Hepatitis A outbreaks from frozen berries, protect yourself with Hepatitis A vaccine

If you’re trying to eat healthy and part of your routine is buy frozen berries for topping off your cereal or to use in smoothies, you may be a risk for Hepatitis A. There is currently a second recall on frozen berries. You can become infected with Hepatitis A by consuming contaminated foods and/or water, or by having close contact with someone who has it.

Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org - CDC raspberry - Public Domain

Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver and makes you sick with jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting for starters. Here’s the good news: There is a vaccine to protect you from getting infected with Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A Vaccine is given in two separate doses given at least six months apart.  The goal of the vaccine is to provide your body immunity to the virus if you become exposed to it. 

If you have not yet been vaccinated against Hepatitis A, now is a good time to consider it. The vaccine can be obtained at most physician offices, clinics and some pharmacies (the ability to get a vaccine at a pharmacy is not available in all fifty states at this time). The vaccine is contraindicated (who should not get the vaccine) for some people. Be sure to contact your doctor to find out if you’re eligible to get the vaccine. Typically, healthcare providers that administer it, will ask you to fill out a consent/screening form to help determine if you are a candidate for the vaccine, by asking questions about your medical history and allergies. 

There is no excuse for contaminated food, and there have been many recalls involving a variety of foods from peanut butter (and related products) to fresh produce, meats and other items, involving different types of illness/disease causing organisms.  More needs to be done to ensure the safety of our food supply. Sometimes, there was nothing the consumer could do to prevent getting sick and no way to tell an item was contaminated.

In the meantime; stay up to date with all of your vaccines (for your  general health) to include Hepatitis A Vaccine, wash all produce well prior to consumption, stay informed to news about Outbreaks and food recalls, learn about food safety, the basics of which start with keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Taking these steps can reduce your chances of becoming stricken with a food related illness. 

Eight tips to prevent West Nile Virus

It’s that time of year again when West Nile Virus starts to rear its ugly head. A person can become infected if they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause death in some cases. It’s important to recognize West Nile Virus is a preventable disease, how? By preventing mosquito bites with these tips:

Photo by Michael Jakucs; Malibu Canyon.
Image subject to copyright.

1. There is no way for you to know which mosquitoes are carrying the disease, so it’s important to prevent all mosquito bites, especially now that summer is here and most people spend more time enjoying the beautiful outdoors (like the great picture above) with activities such as barbecuing and hiking.
2. Find out if West Nile Virus is in your area (if you live in the United States) by visiting the CDC website and viewing their interactive map showing activity by state. 
3. Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, which generally begins at dusk (in the early evening), through the night and continues through the early morning (and sometimes during the day).
4. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants if you’re going to be outside when mosquitoes are active.
5. Ensure that your window screens are intact, if not, have your screens replaced or repaired. 
6. Avoid having any collections of standing water near your home and in your yard. Change the water daily in items that need water such as bird baths and children’s pools.
7. If you’re spending time outdoors, protect yourself with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent that contains either, DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535.
8. Apply Insect repellents correctly and safely. They should be applied to skin and sprayed on your clothes as per the package and manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the package directions to the letter, as insecticides are a poison and can be dangerous if used inappropriately. 

Bullies as Siblings can Cause Anxiety and Depression

Bullying, or picking on someone, making them feel intimidated, unwanted and/or causing social isolation by slandering and gossiping about them, can occur in schools and work settings. It also occurs in families. A recent study published by the journal, “Pediatrics,” confirms that bullying by siblings against their siblings can cause depression and anxiety for those on the receiving end. 

Mental anguish appeared in the victims with all forms of bullying from psychological/emotional abuse to physical abuse at the hands of the sibling perpetrators.

While there appears to be an increasing awareness of bullying in the school and work environments; sibling abuse has not received much attention from parents, the perpetrators, families or researchers.

Hopefully now with the publication of this study, it will bring to light the importance of healthy family dynamics (including preventing sibling abuse) and the pain and suffering that abusive siblings cause. 

(Photo attribution: By Bpenn005 at en.wikibooks [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons)

HPV Infections and Throat Cancer Risk

Most people have heard about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections in the genital area. Actor Michael Douglas' recent revelation that his oral cancer is caused by HPV, must have been difficult for him to speak about; but it brought to the forefront a health issue that many in the medical community have known for a time; that some forms of oral cancer are caused by HPV. Raising awareness of this health risk is helpful in preventing infections.

There are approximately 100 different types of HPV, of which there are nearly 40 different types that can infect the genitalia (penis, vagina, vulva, anus), mouth and throat. Not all types can cause cancer, but some do. There are approximately 13 - 15 strains that can cause cancer.

Any sexually active person can become infected.  For a list of ways to reduce your risk, click here.

Other lifestyle factors that raise your risk of developing oral cancer are smoking and alcohol consumption. Not smoking, limiting alcohol intake and reducing your risk of exposure to HPV through sexual activity can go a long way in helping to prevent HPV infections and oral (throat) cancers.

Photo Attribution: Public Domain, from Wikimedia Commons, U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Stephen P. Weaver (Taken at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily on Jun. 19, 2004).