Avoiding Essential Vaccines

There has been a rise in the percentage of individuals avoiding essential vaccines mandated in the standard school schedule according to research performed by Reuters and the Boston Globe. Many feel that the vaccinations do not necessarily combat disease, or that exposure to these forms of the virus could cause more harm than good. Scientists and physicians agree that postponement or avoidance of these vaccines could result in increased illness and potentially outbreak.

In many areas of the country it is the right of the parent to request an exemption from recommended schedules to gain allowance for their children avoiding essential vaccines. Many states try to limit the exemptions to less than 5% of the population, and for the most part this is true, however, in some counties exemptions are as high as 50%. A child may be considered exempt if the vaccination or process violates belief systems.

The efficacy of vaccinations has long been disputed but according to industry proponents, avoiding essential vaccines increases the chance of health issues. The most important question raised is whether all these vaccinations are necessary. Many have found and communicated that their children are well despite their exemption from common vaccines. Additionally, parents are concerned that introducing these viruses to their children too early may actually trigger infection. This has been refuted by science as the virus used is dead, however, it has been proven that some side effects have manifested in a subset of patients.

Communities and schools are trying to acknowledge and support each family's right to opt-out of mandated vaccination schedules, however, their primary concern is not the individual but the community at large. It is believed that if too many individuals are avoiding essential vaccines, then there is a larger risk for outbreak of the disease. In essence, though an individual may be healthy, they may play host to illness and infect other community members.

Anthrax Vaccination

The government is considering administering an anthrax vaccination to our children. Already administered to certain groups of soldiers, it is suggested that this vaccine could help prevent the spread of disease in case of attack. Various groups are currently assessing the need and potential risks of mandating an anthrax vaccine.

Nationwide, the debate has arisen over whether to test the effectiveness of this anthrax vaccine or wait to administer treatment after an attack. Obviously, being prepared in advance for this type of infection would be better, but at what cost? Is the anthrax vaccination necessary for our children, and though it's a dormant strain, would it put them at risk of infection? These are the questions that officials have to answer.

Contrarily, is it worth risking our children's health if an anthrax vaccination could save their lives in the event of biological attack? Anthrax is considered one of the most likely biological agents to be used in an attack because it is potent and easily reproduced. If this is the case, it may be worth experimenting on a few lives to save the many.

Now is the time for the people to voice their opinion on an anthrax vaccination. These are our children, this is our future. Would you recommend administering vaccinations at the risk of your child contracting disease? Are the lives of a few worth the safety of our nation? Or, are we putting the cart before the horse?

Receiving HPV Vaccines

Doctors and researchers around the world are encouraging parents to get children vaccinated for Human Papillomavirus or HPV. According to research, HPV is linked to a number of chronic conditions and vaccination at an early age can reduce risk of these diseases by thousands of cases per year. Receiving HPV vaccines is not required but is suggested and may be added to regular vaccination schedules for both boys and girls.

HPV has been linked to a number of cancers in men and women and may also affect heart function. It has been suggested that cardiovascular disease is significantly more likely for individuals affected by HPV. This adds to an already expansive list of conditions including genital warts, anal, oral, and cervical cancer. It has also been posited that receiving HPV vaccines will reduce the risk of these particularly if given prior to sexual activity.

The CDC and other research organizations have indicated that children should be receiving HPV vaccines around the age of 10. This target zone helps to reduce the likelihood of contracting the disease and also is more cost effective than receiving the vaccine later in life. Doctors and scientists are researching the effect of HPV on overall health and are considering including the HPV vaccine in regular schedules for both boys and girls.

Helicobacter Pylori

It has been posited that helicobacter pylori may be a potential cause of colon cancer. This bacteria is commonly responsible for stomach ulcers. Many individuals already carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms, but person to person transmission is likely. Protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting and sharing helicobacter pylori.

Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of death classified just below lung and breast cancer and has been an important part of regular screenings. Though not conclusive yet, many cases among colon cancer patients also show an increased percentage of helicobacter pylori. A number of strains exist, many of which show resistance to medical treatment. A focus on clean living and health eating can help reduce the likelihood of being infected by the bacteria. Ingestion of foods such as red wine, broccoli, garlic, and green tea can help reduce buildup of bacteria.

Causes of transmission of helicobacter pylori are assumed to be through saliva, feces, and dental plaque. For this reason, proper sanitation of kitchens, bathrooms, etc is essential to reducing the spread of the bacteria. Simple measures such as cleaning, antimicrobial sprays and wipes, and proper hygiene can reduce the prevalence of the bacteria reducing the chance of transmission.

Sterile Water Vs. Bacteriostatic Water

One of the most common questions regarding dilution of medications for injection is the contrasting of sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water. The short answer is that sterile water contains no additional preservatives. Bacteriostatic water, however, contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In instances where this alcohol content can be detrimental, it is advised to utilize sterile water.

The most common reason one would select sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water is sensitivity. This condition relates to procedures involving particularly sensitive areas of the body, pregnant women, newborns, and unborn children. Additionally, bacteriostatic water is not recommended for fluid replacement.

Though there is little difference between the two, it is important to understand the differences when selecting sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water. Always follow medical direction when administering either and consult a pharmacist or care provider to answer any unresolved questions.

Clostridium Difficile

C-Diff, otherwise known as Clostridium Difficile is a disease triggered by bacteria infecting the digestive system including the colon and intestines. Though C-Diff is not often fatal, symptoms can be severe and difficult to treat due to the overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics. Effective disinfecting is the best precaution for preventing the spread of Clostridium Difficile.

Due to the nature of medical settings, bacterial infections such as Clostridium Difficile are extremely prevalent. C-Diff is present and transferred on contact surfaces and equipment and is difficult to kill even with antimicrobial cleaners. The majority of commercially available cleaning agents are ineffective against C-Diff.

Clostridium Difficile tends to be identified by symptoms including intestinal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea. Though as indicated C-Diff is not likely fatal, complications can be severe and destroy the natural growth of gut flora necessary for proper digestion.

The best plan for limiting the effect and transmission of C-Diff is prevention. Clostridium Difficile is not destroyed by cleaning agents containing alcohol so alternative cleaning agents are suggested, particularly those containing bleach. Additionally, common prevention methods such as regular hand washing and the use of sterile equipment and gloves.

Flu Season Approaching

As we head into the flu season, it has been reported that the threat of this strain is much worse than in previous years. Children and elders have been advised to get the flu shot early to protect against the risk of transmission. Major pharmacies and health care providers have already begun vaccinating patients.

It has been reported that the elder population is at significant risk this year of suffering from flu symptoms. Individuals over 65 have been urged to get vaccinated and many programs have been made available to offer free shots.

Bird Flu Outbreak

It has been reported that cases of the bird flu have been recorded in India. This strain has been identified as H5N1 which has recently been reported in China and Vietnam. Authorities are stressing caution as this strain currently has no viable treatment.

Plans to destroy chicken, eggs, and feed are being developed to help contain the avian flu from spreading further across India and nearby countries. Pursuant to UN notification of the resurgence of the bird flu, affected areas are taking steps to identify and control the processing of birds and containment of infected individuals.

To date, no direct correlation has been made between the cases reported in China and Vietnam with the recent outbreak in India. However, because of the severity of this strain and the lack of treatment options, global markets are urged to be aware of the potential risk.

Tyco International Spins off Into 3 Companies

In 2007, Tyco International spun off two companies consisting of Covidien - its healthcare division, and Tyco Electronics and now announces that it will further segment into two additional  companies leaving shareholders concerned. The expected revenue and dividends for investors are said to be equivalent to existing numbers, but stock holders are not so sure.

Tyco plans to segment its ADT and Flow Control into individual business units. ADT provides security and fire protection equipment and monitoring services, while the flow control leg of the company provides valves and controls for manufacturers particularly in mining and water markets. Each business unit would be its own public company and traded as such after the proposed 12 month restructuring.

Though not alone in restructuring, Tyco is the largest corporation proposing such a drastic company change. Other companies including Kraft, McGraw Hill, and ConocoPhillips are also proposing such a business shift. Fears run wild among investors over the potential repercussions of these business changes.

Tuberculosis Posed To Kill Thousands

Tuberculosis is a disease that has been around for many years and has frequently plagued the world population. Treatment is extensive and costly, and detection is difficult, so the progression and spread of TB is rapid and dangerous. Recently, there has been a resurgence in Europe of tuberculosis resulting in increased alarm among the medical community.

TB is an infection of the lungs by Mycobacterium causing severe tissue damage. The resultant coughing to expel the bacteria enables rapid transmission. Because of this, patients suffer long and painful degeneration of the lungs and quite frequently pass along this bacteria in an airborne form.

Treatment of tuberculosis is a process including 6 months of powerful antibiotic usage, but many of these series are not completed by patients. The result is that drug resistant forms of the infection are now spreading at an alarming rate. Without isolation and treatment, TB can pose a significant threat currently resulting in an estimated 1.7 million people per year.

Protect yourself from contracting tuberculosis by keeping immune systems healthy and remaining clear of infected persons.

Baxter Enhances Fluid and IV Delivery Through Acquisition

Baxter International, an industry leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology acquires Baxa Corporation, a privately held nutrition and IV delivery company. This acquisition will enhance Baxter's capabilities to produce industry leading technology and distribute to a larger market more effectively. Publicly traded, Baxter International has been providing solutions to the medical industry for over 80 years.

Specializing in treatment of immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, and other chronic and acute medical conditions, Baxter has stood at the forefront of IV nutrition and delivery systems. The cutting edge technologies such as multichamber containers and admixing have revolutionized delivery systems while a complete line of nutrient infused fluids have helped treat and sustain afflicted patients globally.

In order to further the development of nutrition products, Baxa has been joined into an already groundbreaking company structure. Having developed safe and effective products in the private sector for years, it is believed that Baxa will be a strong asset for Baxter International's ongoing success.

Dental Offices Required to Carry AED Devices

Beginning in 2012 all New York State dental offices will be required to have an onsite AED device for treating sudden cardiac arrest. Automatic Electronic Defibrillators help to assess an affected individuals heart rate and apply the necessary shock to help re-establish a healthy rhythm. Dentists are currently required to be trained to use these devices, but until now, have not been mandated to have one available in their office.

On June 17th, 2011 the New York State Legislature signed into law this regulation regarding AED devices. The bill was supported by many organizations including the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Studies have suggested that the survival rate of an individual in cardiac arrest is significantly reduced for each minute without treatment.

Many public facilities, health clubs, and health concious locations have already begun to possess AED devices, but this law will now extend these to 13,000 dental facilities state wide.

Nursing Home Reimbursement

Medicare and medicaid reimbursement programs have reduced payout levels by over 11%. What does this mean to you, your family, your facility.

The obvious impact of this cut means that funding will be limited and it will be necessary to cut nursing home care and administration costs to cover the gap. Since food and supplies are necessary, these cuts will likely come in the form of care quality and staffing. Already overworked medical care professionals will be further affected by this change.

Medical supplies must now adapt to the environment by offering competitive pricing allowing homes to still procure the supplies and equipment they need. As this trend increases, affected by a struggling economic support systems, it is likely that there will be an increased push toward private and home health nursing care.

Competitive Bidding Program For Durable Medical Equipment

In an effort to increase quality and reduce costs for durable medical equipment purchased with medicare dollars, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be initiating a competitive bidding process. What this means is that only approved suppliers will be selected to distribute durable medical equipment to medicare eligible patients. While this program is intended to improve many aspects of the medical supply chain for medicare recipients, it has been posited that the program may have adverse effects on the medical supply industry.

Currently, there are a number of medical supply distributors across the country that have developed much of their business by providing durable medical equipment to medicare eligible patients. Because of the bidding process being implemented, many of these suppliers will no longer be able to provide this equipment and receive medicare reimbursement. As a result, a significant amount of business will be transitioned to the approved supplier. While this does lock in an approved cost and product quality level for medicare payout, it also restricts competition and will have a negative impact on smaller business.

Speculation on the program indicates that it is likely that initially there will be increased quality and lower cost for durable medical equipment from these approved suppliers. However, critics have suggested that the long term effect will drive down business for many smaller businesses, and creating a monopoly-like structure, will in the long term drive up costs and decrease quality as well as significantly affecting the small business market.

Pro Advantage Soft Nitrile Exam Gloves

Pro Advantage now offers Soft Nitrile Examination Gloves. These gloves are designed with ease of use in mind, conforming to the hands and reducing or eliminating the stiffness typically associated with nitrile gloves.

The Pro Advantage Soft Nitrile Exam Gloves are powder-free and come in sizes ranging from x-small to x-large to suite any size hand and are applicable in a range of medical professions. Anyone from acute, primary, and extended care facilities to veterinary and dental offices can utilize these examination gloves for basic use and procedures.

Pro Advantage also offers powdered, powder-free latex, and vinyl examination gloves providing an expansive line suitable for nearly all needs. Increase the comfort and protection associated with medical treatment by utilizing one of the many available styles of glove.

What is a suction machine?

A Suction Machine is a device for removing liquids or gases by suction from the body cavities or airways, such as mucus or serum. Often used in the nose and throat to clear airways, a partial vacuum is created to draw out fluids and gases to enable proper respiration.

The vacuum pump of a suction machine is connected to a collection canister by a tube and filter. When operated, the machine creates a partial vacuum within the bottle drawing materials from the body cavity and into the canister.

Suction machines vary in size and strength with a variety of catheters, filters, and tips for effective use. Suction units are even available form emergency personnel such as EMS for easy transport and care.

Helpful tips when using a Suction Machine or Aspirator

Suctioning is needed when mucus in the airway becomes too thick or too much to be coughed out or if a person is physically unable to remove the secretions by themselves.

Suctioning is usually needed for most people two to three times a day. There are a few signs that a patient would present when suctioning would be needed:

• A blue color is visible seen around the lips or mouth. This may be a sign that the patient is not receiving enough oxygen thru there airways
• The airflow in and out from the patient is reduced.
• The patient is unable to relax and is moving around.
• The patient is tightening their chest and throat muscles
• The patient's nostrils flare out when breathing in.
• You can hear a bubbling noise when they are breathing.

The use of a suction machine should be taught to everyone who will care for the patient. This is the most difficult part of taking care of the tracheostomy patient, but anyone can learn to operate the machine.

Shop online now for suction machines and accessories!

Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease

Obstruction of large arteries and veins to the extremities is known as peripheral artery occlusive disease, or PAD. This condition is common among the diabetic and elder populations and affects over 10 million Americans. There are a number of potential causes of PAD many of which can be affected by patient lifestyle changes.

Peripheral artery occlusive disease results in the manifestation of various symptoms in the extremities. The result of arterial obstruction can lead to impeded functioning, mild to severe pain, or even tissue breakdown. Often, PAD manifests in the legs and feet leading to discoloration, swelling, and pain.

Contributing factors to the onset of peripheral artery occlusive disease are smoking and adequate nutrition. Though this is not a determining factor in manifestation of PAD, these are certainly influential and can increase the likelihood of symptom occurrence. The positive side to this is that both nutrition and smoking can be affected by the individual so they may have a positive influence on condition treatment.

Treatment for peripheral artery occlusive disease can include minor lifestyle changes through highly complicated surgery. Changes like diet and exercise can help to increase overall general health and provide a foundation for treatment and recovery. In severe cases, invasive procedures such as angioplasty, plaque excision, or bypass may be required to alleviate blockages and increase blood flow to the affected area. In rare instances, severity of condition may require amputation.