303.651.5111 LUHCARES.ORG
3
DEPENDING WHERE AND HOW it hurts, people generally turn
to one of the two most popular types of OTC painkillers on the
market: acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name
Tylenol
®
, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID),
such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which are also known
by the trade names Advil
®
, Motrin
®
, or Aleve
®
.
Acetaminophen is often found in other products, such as
cold, sinus, and flu remedies and nighttime sleep aids. This pain
reliever works on the central nervous system to ease pain and
fever. It is not effective in treating inflammation, swelling, or
stiffness caused by trauma, injury, or arthritis. Tylenol should not
be taken with other remedies that also contain acetaminophen.
Exceeding the recommended dosage could harm the liver.
NSAIDs, or anti-inflammatories, relieve pain and fever, and
offer the added benefit of reducing inflammation throughout the
body. If used as directed, they may safely treat the discomfort
of strained muscles, stiff joints, swelling, menstrual cramps,
dental conditions, headaches or migraines, osteoarthritis, and
rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are struggling with chronic pain or other symptoms,
schedule an appointment with a Milestone Medical Group
physician by calling 303.485.3559 or visit luhcares.org and click
"Milestone Medical Group."
NOW THAT'S
From headaches to muscle aches, joint pain to
arthritis—finding the right over-the-counter (OTC)
pain reliever can be as frustrating as the pain itself.
The Hospital's Quiet Campaign makes ambient noise reduction
a priority, with hospital-wide quiet hours between 2–4 a.m.
and 2–4 p.m. Integrated relaxation techniques are also
available to patients through the Quiet Program, including:
• Lavender aromatherapy
• Warm blankets
• Relaxation exercises
• Warm drinks, such as hot tea
• Eye masks, earplugs, and music
If the medical team needs to interrupt a patient's designated quiet
time, the patient is guaranteed another two-hour block at some
other time of the day.
"This program is indicative of the Hospital's policy of prioritizing
patients and families," Donelle says. "As a Planetree-designated
hospital, we want to treat the whole patient while treating a health
concern, too. The Quiet Campaign has helped create a healing and
caring environment for our patients and our staff."
If you have a loved one at Longmont United Hospital, ask his or her
nurse or healthcare provider about integrative relaxation techniques. For
more information about our Planetree philosophy, visit luhcares.org.
a
Relief
OTC PAIN
RELIEVER
PROS CONS
Acetaminophen
Considered the safest
pain reliever available; is
also the most widely used
Taking more than
the maximum daily
amount of 4000mg
recommended for
an adult can cause
liver damage
Ibuprofen
Works well on soft-tissue
injuries, including strains
and sprains
Not recommended
during pregnancy;
has been linked to
fetal heart defects.
Can increase risk of
bleeding after injury
Aspirin
Taken in low doses, helps
prevent blood clots; used
in the treatment of heart
attack and stroke
Long-term use can
lead to stomach
ulcers and internal
bleeding
KNOW YOUR
PAINKILLERS
QUIET CARE,
Better Care
