Quick First Aid and Safety for Bites, Burns, Stings and Bruises

As a clinician who has worked in a family practice setting along with the emergency room, I have had the experience of treating many injuries related to insect bites, sunburns, cuts and bruises. I also have the personal experience being the mother of four children, which is more difficult than the clinical setting.
The first goal as a practitioner is to educate the caregivers on safety. Preventative medicine is always the best, however we all know that when it comes to children that is not always possible, if there is a will I am sure they will find the way. The good and most important thing to remember is that most of these injuries can be handled at home safely with simple quick first aid however I encourage anyone that has any doubt in handling a situation to follow up with a health care provider immediately. In medicine there is no such thing as an absolute, however some simple tasks may help alleviate a worsened outcome.

What is Occupational Medicine?

There are many different areas of medicine, however some just aren't easily recognized by the title of that area of expertise. Occupational Medicine is one of those sub-specialties that most are not familiar with. The misconception is that it is related to a form of occupational therapy which in itself is an entirely different specialty. As a Physician Assistant working in an occupational health setting my specialty is often confused with another area of medicine.
It is unique in that we deal most of the time with well individuals seeking employment or individuals seeking to return to work as soon as possible so the interest of recovery is higher. It can also be challenging as some may not be fit for certain positions, however as a health care provider accommodations should be done to get them employed. It is in the best interest of both employee and employer. I think the better educate we are about the specialties in medicine will also allow for better resources.

Toothache, Headache, Backache Hydrocodone Anyone?

I am sure we all know someone who has been on some form of hydrocodone more commonly known as Vicodin. Some may take it for a simple toothache, others for chronic pain, but the reality is that some are just plainly addicted to it. Yes I will admit that it is prescribed sometimes too freely and thus may cause an addictive response but who is accountable. Physician or patient. Some symptoms are subjective meaning as a medical provider the pain cannot be seen so we rely on patients being honest and truthful, however should some providers be more conservative with their treatments at time. I am not sure there is a right answer.
From personal experience I had very bad side effects with hydrocodone. So it is difficult for me to even believe that this is addicting, but anyway this should be used with lots of caution.

My Occupation...

As a full time PA I often find that many question "what is" my profession. So in one of my articles for AC (Associated Content) I have laid it out the best I could. I give a brief description of my role as a PA in hopes to clarify some of these questions. What is a Physician Assistant?
At least this will explain a little about what we do. And yes in our field there are many who have different roles in all specialties and as a growing profession I am sure that you may have encountered one in some way. We can all hope that the experience was a professional and pleasant encounter as it should be with any health care provider.
I would love to say that I hear only pleasant stories about health care providers, but we all know including myself that we have had a few that either lack professionalism and have no "people skills" and some that may or may not, but present with a lack of knowledge as well. Which I say sometimes it is Ok as long as the answer is being sought. And with medicine honesty is the best policy. It builds trust between the provider and patient. Agree?