Diagnosing strep throat
Strep throat infections may clear without medication while others need antibiotic treatment. To get proper treatment, it is important to get properly diagnosed. Doctors may run simple lab tests to check for strep throat. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Group A strep bacteria is through an infected […]
Protect your hearing month
Hearing loss caused by loud noise exposure is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. About 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to dangerously loud noise each year. Who is at risk? Noise levels over 85 decibels can be damaging to anyone’s ears. According to the Centers for Disease Control and […]
Maintaining a healthy heart age
One way to assess your risk for heart attack and strokes is to learn your heart age. Heart age is based on risk factors. Some you can not control such as family history and age. Factors that can be changed include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Changing unhealthy habits can make […]
Human plague cases in U.S.
Human plague has been reported in the following six states as of April 2015: Arizona (two) California (one) Colorado (four) Georgia (one) New Mexico (two) Oregon (one). The Georgia and California cases have been linked to exposures at or near Yosemite National Park. Three patients ages 16, 52, and 79 years have died as a result […]
ADHD and children
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become the most common childhood disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD often begins between the ages of 3 and 6 years. There are three types of ADHD: inattentive (trouble focusing, following instructions, and finishing tasks) hyperactive-impulsive (constantly on the go, talking excessively, and interrupting […]
Saturated fats: good or bad?
A study review suggests that saturated fats may not be the big contributors to heart disease or early death that many think they are. According to the authors, current dietary guidelines suggest limiting saturated fats to less than 10 percent of total caloric intake. The team of Canadian researchers did find a link between heart troubles and trans fats, […]
Antibiotic resistance spreads
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing health concern. A growing number of germs no longer respond to the drugs made to kill them. Wrongfully prescribing antibiotics and poor infection control can cause drug resistance and put patients at risk for deadly diarrhea. Lack of coordination between facilities can put patients at increased risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) […]
Cyclospora infections
Cyclospora infections are currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal, state and local public health partners due to increasing infections. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-felled parasite which causes intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis (cyclospora). As of August 2015, the CDC reports 384 illnesses from 26 states. Clusters of illness have […]
School vaccinations
Vaccinations are increasingly important with back-to-school season approaching. From preschool to college, students need vaccinations to keep the entire community safe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine-preventable diseases have become rare thanks to vaccinations. Vaccines protect from 14 diseases that can potentially be life-threatening. Not vaccinating can not only put […]
Fruit and vegetable intake
Based on an ongoing surveillance system, fruit and vegetable intake across America remains lower than the recommended portions. Fruit and vegetables not only adds valuable nutrients but also reduces the risk for heart disease, stroke, some cancers and helps manage body weight. The data is collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, […]
Summer heat and diabetes care
When living with diabetes, it is important to maintain a care routine. However, summer weather, which brings high heat and severe storms, can interfere with your routine, making it more difficult for you to manage diabetes. Diabetes makes it more difficult to tolerate high heat and humidity. Temperatures above 80°F (around 27°C) can negatively affect […]
Pneumonia hospitalizations
Pneumonia hospitalizations are common in the U.S. but doctors are still not unable to determine the cause in most cases. According to the study, Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) published in the New England Journal of Medicine, neither viruses or bacteria are detected in most cases. The study examined three hospitals in Chicago and […]