Winter Sunburn

When we think of sunburn, we usually think of sunny beaches or other warm locales. So we don't always remember to use a sunscreen during the cloudy days of winter. The past few weeks I've encountered several who have received a (thankfully) mild sunburn while repairing wind damage or performing other outdoor chores.

These winter sunburns are usually on the hands and face and don't present the intense discomfort of an all over summer burn. For such mild burns, natural aloe vera is a great quick fix. If you don't have an aloe vera plant, an over-the-counter aloe gel is an inexpensive remedy that offers the same results. Panama Jack makes an aloe vera gel with the added painkiller of lidocaine. It can be found at most dollar stores and, if you're lucky, the Dollar Tree.

Remember to wear that sunscreen whenever working outdoors and have a great remaining six weeks of winter.

Nurse Nan

Fight Back Against Cold & Flu

Most of us don't know what germs we inhale during our average day, but sometimes we do know when we've been exposed. If you braved the rain to take your Aunt Tildy her birthday gift, only to find she has "the worst case of 'flu since 1957," there's some hope for you.

Sure, you know to wash your hands upon arriving home, but what else can you do? Plenty--try this little known preventative and reduce your risk of infection by at least 50%.

Take hairdryer in hand, set the heat to warm, and breath in. That's it, but be sure to do it for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm air isn't hot enough to damage lung tissue, but it will dissipate the cold and flu viruses.

Nurse Nan

Stuffy Nose?

It's cold, it's hot, it's cold again. Can you blame your nose for feeling like a cotton warehouse? To top it all off, you had to work over and your feet hurt? Don't worry, one treatment fits both ailments.

Prepare a steaming foot bath. If you haven't yet seen those tubs called "Flatbacks," you've been missing out; they fit snug to your chair so you can sit back and relax while you soak your feet. Now get a large bath towel and some eucalyptus oil (available at pharmacies, health food stores, and even dollar stores). You're ready for a wonderful experience.

Place a few drops of the eucalyptus oil in the steaming water, insert feet, place towel over head and breath in. Warning, a few breaths of this wonderful concoction will more than clear your stuffy nose. Now you're ready to sit back and watch CSI or the ballgame while the foot bath completes your renovation.

Take care in the cold and remember to bring your pets in.

Nurse Nan

Luggage Under the Eyes?

Did you wake up this morning (or afternoon), look in the mirror, and see a matched set of bags under your eyes to remind you of last night? If so, there are some things you can do to at least lessen the appearance of that luggage.

For starters, sleep with two pillows--it will decrease swelling in the face as well as help the sinuses. Remember using Preparation H for burns? A little under each eye at night will shrink those bags; just remember to place a soft towel on your pillow to protect it from greasy residue.

Once you're awake, head for the kitchen for more help. Holding an ice cube under each eye will also reduce bags. If all else fails and you have the time, there's more help in the fridge. Break an egg, separate the white, and spread a little under each eye. This simple mask may be used on the entire face if desired. Just remember to protect the eyes themselves. Allow the mask to dry, wash off, and moisturize.

Now, you're ready to face 2009. All the best to everyone!

Nurse Nan

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