Am I Getting a Migraine?: 4 Signs You Should Look out For

Migraines can be extremely tedious and painful. They can come out of nowhere and literally debilitate a person. The dreaded headache not only brings on acute pain in the head, but also can make a person feel as if they're going to throw up. Sometimes, the only way to get rid of a migraine is to lay down in a completely dark room with no noise or light to irritate the headache. Even though they do hit people out of the blue, there are some common signs that prove one may be getting a migraine. 

Some signs of an impending migraine might be more noticeable than others, which is why it's important to mindfully listen to your body. Here's how you can you can easily figure out if a migraine is in your near future. 

1. You May Be Sensitive to Smell When you're about to be hit with a migraine, you might notice that your sensitivity to smell becomes worse than ever. Things that don't normally seem to smell terrible suddenly feel extremely pungent. This sensitivity can also make you feel nauseous.


2. Spots of Light May Appear If you see splotches and flashes of light, there's a chance you're about to get a migraine. This is caused by the over activity of your brain's visual cortex. Many people say that they only see the light in one eye, so if that's something you notice, don't worry -- it's pretty common.


3. You May Find Yourself Confused When you have a migraine, your normal brain function becomes disrupted, causing you to become dizzy. These brain disruptions may also cause you to be confused. If you find yourself suddenly unsure of what's going on or where you are, you may be suffering from an acute confusional migraine. If you're experiencing this issue, ask someone to take you to an urgent care clinic or another health clinic. The urgent care clinic will hopefully be able to help you make sense of what is going on. However, the clinic's providers may also tell you to visit your primary doctor that handles your migraine issues for further treatment.


4. Your Limbs and Body May Tingle If you're feeling tingling sensations in your arms and legs, like little pinpricks, you may be experiencing the beginning of a migraine. This is often associated with "aura disturbances," which are a perceptual disturbance that precedes the onset of some migraines. However, it may be a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure it's nothing more serious. If your doctor isn't open at the time of your migraine, check with an urgent care clinic since 85% of them are open all week long.

Migraines can be hard to control once you have one that has fully onset. However, if you notice some of the pre-symptoms that have been listed above, there's a chance you may be able to prevent a migraine from getting even worse with the use of medicine and other remedies. 

Medical Monday: Swimmers Ear- How to Treat

Swimmers Ear 

Living in Hawaii, most of us find the ocean to be some sort of therapy or exercise. Some of us spear fish for tonight's dinner, others do a couple laps at Kaimana beach, some like to explore by boat, some of us are thrill seekers and go open water shark diving, and others just like to causally float in the blue water on a warm beach day. Whatever your preference here are some things to know to protect your ears from the dreaded Swimmers Ear.

• What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, or Otitis Externa, is an inflammation of the skin of the ear canal. This is usually due to infection.  Most commonly the infection is due to bacterial organisms, but occasionally may be due to a fungus (yeast) infection.

• Who gets Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear occurs more often in swimmers  due to water frequently getting into the ear canal from swimming. This leads to a moist environment  that can help germs grow.  It is also more common in warm humid environments due to increased moisture so anyone can end up with a swimmer’s ear. In addition, anything that irritates the ear (Q-tips) may expose the raw skin and start an infection.

• What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include a blocked or plugged sensation to the ear, itching, discharge, decreased hearing, and ear pain. It may be painful to touch the ear itself especially near the ear canal opening  or  there may be ear pain with jaw movement (ie chewing).

• What is diagnosis and treatment?
  

Diagnosis is usually made by a medical provider looking into the ear and visualizing a red and swollen ear canal. Sometimes discharge is present.  Treatment begins with ear drops which can be prescribed at Island Urgent Care. Occasionally oral antibiotics may also be indicated. You may use tylenol or ibuprofen for pain, and a warm compress held to the ear may provide relief for the discomfort.

• How do I use the ear drops?

Lie with the affected ear upwards and instill drops into affected ear canal. Stay in this position for 5-10 mins to help the ear drops settle into the canal. You should also avoid getting any water into the ear canal (avoid swimming/water related activities & wear shower cap with bathing ) as the water will wash away the drops and may prolong recovery. Once your symptoms are resolved and course of medications are completed then you may return to usual activities.

Sincerely,

IUC Docs

CLICK HERE to find an Island Urgent Care near you!

Call: (808) 735-0007 for more information 

Wellness Wednesday: "Doctor, I had too much fun at the beach!" SUNBURN

SUNBURN

Let's face it we've all been there. Living in Hawaii we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and sometimes we spend a little too much time in the sun. Resulting in a hot, painful sunburn. Which makes getting out of the car (with leather seats) or the touch of a hand a painful encounter. Here's some tips for the next time you forget to reapply the SPF. 

What is and causes a sunburn?
Sunburn is reddening of the skin when exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.  Risk factors for sunburn:

·         Being outdoors when sun rays are strongest during midday (10a-2p)

·         Infants/children and individuals with fair skin are more sensitive and at higher risk

·         Antibiotic use (ex. Doxycycline) can increase skin sensitivity

What are the symptoms of sunburn?
The first signs of sunburn can take a few hours to appear, sometimes not until 24 hours later.  Symptoms are usually temporary, but the skin damage is often permanent.  Symptoms include:

·         Red, painful skin (Pain usually worst 6-24 hrs after exposure)

·         Blisters (A sign of a more severe sunburn)

·         Peeling skin

·         Other more serious reactions such as fever, chills, nausea, and rash.  Symptoms of sunburn are usually temporary, but skin damage is often permanent.

How are sunburns treated?
Mild cases of sunburn:

·         Keep cool! (Cool compresses, bath or shower)

·         Avoid using products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (eg, Vaseline). 

How to treat blisters:

·         Dry bandages to prevent infection

·         Moisturizing cream or aloe to relieve pain from blisters

·         Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (ex. Ibuprofen) can relieve pain from sunburns

·         Cortisone cream can reduce inflammation

·         Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. 

What are bad signs to look out for, for which I should contact a healthcare provider at Island Urgent Care immediately?

·         Fever

·         Dizziness, fast pulse, fast breathing

·         Severe thirst

·         Sunken eyes

·         Not urinating

·         Nausea and/or vomiting

·         Severe or diffuse painful blisters

·         Sign of infection (increased redness, pain, swelling, discharge)

How is sunburn prevented?

·         Wear your sunscreen (for children over 6 months of age)

·         Use protective clothing (sunglasses, hat, long sleeves)

·         Avoid the midday rays!

Sincerely, 

Docs at IUC

Medical Monday: Flu Season is Around the Corner!

This time of year is particularly exciting. The weather is slightly changing here in Hawaii and the holidays are only a few months away. The beginning of October also means flu season is right around the corner. At Island Urgent Care we have the flu vaccine at all four locations. With no appointment necessary you can be in and out in 15 minutes knowing that you are protected from the flu virus. 

It is also recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to get the flu vaccine in October. 

What is Influenza? 

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to complications including hospitalizations and death. Millions of people get the flu every year, and getting the flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting influenza and spreading it to the community.

How does the flu shot work? Influenza vaccines stimulate your body to produce antibodies that help fight against the flu. It usually takes about 2 weeks after vaccination to produce these antibodies. Each year the influenza vaccine targets the viruses that research suggests will be prevalent in the community that season.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older. Annual vaccination is recommended as vaccines are updated to keep up with changing viruses. Last year’s vaccination may not protect you from this season’s viruses. In children who have not been vaccinated previously, 2 doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended. 

Who should prioritize getting the flu shot? 
These groups are at higher risk for complications including hospitalization and death and should get the influenza vaccine:

• Keiki aged 6 months to under 5 years, (especially under 2 years old)
• People 65 years or older
• People with underlying medical disorders including lung conditions (such as asthma, COPD), heart conditions, liver or kidney disease, neurological conditions (such as seizures, cerebral palsy), blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), and other underlying medical conditions (ie diabetes)
• People with a compromised immune systems (HIV, cancer, or long term steroid use)
• Pregnant women and up to 2 weeks after delivery (flu shot is recommended during pregnancy and this also helps protect your baby)
• Residents of long term facilities/care homes
  
• Health care workers
• People younger than 19 years old on long term aspirin
• Caretakers of keiki (especially of infants younger than 6 months old), elderly, or persons with underlying chronic conditions
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives
• Extremely overweight individuals 

Who should NOT get the influenza vaccine?

• Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive the vaccine
• Individuals with severe life threatening allergies to influenza vaccine or its ingredients

Can I still get the Flu if I get the shot?

Yes. The ability of the vaccine to protect the individual depends on the individual’s response to the vaccine as well as how closely the vaccine matches the actual influenza viruses circulating that season. However even if not an exact match it may still be helpful due to cross protection as the antibodies may still provide some protection against the illness and may prevent complications. In that case the illness is usually milder than if you did not get the vaccine. 

We have the vaccine available at all four Island Urgent Care Clinics! Come in and get your annual flu shot today. 

CLICK HERE to see where you can get your flu shot today! 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Gomez MD

Foodie Friday's: Classic Kale Salad!

Simple & Easy Kale Salad 

With this simple of a salad there is no excuse not to get your daily amount of greens. 

This salad has a ton of benefits not only for your waistline but for your insides. 

Kale is a super food and packed with nutrition that puts Kale on the list of the world's healthiest food. Fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 found in kale supports heart health. kale also has a high amount of Vitamin K, eating a diet high in Vitamin K can protect against certain kinds of cancers. The list for Kale goes on and on, but besides being great for your body it creates a unique taste in salad. 

Ingredients: 

1 bunch of kale (any variety)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (preferably unfiltered)

1-2 tablespoons of honey (to taste)

pinch of salt (optional)

choice of toppings such as dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, sprouts, olives, etc

Instructions: 

1. Make sure to wash kale well under running water, then chop

2. Mix dressing ingredients (olive oil, vinegar, honey, & salt) together in a bowl

3. Pour over chopped kale and use your hands to massage dressing into kale. You want the dressing to cover the kale as this helps soften the kale.

4. Marinate over a few hours (do not eat right away)

5. Add toppings to taste. I like cranberries with sunflower seeds, or olives and feta... anything goes

What I really like about this salad is that it holds up well when packing it for lunch or a picnic. You can make it in the morning for lunch and there is no wilted lettuce, the dressing is already in place, and all you need to do is add the toppings. Some toppings even hold up well and can be added when you make the salad too.

 Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Docs at Island Urgent Care

We're Now Open in KAKAAKO!

Check out what we have been up to in Kakaako! 

On Monday, October 2nd Island Urgent Care opened our fourth clinic in Kakaako. 

Our opening day team! 

We wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere when visiting our clinic

We have a lot of seating in our waiting room. Love the door details. 

Want come coffee? We have a coffee station in our waiting room. Catch up on HGTV with a cup of Joe!

Channelle, Dr. Perez, Lisa

Cindy and Lisa working hard in the Lab! 

Our VP and President enjoying the views of the new clinic. 

Lovely flowers from out amazing patients and new neighbors! We are so excited to be apart of the Kakaako neighborhood.

Medical Monday: What is Ringworm, how it spreads, how to treat

At IUC we see a wide variety of skin rashes and are trained to find out what it is and how to treat it. An skin infection that has some peoples heads spinning is Ringworm, so the doctors at Island Urgent Care let you what it is, how it spreads, and how to treat this skin infection. 

Ringworm (also known as Tinea corporis) is a common skin infection caused by a fungus

(specifically (and typically) dermatophytes). It is acquired by direct skin contact from an infected person or animal (typically, a cat or dog). Patients usually present with an itchy, round, red scaly patch that spreads outward. The inner part of the rash can start to clear and a raised border will remain. Ultimately it looks ring-shaped which is why it is often referred to as “ringworm.”

It can be diagnosed by a special preparation and evaluated under a microscope. However, most trained physicians can diagnose it simply by physical examination. At Island Urgent Care, our physicians are board-certified, highly-trained providers who can diagnose not only ringworm but  wide variety of skin diseases.

Tinea Corporis "Ringworm" 

 It is important to see a trained provider as ringworm can often be misdiagnosed by a layperson or inexperienced provider and treated (inappropriately) with steroids alone which can lead to several complications. Furthermore, a common anti-fungal medication, Nystatin, will not treat the type of fungal infection that causes ringworm. The providers at Island Urgent Care are able to evaluate any suspected rashes and provide appropriate treatment as necessary. They can also  differentiate ringworm from other rashes that can appear similar such as: eczema, psoriasis, lupus and pityriasis rosea. 

If you have any concerns with skin rashes or infections walk in and get seen at Island Urgent Care. We see a wide variety of skin diseases and are willing to answer any questions you may have. 

Sincerely, 

Island Urgent Care Docs