Meningococcal Meningitis

Written by Douglas Walsh, PA-C | 30 June 2010

In recent Colorda news, Fort Collins Adult Hockey Association has had a few cases of Meningococcal Meningitis, with 2 dead and 1 remaining hospitalized. Those coming in close contact with these members have been vaccinated.

Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterium affecting the blood stream and brain; carrying a high mortality rate if untreated. Meningococcal Meningitis can be spread by saliva, nose and throat secretions and through prolonged close contact with those infected. According to Adrienne LeBailly, Director of the Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment, “Everyone is exposed to the meningococcal bacteria at some point in their lives, and only about 1 percent gets sick.”¹ The vaccine is $125, but make sure to check your local Health Department for free vaccinations! (If you are in Colorado, please check out: http://www.childrensimmunization.org/ for low- or no-cost vaccinations.)

Though we DO NOT offer the vaccination, please feel free to call us with questions regarding this matter. We’ll be happy to answer any question you may have or further assist you with finding a clinic(s) that offer the vaccination.

Those who should obtain the vaccine²:

• Children between the ages of 2-10, who are at high risk.
• Children between the ages of 11-18.
• College Students between the ages of 18-24, who live in dorms.
• Military Recruits
• Medical Staff & Laboratory Personnel
• Travelers/Tourists
• People with other diseases/infections (HIV).
• People who come in close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms³:

• Stiff Neck
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Rashes
• Dark Bruises
• Paranoia
• Severe Headache
• Seizures

Re

References:

¹http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=141670&catid=346

²http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=141670&catid=346

³http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000608.htm

Water & Dehydration

Written by Dr. Ermin Kreso | 29 June 2010

During those hot summer days, it is important to remember to hydrate often. Your body is made up of about 45%-75% water, depending on how much fat you have; therefore, water should be part of your daily routine. Lack of water can cause dehydration which can lead to thirst, dry skin, loss of appetite, fatigue/weakness, and much more¹. The recommended amount of water needed by CNN Health is a little more than 8 cups², though for men and women it varies a bit. According to the Institute of Medicine, men need roughly 13 cups and women need about 9 cups³.

In order to achieve the daily recommend water intake amount, try to:

Ø Drink a glass of water before meals, during meals, and in between meals.

Ø Drink a glass of water before exercising, during exercising, and after exercising.

Just drinking water with each meal, if you eat 3 meals on average, would account for 9 cups a day! Make sure you are drinking enough water, especially during those hot summer days!

Conversion between ounces, cups, quarts and gallons:

1 cup = 8 ounces

1 quart = 32 ounces = 4 cups

1 gallon = 4 quarts = 128 ounces = 16 cups

References:

¹http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/

²http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/water/NU00283.html

³http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/water/NU00283.html

Managing Indoor Allergies

Written by Jen Rehm | 16 June 2010

Managing Indoor Allergies

Allergies affect persons in all walks of life. Here are simple ways to help you identify allergic reactions, as well as ways to help manage your allergy symptoms.

Indoor Allergy Symptoms:

• Sore or scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Watering, red, or itchy eyes
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing and coughing
• Red, irritated skin or welts

Potential Indoor Allergens:

• Bugs
• Mold and mildew
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Scented candles, fabric softener, detergent, perfumes, shampoos, and soaps

Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens:

• Keep windows closed
• Change air conditioning and furnace filters
• Vacuum frequently with a vacuum which uses HEPA filters (Canister vacuums, even with HEPA filters, often release allergens into the air when you empty the canister. Choose your vacuum carefully.)
• Dust frequently with a damp cloth, rather than dry cloth and scented furniture polish
• Wash sheets, pillows, shower curtains, and window curtains regularly
• Purchase special mattress and pillow covers that trap or repel allergens
• Use a saline nose rinse daily to help remove allergens from the nose

When to seek medical attention from your doctor or local ER:

• If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, tightness of chest, or a tightening of throat, contact your local emergency department immediately.

• If you have attempted to manage your indoor allergens and are still experiencing allergy symptoms, visit your primary care physician. Outdoor allergens and food allergies may be affecting you.

More to come on how to manage outdoor allergies later…

Be the Next Patient Seen!

Written by Alan Ashinhurst | 17 March 2010

Patients now have the option to pre-register by completing paperwork available anywhere they can access the world wide web!  And in the near future patients will be able to complete this process electronically and even make themselves an appointment on the schedule.

Patients who complete the pre-registration process will be fast tracked upon arrival and be the next patient seen (excluding any trauma or emergency situations).

If you would like to be fast tracked please download and complete the registration form on-line or soon you will be able to complete electronically.