I have asthma and I’m scared! What do I do if I have an attack?

Hi Alexi! So, asthma is one of the scariest medical problems known. It’s like drowning on dry land and there’s very little we can do about it if we don’t have the proper medications and tactics to relieve the bronchospasms. See your doctor. They are the only one that can prescribe to levels of treatment. 1. Preventative treatment that will make your asthma attacks few and far between and help manage your condition so that you don’t run into problems down the road. 2. A rescue inhaler that can be used to help break the bronchospasms or relieve the asthma attack so that you can breath more normally again. If you have chronic allergies that are causing you to be in a state of inflammation, an allergist may be on the short list of people to contact too. This will help lower your inflammation so that asthma attacks may not strike as often. Exercise is usually good for asthma but you will want to see your doctor and get on a treatment plan first. So, I would highly encourage you to make sure that you have not only one but sever fresh Albuterol inhalers with you or in near proximity. Remove your environmental or food allergies whenever possible and get on an asthma treatment and prevention plan so that you can live your life more fully and normally. All this will reduce your fear of the next asthma attack. I hope this helps and thanks for the question! Roy

I Have Throat Ulcers! Now What!?

I received an email from a Rescue Fan that had a severe soar throat and wasn’t sure if she should go to the doctor. I suggested they do, and she was diagnosed with throat ulcers. I thought I’d do a RoyOnRescue to help explain what they are and why you should see a doctor. I hope it helps.

How To Remove A Tick and Prevent Lyme Disease!

In this episode, we boys take a closer look at a situation that hit home when one of Roy’s children may have been bitten by a tick. After consulting the doctor and getting preventative treatment for his daughter, Roy thought it would be a good idea to share his new found information with others. Roy, Dan and Jody get a few laughs and learn a lot about preventing Lyme disease and preventing tick bites. So, if you’ve ever been concerned about ticks and Lyme Disease, you won’t want to miss this 10 minute episode that shows pictures of ticks, what the bite looks like and how to tell if you may be infected by the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

When Does An Injured Finger Need To Be Seen By The Doctor?

Hello Rescue Fans!

I received an email from someone who fell while rollerblading and injured their hand.  They didn’t want to go to the doctor if they didn’t have to, but were concerned that they may have a fracture or a more serious injury and didn’t want to make a bad decision.Though I’m no “Orthopod“(slang word for the day meaning orthopedist) but there are a few tell-tale signs that I look for to determine if a trip to the doctor is warranted.  Let’s face it, almost all injuries bruise and swell, but it’s in finding a couple of other things like crepitus or deformity that we realize this may be more serious.  Keep in mind, even a bruise or swelling could be reason enough for trip to the doc.  Though needless trips to the ER are never fun, losing the important function of fingers or toes is even worse.  For those of you who can relate, I hope this helps!

Going On Vacation and Woke Up With Sore Throat…Help!

Sore Throat or Strep Throat, How Do I Know?https://www.royonrescue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/sore-throat.jpgHello Rescue Fans,

This morning, I received an email from a Rescue Fan that is planning on going on Memorial weekend vacation, but woke up with a really sore throat. With no time to see their doctor, they wondered if there were any over the counter or home remedies that they could use while on vacation. Here was my advice and if  you can relate, I hope it helps.

“Hi Sarah,

The only way to know for sure if the source of your sore throat is a Strep Infection is to get a test at the doctor’s office or med center. It sounds like you don’t have time for that but if you’re concerned about it being something serious, like Strep, than call your doctor, explain that you’re going on vacation and see if they can “fast track” you through to rule out Strep and get Antibiotics if needed.

Now, if it’s not Strep and just a virus or allergies etc. there are some things that have been found to be helpful which can be found at any drug store/grocery store or home pantry. These won’t get rid of the Strep Bacteria but if it’s just a sore or irritated throat, it may help.

Here’s a combination of home remedy and over the counter help.
-Warm to Hot Tea Lemon/Honey Tea: Caffeine free is best for rehydration but any tea can work. Fresh squeezed honey would be best and local honey.
Gargling with Warm Salt Water: 1/2 teaspoon iodized salt, gargle with head back and spit water out after each gargle for about 10 seconds each. Half a glass of saltwater is fine. Then, don’t rinse your mouth afterward. Tongue may feel a little funny, lips too but that’s from the salt water and should go away.
Chloraseptic Spray and Lozenges: I like Chloraseptic brand throat spray, and though it can’t claim to cure a bacterial infection, I don’t think it can hurt because it does have some antiseptic properties along with it’s numbing effect. Offers temporary relief but may be of help.
-Stay Hydrated: We should drink at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water per day. More if we’re sick, exercising or drinking caffeine.
-Drink Broth: It’s usually quite salty, warm and doesn’t scratch your throat.
-REST!
Your body needs its rest in order to heal. If you’re feeling tired, try and get some sleep. Usually, vacations are anything but rest, but regardless that’s my advice.

I hope you’re feeling better soon and I hope this helps!”

RoyOnRescue Live! – Episode 1 Seizures and Asthma Attacks, What To Do?

Hello Rescue Fans!

Today marks our first try at a live, hour long episode where we open up the communication line and answer questions on the fly.  Today’s broadcast was on very short notice but we took a deeper look at what causes seizures and what to do if you see someone have one.  TheRoyOnRescueliveln, in the second half of the show, we answer a question about severe asthma and what to do if your rescue inhaler isn’t working.  Make sure you leave me feedback about how it went and let me know if you’d like to see more of these in the future in addition to my normal episodes.   Please include times, days and length of production as I’d like to try to set one up for the future that more people could attend.  If you missed the live broadcast, you can still see it here!

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Graphic Provided By CDC

In this episode of RoyOnRescue, Roy talks about the possible dangers of Carbon Monoxide gas in the home and garage and how it can occur, how to recognize it and how to prevent it. With the cold weather on it’s way, you won’t want to miss this good reminder about a possible silent killer that can be prevented.

CDC reminds us of some of the basic ways to prevent this from happening.

 

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

  • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
  • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
  • If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO.
  • When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.
  • Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

In Depth CO Poisoning Info From the CDC