ACMC | Pulse | Fall 2015

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Q I had a flu vaccine in
February. Should I get
another one this winter?
A Each year a new
vaccine is created
based on the flu strains that
are seen around the U.S.
So, yes, you do need to be
revaccinated this year. The
influenza vaccine is effective
in minimizing the symptoms
of the flu or preventing you
from catching the flu. Since
it takes about 14 days for the
vaccine to be fully effective,
you should get one right
away. Flu season lasts until
late spring, so it is not too
late to get the flu shot for this
season’s virus.
To schedule an
appointment for a flu
vaccination at one of ACMC’s
sites in Ashtabula, Conneaut,
Jefferson or North Kingsville,
call 440-997-6969 . Or you
may walk in at ACMC’s
Express Care at Conneaut
Family Health Center
9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday
through Saturday; or ACMC
Express Care at Jefferson
Family Health Center
11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday,
Wednesday and Friday; or
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday.
ASK US ANYTHING
askadoc@acmchealth.org
or via private message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
ashtabulahealth . Our physicians will answer them publicly
on our website at and on our social
media sites on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Andi
Tirounilacandin,
DO, ACMC
Family Practice
Sanjay
Srivastava,
MD, ACMC
Pulmonologist
Michelle
Dunbar,
DPM, ACMC
Podiatrist and
Wound Healing
Physician
Q I was diagnosed with
COPD earlier this year.
I struggled with breathing
during the hot days of
summer. Will my breathing be
easier this winter?
A Maybe not. COPD—
chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease—is
a general term for any
breathing disease, such as
bronchitis and emphysema,
which affects your breathing.
In the winter, the cold air
can trigger a bronchospasm,
causing the smooth muscles
in the airways to tighten
and spasm. A person will
experience increased mucus
production, excessive
coughing and shortness of
breath. Plus, the stress on
your body is magnified if
you have to walk through
the snow. You can overexert
yourself just walking to the
mailbox. You should plan to
stay indoors where you can
control the temperature.
Let someone else handle the
outside chores.
ACMC offers a free COPD
support group. Contact
Respiratory Care Services
Director Melissa Shanley
at 440-997-6696 for more
information.
Q My family physician said I
should inspect my foot and
leg bruises carefully this winter,
but I don’t understand why.
A Diabetes, peripheral
arterial disease, vascular
disease and other illnesses can
all affect how our body heals.
It is good to let a physician
examine a slow-healing or
chronic wound to rule out a
more serious health concern.
You can’t rely on how they feel.
We get desensitized to the pain
or soreness. Look at the wound.
Is it healing, or does it look
worse? Is it changing colors?
Is it dry? As we age, there is
less oil produced to keep the
skin moist. We need to use
more lotions and moisturizers
because dry, itchy skin is more
likely to crack and worsen
the wound. Soft, moist skin is
better able to heal.
If you are concerned about
a wound or have other foot
concerns, contact ACMC
Wound Healing Center at
440-994-7540 or schedule
an appointment with
Podiatrist Michelle Dunbar at
440-997-6969.
Flu COPD Diabetes
ACMC Pulse • 11