Health Care Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:44:00 +0000

NATIONAL SCHOOL SAFETY COALITION
FACEBOOK PAGE

Kids.gov is a member of the National School Safety Coalition. This coalition is a partnership among educators, nonprofits, government agencies, and caregivers who have come together to share information and foster collaboration to improve children's health and safety.

The coalition now has a facebook page where they post easy-to-understand information about existing and emerging hazards involving school-age children. By informing the public of these hazards, the coalition hopes to help minimize the risks to children.

Men's Health Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:13:00 +0000

It's Men's Health Week, now through Father's Day. As a father, husband, and brother, it can be very satisfying to your loved ones when you care for yourself. Be active with your health. Participate in decisions with your doctor. Educate yourself. Go for a physical.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are many preventative options out there on men's health, today more than ever. You just need know where to look.

Learn the facts. Take care of yourself & those you love.

Get preventative tests. There are many more types of tests available today.

Take the quiz. Answer those "At what age do I ..." questions.

Top health concerns. Eat better & exercise when you can.

Talk with your doctor. Write down questions. Bring along a family member.

Advice and Support Get help with decisions for treatments.

Know the lingo. Learn a few new medical terms.

Find affordable care. Federally funded health care centers.

Download, read online, or order free & low-cost publications through the Federal Citizen Information Center. Previously known as Pueblo.GSA.gov, Publications.USA.gov site offers important consumer information and publications to help you make important life decisions. Here are a few publications they provide on Men's Health:

The Center for Disease Control advises men can take daily steps to protect themselves from disease and injuries, living safer and healthier lives. An everyday routine can take little time and cost next to nothing. Eat what counts, stay physically active as best you can, and pay attention to signs and symptoms.

A few other links that may be helpful:

American Medical Association Online physician locator
Healthfinder Consumer health information and support

At any age, it is important to start what you can to prolong a healthy life, no matter how brief or intense the routine is !

Depression: Medicines To Help You

noreply@blogger.com (Jen Leek) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It's more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. They persist and interfere with your everyday life.

Symptoms can include

Sadness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Change in weight
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Energy loss
Feelings of worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary. It depends on the individual and his or her particular illness.

The free publication Depression - Medicines to Help You talks about the brands and generic names of various anti-depressants. Also learn the side effects, who should not take them, and warning signs regarding harmful drug and food interactions.

Information provided by USA.gov & MedlinePlus

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National Public Health Week April 2nd-8th

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:53:00 +0000

Help America become healthier beginning today.

Nearly a million people in the U.S. lose their lives every year from preventable health conditions. These losses affect every family and community. You can help prevent these deaths by learning steps to live a healthier life.

National Public Health Week is a great time to read and learn. Share helpful information on how to live a healthier life with others to help them learn.

USA.gov provides facts on many health preventative-related topics, including a few listed here:
1. The Facts About Preventing HP Virus
2. Differences Among Birth Control Methods
3. What to Do to Have Fewer Asthma Attacks
4. How to Recognize Depression in Yourself and Your Friends

Click on the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Women’s Health to read and share publications.

Our U.S. Government has made the following links available for you to contact for any additional information: FAQs, Phone, Chat, or E-mail.

The more we can inform ourselves, the better we will all feel. And who doesn't want to feel better ? Help yourself and help loved ones have a healthier lifestyle starting today.

Information provided by USA.gov on National Public Health Week.

Pasco County Prescription Savings Program Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:32:00 +0000

COUNTY PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS PROGRAM

Pasco County has re-launched the Points of Care prescription savings program, available to all County residents regardless of age, income, or pre-existing conditions. This program is designed to assist residents who do not have prescription drug coverage through their insurance or for savings on medications that are not covered through insurance.

Residents simply present their card at one of over 45,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Kmart, Publix, Sam’s Club, Sweetbay, Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Winn-Dixie to begin saving!

Points of Care is a no-cost savings program that will save residents up to 50% off their prescription medications, diabetes supplies, durable medical equipment and hearing aids.

Average savings has been 31% off the pharmacy retail price.

Residents can visit www.PascoRxCard.com to print a card and start saving today. Residents can also pick up the prescription savings cards at locations throughout the County, including Community Services Offices and Libraries.

Points of Care, administered by Universal Rx, provides services and benefits that improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs. Founded in 1995, the are a leading national provider of managed care and discount prescription services.

To learn more on how to use this program:

contact Pasco County's Customer Service Center at (727) 847-2411
visit the county's Point Of Care website for a list of card pick up locations & participating pharmacies.

Safety First on Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Just because Halloween celebrates all things scary, doesn't mean you want any safety scares of your own. Use these tips from USA.gov to make sure you and your family have a fun and safe holiday.

Pick Visible Costumes: Pick brightly colored costumes to make it easier for cars to see trick-or-treaters on dark roads. If the costume must be dark, apply reflective tape on the costume or candy bags to help them be more noticeable. Flashlights are also good to carry.

Use Face Paint instead of a Mask with your Children’s Costumes: Face paint may work better than a mask when it comes to visibility. If you decide to paint designs on your kids' faces, follow the directions on the face paint package closely. It's a good idea to test the face paint a few days before Halloween and be sure to avoid the eye area when applying.

Don’t snack while Trick-or-Treating: Inspect all treats before allowing your children to snack on them. Toss out any candy with opened or damaged wrappers and homemade treats.

Consider using a Glow Stick: Make sure costumes are flame resistant. In luminaries or jack-o-lanterns consider using a glow stick or battery-powered lights instead of candles.

HEALTH COVERAGE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:43:00 +0000

MEDICAID & THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)

offer free or low-cost health coverage to children and families.

If you are eligible for health coverage from your employer, but are unable to afford the premiums, some States have premium assistance programs that can help pay for coverage. These States use funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs to help people who are eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, but need assistance in paying their health premiums.

If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you live in a state offering assistance (Florida), you can contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan or your State Medicaid office to find out if premium assistance is available.

If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, you can contact any of the groups listed here to find out how to apply. If you qualify, you can ask the State if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan:

Contact the State Medicaid Office
Contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan
Contact INSURE KIDS NOW by calling 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669)

Once it is determined that you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, your employer’s health plan is required to permit you and your dependents to enroll in the plan – as long as you and your dependents are eligible, but not already enrolled in the employer’s plan. This is called a “special enrollment” and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance.
As a Florida resident, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums.

To learn more, call for further information at 1-866-762-2237, or click here to go online to the FLORIDA MEDICAID website.

Stay Safe during a Lightning Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:57:00 +0000

"IF THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS"

Since thunder and lightning storms happen frequently during the summer months, FEMA offers these tips on how to avoid injury during a lightning storm:

Avoid contact with corded phones.
Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm arrives because power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures because they can conduct electricity: do not wash hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes or do laundry.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
If you're caught outside during a storm, stay away from tall trees. Avoid open fields, beaches, and boats on the water. If possible, seek shelter in a thick growth of small trees or in a low lying area. Also avoid anything metal such as golf clubs/carts, tractors, bicycles, etc. Seek shelter in a car if possible, but avoid touching any of its metal parts.

Because lightning is unpredictable and can strike 10 miles outside of any rainfall the risk to individuals and property is increased. If you feel you hair standing on end (which indicates lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:

Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight.

Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000,

but could be reduced even further by following these safety precautions.

Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

New Generic Drugs in 2011-2012

noreply@blogger.com (Rnmihayden) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Generic drugs can save you money. What are considered generic drugs? According to the FDA:

"A generic drug is identical--or bioequivalent--to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price."

Below are two lists* for drugs which are soon to become "generic" for the years 2011 and 2012.

2011

Brand Name----Generic Name----Availibility

Uroxatral------------------------- alfuzosin------------------------July
Zyprexa---------------------------olanzapine----------------------October
Lipitor-----------------------------atorvastatin--------------------November
Caduet----------------------------amlodipine----------------------November
Tazorac----------------------------tazarotene cream---------------November

2012

Brand Name----Generic Name----Availibility

Lexapro---------------------------escitalopram--------------------February
Entocort EC-----------------------budesonide----------------------February
Avandia---------------------------rosiglitazone--------------------March
Avandaryl-------------------------glimepiride---------------------March
Avandamet-----------------------metformin-----------------------March
Boniva----------------------------ibandronate---------------------March
Seroquel--------------------------quetiapine-----------------------March
Avapro----------------------------irbesartan----------------------March
Avalide---------------------------hydrochlorothiazide-------------March
Provigil---------------------------modafinil------------------------April
Plavix-----------------------------clopidogrel----------------------May
Viramune-------------------------nevirapine-----------------------May
Lescol-----------------------------fluvastatin----------------------June
Tricor-----------------------------fenofibrate----------------------July
Clarinex--------------------------desloratadine--------------------July
Singulair--------------------------montelukast---------------------August
Actos-----------------------------pioglitazone----------------------August
Exforge---------------------------amlodipine-valsartan------------September
Diovan----------------------------valsartan------------------------September
Diovan HCT----------------------hydrochlorothiazide--------------September
Geodon---------------------------ziprasidone----------------------September
Combivir-------------------------lamivudine-zidovudine-----------November
Atacand--------------------------candesartan---------------------December
Maxalt---------------------------rizatriptan-----------------------December

*these lists are provided by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, a nonprofit Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Facts and Myths about Generic Drugs

Fact: 7 in 10 prescriptions in the United States are filled by generic drugs.

Myth: Brand name drugs are safer than generic drugs. Fact: FDA receives very few reports of adverse events about specific generic drugs. Most reports of adverse events are related to side effects of the drug ingredient itself.

To learn more facts and myths concerning generic drugs, please visit the FDA site.

Back-To-School Student Health Fair August 6th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Morton Plant North Bay Hospital is hosting a Back-to-School Health Fair for all Pasco County school students in grades Pre-K through12:

Saturday, August 6th, 2011

Morton Plant North Bay Hospital

Medical Arts Building

6633 Forest Avenue, New Port Richey, FL

To register, call 727-940-2804. Click here for maps and directions.

The following programs will be offered free of charge:

School/Sports Physicals
Cardiac Screenings: EKG & ECHO (high school student athletes only)
General Health Information
Fingerprinting provided by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office

All students under the age of 18 must have a signed permission slip or have a parent or guardian present with them on

the day of the event to participate. Permission slips will be provided upon registration. All students ages 18 and older must bring photo identification.

In addition, the following services will also be provided by the Pasco County Health Department free of charge. All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive these services:

Dental Screenings and Education
School Immunizations - please bring immunization records

MORTON PLANT MEASE

BAYCARE HEALTH SYSTEMS

Florida Kid Care - Income Eligibility 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rnmihayden) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Are you eligible for Florida Kidcare, Medicaid, or Healthy Kids? In order to make that determination, you first need to know where your family income falls in the poverty guidelines. See the new 2011 Federal Poverty Guidelines below:

**The 2011 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia**
Persons in family	Poverty guideline
1	$10,890
2	$14,710
3	$18,530
4	$22,350
5	$26,170
6	$29,990
7	$33,810
8	$37,630
For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,740 for each additional person.

To read more information about the Federal 2011 Poverty guildlines, click HERE. Also, if you need to view the income amounts at the varying percentages over 100% of poverty level, please click HERE. The next step is to look at the Florida KidCare Eligibility chart. Below is a brief summary:

• Children ages 0 through one, up to 200% of the federal poverty level, are covered under Medicaid (Title XIX and Title XXI funded)

• Children ages one through five, up to 133% of the federal poverty level, are covered under Medicaid (Title XIX funded)

• Children ages one through five, at 134% to 200% of the federal poverty level, are covered under MediKids (Title XXI funded)

• Children ages one through five, above 200% of the federal poverty level, are covered under MediKids full pay

• Children ages 5 through 18, up to 100% of the federal poverty level, are covered under Medicaid (Title XIX funded)

• Children ages 5 through 18, at 101% to 200% of the federal poverty level, are covered under Healthy Kids (Title XXI funded)

• Children ages 5 through 18, above 200% of the federal poverty level, are covered under Healthy Kids full pay

To learn more or apply for Florida KidCare, please click HERE to visit their web site.

Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Affordable Healthcare Insurance

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan makes health insurance available to people who have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan:

Covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
Does not charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.
Does not base eligibility on income.

To be eligible for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan:

You must be a citizen or national of the United States or reside in the U.S. legally.
You must have been without health coverage for at least the last six months. Please note that if you currently have insurance coverage that doesn’t cover your medical condition or are enrolled in a state high risk pool, you are not eligible for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
You must have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition.

Florida PCIP offers a choice of plan options to fit your needs (different levels of premiums, calendar year deductibles, prescription deductibles and prescription copays) at more affordable premiums.

Follow these links for more PCIP FAQs and information on the Affordable Care Act.

New Dietary Guidelines to Replace the Food Pyramid

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:13:00 +0000

LET'S EAT FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!

Your food and activity choices each day affect your health -- how you feel today, tomorrow and in the future. The tips below are a good starting point toward a change for a healthy diet and a healthier you:

More in-depth information can be found by following each topic link above and by visiting the Ten Tips Nutrition Education Series. Sample menus are available to show how all the recommendations for each food group and nutrient intake can be integrated into a weekly menu. You can also find tips for eating out and key information on vegetarian diets, and more.

Improving what you eat and being active will help you to reduce your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and obesity.

For additional resources check out:

• www.DietaryGuidelines.gov
• www.Health.gov/paguidelines
• www.HealthFinder.gov

Information supplied by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

30th Commemoration of HIV/AIDS

noreply@blogger.com (Jen Leek) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:28:00 +0000

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD): June 27

Thirty years ago this June, an article reporting the first known cases of what we now call AIDS was published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Since then, extraordinary progress has been made in treating and preventing HIV, and annual new infections have fallen by more than two-thirds since the height of the epidemic.

Despite this progress, HIV remains a crisis in our country. Over the last three decades, prevention efforts have helped reduce new infections and treatment advances have allowed people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. But as these improvements have taken place, our nation's collective sense of crisis has waned. Far too many Americans underestimate their risk of infection or believe HIV is no longer a serious health threat, but they must understand that HIV remains an incurable infection. Today, the most infections are among people under 30—a new generation that has never known a time without effective HIV treatments and who may not fully understand the significant health threat HIV poses. The reality remains that about 50,000 new infections occur each year in the U.S. and, today, more than one million people are living with HIV in our nation. Reducing HIV rates in the U.S. is not only possible – it’s imperative – and new advances in HIV prevention hold promise in changing the course of this epidemic.

How can I find out more about HIV and AIDS?

You can call CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636); TTY access 1-888-232-6348. CDC-INFO is staffed with people trained to answer your questions about HIV and AIDS in a prompt and confidential manner in English or Spanish, 24 hours per day. Staff at CDC-INFO can offer you a wide variety of written materials and put you in touch with organizations in your area that deal with HIV and AIDS.

On the Internet, you can get information on HIV and AIDS from www.AIDS.gov or www.cdc.gov/hiv

Find a testing site near you

------------
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/brochures/at-risk.htm
http://www.actagainstaids.org

New Sunscreen Labels to Help you Get the Best Protection

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:06:00 +0000

Beginning next summer the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is changing sunscreen labels to make it easier for you to pick a product that offers the protection level you want. The labels will clearly tell whether a sunscreen protects against sunburn, skin cancer and signs of premature skin aging; and whether it is a broad spectrum product.

Broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher will protect against all three. Anything less than 15 SPF will only protect against sunburn and soon will be labeled with a warning that reads "Skin cancer/skin aging alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging". Future labels will also include information on how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating.

Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To reduce this risk, consumers should regularly use sun protection measures including:

Use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun; for example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water.

Follow this link for more information on sunscreen, basic information on skin cancer and skin safety.

Improve the Air Quality this Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:02:00 +0000

The Air Quality Index is a tool used to express the local air quality on a daily basis to help you determine if there are any health risks. The AQI is expressed on a scale from 0 to 500 with the higher scores indicating greater levels of air pollution and health concerns. There are six color coded AQI categories that range from "good" to "hazardous". Follow this link to check the air quality in your area and obtain important information.

Some groups (children, older adults, and people with lung or heart disease) are more sensitive to poor air quality and may need to take extra precautions by avoiding prolonged periods or heavy outdoor activity.

You can take steps to improve the air quality index this summer by:

Refueling your car after dusk
Limiting engine idling
Avoiding using gas powered lawn equipment
Conserving electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature
Combining trips or using public transportation

Florida KidCare health insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Child Health Insurance
You Can Afford

Through Florida KidCare, the state of Florida offers health insurance for children from birth through age 18, even if one or both parents are working. It includes four different parts. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which part your child may qualify for based on age and family income.

MEDIKIDS: children ages 1 through 4.
HEALTHY KIDS: children ages 5 through 18.
CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES NETWORK: children birth through 18 who have special health care needs.
MEDICAID: children birth through 18. A child who has other health insurance may still qualify for Medicaid.

Some of the services Florida KidCare covers are:

Doctor visits
Check-ups and shots
Hospital
Surgery
Prescriptions
Emergencies
Vision and hearing
Dental
Mental health

Follow this link for information on eligibility and cost.

There are several ways to apply for Florida KidCare:

Apply online or

Print an Application and Instructions

If you've applied for Florida KidCare before, call 1-888-540-5437 to update your information by telephone.

Featured Condtion/Disease: Heart Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Heart Disease.

Definition

Heart disease, also called cardiac disease, is a heart defect. The word cardiac refers to the heart. Cardiac or heart disease means the heart muscle can't properly deliver oxygen and other essentials to the organs and tissues. Heart disease includes many different conditions. The heart pumps blood all over the body to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body.

Evaluation/Screening
If you have a child from the age from birth to three years old, you can have your child screened for heart disease through the Florida Early Steps program. Click here to see a list of Early Steps offices in your area.

More Information

To get more information, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the Teach More/Love More site, click here to visit their site.

Featured Condtion/Disease: Sciolosis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Sciolosis.

Definition

Scoliosis is not a disease, but rather a word describing a condition of the spine (also called a backbone) when very curved. Some curves are normal in the spine. Some places we all usually have curves are in the neck, in the upper back and in the lower back. We need these spinal curves to help the upper body maintain proper balance. Curves in the spine to the left or right are not normal, and are called scoliosis.

A child can be born with scoliosis. A child can develop the lateral curves gradually over childhood. We don't know what causes most cases of scoliosis. The curvature of the spine from scoliosis may develop as a single curve like the letter C or as two curves shaped like the letter S.

Signs

Most parents first notice that their child has a crooked back or the body looks asymmetrical (one side looks higher than the other or the child looks tilted). Things to watch for:

Walks with the head tilted.
Shoulder blade (a bone in the back) sticks out.
A tilted hip bone or one hip or shoulder higher than the other.
Leans to one side when standing or walking.

More Information

To get more information about Sciolosis, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the Teach More/Love More site, click here to visit their site.

Featured Condition/Disease: Muscular Dystrophy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Muscular Dystrophy.

Definition

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a degenerative disease in which the muscles of the body get weaker and weaker and slowly stop working. Degenerative means the condition worsens slowly over time. Your child's muscles need many different kinds of proteins to stay healthy. When you hear the word "protein" you might think of such food as meat and peanut butter that contain protein. Your body also makes proteins, and your genes tell your body how to make proteins your muscles need. Children with muscular dystrophy have genes that have the wrong information or leave out important information, so the body can't make these proteins properly. Without these proteins, the muscles break down and weaken over time. As this happens to muscles, children with muscular dystrophy begin to have problems with the way their bodies work.

Types

Among the nine types of muscular dystrophy, seven affect children. The seven types are:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The protein dystrophin helps to keep muscle cells whole and healthy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy happens when this protein is missing. It usually begins in early childhood (between the ages of 2 to 6). Duchenne eventually affects the heart and breathing muscles. Children with this kind of Muscular Dystrophy don't usually live beyond the early 30s.

Becker Muscular Dystrophy: This form of MD also happens when the body does not make enough of the protein dystrophin. It is very similar to Duchenne MD but often less severe. Many children with this type of MD have heart problems. Children with Becker's MD though usually live to middle age older.

Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy: This type is caused by a sudden change in the genes that produce proteins in the muscle cells. Each cell has a nucleus surrounded by a membrane where the proteins are suddenly changed. It usually begins by age 10. This type of MD progresses slowly. Heart complications are common.

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy: This type is caused by a change in any one of a possible 15 genes that affect proteins the body needs for muscles to work. The beginning of this form of MD can occur anytime during childhood through adulthood. Limb-Girdle usually progresses slowly.

Faciosapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: It is usually diagnosed by age 20. Faciosapulohumeral MD usually progresses slowly with some periods when the muscles worsen rapidly. It is caused by a missing DNA on chromosome 4. DNA is a necessary component of all living matter and a basic material in the chromosomes.

Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy: The disease appears at birth in one form, but another form begins in teen or adult years. The progress of changes in how the muscles work can last 50 to 60 years. It is caused by a repeated section of DNA on either Chromosome 3 or 19. DNA is a necessary component in all living matter.

Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: It is caused by changes affecting some of the proteins needed by muscles and can affect the eyes and brain. The disease begins at or very near birth. Sometimes this type progresses slowly, but still can cause a shortened life span.

More Information

To get more information, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the Teach More/Love More site, click here to visit their site.

Featured Condtion/Disease: Spina Bifida

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Spina Bifida.

Definition

Spina bifida, a condition present at birth, includes three kinds: Occulta, Meningocele (mild disabilities or problems later), and Myelomeningocele. This fact sheet is about the most serious -- Myelomeningocele.

Spina bifida occurs while the baby is still developing and growing inside the mother. The baby's spine doesn't develop correctly. At birth the spinal cord is open at the back or exposed (also called a neural tube defect). Early in pregnancy, cells form a closed tube (neural tube) that eventually becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. A neural tube defect happens when the tube does not completely close. A neural tube defect can happen anywhere on the spine, but usually happens to the lower part of the spinal cord. A child born with a neural tube defect usually will have difficulty walking, and may need leg braces, crutches, a walker and, in some cases, a wheelchair (Gargiulo, 2001).

Spina bifida differs for every person. Many children with spina bifida have hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid on the brain). Because children with spina bifida have problems with the spine, the fluid in the brain does not drain properly.

Other potential difficulties occurring with spina bifida include full or partial paralysis (the inability to move part or all of the body). Children with spina bifida and full or partial paralysis also may have problems with weight gain and obesity. Since children with spina bifida usually have damage to the spine, they can have problems with the nerves controlling the bladder and bowels. (These nerves are in the lower part of the spinal cord.) They may have problems controlling their bladder and bowel (unable to tell when they need to use the bathroom).

Children with spina bifida more likely have learning disabilities, problems with depression and an allergy

to latex (reaction to a common type of rubber). They sometimes have social and sexual issues because they may go through puberty at a younger age than most children.

Evaluation/Screening

If you have a child from the age from birth to three years old, you can have your child screened for spina bifida through the Florida Early Steps program. Click here to see a list of Early Steps offices in your area.

More Information

To get more information about spina bifida, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the Teach More/Love More site, click here to visit their site.

Housing For Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Jen Leek) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:31:00 +0000

What to Look For in a Nursing Home

Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Do some research first to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need; what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford. Then check here for financial assistance resources and guides for making the right choice.

The following are some tips on what to look for in a nursing home to help prevent bad care and abuse of your loved one:

Get a durable power of attorney for medical care so that you can make health care decisions and review medical records.
Request a complete facility profile from the State Health Department, Licensing and Certification Department for the facility you intend to use. Note the number of complaints, the fines assessed and whether the fines have been paid.
Notice how many people in the facility seem to be in stupors or in bed or unable to walk or talk. If many patients fall into this category, be wary of over medication at the facility, especially with the psychotropic drugs Haldol, Thorazine, Mellaril and Prolixin.
Visit at different times during the day, including meal times. Take notice of the types of food and nutritional balance. Dehydration is a problem, so make sure water is available at all times and that it is easily accessible to the patient.
Be sure the patient is actually seen by the doctor and talk with the doctor personally. If the doctor is difficult to contact, bring in another doctor to examine the patient.
Take seriously any complaints the patient has about mistreatment by the staff. Don't accept the facilities statement that the patient is old and doesn't know what's going on.
Check the patient's body for bedsores, particularly the tailbone, feet and hips. Stage 4, the most serious stage of bedsores, causes death in many cases.
Report any signs of bad care to the state licensing office in your state that licenses and regulates nursing homes. Be sure to follow up on the complaint to insure accountability.

More...

Types of Care Facilities

Board and Care: This type of facility does not require to have either nurses or doctors on staff. They provide meals and activities for residents, as well as some help with dressing, eating and hygiene. In most of these facilities, residents must be ambulatory.

Independent-Living Facilities: These facilities include retirement centers, mobile-home parks and single-family homes. Levels of care vary. Some serve meals in common dining halls, while others may have assisted living services.

Intermediate-Care Facilities: These facilities provide medical care to people who need 24-hour supervision and occasional skilled nursing care. Residents must be able to walk or use a wheelchair and have some control over bowel and bladder functions.

Skilled Nursing Facilities: Around-the-clock nursing supervision and care for residents who need help with dressing, eating, bowel and bladder care, and taking prescription medications. Different types of therapy, such as physical, speech or occupational, is also provided. This type of care is very institutional and being run mostly by large corporations for profit.

Sub-Acute Care Facilities: These facilities provide care outside the acute-care wards of hospitals. They are basically for patients on respirators or nasal/tube feeding.

Who Pays: Pay for these types of care vary from private pay, MediCare (the federal health insurance program for the elderly) or by MediCaid (the federal/state partnership providing health care for the poor).

Other Resources:
Filing a Complaint
Foundation Aiding the Elderly
Housing for Seniors

Featured Condtion/Disease: Ear Infections

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Ear Infections.

Definition

Overview of Ear Infections

There are three main kinds of ear infections, which are called acute otitis (oh-TIE-tus) media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (uh-FEW-zhun) (OME), and otitis externa (Swimmer’s Ear). Sometimes ear infections can be painful and may even need antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine what kind of ear infection you or your child has and if antibiotics would help.

Acute otitis media

The type of ear infection that is usually painful and may improve with antibiotic treatment is called acute otitis (oh-TIE-tus) media, or AOM. Symptoms of AOM include pain, redness of the eardrum, pus in the ear, and fever. Children may pull on the affected ear, and infants or toddlers may be irritable. Antibiotics are often prescribed to children for AOM, but are not always necessary.

Otitis media with effusion

Otitis media with effusion (uh-FEW-zhun), or OME, is a build up of fluid in the middle ear without signs and symptoms of acute infection (pain, redness of the eardrum, pus, and fever). OME is more common than AOM, and may be caused by viral upper respiratory infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (such as cigarette smoke). The build up of fluid in the middle ear does not usually cause pain and almost always goes away on its own. OME will not usually benefit from antibiotic treatment.

Otitis externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Otitis externa, more commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, is an infection of the ear and/or outer ear canal. It can cause the ear to itch or become red and inflamed so that head movement or touching of the ear is very painful. There may also be pus that drains from the ear. Antibiotics are usually needed to treat otitis externa.

Symptons

Acute otitis media (AOM)

Pulling at ears
Excessive crying
Fluid draining from ears
Sleep disturbances
Fever
Headaches
Problems with hearing
Irritability
Difficulty balancing

Otitis media with effusion (OME)

Problems with hearing

More Information

To get more information about ear infections, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the CDC site, click here to visit their site.

Featured Condtion/Disease: Type 2 Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Diabetes.

Definition

Diabetes is a condition in which people have abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the more common type of diabetes. It accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes was once known as "adult-onset diabetes" but this term is no longer used because Type 2 is on the rise in all age groups, including among children. Type 2 is increasing primarily because more children and adults are becoming overweight and obese.

People with diabetes lose the ability to control the level of sugar in their blood. Sugar rises to excessive levels in the blood because it can't enter the cells of the body - in the usual way and because an excess of sugar is produced in the liver. So, for example, without sugar getting inside the muscle cells, these cells don't have enough fuel to keep the body working properly. The same is true for other cell types throughout the body.
The main feature of type 2 diabetes is the body's resistance to the action of insulin in the cells. This is a condition known as insulin resistance. Obesity may be the single most important factor in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

More Information

To get more information on Type 2 Diabetes, click here.

*Most of the information provided here is from the Children with DIABETES site, click here to visit their site.

Featured Condtion/Disease: Group B Strep

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0000

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Group B Strep.

Definition

Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is often found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women. In the United States, about 1 in 4 women carry this type of bacteria. Women of any race or ethnicity can carry these bacteria. Being a carrier for these bacteria does not mean you have an infection. It only means that you have group B strep bacteria in your body.

Finding the GBS bacteria does not mean that you are not clean, and it does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease. The bacteria are not spread from food, sex, water, or anything that you might have come into contact with. They can come and go naturally in the body.

GBS can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

GBS is a leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, including pneumonia (lung infection), sepsis (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), and other problems. Sadly, many infants can die or have serious long-term effects from a GBS infection.

Preventing Group B Strep in New Borns

Ask your doctor or nurse for a GBS test when you are 35–37 weeks pregnant (in your 9th month). The test is an easy swab of the vagina and rectum that should not hurt.

Each time you are pregnant, you need to be tested for GBS. It doesn't matter if you did or did not have this type of bacteria before; each pregnancy is different.

Carrying GBS bacteria does not mean that you are not clean, and it does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease. The bacteria are not spread from food, sex, water, or anything that you might have come into contact with. They can come and go naturally in the body.

The medicine to stop GBS from spreading to your baby is an antibiotic given during labor. The antibiotic (usually penicillin) is given to you through an IV (in the vein) during childbirth. If you are allergic to penicillin, there are other ways to help treat you during labor.

Antibiotics taken before labor will not protect your baby against GBS. The bacteria can grow back so fast that taking the medicine before you begin labor does not prevent the bacteria from spreading to your baby during childbirth.

Other people in the house, including kids, are not at risk of getting sick from GBS. If you think you might have a C-section or go into labor early (prematurely), talk with your doctor or nurse about your personal GBS plan.

More Information

To get more information about Group B Strep and its prevention in New Born Infants, go here.