Category Archives: Healthy Tips

Keep Your Kids Hydrated This Summer

Athletics stay hydrated for sports

Are your kids staying healthy and hydrated this summer while competing in their athletics? This summer is a scorcher and the sun can be brutal. Here is some information on dehydration for you to use to ensure their safety on and off the field!

Proper Hydration for Sports is Essential

Sometimes children are so focused on winning or placing first in a race that they forget or even ignore the fact that they are thirsty. Because of this, it is the parent’s responsibility to pay attention to their child’s hydration. Here are some signs to tell if your child is starting to become or is already dehydrated:

  • Emerging Headache
  • Poor concentration
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

High school teams are starting soon. Football, volleyball, golf, swimming, and tennis, just to name a few. It can be hard staying hydrated with two or more practices daily. To fight against dehydration in such busy times, make sure your child takes frequent water breaks. The water will keep their bodies cool and will protect them from heatstroke and other conditions. It will also give them more energy and they will be in better shape when it comes time to get their sports physical! Here are some more summer sun safety tips for your kids.

Sports Physicals at Westland Clinic

Has your student-athlete gotten a sports physical yet? If not, make an appointment at our local medical clinic serving Wayne County including; Canton, Livonia, Garden City and others. The Westland Clinic is a great place to get a quick and complete sports physical this summer. We are familiar with local schools and have been doing sports physicals in Michigan for over 40 years.

If you would like more information on our sports physical prices, more tips on staying hydrated, or other more generalized information, contact us  or call 734-728-2130. Also, feel free to visit us Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 6149 N. Wayne Rd. in Westland. We take both walk-ins and appointments, whichever option is best for you. We look forward to meeting you and your child(ren)!

Have a Healthy Holiday!

As the days grow shorter, the temperature is starting to get cold. Winter starts this month and even though we might have a few warm days, it is just as likely to snow.  The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to be prepared for the holiday festivities than to be healthy for all that’s in store?

Spread the Cheer, Not the Illness

There probably isn’t a time of year where people are closer so it pays to be careful. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a very contagious respiratory virus that can be passed down from person to person through sneezing, coughing, hugging or even talking. This type of illness can linger on surfaces, so it’s pretty easy to catch.  A few symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Runny/stuffy nose

The severeness of each flu season cannot be predicted, however, the best way to prevent the flu is to have an annual flu vaccination.Healthy Holiday prevent flu

Precautions/Tips to Take for the Holiday Season

Flu season can begin as early as October and typically peaks between December and February. Many of us look forward to spending the holidays with our loved ones, so it’s very important that we take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others near you from getting sick. This holiday, take control to stay healthy. By simply washing your hands with soap, using hand sanitizer regularly, eating well-balanced meals (fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc.) and exercising, you’ll overcome this flu season.

Ready for a Checkup?

Are you in need of a checkup? Do you still need to receive your annual flu vaccination? Westland Clinic offers medical care to all ages. Our family practice office provides care for your entire family, as well as offers a wide range of medical care which includes; routine physicals, treatment of acute and chronic diseases and conditions. For more information, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 734.728.2130 or visit us at our location.

Back to School Physical Exams and Health Tips

After a long summer of hanging out with friends, eating snacks throughout the day, zoning out in front of the TV and staying up until the wee hours of the night, kids are in for a huge adjustment as they return back to school. Most times, children need help when it comes to making that transition because it’s hard for them to get back into the routine they once were on prior to summer break. What’s even more stressful is all of the many appointments you have to schedule just to make sure that your child’s health is in order. However, this school year does not have to be like the last. With the tips that we’ve prepared for you, we hope that this school year will be the best with less stress!

Back to School Health Tips

Back to School health tips

1. Healthy Eating

During the summertime, eating healthy is one of the things that often times get overlooked. Typically, a lot of children spend their summer break eating differently–substituting meals with snacks–but now is the time to put all of that to an end. Before the school year officially begins, get your child in the habit of eating three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Studies have shown that sitting down with your child to have these meals helps to reset the routine. Stocking up on healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole-grain to meal prep is also quite beneficial.

2. Bedtimes for Kids

Setting your child’s bedtime earlier each evening prior to school starting is a good way to help your child transition back to waking up early. Children essentially need about 9+ hours of sleep each night, so by doing this will help your kid stay healthy and focused throughout the day. Sticking with the same routine is very important. Be sure not to allow for the weekends to become free days of doing whatever.

3. School Physical Exams

Physical Exams Westland Clinic

The start of a new school year means it’s time for school physical exams. One of the most common annual exams for students is sports physicals with a family doctor. Meeting with your child’s  doctor each year helps to ensure that your child’s vaccinations and medical records are up-to-date. If your child enjoys playing sports and would like to participate in them during the school year, a sports physical will need to be done. Hearing tests, eye exams and dentist appointments are also things to consider when kicking off- the new school year.

We Offer School Physicals at Westland Clinic

Are you currently looking for a place that offers back to school physical exams, sports physicals and vaccinations in the Westland, Inkster or Garden City area? Westland Clinic is the place to go. Contact us to set up your child’s appointment today. We look forward to seeing you and your child very soon.

Healthy Tips This Summer

Warmer weather. Longer nights. Sprinklers running. Summer delight!

Yes, summer is in full action and you know what that means? Fun, fun, and more fun! But, let’s not forget how important staying healthy is, especially during this season. Now is a better time than ever to start improving your health. Most of us understand how important using sunscreen is. There are some other not so obvious things to be aware of as well. Here are a few helpful healthy tips to help you with them this summer:

  1. Give yourself a berry boost: You’d be surprised how much energy you can obtain just by eating a bowl of mixed berries.Healthy Tips This Summer Imagine how much of a difference it would make to your health if you were to do it every day. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, helps keep your cholesterol down. It is said that it can even possibly prevent some cancers. Another plus to eating berries is that it has a lot of antioxidants in them, which helps to reduce age-related illnesses and prevent damage to tissues.
  2. Floss daily: We know, who wants to floss? And every day, at that? However, flossing reduces oral bacteria, which ultimately improves your overall body health and provides more resources to fight off bacteria everywhere else. Cool, right? You’ll definitely be ahead of 85% of other people in the world. And don’t forget to brush your gums, tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth as well. Keep it all clean!
  3. Take care of your eyes: We all get excited when we see an ounce of sunlight creeping through the blinds. We can’t help that we love warmer weather! But, as much as we enjoy the summer’s heat, we have to be mindful of our eyes. Wearing sunglasses help to block out at least 99% of UV rays and can prevent getting wrinkles around the eyes as well as cataracts.
  4. Get some rest: Sleeping is so vital. Sometimes, we get so carried away and forget how crucial it is. Getting a good night’s rest each night and sticking with a consistent sleep routine helps improve your sleep hygiene. Resist the urge to stay up longer than what you’re used to, just because it isn’t dark outside yet.

These are a few simple ways to help your immune system and improve your health this summer. Give them a try! If you’re in the Livonia, Westland, Garden City or Dearborn area and are looking for a new doctor to check out your health this summer, please do not hesitate to contact us. We use the latest equipment and methods to perform diagnostic testing at our medical clinics.

How to Prepare For Your Beach Bound Spring Break Vacation

If you’re lucky enough to be going somewhere sunny and tropical for your spring break vacation, we’re very jealous. You’ll be able to enjoy time on the beach in the sun getting a tan. Unfortunately, this can also lead to sunburns, dehydration, and sun poisoning. In the short term these are awful to deal with, but in the long run, too many sunburns can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer. We created this list of handy tips and tricks to keep you sunburn free while still getting the tan you want.

Avoid Skin damage this spring break
Don’t let sunburn and sun overexposure get you down on your Spring Break!

How to Avoid Sunburns, Dehydration, and Sickness 

Limit your Sun Exposure-

If your goal is to come back to Michigan with a tan, by all means, get a tan, just do it slowly. Michigan winters limit our exposure to the sun, and your skin need time to adjust to the increase in UV rays. You can still walk away from the beach with that golden look, but make sure you take it easy at first. It only takes 15 minutes of sun exposure for your skin to start to burn, so limit the time in the sun at first. Bring a beach umbrella, cover up when you’re not trying to tan, and be careful not to fall asleep in the sun for too long. After getting a little base layer down you can increase your time.

Sun Lotion-

If you want to increase the amount of time you spend in the sun use sunscreen. If you gou out into the sun without sunscreen lotion you’re taking a risk. Using sunscreen will not only prevent you from getting sunburned but will keep your skin healthier in the long run. Want to get a tan? Use a mixed sunscreen oil or use a  lower SPF and follow up with a tanning oil after.

Stay Hydrated-

Michigan has been cold and dreary, and when going to hot places we forget that we lose water in hot and humid conditions. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, but especially at peak sunlight hours and the hottest times of day (10 am – 4 pm). Coupled with any alcohol you might be intaking, staying hydrated will be key. To stay hydrated make sure your consuming at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day or (upto) 1-2 ounces every hour your awake.

So have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your vacation! If you need any physicals or medical attention before your vacation please contact Westland-Clinic for all your medical needs.