While many people are enjoying their Spring Breaks, recent Centra Care data shows that it may be more appropriate if named: Spring Breaks, Cuts & Contusions. For some, it appears the time off is more risky, less recess.

Fractures: Lake Buena Vista & Winter Park – up 300% Lee Road & Waterford Lakes – up 200%

Lacerations: Formosa – up 700% (kids) Kissimmee – up over 300% Conway – up 175%

Contusions: Winter Garden Village – up 350% Hunter’s Creek – up 140% Conway – more than doubled

LEARN MORE:

Fractures:

Fractures (or a broken bone) can only be diagnosed with an x-ray. Typical symptoms of a fractured bone are pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes deformity at the site of injury. It can be difficult to diagnose a fracture just on symptoms alone, and remember, just because you can bend or move the injured arm or leg, it doesn’t mean it’s not broken. To avoid further injury, it is best to get an x-ray of any traumatic injury (fall, twist, or sprain) if there are any concerns like significant pain, swelling, or pain that just isn’t resolving after a short period of time.

Lacerations (cuts):

It can be difficult to figure out which cuts will need stitches. A cut should be stitched within 8 hours of the injury; you can walk-in any Centra Care to have the cut evaluated by a physician. A physician will close larger or jagged cuts using stitches, but if the cut is smaller, a special skin glue (Dermabond) or sterile tape can be used. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to cuts is infection. So be sure to clean the wound thoroughly
by pouring clear water over it. Apply an antibacterial ointment and keep covered with a bandage; repeat these steps at least once a day. To stop any bleeding, apply constant pressure with a gauze pad or clean cloth. Do not remove if blood soaks through. Apply another layer of gauze and continue to apply pressure.

Contusions (bruises):

A contusion is an injury when the skin is not broken. According to the National Institute of Heath, muscle contusion is second only to strain as the leading cause of sports-related injuries. Often appearing blue or purple in appearance, these bruises are often painful and swollen. You can get skin, muscle and bone bruises. Bone bruises are the most serious. It can take months for a bruise to fade, but most last about two weeks. It’s important to seek medical care for serious contusions to rule out additional injury such as: broken bones, internal bleeding or the possibility of a concussion.

To avoid injury or illness when participating in activities:

• Be sure to warm up and cool down when appropriate
• Wear protective gear - i.e. bike helmets, wrist & elbow guards, pads etc.
• Rest, especially when your muscles are tired
• Prevent “overuse” injuries (i.e. stress fractures, tendonitis, or inflamed joints) by not overdoing exercise. Condition your body before jumping into new activities at full force.

There 18 Centra Care Urgent Care locations – and a Florida Hospital certified physician on site – 7 Days a Week. For locations and phone numbers visit: www.CentraCare.org

Sincerely,

Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3