In the News--Accidental overdoses in children up 20%

Each year one out of 150 two-year old children visits an emergency room because the child found medications and ate or drank them.  In December 2011 The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced a program called “Up and Away and Out of Sight” to educate parents and caregivers of ways to protect their children. “Up and Away and Out of Sight” program gives these six steps to prevent accidental overdoses in children.

1.       “Pick a place children cannot reach.”  Put medicines (both prescription, herbal and over-the-counter) up high in cabinets where kids can’t reach them.

2.      “Put medicines and vitamins away every time you use them.”  Don’t leave them out.  Put them in their high cabinet.

3.      “Hear the click.”  Use the safety cap and hear the click.

4.      “Teach children about medicine safety.”  The CDC experts say don’t call medicine candy in an effort to get the child to take the medicine.

5.      “Tell guests about medicine safety.”  If you have houseguests, ask them to keep medicines ‘up and away and out of sight.’

6.      "Be prepared in case of emergency.”  Program the poison control center phone number into your phones 1-800-222-1222.  More information about the “Up and Away and Out of Sight” program can be found at www.UpAndAway.org

In the News--House calls for doctors?

A new federal program was announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which involves doctor-led medical teams which would provide primary care services to people in their homes.  This program is called The Independence at Home Demonstration.  A three year trial will see if “in-home care improves health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, reduces hospitalizations, improves patient and caregiver satisfaction and reduces costs.”  More information can be found at the http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/cms-announces-home-care-demonstration  Interesting.  Keep your ears and eyes open for this program. 

In the News--we value our pets

We’ve known for several years that interacting with a pet adds health to a person’s life.  What’s not to like about big brown eyes and puppy dog kisses?  (I know, I’m partial to dogs.)  A 2009 Science Daily report stated almost 2/3 of all American households have a pet and we spend over 10 billion dollars on pet supplies and medicines per year.  

What was interesting about this article was that smokers would seriously consider giving up smoking to protect their pet's health.  When the researchers interviewed over 3000 people about the effects of secondhand smoke on their pet’s health, almost one third of the interviewees said they would work on quitting smoking to protect their pet’s health.  Not only do our pets love us, but obviously we love our pets.  For more information about this research, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209205156.htm

Cracking pecans and life lessons

My niece’s parents recently gave us pecans.  What a great gift.  We enjoy having pecans in the freezer ready to add to cookies, candy or cranberry relish.  This past Saturday was a sunny beautiful January day.   I wanted to feel the sun beaming down on me so I sat outside, cracked and picked out pecans. 

A couple lessons from this picture:  We can be warmed by the sun as we are warmed by the gifts we receive (pecans).  The second lesson comes from my parents:  take care of the bountiful food supply so you have enough to eat.  We grew up peeling and canning peaches, picking and freezing strawberries, etc.  They never let food go to waste; they prepped and saved it for a cold winter day.  Two good lessons.

Do you have questions?

As I begin this year of 2012, I’m asking you, my readers, what would you like to read on my blog this year?  Do you have questions about medical conditions/illnesses that you would like to ask?   I do not give medical advice;  I can provide reliable information and reputable websites you can use to educate yourself for conversations with your doctor.  You can write your questions under comments or send me your questions at sharonehohler@gmail.com.  All questions you ask will be considered for possible future blog posts. 

Make your exercise fun

My neice gave me a personalized bag.  It’s black and white striped with bright pink trim/straps and she had my name put on it.  When I look at this bag, I smile.  I’ve decided to use this bag for my gym clothes to make stopping by the gym on the way home more fun.   I’m trying to add pleasure (not drudgery) to my gym trips.  

I have a girlfriend who has really cute exercise clothes.  She’s the best dressed exerciser I know.  She has added fun to her exercise routine by her attire.  

What do you want to change/add to your lifestyle this coming year?  Can you make it more fun and pleasurable by adding a positive? 

Top 7 blog posts--how to protect yourself from community acquired MRSA

CA-MRSA Can you protect yourself?

Because MRSA is spread by contact with someone’s infection, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your family.  Be aware of the potential infection.  We never know when a person who has CA-MRSA has touched something and the germs can survive for hours, maybe days. 

Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and water.  Dry your hands with disposable towels  and use disposable towels to turn off the water.  Keep alcohol-based antiseptic available for times when hand washing isn’t possible. 

Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, yoga mats, swim suits, bar soap, etc.  The germs can be spread passed around in items and equipment which is shared.  If you know a person has an infection, wash your hands but especially after helping with wound care or touching used bandages.  (Wear gloves to protect your hands if possible and then wash your hands after you remove the gloves.)

At the gym, use the spray disinfectant/disinfectant wipes to wipe down equipment before you use it (to protect you) and afterwards (to protect others).  Sit on a towel or wear long exercise pants to protect your skin from germs.  Use a towel to protect yourself from mats (yoga) or better yet, buy your own yoga mat and do not share it.  Ask your gym staff if the gym towels are dried at a temperature which kill MRSA germs.  Good suggestions from My Best Health Portal.  http://www.mybesthealthportal.net/health-and-medicine/hot-topics/how-to-protect-yourself-from-community-associated-contagious-staph.html