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Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work
Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses?
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics cure bacteria, not viruses such as:
What To Do
When you are prescribed an antibiotic:
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Take it exactly as the doctor tells you.
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Complete the prescribed course even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and you may become reinfected.
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Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription
How to Feel Better
For upper respiratory infections, such as sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, colds, and bronchitis, try the following:
Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and proper treatment regimen.
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Staying Healthy At All Stages of Life
October 25th is Adult Immunization week and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not enough adults are getting all the shots they need to prevent serious diseases.
Whether you are an adult, traveler or adolescent going back to school, entering college or a new parent welcoming a baby home, you are strongly encouraged to review your immunization record.
Older vaccines may require a booster shot such as tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). Other vaccines, such as influenza are needed annually.
Check with your health care provider to see if you are due for any vaccinations.
Did you know VNA offers more than 10 immunizations to keep you and your loved ones healthy?
Vaccinations can be provided at your home or office or at VNA by appointment. |
Chicken Rotini Salad with Rosemary
Serves 4
1 1/2 cups per serving
Ingredients:
4 ounces dried multigrain rotini
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked skinless chicken breasts, cooked without salt
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (about 5 ounces)
1 cup fresh baby spinach (about 1 ounce)
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup crumbled low-fat blue cheese
In a stockpot or large saucepan, prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil.
In a large bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients except the blue cheese.
Stir in the pasta. Gently fold in the blue cheese.
Nutrition Analysis (per serving)
Calories 296
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated
Fat 1g
Monounsaturated
Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 48mg
Sodium 444mg
Carbohydrates 29g
Fiber 5g
Sugars 3g Protein 25g
Dietary Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association's Patient Education program.
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Complete Flu Protection
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, seasonal influenza, or fluas it is commonly called, has the potential to cause serious morbidity and mortality. In fact, each year an estimated 36,000 Americans die and 200,000 are hospitalized from flu.
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing flu and its complications. Both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccination are needed for full protection this season. Although current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that seasonal flu vaccination may begin as soon as vaccine is available, vaccination in November and beyond is still the best method of protection against seasonal flu.
Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 flu strain and therefore vaccination for H1N1 is also recommended once it becomes available.
Priority groups who have been recommended by the CDC to receive H1N1 flu vaccine upon release include:
- Pregnant women - due to higher risk of complications and potential protection to their infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age - younger infants are at increased risk of influenza related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than six months of age may help protect infants by "cocooning" them from exposure to the virus
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel - infections among healthcare workers may be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients;
- All individuals six months through 24 years of age; and
- Individuals 25 years of age through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications resulting from influenza.
For questions on how to schedule an onsite seasonal flu clinic, contact the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan's Flu-Busters Program at (248) 967-8755 or schedule a clinic online at www.vna.org.
More information is available at www.flu.gov. With your help, we can help keep our economy and our communities healthy and safe.
As more information about the release of H1N1 vaccine becomes available, VNA will be updating with availiable clinic locations. |
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Remember Your ABC's
When Caring for Mom and Dad
The fall and winter holidays are fast approaching. While these are times to spend with family and friends, if you are the adult child of an aging parent, this is also an opportunity to look at how your Mom and Dad are doing, especially if you haven't seen them for a few months.
Sometimes it is easy to know when your aging loved ones will need extra help, for example, after a stroke or heart attack. At other times, however, the changes can be small, and on their own, almost insignificant, unless you know what to look out for. Below are five tips to that may indicate that your aging loved one needs extra help:
- Appearance: Fear of falling while in the bath tub or shower can lead to a lack of bathing. If you notice your parent is repeatedly wearing the same clothing, doing laundry may have become physically challenging.
- Bills: If mail and bills are left to pile up, the simple act of opening and filing mail may have become overwhelming. This can lead to unpaid bills if managing a checking account has become too much for the parent to handle.
- Clutter: A cluttered and unkempt house can be especially troubling when the parent has always been neat and orderly.
- Depression: Declining invitations to go out, refusing to see family and friends, thoughts of suicide and a general loss of interest in activities may be signs your aging parent needs assistance. Repeated phone calls at odd hours may be a sign of memory loss, a cry for help and a sign of depression or isolation.
Eating: Significant weight loss or gain can be signs your aging parent is suffering nutritionally - eating just enough to get by or eating lots of high-in-fat food that is easy or fast to prepare. Food in the refrigerator that is uneaten or spoiled may show that shopping, cooking and cleaning have become too much trouble.
If you have concerns about your aging loved ones, speak with them and explore ways to provide them with extra support. For example, it could be as simple as a large key pad telephone. If you feel their health is in danger, speak with their physician and contact your local Area Agency on Aging for additional support services.
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Cholesterol:
Know Your Numbers and Your Risk
Knowing your cholesterol numbers and their impact onn your health is an importnat step in managing your health. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all of your body's cells. It is an important part of a healthy body because it forms cell membranes and some hormones. However, a high level of cholesterol in the blood - hypercholesterolemia - is a major risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. What is HDL Cholesterol?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL is "good" cholesterol because it seems to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. That means that unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher your HDL cholesterol, the better. You can raise your HDL cholesterol by quitting smoking, losing excess weight and being more active. 40 to 59 mg/dL = The higher, the better What is LDL Cholesterol? LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL cholesterol means there is a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Diet and exercise can help reduce LDL levels, along with prescribed cholesterol medication. 100 to 129 mg/dL = Near or above optimal What are triglycerides?Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body and serves as a major energy source. They come from food, and your body also makes them. As people age, gain excess weight or both, their triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high fasting triglyceride levels. Some studies have shown that people with above-normal fasting triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or higher) have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal How can I learn more?
A cholesterol screening can provide you with important information to discuss with your health care provider. Check with your employer to see whether screenings will be offered at your worksite. Taking a small blood sample from a finger is one common way that cholesterol levels can be measured and results are provided within minutes. If you have questions regarding onsite cholesterol screenings, please contact Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan at (248) 967-8755. Source: Information provided in part by the American Heart Association
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Jumpstart Your Wellness Program With VNA Wellness Services
Health Risk Assessments
Cholesterol Screenings
Glucose Screenings
Blood Pressure Screenings
Travel Vaccinations & Counseling
Flu Vaccinations
Lunch 'n Learn Sessions
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