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512.550.0321
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GOTWAX IN YOUR EARS?
Don’t Use a Cotton Swab
and infections. It’s a naturally occurring protective barrier for your ear. Too much earwax can cause problems, but a medical professional will help you judge the best and safest way to remove excess wax. The Opposite Effect It might be satisfying to see the amount of wax you can pull out of your ears, but you may not actually be doing anything. When you stick an object into your ear canal, what you’re really doing is pushing the wax farther back. So, while the cotton swab may show some yellow on the end, you’re just pushing the majority of the wax away. This buildup can gather near your eardrum, creating a literal wall between you and the sounds of the world. Essentially, this limits your hearing and prevents the wax from doing its job. If extra wax is causing you problems — or if you’ve gone too far with the swab — schedule an appointment with Texan ENT by calling 512.550.0321.
Cotton swabs can come in handy around the house. With their help, you can clean tile lines, remove nail polish, or delicately clean out a wound or piercing. But cotton swabs should not be used for another common chore: cleaning out your ears. Take a gander at the harm a swab can do, and reconsider sticking one in your ear. Hearing Loss and Severe Pain Rupturing your eardrum is a well-known side effect of sticking a cotton swab in your ear, but do you really understand what happens when it breaks? You could experience constant pain and ringing, and there’s a possibility your ear will begin leaking — yuck. Injuring your eardrum can result in permanent hearing loss and may have to be treated with antibiotics, a patch, or even surgery. Is a cotton swab worth those medical bills? Wax Is Good A healthy amount of earwax can actually be beneficial for your ear. The wax protects it from dangerous invasions and can prevent diseases
LAUGH! HAVE A
Pumpkin Chickpea Fritters These crispy, savory fritters are the perfect main course option for a vegan Thanksgiving. You could also use them as patties for a fall-flavored veggie burger.
Ingredients
Inspired by Healthy.Happy.Life
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 can chickpeas, drained
1–2 teaspoons flour, for binding (optional) 1 cup panko bread crumbs, for coating 1/4–1/2 cup safflower or canola oil, for frying
1/2 cup organic pumpkin purée
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic granules
Directions
Pat into flat cakes and carefully drop into hot oil. 5. Fry fritters, flipping once, until golden and toasty, about 2 minutes per side. 6. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel to dry and cool. Serve 5 minutes after cooking.
1. In a large mixing bowl, mash together chickpeas and pumpkin purée until the majority of peas are mixed with purée. 2. Add sunflower seeds, apple cider vinegar, spices, and flour to mixture. Fold until fully integrated. 3. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high. 4. Form mixture into golf-ball-sized spheres and roll to coat in panko breadcrumbs.
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