Relevant, Reader-Friendly Story Ideas with Experts

ALLERGY MEDICINE NOT FOR COLDS Consumers need to know the proper use of over-the-counter antihistamines, which are not an appropriate weapon against cold symptoms, says Dr. Bradley Marple, associate professor of otolaryngology.THERE'S SOMETHING EYE-DAMAGING LURKING IN THE WATER People who wear contact lenses are more likely to develop an eye infection from an amoeba that is commonly found in tap water, ponds and lakes. Dr. Dwight Cavanagh, vice chairman of ophthalmology, says the organism, Acanthamoeba, is resistant to chlorine used to sterilize tap water. He can offer tips to help prevent this infection.IT'S GARDENING SEASON -- WATCH OUT FOR TICKS When working in the garden, one should be careful of pests that can attack more than your plants -- ticks, for instance. A tick bite can bring both pain and disease including Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Contact: Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine. SPRING ELECTRICAL STORMS BRING DANGER What you can do -- outdoors and indoors -- to stay safe during electrical storms. Contact: Dr. Paul Pepe. SWIMMER'S EAR. You can help prevent ear infections from swimming. Dr. Barbara Schultz, clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, has recommendations for treating the ears after leaving the water for the day. SPRING FEVER OR DEPRESSION? Don't just write off your listlessness to a bout of spring fever. "People who are feeling down, can't seem to get enough sleep and have gained weight may be suffering from depression," says Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, associate professor of psychiatry.PROPER CARE OF HIKING-BIKING WOUNDS CAN MINIMIZE SCARRING The coming of spring means that people will soon be enjoying the outdoors. But activities such as running, hiking and biking can result in skinned elbows and cut knees. Dr. James Thornton, assistant professor of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, says caring for wounds properly can reduce inflammation, speed healing and minimize scarring. SPRING CLEANING, KIDS AND DANGERS With the coming of spring, it's a favored time to tidy up the house and its surroundings. Are your toxic household substances -- e.g., drain cleaners, mothballs, insecticides -- safely out of the kids' reach? Some tips for keeping small children away from poisonous substances. Contact: Dr. Robert Wiebe, professor of pediatrics. ADD NUTRITIOUS SNACKS TO YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE Before you rush out the door for an early morning run, eat something -- it's crucial, says Lona Sandon, instructor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Allied Health Sciences School. GOING FISHING? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FRIED FISH Eating two servings of fish weekly may increase your levels of HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol - but not if the fish is fried, says Lona Sandon. IS IT ALLERGY OR SINUSITIS? With allergy season in full swing, sufferers should know the difference between common allergic reactions and a sinus infection, says Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, an allergist and associate professor of internal medicine. BALANCED DIET IS KEY TO WEIGHT LOSS Most dieters will regain at least half the pounds they shed within two years. And once they return to watching their weight they look in all the wrong places for ways to lose weight. Rather than watching how many calories they consume, dieters are looking at what they are eating, say doctors at UT Southwestern. Contact: Office of News and Publications. TAKING THE STING OUT OF FIRE ANT BITES The moist and warm climate that nourishes the soil during spring also provides the perfect environment for fire ants. A single fire ant can inflict seven to eight stings, each containing a high concentration of toxins that cause a burning sensation. Anyone allergic to fire ants could have a severe, even life-threatening, reaction. Contact: Dr. David Khan, allergist and associate professor of internal medicine, on how to deal with fire ant bites. SHIELDING THE SUN'S AGING EFFECTS There are two things you should never leave home without in the summer: sunscreen and sunglasses. Sun exposure not only increases the risk of skin cancer but can also cause wrinkles. Dr. Rod Rohrich, chairman of plastic surgery, can explain.THE HEAT IS ON As temperatures climb, so will the number of people suffering heat-related injuries: heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The elderly and very young are especially susceptible to heat injury, says Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine. He can recommend tips for keeping cool and healthy.SPRING IS IN THE AIR -- AND SO IS POLLEN You don't have to be a prisoner of pollen. By adhering to simple precautions allergy sufferers can minimize their exposure to allergens, says Dr. David Khan, allergist and associate professor of internal medicine. EQUIP YOUNG ATHLETES WITH PROTECTIVE GEAR Warmer weather means Little League games and afternoons spent perfecting in-line skating skills. But take care to avoid adding an emergency-room visit to the day's activities. Dr. Maureen Finnegan, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, can explain what parents and team-sports organizers should know to keep children safe. April is National Youth Sports Safety Month. PREVENT DROWNINGS AT PICNICS, FAMILY REUNIONS It can take months to plan a successful company picnic or family reunion. But if the event is lakeside or at the local pool, don't forget to plan for water safety. Children most at risk are toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4. Contact: Office of News and Publications.