Many of us are still feeling the effects of a lost hour of sleep, but did you know that national statistics show that illness and injury increase following Daylight Savings Time?
The national survey prompted Centra Care physicians to see if Central Floridians were more injury-prone following the time change.

Centra Care compiled data that encompassed visits to their centers that involved injury and illness in the four weeks following the 2009 clocks’ jump ahead. They found
that there were increases in a number of ailments, especially those that involved outdoor activities.

Below is the statistical data following DST 2009:

• Orthopedic Injuries (extremity sprains and fractures, back and neck injuries) - 18% increase
• Insect Bites - 103% increase
• Sunburns - 235% increase
• Skin Infections - 6% increase
• Allergies - 88% increase
• Contact Dermatitis (skin reactions from irritants to plants like poison ivy/oak) - 28% increase

So this week we’re focusing on some preventative measures to avoid what will be going around in the coming weeks.

LEARN MORE:

Centra Care doctors agree with national researchers that some of the injuries that occur are a result of sleep deprivation, but they’ve also found that more daylight means more people are participating in outdoor activities, for longer periods of time. So what can you do to prevent becoming part of the statistics?

PREVENTATIVE CARE:

Adjust your sleep pattern to be sure you get the proper amount of sleep. Lack of sleep can cause: impaired alertness & judgment and decreased cognitive performance,
which can lead to injury.

According to the National Sleep Foundation:

• Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel fully rested.
• School children aged 5-12 years require 9-11 hours.
• Adolescents aged 11-17 years require 8.5-9.5 hours each night.

To avoid injury or illness when participating in sports and other outdoor activities:

 

Be sure to warm up and cool down when appropriate Wear protective gear - i.e. bike helmets, wrist & elbow guards, pads etc. Wear proper sun protection

Stay hydrated Rest, especially when your muscles are tired Prevent “overuse” injuries (i.e. stress fractures) by not overdoing exercise. Condition your body before jumping into new activities at full force.

HOME CARE:

Sprains – The way to handle a sprain can be remembered with the acronym R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression and elevation. First you need to immediately begin resting the injured body part to minimize additional injury. Apply ice to limit swelling and pain. Wrap the injured part to avoid bruising. Then elevate above the heart to limit additional swelling. Use aspirin, non-aspirin, or ibuprophen for pain as directed on the product’s package.

Insect Bite – Clean the skin with soap and water and apply an antiseptic/anti-itch agent to relieve the itching and pain. Swelling at the bite site can be relieved with a cold compress. People who are allergic to the bite should seek medical attention.

Insect Sting - Apply ice every 2-4 hours for 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Go to the Emergency Room immediately or call 911 if any symptoms of difficulty breathing, tongue or throat swelling, or worsening swelling/rash.

Sunburn Care - Apply cool compresses, take a cool bath, or apply skin lotions containing Aloe to soothe the pain for a sunburn. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medicines like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation during the first few days after a burn. Clean the sunburn gently with soap and water daily.

Contact Dermatits –Wash the skin immediately with soap and water. It is very important that all clothing be removed and laundered to prevent re-exposure to the oils from the plant. To reduce itch, avoid things that increase the warmth of your skin, like hot showers or staying outside on a hot, sunny day. You should also avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. Over the counter medications like Benadryl can be taken to treat itchy skin. If Benadryl causes too much sleepiness, then non-drowsy alternatives like Claritin or Zyrtec can be used. Follow instructions on the medication package for dosage and how to use the medication safely. To soothe itchy skin, apply calamine lotion to the affected areas of skin. You can also purchase oatmeal bath solutions from your pharmacy to soak in or apply as a cool, wet compress to the irritated skin. Go the Emergency Room immediately or call 911 if any symptoms of difficulty breathing, tongue or throat swelling, or worsening swelling or worsening rash.

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