Dear Health-Conscious Friend,
Its tough to fight enemies you cant see. Thats certainly true of the infections and germs that often infect and sicken thousands of people each year.
A particularly nasty germthe MRSA infectionis proving to be a tough opponent. Doctors confirm a new form of this drug-resistant superbug has been detected in some hospitals.
Find out what medical professionals suggest to protect patients from this deadly enemyand other health threatsin todays Monday Edition of Health News Weekly!
Deadly infection finds new point of entry
into U.S. hospitals!
The superbug known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) typically originates from within hospitals. But new research indicates that more cases of infection are the result of community members bringing MRSA into hospitals.
A recent Health Resources revealed a growing number of MRSA outbreaks among plastic surgery patients. But patients who enter hospitals with the infection pose new risks for contamination.
As the name implies, MRSA is a bacterium resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. But it is unusually resistant to several other drugs, including penicillin and amoxicillin. This is what makes the infection so difficult to treat.
Hospital staff typically isolate infected patients from other patients to prevent the spread of MRSA.
According to a Reuters Health report, Dr. Kyle Popovich and colleagues at Stroger Hospital of Cook County, in Chicago, used a susceptibility algorithm to determine the origin of 208 MRSA cases. In every case studied between 2000 and 2006, the infection began within three days of hospital admission.
During the six-year study, the proportion of cases linked to community-acquired MRSA infection doubled from 24 to 49 percent. The length of hospital stay, likelihood of hospital readmission, and risk of death were comparable for patients infected with community- or hospital-associated strains.
Researchers concluded that the community-associated strains appeared to present no more danger to patients than the traditional, hospital-based strains. But Popovich said studies have shown that some of these newer strains of MRSA can lead to flesh-eating skin infections, pneumonia and blood infection.
Since community MRSA strains are entering the hospital, additional research into appropriate infection control strategies to reduce transmission and infection is needed, Popovich said.
Fast Fact
You might know that applying aloe to your skin can help heal burns. But did you know that consuming it can help lower your blood cholesterol levels?
Aloe can also reduce inflammation in your stomach and intestines. So consider keeping an aloe plant in the houseto have fresh aloe gel always at hand!
Congressmen Critical of FDA
Approval of BPA Chemical
Two Michigan congressmen said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ignored animal studies that showed the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) produced harmful effects at very low levels.
Scientists have expressed concerns that low levels of BPAa hormone-like chemical frequently found in baby bottles and hundreds of other plastic productscause changes in behavior. BPA has also been shown to affect the brain, prostate gland and breasts.
Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., and Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called for a new safety check after the National Toxicology Programs April 15 report suggested BPA may alter human development.
The FDAs position on the compound was called into question earlier this month when a National Institutes of Health panel issued a draft report linking BPA to health concerns. The FDA issued its seal of approval for the chemical based largely on data from two studies funded by the American Plastics Councilan industry trade group.
This raises serious concerns about whether the science FDA relied on to approve the use of bisphenol-A was bought and paid for by industry, Dingell said in a statement.
Health and safety concerns raised by the National Toxicology Programs recent report prompted Canadian regulators to declare the chemical toxic. They have also banned its use in baby products and are investigating further sanctions on its use.
Senator Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has introduced a bill to prohibit some uses of the compound. Ten states, including California and Maryland, are weighing their own restrictions.
The FDA isnt recommending people stop using BPA, said Laura Tarantino, director of the FDAs Office of Food Additive Safety. But the agency is reconsidering its safety for use in baby bottles, formula cans and other products because it has been shown to leach into food.
Depending on their findings, the agency could require changes in the way these products are made or the amount of BPA thats allowed to be used, Tarantino said.
Health E-Hints
Simple Methods to Relieve a Sour Stomach!
Millions of Americans suffer from nausea, belching and other discomforts due to indigestion. Most people reach for over-the-counter antacids.
But research shows that while these products provide temporary comfortthey can also strip your stomach of the healthy acids it needs to digest foods!
If you have occasional tummy troubles, try some of these prevention strategies:
- Avoid greasy or highly seasoned foodsyou might love a zesty Thai dish, but many curries, foods with chili powder and Asian dishes can make your stomach lurch!
- Dont lie down immediately after eatingdigestive juices may back up into your throat so that youll experience an uncomfortable burning sensation.
- Avoid skipping mealsnever skip breakfast or lunch only to stuff yourself at a later time. This increases stomach pressure and the possibility of experiencing acid reflux.
If your discomfort persistsyou might consider consulting your physician. You could also take advantage of nutritional supplements, stress management techniques and relaxation therapy. In time, you may be able to banish indigestion forever!