Note to media: To reach the media contacts for any of these health news tips, call the Office of News and Publications at 214-648-3404.

SPRING ELECTRICAL STORMS BRING DANGER AS WELL AS RAIN

Dangerous lightning often accompanies spring thunderstorms. While lightning striking humans is very rare, there are some precautions that can help you avoid being struck.

Dr. Ronald Charles, assistant professor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says the safest places to be when a storm starts are buildings with lightning rods or enclosed automobiles. Your best bet is to stay put until the storm passes.

But if you’re caught outside without shelter in a lightning storm, stay away from flagpoles, fences, trees or other tall objects that can conduct electricity. Charles also recommends crouching in a dry ditch, since water in the ground also conducts electricity.

If you’re indoors, avoid using the telephone or electrical appliances, which are both conductors of electricity, says Charles.

A lightning strike is not necessarily a fatal accident - nearly two-thirds of people struck survive. But Charles emphasizes not taking chances by being careful in electrical storms.

Media Contact: Mindy Baxter

AVOID ‘WHITE-COAT HYPERTENSION’ BY TESTING BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME,/p>

To avoid white-coat hypertension, or elevated blood pressure that occurs during a routine doctor’s visit, individuals with high blood pressure should consider regularly checking their blood pressure at home.

It is much better for people with hypertension to monitor their condition with an inexpensive semi-automatic home device than to rely only on occasional readings in the doctor’s office. This will obviate the problem of ‘white-coat hypertension,’ says Dr. Norman Kaplan, a clinical professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Kaplan also recommends that blood pressure be checked in adolescents, particularly if there’s a family history of high blood pressure. After the age of 21, everyone should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Media Contact: Amy Shields

HIKING AND BIKING MAY EQUAL CUTS AND SCRAPES

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.

After an injury, apply pressure to the wound with gauze or tissue paper to control bleeding, says Thornton. Then use cold water to clean dirt and debris from the cut. If necessary cleanse the surrounding area with mild soap, but avoid direct contact with the wound because it can cause irritation. Apply antibiotic creams to help keep it clean, and bandage the wound if it’s on an area that will get dirty or will rub against your clothing.

Scabs are the body’s way of bandaging itself, so it is important to leave them alone. Seek medical attention if the wound becomes red, warm or secretes discharge, Thornton says.

Media Contact: Ione Echeverria

THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT ILLNESS IS ALSO THE EASIEST

A 30-second habit could mean the difference between getting sick and staying healthy, say doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Hand-washing is one of the simplest things you can do for your health, says Dr. Paul Pepe, UT Southwestern’s chairman of emergency medicine. It’s a 30-second habit that could prevent many simple infections since germs are very often carried or transmitted on the hands.

In fact, a recent study of naval recruits found that when they washed their hands at least five times a day, they cut the rate of colds and flu by 45 percent.

Pepe suggests using warm water and soap, and rubbing your hands together for 30 seconds, especially after using the restroom or working in the kitchen.

Media Contact: Mindy Baxter

WHEN BUYING OVER THE COUNTER, GET THE RIGHT ALLERGY MEDICINE

Soon several popular prescription antihistamines will be available over the counter. The move may provide more choice for consumers, but they should know the proper use for the new medications.

Dr. Bradley Marple, associate professor of otolaryngology at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says some of these drugs were developed as non-drowsy alternatives to anti-allergy medications that can cause grogginess. But none of them, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are an appropriate weapon against cold symptoms.

Antihistamines won’t give you any relief if you have a stuffy nose or a cold,” Marple says. They’re only effective for relieving allergies.

Common allergy symptoms include a runny nose with clear discharge, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Marple says antihistamines should start to relieve symptoms within an hour.

Marple says that patients, especially chronic allergy and asthma sufferers, should consult regularly with their doctors to ensure they’re taking the most effective medications for their symptoms.

Media Contact: Wayne Carter