appointment needed.

Tips for a Safe Spring Break

We’ve made it through the middle of winter, and spring is just around the corner! With spring comes more outdoor activities – and spring break. Read on for some tips for a safe – and fun! – spring break!

1. Know what to expect

While we seem to be through the worst of this winter’s Covid surge, we aren’t out of the woods yet – and many places still have quarantine and testing requirements for entry. Make sure you research your destination’s vaccine and quarantine requirements well ahead of your departure – especially if traveling internationally. You can also visit the CDC’s travel-health site to find out if you need to be vaccinated (for anything beyond COVID, that is).

Additionally, it is a good idea to research local urgent care and hospital facilities near your destination. If you are traveling domestically, you can also check which local urgent care centers take your insurance. Whether you’re traveling locally or internationally, look into whether travelers insurance is available and what it covers in the event of illness or injury.

2. Use the buddy system

Stay close to your travel companions and be sure you have a way to contact them if you get separated. You are much less likely to be the victim of theft or violence if you are with other people, so do your best to stick together. Keep a close eye on your friend’s physical and mental health; while vacation can be a time of fun and relaxation, you can also be at an increased risk of physical injury or a mental health crisis. If you see any warning signs of a friend experiencing a mental health crisis, the CDC recommends contacting one of these agencies for help.

3. Drink responsibly

Know the laws regarding possession of alcoholic beverages and drugs at your destination. Blood alcohol content (BAC) levels used to determine DUI (Driving Under the Influence) are set at different limits in different places.

Make sure you keep your drink in sight at all times. If you get up from your seat at a restaurant or bar, take your drink with you or be sure you have a trusted companion monitoring your drink.

4. Be safe around water

According to the American Safety Council, 70% of deaths from recreational water activities involve alcohol, so don’t drink and swim. In addition, drowning is one of the leading causes of death among young children, so it’s especially important to keep a close watch on your kids around the water. Ideally, swim only where there is a lifeguard present and heed warning signs about wildlife, rip tides, and algae blooms.

Children should always use USCG-approved flotation devices around bodies of water. Even children who are strong swimmers can struggle in the ocean (or even in a crowded pool). Remember that drowning is a silent event – oftentimes children drown within reach of an adult. If you see a child silently struggling to stay above the water, they may be drowning. It’s essential to be sure an adult is always designated to watch children in and around water.

5. Use common sense

Always walk, talk, sit, and act with confidence. Avoid looking like you’re lost. Criminals often target people who look lost or vulnerable. Beware of pickpockets – robbery is one of the most common crimes committed against people on vacation.

Additionally, if you are traveling internationally, be wary of the local water. In many places, it is not safe to drink water from the tap. Generally it is best to stick to bottled water unless you are absolutely sure that the local tap water is clean and safe.

With these safety tips in mind, stay safe, and enjoy your sun-filled spring break….with sunscreen, of course! (And if you are headed to a colder destination, check out our Winter Safety Tips!)

At Brea Urgent Care, we are here for all of your urgent (or just nagging) medical conditions, with walk-in care available seven days a week.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, much of our focus has been on providing the testing services needed by our community. In fact, many of you may only know of us as the place you come to get a Covid test. But, that’s not all we do!

All throughout the pandemic, we have been here providing our full spectrum of urgent care services. Whether you need an x-ray, stitches, or other care after an accident, or evaluation and treatment for an illness, we can help you feel better. Not only that, urgent care is a faster and less expensive option than the emergency room. Did you know that as many as 27% of ER visits could be seen at an urgent care clinic? Or, that on average, an urgent care visit costs about 1/3 of the cost of an ER for treating the same exact condition? On top of the cost savings, we will usually have you in and out of our clinic in under an hour.

Lately, as the omicron surge has slowed down, we have begun to see an increase in more standard types of urgent care visits. We have also noticed that many patients are coming in for conditions that they had delayed getting treatment for, such as ingrown toenails, nagging back pain, and minor sprains. Whether due to an inability to get an appointment with their primary care provider or hesitancy to visit urgent care due to fear of exposure to Covid, these delays in care lead to unnecessary discomfort and increased costs for treatment.

What we Treat

Illnesses and injuries we can diagnose and treat include (but are not limited to):

Illnesses:

• Asthma
• Ear Infections or ear wax issues
• Urinary tract infections
• Allergies
• Stomach pain
• Pink eye
• Nose bleeds
• Migraine or other headaches
• Finger or toe nail infections
• Skin conditions

Injuries:

• Sprains and strains
• Fractures and broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Animal and insect bites
• Poison Oak/Ivy
• Burns
• Concussions

 

In addition, we provide diagnostic tests, laboratory services, as well as school, camp, and sports physicals.

Have you or a family member been putting off a trip to the doctor? If so, we are here to help you feel better. Our goal is to positively improve and assist you and your family in managing your healthcare. Our staff will proudly care for your needs at any of our locations. Walk in or check in online today!