Category: Blog

You know that donating blood is important. But do you know how important? In honor of National Blood Donor Month, we’re taking a hard look at the numbers. And they are truly staggering:

• Someone is in need of blood every 2 seconds.
• More than 41,000 blood donations need to be made every single day.
• 4 million people could die every year without blood transfusions.
• 38% of the population is eligible for donating blood, but less than 10% actually do.

Clearly, donating blood is helpful to others (and by helpful, we mean life-saving!). What many people don’t realize is that donating blood is good for the donor as well! Donating blood has been shown to:

1. Uncover potential health problems. Doctors can determine if you have any health problems and address them before more serious issues arise.

2. Reduce harmful iron stores. One in every 200 people is affected by a condition called hemochromatosis that causes an iron overload and can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

3. Reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack. Donating blood once a year can reduce your risk of a heart attack by 88% and 80% in reducing the risk of a major stroke. High levels of iron in your blood can cause heart attacks and strokes.

4. Reduce your risk of developing cancer. Patients who regularly donate blood have a lower risk of developing cancer and suffering a stroke than those who do not.

5. Gives you a sense of significance. Donating blood means someone somewhere will be getting the blood they need. The average donation is about 1 pint, and every pint can help save 3 people — which means you could help nearly 20 people a year!

You may have underlying concerns about donating blood. Let us allay a few common concerns:

1. Side effects are rare and — when they do happen — minimal.
2. Donating blood is incredibly safe.
3. Donating blood is quick and easy — according to the Red Cross, the process takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

Bottom line: not only does donating blood help people in great need, but it is good for you, too!

With the holiday season just around the corner, stores will soon be stocking their shelves with eye-catching toys and rolling out deals to draw families from one store to another.

Among all the hustle and bustle of pre-holiday rush, many parents will not (understandably) have the time or focus to read the warning labels on the toys they purchase. This can be a dangerous oversight.

In order to prevent accidents at home, we have outlined three major tips for choosing safe, age-appropriate toys this holiday season.

1) Read the age guidelines.

Every toy manufacturer includes guidelines that identify which age group can safely use the toy in question. Make sure to check these guidelines every time. It only takes a second, and buying the right toys for the right ages will allow the child to play safely and you to have peace of mind.

2) Watch out for small parts.

It is developmentally appropriate for small children to put things in their mouth – it’s simply how they experience the world. Knowing this, it is your job as a parent, caretaker, and/or loved one to prevent playtime choking hazards. But how do you know which toys are safe for a young child and which are not?

Here’s an easy test: any toy that is able to fit through a toilet paper tube is too small for any child under 3 years old. And inspect each toy carefully before handing it over — toys that seem innocuous in the packaging and easily pass the toilet paper tube test may have parts that break off and become hazardous. For example, dolls and teddy bears often have easily removable buttons or eyes. This can lead to a swallowed part at best or a choking incident at worst.

3) Avoid toys with button batteries.

Steer clear of any toy with a button battery that can be easily accessed by a child. Button batteries are the squat single-cell batteries used to power toys, watches, and hearing aids (among other items); their small, round shape and poisonous contents pose a big risk for young kids. Toy cars, light-up jewelry, and remotes are common culprits, so make sure to check that each and every battery-powered toy you buy (or household item within reach) is child-proof.

November is National Diabetes Month, and it’s important that we all take the opportunity to educate ourselves on the harsh realities of this public health issue. Because the numbers are truly scary: the CDC reports that from 1980 through 2011, the population of Americans with diagnosed diabetes more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million). Even more sobering: diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States according to the CDC.

Alarming as these statistics are, education and support on the national level – plus proper medication, diet, and exercise on the personal level – can do so much. So read on!

What is diabetes?

The CDC defines diabetes simply as “a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal.” There are three known types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational.

What are the different types?

Type 1 diabetes — also known as juvenile diabetes – occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. People suffering from this type of diabetes will always need to take insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically affects people under 40, and especially teenagers.

Type 2 diabetes describes when cells are resistant to insulin or the body fails to produce the sufficient amount of insulin. Type 2 accounts for roughly 90% of all cases of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. According to studies, women whose diets are high in cholesterol before they become pregnant run a high risk of developing gestational diabetes.

How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes if Have It (and Prevent It if You Don’t)

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to limb loss, coma, and even death. But with education and support, those with diabetes can lead long, healthy lives. We are focusing on tips to manage and prevent type 2 diabetes as such cases account for the vast majority of those diagnosed:

1) Feel better. There are many reasons to control your diabetes, but the most simple is often overlooked: you will feel better. With well-controlled diabetes, you will be less tired, have less bladder infections, and experience fewer skin issues.

2) Eat well. Watch what and when you eat. Try to avoid foods that are high in starch, calories, saturated fat, salt, and sugar, and focus instead on high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3) Exercise often. While you might not feel like getting out and walking, your body will thank you afterwards with a boost of energy. Exercise lowers both blood pressure and blood sugar, which will make you feel better and help control your diabetes.

4) Sleep! Getting a good night’s rest is a great way to help control your sugar levels (and feel great!).

5) Stay informed. Every year, new developments come to light. Make sure to do your own research and regularly consult with your health care provider.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Brea Urgent Care.

Join us at the La Habra Community Center on November 4th from 9am – 12pm for the Senior Health Fair. There will be free health screenings, lots of educational information and raffle prizes! This is a great chance to learn more about your health while having fun. Brea Urgent Care is proud to participate in this wonderful community event.

Click here for directions.

Protect yourself, loved ones, coworkers, and innocent bystanders by getting the flu vaccine this year.

The benefits of the flu vaccine are many. Ideally, of course, the vaccine will prevent the virus altogether. If you do come down with the flu, however, the vaccine can help reduce symptoms. This latter detail may seem like a sad consolation prize, but it’s important, as easing symptoms will reduce your chances of hospitalization. One study showed a 71% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among vaccinated adults and a 77% reduction for vaccinated individuals 55 years of age or older.

The flu vaccine is especially important for those already suffering from other conditions, including:

• Chronic health conditions
• Cardiac issues
• Diabetes
• Chronic lung disease

Pregnant women are also strongly encouraged to get the vaccine because they are at higher risk for complications from the virus.

The CDC suggests taking the following three major precautions to help control and prevent the spread of influenza this season:

1) Get the flu vaccine. Just do it! You will reduce your number of doctor visits, miss less work and school, and lower your risk of hospitalization.

2) Once the seasonal flu hits, avoid going being around people who are sick. If you get sick, stay away from others when possible. The CDC recommends staying home and away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

2) Practice good health habits to stop the spread of germs. What are good health habits? Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Keep communal surfaces and objects clean and disinfected.

In short: get the vaccine, avoid sick people (and quarantine yourself if you get sick), and keep your hands and home clean!

For more information about flu vaccines or schedule an appointment, contact Brea Urgent Care.