Tag: Aria Health FastCare

School’s almost out for summer!

As your children head outdoors to enjoy their much deserved vacation, Lisa Tucciarone, nurse practitioners from Aria Health FastCare, has compiled a few helpful tips to help parents avoid common summer health hazards to keep families and children happy and healthy all summer long.

•  Enjoy the water without swimmer’s woes

Swimming is a favorite activity for kids once the weather heats up; however, prolonged fun in the water can lead to unwelcome discomfort from Swimmer’s Ear. Common signs of Swimmer’s Ear include ear pain, decreased hearing and/or fluid drainage from the ear. If any of these symptoms are present, visit your doctor immediately for prompt treatment. To save yourself a trip to the doctor, be sure to thoroughly dry ears after swimming – avoid using cotton swabs as they could damage the ear canal or ear drum.  Also, be wary of swimming in lakes or other bodies of water that may contain high levels of bacteria.

•  Watch out for athlete’s foot

Although sneakers are a staple for summer play, wet shoes and socks and humid weather can lead to athlete’s foot. Make an effort to pack an extra pair of socks for your child – white cotton socks are the best. Also, consider bringing a lighter, well-ventilated pair of shoes for walking around in the warm weather.  If your child complains of a rash or itching on their feet that isn’t improving it may be time to seek medical help to clear up the infection.

• Aloe vs. antibiotics

Long days in the sun can often lead to sunburns if skin is not properly protected. Minor sun burns can typically be treated at home; however, if you or your child is experiencing a fever, chills, nausea, or swelling it may be time to seek medical assistance. Be sure to thoroughly cover all exposed skin with sunscreen every time your children are in the sun and apply at least 30 minutes before going in the water. Sunscreen should be at least 30 SPF and waterproof. It should also be re-applied every 2 hours.

Treatments ranging from athlete’s food to minor sunburn, as well as swimmer’s ear and even physicals for summer camp are available at both of Aria Health FastCare locations in Northeast Philadelphia or Levittown, PA with no appointment necessary. Aria introduced its FastCare clinics in 2013 to offer members of the community convenient, walk-in access to non-emergent healthcare services without the wait.

From Aria Health

Accidentally touch your curling iron or grab a hot pan in the kitchen? February 2 – 8 marks Burn Awareness Week, a perfect time to educate ourselves and our families about burn awareness and prevention.

 Infections are a serious concern during the healing process, to help your readers recognize when a burn that may require professional medical attention, Lisa Tucciarone, a nurse practitioner from Aria Health FastCare, has compiled some sample tips to know when it’s time to visit the doctor:

Location, location, location

Is the burn on your face, hand, foot or a major joint? These active areas of your body should be treated with care and looked at by a medical professional. Also, burns that cover a large body surface area and any burns on a child need to be evaluated.

 Serious sources

What was the source of the burn? Burns caused by electrical or chemical agents should always be treated and looked at by a doctor.

 Persistent symptoms

Although some burns will heal over time without professional treatment, it is always important to monitor the burn and the victim’s symptoms in the weeks following the accident. Be sure to consult your doctor if you or a loved one experience any pain or swelling around the burned area or if the burn isn’t healing over time.

Treatments for minor burns are available at both Aria Health FastCare locations in Northeast Philadelphia or Levittown, PA with no appointment necessary. Aria introduced its FastCare clinics in 2013 to offer members of the community convenient, walk-in access to non-emergent healthcare services without the wait.

When our little ones aren’t feeling their best, sometimes it’s hard for them to communicate exactly what’s causing them discomfort. Although a sore throat or fever may seem like signs of a cold, it’s important for parents to know and recognize the signs to look for and ask their children about that could mean something more. This month, Aria Health is encouraging parents to take charge of their children’s ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) health and know the signs and symptoms of common ENT ailments such as ear infections, strep throat and tonsillitis.

Patrice Bachmann, a nurse practitioner at Aria Health FastCare, has provided a sampling of tips below to help your readers recognize the signs of common ENT illnesses that may require further medical attention:

A sore throat that won’t quit

Viral infections are the cause of 80% of sore throats in children unless they have been exposed to others with a bacterial infection. A common indication of a viral infection is a sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours along with additional symptoms like a rash, runny nose, cough and/or swollen lymph nodes. Bacterial sore throats come on quickly (typically in less than 12 hours) and are accompanied by fevers, headaches or abdominal pain. A simple rapid strep test can determine if your child’s sore throat has evolved into something more.

Long-lasting ear pain

If your child is complaining of ear pain, monitor the time frame of their symptoms along with the severity of the pain and promptly seek medical attention if the pain persists. Severe ear pain lasting more than 24 hours is a strong indication of a middle-ear infection. Ear infection symptoms typically develop quickly and should be treated immediately.

Tonsils in trouble

When a sore throat is present, important symptoms to look for are extreme fatigue and pain when swallowing. A quick check of your child’s throat with a flashlight can also confirm the appearance of red or swollen tonsils or white patches on the tonsils; these can both indicate tonsillitis and should prompt a trip to your doctor.

If you are concerned that your child may have come down with one of these illnesses, a trip to Aria Health FastCare can help you be sure. With locations in Northeast Philadelphia or Levittown, PA, Aria Health FastCare is available to see your child (ages 18 months and older) with no appointment necessary and without the wait.  If you are not conveniently located to Aria Health FastCare,  It’s always a good idea to head into a medical facility (Aria’s Frankford campus is a perfect example of that).