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.