Latest news with #DrJoeWhittington
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Why you should NEVER get a cheap massage in Thailand after traveller's gross find
A doctor has warned travellers about getting cheap massages in Southeast Asia - after a tourist's supposedly relaxing experience turned into a nightmare. Dr Joe Whittington spoke out about a woman's confronting video showing her boyfriend with unsightly, painful bumps all over his legs after he paid just $5 for a massage from an elderly worker in a backstreet alleyway in Thailand. Things took a terrifying turn when the man woke up the next morning with red, pus-filled pimples on his legs after contracting folliculitis - a painful skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. 'When the massage is $5 and the infection is free,' Dr Whittington said in his video. 'This poor guy walked into an alley for relaxation and left with a dermatology consult. Ever heard of folliculitis? It's what happens when bacteria and bad decisions team up... Folliculitis can show up as red bumps or even pus-filled lesions.' The ER doctor said the man had developed a staphylococcus aureus infection, which can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. 'What you see here is folliculitis - it's when your hair follicles get infected with a bacteria like staph aureus. It's your immune system flipping the table like, "What in the unsanitary hell was that?"' Dr Whittington explained. 'This happens when dirty hands, reused oils or uncleaned towels introduce bacteria into the skin. And guess what? Sweaty legs, open pores and alleyway massages are the perfect recipe.' The female employee was seen in the video wearing a face mask - but despite the protection, Dr Whittington warned that the bacteria could still spread from her bare hands to the client. 'She's masked up while rubbing you down with her biohazard hands,' he said. The US emergency medical physician said most common cases can be treated with soap, water and time - but some may require medications such as antibiotics to relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause. 'So if your massage table is made of concrete and there's a moped parked next to it, maybe just stretch and call it a day, bro,' Dr Whittington advised. His video has been viewed more than 37,000 times, leaving many people feeling uneasy about cheap massages in Asia after the doctor's warning. 'Oh no! that is scary,' one said. 'Yikes! Um, no thanks,' another shared. A licensed massage therapist weighed in on the case, saying: 'This is wild. This isn't just in Thailand, this can happen anywhere - there isn't regulations or when someone "sets up shop" without an education and license.' Meanwhile, many travellers shared their own experiences of getting massages in Asia, while others urged everyone to be vigilant. 'As someone who just came back from Thailand and had about five different massages in proper spas, I can unequivocally say they are absolutely amazing. Stick to authorised establishments and enjoy,' one said. 'Oh man I got a massage every day I was in Thailand! Of course at actual massage places though. Literally the best massages I've ever had,' another shared.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals the simple thumb test that can show a 'ticking time bomb' heart problem
An emergency doctor has flagged a one-minute DIY test that could reveal a 'ticking time bomb' killer heart condition. Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine expert from California, said the hack, which involves stretching your thumb across the wrist, could indicate a high risk of suffering an aortic aneurysm. This involves the aorta—the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body—bulging or swelling, risking a rupture. Ruptures in the blood vessel are often fatal due to severe internal bleeding, unless treated rapidly with emergency surgery. In a video on TikTok that has so far amassed over 230,000 views, Dr Whittington told his followers: 'Hold up your palm and try and stretch your thumb across as far as you can. Does it stop about there? 'Or does it extend pass your palm like these? If it does that is a positive thumb-palm test.' If your thumb extends past your palm this could mean your connective tissues are 'very stretchy', he said, indicating that the same stretchiness applies to the tissues in the arteries, meaning a high chance of swelling or bulging. He went on to detail a 2021 study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, which found 60 per cent of people with known aortic aneurysms had a positive palm-thumb test. @drjoe_md Can your thumb predict a hidden heart problem? 🫣 The 'thumb-to-palm' test was linked to a higher risk of ascending aortic aneurysm in a Yale study, almost 60% of patients with aneurysms had a positive result. But before you panic, this doesn't mean you have one. It's just one potential sign of stretchy connective tissue, which could also mean a stretchy aorta. If your thumb crosses your palm, especially with a family history of heart issues or connective tissue disorders, talk to your doctor. Flexibility is great… just not in your arteries. 😅 #hearthealth #ehlersdanlossyndrome #connectivetissuedisorder #healthtips ♬ original sound - Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺 The researchers gave the test to 305 patients underdoing cardiac surgery for a variety of disorders, including aortic aneurysms. While the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign,, patients who did have a positive test had a high likelihood of harboring an aneurysm. It's estimated that around 5,000 people in the UK die from aorta-related problems every year, with aneurysms and dissections being the leading causes. While many aneurysms don't cause symptoms until they rupture, doctors may spot them during routine test and offer treatments to prevent damage such as blood pressure medication. Those that do cause symptoms tend to trigger pain in the chest, neck, and/or back; swelling of the head, neck and arms; coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. But those with a positive palm-thumb test, 'should not freak out', said Dr Whittington. 'It's worth bringing it up with your doctor so they can diver deeper into any sort of connective tissue disorders.' There are over 200 disorders that impact connective tissue, but there are different types. These include genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autoimmune disorders such as lupus and cancers like some types of soft tissue sarcoma. The three most common aortic-related connective tissue disorders are Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. In the UK, over 18,000 people are affected by Marfan syndrome, although it is believed to remain undiagnosed in many people. Experts estimate nearly half of people who have the condition don't know it, so knowing the signs can save lives. It can cause symptoms like heart palpitations, eye pain, shortness of breath and vision changes like astigmatism. It can affect other parts of the body giving physical features like long and narrow face, limbs that seem too long for the rest of the body, and crowded teeth. Those with this condition are at up to a 250 times greater risk of aortic dissection, a tear or rupture between layers of the aortic wall, than the general population. EDS is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders affecting the skin, joints and blood vessels. It is estimated there are anywhere between 135,000 and 300,000 people in the UK with the condition. The most common type of EDS is hypermobile EDS (hEDS), which is thought to be underdiagnosed. It is estimated that around 740 people in the UK have vEDS which is diagnosed on the basis of subtle signs in their physical appearance and their medical history. Common features include a history of easy and significant bruising often from birth, varicose veins, lobeless ears and fine hear which may be thinning. Others include unusually visible veins, thin nose and lips, prominent eyes, and premature aging of the skin on the hands and feet. However, not everyone who has similar features which are common in the population will have vEDs. It is estimated there are less than one in 100,000 people with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome in the UK.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Doctor dishes on the five surprising things in your home that are DIRTIER than your toilet seat: 'Gross'
An emergency doctor has revealed surprising everyday household items that are crawling with far more bacteria than your toilet seat - leaving thousands disgusted. Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine physician from California, shared the top five unsuspecting items in your home that are secretly filthy - and some might be within arm's reach as you read this. According to the medical expert, the average toilet seat has just 50 colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria per square inch. But what he revealed next has many reconsidering their cleaning habits - or lack thereof. A TV remote contains a staggering 5,000 CFUs, making it 100 times dirtier than your toilet seat. Cutting boards - where many home cooks prepare raw meat and vegetables - have been found to hold up to 10,000 CFUs, making it 200 times filthier. Your mobile phone? That's 25,000 CFUs, or 500 times dirtier than the loo. How often do you change your pillowcase? Dr Whittington pointed out that a single pillowcase, if left unwashed for a week, can harbour three million CFUs. But the worst offender out of the list is the kitchen sponge, which has 10 million CFUs - that's 200,000 times more bacteria than your toilet seat. Dr Whittington simply summed it up: 'I think it's time we all stop scrolling and start cleaning.' How to clean germ-laden items 1. TV remote Wipe down regularly with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to get into crevices and under the buttons, where grime and bacteria collect. 2. Kitchen cutting board Wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use. For a deeper clean, sprinkle with coarse salt and scrub with half a lemon to disinfect and deodorise. You can also sanitise plastic cutting boards by running them through the dishwasher. Never use the same board for meat and vegetables - use separate boards for different food groups. 3. Mobile phone Use a microfibre cloth slightly dampened with a isopropyl alcohol solution. Gently wipe the screen and case - but avoid excess moisture near ports and buttons. 4. Pillowcase Wash at least once a week in hot water (60C or higher). Use a hypoallergenic detergent if you have sensitive skin. For extra cleanliness, add a scoop of baking soda or white vinegar to the wash to eliminate bacteria and odours. 5. Kitchen sponge Soak it in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for five minutes and replace your sponge every 1-2 weeks regardless of cleaning. The video left thousands in shock - and some a little amused. 'That's it. I'm cutting vegetables on the toilet from now on,' one viewer joked. 'I can't believe my kitchen sponge is 200,000 times dirtier than my toilet seat. Time to clean up,' said another. 'My pillowcase deserves to be tested. I'm not ever going to say how long it's been there,' another admitted. One confessed: 'I will not be showing this to my wife. Me and the bacteria need peace.' Others shared their cleaning hacks. 'That's why I don't use a sponge. I have two spray bottles: one with water and bleach and one with water and alcohol,' wrote one hygiene-conscious commenter. 'This is why my grandma insisted on a cutting board for every food group since the 80s,' added another. Dr Whittington's post prompted people across the country to deep clean their often neglected everyday items. So next time you reach for your phone, grab the remote or wash the dishes with a sponge, spare a thought for the microscopic world living on it - and maybe give it a good wipe-down. Your immune system will thank you.
