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TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2019
C9
“IF YOU THINK YOU ARE TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TRY SLEEPING WITH A MOSQUITO.” >> DALAI LAMA
The buzz on
BITES + STINGS
“WATCH FOR ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS AFTER A BUG BITE: FEVER, HEADACHE, FATIGUE, MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN, LONG-LASTING RASHES AND SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT. THESE ARE SYMPTOMS OF CONCERN AND SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF A PHYSICIAN QUICKLY.“ BY IAN LLOYD, HEART PHARMACIST
GENERALLY, MOSQUITOES ARE MOST ACTIVE DURING DAWN AND DUSK. WEAR LIGHT COLOURED CLOTHING AND LONG PANTS, SOCKS, AND LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN.
A
popular pastime in Victoria is hiking and spending time in nature. It grounds us and instills an appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. However, you know me, I like to worry. Nature is full of insects that bite, sting, cause rashes, allergic reactions and disease. I hope I didn’t discourage you from spending time in the wilderness. You should be aware that the things that buzz around our ears might not be entirely harmless. With a bit of knowledge, insect stings and bites can be treated at home. There are many little creatures that seek to feast upon our flesh and suck our blood. This seems a little bit dramatic, but I have always wanted to write that. We divide insect-related injuries into two broad categories; stings and bites. Luckily, treatment for both is similar. First, try and avoid getting stung or bitten in the first place. Avoid times when biting insects are active. Generally, mosquitoes are most active during dawn and
hard-edged object. Do not dusk. Wear light coloured clothing and long pants, “There are many little try and grab the stinger socks, and long-sleeved creatures that seek to with tweezers and pull it out. shirts to protect your skin. feast upon our flesh This may squish out The insect repellant called DEET works by and suck our blood.” more venom. How you treat any insect sting or bite masking our human scent. is essentially the same. First, ensure there is no For infants six months to two years, use a lower immediate risk of an anaphylactic reaction. strength product (10 per cent DEET) once a Symptoms are usually easy to spot: day only. Kids 2 to 12 years can use the 10 per wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling in cent DEET up to three times daily. Everyone 12 mouth and neck areas, years and older should use a 30 per cent DEET dizziness or fainting. This is a product. time to find urgent medical care. Babies under six months of age have very While we are on the subject of anaphylactic sensitive skin, so its best to avoid contact with reactions, it’s a good to check and ensure your insect repellants and sunscreen. EPI-PEN has not expired. I get asked if citronella and other essential Applying a cold compress or ice pack over oils can be used as insect repellents. There is the bite will help treat pain and reduce some evidence to suggest that citronella is swelling. Do not apply ice directly to skin, and slightly effective, but DEET is still a better only for 15 minutes at a time. choice. There is an urban myth that ingesting After the initial pain of the sting is over, higher amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can there may be some swelling actually prevent bug bites. This is only a myth. and redness from your body’s The most worrisome insects allergic reaction to the venom. for people are the classic Very mild reactions may respond to stinging insects: wasps, hornets topical hydrocortisone or and bees. If you do have one of diphenhydramine cream. these insects flying around For more severe reactions, oral you, avoid the temptation antihistamines may be needed. to swat them away. Ask your pharmacist for the Sudden or startling movements can best option to treat your allergic make them more likely to sting you. Sit symptoms. still, or gently blow them away. If you do If you were stung on the hand or get stung, look to see if the stinger is still on your skin. If so, try and scrape it off with your THE VESPULA VULGARIS, KNOWN AS THE COMMON WASP, fingernail, a credit card, or any other IS KNOWN FOR ITS PAINFUL BITES AND STINGS.
wrist, consider removing rings, watches or bracelets. Swelling could make them painful and very hard to remove later. Generally, the swelling and itching from bug bites will decrease after three to four days. There is a rare chance that insect bites or stings could cause longer lasting problems, with the remote probability of West Nile Virus (mosquitoes) and Lyme disease (ticks). I told you I like to worry.
THE WESTERN TICK IS COMMON DURING SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER IN WARM, MOIST AREAS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, THE GULF ISLANDS, AND ALONG THE MAINLAND COAST. THE BITE IS OFTEN PAINFUL AND MAY RESULT IN A SLOW-HEALING ULCER.
The incidence of contracting these diseases in B.C. is low, but not improbable. So watch for any of these symptoms after a bug bite: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, longlasting rashes and sensitivity to light. These are symptoms of concern and should be brought to the attention of a physician quickly. Most insect stings and bites are mild and resolve without any treatment. But it is best to know how to treat and avoid this summer health concern. So get out there and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Victoria! heartpharmacy.com
Learn to Nordic Pole Walk
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
WITH LINDA SCHAUMLEFFEL
P
LANTAR FASCIITIS presents with these common symptoms: pain at the bottom of the heel and foot arch when taking your first few steps in the morning, the pain then subsides but returns with increased activity throughout the day, and after a bout of sitting, the pain is often severe with the first steps again. This condition is usually caused by excessive stretch of the plantar fascia. Rest, ice and shoe changes can sometimes resolve this condition. Orthotics can resolve this problem by holding up the arch to reduce the plantar fascia stretch. Dr. Kent Butler, D.P.M., graduated with honours from the California College Of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed a one-year surgical residency followed by a one-year biomechanics fellowship at the Pacific Coast Hospital in San Francisco.
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ordic fitness walking with poles is the smarter way to walk because it’s effective in using 90 per cent of your body’s muscles, therefore impacting health in a huge way. It’s easy, convenient and affordable, and everyone can do it. It’s fun, too, and you get to breathe the beautiful fresh air. Nordic fitness walking never feels hard, yet it is a highly effective exercise in so many ways. The best way to raise your metabolic set point is to pole walk for 30 minutes for 30 days in a row. Nordic style pole walking uses up to 90 per cent of your muscles. When muscles are used, they stimulate the mitochondria embedded within the muscles to work more. The job of the mitochondria is to burn fat to create energy and health. This is your metabolism at work. Like a furnace thermostat on the wall, it can be set to run slow normal or fast. Once set, it is relatively difficult to change. If it is set at low, you are in trouble. Pre-register now for the course you want. Fun walks are continuing, plus there are three organizations that welcome you to join their weekly walks. Pole walking is a very effective exercise. Visit: learntopolewalkwithlinda.wordpress.com to see upcoming classes and courses.
SPINACH
Contact Simone Fibiger at: 250-380-5358, sfibiger@timescolonist.com
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Perhaps no veggie packs as nutritious a punch as spinach. A cup of spinach contains high amounts of vitamin A — a powerful antioxidant that helps brain function and various organs, including the skin, heart, kidneys and lungs. It also provides significant amounts of vitamin C, magnesium and folate.
Specializing in biomechanics helps Dr. Butler to accurately asses a patient’s foot and leg function during the gait examination. As a student, he worked four years making prescription orthotics for podiatrists. Here, he learned various fabrication techniques and modification skills to facilitate orthotic function. Dr. Butler is the only podiatrist who personally handcrafts every step of each custom orthotic for his patients. “My mission is to treat every patient with respect and honesty. I love my job and would be glad to help you with your foot health.” Dr. Kent Butler is located at Royal Oak Shopping Centre at #207-4480 West Saanich Rd. Reach his office by calling: 250-704-1178. “FOOT PAIN IS NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH. MOST FOOT PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED SUCCESSFULLY. HAPPY FEET ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHIER LIFE.”
NORDIC POLE WALKING FEELS GOOD! 0011659295 CONVENIENT. EFFECTIVE. LINDA SCHAUMLEFFEL Nordic Pole WalkLEARN, Bootcamp, & Poles
LINDA SCHAUMLEFFEL Linda4success@shaw.ca NordicPoleWalkingVictoria.ca
Stop bunion growth and joint 0011702159 pain.
DR• Bunions KENT BUTLER PODIA• Callouses • Ingrown Nails TRY • Heel pain • Sore feet 12 pack new advertis • Arthritis • Orthotics 4 x 56 Dr. Kent Butler D CMYK, , Foot Specialist F I handcraft each orthotic just for you!
Royal Oak Shopping Centre #207-4480 West Saanich Rd
250.704.1178
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