Longmont United Hospital

303.651.5111 LUHCARES.ORG / 7 What Your Achoos Actually M ean THE BRIGHT, SUNNY DAYS OF SPRING ARE HERE—AND SO ARE SNEEZING, WATERY EYES, AND COUGHING. IS IT ALLERGIES OR SOMETHING ELSE? IN THE LONGMONT AREA , cedar, ragweed, and flowering tree pollen can bring woe to many seasonal allergy sufferers. Sinus infections are also common during the spring months. Specific symptoms can define which condition you have. • Feeling intense pressure? Pain in your face, nasal area, ears, or teeth— accompanied by headaches—is a clear sign of a sinus infection. Best treatment option: Over-the-counter decongestants may be able to offer some short-term relief, but in serious cases, you may need an antibiotic or steroid to clear up a sinus infection. • Having short, concentrated episodes of suffering? It's most likely seasonal allergies, which tend to spike when pollen counts are high or other allergens such as dust, mold, or pet dander are present. Best treatment option: Knowing what triggers your allergies allows you to nip symptoms in the bud. Staying in when pollen count is high or taking an antihistamine before heading outdoors or cleaning can keep you breathing easy—not curled up on the couch with tissues. Feeling under the weather? Get a referral to a Milestone Medical Group physician by calling 303.485.3559. DO YOU REMEMBER the joy that clowns would bring you and your family when the circus was in town? The Caring Clowns of Longmont United Hospital aim to bring happiness and healing during their interactions with patients. Co-founded in 2001 by Kathy Shook, education director of the Caring Clowns at the Hospital, the program currently has eight active clowns. These volunteers make their rounds twice a week, offering brief visits filled with laughter. For those interested in joining the program, the seven-week clown college course covers the basics and beyond, from applying makeup and costuming to being sensitive while engaging with patients and medical staff. The Caring Clowns are just one example of how the Hospital embraces the Planetree philosophy and provides enjoyment in the healthcare environment. "The clowns are well trained and very loving and giving," Kathy says. "Their mission is to be part of the Hospital's caregiving team, with a soft and inviting demeanor and appearance." To learn more about the Caring Clowns program, call Kathy Shook at 303.684.0490. IN AN EFFORT to help reduce the dangers associated with unused medications, Longmont United Hospital, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies and the City of Longmont, is participating in the Medication Take Back event. This free, semi-annual event gives people an opportunity to safely dispose of any unwanted and expired medications, including any pet medication and unknown tablets or capsules. The annual Medication Take Back event will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main lobby of Longmont United Hospital, 1950 Mountain View Avenue in Longmont. The service is free and anonymous—no questions asked. During the most recent Medication Take Back event at Longmont United Hospital last October, 874 pounds of unused medications were collected from 586 participating households. That's 1.49 pounds of unused medications per household. If you are unable to make this event, or want to dispose of your medications sooner, there is a medication take-back drop box at Boulder County Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 5600 Flatiron Parkway in Boulder. The drop-box is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Medication Take Back FLUSHING UNUSED COUGH SYRUP DOWN THE TOILET. STORING EXPIRED COUGH MEDICINE IN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET. THROWING A FEW LEFTOVER PILLS IN THE GARBAGE. NONE OF THESE ARE GOOD OPTIONS FOR DISPOSING OF UNWANTED PRESCRIPTIONS. M eet Our Caring Clowns

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