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Physicians Are Important for Disease Management

When it comes to healthcare, it’s common for patients to focus on specialists who treat specific conditions or diseases. However, primary care physicians (PCPs) are essential in disease management that should not be overlooked. They provide everyday healthcare essential for promoting overall health and well-being, managing chronic conditions, and identifying potential health issues early on.
This blog post will explore the importance of primary care in disease management, including its importance, why it’s crucial for overall health, and how it can improve health outcomes.

Why Primary Care?

Primary care is everyday healthcare provided by a primary care specialist, such as a family medicine physician, internal medicine physician, or pediatrician. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare services. They offer a broad range of services, including preventive care, health screenings, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of chronic conditions.

Why is Primary Care Crucial for Overall Health?

Lifespan primary care is essential for promoting overall health and well-being. PCPs help patients manage their health by providing preventive care and identifying potential health issues early on. They also play a critical role in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which require ongoing care and attention.
PCPs, take a holistic approach to patient care, considering both physical and mental health. They work with patients to develop individualized care plans considering their unique needs and goals. This approach helps patients manage their health, improves health outcomes, and reduces healthcare costs.

How Does Primary Care Improve Health Outcomes?

PCP visits are crucial for disease management, as they allow patients to discuss their health concerns and receive the appropriate care and treatment. Regular visits with a PCP can help patients identify potential health issues in the early stages, leading to more effective treatment and better health outcomes.
Additionally, PCPs can help patients manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, by monitoring and adjusting treatment plans as needed. By working with patients to develop individualized care plans, PCPs can help patients take a more active role in their healthcare and improve health outcomes.
PCPs also provide important health screenings, such as mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies, which can help detect potential health issues early on. Early detection of health issues can lead to more effective treatment and better health outcomes.

Do I Need a Primary Care Doctor?

It’s essential to have a primary care doctor, even if you feel healthy. Regular visits with a PCP can help you maintain good health and catch potential health issues early on. Even if you see specialists for specific conditions, a PCP can help coordinate your care and ensure that you receive the appropriate screenings and preventive care.
If you’re unsure whether you need a primary care doctor, consider the following:

• Do you need someone to provide routine preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings?
• Do you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, that requires ongoing management?
• Do you need someone to coordinate your care with specialists and other healthcare providers?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider seeing a PCP.

The Importance of Accessible Primary Care

Accessibility is an essential factor in primary care. Patients need to be able to access care when they need it without facing significant barriers. Unfortunately, many patients face challenges accessing primary care, such as long wait times for appointments and difficulty finding a provider that accepts their insurance.
At Urgent Care of Kansas, we understand the importance of accessible primary care. We offer same-day appointments and extended hours to make it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it. We also accept a wide range of insurance plans.

Choose Urgent Care of Kansas for Quality Urgent Care and Primary Care Services

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are vital in disease management and overall health and well-being. Developing a long-term relationship with a PCP and accessing preventive care are essential components of primary care.
At Urgent Care of Kansas, we understand the importance of primary care physicians in disease management. We encourage our patients to establish a relationship with a PCP for ongoing care and support. Our team of healthcare professionals is committed to providing quality urgent care services to our patients. Still, we also recognize the critical role that primary care plays in maintaining good health.
If you’re looking for a primary care specialist, we can help you find one that meets your needs. Whether you need help managing a chronic condition or want to stay on top of your health, a PCP visit can make a significant difference. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you stay healthy.

Primary care is the first point of contact between you and the healthcare system. It is the foundation of the healthcare system and is essential for good health and well-being. Despite its importance, many people are unsure what primary care is, why they need it, or how to access it.
In this blog post, we will explore what primary care is, the role of a primary care provider, and why it is important to have one.

• What is Primary Care?
  • Importance of Primary Care: Why Do You Need It?
  • Types of Services Offered by Primary Care Providers
  • Types of Primary Care Providers
  • How to Find a Primary Care Provider
  • How Often Should You See Your Primary Care Doctor?
  • Urgent Care of Kansas: A Leading Provider of Primary Care Services
  • Why Choose Urgent Care of Kansas for Your Primary Care Needs

What is Primary Care?

Primary care promotes health, prevents illness, and provides ongoing care for common medical conditions. It is the first line of defense against disease and helps you manage your health and well-being in a proactive and preventive manner.
Primary care is provided by a healthcare professional, known as a primary care physician (P C P), who is responsible for your overall health and well-being. A P C P medical abbreviation can be a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They are the first person you should see when you have a new health concern or need a check-up. They also serve as your healthcare coordinator and advocate, helping you navigate the complex healthcare system and connecting you with specialists when needed.

Importance of Primary Care: Why Do You Need It?

So why is primary care important? Here are several reasons, including:

• Improved health outcomes: Research has shown that people with a primary care provider have better health outcomes, lower mortality rates, and reduced healthcare costs compared to those who do not have a primary care provider.
• Proactive health management: A primary care provider can help you to identify and manage health problems early on before they become serious. They can also help you prevent illness by providing health screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle advice.
• Coordinated care: Your primary care provider serves as your healthcare coordinator and advocate, ensuring that all aspects of your healthcare are aligned and working together. They can help you to navigate the complex healthcare system, connect you with specialists, and coordinate your care across multiple providers. When choosing a healthcare provider, it is important to consider who is responsible for coordinating your care.
• Personalized care: Your primary care provider gets to know you and your health history, allowing them to provide personalized and effective care. They are your partner in health, working with you to achieve your health goals.
• Holistic Approach: A primary care physician takes a holistic approach to healthcare, considering your overall health – this helps the physician to better understand and address the patient’s unique needs and develop a more comprehensive treatment plan.
• Cost-Effective: Primary care can also help to reduce healthcare costs. By working with a primary care physician near me, you can receive the care you need in a timely and cost-effective manner, reducing the need for more costly specialist care.
• Building a Relationship: A long-term relationship with a primary care physician can provide many benefits. The doctor becomes familiar with your medical history and can provide personalized and appropriate care over time – this can lead to better health outcomes and a sense of comfort and trust for you.

Types of Services Offered by Primary Care Providers

Primary care providers offer a range of preventive and diagnostic medical services to help people maintain their health and manage medical conditions. Some common services offered by primary care providers include:

• Physical exams and check-ups.
• Immunizations
• Health screenings.
• Diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions.
• Chronic disease management.
• Prescription of medications.
• Lifestyle and nutrition advice.
• Mental health support.
• Coordination of care with other healthcare providers.

Types of Primary Care Providers

There are several types of primary care providers, each with a unique role and scope of practice. These include:

• Family Medicine Physicians: They are trained in a wide range of medical areas and provide comprehensive care for individuals of all ages, from newborns to older adults.
• Pediatricians: They specialize in caring for children and adolescents from infancy to young adulthood.
• Internal Medicine Physicians: They specialize in the care of adults and provide comprehensive care for a wide range of medical conditions.
• Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Physician Assistants (PA): They are trained healthcare professionals who can provide many of the same services as physicians, often under the supervision of a physician.

Access to a primary care provider you trust and feel comfortable with can make all the difference in maintaining your health and managing medical conditions. People can receive personalized care and support throughout their lives by working with a primary care provider.

How to Find a Primary Care Provider

Finding a primary care provider you trust is important in taking control of your health. To find a primary care provider, you can ask for recommendations from friends and family, check with your insurance company, or use online resources like the American Academy of Family Physicians’ “Find a Doctor” tool.
When choosing a primary care provider, it is important to consider factors such as:

• Location: Choose a provider that is conveniently located near your home or workplace.
• Availability: Make sure that the provider is accepting new patients and has appointment availability that works with your schedule.
• Specialties: Consider whether the provider has any specialties or areas of expertise that align with your health needs.
• Communication style: It is important to find a provider who communicates in a way you understand and who you feel comfortable speaking with about sensitive health topics.
• Insurance: Make sure that the provider is in-network with your insurance plan.

How Often Should You See Your Primary Care Doctor?

It is recommended that people see their primary care doctor once a year for a medical checkup and physical examination. However, the amount of visits may vary depending on your age, health status, and any chronic conditions you may have.
The top reasons for primary care visits include monitoring changes in health, updating necessary vaccinations, and addressing any health concerns or questions.

Urgent Care of Kansas: A Leading Provider of Primary Care Services

Urgent Care of Kansas is a leading provider of primary care services, offering comprehensive, high-quality care to patients. It’s an all-ages medical center, so whether you need routine preventive care, established care, treatment for an acute illness or injury, or ongoing management of a chronic condition, Urgent Care of Kansas is here to help.
We are open 7 days a week, with extended hours and walk-in appointments available – this makes it easy for you to get the care you need when you need it.

Why Choose Urgent Care of Kansas for Your Primary Care Needs

If you’re looking for a reliable and trusted primary care provider, don’t look any further than Urgent Care of Kansas – a center for adult medicine and preventive care. Our commitment to expert and compassionate care, advanced technology, and affordable prices make us the clear choice for all your primary care needs.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, now is the time to find one. Your health and well-being are worth it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start on the path to better health and wellness.

Spider Bites

Most spider bites are harmless, and only a small percentage result in serious complications. The bite area may be reddened, swollen, and painful. Dangerous spiders include hobo spiders, Wolf spiders, black widow spiders, and brown recluse spiders. They can cause breathing problems, a severe headache, and excruciating muscle cramps that immediately require medical attention. You can take safety measures to avoid spider bites.

How serious is a spider bite?

Most spiders are non-venomous and only bite humans on rare occasions. All spiders produce venom (poison), but the fangs of most spiders are too tiny to pierce human skin. Arachnids are spiders (not insects). They’re classified as scorpions, mites, and ticks. These arachnids are all eight-legged. Spiders play an essential role in agriculture by consuming insects that can ruin crops.

What kind of spiders are dangerous?

There are at least 60 spider species in the US, but only a few are dangerous to humans. The following spiders are included among the most dangerous:
Black widow: The bellies of these black spiders have a crimson hourglass appearance. Black widows enjoy weaving webs in woodpiles and building eaves, fences, and outhouses. They are typically found in the western and southern United States.
Brown recluses: Brown spiders with black, violin-shaped marks on their heads are known as fiddle-back or violin spiders. Brown recluses can be found in the Midwest and South. They prefer dry, protected environments, such as wood heaps, pebbles, and leaves. Brown recluses prefer dark closets, attics, and shoes when they’re indoors.

How common are spider bites?

Experts are unsure how many individuals are bitten by spiders each year. In most cases, you may not know that a spider has bitten you. Or you may believe an insect bit you rather than a spider. Children and adults are the most susceptible to black widow or brown recluse bites. A spider bite kills less than three individuals in the United States each year. The majority of these deaths involve youngsters.

Who might get spider bites?

A spider can bite anyone if they encounter it by accident. Still, some people may be more vulnerable because their work or actions connect them with spider habitats. Outdoor occupations such as landscapers, groundskeepers, and farmworkers are at risk, as are youngsters who play in mounds of leaves or rocks; hikers; janitors; and machine operators.

Symptoms of a spider bite:

Different types of spiders cause different symptoms.
Black Widow Spider: The bite of a black widow spider causes a sharp, intense, pinprick-like pain. The biting region goes numb as a result. Other symptoms of a black widow spider bite include breathing difficulties, cernuous head or puffy eyes, increased saliva production, nausea, headache, and vomiting. In addition, patients have terrible muscle cramps and stiffness in their stomachs, shoulders, chest, and back. There is often excessive sweating and itchy skin rashes.
Brown recluse spider: Brown recluse spider bites are not immediately painful or noticeable. Instead, you may experience discomfort an hour after the bite. Other symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite are a blister encircled by a bruise or crimson skin tone (like a bulls-eye). The blister may rupture, resulting in a skin lesion that scars later—itchy skin around the bite or all over the body.
Hobo spider: You will get a severe headache within minutes or hours of the bite. This headache could last a week. Within 30 minutes of the bite, the skin in the bitten location hardened. Hobo spider bites are rarely painful. Other symptoms include red, swollen skin, pus-filled blisters, exhaustion, nausea, and cognitive impairment (memory problems).
Wolf spiders: Wolf spiders are venomous spiders that are found in many parts of the world. They are not aggressive and will typically bite only if they feel threatened. Symptoms of a wolf spider bite may include pain and swelling at the site of the bite, as well as redness and itching. In some cases, more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps may occur. The bite is not typically dangerous to healthy adults, but it can be dangerous to infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis: Examining the bite is the best technique to confirm a bite and the type of spider. There is no other way to test for a spider bite or establish which spider bit you. Your doctor may make a diagnosis based on your symptoms. A sample of fluid from a blister may also be sent to a lab to be tested for skin infections that cause similar symptoms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Complications: The most dangerous are black widow bites. Children under the age of 16 and those over 60 may require hospitalization for breathing difficulties, heart issues, high blood pressure, severe muscle discomfort, and cramping.

How to manage or treat the spider bite?

Treatment for spider bites varies according to the symptoms. Black widow spider bites are treated with muscle relaxants, sedatives, and pain relievers. The following treatments are available for a brown recluse and hobo spider bites. Clean with a povidone-iodine solution daily to avoid infection. Soak the edge in sterile salt water (saline) mixture thrice daily.

Precautions in case of a spider bite:

Never try to suck out or remove the venom from a spider bite. Instead, take the following steps:

• Warm water and soap should be used to clean the bite area.
• Apply an ice pack or a cool, moist cloth to the bitten spot.
• Raise the biting area.
• To relieve itching and swelling, take an antihistamine (allergy medication).
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for discomfort and swelling.
• Seek emergency medical assistance if you are experiencing severe symptoms.

Prevention:

Doctors say that prevention is better than medication. Apply an insect repellent that the Environmental Protection Agency has licensed to protect yourself and your family from spider bites (EPA). Before carrying firewood into the home, keep it outside for a while and inspect it for spiders. Before putting on your footwear, caps, and gloves, shake them to check for spiders. Permethrin, an insecticide, should be applied to clothing and shoes. Wear gloves when carrying wood, working in the garden, moving rocks, or doing other outdoor activities. In woodland areas, wear long sleeves and pants.

Poison Ivy rash is a North American climbing plant that secretes an irritant oil from its leaves that can cause dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin directly interacts with an irritating or allergy-causing chemical. Poison ivy rash, poison oak, and poison sumac produce more cases of allergic contact dermatitis than all of the other plant families combined. Poison ivy dermatitis can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and skin types. With age, the severity of the reaction lessens, especially in people who have previously had mild reactions. People in vocations such as firefighters, forestry, and farming are at a greater risk of poison ivy dermatitis caused by repeated exposure to hazardous plants.

How common is a poison ivy rash?

Essential oils for poison ivy cause an itching rash in up to 90% of people who come into contact with it. You don’t need much because 50 micrograms of urushiol, around the size of a grain of salt, is enough to produce a reaction. Poison ivy rash, poison sumac, and poison oak allergies affect approximately 85% of the community, with 10 to 15% of those who are severely allergic. Poison ivy is the most frequent allergic reaction in the United States, affecting up to 50 million people annually.

The appearance of poisonous plants:

You can find Poisonous plants spread throughout the United States. Each variety has its distinctive appearance.
Poison ivy: The leaves of poison ivy are the most prominent part of the plant. There are three leaflets on each leaf. “Leaves of three, let them be,” as the saying goes. Ivy can be found as a plant or a vine. Its green leaves turn red in the springtime and yellow, orange, or red in the autumn. Ivy bushes are commonly found near white berries.
Poison oak: The leaves, like ivy, have three leaves with rounded tips. The undersides of the leaves are fluffy and lighter colored than the tops. Poison oak is a shrub that grows in the wild. It’s particularly widespread in the United States western states. The plant bears white or yellow berries on occasion.
Poison sumac: Green berries droop from the branches of this tall shrub or small tree. (Sumacs with nonpoisonous fruit have crimson, white berries.) Nonpoisonous sumacs will not create an allergic reaction. Either leaf has seven to thirteen smooth leaflets grouped in pairs on each side. Poison sumac grows well in moist, swampy areas.

Who is susceptible to poison ivy rash?

When exposed to urushiol, almost everyone develops a poison ivy rash. If you have one of these jobs or interests, you’re more likely to come into contact with these deadly plants:

• Camper or hiker.
• Farmer or gardener.
• Groundskeeper or landscaper.
• Forestry worker.
• Forest firefighter.
• House painter.

Poison Ivy signs and symptoms:

Approximately half of those who come into contact with urushiol develop poison ivy dermatitis symptoms. The symptoms and severity differ from person to person. The following are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of poison ivy dermatitis:

• Skin swelling and blisters.
• Skin redness.
• Intense itching.
• Itchy skin rash.
• Redness and swelling.

These symptoms typically appear four hours to four days following urushiol exposure. After early symptoms, people with allergies get liquid lesions in a line or streak-like pattern. If you have never been exposed to Urushiol before, the symptoms will become worse between 1 to 14 days of touching the plant, but they can take up to 21 days to appear if you have never been exposed to it. Blisters can appear at various times for different people; for example, arm blisters may appear several days after hand blisters.
This does not imply that the reaction spreads from one body part to the next. The rash is not spread by the fluid that spills from blisters. Dermatitis caused by poison ivy is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another. On the other hand, Urushiol can be carried under fingernails and on clothing, causing poison ivy dermatitis in anyone who comes into contact with it.

Poison Ivy diagnoses:

The appearance of the rash caused by poison ivy is frequently used to diagnose it. In most cases, additional testing isn’t required. According to a study, going to the emergency room for poison ivy dermatitis costs three times as much as an urgent care facility or a doctor’s office. Your doctor will examine the rash, analyze your symptoms, and ask questions to determine if you’ve come into contact with a dangerous plant.
Aside from poisonous plants, other allergens and irritants can cause contact dermatitis or an itchy rash. Your healthcare physician will want to rule out other skin disorders or reasons if you haven’t been outside or in contact with plants.

Poison Ivy Treatment:

Without therapy, poison ivy dermatitis usually goes away in one to three weeks. The following therapies can help relieve the itching, soreness, and discomfort produced by poison ivy dermatitis:

• Skin Treatment: Adding oatmeal to a bath, applying cool, wet compresses, and applying calamine lotion to the skin may help ease itching for some people. Astringents including aluminum acetate (Burrow’s solution) and Domeboro may help reduce the rash once the blisters start weeping fluid.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines are ineffective in treating poison ivy dermatitis. Some antihistamines cause sleepiness, whereas others don’t. The antihistamines that make you sleepy (e.g., diphenhydramine [example brand name Benadryl]) can help you ignore the itch while you sleep, but the quality of sleep is poor, and patients scratch just as much during the night as they would if they weren’t taking one.
• Steroid creams: If administered within the first few days after the onset of symptoms, steroid creams may be beneficial. Low-potency steroid creams, such as 1% hydrocortisone (available without a prescription in the US), are frequently ineffective. Stronger prescription steroid creams may be beneficial, but they are more expensive and less effective than taking steroid pills or getting an injection.
• Steroid pills or injections: You may need steroid pills (e.g., prednisone) or injections (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide, budesonide) to alleviate itching and swelling if you have severe symptoms or the rash covers a significant area (particularly on the face or genitals). Typically, pills are taken for 14 to 21 days, with the dosage gradually decreasing over time. The rash and itching are likely to return when taking tablets for less than 14 days.
• Antibiotics: Poison ivy can cause skin diseases, especially if you scratch it. If ivy dermatitis causes skin infection, antibiotics may be required to treat the illness. Many bacteria are resistant to over-the-counter topical antibiotic treatments, which are one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis that plants do not cause.
• Other treatments: Antihistamine creams and lotions, as well as anesthetic creams containing benzocaine and antibiotic creams containing neomycin or bacitracin, should not be applied to the skin. These lotions or ointments may aggravate the rash.

Tips for Prevention:

Garden equipment and gloves should be washed regularly. Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into boots, and impermeable gloves if you suspect you’ll be working with ivy. It should be washed if your pet has come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Wear rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, and use pet shampoo and water.
Ivy does not affect most pets, but the oil can attach to their fur and induce an allergic reaction in people who pet them. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, wash your skin with soap and cool water as quickly as possible. The sooner you scrub your skin, the better your chances of removing the plant oil or preventing its spread.

Gardner is a small city in Johnson County, Kansas, in the United States. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of about 23,287. It is situated southwest of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Weather:
The average temperature for the year is 22°F–90°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 5°F or rising above 99°F. The summer season starts on June 1 and lasts till September 16, and the average high temperature remains above 80°F. July is measured as the hottest month of the year and the average temperature remains at 89°F as an average high and 69°F as an average low.
The period of the winter season is 3 months, which starts on the 27th of November and lasts till the 26th of February with an average temperature below 49°F. January is considered the coldest month of the year, with the highest average temperature of 40°F and the lowest average temperature of 22°F.

Summer Activities in Scorching hot weather of Kansas

The summers in Kansas are rainy, muggy, and hot. Too many people are not fond of such hot and humid weather. Nearly two weeks will be too hot to work outside safely in the upcoming few decades due to climate change every summer. A new study suggests that rapid actions are needed to stop that number of treacherously hot days from doubling. Due to this climate change, the summer season is gradually getting wetter and hotter in Kansas because of rising global temperatures. People working outdoors are at increased risk of sicknesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion due to the increasing temperature.
So, during such drastic weather conditions, people try to find some relief by adapting to the weather. They tend to find something different to do to help them combat such harsh weather conditions. There are too many activities to do that will keep them occupied enough to feel the weather less. Many activities are categorized separately for children, young people, and elderly citizens.

Activities for Kids:

Throw a backyard water party:
It’s OK If you cannot afford a swimming pool for your children, Using water hoses, the backyard of your home can be turned into a fun yard. You can play with your children by sprinkling water on each other with the help of hoses. It will keep children’s minds occupied and their bodies cool, and the intensity of the weather will not affect them too much.
Test out some frozen treats:
Keeping your children hydrated is extremely important during the year’s hottest months. Going to the store and buying children’s refreshments is no fun. It will be exciting and a treat for children to let them go to the kitchen to make something according to their understanding. Plus, you can govern the health aspects of the delicacies by determining what children can put in them.
Squash or blend the fruits of your desire by adding some honey, juice, fruit pulp, or sweetener of your preference as a choice, and place the mixture in ice-pop molds and put them in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can make it more exciting by adding cut grapes or some other fruit to the mixture as you fill the molds. Your children will love these, mainly because they made them themselves. Another excellent delicacy to make is “greater-Ade,” a healthier form of the widespread sports drink Gatorade.
Explore Water Beads:
Very soft and made up of polymer, water beads are fun for not only children but also for adults. Water beads are so tiny, but when you put them in water, they absorb and gradually grow in size (after many hours) and turn into soft, round, elastic balls. Water beads can increase in size as they absorb the water. Keep them in a plastic vessel and let your children play with them; you will see how happy they are.
Host a Water-Balloon Fight:
It’s incredible to see how hundreds of water balloons and a group of children can keep everyone calm and active, and at the end of the day, everyone is tired but amused. Children are such beautiful creatures that they never let you get bored and delight you with their innocent acts.
Have a picnic at a local or a state park:
Take your kids to a local or state park along with refreshments. Make sure that you find a shady spot. Children will like this group activity. Make sure that kids stay hydrated as they play their games. These exercises keep you and your children’s minds occupied, which will help release any stress, and it is also helpful if someone has anxiety due to bad weather.
Visit a swimming pool:
Many community centers and parks have swimming pools. Search for areas that have swimming pools and take your kids to swim. Your kids will enjoy it like they are at some party, and if you take something to drink and eat, then it will be icing on the cake. Swimming is a very healthy activity, especially for children. You will kill two birds with one stone.
Summer Activities for adults:
Visit a casino:
Casinos can be found everywhere nowadays. They are always kept cool during the summer to make you feel comfortable. Casinos have many facilities like shopping stores, movie theatres if you want to watch a movie, restaurants where you can eat your favorite foods, bars, and musical groups. You don’t need to follow any dressing code, so you are allowed in casual dress. You can carry your laptop with you, some magazine or book, or spend your day trying your luck at card games, slots or tables, or shopping to acquire your favorite items from a shopping mall.
The Museums:
You can go to museums to study history. The museum is a fascinating place to improve your knowledge. Many people don’t show interest in visiting museums, which, in my opinion, is feeble thinking. Visiting museums increases your understanding of history and, being an exciting activity, keeps your nerves calm, which helps in decreasing the stress caused by extreme weather.
The Movies:
High-budget or A-class movies are often released during the summer, and this season is famous for blockbuster movies. You can choose any day of the week whenever you get the opportunity. Take a friend or gather a group of friends and watch your favorite movie or the box office’s top-grossing movie. Watch some movies that are in the top 20 at the box office. It doesn’t matter which film you prefer to watch; go to the cinema or theatre and refresh your mind by watching some interesting movie.
Libraries:
Hundreds of books are being published worldwide. The flow of information has increased tremendously, and this data is being processed and printed daily. This century has given humanity breakthroughs in every field. New books are being added weekly to libraries, and there is always something going on at a library. So, visit their website and check when new books or journals are being added, and also see the monthly schedule of activities. You can attend a library workshop or a book club, and you can also read a journal of your choosing or write in a journal.
Bowling and Billiards:
Bowling or billiards are indoor and exciting games. These games keep your mind occupied with a single-play plan with reasonable skill. Being indoor games, you can play these games as long as you have leisure time without worrying about hot and humid weather. Bowling and playing pool with your friends is a good idea, so call out your friends and take them to the pool halls. You can make it a monthly or weekly activity outing. Some bowling halls also have restaurants in the vicinity.
Summer Activities for Senior Citizens:
Visit an Ice Cream or Coffee Shop:
Ice cream and coffee shops are famous for spending some time. These restaurants allow laptop users, book readers, and newspaper readers to buy a cup of coffee, ice cream sundae, soup, or salad and let them stay for hours. These places are also very famous amongst business people for setting up meetings. These places are informal, the environment is very relaxing and calm, and an essential factor is that these places are cheap. Such sites are very favorable for senior citizens to spend time without being affected by heat.
Gardening:
The best time for gardening is early in the morning. It is suitable for seniors and keeps them fit. Soil absorbs water, and plants get light all day for their nourishment.
Golfing:
The best time for golfing is early morning or evening when the golf stadium is not crowded and the temperature is favorable. The administration may also offer shaded golf carts and a calm and clean environment in the clubhouse to rest.
Walking:
A short walk early in the morning or late evening keeps you healthy and active and helps you avoid the summer heat. It is necessary to take a bottle of water with you so that you can keep yourself hydrated.
Indoor Swimming:
Swimming is an excellent activity for seniors. It is a healthy activity that does not involve the risk of falling or being injured; it is also an indoor activity that keeps them cool and healthy.
Take a Class:
Take classes in local community centers or senior centers of your own choice. Assess your nature to determine the field you are interested in, like investing, acting, or any other activity.
Playing Board Games:
Board games are necessary to maintain mental health and keep you indoors, which is very helpful in avoiding the sun’s scorching heat, and you can spend your afternoon indoors.
Summer fun activities are not limited to the tasks mentioned above but also include cooking, reading, dancing, and watching movies. These activities are also indoor, which helps you cope with the summer weather and its deadly hotness. The main objective of these activities is to keep senior citizens safe from heat and boredom because senior citizens are most affected by such weather conditions.
Summer activities are necessary for all age groups because climate change affects global weather, and the average temperature is rising gradually. This climate change can affect your physical and mental health and make you grumpy. That’s why these summer activities should be regarded as must-to-do tasks every summer so that you can fight against the effects of climate change and keep your physical and mental health in check and stay healthy.

How to Calm Your Climate Anxiety

Anxiety over climate change | How to cope with constantly changing weather

Environmentally responsible people are a unique bunch. We’re consistently on the lookout for signs of climate change and we freak out about plastic in the ocean. But it’s not all bad — our eco-anxiety can be a positive force.
Eco-anxiety is what happens when you get so caught up in the guilt-inducing spray of mainstream media that you start to worry about everything, says Robert Boice, co-author of “The Handbook of Nature Study” and a naturalist with the Philadelphia Zoo.
Boice and other environmental psychologists say eco-anxiety is an extension of our natural empathy, which is why many environmentally conscious people are also activists who want to make changes to save the world.
“People who are high on eco-anxiety feel a personal responsibility for nature,” says Meredith Goren, author of “What’s Up with Our Weather?”
These feelings often go hand in hand with the belief that there are simple fixes for climate change if only the world would use less plastic, drive less fuel or turn down their thermostats — or at least understand their impact on the planet.
We’re not just talking about the weather in terms of how to dress when it’s hot, cold, wet, or snowy, but more about how this current climate shift is impacting our overall well-being.
The fact that we are also experiencing increasing eco-anxiety is something that can’t be ignored as we consider what we buy and how we consume on a daily basis.
There are a number of factors making us nervous about the future, including wildfires, heat waves, and hurricanes. However, stewing or ignoring the problem will not make anything better.
After the Woolsey Fire on November 8, 2018, 53-year-old Greg Kochanowski drove past his own street in the Santa Monica Mountains without recognizing it.
His Seminole Springs neighborhood had been ravaged by the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history, with more than half the homes being destroyed. A moonscape remained, he said – ash and char, black and gray.
He was traumatized by the loss of his home. However, his sense of orientation was shaken by the loss of his own neighborhood, Kochanowski recalled, and he began having existential concerns about climate change. His 14-year-old daughter’s future now fills him with anxiety.
He said. “What kind of world will Ava grow up in? What about when she reaches my age? Is Southern California uninhabitable then?
Kochanowski’s anxiety is a sentiment called climate anxiety, which includes anger, worry, and insecurity associated with a warming world.
According to a recent report from the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London, climate change threatens mental health. High temperatures are related to depressive language and higher suicide rates. Fires, hurricanes, and heatwaves can cause psychological trauma and depression.
According to Trevor Riggen, who runs the Red Cross’ domestic disaster programs, climate-driven disasters have forced volunteers to stay in the field for months rather than weeks. As a result of climate change, he noted that the Red Cross has been shifting from immediate trauma to more chronic conditions that require additional mental health interventions.
Climate anxiety is particularly crippling for young people, who are frustrated by those older than them. Despite their attempts, people do not understand how we are changing the planet, said Adah Crandall, a 16-year-old activist in Portland, Oregon. “The inaction of adults in the past has left me fearful for my future.”
Kochanowski now sees his neighbors’ faces as they become anxious as the humidity drops. Summer days last longer than other times of the year, and dewy, cool mornings are rare. A lot of the time, he wonders if they should move on.
“You realize there are forces greater than yourself that are beyond your control,” he said. “It leaves you feeling helpless after that.”
As for Andi Poland, 49, a technical recruiter who lives near Denver, she also feels anxious, sad, and dreaded about living on a hotter planet. She said, “I am glad I am short for this planet.”. “I believe I have one-third of my life left. That is all the time I have, and I am not upset about it.”
According to a recent article in The Lancet, climate anxiety may be the crucible through which humanity must pass in order to harness the energy and conviction required for the lifesaving changes we need right now.

You have every right to be concerned about climate change.

Merritt Juliano, a therapist in Westport, Conn., and the co-president of the Climate Psychology Alliance North America, says that anxiety is a rational response to climate change. It shouldn’t be a source of concealment or a source of neglect.
Ms. Juliano stressed that emotions are not something that can be fixed. Rather than ignore climate concerns, people need to identify them and understand why they exist. It makes us stronger to embrace them.”

It is crucial to stay connected to others.

Over half of 1,000 respondents to a survey by the American Psychiatric Association expressed concern about the impact of climate change on mental health. Britt Wray, a Stanford University postdoctoral fellow studying climate change and mental health, says you don’t need to endure a hurricane to experience climate anxiety. Reading about catastrophic flooding in Germany, facing a longer mosquito season in Pennsylvania, or seeing orcas disappear from Puget Sound can all trigger a deeper emotional response to climate change.
“No matter what our status or experience is, we can all reach out at arm’s length and touch it,” said Dr. Wray.
People who don’t talk about anxiety can suffer depression, as the pandemic has shown, Dr. Lertzman said.
People from across the country and throughout the world are gathering in informal gatherings called climate cafes to discuss the climate crisis. Some groups combine their community work with action.
Through a 10-step process outlined at weekly meetings, the nonprofit Good Grief Network offers support for climate distress. Participants commit to “reinvest in meaningful efforts” at the conclusion of the process.
After attending Good Grief meetings, Bradley Pitts, a 43-year-old artist, says he and his wife have shifted personal choices toward mitigating the effects of climate change in response to their emotions. The couple bought an old farm in upstate New York and are regenerating it into meadows and forests.
When facing climate anxiety, Pitts remarked, “Sitting on the sidelines is not an option.”

In times of anxiety, action is the antidote.

Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg, executive director of Good Grief Network, said the organization doesn’t see any single strategy as a silver bullet against climate anxiety. To be successful, you need to do things that mean something to you, and that reflect your internal shift in perspective.
When it comes to energy efficiency, people often think of turning off the lights. However, using a clothes dryer consumes as much electricity as running a standard LED bulb for 13 days.
Ms. Sacha, 17, is a senior at Manhasset High School; she had her first anxiety attack in 2018 after reading that greenhouse pollution must be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 to prevent dangerous 2.7 degrees of warming.
“It is not in my power to make things happen on a global scale, she said. “But you can make a difference in your own backyard.”
ISeeChange, a community platform for observing climate change, encourages volunteers to record observations online. The participants in New Orleans used storm-water data to show flooding effects outside of expected models. Local officials redirected nearly $5 million in federal funding towards building a larger storm-water detention tank for one low-income community.
Be persistent in whatever you do.
In fact, what fuels your anxiety – your imagination – is also your most powerful weapon against it, according to Dr. Wray.
The Woolsey Fire and the anxiety that followed changed Kochanowski’s perspective. Known as a landscape architect, he is creating a laboratory that will promote more radical climate-adaptive building and design.
Over the past 20 years, fire has forced Kochanowski’s family to evacuate three times from the oak woodlands and chaparral that surround his home. Their neighborhood is their home, and they hope they can help adapt it to the new climate reality.
They rebuilt using non-combustible materials and defensible spaces. In front of their new home, they planted a flowering tipu tree, which can produce a canopy of shade within just a few years. In his words, “we won’t be defeated by this thing”.
This is the reason why Urgent Care of Kansas exists; to help people overcome their anxiety and be happier in general with their health and the environment. Often when people experience seasonal anxiety, it can lead to other illnesses like autoimmune disorders, depression, and allergies so it’s best to address the root cause of the problem. The issue of climate anxiety is something that’s never been talked about. I’ve noticed more and more people have been coming into the clinic and complaining about it, especially in the last couple of years. The truth is, people are worried about their health and the environment, and confiding in us helps them understand that there is something to be done about it.
Choosing a natural approach to better health and improved environmental conditions is a direct positive effect we can all make as individuals. We can start taking proactive steps to live healthier lives.

Seasonal Allergies

Hay fever is the more common name for allergies that occur in specific seasons. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, approximately 8% of Americans suffer from these conditions.
Pollen, such as hay or grass pollen, can trigger overreacting immune systems, leading to hay fever. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts to an allergen. Trees, grasses, and weeds often have pollen released in the wind, which causes allergies. Unlike pollen from wind-pollinated plants, pollen from insect-pollinated plants is too heavy to remain in the air for long, making them less likely to trigger allergies.
The term “hay fever” refers to the hay-cutting season. The activity was historically associated with the summer when many people experienced symptoms.
It’s less common for seasonal allergies to occur during the winter, but allergic rhinitis can occur yearly. Each type of plant releases its pollen at a different time. It is possible to experience hay fever during different seasons, depending on your allergies and where you live. A reaction can also occur to indoor allergens, such as mold or pet dander.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Mild to severe seasonal allergies are common.
Here are some of the most common:

• Eyes that are watery and itchy
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Sneezing
• Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
• Postnasal drainage
• Ear congestion

Symptoms that are less common include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Headache
• Coughing

A large number of people with hay fever have asthma as well. In people with both asthma and hay fever, seasonal allergens can cause asthma attacks.

Causes of seasonal allergies

The ordinarily harmless airborne particles that cause hay fever are interpreted as dangerous by your immune system. A substance, or allergen, triggers the body to release histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream. In response to those chemicals, allergic reactions occur.

Spring

The most common cause of springtime allergies is trees. Several people who suffer from hay fever react to the pollen of birch trees, which is common in northern latitudes. Among the other allergenic trees in North America are cedar, alder, horse chestnut, willow, and poplar.

Summer

Hay fever is an illness associated with the cutting of hay, which falls during the summer months. However, certain grasses, such as ryegrass and timothy grass, and certain weeds are the main culprits of summertime seasonal allergies.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, people with hay fever are most likely to be affected by grass.

Fall

Autumn is the time for ragweed to bloom. Ambrosia is the genus name for ragweed, and there are more than 40 species worldwide. Generally, they grow in temperate climates of North and South America. It’s challenging to control these invasive plants. Ragweed allergies can have particularly severe symptoms because their pollen is prevalent.
Plantains, nettles, mugworts, sorrels, and fat hens also drop pollen during the fall.

Winter

The majority of outdoor allergens lie dormant during winter. Many people with hay fever find relief due to the cold weather. As a result, people are spending more time indoors. You may react to indoor allergens such as mold, pet dander, dust mites, or cockroaches if you have seasonal allergies.
It is often easier to get rid of indoor allergens than outdoor pollens. Below are a few tips that will help get rid of common allergens in your home:

• Make sure your bedding is washed once a week in boiling water.
• Use allergen-proof covers for your bedding and pillows.
• Rugs and upholstered furniture should be removed.
• Do not let your children keep stuffed toys in their rooms.
• Ensure that water leaks are repaired and that any water damage is cleaned up. Mold and pests grow in humid environments.
• Make sure to clean moldy surfaces and places where mold may form, such as humidifiers, swamp coolers, air conditioners, and refrigerators.
• Reduce excess moisture by using a dehumidifier.

Some common triggers of hay fever vary from season to season.

Diagnosing seasonal allergies

The hay fever symptoms are usually easier to diagnose than those of other allergies. Seasonal allergic rhinitis describes seasonal allergy symptoms that appear only during certain times of the year. As part of your diagnosis, your doctor might also perform a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat.
In most cases, allergy testing isn’t required. It doesn’t matter which allergen you react to when you have allergic rhinitis; you will likely receive the same treatment.
Treating seasonal allergies
Avoiding allergens that trigger your symptoms is the best way to treat hay fever and year-round allergic rhinitis. Medications may also treat hay fever symptoms. Other treatments may also be used.
Avoidance
You can avoid seasonal allergens by taking the necessary steps. When the weather gets hot in the summer, use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter rather than a ceiling fan. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and check your local weather network for pollen forecasts. In seasons when you are prone to hay fever:

• Do not leave your windows open
• Avoid spending too much time outside
• Dust masks are a good idea when you’re out, especially on windy days

Smoking can exacerbate hay fever symptoms, so it’s essential to avoid it.
Medication
Alternative treatments are available if you can’t avoid your allergens, such as:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and combination medications containing acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine are available over-the-counter for sinus congestion and allergies.
• A steroid nasal spray is an example of prescription medication.

Your doctor may prescribe allergy shots if your condition is severe.
Immunotherapy helps your immune system become desensitized to allergens.
Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion are some of the side effects of allergy medication.

Alternative treatments

• There have been very few studies on alternative treatments for hay fever. The following are alternative treatments that may be helpful for some people:
  • quercetin, a flavonoid that gives fruits and vegetables color
  • Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a “friendly” bacteria
  • Blue-green algae called spirulina
  • A vitamin with antihistamine properties is vitamin C

  The effectiveness of these alternative treatments needs to be investigated further.
  The takeaway
  Allergic reactions to seasonal pollen can be uncomfortable. Speak to your doctor if you think you may have seasonal allergies. You can ask them to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe a treatment plan. Your doctor will likely encourage you to avoid your allergy triggers if you have allergies. Additionally, they may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.

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Why Mental Health is crucial to well-being

At Urgent Care of Kansas, we believe in the importance of mental well-being and overcoming difficult barriers to a happier life. Our providers have collaborated with a licensed counselor to provide you with the best possible care. Patients need sustained support, especially in these current times, so we are prepared to help you in any way we can. We accept patients of all ages and specialize in many varying behavioral health issues.

Why is Mental well-being important?

Mental health affects everyone’s day-to-day life in a number of ways. This includes your emotional, psychological as well as social well-being. It’s part of what aids us in our decision-making, how we think, feel, and act. It can also relate to increased feelings of stress and our handling of it.
This increased amount of stress can then cause the following:

• Changes in appetite, energy, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating as well as decision making
• Difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and having nightmares
• Feelings of fear, sadness, frustration, anger, or numbness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Headaches or aches and pains that won’t go away.

Suicidal thoughts or attempts Learning to cope and find better healthy ways to work around the daily tasks of life, will better equip you in dealing with your health.
It’s a very natural thing to go through periods of stress, anxiety, grief, or worry, especially with the pandemic.

Here are some healthy ways to help you cope:

Reach out to a mental health counselor when things can be too much. It’s okay to seek advice and guidance from a health professional.

• Taking care of your body; deep breaths, stretching or meditating
• Eating well-balanced meals
• Exercising regularly
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Take breaks; whether it’s personal, work, or even technology breaks
• Get help when you feel you can’t handle it alone

These feelings and emotions are no easy thing to deal with, which is why you can always reach out to make an appointment with us. Helping others to feel less lonely or isolated with their problems is what our professionals are here for, and why we have a mental health counselor available for your care!
We have expert level behavioral health, specialists working hand in hand with our physicians and medical professionals to deliver optimal psychological care. We offer many different therapies as well as treatment options.
You deserve the right care, right now, here at the Urgent Care of Kansas.

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