The winter months bring a host of cold weather illnesses and infections, from colds and coughs to strep and flu. The heavy snowfalls require extra caution when driving and extra effort to keep homes clear of ice and snow. Doctors Express of South Plainfield offers the following information and tips to help keep you safe and injuryfree this season.
Tips when shoveling snow:
Use the shovel properly. Hold it as intended and don’t try to lift too much snow. Don’t over-exert yourself.When you try to do more than you can, your body is prone to injury.
Don’t twist your body. Lift with your legs and switch sides frequently.
Dress warm and use layers. Make sure to change into dry clothes if your clothes are wet
Warm up your muscles. Stiff muscles are more prone to injury.
Driving precautions:
Clear all ice and/or snow from your car before you drive. It is the law.
Don’t travel faster than necessary. Often times, speed limits are decreased during storms.
Remember that bridges freeze first, so watch out for black ice.
Allow more room for the vehicles in front of you. Snow and icy conditions make it harder to stop so you will need more room to brake.
If your car should become disabled, pull over to the side of the road with hazard lights on.
Following the Olympics, we may feel inspired to participate in the winter sports we love. Before rushing out there, be sure to protect yourself by following the tips offered by Doctors Express Urgent Care:
Stay in shape.An out of shape body can be more prone to injury.
Warm up your muscles. Cold muscles can lead to injury.
If you are new to a sport, consider taking a lesson. Instructors can show you how best to reduce injury.
Wear protective gear. Gear such as goggles and helmets can make all the difference.
Dress in warm loose clothing.You want to stay warm but do not want to restrict your mobility.
Drink plenty of water. Your body is more injury prone when you are dehydrated. Strep throat is a common and contagious infection caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria.Although it can affect anyone. it is especially common among children. Strep throat is usually treated with an antibiotic. If one is prescribed to you, make sure to always finish the medication.To alleviate symptoms in the meantime, a pain reliever or NSAID can reduce swelling and relieve the pain.
Doctors Express Urgent Care in South Plainfield can diagnose and treat illnesses such as strep throat and assist with snow-, ice- or sports-related injuries. The state-of-the-art facility is open extended hours (including nights and weekends), walk-ins are welcome, most insurance plans are accepted, and they offer a full suite of in-house services that includes digital x-rays and lab testing.All patients are treated by board-certified physicians and wait times are comparatively short. Doctors Express is located at 907 Oak Tree Ave., Oak Park Commons (near the Super A&P) in South Plainfield; call 908-222-3500.