What’s a “Stomach Bug” or “Stomach Flu?”

Posted on January 19, 2012 by jkenkare

Many have their own special terms for stomach and intestinal related illness such as, “My daughter had the ‘stomach bug’ last week and now it is going through the whole house.” Or, “I had vomiting and diarrhea all night. What misery! I think I had the ‘stomach flu.’”

The “stomach bug” or “stomach flu” is actually gastroenteritis, which is not the same as the influenza virus. Influenza or “flu” usually does not cause symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. So, what is gastroenteritis and what causes this distress?

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Symptoms are diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps, and often a fever. Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites.

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Help Urgent Care Medicine Get a Boost from Legislators

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

Source: The Case for Urgent Care, September 1, 2011, Urgent Care Association of America

What is Urgent Care?

As defined by the Urgent Care Association of America, Urgent Care is healthcare provided on a walk-in, no-appointment basis for acute illness or injury that is not life or limb threatening, and is beyond the scope or availability of the typical primary care practice or retail clinic.

Urgent Care centers provide walk-in, extended-hour care for illnesses and injuries that do not belong in an emergency room. Typical urgent care services include physicals, immunizations, xrays, blood and urine tests, fracture and laceration care, EKG’s, oxygen and intravenous fluids. They are owned by physicians, groups of physicians, hospitals and corporations and are staffed with qualified and experienced physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

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Great Article in Ridgefield Press About Urgent Care of Connecticut

Posted on September 17, 2011 by admin

The company’s goal is to exceed patient expectations with every visit and provide a more pleasant experience than an emergency room, from a more inviting decor, to a cheerful and engaged staff and shorter wait times.

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Some Practical Health Tips for Students

Posted on September 6, 2011 by jkenkare
Students

Photo Credit: Flickr

You’re back to school and that means shared classroom space and public areas can become breeding grounds for illnesses and injuries. Although ailments cannot always be avoided, the following tips can help you stay well physically and mentally. I wish all students a very safe and healthy school year.

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Enjoy the Summer – But Avoid the Sunburn and Bug Bites

Posted on July 6, 2011 by admin

By Frances Chamberlain

Kids having a picnic

Having your picnic in the shade protects you from too much hot sun -- and the ice cream doesn't melt as fast! Photo: Frances Chamberlain

It has been a long, hard winter and most of us are relishing these sunny summer days. It’s easy to forget, however, what some of the risks are that come along with summer fun. Not too many years ago children romped in the river or pool until their shoulders and faces were blistered by the sun – now we know that this kind of exposure leads to some serious skin problems later.

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Safe Fun in the Sun

Posted on June 28, 2011 by jkenkare

Hand blocking sun

Everyone loves summer, and there is nothing more fun than being out in the sun on a hot summer day. However, the sun can also be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sun exposure can also cause retina damage, cataracts, and even immune suppression. The main hazard of sunlight comes from its ultraviolet rays, specifically the UVA and UVB rays. UVA leads to aging, and UVB leads to burning.

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CONCUSSIONS – A “Head’s Up”

Posted on May 12, 2011 by jkenkare

Young athletes who play high impact sports are prone to sports-related head injuries. Most head injuries are not serious and result in cuts, bumps and bruises. However, head injuries can involve more serious internal complications such as concussions. Concussions are brain injuries that cannot be seen on a CT scan, and don’t always cause immediate symptoms, but can still result in long term damage. So how do you know when to be concerned?

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Facts about Fever in Children

Posted on March 6, 2011 by jkenkare

published in Citizen News January 26, 2011

Some Guidelines for Parents

A child with a fever causes worry for most parents. Please allow me to provide some advice to ease your mind when a young person in your household has a fever. First, remember that almost all fevers are caused by infections. If you have a fever, it means your body is fighting an infection. Teething in infants probably does not cause fever. It’s best to focus on the fever rather than the teething so you are not distracted from what is really going on with your child.
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