May is Allergy Awareness Month

I’m sneezing and coughing, my head is clogged, my asthma is kicking in. Oh the glories of springtime!

Don’t get me wrong I do love spring – the grass is turning green, there are flowers everywhere and the birds sing to me, but it does mean that my seasonal allergies will flare up.

If you are suffering like me what can you do to alleviate some of the symptoms?

Here is some helpful advice from the Mayo Clinic to help reduce your exposure to allergy triggers.

To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days — the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside; you may also want to shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don’t hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a dust mask if you do outside chores.

The American Academy of Family Physicians for information regarding symptoms, when to see a doctor, causes and risk factors, treatment (including alternative therapies), and preventative measures you can take.

Visit MedlinePlus for more information and links to reputable websites.

Enjoy spring and here’s to your health.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference

 

CDC Survey Results – E.Coli found in Public Pools

This story is all over the morning news shows, radio personalities have made it the highlight of their comedic skits, news blasts are all over the internet.

The Los Angeles Times headline -

“Ewwww – poop in pools more common than you may think, CDC warns”

This morning the CDC released findings from a 2012 survey of Atlanta public pools(Microbes in Pool Filter Backwash as Evidence of the Need for Improved Swimmer Hygiene — Metro-Atlanta, Georgia, 2012)that found E.coli contamination in public pool water.  Levels of contamination varied by pool.  The CDC clearly states limitations to the results of the study

“The findings in this report are subject to at least four limitations. First, the pools sampled in this study are a convenience sample of pools in metro-Atlanta, and thus study findings cannot be generalized to pools in metro-Atlanta or beyond. However, the incidence of RWI outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness throughout the United States suggests that swimmers frequently introduce fecal material and pathogens into recreational water throughout the country. Second, qPCR results alone cannot be used to determine whether the detected pathogens were viable or infectious or determine the level of swimmer risk; qPCR detects viable microbes as well as those inactivated by disinfection. Of note, no RWI outbreaks associated with pools were detected in Georgia in 2012. Third, pool operators were asked to estimate the number of swimmers in the past week and number of days since last filter backwash; however, the data were deemed unreliable and thus could not be used to characterize the relationship between either of these factors and the detection of microbes in filter backwash samples. Finally, E. coli are found in fecal material from warm-blooded animals, not just humans. However, the E. colidetected in the pool filter backwash samples is most likely of human origin given that swimming is the most popular sport among children (6), over one third of the samples that tested positive for E. coli came from filters of indoor pools, and public outdoor pools are fenced in to limit access.”

Los Angeles Times translation, ”The researchers emphasized that the results of their Atlanta-area survey can’t be generalized to the rest of the United States. But they noted that cases of recreational water illness have been on the rise from coast to coast, suggesting “that swimmers frequently introduce fecal material and pathogens into recreational water throughout the country.” Reassuringly, there were no pool-related health outbreaks in Georgia during the months when the filter samples were collected.

Though poor maintenance was surely a factor in these pools, the study authors said that swimmers shoulder some of the blame.”

How can you take protect yourself and others?

The CDC has information for the public regarding recreational water illness and the steps that one can take to protect oneself and ones family.

Steps of Healthy Swimming: Protection Against Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

• Keep the poop, germs, and pee out of the water.
  • Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
  • Shower with soap before you start swimming.
    • Take a rinse shower before you get back into the water.
  • Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes.
  • Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Check the free chlorine level and pH before getting into the water.
  • Pools: Proper free chlorine level (1–3 mg/L or parts per million [ppm]) and pH (7.2–7.8) maximize germ-killing power.
  • Hot tubs/spas: Proper disinfectant level (chlorine [2–4 parts per million or ppm] or bromine [4–6 ppm] and pH [7.2–7.8]) maximize germ-killing power.
  • Most superstores, hardware stores, and pool-supply stores sell pool test strips.
• Don’t swallow the water you swim in.

Parents of young children should take a few extra steps:

• Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or check diapers every 30–60 minutes.
  • Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper-changing area and not at poolside where germs can rinse into the water.

With hot summer weather just around the corner enjoy the community pool, but be considerate of others and swim safely.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference

H7N9 Virus

Anytime a new illness/virus crops up there is understandable concern, but it’s important to   find out as many facts as possible before panic sets in.  There are reports that indicate that this strain of avian flu are crossing from the birds that carry the virus to humans.  So far the virus is contained in China.

According to the CDC

“On April 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that avian influenza A (H7N9), a type of flu usually seen in birds, has been identified in a number of people in China. Cases have been reported in the following provinces and municipalities: Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. A case in Taiwan also has been reported in a person who had traveled to an area of China where other H7N9 cases have been reported.

This is the first time this virus has been seen in people. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Infection with the new virus has resulted in severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. Chinese authorities are conducting animal and human health investigations to learn more about this situation. Available evidence suggests that most people have been infected with the virus after having contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments.

CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

There is no recommendation against travel to China at this time.”

If you are planning a trip to China the CDC has precautionary advice.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions visit the CDC.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference

Suck on Your Child’s Pacifier and Cut Their Risk for Allergies

It’s a parents dirty little secret. Have you ever done this?  Your baby is sucking on his pacifier (binky, etc.) and it falls to the ground.  You quickly look at it as it rests on the floor or in the dirt knowing that you don’t have anything to clean it.  You assess the risk of meltdown and before you know it you’ve swooped down, retrieved it and throw caution into the wind and put the nipple in your mouth to clean it before the tears flow.

Well, a study released today in the journal Pediatrics, “Pacifier Cleaning Practices and Risk of Allergy Development,” may allay any of your lingering regrets. 

According to the study

• Parents who suck on their child’s pacifier to clean it may be inadvertently reducing that child’s risk of developing allergies.
• Note that the findings suggest that the transfer of oral microbes from the parent to the infant could be responsible for modifying the allergy risk, and the make-up of the bacteria in the infants’ saliva distinguished between those with parents who did and did not suck on their child’s pacifier.

Follow this link above to read the entire article, or for a more consumer oriented approach visit New York Times Well Blog.

Now you can finally sleep knowing that not only did you not harm your child you might have actually prevented allergies.

What a relief!

posted by – Susan, Health Reference

Becoming Your Own Health Advocate

My main goal as a Health Reference Librarian is to provide information for my patrons so that they can better advocate for themselves in regard to their health.  I provide patrons with consumer friendly information from respected and reputable sources, so that they might better understand what their healthcare provider is telling them and hopefully ask appropriate questions.

Just recently my son was advised by his healthcare professional to should undergo a procedure   Neither my son nor I asked the right questions.  All worked out in the end. He’s feeling better but I’m kicking myself. Why didn’t I ask questions?  Why didn’t I advise my son better?

Here’s some helpful advice about talking to your doctor from MedlinePlus.

Visiting a doctor’s office can make you nervous, impatient, or even scared. You may have only a few minutes with your health care provider. Later, you might remember something you forgot to ask. Or you may forget what the doctor or nurse said. Being prepared can help you get the information you need. Here are some things you can bring to make the most of your visit:

• Lists of your concerns, any allergies and all the medicines, herbs or vitamins you take
• A description of symptoms – when they started, what makes them better
• A notepad or tape recorder
• A trusted friend or relative

Make sure you understand your diagnosis and any treatments. Ask your health care provider to write down his or her instructions to you. If you still have trouble understanding, ask where you can go for more information.

Visit MedlinePlus for more information and for links to other helpful websites, or stop in and a Health Reference librarian will assist you.

I will from now on heed my own advice.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference Services

Boston Marathon Explosions – Talking to Your Children

I’ve used this post before when dealing with the school shooting in Newton.  Unfortunately I must reuse it (perhaps one day there won’t be a need.)

For those families touched by this tragedy my heart goes out to you.

Nemours website offers advice about helping your child deal with death.

The National Association of School Psychologists has prepared tips for teachers and parents “Helping children cope with Loss, Death, and Grief.”

Resources to help you identify symptoms of severe stress and grief reactions are available at the National Association of School  Psychologist’s website - www.nasponline.org

Even for children who are not personally affected by this tragedy can still suffer.  The NASP  have also prepared advice for helping children cope with a national tragedy.

Their advice for parents:

1. Focus on your children over the week following the tragedy.  Tell them you love them and everything will be okay. Try to help them understand what has happened, keeping in mind their developmental level.
2. Make time to talk with your children.  Remember if you do not talk to your children about this incident someone else will. Take some time and determine what you wish to say.
3. Stay close to your children. Your physical presence will reassure them and give you the opportunity to monitor their reaction. Many children will want actual physical contact.  Give plenty of hugs.  Let them sit close to you, and make sure to take extra time at bedtime to cuddle and to reassure them that they are loved and safe.
4. Limit your child’s television viewing of these events.  If they must watch, watch with them for a brief time; then turn the set off.  Don’t sit mesmerized re-watching the same events over and over again.
5. Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick to your family’s normal routine for dinner, homework, chores, bedtime, etc., but don’t be inflexible.  Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.
6. Spend extra time reading or playing quiet games with your children before bed.  These activities are calming, foster a sense of closeness and security, and reinforce a sense of normalcy. Spend more time tucking them in.  Let them sleep with a light on if they ask for it.
7. Safeguard your children’s physical health.  Stress can take a physical toll on children as well as adults.  Make sure your children get appropriate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
8. Consider praying or thinking hopeful thoughts for the victims and their families.  It may be a good time to take your children to your place of worship, write a poem, or draw a picture to help your child express their feelings and feel that they are somehow supporting the victims and their families.
9. Find out what resources your school has in place to help children cope.  Most schools are likely to be open and often are a good place for children to regain a sense of normalcy.  Being with their friends and teachers can help.  Schools should also have a plan for making counseling available to children and adults who need it.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference Services

Drug Information

So you’ve just come from your physician’s office and are on the way to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription. Your health care provider has explained why you’re going to be taking the medication, the pharmacist will ask you if you have any questions, but you get home and want more information.

We all need to take charge of our health and make informed decisions about treatments including prescription or non-prescription medications. If you have questions the first thing to do is contact the physician that prescribed the medication or the pharmacist that dispensed the medication.

According to the CDC:

Medicines cure infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic diseases, and ease pain. But medicines can also cause harmful reactions if not used correctly. Errors can happen in the hospital, at the doctor’s office, at the pharmacy, or at home. You can help prevent errors by

• Knowing your medicines. Keep a list of the names of your medicines, how much you take, and when you take them. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements and herbs. Take this list to all your doctor visits.
• Reading medicine labels and following the directions. Don’t take medications prescribed for someone else.
• Take extra caution when giving medicines to children.
• Asking questions. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Why am I taking this medicine?
  • What are the common problems to watch out for?
  • What should I do if they occur?
  • When should I stop this medicine?
  • Can I take this medicine with the other medicines on my list?

If you are going to the Internet to investigate the medicines that you are prescribed you can find reputable information at MedlinePlus. Learn about your prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Includes side effects, dosage, special precautions, and more.

MedlinePlus also has information regarding herbs and supplements.  You can browse dietary supplements and herbal remedies to learn about their effectiveness, usual dosage, and drug interactions.  If you are using herbs or supplements it is vital that you discuss these with your health care provider as they can affect how your body reacts to prescription medications.  Visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Time to Talk educational campaign for more information.

For information regarding drug recalls visit the FDA.

posted by – Susan, Health Reference