MEDICAL BULLETIN BOARD
Date of posting: |
August 17, 2007 |
Subject: |
Don't Give Cold Medicines to Infants |
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The Government is warning parents not to give cough and cold medications to children under age 2
without a Doctor's order. The warning is part of a broad reassessment of the safety of these medicines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inappropriate use of cold and cough medications in children has lead to hundreds of adverse reactions and several deaths, the FDA says.
As reported by the New York Times
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Date of posting: |
December 5, 2006 |
Subject: |
Preventive Healthcare in Adolescence - Immunization |
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Adolescence is a time important preventative healthcare. It is also a
time of increasing autonomy in making health-related and lifestyle choices. A crucial component of these decisions is immunization. Several
vaccines have been developed and targeted specifically for initial use in
adolescents. These are approved by the US Food & Drug Administration
(FDA). Arrange an early consultation with your health care provider.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV-4) – prevents most meningococcal infections.
Tetanus Toxoid-reduced diphtheria toxoid-acellular Pertussis (Ddap) vaccine – prevents most whooping cough, diphtheria and
tetanus infections.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine – prevents HPV related
lesions and cancer of the cervix in women.
Reference: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/545266 |
Date of posting: |
September 25, 2006 |
Subject: |
Real influenza is not like the cold |
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The National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Disease says differences include these:
- Fever. Rare for a cold, common with flu. Fevers with flu can
get over 102 degrees, especially in children, and can persist for
three of four days.
- Headache. Rare for a cold, common in flu.
- Aches and pains. Mild with cold, often severe with flu.
- Fatigue. Sometimes occurs with colds, but flu usually
Starts with a period of exhaustion, with fatigue lasting two
Three weeks.
- Sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat. The most frequent
symptoms of a cold, they also occasionally occur with the flu.
- Chest Discomfort. Mild to moderate with colds, but can
be severe with flu.
Both colds and flu are more common in winter and peaks between December and March. There is time to get your flu shot!!!!
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Date of posting: |
July 24, 2006 |
Subject: |
West Nile Virus in Utah |
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The Utah Department of Health Epidemiology reports the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year. The last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August is the period of highest risk of transmission of this virus to humans. Consider WNV if you suffer from fever, flu like syndrome or neurological symptoms. Report symptoms to your physician promptly, if experienced. The hot weather this year has led to much higher number of mosquitoes (the vector). Prevention is to avoid mosquito bites in early morning and evening by using a repellent with DEET, long sleeved shirts and treating your clothing with a repellent available in all sport shops and pharmacies.
epi@utah.gov |
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Date of posting: |
June 7, 2006 |
Subject: |
RAGE |
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A little studied mental illness marked by episodes of angry, potentially violent outburst like those seen in road rage or spousal abuse.
is more common than previous thought, researchers report.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED), may effect 7.3% of Americans -
up to 16 million people. IED may also predispose other people to
other mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety and substance
abuse problems. A recent article in Forbes Magazine (June 05, 2006) thoroughly discusses this problem. Talk to your Doctor if you have this problem as the syndrome is treatable.
http://forbes.com/forbesbestlife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/06/05/hscout533089.html or access it through:
http://forbes.com/forbesbestlife/health.html |
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| Date of posting: |
June 7, 2006 |
| Subject: |
Obesity increases risk for immobile future. |
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In the Tuesday, June 6 USA today there is an important article describing
the fast track to becoming disabled senior citizens. Public Health Officials
said for years that obesity increases the risk of diseases such as Type II
Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Disease, Osteoarthritis and Cancer. Now a growing body of research suggests that being obese, 30 or more
pounds over a healthy weight - increases the chance of becoming
disabled at a younger age. At PEHP, please contact Chris Harrison
(801-366-7784) or Amy Keate (801-366-7584) to see if you are eligible
to participate in our weight loss program. |
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| Date of posting: |
May 15, 2006 |
| Subject: |
How to apply Sunscreen |
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Have a happy and safe summer in the sun.
It is summer and the sun is the single agent for causing skin cancer. It is
wise to protect you skin with sunscreen not only for cancer deterring but
to avoid a sunburn that may ruin a vacation. Some pointers:
- Don't be confused by all the labeling. Use a sunscreen with a SPF over
10. Inexpensive brands do not stay on the skin efficiently.
- A single layer of sunscreen is probably inadequate. Apply one layer,
allow to dry, then apply a second layer.
- Repeat applications of the sunscreen throughout the day if you are
out of doors, sweating or participating in water sports.
- A tan may result and this is still damaging to the skin but not so
serious as burning the skin.
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| Date of posting: |
January 29, 2006 |
| Subject: |
Whooping Cough in Utah (UDOH Epidemiology) |
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Whooping cough (Pertussis) data in 2005 show the rates in Utah are 3 times higher than the rate in the USA. Clinicians are urged to consider carefully the etiology of upper respiratory diseases. The diagnosis in small children and infants is usually done with the typical "croop" and assisted by confirmatory laboratory studies. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing remains the most rapid and accurate diagnostic procedure available. Teenagers may be "spreaders" of the disease as their childhood immunization is no longer effective. All teenagers should report to a Health Clinic and/or their physician for a booster immunization. Reference: www.pertussis.com |
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| Date of posting: |
January 9, 2006 |
| Subject: |
Utah's unique risk for skin cancer (UCAN - Utah Cancer Action Network) |
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Utah's high altitude, predominantly fair-complexioned population and frequent sunny days combine to put Utah's children at higher risk for skin cancer. School children participate in activities that are held when the sun
is at the peak hours. Tips to protect your child include: sending sunscreen,
long sleeved clothing, hats, sunglasses, and lip balm with sunscreen for
them during all outdoor activities. For more information and tips visit www.ucan.cc
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