Reputable news and information curated by the Lakes Urgent Care staff to help keep you and your family happy, healthy and safe.

Safely dispose of prescription drugs through the DEA Drug Takeback Day

Safely dispose of prescription drugs through the DEA Drug Takeback Day

Safely get rid of any unused prescription medicines in your home during the DEA National Takeback Day, this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Almost 10 million people misuse prescription drugs every year most of these misused drugs were obtained from a family or friend’s medicine cabinet. Disposing of unused prescriptions drugs safely at this event also keeps them out of our water supply.

Click on the link to find the takeback location closest to you.

DEA Drug Takeback locator

Protect yourself from the 2021 Michigan Mosquito Invasion

Protect yourself from the 2021 Michigan Mosquito Invasion

Welcome to the great mosquito invasion of 2021. Our dry spring, coupled with a very wet summer is the culprit. disease. Protect yourself from mosquitoes! Because they are so plentiful right now, and carry the risk of disease, Lakes Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Sanford Vieder suggests you take an extra precaution. Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever you go outside, whenever possible. Apply a good quality insect repellent that contains at least 10 percent DEET to any unprotected area. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and puddles, so don’t let any water accumulate around your home. Click on the links for more information, treatment tips and different products to keep the buzzing and biting at bay.

How to treat mosquito bites/itching

Best bug sprays

Why mosquitoes are worse this summer in Michigan

Products that keep mosquitos away

Ask Dr. Vieder

National Drug Take back day is Saturday, April 24th

National Drug Take back day is Saturday, April 24th

National Drug Take back Day is this Saturday, April 24th. It’s the best and safest way to dispose of all expired and unwanted prescription drugs in your home. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to mis-use prescription drugs and don’t ever flush them down the toilet. It is quite harmful to our water supply. Click on the link to find the approved drug take back location closest to your home and please share with family and friends.

https://takebackday.dea.gov

 

COVID-19 vaccine update: April 2021

COVID-19 vaccine update: April 2021

Right now, everyone 16 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.We highly recommend that you proactively make an appointment to vaccinate yourself and all eligible members of your family.

COVID-19 Vaccination appointments are available now at Ford Field:

https://clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021

Additional COVID-19 vaccination appointment sites:

https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_103214—,00.html

https://oaklandcountyvaccine.com/

Lakes Urgent Care has been approved by the State of Michigan as a vaccination site. We currently do not have the vaccine and don’t know when we will receive our initial allotment. As soon as we have the vaccine, we’ll let you know how to book a vaccination appointment online or by phone.

Additional COVID-19 resources:

https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/03/12/covid-vaccine-michigan-eligibility/4665331001/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/coronavirus/michigan-get-record-number-covid-19-vaccine-doses-next-week-cases-surge

Toro snow thrower product recall

Toro snow thrower product recall

If you own a Toro Power Max Snowthrower model 37802 (sold nationwide at Home Depot and other stores) stop using it immediately. It is being recalled for a major defect, described by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as an “amputation hazard.” When disengaging the mechanism that controls it, the snow auger can remain in motion, which is extremely dangerous. If you’ve been giving your snow blowers a workout this week, please follow all the safety guidelines in your owner’s manual. Snow blowers are a great tool, but they can be dangerous and cause serious injury if not used with care. Click on our link for details on the Toro recall.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Toro-Recalls-Power-Max-Snowthrowers-Due-to-Amputation-Hazard

https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/02/about-6700-snowblowers-recalled-due-to-amputation-hazard.html

Farmington Hills PD Drug Take Back Day October 24, 2020

Lakes Urgent Care supports The Farmington Hills Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency as they hold another drug take back day, Saturday, October 24th from 10am-2pm at Police Headquarters, 31655 West 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills

Residents of any city may participate in this drug take back day. All unwanted prescription drugs, and potentially dangerous drugs such as Oxycodone will be accepted anonymously. The DEA cannot accept any medication in liquid form. Everyone must wear a mask when entering Police Headquarters.

It’s important to responsibly get rid of any unwanted drugs in your home for two reasons:

Two-thirds of teens and young adults who report abuse of prescription medicine are getting it from friends, family and acquaintances, according to www.drugfreeamerica.org

Never flush drugs down the toilet. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “studies have found that medicines flushed down the drain can contaminate our lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other aquatic wildlife, and end up in our drinking water. . Flushing medications down a toilet or drain allows them to enter the wastewater treatment system. Unfortunately, many treatment systems are not designed to remove medications.”

Thank you, Farmington Hills Police Department for helping to keep our community safe! Links to additional information:

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/dont-flush-medicines-down-drain

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20376813

https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/articles/clearing-out-the-medicine-cabinet

Chainsaw safety tips

Lakes Urgent Care’s Dr. Turk successfully treated a young man who came to our office recently with a hand laceration and tendon injury caused by a chainsaw. We coordinated follow up treatment with hand surgical specialist, Dr. Kushner and we expect the patient to recover completely. If you are using a chain saw this fall clean up season, remember to always wear protective gear: hearing protection, goggles, boots, hard hat, chaps and gloves. And click on this link for safety measures you should take before using this very dangerous power tool: https://www.chainsawjournal.com/chainsaw-safety-tips/

 

Blueberries – a real super food for good health

Blueberries – a real super food for good health

We love blueberries. They’re a tasty, low calorie fruit you can purchase fresh (or frozen) all year long. Did you know that they’re also really good for you? Of all the fruits you can eat, blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals, the compounds in your body that can cause harm if levels become too high. They also help reduce (bad) LDL cholesterol, they may help lower your blood pressure and they help prevent heart disease. Blueberries can help you maintain healthy brain function and lower your risk of diabetes. They help fight urinary tract infections. Blueberries are good for your heart and can even help your body recover faster from exercise. No matter how you eat them, blueberries are a super food you should eat regularly to keep you and your family healthy and happy!

How to socialize safely during this COVID Fourth of July

How to socialize safely during this COVID Fourth of July

“By far, your safest way to experience Fourth of July 2020 is to remain with the same squad you’ve been with since the shelter in place order began” says Lakes Urgent Care medical director Dr. Sanford Vieder. “But if you are meeting with family and friends for the first time in several months, here are key tips to keep yourself and your family safe:

Do as much socializing as possible OUTSIDE because if present, the COVID-19 virus dissipates into the environment more quickly outdoors.

LIMIT THE SIZE of your group so that the outside area permits safe social distancing. Think about the outdoor space for your party and then how many people can safely attend.

If socializing indoors, always WEAR A MASK. This is to protect you and your guests.

Consider bringing your own food, beverages and disposable plates, cups, etc. This can reduce your risk.

Bring hand sanitizer and tissues for your pocket. It’s helpful if everyone has a tissue in their pocket, just in case.

Wash your hands often and/or use hand sanitizer often.

If possible, don’t use the restroom.

Help the host wipe down all “high touch” areas with disinfectant wipes.

And of course, if you or anyone in your family has COVID-19 symptoms, please STAY HOME!

Lakes Urgent Care (W. Bloomfield /Livonia) will be open 9am-6pm on Saturday, July 4th in case you need us.