Dr. Deb

Millions suffer from allergies, yet most have not figured out how to properly treat them. We wait until our head feels like it will explode and dredge up every kind of medication searching for a fix, while cursing the doctor for not giving us an antibiotic. Even if we get an antibiotic, it still takes at least 3 weeks before we feel better. I made many allergy mistakes but have not taken an antibiotic for years because I finally figured out how to treat the main cause instead of a Band-Aid that never seems to stick.

Take this test if you are not sure if you have allergies or a cold that comes up every spring.

My twins in allergy season

Dr. Deb’s Top Allergy Mistakes

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I’m wearing Red for Heart Health Awareness but one team will be certainly be seeing Red this Sunday when either the Steelers or the Packers are defeated in Super Bowl XLV.  Dramatic losses in Superbowl games actually increased heart attacks, especially in older people and women as published in a study this week in Clinical Cardiology.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, killing 1 in 3 men and women.  More women die of CV disease than the next 5 leading causes of death combined including all forms of cancer so let me give those Packers and Steelers some advice before the big game that may help save a life.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Most people know about crushing chest pain or “Hollywood Heart Attack” as a sign but only 27% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a heart attack. Women are more likely to have surprising symptoms other than chest pain. You may only experience one of the symptoms and if you have already had a heart attack, your next may have different symptoms than the first.

Surprising Signs of a Heart Attack

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Whenever I order a drink, I get the craziest look from the bartender. Vodka and diet coke is an unusual combination (especially when I ask for cherries) but it gives me a low calorie buzz with a little kick so I don’t fall asleep before 10pm. But is it safe? Tis the Season for Celebrating but many can no longer party with Caffeine Alcohol Beverages (CABs) as the FDA, has issued warnings to several manufacturers.

How does Caffeine Make Alcohol more Dangerous?

Alcohol is a depressant so people usually stop drinking when they feel too drunk or too tired. Caffeine added takes away the perception of being drunk so one may continue to drink. Caffeine will not lower your blood alcohol level. You really don’t sober up with a cup of coffee, you just may feel more alert so you take on more risks and still perform poorly as tested by University of Kentucky researcher, Mark Fillmore.

Why is FDA banning Caffeine Alcohol Beverages (CAB)?

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Last week a parent told me that her son knew me as not just Dr. Deb, but the Diarrhea Doctor. No surprise to me because I taught his class how they get diarrhea and that is something they won’t soon forget.  I usually give a germ talk to first graders at the start of cold season.  We discuss germs and how to fight infection, but they always remember one point in particular. You see, I ask them, “Have you ever had diarrhea?” When most raise their hands I tell them, “Well, that means that you have probably eaten someone else’s poop!” Sure it may be a crude way to explain oral-fecal contamination, but it sure gets them washing their hands!

We are in an Indian summer now but colds and infections abound so here are:
Dr. Deb’s Tips on how NOT to get Sick!

1. Wash your Hands in Zones

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My Mom always tucked us in with, “Sleep Tight! Don’t let the bedbugs bite!” I remember asking her, “What is a bedbug?” No one even knew that they were real because they had not been around since WWII. Well, the bedbug is back and he is ready to party. Bedbugs have increased by 500% in the last few years due to increased travel, resistance to pesticides and restriction of certain pesticides.

What are bedbugs?

The bugs are the size of an apple seed after they fed on blood of animals or people. One meal can last them for several months, up to a year. Newborns are colorless and turn brown as they mature. Eggs are 1/32 of an inch and white so they are very hard to see.

Bedbugs are not poisonous and don’t cause harm but can be annoying if you have an allergic reaction to the saliva, which causes itching. Benadryl cream and pills can relieve the itch. Some people do not have an allergic reaction and may live with bedbugs for months without realizing it.  Most people are bit in the head, face, and neck, as the bedbug is attracted to the carbon dioxide of one’s breath. Psychologically, they can be devastating because they are so persistent and difficult to treat. I had nightmares just researching the topic. I can’t imagine the stress if your home becomes infested.

Dr. Deb’s 5 Steps of Bedbug Prevention

1. Inspect

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