Posts Tagged ‘ cmoblogorangecounty ’

CMO Patient Blog- Hurricane Hilary Safety Tips

By editor
August 18, 2023

August 18, 2023

To Caduceus patients and the community:

At present, Hurricane Hilary is due to reach Southern California in the next two days and is projected to be the most intense tropical storm we have seen in 80 years. This would include heavy rainfall, severe winds, and power outages.

While hurricane projections can vary widely (as I remembered well from my residency in New Orleans), here are some safety tips if hazardous conditions do occur.

  • Use caution when going outdoors and avoid driving in torrential rains. Southern California roads are not accustomed to hurricane-level amounts of water.
  • Be aware of slick surfaces that can lead to a fall. Caduceus has been offering Fall Prevention Screening to all patients – you may be surprised by your actual risk. For example, 1 in 4 pregnant women experience a fall during their pregnancy.
  • Avoid hazardous conditions by scheduling a video visit online, request in your patient portal, by live chat from our website, or our dedicated appointment line at 844-807-8558.
  • For Caduceus 4 Women patients: take advantage of our remote monitoring services with e-Lovu health to track mom’s blood pressure and baby’s heartbeat from the comfort of your home.
  • Protect your indoor environment by securing loose doors, windows, or other openings.
  • For patients with respiratory disease, like asthma, or severe allergies – avoid being outdoors during times of high winds. This could be worse than the typical Santa Ana winds.
  • Check that you have medication refills to last you one week. If you need a refill, contact your provider through your patient portal.
  • Prepare a “go bag” in the case of evacuation or extended time without power:

-Phone and computer chargers plus pre-charged battery packs

-Drinking water

-Non-perishable food and snacks

-Games that don’t require electricity

-First-aid kit

  • Follow Caduceus on social media for health alerts and as a backup if phone lines are down:

-Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter

Of course we hope this is all “full of sound a fury, signifying nothing” but Caduceus is here for you, rain or shine!

Nathaniel DeNicola, MD, MSHP, FACOG
Chief Medical Officer | Caduceus Medical Group

CMO BLOG- UV Safety Awareness Month Orange County

By editor
July 27, 2023

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…

From George Gershwin’s opera lullaby to Ella Fitzgerald’s jazzy soundtrack right up to Sublime’s beach-rock sensation, “Summertime” has been synonymous with sunny, soothing goodness. Then Lana Del Rey came along and introduced “summertime sadness”, and who knows what to think?

Here at Caduceus we prefer the former, brighter version – but it does come with some precautions. So this summer we’ll give you all the health tips you need to keep the livin’ easy and avoid sizzlin’ like a snare.

First, let’s talk sunscreen.

You saw in our monthly newsletter that July is UV Safety Month, which means paying extra attention to protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays (both UVA and UVB). When it comes to sunscreen there are two basic types: chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreens are like a “sponge” – sinking into your skin and absorbing UVB rays before they get to your tissue. They tend to be more popular because, well, they are simpler to wear and don’t leave filmy residue. But there are some caveats: the chemicals need time to work so apply 30 minutes before sun exposure; they do not filter UVA rays (which can cause wrinkles); some of the chemicals themselves are a problem so look for a “parabens free” label to avoid hormone disrupting effects.

Physical sunscreens act like a “shield” – creating a physical barrier that sits atop the skin blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Because they don’t absorb into skin these are often good choices for people with sensitive skin, for pregnant women, and children. The only real downside to these are the pasty white residue; there’s a reason the lifeguards use them!

Whichever sunscreen you choose there are a few common rules:

  • Reapply every 90 minutes
  • Use SPF 30 or higher
  • Wear sunscreen every day – dermatologists agree that this is the best habit for healthy skin. Many face moisturizers have sunscreen for this reason. Remember UV rays get through office windows, car windows, and are present on cloudy days.
  • Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen – the best sunscreen is the one you wear.

You can see more details about sunscreen and beauty products with the CMO interview in Laguna Beach Magazine.

Second, we’ll review overall summer health.

Wearing sunscreen is just one step to protecting your skin while enjoying the sunshine. Other considerations are just as – or even more – important.

Timing – the best sunscreen is avoiding the sun altogether. Yes we know it’s Southern California and you want to enjoy it! But be mindful of peak sun exposure: 10a to 4p. Also you should download the OSHA Heat Index app to keep track of local alerts.

Remember: everyone is at risk for overheating – especially people over 65 years old, those with medical conditions like asthma and heart disease, and pregnant women. Check out the CMO interview with Emmy-winning meteorologist Miri Marshall talking specifics on heat and health.

Hydration – you probably learned growing up to drink 8 glasses of water per day. Based on good evidence? Not really. If you were looking for a number something between 2-3 liters would be closer to the right answer – but the best advice is to drink water well ahead of thirst. If you’re feeling thirsty you’re already behind. Water containers like glass and ceramic are preferred over plastic bottles especially for daily consumption.

Clothing – in some ways this is the best sunscreen of all. It doesn’t mean wearing big heavy clothing on a hot day. Brimmed hats, light colored long sleeved shirts, cover-ups, and UV-resistant clothing all get the job done.

Air Quality – don’t forget about the air pollution. It’s not just Canadian wildfires blowing smoke our way; some types of air pollution like ozone are greater during extreme heat waves. Download the EPA AirNow app to get real time air quality updates and avoid times of high alert.

Summary: Summertime is one of the best times of the year in Southern California for outdoor fun and you should enjoy it. These health tips can keep the livin’ easy and worry-free while you swim, surf, and generally soak up the sunshine. Wear sunscreen everyday, avoid peak sun exposure, drink tons of water, and track apps for daily alerts on heat and air quality.

Caduceus offers complimentary skin screens to check for a specific mole or mark that could be dangerous. Make an appointment here, or visit one of our future Dinner With The Docs Skin Screen events.

Nathaniel DeNicola, MD, MSHP, FACOG
Chief Medical Officer | Caduceus Medical Group

Fall Prevention Orange County

By editor
February 23, 2023

Keep the Spring in your Step

In a few weeks we will face that annual ritual of resetting our clocks while reciting, “spring forward, fall back.”  But this year at Caduceus it’s “spring forward, fall not.”

That’s right, this spring we are making falls a thing of the past.  Caduceus is proud to announce its Fall Prevention Program complete with clinical counseling, supply recommendations, and a free home inspection. 

Why focus on fall prevention? 

Well, first and foremost, falls are a common problem among senior citizens that can lead to serious injuries and reduced independence.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year – and less than half tell their doctor!  Since falling once doubles the chance of falling again, it’s time to talk about it.

The health risks of a fall may seem obvious – like broken bones in the arms, wrist, or hip – which can reduce independence and hinder daily activities, but there are other concerns.  Head injuries can be especially dangerous for seniors or people taking blood thinners, which can exacerbate a brain injury. 

Plus, even if you don’t actually suffer a spill, just the fear of falling can be a problem – people who limit activities become weaker and deconditioned, which among other things increases the chance that the dreaded dive occurs after all.

So let’s break the fall before it happens, and it helps to know who is at risk.  Several factors can increase a senior's risk of falling, including:

  • Age-related changes in balance, coordination, and vision
  • Lower body weakness
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and dementia
  • Medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects
  • Environmental hazards, such as uneven floors, poor lighting, and loose rugs or carpets

Remember it’s not only seniors who can get tripped up.  Anyone recently discharged from the hospital, those recovering during postoperative care, and people who live alone should also use some extra caution.  And let’s not forget about expectant mothers – as 1 in 4 pregnant women experience a fall during pregnancy, and 1 in 10 fall multiple times. 

Ok, so how do you prevent this free fall from health and independence?  We at Caduceus have you covered.  First, you can take the following steps:

  1. Exercise regularly to improve balance and strength. This can include activities such as walking, Tai Chi, or water aerobics.
  2. Review and follow your medications with your doctor or health professional. Some medications can increase the risk of falls.
  3. Remove tripping hazards from your home, such as loose rugs, cords, or clutter. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid the need to climb or stretch.
  4. Use assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, to help with balance and stability.
  5. Make sure your home is well-lit, especially in areas you use at night, such as the bathroom and bedroom.
  6. Wear shoes that fit well and have non-slip soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing socks.
  7. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly and wear glasses or hearing aids as prescribed.
  8. Look into a medical alert system; some are covered by insurance.
  9. Consider installing handrails or grab bars in your home, especially in the bathroom.

Second, get your home inspected!  As a service to Caduceus patients we are offering a free home inspection with a safety score to help identify preventative measures and keep that spring in your step. 

In conclusion, falls are a common problem among senior citizens that can lead to serious injuries and reduced independence.  Many age-related and environmental risk factors can be mitigated with proper counseling and home safety checks.  To schedule a home inspection email support.


Nathaniel DeNicola, MD, MSHP, FACOG
Chief Medical Officer | Caduceus Medical Group

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