Dr. Grimes’ Bottom Line – Page 16

Rocky Mountain HIGH…Altitude Sickness

June 19, 2018December 16, 2015

Going skiing for winter break? Mountains are my favorite destination, but…please remember that the high altitude can come with medical challenges. Be aware of signs and symptoms of “mountain sickness” (aka. altitude sickness) and if you are susceptible to this issue, look closely at ski resort altitudes- there is a wide variation.

HOW HIGH do you have to be for altitude sickness?

There is not a set elevation for typical mountain vacations that affects everyone. Symptoms are uncommon at altitudes below 5000 feet above sea level, and fairly common above 8000 feet. If you fly to a higher elevation … Read more

Was My Rapid Flu Test Accurate?

June 17, 2018November 20, 2015

In primary care offices, we do many types of rapid testing to help us diagnose and treat patients – pregnancy tests, urine tests for infection, rapid strep tests, and of course, rapid flu tests. The accuracy of these tests definitely vary by category. Since we are entering FLU season, this post specifically addresses the Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs).

If a rapid flu test is POSITIVE, it is EXTREMELY accurate- 98-99%. This means they are very SPECIFIC tests- if it says you have it, you have a 98% chance that you really do have the flu, so the likelihood of … Read more

Roll a Mile in Someone Else’s Wheels

June 19, 2018November 4, 2015

We’ve all heard the expression “to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” but this past month at Anderson High School in Austin, TX, students and faculty were given a very unique opportunity to “roll a mile in someone else’s wheels” through the Wheelchair Challenge. For one school day, participants committed to spending the day in a wheelchair. (A $20 donation was required to nominate a participant or self-volunteer. Those people nominated had the choice to participate or “buy out” for another $20.) The purpose of this program is two-fold: one, to raise awareness about disabilities, and two, to raise … Read more

2015 Flu Vaccine “Cattle Call”

June 19, 2018October 24, 2015

BEVO says, “Healthy Horns get Flu Shots!”

Attention Longhorns, Aggies, and everyone else, flu season is upon us, so it’s time for your annual flu vaccine. UT students – we have completed our large flu vaccine clinics, but now you may schedule an appointment at UHS to receive your shot.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) continues to recommend annual flu vaccines for everyone over the age of six months.

What is different this year?

Last year, the vaccine was not a great match for the strain that ended up dominating … Read more

Newly Diagnosed Cancer? Here is Your “What to Expect” Book

June 19, 2018October 15, 2015

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but every month is the right time for preventative medicine (schedule that physical and mammogram!) For me, this is a milestone year, with daily Facebook reminders that my high school classmates are turning the big 5-0. As we start this wonderful “second half”of the game of life, more and more of us are facing the challenge of a cancer diagnosis.

As a family doctor, I have too often seen the deer-in-the-headlights look on my patient’s face as I shared the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis. Each time, I feel like time stops … Read more

Mammograms, Breasts and Exams…oh My!

June 19, 2018October 2, 2015

Thinking PINK? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink ribbons are popping up on everything from restaurants and t-shirts to football socks. I love that as a community, we can rally around a cause to raise not only awareness, but also much needed funds for research and support of those affected.

The American Cancer Society statistics reveal that here in the United States, over 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during 2015, and sadly, over 40,000 women will likely lose their lives to this disease. The good news is detection methods continue to improve, allowing these cancers … Read more

What about Aleve?

June 19, 2018September 23, 2015

On my Tylenol vs Advil blog post, I did not directly mention naproxen, better known by a trade name, Aleve. Do I have that in the first aid kit? Yes.

How is naproxen(Aleve) different than ibuprofen (Advil)?
Let’s start with how they are the SAME. Both are classified as “NSAIDs”, which means Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug. So both naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to decrease swelling and inflammation, and both will lower elevated body temperatures (fevers). The product insert explains that naproxen is indicated for the relief of pain and fever, including headaches, toothaches, muscle and back aches, arthritis … Read more

Tylenol vs. Advil

June 19, 2018September 17, 2015

Next into the First Aid kit should be a pain reliever/fever reducer…should you put in Advil* (meaning any brand of Ibuprofen) or Tylenol* (suggesting any brand of acetaminophen)?

Drum roll please…and the answer is BOTH.

Tylenol and Advil are two very different products that work in different pathways within the body. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Tylenol works in the central nervous system to block production of prostaglandins, a substance that plays a key role in pain and fever. Advil-type products (known collectively as Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs, NSAIDs) work in the peripheral as well … Read more

Antihistamines vs Decongestants

June 19, 2018September 8, 2015

Many people are confused about when to use an antihistamine vs a decongestant, which is not surprising since these medications both treat allergy symptoms, and in fact, are frequently put together in combination products. Here is a quick breakdown:

Antihistamines work “anti” (against) histamine, which is a chemical released in the body during an allergic response. Histamine causes itchy eyes, tearing, itchy nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drainage that creates scratchy or sore throats, as well as occasionally causing total skin itching or hives. Antihistamines, therefore, help decrease sneezing, dry up dripping noses, eyes and throats, and reduce hives.

Antihistamines may … Read more

College First Aid Kit

June 19, 2018September 3, 2015

Happy Fall 2015! I disappeared for the summer, as I finished writing the second edition of my first book (Seductive Delusions), as well as a series of medical articles for Livestrong.org. Since all of my patients are current college students, I thought I would share a series of posts about common health issues for otherwise healthy young adults. Pictured above is my favorite personalized gift for graduating high school seniors- a first aid kit, complete with my instructions for “when and how to use what” to feel better.

Let’s start with one very basic item that is … Read more