Doctors for USA WEEKEND

If you have food allergies, you know eating even a bit of your trigger food can cause a reaction, from mild (hives, itchy mouth) to severe (trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, even loss of consciousness). The only prevention: Avoid the trigger food. And that’s easier said than done.

In one of the latest efforts to manage food allergies, UCLA researchers created a portable device — still in prototype stage — that attaches to your smartphone and analyzes food right on the spot for allergens. Until that’s in the real world, here are some tips on avoiding allergens when you or loved ones are away from home:

Dining out: Talk to everyone and ask a lot of questions. Your server, the chef and even the restaurant manager should know about your food allergy. You should know exactly what’s in your dish and how it was prepared.

Explain cross-contact danger: Some studies say more than 20% of restaurant staffers think picking an allergen (nuts, for example) off a dish renders it safe. Your best bets: Order simple options (baked potato or steamed vegetables) and skip dessert (often a source of hidden allergens). Avoid buffets and fried foods, where cross-contact is high.

On a plane: Forget airline food (pack your own) and sanitize your seat and tray table. Passengers with nut allergies who took these precautions had significantly lower odds of a reaction, reports a new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Also, don’t use airline pillows or blankets and consider telling those seated nearby about your food allergy.

At camp: The number of kids who suffer from food allergies has increased dramatically in recent years, a new government report shows. Whether your little one is at day camp or away for the summer, give counselors and key personnel a written plan describing medications and instructions in case of a reaction.

Prep your youngsters to know which foods are safe (or aren’t), never to trade food, and when to alert an adult.

Always: Read labels carefully every time. Carry medication such as epinephrine.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels and psychologist Wendy Walsh. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.

Doctors for USA WEEKEND

Sit less. The advice is so simple that it sounds silly: A recent study of 63,000 middle-aged men found those who sat four hours or less daily were much less likely to have a chronic condition (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure) than those who sat more. Men who sat at least six hours day? They had greater risk for diabetes. If you have a desk job, make the effort to move more — pace while you’re on the phone, or walk to the farthest deli to buy lunch.

Don’t drive drowsy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1 in 24 adult drivers admit they recently fell asleep while driving. Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year; car crashes are the leading cause of fatal accidents among men; and up to 33% of deadly crashes involve drowsy drivers. Solution: Take a pit stop.

Eat fewer chips, more potatoes. Chips are super-salty; fresh spuds are packed with potassium: Three new studies show that reducing sodium while increasing potassium can significantly lower blood pressure and help prevent deaths from heart disease and stroke. Americans, on average, eat more than twice the sodium recommended by the American Heart Association. Surprisingly high in sodium: bread and rolls, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza and canned soups. Potassium sources: potatoes with skin, sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, tomatoes, lima beans, citrus fruits, bananas and cantaloupe.

Stop smoking and drink less alcohol. Men do both more than women. These habits contribute to heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, stroke. So quit.

Make a fist for memory. Need to remember your hardware-store shopping list? Clench your right fist for about 90 seconds before memorizing it; then when you get to the store, clench your left fist to recall the items. It may sound wacky, but a new study out of Montclair State University in New Jersey suggests fist-clenching activates brain regions associated with memory formation, and a right-left sequence worked best.

Do a mole check. Older men are more at risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Almost twice as many men than women will die from it this year — but when found early and treated, the cure rate is nearly 100%. Smartphone apps designed to detect cancerous moles are available, but many return inaccurate results, says JAMA Dermatology. Answer: Do old-fashioned (and thorough) self-exams, and visit a doctor if you see a mole different from the rest, with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or changing size, shape or color.

Ask about cell therapy for hair loss. It’s called platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and it’s a promising regeneration option. How it works: Doctors draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets, and inject it back into your scalp. Blood platelets contain growth factors that can help stimulate new hair, decrease thinning and make hair healthier.

Stock up on ice for sprains. If summer makes you play more sports, it’ll also up your odds for injury. Every day, 25,000 Americans sprain their ankles, accounting for almost half of all sports injuries. To treat a sprain, ice it at least three times a day, up to 20 minutes each time, for at least three days. The cold helps ease pain, swelling and stiffness. Rest your ankle, wrap it with an elastic bandage and elevate it above your heart (especially at night) until swelling eases.  

Be wary of herbal ED cures. Researchers in Pennsylvania recently tested 10 popular “natural” erectile dysfunction remedies they bought online and discovered sildenafil (Viagra’s active ingredient) or a similar compound in seven of the 10. That means you could be taking unknown levels of potent ingredients that have dangerous side effects, such as very low blood pressure.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels and psychologist Wendy Walsh. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.

Doctors for USA WEEKEND

Gluten-free foods line shelves in many supermarkets; they’re touted on restaurant menus. But the disorder at the root of this diet trend can be tough to diagnose.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten — a protein found in bread, pasta and lots of other wheat, barley and rye products — their body’s immune system reacts by attacking the lining of the small intestine, which damages its ability to absorb necessary nutrients. Roughly 1.8 million Americans have celiac disease, yet a recent study found most of them — about 1.4 million — don’t know it. That a big problem because, left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious complications, including malnutrition, osteoporosis and even raise your risk of some cancers.

For info that will help you recognize and manage the condition, read on: 

It’s hereditary. If you have relatives with celiac, consider getting tested. Also, if you already have an autoimmune condition — such as type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease — you’re more likely to develop another one, like celiac. FYI, the condition doesn’t discriminate between men and women, age or race, and there’s no known cause.

Symptoms vary. Celiac disease is associated with hundreds of symptoms, from diarrhea, stomach pain and bloating to less-expected ones including irritability, depression, fatigue, skin rash, weight loss, tingling in the legs and feet, even mouth sores and tooth discoloration. A new study found people with celiac appear to suffer from more migraines than people without it. In kids, delayed growth may indicate celiac. To make diagnosing even more challenging, some people have no symptoms at all.

Think you have it? If so, get a doctor’s appointment but don’t stop eating gluten — yet. As counter-intuitive as that sounds, the blood tests and biopsies used to diagnose celiac may appear normal after you eliminate gluten from your diet. Once diagnosed, then go gluten-free: That’s our only treatment for celiac disease. Avoid the protein, and your small intestine heals. (Scientists recently reported on the potential of a pill that could allow celiac sufferers to eat gluten-containing foods without symptoms, but much more research is needed.) You may also need vitamin and mineral supplements. Work with your doctor or dietitian to create a healthy gluten-free eating plan.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels and psychologist Wendy Walsh. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.

Doctors for USA WEEKEND

Myth: Achy wrists mean you’ve got it. In fact, many conditions, such as arthritis or tendinitis, could cause wrist and hand pain. Your doctor will take a history and do a physical exam to determine a diagnosis; he also may test nerves with electrical impulses.

Myth: It’s common in men. Actually, women are three times more apt to develop it. The reason may be anatomical: The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist; it’s bound by ligaments and bones and houses a main nerve and tendons. In women, the carpal tunnel may be small, so the slightest swelling, inflammation or pressure could compress the nerve and cause characteristic symptoms, including tingling or numbness (in all fingers except the pinkie), a burning pain in your arms or hands, and a weak grip.

Myth: Blame keyboards. Typing for hours may make your hand hurt, but researchers debate whether it’s a primary cause. The syndrome is linked to assembly-line work that requires prolonged or repeated flexing of the wrist (sewing, cleaning, meat-packing) and to vibrating hand tools. Other risk factors: diabetes, pregnancy, thyroid disorders and injuries.

Myth: You’ll need surgery. Not necessarily. Your doctor may first suggest rest breaks, cold packs and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. Next, you might wear a splint to immobilize the wrist, take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) or get corticosteroid injections. Surgery is generally recommended for severe, persistent symptoms that don’t respond to the more conservative solutions.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels and psychologist Wendy Walsh. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.

Doctors for USA WEEKEND

Don't read while you eat.

No watching TV either, or playing on your iPad, or doing anything that diverts attention from your dish — staying focused may help curb calories. Researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed two dozen previous studies of normal-weight people and found those whose who ate while distracted not only consumed more of the food in front of them, but even more of a later meal. Attentive eating could play a role in weight loss and maintenance. Of course, what you eat takes center stage: Choose fruits, vegetables and lean proteins; opt for low-fat dairy and whole-grain products; up your fiber intake; limit sugar; and drink lots of water.

Use your body as weights.

No need for high-tech gym equipment to get into shorts-and-tank-top shape: Push-ups, planks, lunges and other exercises that use your body as resistance work just as well, and they’re more popular than ever. This back-to-basics approach to muscle-strengthening emerged as a top fitness trend for 2013, according to a survey from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Body weight training doesn’t cost a dime, requires little or no gear, and can be done anywhere. Do it two or three times a week to tone muscles and help your body burn calories better; combine it with a regular cardio routine to boost energy and shed extra pounds. Talk to your doctor before starting any new workout routine; it’s also a good idea to try a class or see a personal trainer to learn new bodyweight training moves and make sure you’re using proper form.

Apply sunscreen, then bug spray.

The first helps protect you from the harmful ultraviolet rays that cause most of the 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed each year; the latter reduces exposure to mosquito bites that may carry viruses such as West Nile, which can cause serious illness. Use both, but be sure to put them on in the right order.

First, rub a generous amount of sunscreen into clean, dry skin before heading outdoors (choose one with broad-spectrum protection, an SPF of at least 30, and water-resistance). Give the sunscreen 15 minutes to fully absorb; then lightly mist your skin with insect repellant. DEET- and picaridin-based sprays typically provide the longest-lasting protection, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); if you prefer plant-based repellants, oil of lemon eucalyptus works longer than others.

The CDC does not recommend using all-in-one sunscreen and bug sprays, however, because the products are meant to be used differently: sunscreen, for example, needs to be reapplied about every two hours (or after swimming or sweating); repellant is typically re-sprayed only if you’re being bitten. Plus, some research suggests using sunscreen and bug sprays at the same time leads to an increased absorption of the pesticide.

Stock up on watermelon.

It’s a favorite hot-weather snack among nutrition experts, and for many good reasons: The refreshing fruit is 92% water (so it helps you stay hydrated) and it’s packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce risk of certain cancers.

Research suggests that when lycopene is combined with other carotenoids (like beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E), it may help protect against sunburn. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C (which boosts the immune system), vitamin A (good for eye health). A recent study suggests another of its compounds may promote heart health.

Chew less sugarless gum.

Go easy on hard candies, too — especially if you plan to hit the beach in a bikini. Gum and candy often contain sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, maltitol and xylitol) — sweeteners that are lower in calories than regular sugar, but when eaten in excess, could trigger bloating. Plus, the act of chewing (the gum) and sucking (the candy) will likely cause you to swallow extra air, which can build up in your stomach and intestines and boost belly pooch. Other ways to reduce bloating: Cut back on carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods such as baked beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, apples and peaches.

Know the signs of overheating.

Warm weather draws everyone — from kids to adults, casual walkers to extreme sport-ers — outdoors for some fun in the sun, but staying in too-hot weather for too long raises your risk of heat-related illness. Muscle cramps or profuse sweating may be an early indicator; nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, weakness and cold, clammy skin are all signs of heat exhaustion.

If you have any of these symptoms, move to a cooler spot, lie down and loosen your clothing, sip water and, if possible, apply cool, wet cloths to your body. Ignore the signs, and it may progress to heat stroke, a condition that occurs when your body temperature is greater than 104 degrees, resulting in hot, red skin, extreme confusion, irrational behavior and possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Shower before pool-swimming.

That’s right — before. The reason: to help keep disease-causing germs out of the water. A recent CDC report suggests one in three people think chlorine kills all germs instantly, but that’s not the case — some survive for days, even in well-maintained pools. Crypto (short for cryptosporidium) is one of those resilient germs — it’s the leading cause of swimming pool-related outbreaks of diarrhea, with reported cases on the rise, and swallowing just a little contaminated water can get you sick.

Rinsing off before diving in is one way to helps prevent the spread of germs; it’s also smart to take young kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers often, avoid getting pool water in your mouth, and skip the pool entirely if you have diarrhea. You can’t know for sure if a public pool is contaminated, but a strong chemical smell is not necessarily a good sign: Well-chlorinated pools have little or no odor, a potent smell indicates a maintenance problem. The water should also be clear enough for you to see the pool floor and the sides should not be sticky or slimy.

Soak scaly feet.

It’s the first step to getting cracked, callused heels and toes sandal-ready. Before bed, submerge your feet in warm water mixed with 4 Tbs. of olive oil for 20 minutes; then use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to thin that thickened skin and smooth rough patches. Rub feet with baby oil, then put on socks and hit the sack. In the morning, your feet with be softer, more supple, and ready to slip into your favorite summer shoes. One note: If flip flops are your first pick, choose a sturdy pair (if it folds in half, it’s no good), preferably made of soft leather (to minimize the risk of blisters), and make sure it fits well (so no part of your foot hangs off the edge). Flip flops are fine for the pool or at the beach, but don’t wear them to walk long distances becasue they offer limited shock absorption and arch support. For a list of brands approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, visit apma.org/flipfloptips.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels and psychologist Wendy Walsh. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.