By Cassie in September on September 1 2010
August 26, Reuters – (National) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is backing away from its decades-old estimate of the number of people who die annually from seasonal flu, instead saying deaths vary widely from year to year. Instead of the estimated 36,000 annual flu deaths in the United States, the actual number in the past 30 years has ranged from a low of about 3,300 deaths to a high of nearly 49,000, the CDC said August 26. The estimates do not take into account the H1N1 swine flu pandemic of 2009, but they do suggest that some flu strains are more deadly than others. The long-held 36,000 estimate was based on data from the 1990s when H3N2 viruses were prominent. The new analysis suggests that in years when H3N2 flu strains are strongest, flu-related deaths are 2.7 times higher than in years when H1N1 or influenza B viruses were prominent. Because of that variability, it is more accurate to use a range of deaths, the CDC said, but that likely will change over time with better diagnostic tests and better ways of tracking flu deaths. Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67P3NA20100826
By Cassie in September on August 31 2010
With an outbreak sickening hundreds and prompting a huge egg recall, The Daily Beast digs for facts about the bacteria, from symptoms and risk factors to prevention and treatment.
1. An Egg Distributor Is Behind the Outbreak.
Health officials across the country remain on high alert, with the outbreak confirmed in at least three states California, Colorado, and Minnesota. The source has been traced back to Wright County Egg, a large distributor based in Iowa; the company has issued a recall on 228 million eggs across 13 of its brands. Already, 266 people in California have become sick.
2. Outbreaks Spike Between July and October.
The Wright County Egg recall is the largest salmonella-related incident of the year, but outbreaks are fairly common, with infection rates often spiking between July and October. Earlier this month, Taco Bell was linked to at least 155 confirmed cases of salmonella across 15 states. An additional 25 cases, attributed to green onions, popped up in Ontario just last week. But the season’s most bizarre outbreak was in Morrison, Colorado, where 28 patrons of The Fort restaurant were infected with salmonella after eating a curious dish called rattlesnake cake in early August.
Of course, the worst outbreak in recent memory occurred almost two years ago, when an instance of salmonella at wholesale peanut butter manufacturer King Nut led to recalls of more than 125 products from 70 companies.
3. How to Spot Salmonella Symptoms.
The salmonella bacteria has more than 2,000 varieties, though only a handful cause illnesses in humans. The most common symptoms, often acting as bellwethers, are gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. Other early signs that you’ve consumed salmonella-they’re likely to occur somewhere between a few hours to a couple days after ingestion-include nausea, fever, vomiting, and muscle pains. In some cases, though mostly in the developing world, salmonella can cause typhoid fever.
The main goal in treating salmonella is to replace the hydration and electrolytes lost by diarrhea, while fever and aches can be treated with pain relievers. In infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune system, the dehydration can be enough to cause serious-and dangerous-medical problems. Most patients get better after only a few days.
4. Who’s Most at Risk for Salmonella.
Salmonella is spread through the fecal matter of animals and humans. Infection occurs through eating food or drinking a beverage that has been infected -it can’t be spread through coughing, sneezing, or other physical person-to-person contact. Still, individuals living with others who are infected are likely to pick up the virus, as are those with weakened immune systems as a result of diseases like AIDS or cancer. Do you have a pet? Interaction with reptiles will increase your chances of infection, as will keeping dry pet food around the house, according to a recent study.
5. How to Protect Yourself.
Aside from sending your turtle back to the creek, there are a number of steps to take during food preparation to decrease your chances of contracting salmonella poisoning. Heat kills the virus, so any poultry, beef, and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating. Meat should be reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit throughout, and egg yolks should be cooked until solid. Avoid raw milk, raw eggs, or foods containing raw eggs such as eggnog, hollandaise sauce, or even undercooked French toast. And wash your hands when around animals or animal products-a lot.
6. Salmonella Costs $3 Billion a Year in the U.S.
According to the World_Health_Organization, which last compiled data in 2005, salmonella in the U.S. accounts for 168,000 hospital visits, 15,000 hospitalizations, and 580 deaths each year. That’s a public health burden estimated to run up a yearly tab of $3 billion. Few other countries report on the cost of treating illnesses such as bacteria, but the WHO reports that millions of cases are reported around the world each year, resulting in thousands of deaths.
By Cassie in September on August 31 2010
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expanded Medicare coverage of evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling, removing a barrier to treatment for all tobacco users covered by Medicare.
Before today’s decision, Medicare had covered tobacco counseling only for individuals diagnosed with a recognized tobacco-related disease or showed signs or symptoms of such a disease. Under the new coverage, any smoker covered by Medicare will be able to receive tobacco cessation counseling from a qualified physician or other Medicare-recognized practitioner who can work with them to help them stop using tobacco. All Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have access to smoking-cessation prescription medication through the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D).
“For too long, many tobacco users with Medicare coverage were denied access to evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling,” said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Most Medicare beneficiaries want to quit their tobacco use. Now, older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries can get the help they need to successfully overcome tobacco dependence.”
“Today’s decision builds on the existing preventive services that are available to Medicare beneficiaries,” said CMS Administrator Don Berwick, M.D. “Giving older Americans and persons with disabilities who rely on Medicare the coverage they need for counseling treatments that can aid them in quitting will have a positive impact on their health and quality of life. As a result, all Medicare beneficiaries now have more help to avoid the painful—and often deadly—consequences of tobacco use.”
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States and is a major contributor to the nation’s increasing medical costs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that tobacco use causes about one of five deaths in the United States each year and that, on average, adults who use tobacco die 14 years earlier than non-users. It is estimated that between 1995 and 2015, tobacco-related diseases will cost Medicare about $800 billion.
Despite the expansive list of adverse effects caused by tobacco use, and smoking in particular, about 46 million Americans continue to smoke. Of these, an estimated 4.5 million are Medicare beneficiaries 65 or older and less than 1 million are younger than 65 and are covered by Medicare due to a disability. For smokers who successfully quit, the health benefits will begin immediately and continue for the rest of their lives. These benefits include reducing their risk of death from coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and lung and other cancers.
“We know that older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries can be successful in their struggles to stop using tobacco, as long as they have the right resources available to them,” said Assistant Secretary of Health Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H. “Today’s decision will assure that beneficiaries can access that help from qualified physicians and other Medicare-recognized practitioners.”Under the Affordable Care Act, effective Jan. 1, 2011, Medicare will cover preventive care services, including the tobacco cessation counseling services provided under today’s decision, and other services such as certain colorectal cancer screening and mammograms at no cost to beneficiaries. The Affordable Care Act also gives beneficiaries access to a no-cost annual physical exam so they can partner with their doctors to develop and update personal prevention plans, which will be based on their current health needs and risk factors.
To read more about today’s final coverage decision, please visit the CMS website at http://www.cms.gov/center/coverage.asp. To learn more about the preventive services available to Medicare beneficiaries, visit the “Manage Your Health” page at http://www.medicare.gov/navigation/manage-your-health/manage-your-health-overview.aspx.
By Cassie in August on August 9 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mold can be a growing problem in the aftermath of floods and can be a health risk if you don’t take care of it.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Kentucky Department of Public Health officials urge Kentuckians to take time and clean thoroughly before returning to flooded homes.
“People are anxious to get on with their lives after a flood, but some problems don’t arise until later that may affect your home or your health,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Doug Mayne, FEMA’s top official in Kentucky for the July flooding disaster recovery.
Microscopic organisms are found everywhere and develop easily into mold in the presence of water or dampness. Mold discoloration comes in a variety of colors from white to orange and from green to brown or black. Whatever color, it characteristically gives off a musty or earthy smell.
Mayne urges residents and owners of flooded properties to take action now and not wait until FEMA inspectors arrive.
“Though mold is almost always present in the air, it grows best in damp areas where humidity levels
are high,” said Guy Delius, director of the public health protection and safety division in the Commonwealth’s Department for Public Health.
“The heavy rains throughout the Commonwealth in July caused flooding in several areas, and many homes experienced water damage. This is a concern for homeowners, not only because of damage to their homes, but because it also could lead to a mold problem if left untreated,” Delius said.
Mold can become a problem in your home when there is enough moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets and wood provide an environment for mold to flourish.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores in the indoor environment. But there are many ways to help control moisture and mold growth. The basic rule is to identify any moisture sources if you can see or smell mold and to remove the mold before health problems develop.
The following are suggestions to help control mold:
- The source of mold is moisture; therefore fix all leaks in pipes and in any damp area around tubs and sinks.
- Rebuild, or retrofit, with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless steel hardware, indoor/outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard and water-resistant glues.
- Prevent seepage of water from outdoors into your house. It is important to have rainwater from gutters or roof drains away from the structure. Ground around the house should slope away to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
- Cover dirt in crawl spaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible.
- Clean fabrics such as curtains and upholstery often to keep them dry, because soil promotes mold growth.
- Consider having ductwork cleaned and inspected professionally or replaced if you suspect mold exists on the inside surface of the duct or if duct insulation has been wet.
- Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners.
- Do not use fans or vacuum cleaners if mold already exists, especially in hot weather. A fan or vacuum cleaner will spread the mold spores.
- In moisture-prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers.
- Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.
- Routinely check potential problem spots.
For more information, visit www.chfs.ky.gov or www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/mold.shtm.
For additional safety tips, helpful links and information on this disaster, visit www.kyem.ky.gov.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
By Cassie in August on August 6 2010
With the summer heat predicted to peak this week, issues like overexertion, heat stroke and dehydration have become important public health concerns.
“Summer weather is inviting and encourages many of us to spend more time outdoors, but the rising temperatures also present serious health concerns,” said Department for Public Health Commissioner William Hacker, M.D. “Everyone should follow simple precautions that keep us safe from heat-related illness and injury.”
According to DPH, following these precautions can make the difference between just being hot or being seriously ill:
− Stay cool indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library.
− Carefully schedule outdoor activities. If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Rest periodically so your body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover.
− Drink plenty of fluids. Increase your normal fluid intake regardless of your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.
− Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
− Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.
− Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years old, people 65 or older, people who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise, and people who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure or diuretics.
“We also cannot stress enough the dangers of extremely hot cars and not to leave children or pets in vehicles during these heat waves,” said Hacker. “Also, don’t forget to give your pet plenty of water, shade and a place to stay cool.”
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