October 2018 - Houston Physicians Hospital

While many residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area are excited to see some cooler fall weather, the seasonal changes can pose a risk for some ENT problems. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that ENT problems can be a hassle, so we’ve laid out all the information you need to know about the most common ENT problems of the season:

Ear Infections

While they are most common in children, ear infections are a common fall ENT issue that can affect any age group. As the weather gets cooler, be sure to take some precautions against ear infections, especially if you are in an environment around children. It’s also important to know the beginning signs of an ear infection. The National Institutes of Health cite the early symptoms of an ear infection as trouble sleeping, fever, and fluid draining from the ear (1). If you begin to experience these symptoms, it may be due to an ear infection that needs to be addressed.

The Cold

It’s no surprise that the common cold is a frequent ENT problem during the fall. In fact, the Journal Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice states that about half of the population will get a cold at least once per year (2). This virus typically peaks during the colder fall and winter seasons, and can cause uncomfortable symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. While there is no fool-proof method to avoid the common cold, keeping your hands clean, covering sneezes and coughs, and keeping your distance from others can help decrease your chances of infection.

Upper Respiratory Infections

As the holidays get closer and you interact with others more frequently, upper respiratory infections can become an issue. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics cites that respiratory infections account for 20-40% of outpatient attendance at a general hospital (3). Keep an eye out for signs of an upper respiratory infection, like congestion, fatigue, and a sore throat.

What to Do if You Develop One of These Conditions

There’s no way to avoid these conditions entirely, and if you notice symptoms, it’s best to seek treatment as quickly as possible. An ENT doctor with Houston Physicians’ Hospital may be able to help alleviate symptoms and address any further issues that these conditions may have caused. Additionally, keeping your distance from others when sick and frequently washing your hands can also help prevent further spread of these illnesses.

While we may enjoy a break from the Texas summer, the cooler fall temperatures present risks for developing ENT issues. For the leading name in ENT physicians in the Clear Lake, Texas, area, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620.

Many patients in the Clear Lake area in Texas understand the important role that bones play in the body. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that keeping your bones at their healthiest is important, so we’ve laid out some easy tips to keep them protected:

Know Your Risks

Conditions such as osteoporosis can weaken your bones and make you more prone to bone injuries. Some people are more at-risk than others for developing these conditions. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that genetics play a strong role in developing osteoporosis (1), meaning those with a family history of this condition should take extra precautions to avoid injuries and increase bone strength. Additionally, certain medications can cause bone loss, so speak with a physician at Houston Physicians’ Hospital to learn about your individual risks and what you can do to keep your bones protected.

Exercise Regularly

A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics states that exercise plays a positive role in bone mineral accrual (2). Essentially, this means that regular physical activity helps build up important minerals in the bones, therefore making them stronger and less prone to injuries. Taking 30 – 60 minutes per day to perform physical activity can significantly help protect your bones, along with the array of other benefits that exercise can provide.

Consider a Vitamin D Supplement

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that adults deficient in vitamin D can experience reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk for osteoporosis (3). Because it is not uncommon for many adults to be vitamin D deficient, it is important to consider taking a supplement. When looking for a supplement, keep in mind your specific needs. Adults under the age of 70 should take 600 IU per day, while adults over the age of 70 need 800 IU.

Add More Calcium to Your Diet

According to the British Journal of Nutrition, calcium deficiency reduces bone mass (5). Because calcium is essential for bone health, it’s important to ensure your diet consist of enough calcium. Typically, people consume dairy products as their primary source of calcium, but it can also be found in vegetables such as broccoli and kale. To keep bones protected, most adults should aim for 1,000 mg of calcium per day.

Your bones are essential to your body, helping you move and be active in your daily life. These easy tips can help keep your bones healthy and protected from potential injuries. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our orthopedic doctors are committed to protecting and enhancing the health of your bones. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620.

Month: October 2018

The Most Common ENT Problems of the Season

Use These 5 Tips to Protect Your Bones