Citronelle AL What's Going Around - Dr. John Vanderwood
Dr. John Vanderwood
19140 South 3rd Street
Citronelle, AL
251.866-0086
http://www.setonmed.com/websites/SetonMedical/SetonMedical/Default.asp
Dr. John Van Derwood received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL in 1978. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Philosophy. He completed his Graduate Program from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL from 1978-1979 in Developmental Biology and Teratology. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, AL in 1983. He performed his Internship in General Surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke-Newwark, VA in 1984. Dr. Van Derwood completed his Family Practice Residency at Tuscaloosa Family Practice Program in Tuscaloosa, AL in 1989. His Professional Affiliations include: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, South Mississippi Medical Society, and George County Hospital Medical staff.
July 2, 2008
Dr. John Van Derwood in Citronelle says leading up to this holiday weekend, he would like to focus on some things he would like not to see in the next week. The Fourth of July is a time of celebration for American families, and beside barbeque, watermelon and cold refreshments, many people choose to purchase firecrackers, Roman candles, sparklers and other kinds of fireworks.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to ask the community to help us avoid many of the common injuries associated with home fireworks," he said.
"The most common injuries we see related to fireworks are finger injuries, eye injuries, and burns," said Dr. Van Derwood,"I have seen small children lose fingers and a teenager lose eyesight as a result of improper use or defective products."
Here's a reminder, "Although these items are intended for entertainment, they are in fact small rockets, incendiary devices, and explosives," said Dr. Van Derwood, "Please remember that sparklers burn at an extremely high heat and are capable of searing through the eye or skin within a second of contact."
"Children should stay away from the lighting fireworks," said Dr. Van Derwood,"even sparklers."
He recommends, using a high quality long handled electronic match for igniting fireworks. Observe your fireworks from a safe distance, 20 to 25 feet or more. And, do not launch rockets or Roman candles in the direction of trees, houses, or people. Another reminder, don't tie rockets together and ignite simultaneously, because the danger of a serious explosion increases as they are fused together.
"Left over fireworks should not be stored as they are a real fire hazard," he said, "They should be properly destroyed or disposed of in accordance with local regulations."
He recommends skipping the home fireworks altogether and attend a locally sponsored professional fireworks display.
May 2008
At Dr. John Van Derwood's office in Citronelle, patients with sunburns have started to appear at his practice. Dr. Van Derwood says, "They are most common in the early season when sunbathers have not conditioned their skin to sun exposure." He says, remember that sunscreens will extend the length of time you can spend in the sun, but once you begin to turn pink (or feel your skin tightening) you are beginning to burn. That's when you need to roll up your towel and head for the hacienda! Adding more sunscreen will not protect you from burning at that point. That's because sunscreens have a preset amount of protection, and once you've reached that point, more sunscreen will not help.
Dr. Van Derwood's advice includes:
Finding a cool place in the shade to enjoy your favorite beverage. Being especially protective of your children, their skin is thinner, less resistant to sunlight, and likely to burn before adults. And, don't forget that you should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.
"It's not all bad news for sunbathers though, recent studies revealed nearly 30 percent of Americans are Vitamin D deficient, even in the sunny South," he says, "Sun exposure catalyzes the formation of the vitamin D in the skin, so we all need to spend some regular time outdoors; especially those with occupations that keep them indoors most of the time."
If you do get a burn, the doctor recommends topical aloe preparations to soothe your skin, and moisturizers like Lubriderm can minimize the drying effects. You might get temporary relief from spray anesthetics like Solarcaine. If you get a severe burn, you should get prompt medical attention since over the counter remedies won't be enough. Dr. Van Derwood says as a general rule with sunburns, seek treatment when you see blisters on the skin, if you feel sick, or if pain is severe. Remember that too much sun exposure will lead to skin cancers, and it accelerates the aging of your skin. Moderation is the key.
Dr. Van Derwoods also says, we occasionally her the term "Sun poisoning". It is the result of a very severe sunburn. It's similar to being exposed to radiation, because sunlight is a form of radiation. When a person gets a severe sunburn, especially to large areas of the body, there is deep UV (ultraviolet) penetration into the tissues which causes tissue injury. You will feel sick, nauseated, fatigued, and affected limbs may even swell. Overlying skin may be hot, tense and dry, or fluid filled blisters may occur on the skin surface. Dehydration may be present. Immediate medical attention is warranted. "I have only seen a handful of cases of true radiation type toxicity over the years," said Dr. Van Derwood,"but it constitutes a medical emergency."
Treatment consists of IV hydration and other supportive measures. There is no "antidote". This type of sun exposure injury is easy to prevent, and hard to treat because the injured person will have to tough it out until their body heals itself.
