Desert Health Tips

Living in the Desert
Southern Arizona is one of the most beautiful and lush deserts in the world. Living in the desert can be an exceptional experience, but poses special hazards, especially during the hot summer months. By understanding the environment and taking sensible precautions, you can safely enjoy the desert.

Cacti     
Most people try to keep their distance from cacti. Although they are great for low water landscaping, cacti can be problems in areas where younger children play. If a cactus spine sticks you or your child, pull it out with a tweezers or use cellophane tape or a fine-toothed comb, being careful not to break off the spine. To remove smaller spines that may not even be visible to the eye, apply a thick layer of household glue (such as Elmer’s glue) and let it dry. As the glue is peeled off, the spines come out. Apply antiseptic to the puncture wound(s). Watch carefully for redness or swelling which may indicate an infection from fungus on the spines.

Plants
Many poisonous plants found in Southern Arizona are frequently used in landscaping. Oleanders are among the most popular and beautiful landscaping shrubs, but their long narrow leaves and brightly colored flowers (red, pink or white) are extremely poisonous. Don’t plant oleanders in areas of your yard where young children spend time. A toddler might chew the leaves or suck the flower nectar. Never use the branches for barbecue kindling or skewers.

These forms of contact all cause the same series of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness and convulsions. Contact can be fatal within 24 hours. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center recommends that anyone who ingests or suspects that they may have been exposed to oleander, call the center. Don’t wait for symptoms to occur.

Reptiles
The rattlesnake and coral snake are the only snakes in Arizona capable of inflicting a deadly bite. They are most active during the warm summer months of April through October, particularly at night. However, most reptiles will not bite unless provoked. Your best bet is to leave them alone. If one must be moved, leave it to a professional handler. Fatalities are extremely rare. Despite the fact that the death rate is less than 1 percent, serious symptoms are possible. If bitten, you will experience pain. Keep the affected limb as immobile as possible, at approximately heart level. Even though there will be significant swelling, nausea and weakness, try to remain calm, being careful not to overexert yourself. Do not apply ice or cold packs and do not use a tourniquet, alcohol or any drugs. You should be moved to a medical facility immediately; don’t wait to see if symptoms develop.

Gila monsters are the only known venomous lizards in the world. They will not attack humans unless significantly agitated. When they do attack, they deliver a tenacious bite — clamping down with their teeth and not letting go. When bitten, it is important to disengage the lizard as soon as possible. Place a strong stick between the bitten part and the back of the lizard’s mouth and push against the rear of the jaw. If this doesn’t work, immersion in water may make it release its hold. The bite is extremely painful and victims may experience localized swelling, nausea, abnormally low blood pressure, weakness, excessive perspiration, chills and fever. If the brittle teeth of the Gila monster remain imbedded in the wound, they must be removed by a health care professional.

Scorpions
Of the many species of scorpions found in Arizona, only the bark scorpion is regarded as life-threatening. This highly poisonous scorpion is small, one to one-and-a-half inches long, light tan with slender pincers and tail. It can be found clinging upside down on rocks, bark, fallen cactus and trash.

Scorpions generally will not sting unless they are threatened. If you come in contact with one, brush it off, don’t slap it. Its sting feels like a hot needle and there is often regional numbness and tingling. The injured area may be hypersensitive to touch, pressure, heat and cold. Small children are at highest risk and can show "roving eye" symptoms and hyperactivity.

First aid should include cleaning the site with soap and water, applying a cool compress, elevating the affected limb to approximately heart level and taking aspirin or Tylenol as needed for minor discomfort. If you are stung, call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.

Brown Spiders
The non-aggressive brown spider is sometimes mistakenly called a brown recluse which is native to the Midwest. (Both are members of the same family, genus Loxosceles, and both produce venomous bites.) The brown spider is light tan to brown with a violin-shaped marking on the back of the head-chest area. With its legs extended, it is the size of a nickel or quarter. It can be found in dry, littered and undisturbed areas such as closets, woodpiles and under sinks. Typically, a bite occurs when someone puts on clothing in which the spider is hiding.

If bitten, you may have little or no pain at first. Within the first few hours localized pain may develop. During the next few days you may develop a lesion. Flu-like symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, joint pain and fever, are often reported several hours after the bite. The healing process is slow—it often takes months—and can leave a scar which may require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. In severe cases, kidney failure can result.

Call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center if you think you may have been bitten. Although there is very little that can be done in terms of applying first aid, except cleaning the site with soap and water to prevent infection, medical treatment is always advised when a brown spider bite is suspected.

Black Widow Spiders
Only the female of this species is poisonous. A mature female has a telltale orange hourglass shape on her underside, visible when she is hanging upside down in her web. Most often found in outdoor storage sheds, the web itself has recognizable features—an irregular web design made up of unusually thick and strong strands. The black widow is generally nocturnal and will bite only if she is directly threatened.

If bitten, you will experience pain at first, followed by possible cramping and rigidity in the upper body. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety and hypertension.

To administer first aid: clean the site well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress and keep the affected limb elevated to about heart level. Aspirin or Tylenol may be used to relieve minor symptoms. For older adults and children under five, the bite of a black widow can be life-threatening. Call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center if you have been bitten. In some cases you may be advised to get medical treatment.

Tarantulas
You may find the male tarantula wandering in late summer and fall at night and during the cool parts of the day. Although these spiders can be quite large, as big as a man’s hand, they seldom bite people. They feed on insects, primarily beetles and grasshoppers.

Tarantulas are very gentle creatures and are not easily provoked to bite; their bite causes no serious complications. However, they can move very quickly. If one wanders into your yard or house, gently coax it back into the desert by tapping a stick directly behind it.

Important Numbers
If you run into poisonous critters, contact the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, (520) 626-6016 or (800) 362-0101.

Sun
Healthy living in Arizona also means being aware of the dangers of sun and respecting them. Excess exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging, wrinkled, leathery and rough skin, and skin cancer. Everyone is at high risk for developing skin cancer — especially in Arizona where the incidence is higher than any other state. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and children from the effects of the sun:

• Use sunscreen year-round. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Help children develop the sunscreen habit by applying it to them automatically when they go outside.
• Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense. Check the weather forecast in most newspapers for the Arizona Cancer Center’s Sun Intensity Index. It tells how many minutes it takes for fair, unprotected skin to redden.
• Cover up. Wear long sleeves and pants, hats and sunglasses with UV protection. If you or your children burn easily, wear a T-shirt when swimming to protect your shoulders.
• Protect your skin even on cloudy days; this is when you can get your worst burn.
• Protect babies’ and toddlers’ eyes by putting hats or visors on them, especially when they’re riding in car seats with sun pouring in on them.
• Children’s tender skin is especially vulnerable. Following the above precautions may reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Prevention Information
For information on cancer prevention, please call the Arizona Cancer Center at (800) 622-COPE (2673).



Car Safety
Never leave your child or pet in a closed, parked car in the Tucson sun for any period of time. In the summer, the temperature inside can rise to as high as 160 degrees within minutes. Car seats with metal pieces and vinyl sections can burn children’s skin after sitting in a parked car in the hot sun for even a few minutes. Cover the entire seat with a towel if the car will be in the sun.

In the monsoon season of late July and August, flash flooding is common during afternoon storms. Avoid driving on roads that go through washes (dry river beds) since these spots tend to flood with water. When you see signs that warn "do not enter when flooded," believe them, no matter how shallow the water appears to be. Become familiar with alternate routes (that don’t go through washes) to your home, office and emergency facilities.

Occasionally Tucson experiences dust storms. These blinding storms can be hazardous if you are out on the road. Visibility may be severely limited. Pull off to the side of the road and turn headlights and brake lights off until adequate visibility returns.

Dehydration
In the summer, a combination of the heat and low relative humidity can rapidly lead to dehydration. You can lose up to two quarts of water per hour if you are perspiring heavily. As a general rule, and especially when physically active, you should drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice, lemonade, sports drinks) to keep properly hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water all day long. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages (iced tea, soda) when physically active.

If you are out in the sun too long or exert yourself physically in hot weather, you can suffer from heat stroke. The early signs include faintness, fatigue, headache, nausea and flushed skin on your face and extremities. If untreated, it can lead to rapid pulse, lethargy (no energy), confusion and agitation. As soon as the signs appear, you should rest in a cool place, increase your fluids (cold water—not beverages with caffeine, alcohol or carbonation) and eat salty foods (no salt tablets). As a precaution, wear a porous straw hat to help the heat escape. Make sure your children wear hats when they are playing outdoors in the summer months.

Lightning
Arizona has some of the most spectacular lightning storms in late July and August. During these late afternoon storms which produce heavy rain and high winds, commonly referred to as monsoons, take shelter quickly — preferably inside a building. Get out of the pool or off the golf course when you see dark clouds gathering. Avoid using the telephone during these storms since lightning can be conducted through telephone lines. Also, flooding is a very real danger; stay out of washes and other low lying areas.

Valley Fever
Valley fever is a common fungal infection among Arizonans; one-third to one-half of all desert dwellers have been exposed. Valley fever is caused by soil-based fungus spores which become airborne. It is acquired by inhaling the spores from the environment; it does not spread from person to person.

People who work in agriculture, archaeology, construction or other occupations that involve disturbance of the soil have a higher risk of acquiring valley fever. Most cases occur in fall during the dry period after the summer monsoons.

In its mildest forms, sufferers often exhibit flu-like symptoms. However, this fever can be very serious in some individuals and can result in scarring of the lung tissue in severe cases. At the present time, no vaccine is available for valley fever. The cure often consists of plenty of rest; antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases. Fortunately, less than one-third of the exposed population ever experiences any symptoms. Once recovered, a person is immune against a second infection. Past or present infection can be determined by a skin test given by your physician.

For more information on Valley Fever, see the University of Arizona College of Medicine Center of Excellence (web site).

Pool Safety
Drowning is the largest single cause of death for children in Arizona between the ages of one and four. For each fatality, there are an estimated 100 near drownings that result in permanent damage to the child. Never leave a child alone in or near a pool, even for a second.

If you have a pool, limit access to it by installing a wall at least four feet high (preferably six). Gates should be child-proof and self-closing with a latch (a lock with a key is best) that is out the reach of any young children. Be particularly cautious if you have a pool cover; children can fall under a cover. Teenagers and adults in the family should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Complete emergency instructions, including CPR instructions and emergency telephone numbers should be clearly posted.

Allergies: Will You Be Sneezy, Sleepy or Dopey This Spring?
Tucson sometimes has a bumper crop of pollens and molds. Allergies are one of the common chronic conditions in the U. S., affecting an estimated 35 million Americans — including many Arizonans. Many people sniffle, drip and itch their way through the blooming months because their medications may not work.

But don’t give up. There are many ways to treat allergies. Medical advances during the past few years have brought new and improved drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription. Here’s what you can do to alleviate some allergy problems.

Although no one knows why, some people are more susceptible to allergies. Researchers suspect allergic tendencies are inherited, yet individuals can develop allergies anytime during their life. Often, symptoms fade as you get older.

People with allergies react to one of more specific allergens such as pollen or mold. When you inhale the allergen that affects you, your immune system releases histamine, leukotrienes and other chemical substances into your body. These substances inflame the linings of your nose, sinuses, eyelids and eyes. The results are drippy nose, irritated throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes.

First, Help Yourself
It’s not possible to completely avoid pollen and mold, but you can minimize exposure.

• Keep your windows closed and air conditioning on at home and in your car. At home, use a good air filter.
• Stay indoors when the pollen count is highest, between 5 and 10 a.m. Daily pollen counts are published in the newspaper.
• Wear a pollen mask and avoid yard work when possible.
• Don’t hang anything out to dry. Pollen gets on it.
• Wash your hair every night before bed; this goes for your bed partner as well. This keeps pollen off the bedding.
• Avoid alcohol, which increases mucus production, and cigarettes, which irritate eyes and lungs.
• Keep your bedroom dust free — get rid of carpeting; if that’s not possible, vacuum daily with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner. Consider purchasing allergy covers for mattress and pillows.
• Next, try medications

Antihistamines are the most common treatment for allergies. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are relatively inexpensive, but can cause drowsiness. Nonsedating prescription antihistamines include Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec. These drugs won’t make you sleepy or dry your mouth the way OTC antihistamines can, and they’re just as effective. Although antihistamines can keep you from sneezing, they’re not quite as effective for your drippy, itchy, clogged nose.

For a stuffy nose, steroid nasal sprays, such as Beconase, Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort and Nasarel, can help you unclog. These corticosteroid nasal sprays are the most effective treatment for allergies. Their only side effect is irritation of the nasal passages, which can be prevented by using a saline sprays. Steriod nasal sprays can do wonders for your nose but may not relieve your itchy eyes. OTC or prescription eyedrops may help with that.

Nasalcrom, a spray containing cromolyn sodium, became available without a prescription last year. It blocks your allergic reactions by preventing the release of histamine. Nasalcrom has one drawback: it can take up to three weeks to work. Start it before your symptoms sneak up on you by spritzing each nostril several times a day.

The newest contender in the race for allergy relief is a class of drugs called leukotriene inhibitors. Formerly approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for bronchial asthma, leukotriene inhibitors can be a powerful addition to your allergy survival kit. These prescription drugs block the effects of leukotrienes and histamine. If your allergies are persistent, your springtime survival kit may be a combination of nasal steroid spray, oral antihistamines and possibly a leukotriene inhibitor.

If nothing seems to work, ask your doctor about allergy shots. Although you have to get them regularly for three to five years, the injections help 60 to 70 percent of people with pollen allergies. They’re no quick fix, however. Expect to wait six months to two years for relief.