ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Righttime Medical
Care, a leading urgent care provider, has been seeing an increase
in injuries related to the record-breaking East coast cold weather
and offers advice on keeping safe.
Dr. Nathan Newman, M.D.,
F.A.A.F.P., VP of Medical Services for Righttime Medical Care,
outlines some of the common health concerns linked to cold
temperatures:
- Frostnip, is a mild form of frostbite which irritates
the skin, causing it to become mildly pale or red and feel cold,
followed by numbness and a tingling feeling. The skin is not
permanently damaged from frostnip. The affected part may be slowly
warmed by breathing onto the injured site, such as breathing into
cupped hands. A hand with frostnip can also be warmed under the
armpit. Numbness gives way to a warm flush feeling that can be
painful as rewarming progresses.
- Frostbite is much more serious and may occur when skin
is exposed to a temperature lower than 14°F (-10°C). Skin first
becomes very cold and red, then numb, hard, pale and swollen when
underlying tissues are affected. Frostbite requires immediate
medical attention because of possible extensive injury, which can
be complicated by infection and nerve damage.
- Head trauma can occur as a result of slips and falls on
ice. At this time of year, Righttime's service HeadFirst Concussion
Care, the region's leading concussion management center, has seen
increased head trauma patients related to these situations.
HeadFirst health providers also frequently see compound injuries,
which are brain injuries coupled with additional trauma such as
fractures, lacerations, etc., as a result of falls. Additionally,
head trauma can result from being involved in motor vehicle
accidents occurring on icy and snowy roads.
"Winter weather comes with its own unique challenges to stay
safe," says Dr. Newman. "Freezing temperatures can sometimes catch
us off-guard so the best defense in the weather we're currently
experiencing is a healthy dose of prevention."
Righttime offers these tips on preventing winter healthy safety
concerns:
- Dress in layers when outdoors and be sure to wear a hat.
- When returning indoors, remove wet clothing as quickly as
possible.
- When exercising outdoors, if any numb or stinging feelings
appear in the cheeks, lips, nose, ears, hands and feet, come inside
immediately.
- If skin is chilled, immerse the body in warm water—not hot—for
up to 30 minutes until all the feeling returns. Rewarming can also
be done via body heat, such as placing hands in armpits.
- Walk carefully on potentially icy sidewalks by wearing proper
shoes, not carrying heavy loads.
- Seek immediate medical care in case of suspected frostbite,
hypothermia, sprains, strains, fractures or concussion.
About Righttime Medical Care
Righttime Medical Care
simplifies access to trustworthy medical care at its 13 urgent care
locations in Maryland. Now in its
25th year, Righttime holds the Certified Urgent Care
designation, which distinguishes it as among the top urgent care
centers nationwide. Righttime is open from 7am to midnight 365 days a year and offers
patients of all ages a 24-hour Call Center and online access for
same day appointments, digital x-rays, laboratory testing,
prescription services and electronic health records which are
shared with patients' physicians, specialists and collaborating
medical institutions. For more information, visit
myRighttime.com.
Contact: Ann-Marie Sedor,
443-332-4260 x8130
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SOURCE Righttime Medical Care