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).

In Honor of Memorial Day

Memorial Day Thoughts

(A poem by Carole Jakucs)

They are proud to serve and keep us safe.

We are blessed to have them with God’s grace.

It matters not to them one’s race.

They serve with honor from every state.

They form a team of all our best.

And they stand out from all the rest.

We give our thanks to all who serve.

Service is a sacrifice that can throw many curves.

For those that never can come home.

We owe them more than remembrances of stone.

Our thoughts and prayers to all who serve.

We thank you for our liberties you preserve.

Photo By: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Gaines [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons






Even though this is a health blog, I could not pass up the opportunity to give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and recognize those who have served and are still serving now. 

Green Beans with Olive Oil Recipe

Green beans are packed with Vitamin C and fiber. This is a great recipe for anytime of the year and it's simple and quick to make. It’s a great side dish for back yard barbecues or formal dinners. Try to buy organic produce when you can to reduce your exposure to pesticides.

Photo By: McKay Savage from London, UK [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)

Ingredients:

1 pound of fresh green beans

1/2 cup of filtered water

1/4 – 1/3 cup of olive oil (depending on your personal taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Rinse green beans well, cut off the tips/strings at each end of each bean, or buy fresh green beans (prepackaged) with the tips cut. If the beans are long, cut each bean in half.  If they are not, they don’t need to be cut. Place beans in a large 12 inch non stick saute/fry pan, add the filtered water to just cover the beans. Place a lid on the pan and cook at a low heat for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to get the beans softened but not overcooked to maintain higher levels of Vitamin C.

Drain the remaining water out of the pan then brown the green beans for approximately 10 minutes on a medium heat, stirring them gently and occasionally. Now add the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and cook for another 10 minutes while stirring them occasionally and gently.
  
*Remember that when cooking with olive oil you cannot use high heats due to its low “smoke point." Maintain a low heat to prevent smoking of the oil. High heat also leaches out some of the healthful qualities of olive oil. 

This can be served as a side dish to a roast or barbecued meats and provides approximately 4 servings.  Enjoy!

Six Tips to Take Charge of your Health

Angelina Jolie’s revelation that she recently had undergone a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer due to her positive test result for the breast cancer gene, is a helpful reminder about the task for all of us to take charge of our health.  While this must have been a difficult decision for her, it’s an excellent illustration of remaining vigilant regarding your health and being proactive regarding your health care.

Here are six things you can do to help you to take charge of your health:

1. Learn about your family medical history, this includes parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. This will give you a heads up regarding what “runs” in your family; red flags so to speak, to make you aware of some of your possible genetic risks for certain diseases. Knowing this is invaluable. For example, if Heart Disease runs in your family, you’ll want to take extra care to control your weight, exercise daily, not smoke, and eat a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean Diet to help reduce your risk. (These are healthy habits for everyone and help to prevent a variety of diseases, but especially important if your risk is higher.) 
2. Read up on any medications you are prescribed from side effects to dosing instructions. Educate yourself by reading the package inserts that come from the pharmacy and reading credible medication websites such as MedlinePlus which is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
3. If you’re diagnosed with a disease or acute illness, learn as much as you can about it from trusted, professional sources, examples of which are the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) and Medline Plus (as mentioned above) also has a site dedicated to information on illnesses. Maintain an awareness of the typical lab tests that may be required to follow the course of the illness, medications that are generally prescribed to surgeries that may be recommended. Becoming familiar with these things can help you psychologically through your illness and also help you determine if you’re receiving the appropriate care.
4. Follow the advice of your physician regarding when to obtain lab tests, taking medications as prescribed and when to follow up with appointments and diagnostics tests such as ultra sounds, MRI’s, CT scans etc.
5. Get a second opinion when you feel the need.  If your inner voice is nudging you that something does not seem right; seek out a second opinion from another physician.
6. Ask questions. While no one expects you to become an expert, be sure to ask questions, especially if you need clarification on any information you received or simply desire more knowledge regarding your diagnosis and particular situation.

3 Tips to Strike Out Strokes

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes can kill or severely harm the person who is afflicted. Most people are aware of what a “heart attack” is, but not as many are familiar with the idea of a “brain attack”.  What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.  This can occur from either a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain or, from a blood vessel that ruptures as occurs in hemorrhagic stroke. Without proper blood flow, brain cells die.

Learn how to prevent strokes, the signs of a stroke in evolution and the care that needs to be initiated when someone is having a stroke. The life you save may be your own, someone you love, a co-worker or a stranger needing help.

1. Reduce your chances of having a stroke by leading a healthy lifestyle and eliminating known risk factors.

• Don’t smoke! Smoking damages blood vessels.
• Monitor your blood pressure to make sure it stays within a normal range.  High blood pressure damages blood vessels in the body too. 
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height and body frame. Extra weight raises your blood pressure. 
• Exercise (even walking) for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week to help maintain a healthy blood pressure by helping to control weight and improve your overall cardiovascular fitness.  
• Reduce your intake of salt. High salt intake raises blood pressure. 
• Reduce your intake of saturated fat and sugars both of which promote clogged arteries.  
• Eat a healthy diet that contains healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids).
• Don’t drink alcohol or drink only in moderation (if you decide to drink) which means less than two drinks per day.
• If you have A-Fib (atrial fibrillation) follow your physician's or healthcare provider's medical advice regarding treatment and controlling it.
• Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to see if daily aspirin therapy is appropriate for you. 
• If you have Diabetes, learn measures to control it. If you don't have Diabetes, learn about preventing it. 

2. Stroke symptoms can vary and can include (but are not limited to) difficulty speaking or thinking; weakness or paralysis, particularly on one side of the body, unusual sensations or tingling. Learn how to quickly recognize a stroke by learning about the term FAST (face, arms, speech, talking). Quick recognition is important so you can call 911 immediately for help. The sooner medical treatment is initiated the better.

3. What to do: A stroke is an immediate life threatening medical emergency. Call 911 to activate your local EMS (Emergency Medical System) so paramedics can respond to provide initial treatment then transport the patient to a local ED (emergency department) for further care.