When should I see a doctor about a bug bite?

Typical insect bites produce redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Signs of a more severe bug bite include hives, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, drainage, rashes, blisters, numbness, or skin discoloration. People with any of these bug bite symptoms should see a doctor.

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Heat wave hazards

Certain medications can leave people more vulnerable to heat-related effects or the sun’s rays. The medications can raise the risk of dehydration, make people sweat too much or too little, impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, or raise the risk of getting a bad sunburn. In addition, higher temperatures may damage some medicines, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, some antidepressants, thyroid replacement hormones, and some over-the-counter antihistamines.

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Feeling the heat

Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The primary reason is biological, as aging bodies can’t maintain a steady internal body temperature when external conditions change. Heart conditions and heart medications can add to the problem. Older adults can protect themselves from heat ailments by taking standard precautions during hot weather and recognizing the early symptoms of ailments so they can seek immediate treatment.

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Try this: Soothe those dry eyes

Many home remedies can soothe tired, dry eyes, such as applying warm compresses, taking regular breaks from electronics, staying hydrated, and using artificial tears. People who struggle using eye drops can try over-the-counter devices that make application easier.

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Get a lift from resistance training

National guidelines recommend at least two sessions of muscle-strengthening resistance training each week. Resistance training, also known as strength training, consists of upper- and lower-body exercises using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, or one’s own body weight. Resistance training offers an array of benefits, including increased muscle strength, improved heart health, stronger bones, better mobility, and greater brain function.

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Wake-up to managing poor sleep

Guidelines recommend at least seven hours of sleep nightly for most healthy adults. But instead of fixating on a specific number of hours, experts suggest people focus on how well they sleep, also known as sleep quality. Improving sleep quality starts with recognizing the factors contributing to poor sleep. One way is for people to keep a sleep diary for one to two weeks to record details of their sleep experience. Afterward, they can review the information to identify any patterns that may be affecting their sleep and make adjustments.

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