Ate Everything! Got Gas?

One of the most common holiday problems is eating too much; even for those with a castiron stomach, gas can be a problem. For some, it's an everyday event that's uncomfortable and worrisome.

The easiest and safest remedy is simethicone. (Try not to use that proverbial pinch of baking soda unless it's a dire emergency.) Many over-the-counter medicines include simethicone as an ingredient, while in others this old standby is the only active ingredient.

Perhaps the most recognized name is Gas-X, but you can purchase Equate at Wal-Mart or other generics at Big Lots and the Dollar Tree for only pennies. As long as it's simethicone, it works. If you purchase the chewable variety, be sure to actually chew, as this releases the simethicone into your system more rapidly. Simethicone is one of the safest drugs around and can be used during pregnancy and nursing.

Now that your stomach feels like normal again, you're ready for New Year's Eve. A happy 2009 to everyone!

Nurse Nan

Minor Cuts

Anyone in your family a great turkey carver? Well, if the answer is no, don't worry.

First, when preparing any food, it's better not to use a serrated knife. Cuts from these knives take longer to heal and are more apt to develop infections or leave scars.

If you do receive a small cut, simply wash in cool water and apply Benzoin. Benzoin is a natural styptic (it will stop the bleeding) and antiseptic. It also leaves a protective barrier on the skin. One warning: Benzoin does, shall we say, burn slightly, so be prepared. A four ounce bottle can be found at Walgreen's or other pharmacies for around $6.00.

Remember: Careful cooking!

Nurse Nan

Snoring?

Is his snoring driving you crazy? While snoring can be symptomatic of often serious illnesses, sporadic snoring may be the result of something easily preventable.

This is the season when many of us eat and drink at odd times. Such behavior can not only lead to added weight for the new year, but to snoring as well. If you think this is your (or his) problem, refrain from eating a heavy meal or consuming alcohol for three hours before retiring. Both excessive meals and the consumption of potables can result in swollen throats that exacerbate snoring.

Here's to your holiday enjoyment!

Nurse Nan

First Degree Burns

With the holidays fast approaching, many are in the kitchen cooking for several hours a day. Others are lighting festive candles to add holiday cheer to the home.

Each of these can easily lead to minor first degree burns. These types of burns do not leave a blister, but are red and painful for several hours; they may also produce some minor swelling. While everyone should have a properly stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit, many don't. So what do you do?

First rinse the area with cool water. This will dissipate the heat. Do not use butter, as this is tantamount to basting the turkey awaiting in your kitchen. If you don't have a burn ointment, you might very well have another product in your house that's just perfect--Preparation H. That's right; the old standby Prep H not only numbs the pain, it reduces tissue swelling.

I hope everyone has a safe and burn-free holiday season. Please e-mail me with related questions.

Nurse Nan

Sore Throat?

At least here in the Northern Hemisphere, it's almost winter, and that means a sore, scratchy throat for most of us. We forge on, not bothering to see our physicians, but not exactly enjoying the feeling that comes with swallowing either.

If you fall into that category, there's help for you. You can make two gargles right in your own kitchen. They're inexpensive and reliable.

The simplest is one teaspoon lemon juice mixed in one cup water. The lemon is a natural astringent, meaning swelling is almost immediately reduced in your throat. The acidic environment also kills many viruses and bacteria on contact. An older favorite involves changing the lemon to salt; for this one add one tablespoon Listerine for germ-killing power.

These are about as inexpensive as it gets, and we recommend immediately discarding them after one use. Remember, you're trying to kill germs here, not breed more.

If you've done natural battle with your sore throat, but feel like it's won, a doctor's visit may not be the only alternative left. Give a Cepacol or Chloraseptic lozenge a try. These cost a little more than our homemade gargles, yet they're both still cheaper than a doctor's visit.

Good luck with your winter ills and keep checking back with us. We're here to help you and welcome your health questions and comments.

Nurse Nan