Some health issues only affect us at certain times - allergies, flu in the fall/winter, winter depression, etc. ACMC offers a variety of services - from primary care providers to specialists - to help diagnose your illness and begin treatment. The expandable sections below give you details about a variety of seasonal illnesses and offers health-related stories based on national and international health observances.
Most people think allergies hit us in the spring or fall, but allergens can affect us at any time of the year. An allergy is your immune system's exaggerated response to common substances such as pollen, dust mites, pets, food, mold, chemicals, drugs, and other environmental issues.
Spring allergies hit us as the trees and plants begin to green out and pollen begins to float around.
Late summer and early fall allergies are caused by ragweed and other late bloomers that release pollen.
Fall/winter allergies are more often caused by mold buildup on wet leaves.
We can also get allergies from being cooped up inside during the cold winter months. Pet dander, household chemicals, and lack of fresh air can all stir up our allergies.
ACMC offers a variety of solutions you can use at home to minimize your exposure to allergens. We also offer a variety of tests and treatment options through our Allergy & Immunological services. Schedule an appointment for testing or treatment with the ACMC Allergy & Immunology by calling 440.997.6969.
Flu season runs from October to May throughout the United States. The flu is a virus that infects the respiratory system. Unlike a common cold, the flu is more likely to include the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Extreme Exhaustion
In most cases, people can weather the flu by staying home, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine as prescribed by a medical provider. If you experience cold or flu symptoms, ACMC offers easy access to a provider at one of our four walk-in Express Care clinics in Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva, & Jefferson. Visit the Express Care Service page to see hours for each facility.
Learn more about dealing with the flu and how to prevent the spread of the flu in ACMC's Health Library on Flu.
It's not always easy to tell someone they have a problem with alcohol—and it may be even harder to admit that you may have one yourself.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is considered a medical condition. Its hallmark trait is an inability to control the use of alcohol despite the negative effects drinking is having on someone's life.
AUD can be mild, moderate or severe. No matter how severe it is, though, there are treatments that can help.
Warning signs
Among the possible signs that someone has AUD:
• They've had times when they drink more or longer than intended.
• They've tried more than once to cut back on drinking or stop altogether, but they couldn't.
• They continue to drink even though it's causing problems with friends, family, work or school.
• They've cut back participating in, or have stopped doing, favorite activities so they can drink more.
• They've more than once done things while drinking—such as driving, swimming, using machinery or having unprotected sex—that put them at risk for serious harm.
• They find they have to drink more than they once did to get the effects they want.
Why AUD is a problem
Alcohol use can have serious impacts on someone's health. It can lead to injuries from accidental falls and traffic crashes. It can cause miscarriage or other problems in pregnant women.
Over the long term, chronic alcohol use can cause, among other things:
• Heart disease, high blood pressure and liver disease.
• Certain cancers.
• A weak immune system.
• Cognitive problems.
• Mental health problems.
How to stop drinking
For many people, the first step is to admit they have a problem with alcohol. And that can be a very difficult thing to do. Take a hard look at the warning signs of AUD. Any of them are a cause for concern if you have them.
The second step is to ask for support. That may mean talking to family and friends, as well as to your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you quit drinking. They can also refer you to a mental health therapist who can help you identify any underlying causes for your alcohol use and better ways to deal with them.
You may also want to join a mutual-support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. These kinds of groups are available in most communities at low or no cost. You also may be able to find a mutual-support group online.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism