Q: The busy holiday season has really thrown off my schedule—especially sleep. Any tips for getting back on-track?
Sleep is as important to your health as diet and regular exercise. Not getting enough of it is linked with health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity, as well as mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many lifestyle factors can contribute to sleep loss:
When you find yourself having trouble night after night, finding ways to reprogram your sleep regimen can be challenging. Start with one or two small changes and work your way toward lasting improvements.
Still having problems? Talk with your doctor or start a visit. Sometimes underlying medical problems like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can be the cause of sleep issues. A doctor can evaluate and make recommendations to get you sleeping better—but there isn’t a magic pill. The best forms of treatment for sleep issues are improved habits and coaching or therapy, if needed.
Got a cough you can’t figure out? You’re not alone. Coughing is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. And while it can be a sign of infection, the true cause can vary—and so can the recommended action. For this reason, don’t be surprised if your physician asks you questions about your diet or is reluctant to prescribe antibiotics. Here’s a quick look at what may be behind your cough:
Upper respiratory illness
These infections cause common colds and sinus infections, leading to mucus drainage that irritates the throat (hello, cough!). Typically, these infections are caused by viruses and will go away on their own. Use decongestants and sinus rinses to clear drainage and stay comfortable. If you’re still coughing after 10—14 days, speak to a doctor about the likelihood of a bacterial infection.
Allergies
Allergies can cause an immune response to things like pollen or animal fur, causing the body to produce mucus. Similar to the infection cough, this drainage irritates the throat. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are most effective at stopping that drainage.
Asthma
While asthma often causes wheezing, sometimes a cough—especially at night—is the only symptom. The cough from asthma comes from inflammation of the airways in the lungs. After a doctor evaluates lung function, asthma can be treated with inhalers to reduce the inflammation and open up the airways.
Reflux
Cough is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn because the acid from the stomach irritates the throat. Lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals can help, as can over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Lower airway infections
Pneumonia and bronchitis are infections of the airways in lungs. Again, these can be caused by viruses and bacteria—and that annoying cough can linger. Throat lozenges, hot tea, honey, smoking cessation and over-the-counter cough medicine can alleviate symptoms.
Medications
Some medications like ACE inhibitors, used commonly to treat high blood pressure, can cause coughing as a side effect. It is important to share all of the medications you are taking with your doctor.
Other causes
Things like COPD, lung cancer or habit cough are also considerations in coughs that won’t go away. Start a visit to talk more with a doctor about what you’re experiencing.
How to navigate screen time for your childrens’ health
From remote work to virtual school, we’ve all spent a lot more time staring at screens since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of all children under age 8 have their own device and spend more than 2 hours daily on digital screens; teenagers are spending more than 7 hours on their devices outside of school work. But too much time on a device isn’t a walk in the park. Here are just a few ways excessive screen time can negatively impact childrens’ development, mental health and physical health.
Obesity
Screen time and obesity are closely linked. When kids choose screens over other options, their physical activity is limited and serious weight gain becomes more likely.
Sleep
Screen time also tends to keep kids up later at night and can make it more difficult to wind down and get to sleep.
Eye strain
Staring at a screen all day can cause the eye muscle to tire out and the eyes to dry, leading to headaches.
Muscle tension
Poor posture habits, like being slumped over in front of a screen for hours, can create muscle strain and tension in the back and neck.
After months of uncertainty, news about a safe, effective vaccine has arrived. Still, continuing to take precautions, like masking and physical distancing, remains as important as ever while we wait our turn and learn more. Whether you’re among the first in line or simply want to stay informed, 98point6 is a trusted source of guidance for vaccine questions and concerns.
Eczema rashes can be different for different people. They can be all over the body or in just a few spots.
Symptoms may include:
Common areas that are affected are the cheeks and scalp in young children and the elbows, neck and
back of knees in older children and adults.
The most important thing to do to care for eczema is to avoid triggers. Triggers are different for everyone, but
commonly include:
You can often treat eczema flares at home with:
Talk to a physician
We’re serious about our commitment to providing you with the most up-to-date, credible information so you can feel empowered in your decision-making—and social sharing.
This resource was put together with guidance from 98point6 board-certified physicians, as well as the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To learn more, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html
https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/drowsy_driving.html
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2785686
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
Q: It seems like half the people I work with are on some kind of trendy diet or another. Some involve taking lots of supplements with meals, others revolve around costly powders and shakes. What should I be on the lookout for in terms of safety?
Q: Having a headache can put a stop to my day. At what point should I be concerned that there is a larger underlying issue?
Q: The circumstances around COVID-19 have piqued my interest around virtual care for myself and my family. How can I be confident we are getting the same quality experience as an in-person visit?
Whether your child has a fever or you’re worried about that dizziness you’ve been feeling, 98point6 is available 24/7 to you and your eligible family members ages 1 and older. With access to on-demand primary care via a mobile app, care is always at your fingertips.