Healthy Answers
How to deal with shoulder pain, UTIs

Q. What can I do to relieve shoulder

pain?

A. Work, everyday chores, and some

sports, such as tennis or golf, are common sources of injuries that trigger shoulder pain, particularly if it involves overhead activity. Here are some ways to ease the discomfort from Kelton Burbank, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon

based out of Longview Orthopedic

Center at HealthAlliance Hospital:

• Try taking some time off from aggressive,

overhead activities to give things a

chance to calm down. • Place an ice pack on the painful area for

15 to 20 minutes. Repeat as needed. If

the ice doesn't work, try a heating pad.

If both work, you can alternate them. • Try over-the-counter aspirin, naproxen,

or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.

Tylenol can also work and is less

likely to upset your stomach. • Try some gentle exercises. Bend slightly

forward so you face the floor. Let your sore arm dangle down, and draw small to large circles in the air with your arm.

Do this five to 10 times a day in order to

prevent loss of motion. • When the pain is better, move on to

strengthening exercises with light weights. This will help your shoulder get stronger, which may prevent future problems. • Call your doctor if the pain is intense or

if it does not go away in a few days.

Q. What can women do to prevent urinary

tract infections?

A. Gary Wilson, board certified in obstetrics

and gynecology at Montachusett Women's Health at HealthAlliance Hospital,

give the following tips to keep

urinary tract infections at bay:

• Drink plenty of water every day • Enjoy a daily 10-ounce glass of cranberry

juice to prevent bacterial growth.

Vitamin C supplements and blueberries

also work • Urinate regularly, and always wipe from

front to back after using the toilet • Change sanitary napkins frequently • Take showers instead of baths • Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and

douches.

Promptly report any signs of a UTI to your doctor. Symptoms include pain or burning during urination and a strong urge to urinate. Some women also experience blood or pus in their urine.

"Health Answers" is a regular feature in The Community Journal. If you have a question, please send it to editor@thecommunityjournal. com, and your question might be featured in an upcoming column. If you need immediate medical attention, contact your doctor.