MAY 2007
OCTOBER 2007
MRSA - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
This information is the most recent from the Pa Public Heatlth Department
If you want more information go to the fact sheet on MRSA from the health department web site (www.health.state.pa.us)
Diagnosis of MRSA is only made through cultures from a certified lab - not your mother's uncle
It is a treatable condition - Most are treated by good wound and skin care, incision and drainage of boil, keeping the area clean and dry and allowing the body to heal. There are other antibiotics (other than methicillin) that can be used. Studies have shown that the skin infections will generally heal just as quickly with proper care whether or not antibiotics have been used or not.
TO PREVENT MRSA INFECTIONS AT SCHOOL - CONSIDER THESE GUIDELINES:
Regular handwashing is the best way to prevent getting and spreading
Practice and encourage good skin care. Staph infections begin when staph enters the skin through a break in the skin
Ensure access to sinks, soap, and clean disposible towels
Ensure the availability of alcohol-based sanitizers IF soap and water not accessible
Educate everyone about the importance of personal hygiene
Encourage daily showers
Discourage sharing of personal items such as towel, razors or toothbrushes
Regularly clean sinks, showers, and toilets by saturating with disinfectant
Disinfect athletic equipment between users
Launder towels, sport uniforms and clothing with hot water and detergent - dry on high heat
Wear gloves when handling dirty laundry
Wear gloves before touching another's wound or dressing
Encourage those infected to ALWAYS keep the area covered with clean dry dressings
Dispose of dressings carefully
This is not a "NEW" disease. We were caring for these individuals 20 years ago when I was still working in the hospital. We had an athlete that was diagnosed last year with MRSA and proper handling of everything was done and NO ONE else was infected. It goes back to the same for preventing almost any disease. WASH YOUR HANDS WASH YOUR HANDS AND WASH YOUR HANDS.
If you have any further questions please see one of the school nurses.
MAY 2007
Health Tips
Get Healthy Without Really Trying
Living healthier doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, experts say
To Improve Nutrition:
1. Buy whole foods -- whether canned, frozen, or fresh from the farm -- and use them in place of processed foods whenever possible.
2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar,
3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.
To Improve Physical Fitness:
1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength.
2. Every time you stop at a traffic light (or the bus does), tighten your thighs and butt muscles and release as many times as you can. (Don't worry, no one will see it!) This will firm leg and buttock muscles, improve blood flow -- and keep you mildly amused!
3. Whenever you're standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes
To Improve Stress Control:
1. Give your partner a hug every day before work. Studies show this simple act can help you remain calm when chaos ensues during your day.
2. Have a good cry. It can boost your immune system, reduce levels of stress hormones, eliminate depression, and help you think more clearly.
3. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes
To Improve Sleep:
1. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water. The scent has been shown in studies to promote relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
2. Buy a new pillow. Studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a "cool" pillow -- one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.
3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You'll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan -- a natural sleep-inducer
APRIL 2007
Introducing the power of "5"
1. Specific - What, exactly do you want to achieve? "Get Fit" can be interpreted many ways. Set small realistic goals.
2. Measurable - How will you know when you reach this goal? If it is weight loss - only get on the scale once a week, daily weighing can be a downer.
3. Action - "Get fit" also does not tell you what you are going to do. How are you going to loss weight - exercise more or eat less?
4. Reasonable - don't expect to lose 30 pounds in 30 days - you didn't gain it that fast and it won't go off that fast.
5. Time - Set a deadline for yourself and stick with it. Circle the deadline on the calendar with a big red marker and keep yourself motivated. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day.
MARCH NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
March is National Nutrition Month. Eating well can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Eating well means eating a variety of healthy foods in the right amounts so your body gets the nutrients needed to maintain good health and work properly.
The following are tips on how to practice good nutrition this month and every month:
-- Eat smaller meals including a vegetable as the center of the plate, with smaller meat and starch servings. Include at least one serving of fruit and vegetable with every meal.
-- Drink more water between meals; try veggies or a handful of nuts for a snack and fresh fruit for something sweet.
-- Reduce your intake of deep fried foods and cancer-causing trans fats found in processed foods and baked goods.
-- Read food labels and reduce the amount of added sugar, corn syrup and salt in the diet. Use fresh herbs and spices to season food instead.
FEBRUARY 2007
"MOTIVATION TO MOVE" February is generally thought of as "heart month" and here are some interesting facts to get you motivated into moving.
1. Inactive, physically-unfit people have the highest death rate - most Americans fall into this category.
2. Just getting off the couch and walking 1 mile per day (2000 steps) significantly drops the mortality rate.
3. By increasing to 2 miles of walking per day, you continue to benefit from 30 to 40 minutes of walking.
4. Increasing to 3 miles per day (6000 steps) continues to lower the mortality rate to near an almost optimal level.
5. Increasing beyond 3 miles per day up to 5 helps reduce the mortality rate more, however the primary benefits are reached in going 1 to 3 miles per day.
6. Beyond 5 miles per day, the death-rate curve begins to climb back upwards, proving that too much of a good thing may not be optimal.
What do you gain from exercising besides longevity?
Increase brain power Improve sleep quality Boost energy Strengthen the heart Strengthen muscles
Burn calories and fat Lower cholesterol Increase metabolism Relieve stress Lower risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes
Decrease bone loss and Decrease risk of some cancers
CONCLUSION: 1 MILE PER DAY OF BRISK WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH;
2 MILES PER DAY IS BETTER
3 MILES IS BEST.
LET'S GET MOVING!
JANUARY 2007 HAPPY NEW YEAR
FOCUS ON THE "THOU SHALT" AND FORGET THE "THOU SHALT NOT"
TRY WRITING 10 HEALTHLY RESOLUTIONS THAT YOU CAN AND WILL ACHIEVE; WRITE RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE NOT ONLY SPECIFIC AND ACHIEVABLE BUT ONES THAT YOU CAN VIEW AS GIFTS TO YOURSELF.
Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Suggested Healthy New Year's Resolutions:
SEPTEMBER 2006 WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL
BIRD FLU
According to Will Rogers - "All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that's just an alibi for my ignorance" Don't be mislead by the papers, we are not in the middle of a bird flu pandemic.
Bird flu or Avian flu is an infectious disease of BIRDS which is caused by a specific influenza virus (H5N1). People in Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia and Europe have gotten the flu from diseased birds. The disease is NOT food borne and is easily killed by heat and proper cooking. There has been NO cases of human to human transfer of the diseases and can only be spread by bird to human. One must have direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by bird feces in order to be infected.
As of September 2006, there has been 244 reported cases of bird flu in the world and 143 deaths. ALL deaths were due to complications of the disease and not the flu itself. Authorities feel that millions have been exposed but only a handful have contacted the disease. Then why the concern - there is the possibility of a mutation of the virus and human to human transfer could occur. One should protect themselves and their family as with any influenza virus.
We are entering the flu season and these basic reminders can keep you healthy.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
3. Avoid close contact with people who are ill
4. Stay home when ill
5. Regularly clean surfaces that are toughed by multiple people
6. Practice good health habits which include a well balanced diet, regular exercise, and rest
7. Avoid salad bars in resturants during flu season
8. Get a yearly flu shot from your doctor
9. Keep washing your hands
MAY 2006 - LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH 
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete. The bacterium has been in the US for over 100 years and is manintained in nature by animals whereby certain ticks bite infected animals. Vectors of the bacterium include the black-legged tick (known as the deer tick). Humans are infected if bitten by an infected tick.
PREVENTING TICK BITES:
Avoid tick-infested areas, avoid sitting directly on the ground, and stay in the center of paths.
Wear light-colored long pants and long sleeves when you venture into grass or wooded areas.
Tuck shirt into pants and pants into socks.
Use EPA-approved tick repellents
Do frequent tick-checks and remove if found.
A LD vaccine is available for people and pets.
REMOVING TICKS:
Use a fine-point tweezer to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, next to the skin
Gently pull the tick straight out
Place the tick in a small vial labeled with the date.
Wash your hands, then disinfect the tweezers and bite area
Watch for indications of a tick-borne disease
Do not prick, crush or burn the tick as it may release infectious fluids
Do not try to smother a tick (vaseline etc) as it has enough oxygen to complete feeding
SYMPTOMS OF LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease usually starts with flu-like symptoms (fatigue, headache, fever, achiness)
60% of light-skinned patients notice an enlarging rash days to weeks after the bite
Early symptoms may go unnoticed or quickly disappear and serious multi-systemic problems occur later
TREATMENT:
Treatment depends upon how early a diagnosis is made.
Oral antibiotices may be sufficient for early stages of disease
Persisting infection may require extended treatment
Untreated - serious medical problems can develop which can involve the eyes, joints, liver, GI track, spleen, lungs, brain, and miscarriage or premature births.
APRIL 2006
APRIL 7, 2006 IS WORLD HEALTH DAY
EACH YEAR ON APRIL 7 THE WORLD CELEBRATES WORLD HEALTH DAY.
THE SLOGAN FOR 2006 IS "WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTH"
Make some positive changes in your life and do your part to stay healthy and stress free.
NATURAL STRESS-BUSTERS GAINED FROM SIMPLE PLEASURES
Make a vow to yourself, today, to do at least 3 simple stress-busting pleasures each day and you will instantly feel much, much better.
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MARCH 2006
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Facts: Colorectal cancer primary affects men and women aged 50 or older.
Men - it is the 3rd most common cancer after prostate and lung.
Women - it is the 3rd most common cancer after breast and lung.
*There are NO symptoms.
The best way to prevent this disease is through regular screenings.
When this cancer is found early and treated the 5 year survival rate is 90%.
So ask your doctor about getting screened if you are aged 50 or older or think you may be at higher than average risk - Be aware and take care of yourself.
FEBRUARY 2006
FEBRUAY IS HEART MONTH - KNOW THE UNIVERSAL SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE AND HEART ATTACK (for both men and women)
1. Pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and returns, especially upon exertion.
2. Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.
3. Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
Symptoms common in women, but less common in men include:
1. Stomach pain
2. Nausea or dizziness
3. Unexplained anxiety, weakness, or fatigue
4. Palpatations (a fluttering or uneven heart beat), cold sweat or paleness
5. Back pain
ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS CALL YOUR DOCTOR
JANUARY 2006
WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR WITH SOME CALORIE-CUTTING TRICKS THAT GET RESULTS AND KEEP BOREDOM AT BAY. SEVEN WAYS TO SPEED UP WEIGHT LOSS.
1. Choose labor-intersive snacks.
Your brain needs about 20 minutes to register fullness. Nuts that require cracking, grapefruit that must be sectioned all slow you down.
2. Pack in Produce
Instead of seeing your diet as a way to limit your intake, think of it as an opportunity to eat more- veggies, that is. At a waistline-friendly 40 calories per serving, you can't go wrong.
3. Have an appetizer.
As long as your pre-meal is low-cal and contains a lot of water (soup) or fiber (salad), it will help you eat less overall. Be careful of cheese or high-fat dressings.
4. Go exotic once a week.
People don't usually overeat unfamiliar foods. Just pick wisely.
5. Buy smaller dishes.
Eating on downsized plates may help you consume less according to some studies.
6. Have your cake, but have your cauliflower too.
Balance every treat with a serving of vegetables. you'll likely be too full for seconds.
7. Make an accomplishment list at the end of each day.
It'll help you track what is-and isn't-working in your diet and acknowledge each success which will eventually lead to more.
AND NEVER FORGET THE POWER OF WALKING AND EXERCISE
DECEMBER 2005 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
THE DRY SKIN SEASON
WHEN WINTER TAKES MOISTURE AWAY, FIGHT BACK
EXFOLIATE: Fancy word for "get rid of those dead skin cells". Exfoliating cleansers remove the dry skin cells to expose the healthy, supply skin beneath. Use enzyme and glycolic peels and scrubs one to two times a week to do the trick.
MOISTURIZE: After you exfoliate, use rich body and face lotions, applying them while the skin is damp so the moisture is sealed into the skin. Invest in moisturizing masks, especially those with aloe vera and vitamin E, which you leave on for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
HYDRATE: Drinking water will help your skin fight the dryness caused by heaters and dry indoor air. Also, if you choose to mist your skin with water, pat it dry before adding moisturizer. If you let the water air dry, you're asking for dehydration as much as much-needed moisture evaporates from your skin's surface.
OILS: Eat your avocados, splash your pasta with olive oil, take your vitamin E pills and flaxseed oil. Each contains the kind of oil that supports healthy skin.
LIP CARE: Winter lips don't have to be cracked in the corners. Select lip balms with sunscreen and added moisturizer. Be careful of "chap sticks" as they contain alcohol and dry out the lips.
TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID OVEREATING ON THANKSGIVING DAY
1. Eat a decent breakfast and don't "starve" yourself before the big meal.
2. Exercise before the meal - it will supppress your appetite and boost your metabolism.
3. Drink 2 or 3 glasses of water before the meal.
4. Avoid conflicts that can stress you out - don't take solace in your food.
5. Eat only 3/4 of the food on your plate and don't overload your plate.
6. Refuse seconds - you can always enjoy leftovers the next day.
7. Keep a journal of what you eat and remember 3500 calories is equal to 1 pound.
8. Remember the old saying " a moment on the lips is forever on the hips"
CALORIE TIPS TO REMEMBER:\
One serving (3.5 oz) of white breast turkey = 115 calories
One serving (3.5 oz) of dark turkey = 221 calories
1/2 cup mashed potatoes = 111 calories and that's not counting gravy
1/2 bread stuffing = 198 calories
Apple pie 1/8 slice of pie = 347 calories
Blueberry pie 1/8 slice = 387 calories
Cherry pie 1/8 slice = 418 calories
Alright so that was depressing - Remember to enjoy the day but get out there and get exercising - work off that food and have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
OCTOBER 2005
WAYS TO AVOID THE FLU
1. WASH YOUR HANDS - this will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth, or other people.
2. GET ENOUGH REST - if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it fight the flu.
3. DON'T LET STRESS BECOME OVERWHELMING - It has been estimated that 90% of illness and disease is stress related.
4. EXERCISE - when you exercise you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are better circulated to help you fight illness.
5. DID I MENTION WASH YOUR HANDS?
6. ROUTINELY CLEAN WITH SOAP AND WATER AND DISINFECT SURFACES THAT OTHERS OFTEN TOUCH OR ARE IN CONTACT WITH.
7. USE DISPOSABLE TISSUES
8. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHEN YOU ARE SICK AND AVOID CROWDS BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE ARE CONTAGIOUS EVEN BEFORE THEY HAVE SYMPTOMS.
9. EAT HEALTHY MEALS - FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND LOTS OF JUICE.
10. DON'T FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
FLU SHOTS:
Flu shots are important for:
people 65 or older
nursing home patients
people over 6 months old with health problems such as asthma, heart disease. or long-term illnesses
children or teenagers who must often take aspirin
people who are often around the elderly or those with health problems
The best time to get the flu shot is the middle of October to the middle of November because most people get the flu in the winter. See your family physician or watch the papers for scheduled flu shot clinics if desire to get this protection.
IT'S TIME TO START A NEW SCHOOL YEAR
AND A TIME TO GET MOVING
Fit to Be Healthy: EXERCISE IS THE KEY
It's been calculated that being physically inactive is equal to smoking 1 pack of cigarettes a day.
Staying fit and healthy does not have to be strenuous or time consuming.
PUT IT ON PAPER:
Schedule a time for exercise. Make an appointment with yourself and stick to it.
LOOK FOR SMALL BLOCKS OF TIME:
You don't need 60 or 90 minutes to get a good workout. Examine your daily routine, look for small blocks of time and make them count.
EARLY BIRD WORKOUTS:
Set your alarm one hour early and use that time to exercise.
INCLUDE YOUR CHILDREN OR SPOUSE:
Consider activities that you can do with your children, spouse, or friend. Make it fun and do it together.
JOIN A FITNESS CENTER:
"Healthy Habits" is offering special fall deals and "Curves" for women is scheduled to open September 26. Choose activities that you enjoy to maintain your interest level. Start slow and gradually increase the amount of time you exercise to avoid injuries. Get moving!
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY FITNESS ROUTINE TO DETERMINE WHAT LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IS BEST FOR YOU.
JUNE AND THE SUMMER ABCS
A Stay Away from midday sun especially between 10am and 4pm.
B Block the sun, apply sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF)
of at least 15 - twenty minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2
hours after swimming and sweating.
C Cover up with a wide brim hat or visor and wear sunglasses.
S Shade - enjoy the warmth but protect your skin.
Almost all skin cancers are preventable and are curable if treated early.
Skin cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women.
70% of skin cancers could be prevented if people used sunscreen.
The amount of sun exposure is cumulative...that means the more time you spend in the sun, the more skin damage occurs, and the greater your risk for developing skin cancer in the future.
There is generally a lag time of 10 to 30 years for the clinical appearance of skin cancer to occur, therefore early prevention is imperative.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER !
MAY - COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
Muscle strain, pulled muscles in the back or similar injury
Muscle aches related to a viral infection
Prolonged sitting and poor posture
Arthritis
Scoliosis
Spondylolysis
Premenstrual syndrome
Tumors
Spinal fractures
Herniated discs
The seriousness of back pain depends upon the cause. Call your health care provider if:
There is significant pain that persists beyond a week.
There is an associated, unexplained fever.
There is redness or swelling on the back or spine.
The pain travels down the legs below the knee.
The back pain is the result of a severe blow or fall.
The back pain is caused by an injury received at work.
There is weakness or numbness in a leg.
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR BACK
Stretch seven days a week.
Strength exercises two days a week.
Motion exercises during the other five days of the week.
Aerobic exercise three days a week for 20 to 30 minutes.
DO NOT BECOME A DO-IT-YOURSELF CASUALTY
Consult your doctor before you start any program if you are experiencing back pain or having any problems.
APRIL What do you know about colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, a disease in which there is an abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells in the large intestine, is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States for both men and women combined.
The following symptoms may indicate colorectal cancer and require a diagnostic procedure:
Blood in or on the stool.
A change in bowel habits.
Stools that are narrower than usual.
General, unexplained stomach discomfort.
Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion.
Unexplained weight loss.
Chronic fatigue.
The following tips may help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer:
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking. Smoking has been strongly linked with a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
Limit alcohol use.
ALL MEN AND WOMEN OVER THE AGE OF 50 ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE A COLONSCOPY TO CHECK FOR THIS DISEASE. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. You may be need to be tested at a younger age if you have any of the following risk factors: History of colon polyps, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or First degree family member with a history of colon cancer.
