|
|
Sports Safety by Care Today
|
Sports Safety
|
 Many of us take the simple, involuntary act of breathing for granted. But imagine what it’s like to feel as though you can barely fill your lungs enough to sustain yourself. Between 14 and 15 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, also known as restrictive airway disease, according to the National Lung Association.
Asthma is a chronic but manageable lung condition characterized by inflammation of the airways, obstruction of airflow and increased sensitivity to daily irritants such as dust, dander and pollen.
Although the cause of asthma is unknown, factors such as a person’s genetics, lung development, infection and environmental irritants may play a role in developing asthma. Symptoms of asthma include: wheezing, coughing, poor tolerance for exercise, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Allergens, infections, weather, exercise, emotions, gastroesophageal reflux and hormonal changes may cause asthma symptoms to worsen.
“It's important to remember that asthma is a serious condition that can result in death in extreme cases,” said Corinne Bell, D.O., medical director with Cigna Medical Group CareToday. “It is critical that asthma patients work with their primary care physician to devise a specialized asthma treatment plan specifically for them. The vast majority of asthma patients today can lead active, normal lives with appropriate therapies."
While there is no cure for asthma, there are many treatment options to help sufferers live relatively symptom-free for long periods of time. Often, doctors treat asthma with a combination of a long-term control medication to increase symptom-free days, and a quick-relief inhaler to control a sudden onset of symptoms.
“Those with asthma often feel like they’re breathing through a straw,” said Bell. “But with proper treatment, asthma patients can usually live without restrictions and no one even knows they have asthma.”
If you are concerned that you might have asthma or are experiencing asthma-related symptoms, visit your neighborhood CMG CareToday center for proper diagnosis and treatment.
For more information, please visit www.cigna.com |
|
|
Sports Safety
|
|
 A recent study ranked Arizona 26th for youth obesity—putting kids at risk for life-threatening problems such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Yet chances of obesity can be immediately diminished by introducing kids to a variety of sports.
“Kids who are involved in sports build friendships, learn teamwork, and gain a sense of accomplishment,” said Kristin Neal, a physician assistant at the Pinnacle Peak Cigna Medical Group CareToday location. “They also build good exercise habits early in life that get kids up and keep them moving.”
|
|
Click to Read More
|
|
Sports Safety
|
|
 Athlete's foot is a rash on the skin of the foot. It is the most common fungal skin infection. There are three main types of athlete's foot. Each type affects different parts of the foot and may look different.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin. Fungi (plural of fungus) grow best in warm, wet places, such as the area between the toes. Athlete's foot spreads easily. You can get it by touching the toes or feet of a person who has it. But most often, people get it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are so tight that air cannot move around your feet. If you touch something that has fungi on it, you can spread athlete’s foot to other people—even if you don't get the infection yourself. Some people are more likely than others to get athlete's foot. Experts don't know why this is. After you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again. Athlete’s foot can make your feet and the skin between your toes burn and itch. The skin may peel and crack. Your symptoms can depend on the type of athlete’s foot you have. - Toe web infection usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes scaly, peels, and cracks. Some people also may have an infection with bacteria. This can make the skin break down even more.
- Moccasin-type infection may start with a little soreness on your foot. Then the skin on the bottom or heel of your foot can become thick and crack. In bad cases, the toenails get infected and can thicken, crumble, and even fall out. Fungal infection in toenails needs separate treatment.
- Vesicular infection usually begins with a sudden outbreak of large fluid-filled blisters under the skin. The blisters are usually on the bottom of the foot. But they can appear anywhere on your foot. You also can get a bacterial infection with this type of athlete’s foot.
You can do some things so you don't get athlete's foot again. Wear shower sandals in shared areas like locker rooms, and use talcum powder to help keep your feet dry. Wear sandals or roomy shoes made of materials that allow moisture to escape.
Not all skin problems on the foot are athlete's foot. If you think you have athlete's foot but have never had it before, it’s a good idea to ask a medical professional. Visit your neighborhood Cigna Medical Group CareToday clinic without an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
