Search Results for: tylenol

Our COVID Conundrum…Did We Have It or Not?

Setting: Beautiful small town, high up in the Colorado mountains, where we’ve been very much isolated and socially distanced in our home for several weeks…except that ONE day, six days earlier, when our older daughter and I had our “big outing”. After dropping off my husband at the small town airport, we made a quick Target run, ate lunch outside of a restaurant in another small town (sitting at an isolated table), and in the process, used two public restrooms, including the highly trafficked one at the airport. We wore cloth masks the whole time except while eating, and sanitized … Read more

The COVID Grab Bag- What to Pack!

Last month, while doing a podcast with the AMAZING Your Empty Nest Coach, Christine, she asked what I thought belonged in a COVID “Go” Bag- like the bag you have ready to grab when you are extremely pregnant and ready for the hospital. While most of the items are common sense, having a checklist will help you be sure you have everything you need before you head off to quarantine (or to the hospital.)  I love that Christine created this printable check list with everything we discussed!

Let me HIGHLIGHT a few items:

Health Insurance Card– your student should … Read more

The Best 2020 College First Aid Kit

Ten years ago, I blended my craft-loving, Girl Scout leader “always be prepared” skills with my family medicine physician experience to create a practical high school graduation gift- a college first aid kit. That first kit had basic  essentials for cuts and colds, a thermometer, an ACE wrap, and a few assorted remedies for seasonal allergies, migraines, and heartburn.  I stuck a little index card inside that had a few tips about when to use what (like Tylenol vs Advil). Each year, I added more items and instructions, as our friends’ kids began using these kits and texting me for … Read more

Worried about Sending Your Kid to College During COVID?

SendingKidsBackToCollegeDuringCovid

Anxious about sending your child off to college in the midst of a pandemic? You’re not alone! Whether this is your first (or only) kid to fly the nest, or perhaps your very last “baby” leaving,  COVID19 concerns may be lurking in your brain or keeping you up at night. If so, read on, because I’m sharing my answers to a bunch of parent questions and concerns brought to me by Suzy Mighell, creator and founder of the popular blog and lifestyle brand EmptyNestBlessed.

 

  • Should I be worried about COVID and sending my child back to a college campus
… Read more

What’s This Little White Pill?

“Stray” pills are unfortunately a thing. Rogue pills escape off the counter and roll to the floor. Others hide in the depths of our backpacks (purses, jacket pockets, etc.), and many of us actually create these strays by tossing vitamins, decongestants, or prescription meds into one of those convenient little travel-sized bottles of Advil or Tylenol to save room and carry with us. (Side note- really best not to do this, particularly with prescription medications. And especially if you are flying. Imagine explaining your drug stash to the TSA.)

But what if you legitimately forgot which pill is which, … Read more

College Student Health Quiz – Question 4

College Student Health Quiz

4. What does it mean if you feel feverish, but your temperature is below normal (< 98.6°)?

A. Your thermometer is broken
B. You have a “cold” or other viral infection
C. You ate or drank something cold within 10 minutes of taking your temperature
D. The Advil® or Tylenol® that you took is working
E. Any or all of the above

Get the answer to Question Four

… Read more

College Student Health Quiz – Answer 1

College Student Health Quiz

1. When is it better to take ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®) versus acetaminophen (Tylenol®)?

ANSWER: E. All of the above

Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) is a Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that can reduce fevers, plus decrease pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works through different pathways to lower fevers and reduce pain, but does not do anything to decrease swelling/inflammation. Head to head, Ibuprofen works better than Tylenol for all of these scenarios, UNLESS you have any bleeding problems, stomach irritation or kidney issues, because NSAIDs like ibuprofen can make those issues worse. And vice-versa, Tylenol® can adversely affect the liver, but does not mess … Read more

Flu Tests 101

Flu season is in full force. If you have high fevers, intense headaches, screaming muscles, razor blade throat pain and/or a wicked cough, should you go get a flu test? How reliable are these rapid tests anyway?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you have flu symptoms and a POSITIVE rapid flu test (from a swab lovingly probed up inside your nose), YOU HAVE INFLUENZA. These positive tests are extremely accurate- typically 98-99%. This means they are very SPECIFIC tests- if the test says you have flu, there is a 98% chance that you really do have the flu, so … Read more

Summer Travel First Aid Kit

Packing up for your summer vacation? If you are driving, may I suggest you prioritize finding a small space (maybe under the passenger seat as above) to stash a first aid kit? If you already keep one in your car (hello, fellow soccer/dance/volleyball moms!) then let this be your reminder to pull that kit out of your car, CHECK EXPIRATION DATES, and replenish all your used up supplies.

What’s in my kit? Although I will confess my kit is over-stocked with “extras”, here is my basic essentials Top Ten First Aid Kit List:

  1. Ibuprofen (trade name Advil/Motrin)- for headaches, muscle
… Read more