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Beyond 7 minutes

I trained as a Family Doctor so that I would be ready to help patients with any challenge. The old school family doc used to take that skill set out into the community on house calls, sports sidelines, and town hall meetings. At some point the job description was boiled down into a job that started and ended with a 7 minute office visit. That setup is not good for patients, and it's not good for doctors. In this column I hope to start to push the boundary of where the doctor patient interaction takes place - onto the page, into the community, and beyond 7 minutes.

Tips to get through cold season

Staying Healthy

Winter time cold symptoms are annoying and tiring. Whether it’s a sore throat, runny nose, cough or all three being sick is no fun! Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are definitely things you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy. If you do get sick, there are some great remedies to try at home. Of course, Portland Direct Primary Care is here if you need us. Advice from the internet should never be a substitute for advice from a doctor who knows you.

  1. Wash those hands. The benefits of hand washing cannot be overstated. With cold weather outside, don't forget to use a good moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out.

  2. Get plenty of rest. Sleep is restorative and healing. If you feel like you might be coming down with something going to bed extra early is never a bad idea.

  3. Take care of your stress level. Stress can lead to decreased immune function and open your body up to getting sick. Having a daily de-stress ritual such as meditation, yoga or journaling can be a great way to feel your best.

  4. There is some evidence from in-depth scientific reviews that certain supplements can help shorten the duration of a cold. A few things worth considering are Zinc, Umcka, and Echinacea.  

Sore Throat

Many times a sore throat is caused by a cold virus, although there are other things that can also cause a sore throat. If in doubt call (or text) your DPC doctor!

  1. Try a warm salt-water gargle.

  2. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen have been shown to be as effective as prescription pain medications in controlling throat pain.

  3. Cough drops come in many varieties. Try to find one with a numbing medication such as benzocaine which will numb the back of your throat. Use caution with children as a numb throat can create a choking hazard.

Stuffy Nose

  1. Protect the nasal openings from abrasion with a dab of Vaseline.

  2. Nasal saline rinses can help keep the sinuses clear. Use a sterile store bought solution or if using a netty-pot use distilled or boiled water which has cooled to room temperature.

  3. A gentle sinus massage can help alleviate some sinus pressure and clear the sinus cavities.

Cough

Cough is often the most annoying cold symptoms. Sub-acute cough after a viral infection can last for up to six weeks! There are many cough remedies at the pharmacy but none has been shown to be more effective than any other. Pharmaceutical grade cough medicines come with side effects, so why not go with a natural option?

  1. Herbal tea with a tablespoon of honey acts as a natural cough suppressant. Honey should not be given to babies less than 12 months of age.

  2. Humidified air can help to clear out mucus from the lungs.

  3. If the cough is triggered by throat irritation, treating the throat may help. See tips for sore throats above.


health careOren Gersten, MDcold season, primary care, doctor, direct primary care