It is important to know your family medical history because this information may hold the key to your future. Many physical traits, such as hair color, eye color and height, are inherited. Certain health conditions also can be passed on from one generation to the next. When several family members have heart disease, diabetes or some cancers, you may be at increased risk for that health problem as well.

This does not mean you will automatically inherit high blood pressure or ovarian cancer. But by compiling your family medical history, you can have a greater understanding of your health risks and take steps to reduce or prevent adverse health outcomes. If you are at risk for certain diseases, such as breast or colon cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings beginning at an earlier age. Lifestyle changes that include following a healthier diet, exercising on a regular basis or not smoking, could help lower your chance of developing heart disease or other common illnesses.

The best way to start a family health history is to talk to relatives. Older family members may not want to share this information or they may not know their medical history. But whatever you can discover may be helpful. Start with information about yourself and add medical background on your parents, siblings and children. Then start going back one generation at a time to include nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. 

Pertinent information would include date of birth, age, age at death, cause of death and any known medical problems, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, mental illness, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and alcoholism. Also note related conditions that include breast and ovarian cancer, colon and endometrial cancer, and thyroid cancer and colon polyps. When possible, record the age at onset of the condition. Other medical problems that should be included are birth defects, such as spina bifida, cleft lip or heart defects, learning problems or mental retardation, vision or hearing loss at a young age, sudden death in someone who was otherwise healthy, and multiple miscarriages or stillbirths. If you know where your family originated, such as Europe, Africa or South America, record that as well. Some genetic health problems occur more frequently in certain ethnic groups.

A family health history is a living document that should be reviewed and updated every couple of years. To get started, you can create a free, downloadable version of My Family Health Portrait developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 9,200 people are treated annually for injures caused by fireworks. More than 45 percent of injuries are to the head, while 37 percent of injuries are to the hand or finger. The majority of fireworks injuries, 55 percent, are burns, and 30 percent are bruises and cuts. Children under the age of 15 account for one-third of people injured by fireworks. The types of fireworks most likely to cause an injury include firecrackers, sparklers, Roman candles, reloadables, and bottle rockets.

The safest way to watch fireworks is at a professional show, not by setting off fireworks at home. When viewing a fireworks display, respect the safety barriers and select a safe viewing distance of at least 500 feet away. If you know someone who is planning a fireworks show of their own, you may want to share these safety tips:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.
• Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.
• Watch children closely when setting off fireworks.
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Keep an extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• Do not light fireworks inside or near dry vegetation.
• Do not pick up a firework that has not gone off. Do not try to relight it. Douse it with water and dispose of it.
• Read the directions on fireworks before setting them off.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.
• Do not light more than one firework at a time.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing when lighting fireworks.

In addition to potential personal injury, fireworks can cause physical damage as well. Fireworks are associated with approximately 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires each year. More fires in the United States are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year; fireworks cause half of these fires. For more information about fireworks safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.

Suffice to say, humans are outnumbered by these pesky little bugs that can bite and sting, causing temporary discomfort or, in rare cases, potentially fatal reactions. Fortunately, most bug bites and stings do not cause any long-lasting health problems. But you should know what to do in the event you get stung by a bee or wasp, or bit by a spider, tick, mosquito, or ant.

If you are stung by a honeybee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, or fire ant, try to remove the stinger (when there is one) if it is visible by gently scraping the skin with a straight-edge object, such as a credit card. Wash the area with soap and water, and then apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling. If the area itches, such as from a mosquito bite, apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste (three teaspoons baking soda and one teaspoon water) until symptoms subside.

Spider bites also should be washed with soap and water. Apply an ice pack and then elevate the area to delay the spread of venom. Seek emergency medical care if you suspect the bite is from a black widow or brown recluse spider, which can cause symptoms such as body rash, fever, headache, pink urine, discolored area around the bite, joint stiffness, lack of appetite and muscle spasms.

If you find a tick, use tweezers to grasp the head of the tick next to the skin and pull firmly until the tick lets go. Wash your hands and the tick site with warm, soapy water and then swab the bite with alcohol. Call your doctor if part of the tick could not be removed, the area looks infected, the tick has been on the skin longer than 24 hours, or symptoms develop, such as fever, headache, chills, nausea, or rash.

You don’t have to stay inside all the time to protect yourself from insect bites and stings. When venturing outside to enjoy the warm weather, you can:

• Avoid walking barefoot on grass
• Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, or hairspray
• Stay away from wooded or brushy areas
• Wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid brightly colored clothing
• Make sure food is covered when eating outside
• Empty standing water in outdoor containers
• Use insect repellant (not on babies)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more information about bug bites and stings on their website.

Arthritis usually causes pain or swelling in the joints that can make your body feel stiff or make it difficult to move around. There are two main types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, affects 27 million Americans, most of whom are over age 45. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect people of all ages, especially women. OA is a degenerative disease related to an injury or aging that occurs when tissue in the joints becomes worn down. RA happens when the body’s immune system attacks tissues instead of protecting them from infection. RA usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body, causing pain, swelling, discomfort and fatigue.

Arthritis cannot be cured, but there are ways to manage pain associated with the condition. Some common treatment choices include:

Reducing stress -- Practicing relaxation techniques and positive self-talk can distract you from arthritis pain and help you focus on what you can accomplish, not limitations caused by the disease.

Exercising regularly -- A carefully balanced program can actually help lubricate joints with mild to moderate exercise and even strengthen muscles around the joints.

Eating a healthy diet -- A balanced diet can help keep your body weight normal and contribute to overall health and management of the disease.

Learning how to protect your joints -- Wear the right shoes to protect your feet and use a cane or walker to lessen pain when walking. Gadgets are available to help open jars or turn door knobs in your house.

Taking medications prescribed by your doctor -- Acetaminophen or some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to ease arthritis pain. If you have RA, your doctor may suggest anti-rheumatic drugs to slow damage from the disease, prednisone to reduce swelling, or biologic response modifiers to block damage caused by the immune system.

Topical pain killers may help relieve mild OA discomfort. Examples of non-prescription medications include aspirin-like pain rubs, hot/cold applications, and chili pepper creams. Pain gels and patches may be prescribed to relieve pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles or knees. Check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs because products that contain salicylates may not be safe if you are allergic to aspirin or are taking blood thinners. Severe OA or pain that does not improve with other medications may require a steroid injection into the affected joint. When even strong medications or injections are ineffective, you may be a candidate for joint replacement surgery.

Arthritis pain should not be endured as part of the aging process. Talk with your doctor about developing a pain management program designed to prevent further joint damage and maximize your quality of life. For more information about arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site.

Why conduct a hand washing study?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hand washing is one of the most effective tools to battle infectious diseases. This includes colds and influenza, which are spread by viruses as well as some caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Correct hand washing may help reduce the spread of colds, flu and infectious diarrhea. We also may stop the spread of antibiotic-resistance germs and serious, potentially life-threatening diseases like hepatitis. This is because most germs are transferred by hand-to-hand contact. A sick person coughs, sneezes or blows his nose. You shake hands and then rub your eyes, nose or mouth. The germs from the sick person’s hands enter your body and start replicating. Before you know it, people all around have the same illness.

When should you wash?

You should wash your hands before preparing or eating food, treating a cut and tending to someone who is sick. If you wear contact lenses, always wash your hands before inserting or removing a lens. You also should wash up after:

• Going to the bathroom
• Handling uncooked foods, especially raw meats, poultry and fish
• Changing a diaper
• Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Handling garbage
• Tending to someone who is sick or injured 
• Handling an animal or animal waste
  

How should you wash?

How you wash is just as important as when, but you don’t need antibacterial soaps for effective cleaning. The CDC recommends using liquid soap since bar soaps can harbor germs. Water temperature is less important than technique.

First, wet your hands and apply the soap. Vigorously rub your hands together for 10 to 15 seconds, making sure that you clean between your fingers plus the front and back of your hands including wrists and under fingernails. You might consider a trick taught to young children and recite rhw alphabet while washing your hands to ensure spending enough time. Rinse well and dry your hands using a clean towel, paper towel or air dryer. To prevent dry skin, pat rather than rub the skin when drying and use lotion.

While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are convenient, especially when soap and water aren’t available, you should avoid using them with young children. These liquids contain a high concentration of alcohol that children may accidentally ingest.

To learn more about hand washing, visit the American Society for Microbiology’s Clean Hands Campaign website at www.washup.org