Poison ivy grows just about anywhere inthe United States and Canada, with the loneexceptions including the far west, desertsand areas of high elevation. Therefore,millions of people can easily come intocontact with the plant.

Urushiol, the oil inside of the poison ivyplant, can cause different types of irritation.For most it causes a very irritating skin rash. Toxins from poison ivy can also be inhaled if wood with poison ivy on it is burned. Thiscan cause lung irritation and may necessitate a trip to the hospital.

Poison ivy grows as a trailing vine or a low shrub in most areas. The adage “leaves ofthree, leave them be” is often used to helpidentify poison ivy, but it can still be difficult to recognize poison ivy from other weedsand shrubs. Each leaf on poison ivy has three

Avoid an Itchy Situationsmaller leaflets. The middle leaflet has alonger stalk than the two on the sides.

While penetration of urushiol into the skin can take mere minutes, rashes tend todevelop later on. A person may not realize he or she has come in contact with the irritantuntil hours later. In many cases, a firstcontact with poison ivy will not lead to a rash. However, repeat exposure can trigger anallergic reaction. Research estimates asmuch as 85 percent of people exposed topoison ivy develop an allergic reaction.However, some are immune. Others mayexperience decreased sensitivity as they age.

If you are exposed to poison ivy, you maydevelop a rash shortly after. It could start as a small, itchy spot and spread. Seriousreactions may cause large pustules filled with fluid to develop. A poison ivy rash can last up to 3 weeks for some. Itching can be alleviated with cool showers, topical lotions andoatmeal baths.

The best way to avoid a reaction is tosimply avoid contact with the plant. Wearlong pants and socks when hiking throughbrush. If you are removing poison ivy, wearthick gloves because the urushiol is in thevines and leaves. Thoroughly wash all items you believe have come in contact with theplant. If you can afford it, discard anythingthat has had major contact.

Poison ivy is thought to affect onlyhumans; birds, rabbits and other animalsdon’t seem to be afflicted by the oil.However, urushiol can attach to the fur ofpets and be transferred to people who pettheir animals. If your dog or cat has beenplaying in poison ivy prone areas, wash thepet well wearing gloves.

If a serious reaction occurs from poisonivy, go to the hospital or consult a doctor.Prescription medications may be needed toreduce swelling.

Who Says There’s No Place Like Home?

203-729-988989 Weid Drive

Naugatuck, CT 06770www.athenahealthcare.com

Beacon Brook Health Centeris a 126 bed

skilled nursing facility specializing in

subacute/short term rehabilitation.

500 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

Satellite Offices: Southington, Southbury and Torrington

(203) 755-NOSS (-6677)

www.nossmd.com

The Physicians of NOSS (left to right):

Top row: Michael E. Karnasiewicz, MD ; Jarob N. Mushaweh, MD; Stephen A. Torrey, MD;

Alan S. Waitze, MD; John G. Strugar, MD; Glenn G. Taylor, MD; Bottom row: William F. Flynn, Jr., MD; Frederick J. Watson, MD; Alisa H. Darling, MD;

Mark A. Mashia, DC, MS; Tamer B. Ghaly MD

Stinging pain is an intense nerve reaction common in athletes. When

it hits, the discomfort can be overwhelming. Fortunately we have the

answers. From physical therapy and chiropractic medicine to interven-

tional pain management and advanced orthopaedic care, we have the

treatment you need to make your life better. Call us at (203) 755-NOSS.

At NOSS, our passion for healing lets you pursue your passion for living.

“The stinging pain started in my neck and moved down my arm.”

16 Friday, June 25, 2010CITIZEN’S NEWS

Excuse #1 for not coming to church:“Been there, done that.”

Not like this you haven’t!

Don’t Get Burned by Grilling Myths

Are you ready to get cooking? Grilling is a staple of summertime entertainment, andsome people even grill 12 months a year. Aslong as grilling has been around, myths have circulated about this popular means to pre-paring a meal. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth: You have to clean the grill rightafter cooking.

It really doesn’t matter when youclean the grill, just that it gets cleaned. Many people rely on grilled food as a quick method of cooking. If company is over, it’s perfectlyalright to leave the grill uncleaned. Just do it the next time you light the fire. Simply turnon the heat, let it warm up for about 10 min-utes to allow the flames to burn off any food particles and loosen up the rest. Then goover the grates with a wire brush. Remaining oils from foods help season the metal grating and flavor the next round of food.

Myth: Eating grilled food causes can-cer.

Fact: This myth is based on a study inwhich rats were fed heavily charred food that was cooked on a grill. Charred food can con-tain benz-pyrenes, which are carcinogenic.However, the rats were only served thecharred food and in high amounts -- some-thing that would be unlikely for people toconsume. Eating grilled food as part of a bal-anced diet is unlikely to cause cancer. If you are concerned about benz-pyrenes, grill lean meats that are less likely to cause flare-upsand charring on the foods. Some marinadescan also reduce the amount of charring thatoccurs.

Myth: Grilling and barbecuing are the same thing.

Fact: Actually, they’re not. Grilling cooksfood over high heat for a short duration oftime. Barbecuing uses low, indirect heat tocook foods, generally all day or even over-night. Grilling is used for foods that woulddry out if cooked for a long time. Less expen-sive, tougher cuts of meat can be barbecued, such as brisket.

Myth: Grills require special cleaningto prevent bacteria.

Fact: Concern about foodborne illnessesis very real. Bacteria can lead to stomach dis-comfort and other symptoms. However, it isnot necessary to sterilize your grill. The high heat used to cook the food essentially doesthat work for you. Allowing your grill to pre-heat and cleaning it regularly will be all theprecaution you need to prevent bacteria.

Myth: You need to coat foods in oil toprevent sticking.

Fact: Generally cleaning your grill andallowing the grating to season will be enough to prevent sticking of foods. Also, allowmeats to cook thoroughly on one side before attempting to flip to avoid sticking. If sticking is still a problem, a light coating of cookingoil or nonstick spray applied to the grillgrates can help.

Thinking about my family, my ministry, and everyonewho depends on me is what kept me going through-out my recovery from double bypass surgery. Knowing that I had so much to get back to was my inspiration;the Heart Center of Greater Waterbury was myrestoration. Now I’m feeling great, and am back to all the things in my life that matter most.

To learn more about the advanced cardiac services available close to home, call the Heart Center of GreaterWaterbury at (203) 575-1992, or visit our website atwww.heartcentergw.org.

‘‘I’m backwith the people who need me.

‘‘

In HomeAffordableCompanionHomemakerCare

• LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING • GROCERY SHOPPING • RUN ERRANDS • PREPARE MEALS • TRANSPORTATION TO DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS • HOME SAFETY CHECK • AND MUCH MORE

Begins in the comfort ofyour own home and with us.

203-720-9311246 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck

A SUBSIDIARY OF NAUGATUCK AMBULANCE INC.

ALL CAREGIVERS AREINSURED AND BONDED ♥♥

ASK US ABOUT OUR PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM

WHERE THE HEART IS“Caring People Caring For People”

REGISTRATION NO. HCA0000115

CITIZEN’S NEWSFriday, June 25, 2010 17