Have you ever woken up in the morning with an aching back or feeling stiff? Do you have trouble getting out of bed or walking into the kitchen to get your breakfast? This is known as morning stiffness, and it is a pretty common complaint, though few people understand the actual cause of it. Many people make the mistake of believing that it has to do with aging and getting old. They believe it is a normal occurrence. This is actually not the case.

The most common cause of morning stiffness is worn joints or muscle tightness that is mistaken for joint pain. Sometimes it is also an indicator of inflammation or arthritis. Joints do not age the same way that people do. Joints can age due to overuse, also known as wear and tear. This can happen at any age, though it is more common in the elderly or those who are overweight. As joints age, cartilage, which is the cushioning in your joints, dries out and stiffens. Joints also lose lubrication. This can lead to weaker muscles and stiff tendons as well, and they will tighten during sleep. While you cannot reverse the effects of joint aging, there are certain things that can be done to ease symptoms or treat any ailments that are causing the problem.

Does Joint Stiffness Mean I Have Arthritis?

Joint stiffness is obviously an indicator in various types of arthritis. However, morning stiffness does not always mean that you have arthritis. It is crucial to know the signs and symptoms other than just joint stiffness that go along with the three types of arthritis: rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

In particular, take note of when and how often joint pain and stiffness occurs. If it doesn’t seem to have a specific trigger and happens more often than not, then it may be time to see a physician to discuss the possibility of testing for arthritis. However, joint pain and stiffness after intense activity is not necessarily a sign of any illness.

Overcoming Morning Stiffness

There are many ways in which you can adjust your lifestyle in order to combat morning stiffness. Try some or all of the following:

• Be sure that not only do you get enough deep sleep to repair and recharge your body but that you also have the correct mattress for your body type.
• Make sure you do not get too cold as sensitive joints become stiff when it is cold.
• Do some easy stretches in the morning before getting out of bed.
• Stay hydrated.
• Try a healthy joint diet by cutting down on carbohydrate intake and toxins such as aspartame, unnatural dyes, and preservatives.
• Lower your stress levels. You may try meditating or spending just a few minutes to yourself a day to do something you love.
• Get regular exercise but not so much that you hurt your joints.

Contact Questcare Medical Clinic

If you are experiencing joint pain in the morning and would like to discuss your options for treatment, contact Questcare Medical Clinic for information about our locations and hours.

It may seem like summer has just begun, but if the aisles in the stores full of school supplies are any indication, the beginning of the school year is just around the corner. Whether this will be your child’s first year or last year of schooling, your concern is for their health and safety. Questcare Medical Clinic has some tips for you this school year to make sure you all have a good and healthy experience.

Healthy School Year Tips

• Teach Hand Washing Habits – This is especially important for younger children who may not yet understand the implications of bacteria and germs. Make sure your child knows when they are expected to wash their hands such as after sharing a messy toy or play area or after using the bathroom. Also, teach them how to properly wash their hands. Some parents have their child hum the alphabet to make sure they scrub for long enough.
• Take Care of Their Immune System – This is the best way to prevent frequent infections in your child during the school year. Many factors contribute to a healthy immune system including getting the right amount of sleep consistently, eating the right foods (especially in the morning), and managing the stress of school and other activities properly.
• Choosing a Backpack – Backpacks can be heavy and cause permanent back problems. Make sure a backpack is not too big for a child or too small to handle their load. Also, try different styles to make sure where weight is distributed.
• Eye and Ear Checks – Is your child having trouble learning? It may not be a behavioral issue or even a learning disability. Children can often begin to show signs of hearing or eyesight impairment around the time they begin school. It is crucial to make sure hearing and eye tests are done on a regular basis so that your child has all the tools he or she needs to get the most out of school.
• Balance Work and Play – No matter how much homework your child has, the last thing you want is to keep them in a sitting position all day. Set aside time each afternoon for your child to have physical activity. It is good for the brain as well as the body.

Contact Questcare Medical Clinic

Looking for more tips on staying healthy in the 2023/2024 school year? Contact your nearest Questcare Medical Clinic today.

It is the season for summer travel. For some, their minds may be focused on all the fun you will have with your family. And for others, they are focused on the stress of making sure all your belongings are in order. Either way, you may be completely forgetting the most important thing; your own health. Many may laugh and joke about the amenities at a hotel such as a full gym or may ignore it entirely, but there is not a more important time than to be thinking about staying healthy than when traveling.

Traveling is Hard on the Body

Traveling is so hard on the body; being in the car or on a plane for long hours, lugging around large amounts of baggage, and walking around a new city all day can take their toll. It is easier than you think to wind up ill or injured on a family trip and then unable to enjoy your time. The good news is there are some things you can do to care for yourself, so you can stay fit and healthy even on vacation.

• Get enough sleep-You may be tempted to stay out late, but you still need your beauty sleep to keep your immune system going and to recover from a full day of traveling and sightseeing.
• Consider stretching-Whether it is five minutes before you start the day or for five minutes before bed, it can be good for sore and overworked muscles and joints to get a nice stretch.
• Don’t skip breakfast-If you wouldn’t skip it at home, don’t start now. Even if all you have is some instant oatmeal and fruit, it can help give you the fuel you need to make it through the day.
• Remember your sunscreen-A bad sunburn can ruin a whole vacation and lead to major health struggles down the road. Take the extra few minutes to apply sunscreen each morning before you hit the town or beach.

Contact Your Nearest Questcare Medical Clinic

If you find yourself sick after traveling and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact your nearest Questcare Medical Clinic today.

It’s that time of year again for playing outdoors. In the Texas heat, sunburns come easy. It may just be that one time where you tell yourself that you don’t need sunscreen for just a few moments outdoors that you regret. Suddenly your skin is red and peeling, and you find yourself stiff and in pain. Sunburns can be easy to treat at home, or they can turn into something more serious.

What is a Sunburn?

A sunburn is actually a type of skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. These UV rays will penetrate and burn the skin. Generally, symptoms include reddening of the skin that is sore and warm to the touch. Eventually, it may become itchy as it begins to peel and healing.

Treating a Sunburn at Home

The first step when you notice a sunburn is to get out of the sun. Cover up immediately and get inside as soon as possible. The best immediate treatment is to find a way to cool the skin. A cool bath or shower or a cold compress may help, and it is also important to drink plenty of fluids after receiving a sunburn as you could easily get dehydrated. There are also many topical over-the-counter medications that can be used to ease the pain and itching including petroleum jelly and Aloe Vera gel. Be sure to keep all the affected areas out of the sun until they heal.

Is My Sunburn More Serious than That?

A sunburn can turn into a severe sunburn or even sun poisoning. Either of these can lead to physical illness as well as severe skin damage with third-degree burns. Watch out for the following symptoms to know when to visit a doctor right away with a sunburn.

• Severe pain and blistering
• Headache that won’t go away
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting or feeling dizzy constantly
• Confusion

Also know that the more serious a sunburn is, the more likely the sunburn is to lead to a dangerous skin cancer. That is why it is always important to take all necessary precautions when going out in the sun.

Contact Questcare Medical Clinic

If you believe you might have a serious sunburn and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact your nearest Questcare Medical Clinic today.

When someone has a cold, it can quickly turn to bronchitis, which can be much more serious. Here is some information that will let you know if you need to visit a doctor should you develop the condition.

Bronchitis 101

There are two types of bronchitis, which occurs when your lungs’ airways become inflamed and create an excessive amount of mucus. Acute bronchitis is the more common form, and also referred to as a “chest cold.” It is worse than the typical cold, but not as serious as pneumonia. A chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by a chronic cough that can last up to two or three months. Symptoms often include fatigue, fever, breathing accompanied by a wheezing sound, or frequent coughing that produces mucus.

Do You Need Medical Help?

If you have a cold and a cough, that is, of course, normal. Coughing is the body’s way of eliminating mucus and phlegm. There are some instances, however, where a cough can necessitate a trip to the doctor. For example, you will need to get medical help if you are wheezing, coughing up blood, have night sweats or you have a high fever. If your cough has worsened and you notice any sort of shortness of breath or oddly colored mucus, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

Preventing Bronchitis

There are a few things you can do that can reduce the chances your cold will turn into bronchitis. For example, stop smoking and do not allow anyone else to smoke inside your home. Get plenty of rest and wash your hands often. If you need to see a doctor for bronchitis, the experts with Questcare Medical Clinic will be ready to help. Contact your nearest location online to learn more.

Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-9. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
• Pregnant women
• Babies and children younger than 5 years old
• People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
• Health care workers
• Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

• Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.

• Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.

• Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.

• Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Questcare Medical Clinics are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community.  Contact us today to get your flu shot.

December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

• Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
• Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
• Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
• Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
• Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
• Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Questcare Medical Clinic wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Questcare Medical Clinics are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation.