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Let’s talk health
Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed
to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
expert
I think I got pink eye frommy daughter.
What is the easiest way to treat it and do
I need to see a doctor?
With a mild case of pink eye, your eye will
be red with a goopy discharge, but your
vision will remain normal and you
shouldn’t be experiencing any pain or
swelling. For a mild case like this, E-Visits
are a great option to get treatment without
having to leave home or find a babysitter
for the kids. If you start to have swelling,
pain, decreased vision, fever, increased
tiredness or any other concerning
symptoms, you should make an
appointment to see your doctor in person.
Visit samhealth.org/MyChart to start your
online E-Visit appointment.
~ Somphone“Sam”Beasley, MD,
Samaritan Health Services E-Visit provider
My baby is experiencing bad diaper
rash. What causes this and what can I
do about it?
There are different problems that can
cause diaper rash, such as yeast and
allergies, but the majority of diaper rashes
are due to irritation. Moisture, friction and
changes in the skin’s acidity can lead to
skin breakdown and irritation. Before
calling your pediatrician, try changing
diapers frequently, keeping the area dry
and clean, washing with warm water and
baby soap, and allowing “diaper breaks.”
Over-the-counter barrier creams can help
reduce friction. If the rash does not
improve after two to three days, call your
baby’s doctor’s office.
~ Brianne Smith, DO, Samaritan Family
Medicine Resident Clinic – Geary Street
My 16-year-old son is constantly
listening to music with earbuds. It’s
like they are part of his head. He thinks
my concerns about hearing damage
are overblown, but I’m not sure.
Any guidelines?
Noise-induced hearing loss is increasing as
people use earbuds and headphones more
and more. It happens gradually and often
people do not realize they have done
permanent damage to their inner ears until
it is too late. Consider volume level and
length of time to safely use earbuds. A rule
of thumb is to listen at no more than 60
percent of the maximum volume for no
more than 60 minutes at a time. The longer
you use the earbuds to listen to music or
play video games, the lower the volume
should be. If the person sitting next to you
can hear your music, your hearing is being
damaged. Headphones that go over the
ears, especially high-fidelity or noise-
cancelling models, will help you resist the
urge to turn the music up louder. Signs of
noise-induced hearing loss are ringing,
buzzing or roaring in your ears after hearing
a loud noise and muffling or distortion of
sounds. If you experience these symptoms,
you should see your doctor.
~ Nancy Nelson, MD,
Samaritan Pediatrics – Circle Blvd.
Call Samaritan Health Services’ Find a
Doctor line at 1-800-863-5241 to find a
provider who is right for you.
Email
to submit your
questions for the experts at Samaritan
Health Services.
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