5 Ways to Prevent Sickness During the Holidays

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

The holidays can be a stressful time. Not to mention the weather is more cold and damp than usual. Both of these factors can lead to greater chances of sickness. But by taking preventative measures, you can fight the odds:

 Avoid germy spots
With colder temperatures, you’ll be spending more time indoors. That being said, it’s important to decrease your exposure to germs. Whether at the gym, at the mall, or in your home, there are many germ hotspots. For example, door handles, gym equipment, and ATMs all carry a load of germs.

Don’t spread germs
Prevent spreading germs to friends and family by washing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20-30 seconds. Remind your children to do so as well. Also, we recommend coughing into your sleeve or elbow rather than your hand, whether you’re sick or not.

Keep stress down
By lowering your stress levels, you’ll increase your chances of staying healthy for the holidays. While you’re busy getting through your holiday to-do list, maintain a healthy diet and sleep well.

Get exercise
Exercising on a regular basis can help prevent stress and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you hop on the treadmill, run around your local track, or take up a yoga class, working out is a natural antidepressant that can keep illness down and happiness up.

Prepare for travel
Airplanes and hotels are filled with germs. Prepare for your holiday vacation by packing sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and avoiding public surfaces that can carry germs as well.

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this holiday season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.  

How Winter Affects Your Sinuses

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Contrary to popular belief, sinus infections can occur all year round. How does it happen and what are the symptoms? We can answer that:

The Trigger
What first occurs is a cold or flu, which causes the skin inside your nose and sinuses to swell up. When your nose and sinuses swell, they can’t drain mucus properly. As a result, the mucus starts to build up, creating bacteria and a sinus infection.

The Symptoms
When the sinus infection occurs you get stuffed up, which creates headaches. You may also experience a slight fever and other painful sinusitis symptoms.

The Allergies
Many people also experience allergy symptoms which can cause similar symptoms:

• Mold
• Alcohol
• Food
• Artificial Fragrances

All of these allergy triggers seem to stay at the top of the winter allergies list. You can fight it by avoiding these as much as possible and taking a nasal spray to clear the passages.

If you're suffering from  sinusitis and allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

Are You At Risk for Winter Allergies?

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Some get lucky when spring and summer allergies come to an end. But for others, winter is just as bad. From pet dander to mold, here are a few common allergies you might be at risk for and what you can do to eliminate your chances:

  
Pet dander: Cold weather means your pets will spend more time indoors, exposing you more to dander.

Mold and mildew: leaves and other waste in the yard gives mold and mildew a breeding ground in which your allergies could worsen. This also goes for shoes and clothes that provide damp irritants with an easy path indoors.

Dust mites: Winter means more indoor heat and less fresh air. With the air getting stuffy, it’s easy for dust mites to create some sensitivity.

Damp wood: Cut wood that is stored outside becomes moist. Bring that wood inside and you’re only inviting a heavy allergy trigger.

You can avoid such allergies in a few ways:

• Wash your bedding often to eliminate pet dander and dust mites
• Shower when you feel symptoms progress to wash away allergens stuck to your body and in your hair
• Try a saline solution to relieve nasal congestion
• Purchase a humidifier to create more moisture indoors

If you're suffering from allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.