Some common sense can prevent trip to see doctor

<p>Esther was explaining her medical history to me.</p><p>“When I was a little girl I once got so sick my mother actually took me to the doctor!” she said.</p><p>Once? Only when she was really sick? This piece of information, heard in this month when we annually honor moms, reminded me that a mother with plenty of common sense is probably the best nurse anyone could have and many visits to the doctor are probably unnecessary.</p><p>Regular “well” visits at your physician’s office can prevent long-term health problems that were unavoidable in our grandmother’s time. Serious injuries and illnesses that do not get better with home care should certainly be seen by a professional. But most common, temporary health problems we encounter do not need a visit to the doctor, and the wisdom of common sense can be invaluable.</p><p>Let’s look at some mother’s wisdom that can save you trips to the doctor’s office.</p><p>Mom says: Do what it takes to stay healthy. That means washing your hands frequently, eating well and getting enough sleep. Here’s a tip from Grandma: Every time you get on an airplane, pull out the hand sanitizer and use it liberally — not just on your hands, but on both seat arms, the seat belt and the tray table in front of you.</p><p>Colds and flu are highly contagious. If you are congested and feverish, it makes sense to stay home and avoid spreading germs to others. At the first sign of congestion, Mom says, “Wash your nose!” — as much as three or four times each day. This can decrease the number of viral particles invading the mucus membranes and prevent some sinus infections. And yes, increased fluid intake will help you heal by supporting the body’s own defense system. Mom’s chicken soup can be good medicine.</p><p>Sore throat with a cold? Try a time-tested remedy that mothers have used for years: throat compresses. First coat the neck with a mentholated ointment (only appropriate for those over 2 years old), then wrap a thin wet cloth around the neck. Cover this with a warm layer, like a thick soft sock, and pin the ends together. Leave the compress on all night while sleeping and in the morning your throat will feel better. During the daytime, gargle with warm salt water frequently to keep the mucus from inflaming your throat.</p><p>Allergy symptoms also respond to washing the nose, but Grandma told us to wash allergens out of our eyes, too. Soothing eyewash kits are readily available at many pharmacies, complete with eye cups and washing solutions.</p><p>Warm weather brings active injuries. Mom is right when she runs for the ice to put on a twist or a sprain immediately. Grandma may also have known about arnica from her garden, and recently we have re-discovered its benefits. Arnica gel, available over the counter at most pharmacies, can be applied to sprains and strains several times a day. It has been proven to reduce inflammation, soreness, and the time it takes to heal.</p><p>Insect stings are a warm-weather hazard and the most effective remedy is one many mothers have used for years: baking soda and water. It’s easy to throw a little baking soda into the picnic basket before you head to the park. Moisten the soda into a paste and cover the sting as soon as possible. This poultice is soothing and quickly quiets the burn and swelling of a benign bee or wasp sting. Of course, if you know you are dangerously allergic to these stings, or if you have a severe reaction, Mom would tell you to go to the doctor immediately!</p><p>Doctors don’t mind seeing simple problems that show up in their offices, but sometimes mothers do know best and we can benefit from their common sense wisdom. Work with your doctor for prevention and for treating serious medical problems, but let common sense get you through the small stuff.</p><p>Dr. Stacey Kerr, a longtime Sonoma County family physician, graduated from UC Davis Medical School and is certified in her specialty by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for hands-on medical advice or treatment. Consult your health care provider before adhering to any recommendations in this column. E-mail comments to drkerr@the-doctors-inn.com.</p>