Did you sleep OK?

This is a really interesting news item that nicely sums up a lot of recent study on sleep.

In a nutshell, sleeping 8 hours without interruption may not be biologically normal, an expensive mattress may not be better than a good mattress, and sleeping pills may be over-rated.

Stomach Flu

Viral infections (like colds and flu) can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these go away without any specific treatment in a few days. A few tips, since there's definitely one going around in the past couple of weeks!

Stay hydrated; the symptoms are only a major problem when they result in dehydration. Any thing you can keep down for over two hours is fine. Popsickles work nicely for this, especially in children.

It is okay to take medicines to relieve the symptoms; they don't make the illness last longer, they just make for less vomiting and diarrhea.

Benadryl works very nicely for relief of nausea or vomiting, and is available everywhere in liquid or capsule forms. Imodium/AD works very effectively for relieving diarrhea.

Warning signs, for which you should be seen:

• Pain
• Vomiting without diarrhea (may be appendicitis or other problem)
• Blood or pus in the diarrhea
  
• Signs of dehydration: decreased urination, dry eyes, dry mouth
  

Flu Season

Well, we're just starting to see flu in California. And I do mean just. There have so far been only a handful of cases in Northern California. More information on influenza is available at the CDC's site.

How not to get the flu? First, get a flu shot. Second, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Also, wash your hands frequently. Any ordinary soap will do, just wash for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice (to yourself, if you like) in order to clean off viruses and bacteria.

Disposable paper masks are useful if you are sick- they prevent your coughs and sneezes from ejecting viruses or bacteria into the air. Particulate N95 masks like you can buy at Home Depot will filter out 99% of bacteria and viruses (even bird flu, perish the thought).

Away for the Holidays

We'll be out of the office during the holidays on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and also on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The on-call doctor's number will be on the message if you need help, but we hope you will be enjoying the holidays and not needing it!

Happy Holidays, and best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year.