If any resident would like an up-to-date list of recalled products that have been specifically distributed for retail sale in Massachusetts, please contact Keith Carlson, the Public Health Nurse, for access to an electronic or printed copy. A list dated February 25th was released to Massachusetts public health officials today, and is available for download or printing.
Keith can be reached at 413-259-3161 or carlsonk@amherstma.gov.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bliss Bros. Dairy Recalls Ice Cream Products Due to Salmonella
Bliss Bros. Dairy, Inc. of Attleboro, MA is recalling ½ gallons and 3 gallons of Witch’s Brew ice cream and 3 gallons of JJ Lawsen brand Snikkers ice cream because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
• Bliss Brothers Dairy Witch’s Brew Ice Cream packaged in half gallon and 3 gallon with 8252 & 8273
•JJ Lawson Brand Snikkers Ice Cream packaged in 3 gallon with lot codes 8109, 8147 & 8218
Product was distributed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine through scoop shops, retail stores and home delivery. Witch’s Brew product is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers and Bliss ½ gallon paper containers. JJ Lawsen Snikkers ice cream is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
This action is a result of the recall from our supplier of an ingredient that used Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut products. PCA recalled all peanut products manufactured in their Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007.
Consumers who have purchased either of these products should not consume it. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-622-8789.
• Bliss Brothers Dairy Witch’s Brew Ice Cream packaged in half gallon and 3 gallon with 8252 & 8273
•JJ Lawson Brand Snikkers Ice Cream packaged in 3 gallon with lot codes 8109, 8147 & 8218
Product was distributed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine through scoop shops, retail stores and home delivery. Witch’s Brew product is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers and Bliss ½ gallon paper containers. JJ Lawsen Snikkers ice cream is packaged in 3 gallon round paper containers.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
This action is a result of the recall from our supplier of an ingredient that used Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut products. PCA recalled all peanut products manufactured in their Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007.
Consumers who have purchased either of these products should not consume it. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-622-8789.
Health Habits of Adults Aged 18-29 Highlighted in Report on Nation′s Health
Young adults in the United States aged 18-29 face a number of health challenges, including increases in obesity, high injury rates, and lack of insurance coverage compared to older adults, according to the latest report on the nation′s health.
Health, United States: 2008 is the 32nd annual edition of the report prepared by CDC′s National Center for Health Statistics, and includes a compilation of health data from a number of sources within the federal government and in the private sector. The report uses the most current data available at the time of publication.
This year′s edition features a special section on adults aged 18 to 29, a group making many life choices including decisions about education, marriage, childbearing, and health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use, which will affect both their future economic and health status.
Highlights of the report:
Obesity rates have tripled among young adults in the past three decades, from 8 percent in 1971-1974 to 24 percent in 2005-2006.
In 2006, 29 percent of young men were current cigarette smokers, compared to 21 percent of young adult women. Between 1997 and 2006, the percentage of women 18–29 years of age who currently smoked cigarettes declined nearly 20 percent. Current smoking did not decline significantly among young men.
In 2005, unintentional injuries or accidents, homicide, and suicide accounted for 70 percent of deaths among young adults 18–29 years of age. Three-quarters of the 47,000 deaths in this age group occurred among young men. Young adults also have the highest rate of injury-related emergency department visits of all age groups.
In 1999–2004, almost 9 percent of adults aged 20–29 reported having major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder in the past 12 months.
In 2006, adults aged 20–24 were more likely to be uninsured (34 percent) than those aged 18–19 (21 percent) and 25–29 (29 percent).
In 2004–2006, 17 percent of adults aged 18–29 reported needing but not receiving one or more of the following services in the past year because they could not afford them: medical care, prescription medicines, mental health care, or eyeglasses.
The full report contains 151 data tables in addition to the special feature on young adults. The tables cover the spectrum of health topics, serving as a comprehensive snapshot of the nation′s health.
Other highlights:
In 2006, American men could expect to live 3.6 years longer, and women 1.9 years longer, than they did in 1990. Death rates from heart disease, stroke and cancer have continued to decline in recent years.
Sixty-five percent of men and 80 percent of women aged 75 and older reported having high blood pressure or were taking high blood pressure medication in 2003–2006, compared to about 36 percent of adults aged 45–54.
The proportion of the population with high cholesterol levels has been dropping, in large part due to increased use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In 2003–2006, 16 percent of adults had high cholesterol. Women aged 55 and over were much more likely to have high cholesterol than their male counterparts.
Approximately 25 percent of adults aged 60 and over had diabetes in 2003-2006.
Obesity rates do not appear to be increasing as rapidly as they did in past decades, but remain high, with over a third of adults age 20 and over considered to be obese in 2005–2006.
The full report is available at www.cdc.gov/nchs.
Health, United States: 2008 is the 32nd annual edition of the report prepared by CDC′s National Center for Health Statistics, and includes a compilation of health data from a number of sources within the federal government and in the private sector. The report uses the most current data available at the time of publication.
This year′s edition features a special section on adults aged 18 to 29, a group making many life choices including decisions about education, marriage, childbearing, and health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use, which will affect both their future economic and health status.
Highlights of the report:
Obesity rates have tripled among young adults in the past three decades, from 8 percent in 1971-1974 to 24 percent in 2005-2006.
In 2006, 29 percent of young men were current cigarette smokers, compared to 21 percent of young adult women. Between 1997 and 2006, the percentage of women 18–29 years of age who currently smoked cigarettes declined nearly 20 percent. Current smoking did not decline significantly among young men.
In 2005, unintentional injuries or accidents, homicide, and suicide accounted for 70 percent of deaths among young adults 18–29 years of age. Three-quarters of the 47,000 deaths in this age group occurred among young men. Young adults also have the highest rate of injury-related emergency department visits of all age groups.
In 1999–2004, almost 9 percent of adults aged 20–29 reported having major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder in the past 12 months.
In 2006, adults aged 20–24 were more likely to be uninsured (34 percent) than those aged 18–19 (21 percent) and 25–29 (29 percent).
In 2004–2006, 17 percent of adults aged 18–29 reported needing but not receiving one or more of the following services in the past year because they could not afford them: medical care, prescription medicines, mental health care, or eyeglasses.
The full report contains 151 data tables in addition to the special feature on young adults. The tables cover the spectrum of health topics, serving as a comprehensive snapshot of the nation′s health.
Other highlights:
In 2006, American men could expect to live 3.6 years longer, and women 1.9 years longer, than they did in 1990. Death rates from heart disease, stroke and cancer have continued to decline in recent years.
Sixty-five percent of men and 80 percent of women aged 75 and older reported having high blood pressure or were taking high blood pressure medication in 2003–2006, compared to about 36 percent of adults aged 45–54.
The proportion of the population with high cholesterol levels has been dropping, in large part due to increased use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In 2003–2006, 16 percent of adults had high cholesterol. Women aged 55 and over were much more likely to have high cholesterol than their male counterparts.
Approximately 25 percent of adults aged 60 and over had diabetes in 2003-2006.
Obesity rates do not appear to be increasing as rapidly as they did in past decades, but remain high, with over a third of adults age 20 and over considered to be obese in 2005–2006.
The full report is available at www.cdc.gov/nchs.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Flu Vaccine Still Available in Amherst
The Amherst Health Department currently has approximately 8 doses of flu vaccine available for any citizen (4 years of age and older) who is seeking vaccination. With the influenza season still not at its peak, we continue to recommend vaccination even into late February or early March. If demand should spike, we will most likely have access to more vaccine from the State of Massachusetts.
Please call the Health Department at 259-3161 if you are interested in receiving a flu vaccine.
Please call the Health Department at 259-3161 if you are interested in receiving a flu vaccine.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Flu Activity on the Rise in Massachusetts
Influenza activity is on the rise in Massachusetts, and the flu season has actually not yet peaked, so there's still time to get a flu vaccine if you want one!
If you have already been vaccinated but want to protect yourself further, thorough and frequent handwashing for your entire family is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness. You don't need to purchase expensive antibacterial soaps, since these soaps have actually been shown to increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in communites where they are widely used. Simply scrub your hands together with any basic soap for approximately 20 seconds (or about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song).
Also, practice good cough and sneeze hygeine by bringing your arm in front of your face before sneezing, and sealing your mouth in the crook of your elbow. Sneezing into your hand obviously will soil your hand unnecessarily and put others at risk. This practice also allows a great deal more of the droplets being propelled forcefully from your mouth into the air where others might be exposed to them. Wash your hands especially well after sneezing and coughing, and try not to share towels and other personal hygeine items with others who might be infected.
If anyone in your home becomes ill with the flu, check the CDC's Flu website for information on self care, or contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077. The Health Department has brochures about caring for people with flu, and these are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.
If you have already been vaccinated but want to protect yourself further, thorough and frequent handwashing for your entire family is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness. You don't need to purchase expensive antibacterial soaps, since these soaps have actually been shown to increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in communites where they are widely used. Simply scrub your hands together with any basic soap for approximately 20 seconds (or about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song).
Also, practice good cough and sneeze hygeine by bringing your arm in front of your face before sneezing, and sealing your mouth in the crook of your elbow. Sneezing into your hand obviously will soil your hand unnecessarily and put others at risk. This practice also allows a great deal more of the droplets being propelled forcefully from your mouth into the air where others might be exposed to them. Wash your hands especially well after sneezing and coughing, and try not to share towels and other personal hygeine items with others who might be infected.
If anyone in your home becomes ill with the flu, check the CDC's Flu website for information on self care, or contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077. The Health Department has brochures about caring for people with flu, and these are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Did You Know Your Pre-teen Needs Vaccinations Too?
As children enter their pre-teen years, their world becomes an exciting place of new experiences and newfound freedoms. But adults know that adolescence also brings new risks and potential dangers, and parents can’t be there every minute.
There is something parents can do to protect their pre-teens, now and for years to come: make sure their children are vaccinated against potentially life-threatening diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough, and, for girls, cervical cancer.
Vaccines are not just for infants
Many parents don’t realize that doctors recommend several immunizations for 11- and 12-year- olds.
“The protection provided by some childhood vaccines wears off over time, and as they get older, young people are at risk of exposure to different diseases at school or camp or in other new situations,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
“What’s more, research shows that pre-teens generally do not get preventive health care, visiting the doctor only when they are sick. We at CDC urge parents to schedule a routine check-up for their 11- or 12-year-olds to discuss their child’s health and development and to talk with the doctor about recommended vaccinations.”
What vaccines do pre-teens need?
Three safe and effective vaccines are recommended for 11- or 12-year-olds. All pre-teens should receive Tdap, which combines protection against tetanus, plus highly contagious diphtheria and whooping cough (also known as pertussis), into one shot; and MCV4 to protect against meningitis and its complications. Pre-teen girls should also receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine – the first-ever vaccine to prevent a disease that kills almost 4,000 American women every year: cervical cancer.
“The vaccine works best when it is given before the onset of sexual activity,” says Dr. Schuchat. “And at age 11 and 12, girls have the best and strongest immune response to this vaccine.” The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CDC support these recommendations for pre-teens.
Parents should also make sure their children are up-to-date on other immunizations such as influenza, chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis B and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Depending on their health and medical history, some pre-teens may require additional shots.
Information for Parents
To learn more about these vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit the CDC’s pre-teen vaccine website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pre-teen or call (800) CDC-INFO.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is something parents can do to protect their pre-teens, now and for years to come: make sure their children are vaccinated against potentially life-threatening diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough, and, for girls, cervical cancer.
Vaccines are not just for infants
Many parents don’t realize that doctors recommend several immunizations for 11- and 12-year- olds.
“The protection provided by some childhood vaccines wears off over time, and as they get older, young people are at risk of exposure to different diseases at school or camp or in other new situations,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
“What’s more, research shows that pre-teens generally do not get preventive health care, visiting the doctor only when they are sick. We at CDC urge parents to schedule a routine check-up for their 11- or 12-year-olds to discuss their child’s health and development and to talk with the doctor about recommended vaccinations.”
What vaccines do pre-teens need?
Three safe and effective vaccines are recommended for 11- or 12-year-olds. All pre-teens should receive Tdap, which combines protection against tetanus, plus highly contagious diphtheria and whooping cough (also known as pertussis), into one shot; and MCV4 to protect against meningitis and its complications. Pre-teen girls should also receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine – the first-ever vaccine to prevent a disease that kills almost 4,000 American women every year: cervical cancer.
“The vaccine works best when it is given before the onset of sexual activity,” says Dr. Schuchat. “And at age 11 and 12, girls have the best and strongest immune response to this vaccine.” The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CDC support these recommendations for pre-teens.
Parents should also make sure their children are up-to-date on other immunizations such as influenza, chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis B and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Depending on their health and medical history, some pre-teens may require additional shots.
Information for Parents
To learn more about these vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit the CDC’s pre-teen vaccine website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pre-teen or call (800) CDC-INFO.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Monday, February 16, 2009
National MRSA Education Initiative
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a national campaign to educate the public about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a potentially dangerous form of staph bacteria that is widely resistant to antibiotics and can cause chronic skin infections. You can become infected with MRSA through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items, such as towels or razors that have touched infected skin. Some individuals with MRSA can have infection which is limited to wounds, urine, or other specific body fluids or cavities.
According to the CDC, the signs and symptoms of MRSA include skin that is:
According to the CDC, it is estimated that Americans visit the doctor more than 12 million times per year to address potential skin infections, many of which are caused by MRSA. And, although MRSA can affect anyone, children 0-18 years old and African-Americans of all ages are at particular risk.
Treatment for MRSA (as outlined on the CDC website) "may include having a healthcare professional drain the infection and, in some cases, prescribe an antibiotic. Do not attempt to drain the infection yourself – doing so could worsen or spread it to others. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses (even if the infection is getting better), unless your healthcare professional tells you to stop taking it".
In terms of protecting yourself and your family from MRSA infection, the CDC recommends keeping cuts and scrapes clean, encouraging good hygiene and hand washing, and discouraging the sharing of personal items such as towels and razors.
Specific concerns have arisen pertaining to MRSA infection in schools, among athletes, and in other environments such as healthcare facilities. The CDC has provided for such concerns by creating online fact sheets to address these specific areas:
MRSA infection and athletes
MRSA infection in schools
MRSA in the Environment
Healthcare-Associated MRSA
Community-Associated MRSA
If you have specific concerns about MRSA or would like more information, please visit the CDC's MRSA website, call your medical provider, or call Keith Carlson, the Public Health Nurse for the town of Amherst, at 413-259-3077.
According to the CDC, the signs and symptoms of MRSA include skin that is:
- red
- swollen
- painful
- warm to the touch
- full of pus or other drainage
- accompanied by a fever
According to the CDC, it is estimated that Americans visit the doctor more than 12 million times per year to address potential skin infections, many of which are caused by MRSA. And, although MRSA can affect anyone, children 0-18 years old and African-Americans of all ages are at particular risk.
Treatment for MRSA (as outlined on the CDC website) "may include having a healthcare professional drain the infection and, in some cases, prescribe an antibiotic. Do not attempt to drain the infection yourself – doing so could worsen or spread it to others. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses (even if the infection is getting better), unless your healthcare professional tells you to stop taking it".
In terms of protecting yourself and your family from MRSA infection, the CDC recommends keeping cuts and scrapes clean, encouraging good hygiene and hand washing, and discouraging the sharing of personal items such as towels and razors.
Specific concerns have arisen pertaining to MRSA infection in schools, among athletes, and in other environments such as healthcare facilities. The CDC has provided for such concerns by creating online fact sheets to address these specific areas:
MRSA infection and athletes
MRSA infection in schools
MRSA in the Environment
Healthcare-Associated MRSA
Community-Associated MRSA
If you have specific concerns about MRSA or would like more information, please visit the CDC's MRSA website, call your medical provider, or call Keith Carlson, the Public Health Nurse for the town of Amherst, at 413-259-3077.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
CDC Encourages Screening for Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancers
Getting screened for some cancers can actually help prevent them from occurring. In particular, screening helps prevent cancers of the cervix, colon and rectum. Screening also helps find other cancers – such as breast cancer – at an early stage, when treatment can be most effective.
Because some cancers are found early and treatment options have improved, more and more people are living many years after a diagnosis. There are an estimated 10 million cancer survivors in the United States.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. Having regular mammograms is the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment often is more effective and can reduce the risk of dying from the disease. It is recommended that women aged 40 years or older be screened using mammography every one to two years. On average, this screening test is about 80-90 percent effective at detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. It affects both men and women and risks increase with advancing age. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancers occur in adults aged 50 years or older.
Screening should begin at age 50. Those who think they’re at increased risk should speak with their doctors about when to begin screening. Screening is recommended using one or more of these tests:
· Colonoscopy,
· Fecal occult blood test (stool test),
· Flexible sigmoidoscopy, and
· Double-contrast barium enema.
Screening helps find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.
Cervical cancer once was the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. But during the past four decades, deaths from this disease have declined significantly, mostly because of widespread use of the Pap test. This test can find abnormal cells in the cervix. If a Pap test shows there are abnormal cells that could become cancerous, a woman can be treated. In most cases, this treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing. Pap tests also can find cervical cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is very high.
What You Can Do
For adult women:
Get a mammogram every one to two years beginning at age 40.
Get a Pap test at least every three years, within three years of onset of sexual activity—or at age 21, whichever comes first.
For men and women aged 50 years or older:
Speak with your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer, using one or more of the recommended screening tests, which are: colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium enema. Generally, if results from an FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema show there may be a problem, a colonoscopy will be necessary as a follow-up procedure, as that is the only test that allows a doctor to both examine the entire colon and to remove most precancerous polyps and abnormal growths.
If you have questions about the various screening tests, please speak with your doctor.
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to free or low cost screening to women who are under- or uninsured. In addition, CDC is funding colorectal cancer screening pilot programs in five sites in the United States. To learn more about these programs and about cancer prevention and control, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control.
Because some cancers are found early and treatment options have improved, more and more people are living many years after a diagnosis. There are an estimated 10 million cancer survivors in the United States.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. Having regular mammograms is the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment often is more effective and can reduce the risk of dying from the disease. It is recommended that women aged 40 years or older be screened using mammography every one to two years. On average, this screening test is about 80-90 percent effective at detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. It affects both men and women and risks increase with advancing age. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancers occur in adults aged 50 years or older.
Screening should begin at age 50. Those who think they’re at increased risk should speak with their doctors about when to begin screening. Screening is recommended using one or more of these tests:
· Colonoscopy,
· Fecal occult blood test (stool test),
· Flexible sigmoidoscopy, and
· Double-contrast barium enema.
Screening helps find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.
Cervical cancer once was the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. But during the past four decades, deaths from this disease have declined significantly, mostly because of widespread use of the Pap test. This test can find abnormal cells in the cervix. If a Pap test shows there are abnormal cells that could become cancerous, a woman can be treated. In most cases, this treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing. Pap tests also can find cervical cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is very high.
What You Can Do
For adult women:
Get a mammogram every one to two years beginning at age 40.
Get a Pap test at least every three years, within three years of onset of sexual activity—or at age 21, whichever comes first.
For men and women aged 50 years or older:
Speak with your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer, using one or more of the recommended screening tests, which are: colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium enema. Generally, if results from an FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema show there may be a problem, a colonoscopy will be necessary as a follow-up procedure, as that is the only test that allows a doctor to both examine the entire colon and to remove most precancerous polyps and abnormal growths.
If you have questions about the various screening tests, please speak with your doctor.
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to free or low cost screening to women who are under- or uninsured. In addition, CDC is funding colorectal cancer screening pilot programs in five sites in the United States. To learn more about these programs and about cancer prevention and control, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury
Anyone who cares for or just cares about an older adult—a parent, grandparent, other family member, or even a close friend—will say they are concerned about keeping their loved one healthy and independent. But few will say they are worried about a traumatic brain injury (TBI) robbing their loved one of his or her independence. That’s because many people simply are unaware that TBI is a serious health concern for older adults.
TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that affects how the brain normally works. Dr. Ileana Arias, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says that “falls are the leading cause of TBI.”
“Adults ages 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death, and they tend to recover more slowly or die more often from these injuries than do younger people,” says Dr. Arias.
Unfortunately, TBI is not visible and the signs and symptoms can be subtle. They might appear right after the injury occurs, or they might not be noticed or appear until days or even weeks later. TBIs also are easily missed because the person often appears to be fine, but may act differently than usual.
In addition, some TBI signs and symptoms mimic signs of aging, such as slowness in thinking, speaking, reacting, or becoming lost and easily confused. Therefore, it is important for those who care for and about older adults to look for signs and symptoms of TBI in those who have fallen or among those with a fall-related injury, such as a hip fracture.
Fall prevention is the best way to combat TBI among older adults. Dr. Arias recommends the following to help prevent loved ones from falling.
TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that affects how the brain normally works. Dr. Ileana Arias, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says that “falls are the leading cause of TBI.”
“Adults ages 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death, and they tend to recover more slowly or die more often from these injuries than do younger people,” says Dr. Arias.
Unfortunately, TBI is not visible and the signs and symptoms can be subtle. They might appear right after the injury occurs, or they might not be noticed or appear until days or even weeks later. TBIs also are easily missed because the person often appears to be fine, but may act differently than usual.
In addition, some TBI signs and symptoms mimic signs of aging, such as slowness in thinking, speaking, reacting, or becoming lost and easily confused. Therefore, it is important for those who care for and about older adults to look for signs and symptoms of TBI in those who have fallen or among those with a fall-related injury, such as a hip fracture.
Fall prevention is the best way to combat TBI among older adults. Dr. Arias recommends the following to help prevent loved ones from falling.
- Encourage your loved one to exercise, if their doctor agrees. Exercise improves balance and coordination, so it’s one of the best ways to reduce an older adult’s chance of falling.
- Make their home and surroundings safer by making easy modifications, such as removing rugs, placing frequently used items within easy reach, and installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
- Ask their health care provider to review all medicines—both prescription and over-the-counter. The way some medicines work in the body can change as people age.
- Take your loved one to have their vision checked. Poor vision can increase their chance of falling.
To learn more about the signs and symptoms of TBI and how to prevent, recognize, and respond to TBI in older adults, call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit: www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors.
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Article reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sniffle or Sneeze? No Antibiotics Please
CDC advises parents about colds, flu and antibiotics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has news for parents this cold and flu season: antibiotics don’t work for a cold or the flu.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. And colds, flu and most sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics don’t touch viruses — never have, never will. And it’s not really news. It’s a long-documented medical fact. But tell that to parents seeking relief for a child’s runny nose. Research shows that most Americans have either missed the message about appropriate antibiotic use or they simply don’t believe it. It’s a case of mistaken popular belief winning out over fact. According to public opinion research, there is a perception that “antibiotics cure everything.”
Americans believe in the power of antibiotics so much that many patients go to the doctor expecting to get a prescription. And they do. Why? Physicians often are too pressured for time to engage in lengthy explanations of why antibiotics won’t work. And, when the diagnosis is uncertain — as many symptoms for viral and bacterial infections are similar — doctors are more likely to yield to patient demands for antibiotics.
Risk of antibiotic-resistance
The problem is, taking antibiotics when they are not needed can do more harm than good. Widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. And sick individuals aren’t the only people who can suffer the consequences. Families and entire communities feel the impact when disease-causing germs become resistant to antibiotics.
The most obvious consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use is its effect on the sick patient. When antibiotics are incorrectly used to treat children or adults with viral infections, such as colds and flu, they aren’t getting the best care for their condition. A course of antibiotics won’t fight the virus, make the patient feel better, yield a quicker recovery or keep others from getting sick.
A less obvious consequence of antibiotic overuse is the boost it gives to drug-resistant disease-causing bacteria. Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it really is needed. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, school mates and co-workers — threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat.
According to the CDC, antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Americans of all ages can lower this risk by talking to their doctors and using antibiotics appropriately during this cold and flu season.
What to do for colds and flu
• Children and adults with viral infections recover when the illness has run its course. Colds caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer.
• Measures that can help a person with a cold or flu feel better:
– Increase fluid intake
– Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
– Soothe throat with ice chips, sore throat spray or lozenges (for older children and adults)
• Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. Patients should keep their doctor informed if their illness gets worse or lasts a long time.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has news for parents this cold and flu season: antibiotics don’t work for a cold or the flu.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. And colds, flu and most sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics don’t touch viruses — never have, never will. And it’s not really news. It’s a long-documented medical fact. But tell that to parents seeking relief for a child’s runny nose. Research shows that most Americans have either missed the message about appropriate antibiotic use or they simply don’t believe it. It’s a case of mistaken popular belief winning out over fact. According to public opinion research, there is a perception that “antibiotics cure everything.”
Americans believe in the power of antibiotics so much that many patients go to the doctor expecting to get a prescription. And they do. Why? Physicians often are too pressured for time to engage in lengthy explanations of why antibiotics won’t work. And, when the diagnosis is uncertain — as many symptoms for viral and bacterial infections are similar — doctors are more likely to yield to patient demands for antibiotics.
Risk of antibiotic-resistance
The problem is, taking antibiotics when they are not needed can do more harm than good. Widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. And sick individuals aren’t the only people who can suffer the consequences. Families and entire communities feel the impact when disease-causing germs become resistant to antibiotics.
The most obvious consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use is its effect on the sick patient. When antibiotics are incorrectly used to treat children or adults with viral infections, such as colds and flu, they aren’t getting the best care for their condition. A course of antibiotics won’t fight the virus, make the patient feel better, yield a quicker recovery or keep others from getting sick.
A less obvious consequence of antibiotic overuse is the boost it gives to drug-resistant disease-causing bacteria. Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it really is needed. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, school mates and co-workers — threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat.
According to the CDC, antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Americans of all ages can lower this risk by talking to their doctors and using antibiotics appropriately during this cold and flu season.
What to do for colds and flu
• Children and adults with viral infections recover when the illness has run its course. Colds caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer.
• Measures that can help a person with a cold or flu feel better:
– Increase fluid intake
– Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
– Soothe throat with ice chips, sore throat spray or lozenges (for older children and adults)
• Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. Patients should keep their doctor informed if their illness gets worse or lasts a long time.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Latest Information on the Salmonella Outbreak
As the well-publicized nationwide salmonella outbreak broadens in scope, the Amherst Health Department would like to provide citizens of Amherst with the most up-to-date information available to us, and this blog will be updated regularly for the benefit of Amherst citizens seeking information.
To the best of our knowledge, all Amherst-area grocery outlets have removed recalled products from their shelves. However, consumers may still have previously purchased products in their cabinets that must be identified and disposed of. To that end, we are providing several important links which consumers can access to obtain the most accurate recall lists made available by the FDA and CDC.
For an accurate list of recalled products, please click here for access to the FDA's list which is updated on a daily basis to reflect the latest additions.
To access the FDA's Peanut Butter Recall Blog, please click here.
To see a YouTube video of The FDA's Dr. Stephen Sundlof discussing the do's and don'ts of the peanut butter outbreak, simply click here.
If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
To the best of our knowledge, all Amherst-area grocery outlets have removed recalled products from their shelves. However, consumers may still have previously purchased products in their cabinets that must be identified and disposed of. To that end, we are providing several important links which consumers can access to obtain the most accurate recall lists made available by the FDA and CDC.
For an accurate list of recalled products, please click here for access to the FDA's list which is updated on a daily basis to reflect the latest additions.
To access the FDA's Peanut Butter Recall Blog, please click here.
To see a YouTube video of The FDA's Dr. Stephen Sundlof discussing the do's and don'ts of the peanut butter outbreak, simply click here.
If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Precautions for Extreme Cold Weather
The following information is from the website of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. To see the original document, please click here.
Before an Extreme Cold Emergency
Continue to be aware of the weather conditions by monitoring media reports.
Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
Have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a Winter Survival Kit in the trunk including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can & waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables.
During an Extreme Cold Emergency
Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young. Also consider your pets.
Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
If electricity is lost for an extended period of time, a snowbank in your yard can become a makeshift freezer for food.
Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damage to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. Slowly rewarm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.
Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care. If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea or any hot food or beverage. Warm liquids are best.
When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms.
If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze. Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.
If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety
-------
For more information, please call the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077.
Before an Extreme Cold Emergency
Continue to be aware of the weather conditions by monitoring media reports.
Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
Have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a Winter Survival Kit in the trunk including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can & waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables.
During an Extreme Cold Emergency
Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young. Also consider your pets.
Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
If electricity is lost for an extended period of time, a snowbank in your yard can become a makeshift freezer for food.
Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damage to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. Slowly rewarm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.
Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care. If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea or any hot food or beverage. Warm liquids are best.
When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms.
If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze. Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.
If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety
-------
For more information, please call the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077.
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