News – Page 167 – Family Medicine Center

Dr Cates made a presentation on peripheral vascular disease at the Public Health Authority at the Diabetes Foot Symposium Thursday November 14th.

What Is Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common condition in which a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles. It is also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Although many people with PAD have no symptoms, some people have painful aching in their legs brought on by walking. These aches will usually disappear after a few minutes of resting.

If you experience recurring leg pain with exercise, see your doctor. PAD is usually diagnosed through a physical examination by your doctor.

They will also measure the blood pressure in your leg, using the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI). This involves comparing blood pressure readings from your arm and your ankle. A difference between these readings may indicate PAD.

Common cold

The common cold usually causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.

Causes
It is called the “common cold” for good reason. You and your children will probably have more colds than any other type of illness.

Colds are the most common reason that children miss school and parents miss work. Parents often get colds from their children.

Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common in the winter or rainy seasons.

You can catch a cold if:

A person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you
You touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contaminated by the virus, such as a toy or doorknob.

People are most contagious for the first 2 to 3 days of a cold. A cold is usually not contagious after the first week.

Possible Complications

Colds are the most common trigger of wheezing in children with asthma.
A cold may also lead to:

Bronchitis
Ear infection
Pneumonia
Sinusitis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

You have problems breathing.
Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 to 10 days.

Things You Can Do To Avoid Getting The Flu

Get the flu vaccine; it’s not too late to be vaccinated.
Wash your hands frequently or used alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Avoid close contact with persons who are ill with the flu.
Remember to cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and wash your hands immediately afterward. Throw used tissues in the trash immediately.
Take good care of your immune system by getting plenty of sleep, eating a nutritious diet, drink plenty of fluids and avoiding high levels of stress.