The incidence of trauma during pregnancy is unknown. The anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy may mask or mimic injury, making the management of trauma in pregnancy difficult. Esposito and colleagues retrospectively studied 7
Pneumonia is a common medical problem that will become increasingly important as the U.S. population ages. Determining which patients require hospitalization is often difficult. Black and colleagues devised and tested a clinical scoring system to he
Endometriosis is a highly prevalent condition that is reported to affect between 7 and 50 percent of women during their reproductive years. Symptoms commonly reported include pelvice pain, dyspareunia and pelvic tenderness. Many treatments are avail
In many parts of the world, long-acting injectable progestational agents are widely used as contraceptives. It is estimated that by 1984 one of these agents, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, had been used by over 11 million women. Although these d
Traveler's diarrhea is the most common illness in persons traveling from an industrialized nation to a developing country. Although traveler's diarrhea has been studied fairly extensively in adults, little data is available on the illness in children
Increasingly, companies are sponsorin employee-assistance programs to identify and assess employees with drinking problems and to refer tham for treatment. Although the number of inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs has increased and coverage fo
Fasting has been reported to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, possible through the suppressive effect of malnutrition on the immune system. However, clinical trials evaluating diet therapy have yielded conflicting results. Kjeldsen-Kragh an
Fecal impaction is a common problem in patients who are immobilized or neurologically impaired. Once the stool becomes impacted, traditional methods of evacuation, such as enemas and laxatives, may not be effective in these patients. Puet and collea
Because vaginal candidiasis commonly occurs in women who are receiving antibiotic therapy, antifungal agents are often prescribed by telephone when symptoms of vaginitis occur in these women. Bluestein and colleagues conducted a prospective case stud
Autopsy studies have shown that massive pulmonary embolism is present in 5 to 10 percent of all patients who die in the hospital. These studies also suggest that in two-thirds of cases, clinically important venous thromboembolism is never recognized
Date: June 15, 2005
Avoiding ticks and places where ticks may be is the best way to keep from getting sick from a tick bite. After being outside in places with ticks, carefully check yourself and family members for ticks (Figure 1). Children should be checked with extra care. Properly and quickly removing ticks will help lower your chances of getting sick.
[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]
Steps to Keep Ticks Off of You
When you are outside, you cannot stay away from all ticks. But there are some things you can do to help (Figure 2):
* Put bug spray with permethrin on your boots and clothes. Sprays with DEET added can be used on the skin. Be careful when putting it on children. Too much DEET can cause a skin rash.
* Wear light-colored clothes so it is easier to see any ticks.
* Tuck your pant legs into your socks to keep ticks from getting under your clothes.
* Consider wearing high rubber boots.
[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]
Removing Attached Ticks
Use fine-tipped (needle-nose) tweezers or protect your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves. Do not use your bare hands.
Grab the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick; this may cause the mouthparts to break off and stay in your skin. (If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers.) Talk to your doctor if you see any signs of infection. These include redness at bite site, chills, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, feeling tired, cough, sore throat, and chest pain.
COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family PhysiciansCOPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group