We generally think winter gets us more illness as we tend to get cold and flu during winters. But there are many summer illnesses that occur during warmer months that are quite common. In this article, we will talk about some common summer illnesses, how you can tackle them yourself and when you should seek medical treatment. Here is a list of five major heat-related illnesses that you should be aware of. Each one is serious to some extent; however one among them is life-threatening. [Read more…]
12 News: Dr. Johnston Reveals The Myths About Treating Allergies
Dr. Johnston joins 12 News to discuss the myths about treating allergies. We can all agree that spring is one of the worst allergy seasons in Phoenix, and if you never suffered from allergies, well you might just start. Or, you could be one of the lucky ones and not experience it at all! There are several remedies people use to either calm their allergies down or not feel them at all. Some actually work, but some can be just plain myths. [Read more…]
Common and Uncommon Household Allergies
If you’re familiar with springtime in Arizona, then you are more than familiar with the household allergies that accompany it. Signs of allergies occur when the immune system is reacting to a foreign substance, most commonly pollen, mold, animal dander, and dust mites. Unfortunately, these are all things that you can be exposed to inside or around your home. In addition, there are dozens of other odd and unique things you would never imagine would spark your allergies. If you’ve noticed an increase in sniffles and sneezes at home lately, consider these common and uncommon household allergies that may be affecting you. [Read more…]
Create an Allergy Free Home
Millions of people suffer year-round from symptoms caused by indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Fortunately, there are ways to identify and create an allergy-free home.
Christmas is Flu Season: Get Your Flu Shot before it is Too Late
Ahhh, Christmas … The time of year for eggnog, presents, decorations and, if you are anything like millions of other Americans, it is prime time to come down with the flu. And while almost all of us have had experience with the flu and managed to get over it with time, the flu is a serious disease that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year. Rather than a mere annoyance to avoid, everyone should consider getting a flu shot. Getting a flu shot will help safeguard against the spreading of the flu to vulnerable populations like young children, infants and the elderly. [Read more…]
Holiday Allergies and Asthma
When you hear the phrase “seasonal allergies,” most people think about bouts of sneezing and watery eyes brought on by pollen in the spring or fall. But for a lot of people, winter months and the seasonal allergies they induce can be just as (if not more) aggravating. While there may not be flowers blooming outside, the threat of encountering particular allergy triggers is a very real problem—especially around the holiday season—for more people than you probably realize. Whether you think you may be suffering from seasonal allergies and want more information or are playing host and want to be conscious of guests who may have holiday allergies and asthma, here is a rundown of common culprits from Arrowhead Health Centers. [Read more…]
3TV Interviews Dr. Janice Johnston About Bug Bites
Lina De Florias of 3TV joined Dr. Janice Johnston, Medical Director at Arrowhead Health Centers, to discuss bug bites and how you can tell if a bug bite is serious. During the Arizona summers, there’s an abundance of mosquitoes and scorpions that may be of threat to you or someone you know. Most people get small swelling bumps when they are bitten by a mosquito, spider, or ant. This is due to a small allergic reaction to a bug’s saliva that is non-threatening but a nuisance nonetheless. You should start to worry about your bug bite if your small bump transgresses into welts or hives. If you experience a shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat, these are also signs of a dangerous bug bite reaction. [Read more…]
Signs You Might Need a Gluten Allergy Test
Ever had that foggy feeling in your brain? Or that constant wrench in your stomach? Chances are you could have a gluten intolerance. It’s no secret that diagnoses of gluten-related issues are growing in number, and lucky, so are the selections of gluten-free foods. But before you fill your shopping cart with those expensive items, find out if you need a gluten allergy test. [Read more…]