Recognizing and Avoiding Poison Ivy in Raleigh

Raleigh Poison Ivy
Before heading out to do yard work, check these tips on how to identify and avoid coming into contact with poison ivy and poison oak.

Poison Ivy: Poison ivy has thin, shiny, bright-green leaves. The leaves occur in threes, with one leaf at the end of the stem and two leaves opposite of one another on the stem. Young leaves can be orange and in the fall they turn red. The stems are reddish and can appear “hairy.” The plant may have a cluster of small yellowish green flowers (in June) or hard greenish white berries (in fall).

Poison Oak
Poison Oak: Poison oak tends to grow in dry areas and also has leaves of three. The leaves may take on appearance of true oak leaves. The leaves are usually green in spring and summer and reddish in late summer and fall. The flowers and berries are white to yellowish green.

Tips to Avoid Poison Ivy in Raleigh NC:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and fully enclosed footwear when walking, gardening or going near areas known to have either poison ivy or poison oak.
• Wear gloves when working in the yard.
• Wear a block (Ivy Block or Stokogard) if you know you are highly sensitive.
• Do not touch your face, eyes or exposed skin with hands or gloves that may have been exposed.
• Be mindful of your pets if they have been out near the plants because they can carry the oils on their fur.
• Clean your garden tools, gloves or anything else that has come into contact with the plants. Latent resin from the plants can remain on exposed items for months or years. Wash your clothes in hot water immediately after being exposed. Wash any objects in hot, soapy water and let dry outside.
• Wash exposed skin immediately. It takes about 10-30 minutes for the poison ivy or oak resin to bind with the skin. Speedy cleaning may help to avoid any reaction.

Pap Testing

There have been changes recently in the guidelines for Pap testing, often referred to as a Pap smear, and the publicity has resulted in some confusion. Here are the most current guidelines concerning the Pap smear: A Pap test or Pap smear checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The test will indicate if there is an infection or growth of abnormal and unhealthy cells. It is still the most effective source to save lives by checking for the earliest signs of cervical cancer. All women should have Pap smears along with pelvic exams.

The second annual Durant Medical Center Health Fair will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 10am-2pm at 10880 Durant Rd. in North Raleigh.

Wake Internal Medicine and Pediatrics is located at this medical center.

More than 20 health-related organizations are participating. Screenings will be available for blood pressure, glucose levels, sleep disorders, and vein and PAD. For the kids, Carolina Hurricanes mascot Stormy will be making an appearance and there will be a jump castle and face painting.

The event is free and open to the public.

Wake Women’s Health:

How Often Should You Have a Pap Smear?

How often should I get a Pap smear? If you are 21 years of age or older, a Pap smear should be done every two years. If you are 30 years of age or older and have had three normal Pap tests for three years in a row, talk to your doctor about getting one every three years. If you have gone through menopause, you will still need a Pap smear and should discuss the regularity with your doctor. If you are 65 years of age or older, you can ask your doctor if you can stop getting the test.

Is there anyone who should receive more frequent testing? Yes. If you have weakened immune system because of organ transplant, chemotherapy or steroid use you will need more frequent tests. If you are HIV-positive or your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant, you will need a more frequent test. If you have multiple sexual partners, more frequent testing will be necessary to rule out the possibility of HPV (human papillomavirus).

These are guidelines, and your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your health history and family history. Take the time to discuss your specific needs with your gynecologist.

Rosemarie C. Newman, MD, FACOG Joins Wake Women’s Health

Wake Women’s Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Rosemarie C. Newman to the practice. Dr. Newman has been in practice for over 25 years and is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was in practice in North Raleigh before joining Wake Women’s Health.

Dr. Newman’s Education

Internship and Residency, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York
Doctor of Medicine, New York Medical College
Bachelor of Arts, Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York,
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Professional Societies
Americal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Medical Association

Spring Cleaning for Health

With the onset of spring comes a sense of renewal and a “fresh start.” Spring clean to improve the appearance of your home and help your health with these simple tips:

• Clean out the medicine cabinet – purge any expired medications and prescriptions, but check with your pharmacist to find out the safest way to do this. Throwing them down the sink may create a potential hazard.
• Thoroughly dust your home and replace any air or heating filters to reduce allergens.
• Scour your bathrooms and damp areas to remove mold and mildew that may cause allergic reactions.
• Check your smoke detectors and put new batteries in them. Do the same with carbon monoxide detectors.
• In the garage and basement, check old cans of paint, thinners, oils, solvents or other toxic materials and take them to the appropriate disposal site. Follow this link to find disposal locations in Wake County: https://www.wakegov.com/recycling/residents/houshazwaste.htm
• Clean out under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, removing outdated toxic substances or cleaners.
• Throw out old or broken toys.
• Inspect playground equipment to make sure it has remained sturdy through the winter.
• Take your exercise outdoors. Escape the gym and rev up your workout by walking, running, biking and swimming.

Healthy Tip:

Coffee, alcohol and sugar all deplete important nutrients in your body. These include vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, C, folic acid) and minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium). Used in moderation the damage to your body will be minimal in most cases. Excessive consumption, such as drinking coffee all day, will rob you of needed nutrients.