Health Care and Better Sleep

How many nights have you tossed and turned, and you just couldn’t sleep well? Or even worse, you have a chronic sleep disorder that prevents you from sleeping without interruption or ability to rest comfortably for just a few hours. Some of that sleep deprivation may be due to issues in your home that are temporary, such as a new baby that requires attention during the night, or perhaps you are sick and need to take medication on a regular schedule at night. Maybe, you have a spouse that snores so loud that you think the roof is collapsing. Or, it could be a more critical reason.

Whatever the reason for your inability to sleep well at night, the health of your body, your spirit, and your mind is too important to ignore issues or patterns that prohibit restful, uninterrupted sleep. Lack of sleep can be dangerous to you mentally and physically to the point that your life and lifestyle can be severely affected. And, your ability to perform simple tasks, not to mention multiple and more complex situations, can be jeopardized.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Yet millions of people do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. For example, surveys conducted by the NSF (1999-2004) reveal that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Most of those with these problems go undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month - with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more. Furthermore, 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.” More detailed material on this subject can be found at this site: http://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why.aspx .

“When you’re scrambling to meet the demands of modern life, cutting back on sleep can seem like the only answer”, according to HelpGuide.org. “Who can afford to spend so much time sleeping? The truth is you can’t afford not to. Even minimal sleep loss takes a toll on your mood, energy, and ability to handle stress. Learn how to determine your nightly sleep needs and what you can do to bounce back from chronic sleep loss and get on a healthy sleep schedule.

It’s not just the number of hours in bed that is important—it’s the quality of those hours of sleep. If you’re giving yourself plenty of time for sleep, but you’re still having trouble waking up in the morning or staying alert all day, you may not be spending enough time in the different stages of sleep—especially deep sleep and REM sleep. By understanding how the sleep cycles work and the factors that can lead to those cycles being disrupted, you’ll be able to start getting both the quantity and the quality of sleep you need.” Sleep is so important that lack of it to any significant amount is detrimental to you. Much more information can be found at this site: http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm .

You may suffer from a sleep disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “insomnia, which is Latin for "no sleep," is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. Insomnia is also used to describe the condition of waking up not feeling restored or refreshed. According to Dr. Mark Mahowald, Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Director of the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center at Hennepin County Medical Center, insomnia refers to the inability to get the amount of sleep you as an individual need to wake up feeling rested. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans. It can be either acute, lasting one to several nights, or chronic, even lasting months to years. When insomnia persists for longer than a month, it is considered chronic.” Much more material can be found at this website: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep .

Also, according to iVillage Health, whether you have chronic insomnia or the occasional bout of sleeplessness, these ten secrets will help you can the rest you need. Read more at http://www.ivillage.com/surprising-ways-get-better-night-s-sleep/4-b-485174#ixzz26pN0LJIv .

“Different people need different environments for sleeping and if there is any change in their sleeping environment, they are unable to have a good night sleep. There are people who do not find any comfort in soft beds. It is advisable for those people that they should think about getting hard surfaced beds because it is good for the back, as well as the spine. The hard beds support the entire body and relax it throughout,” according to information about sleep problems found at this website: http://www.soundsleeping.org/ .

You may feel tired, fatigued, and have trouble concentrating and paying attention while awake when you don’t sleep well. Sleepy individuals are at greater risk for driving and other accidents, according to WebMD. If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or have a hard time waking up at all, or if you are overly tired during the day, you may have one or more of specific sleep problems. Much more info can be found at their site: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/understanding-sleep-problems-basics .

Regardless of the reasons you are having difficulty having a good night’s rest, or sound sleep for several hours at a time, it is a good idea to see your family doctor if the problem persists. Your physician may be able to help diagnose lifestyle or health issues specific to your situation, and you may be referred to a sleep specialist to help you. If you are suffering from insomnia, or any other chronic sleep disorder, seek professional medical help. Your situation may be temporary due to lifestyle choices; but if your inability to get good sleep persists, don’t ignore the problem.

Until next time.

Health Care and Hospital Acquired Infections

Did you know that many people actually get sicker after they are admitted into the hospital? Infection is one of the most common incidents of health care problems related to being a patient in a hospital. Much of it comes from direct contact with employees who don’t wash their hands prior to touching patients.

Viruses, bacteria, and germs all affect everyone, and when medical staff hands are unclean, patients can get worse instead of better. A hospital-acquired infection is usually one that first appears three days after a patient is admitted to a hospital or other health care facility. Infections acquired in a hospital are also called nosocomial infections, according to www.FreeDictionary.com .

According to US News & World Report magazine online, in recent years, a rise in the rate of in-hospital antibiotic-resistant infections (HAIs) in the United States and abroad has focused public attention on hospital hygiene. Good hand hygiene among health care workers is widely thought to be the number one way to curtail such infection risk; plus, hospital-acquired infections account for about 100,000 deaths in the U.S. alone per year, and 80 percent of all infectious disease is transmitted by either direct contact, such as coughing, talking, sneezing, or indirect contact, such as not washing your hands after touching a bed, a telephone, or a doorknob in a patient's room. However, many health care workers don’t like the reminder about this issue from patients and feel it is demeaning to them as professionals. For more details, see this article: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/09/06/third-of-hospital-staff-say-hand-washing-reminders-unwelcome .

About 5-10% of patients admitted to hospitals in the United States develop a nosocomial infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than two million patients develop hospital-acquired infections in the United States each year. Hospital-acquired infections usually are related to a procedure or treatment used to diagnose or treat the patient's illness or injury. About 25% of these infections can be prevented by healthcare workers taking proper precautions when caring for patients, according to information on this topic located at the FreeDictionary.com.

Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These microorganisms may already be present in the patient's body or may come from the environment, contaminated hospital equipment, health care workers, or other patients. Depending on the causal agents involved, an infection may start in any part of the body. A localized infection is limited to a specific part of the body and has local symptoms. For example, if a surgical wound in the abdomen becomes infected, the area of the wound becomes red, hot, and painful. A generalized infection is one that enters the bloodstream and causes general systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, low blood pressure, or mental confusion.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) may develop from surgical procedures, catheters placed in the urinary tract or blood vessels, or from material from the nose or mouth that is inhaled into the lungs. The most common types of hospital-acquired infections are urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and surgical wound infections. More detailed material can be located at this site: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Hospital-Acquired+Infections .

According to American Medical News online, physicians and hospitals may have another incentive to strictly follow infection-control protocols — preventing infections could lower readmission rates. Hospital patients with a positive clinical culture for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci or Clostridium difficile are 40% likelier to be readmitted within a year than other patients, said a study in the June Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

The cultures were ordered more than 48 hours after the patients’ initial admission, probably in response to some sign or symptom, meaning they probably acquired an infection in the hospital. About 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted within a month, costing $17.4 billion annually, according to an April 2, 2009, study in The New England Journal of Medicine. Hospitals with high readmission rates face up to a 1% cut in Medicare pay starting in October. More information can be found at this site: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/28/prsc0528.htm .

HAIs continue to be a major health problem in the United States, according to the State of Missouri Health and Human Services Department. HAIs can be very serious, increasing the cost and length of hospital stays and even threatening lives. As a consumer, you should be proactive in your healthcare.

• Understand more about HAIs - what they are and why they occur.
• Be informed about hospital and ASC infection rates.
• Learn what you, as a patient, can do to lower your risk of an HAI.

Keep in mind that a facility's experience with HAIs is only one thing to consider when choosing a facility. The advice of your physician, the experience of facility staff, and other factors unique to your situation should be considered as well, per the MO HHS Department.

Because the rate of HAIs is still a major health care issue, patients should strongly encourage their health care providers to always wash their hands. Medical facilities, urgent care locations, and all hospitals must encourage staff to keep their hands washed, and wear gloves when necessary. Also, a system to maintain clean facilities and equipment should be mandated by each medical facility and hospital. Treating a patient for an illness or accident is important, but having an unnecessary readmission due to lack of infection oversight is not a good way to maintain patient healthcare.

Until next time.

Health Care and Longevity in 2012

Have you noticed that people appear to be living longer these days, and that it seems like there are more senior citizens now than ever before? What now may be taken for granted that you may live into your 80's or 90's was not the case even 50 years ago. In the 19th century and early 20th century, the mortality rates were much higher with the average age of an adult before death was a little more than half what it is today.

According to the US Census Bureau, as public sanitation, personal hygiene, and scientific and medical technology improved, so did life expectancy. The average rate at birth increased by about 30 years over the course of the 20th century, from about 47 years in 1900 to about 77 years in 2000, based on the report issued by the Bureau in 2001.

In the United states today, according to US News and World Report, average life expectancy is 78.49 years, well above the world's norm. Many experts attribute this to ongoing medical developments, which have dealt with conditions that used to mow us down early. Meanwhile, nations without advanced medical care report a much shorter life expectancy, reported as part of their data collection for the World Factbook by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). However, despite the fact that the average American lives into his or her late 70s, the United States ranks 50th on the CIA's life expectancy list. Much more detail about the longevity of people around the world can be found at this site: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/living-well-usn/articles/2012/03/09/top-10-hotspots-for-human-longevity .

Interestingly enough, longevity even differs in the US based on the state where you live. According to National Public Radio (NPR) online, residents in Hawaii have the average longest life expectancy at 80 years, while those people living in the District of Columbia live an average of 72 years. A US map on this site allows you to see stats by state: http://www.npr.org/news/specials/longevity/ .

According to Everyday Health.com, you often hear advice about things you can do to improve your health and increase your longevity. For instance, you’re told to avoid sugary snacks, exercise more, lose weight and control stress. For many individuals, this involves making changes to a normal routine. But how many of the following things are you already doing to increase your longevity?

Engaging in a hobby: Having a hobby that engages you physically as well as mentally is particularly beneficial. Hobbies needn’t be expensive either. Gardening, bird watching and photography are examples of hobbies that will bring you outside and get you moving. Hobbies reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Going on vacation: Vacations aren’t optional, they’re essential to optimal health. According to the Framingham Heart Study women who took vacations every six years or less were eight times more likely to develop heart disease or have a heart attack than those who vacationed twice a year. Another study of men showed that those who didn’t take at least one vacation were 21 percent more likely to die and 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. While people in Great Britain average 25 vacation days per year and the French 37 days, the average American worker only takes 14 days of vacation.

Sleeping in on the weekends: During sleep the neurons in the brain become less active and undergo repair. Without repair these nerve cells are unable to function properly with the result that people find that they have trouble with memory and concentration. Many other tissues of the body also undergo repair during sleep, and sleep is also important for proper hormone balance. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2008 Sleep in America Poll found that Americans slept an average of six hours and 40 minutes a night, while most people need an average of 7 ½ hours. Sleeping an extra hour or two on the weekends can help make up some of this deficit.

Connecting with other people: In his National Geographic book “The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”, Dan Buettner found that one characteristic of regions of the world with greatest longevity are the strong interconnections between family and friends. Studies have found that social isolation has health risks on a par with cigarette smoking!

Flossing your teeth: According to studies done at Emory University by the Centers for Disease Control, common gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis lead to a 23 to 46 percent higher rate of death. Gum tissues are common sites for inflammation, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Flossing your teeth every night removes the bacteria that cause the inflammation and it has been estimated that daily flossing can add as much a 6.4 years to your life.

You are probably are doing several of these things already. With a few simple changes to your routine you can be doing all of them and increase your health and longevity. This information, provided by Dr. Terry Grossman who is an anti-aging and longevity practitioner, can be found at his site: www.grossmanwellness.com , and follow up on more health issues can be found at www.everydayhealth.com .

Living longer sure beats the alternative. Practice those techniques in your everyday life to stretch the years for maximum living. Although you never know the total number of days you may have, making the most of each one is what healthy living is all about. Your physical, mental, social, spiritual, and financial health is all tied together. When one part of you is out of whack, the rest of you tends to suffer. Focus attention on those things that matter, and your longevity may be increased.

Until next time.

Health Care and a Healthy Smile

Having good teeth and healthy gums provides overall good health, and studies have shown that oral hygiene is critical to maintaining a healthy body. Reports by all dental sources and surveys indicate very strongly that poor dental maintenance leads to poor health and potential fatal results due to infection if not addressed in a timely basis.

According to Consumer Guide for Dentistry, dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene, is the process by which preventative dental care is provided to avoid dental emergencies. At the core of dental hygiene is the in-home dental care regimen you perform. Your at-home regimen should be supplemented with professional preventative dental care provided by dentists and licensed dental hygienists. While you are responsible for day-to-day dental maintenance, dental hygienists, along with general dentists, family dentists and cosmetic dentists, play an integral role in preventative oral care.

Tooth brushing is fundamentally important, though it alone will not remove the calculus (also called tartar or dental plaque) that builds up over time. Calculus must be removed to lower your risk of toothaches, cavities, periodontal disease or even the loss of all your teeth. By removing calculus, you can reduce your chances of needing root canals, tooth extractions, dental bridges, crowns, and more. Having good teeth leads to good health. You can see more details at this site: http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/hygiene/ .

"Persistent and systemic" barriers continue to block many Americans' access to dental care, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the National Research Council (NRC) has found. And poor oral health can have dire consequences. According to the report:

• 33.3 million people reside in areas where there aren't enough dental health professionals to meet the population's needs;
• In 2008, 4.6 million children went without needed dental care because their families lacked the financial means to pay for it;
• In 2006, almost two-thirds (62 percent) of U.S. retirees did not have dental health care coverage (Medicare does not cover dental health).

As the experts noted, deteriorating dental health can have broader consequences for overall well-being. For example, poor oral health has been linked to heightened odds for respiratory illness, heart disease and diabetes. Rates of inappropriate use of emergency services also rise for those with poorer dental health. More material about this subject is available at this website: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/insurance/articles/2011/07/13/millions-of-americans-lack-access-to-dental-care-report .

Modern dental technology has reached a point where saving a tooth is very possible, no matter the condition of that tooth according to Healthy.Net. There are dentists available virtually on every corner with full-page advertisements in the newspapers, yellow pages and even bus benches beckoning the consumer to pay them a visit. There are dental insurances, payment plans at dental offices and dental schools offering low cost dentistry, and discount plans. Yet statistics indicate many people are still not making the routine six month visits to their dentist.

Whether it's due to lack of insurance, fear or other reasons, many individuals wait until there is pain, before making a dental appointment. Prevention is not a hard concept to understand and carry out, once you know the consequences of disease. Preventing disease in the mouth follows the same path as preventing disease in any other organ in the body. With the mouth it’s even simpler since you can see inside the mouth. It is much simpler to detect and treat illness at the early stages than waiting until it has advanced. More info can be found at this site: http://www.healthy.net/scr/Column.aspx?Id=572 .

Discount plans with Aetna, Careington, or other companies allow you to visit a dentist and receive significant savings at the time of service with participating dentists including specialists for oral surgery, periodontal work, orthodontia, and more. Payments as low as $7-$14 a month for a family can be found that provide huge savings between 20% and 60% for most all procedures. A family can save as much as $1200 a year or more using a discount dental plan. You can see more about discount dental plans at www.careington.com .

There are several advantages for consumers:

1.) Nationwide access to providers with no penalty for changing dentists.

2.) No waiting. You can use your plan immediately with any participating provider.

3.) No limit on the amount of work to be done. You can use your plan as often as you need, and the membership rates will typically never increase for your plan.

4.) The entire household is automatically included in your membership.

5.) There are no contracts, and no forms to fill out at the dentist when you use your plan.

6.) You receive immediate savings at the time of service.

7.) Low monthly membership fees.

8.) Discount plans can be used in conjunction with some insurance plans.

9.) You can use your pre-tax flex dollars (FSA/HRA/HSA) to pay for procedures.

10.) You can cancel your plan at any time with no penalties.

Here are some other tips with your dental coverage, according to www.HealthInsurance.org :

• If you already have a dentist you like, make sure he or she accepts whatever plan you are considering.
• If you don’t have a dentist, be a saavy consumer and ask prospective dental offices to provide a summary of fees for exams, bitewing x-rays, cleanings and other procedures you may need.
• Also, ask about the discount they offer to discount plan holders, as discounts can make prices for the same service vary greatly from dentist to dentist.
• As always, do your homework on the Web. It’s an obvious source of plan information and an online dental quote is a great way to predict costs and choose a plan accordingly. You can find and compare multiple dental insurance plans from top-quality carriers at dentalinsurance.org.
• If you do talk to an agent, be sure to ask plenty of questions to ensure that you get the best dental plan for your needs and budget.

Your smile is incredibly important. Make sure you take good care of it with proper dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist regardless of the plan you have. Remember, your teeth and gums can keep you smiling for a very long time. And when you can save money in the process, you’ll have something to smile about. Visit a dentist on a regular basis, and practice good oral hygiene consistently to maintain your health. Brushing your teeth is the best way to keep your smile and your health.

Until next time.

Health Care and West Nile Virus

This summer has been one of the worst on record for reported deaths due to the West Nile Virus, a mosquito born disease that has become an increasingly deadly health care issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.

According to eDocAmerica, over the past decade, the incidence of West Nile virus disease (WNV) was highest in 2006 when 4,269 cases were reported with 177 deaths attributed to this illness. This year, a total of 693 cases of WNV have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), resulting in 26 deaths. While these numbers are lower than in 2006, it's important to know that the number of cases of WNV reported so far this year is the highest reported through the second week of August, 2012. Almost certainly, the country can expect to see more infections and deaths from this potentially preventable disease.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NLH), West Nile virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda in eastern Africa. It was first discovered in the United States in the summer of 1999 in New York. Since then, the virus has spread throughout the United States. The West Nile virus is a type of virus known as a flavivirus. Researchers believe West Nile virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a person.

Mosquitoes carry the highest amounts of virus in the early fall, which is why the rate of the disease increases in late August to early September. The risk of disease decreases as the weather becomes colder and mosquitoes die off. Although many people are bitten by mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, most do not know they've been exposed. Few people develop severe disease or even notice any symptoms at all. Risk factors for developing a more severe form of West Nile virus include:

• Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, organ transplants, and recent chemotherapy

• Older or very young age

• Pregnancy

West Nile virus may also be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. It is possible for an infected mother to spread the virus to her child through breast milk.

According to the CDC, prevention measures consist of community-based mosquito control programs that are able to reduce vector populations, personal protection measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by infected mosquitoes, and the underlying surveillance programs that characterize spatial/temporal patterns in risk that allow health and vector control agencies to target their interventions and resources. The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.

• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

How do humans contract this illness? According to eDocAmerica, most often, WNV is spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Over 300 species of birds have been found to be infected with the West Nile virus including common songbirds, crows, blackbirds, bluejays, doves, and pigeons. Once a bird becomes infected, a mosquito can then transfer the virus from the bird's blood stream to humans, setting the stage for the infection. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.

What Are the Symptoms of WNV? Four out of five individuals who are infected with WNV will have no symptoms at all. Twenty percent of those infected will develop West Nile Fever which is characterized by mild fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and/or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Less than 1% of those infected will develop a serious form of the disease associated with inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This is known as West Nile Encephalitis or West Nile Meningitis. Symptoms of these include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

How is WNV Infection Treated? As with most viral illnesses, there is no specific treatment available for WNV infection. Fortunately, most people recover from the illness in a few days to weeks without complications. In the more serious cases, hospitalization is usually required for supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids and assistance with breathing. In these individuals long-term problems may develop such as seizures, memory loss, personality changes, paralysis, tremors, and walking or balance problems. As previously noted, in a small percentage of cases, the infection can be fatal.

Much more information about WNV and its overall health care problems can also be found at this site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm .

Signs of West Nile Virus infection are similar to those of other viral infections. There may be no specific findings on a physical examination, according to the NLH. However, up to half of patients with West Nile virus infection may have a rash. Tests to diagnose West Nile Virus include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)

• Head CT scan

• Head MRI scan

• Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid test (CSF)

The most accurate way to diagnose this infection is with a serology test, which checks a blood or CSF sample for antibodies against the virus. More rapid techniques using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be used. Because this illness is not caused by bacteria, antibiotics do not help treat West Nile virus infection. Standard hospital care may help decrease the risk of complications in severe illness. More details can be found at this website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004457/ .

According to the Mayo Clinic, to reduce your own exposure to mosquitoes:

• Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most prevalent, such as at dawn, dusk and early evening.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go into mosquito-infested areas.

• Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to your skin and clothing. Choose the concentration based on the hours of protection you need — the higher the percentage (concentration) of the active ingredient, the longer the repellent will work. Avoid using DEET on the hands of young children, in case they put their hands in their mouths, or on infants under 2 months of age. When outside, cover your infant's stroller or playpen with mosquito netting.

A vaccine is available to protect horses from West Nile virus. No vaccine is available for humans, but work to develop a human vaccine is under way. More details can be found at this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/west-nile-virus/DS00438 .

West Nile Virus can be deadly. During the summer and early fall, protect yourself from this disease. If you feel that you may be exhibiting symptoms, visit your doctor right away. If you have friends or family with immune disorders that may put them at risk, do everything possible to keep them safe from harm. Mosquitoes normally are a minor irritation, but with WNV, you cannot afford to take the risk. Use common sense when you are outside, and keep your indoors protected as well. After all, you don’t want to be the next WNV story on the evening news.

Health Care and Back to School 2012

It’s time to get ready for the annual “Back to School” readiness schedule. Do you have your school supplies? Have you had your children vaccinated for the required immunizations that schools nationwide demand that you have prior to walking on campus on Day One? Have you been to the dentist for that checkup? What about all the new clothes that stores are touting as that “have to have” look so your kids won’t be ostracized as losers? Getting ready to go back to school can be a daunting task.

Pediatrician Dr. Vincent Ianelli says that “while it is often a welcome time for many parents after a long summer of having the kids in the house all day, other parents become a little sad at the thought of their kids going to school, especially if it is for the first time, or anxious when they consider what challenges their children will be facing. In addition to the usual social and educational stresses of going to school, kids are faced with many other issues, including drug use, violence, suicide and bullies. Talking with your children about these issues at age appropriate times may help decrease their chances of becoming a victim to them.”

Additionally, Dr. Ianelli suggests “It is also a good idea to regularly talk with your child about how school is going. Regular communication will help you to recognize problems early, before they get out of control and when it is easier to intervene. Does your child like going to school? Is he making friends? How are his grades? Is there anything he doesn't like about school? What happens during breaks, such as recess, lunch and in between classes? Break-time is when children are most likely to be unsupervised and when problems are likely to occur, so asking open ended questions about what happens during these times may help you to recognize problem behaviors.“

Additional suggestions from another physician make sense to follow. “As the school year begins, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to establish healthy habits to make a child’s transition back to the classroom a smooth one”, according to Dr. Ehab Molokhia, a primary care doctor with the University of South Alabama Physician’s Group, as reported on AL.com. Here’s a list of the doctor’s top tips for keeping school-age children healthy:

1). Eat breakfast. It sustains a child’s energy and has been shown to improve performance at school. Fruits and unsweetened cereal with milk are good choices for the morning meal.

2.) Choose water or low-fat milk over sugary drinks. Parents should offer children older than 2 low-fat milk, which still has the calcium they need without the fat of whole milk. Those 2 and younger still need whole milk for healthy brain development.

3.) Schedule a well-child visit annually with a primary physician or pediatrician. The wellness exams should include a vision and hearing test, which is critical to detect early problems with vision or hearing. “I see kids who have not performed well cognitively,” Dr. Molokhia said. “It ended up they couldn’t hear well or couldn’t see the blackboard.”

4.) Make time for team sports and regular exercise. Group activities, such as soccer, tend to be a pretty healthy habit. They also help motivate a child to exercise more to keep up with other team members.

5.) Stay up-to-date on childhood vaccines. Get a flu shot, too. School-aged children are the ones to worry about because they are in enclosed areas with lots of folks. They are highly encouraged to receive the annual flu vaccination as they constitute an especially high risk population.

6.) Keep copies of medical records on hand. The records should include a description of any allergies children have to medications as well as immunization records, according to Dr. Molokhia. “A list of any illnesses they are receiving treatment for is extremely important to ensure their safety.”

Also, Forbes Magazine has some great advice online about health tips for going back to school, located at this website: http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/20/school-health-tips-business-healthcare-children.html . As well, the website for WebMD.com has a great checklist on getting prepared for the new school year: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/back-to-school-health-checklist . And, the Alliance for Consumer Education has a very good overview on this site: http://www.stopgerms.org/documents/backtoschool.html .

You can get all the books, pencils, lunch kits, backpacks, and notebooks you can carry, but if your child is not healthy, that is a major game changer in getting ready for school. Make sure you find ways to accommodate the health care needs for your kids before school starts. A healthy child can learn more and accomplish more than one who is struggling due to a lack of proper preparedness. Be a good parent, and get your children ready before school starts, for their sake, and yours.

Until next time.

Health Care and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Many women suffer from a health issue known as pelvic organ prolapse--a medical condition that affects millions of women typically over the age of fifty. Counselling for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse should consider all benefits, harms, and costs of the surgical procedure, with particular emphasis on the use of mesh, according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH).

According to information submitted for this article by Jasmine McCarthy with the Public Outreach Department at DrugWatch.com, transvaginal mesh has been used to treat symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) for the past decade. At first, it seemed like the perfect solution to a condition that plagues approximately 50 percent of women between the ages of 50 and 79. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of women have reported complications. For some women, these complications result in severe health problems. To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two major warnings regarding the risks posed by the use of transvaginal mesh to treat POP.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor tissues and muscles begin to weaken over time. Minor weakening may not cause any problems at all. However, in moderate to severe cases, the weakened tissues allow pelvic organs to shift and drop. The organs and tissues that are usually affected by POP are the bladder, uterus and bowels. In some cases, these organs can prolapse into the vaginal canal. POP is most common in women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth. However, menopause is also a common cause, since decreasing estrogen levels cause tissues to become thinner and weaker. Other factors that contribute to POP are smoking, obesity and a history of injury, or trauma, to the pelvis.

What is Transvaginal Mesh?

Transvaginal mesh products appeared on the market a decade ago as a solution to POP. It is used like a hammock to provide support for the pelvic floor muscles and organs, and prevents organs from collapsing into the vagina. The FDA approved most vaginal mesh products without the usual safety protocols required for new medical devices. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of cases of complications associated with vaginal mesh implants.

The FDA has issued multiple warnings to health care providers and the general population, educating people about the health risks related to the use of transvaginal mesh. Major medical companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Bard, have pulled their mesh products from the market. In the meantime, the number of legal cases related to the damage caused by transvaginal mesh continues to rise. Women who have suffered permanent damage from surgical procedures using vaginal mesh have filed vaginal mesh lawsuits against the manufacturers.

Complications Related to Transvaginal Mesh

Vaginal mesh has a tendency to erode and/or protrude into vaginal tissues and other organs. Women can be plagued by pain, infections and discomfort during sexual intercourse. In worst-case scenarios, the mesh can puncture nearby organs, which can result in permanent incontinence. The complications are difficult to reverse, if they can be reversed at all. Most women with severe complications have to undergo multiple revision surgeries to receive any relief.

It is important that women who have had transvaginal mesh inserted to correct POP maintain regular examinations and alert health care professionals at the first signs of complications. Women who have to undergo surgery should discuss less risky alternatives with their doctor. Much more detailed information about this medical issue can be found at their website: http://www.drugwatch.com/transvaginal-mesh/pelvic-organ-prolapse.php.

According to the Chicago Tribune, mesh products first came on the market in the 1950s for use in hernia repairs. Though the FDA didn't approve the material for use in prolapse surgeries until 2002, physicians began using it "off label" for abdominal procedures in the 1970s and for vaginal procedures in the mid-'90s. The FDA considers surgical mesh to be a "Class II" medical device, posing an intermediate risk of harm to patients. With mesh products already in widespread use, the agency granted approval for their use in prolapse procedures without requiring new studies demonstrating their safety or effectiveness. Under the agency's controversial 510(k) approval process, that's permitted if devices are believed to be "substantially equivalent" to those already on the market. Here is a link to this July, 2011 article: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-07-25/health/ct-nw-pelvic-prolapse-20110725_1_vaginal-wall-mesh-products-bladder .

According to the NIH, two Federal and Drug Administration warnings and an ever-increasing amount of data in medical journals reveal a paucity of support regarding routine transvaginal mesh kits for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. There have been no studies showing improved quality of life when compared to nonmesh repairs. There have been no studies showing superiority of mesh kits over traditional procedures for posterior or apical prolapses, and minimal data suggesting anatomic benefit of synthetic mesh for anterior compartment repairs. In contrast, transvaginal mesh use significantly increases the complication rate over nonmesh repairs. Some of these complications cause lifelong, irreversible pelvic pain, vaginal shortening, vaginal narrowing, severe vaginal pain, and dyspareunia.

Transvaginal synthetic mesh kits have minimal to no improved clinical success over nonmesh repairs, according to the NIH. Compounding this, mesh kits are clearly associated with multiple relatively common and unique complications without any significant proven benefit for symptomatic relief of pelvic organ prolapse and improvement of quality of life. Continued routine use will needlessly and potentially harm patients permanently without providing any significant benefit.

Surgery of any type involves a certain degree of risk, and this type of procedure has potentially dangerous side effects. One of the most litigous types of medical malpractice suits brought against health care professionals is attributed to issues regarding complications from POP and transvaginal mesh. Be sure to explore all options to correct problems associated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and if you are currently suffering from post-surgery issues, consult your doctor. If you need to seek financial relief from complications, make sure you hire reputable counsel to represent you with your case.

Until next time.