Foxhall Internists, PC
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Heart Healthy Eating
Measles Vaccination
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FEBRUARY 2015
HEART HEALTHY EATING

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men 

and women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year-that's one in every four deaths. 


A healthy diet is a major factor in reducing your risk of heart disease. Key components of a heart healthy diet include:
  • eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains;
  • reducing saturated and trans fats;
  • limiting your sugar and salt intake; and
  • consuming low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
You can find more information on heart healthy eating and helpful recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association.

MEASLES VACCINATION

The United States is currently experiencing a large, multi-state outbreak of measles linked to an amusement park in California. The outbreak started in December 2014 and has spread to more than a dozen other states. 

Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases; approximately 9 out of 10 susceptible persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that all adults who were born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against measles get at least one dose of vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine will provide improved long term immunity.

If you were born during or after 1957 and you're unsure whether you're immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have these, please contact your doctor's office for further instructions.

If you have any other questions about receiving a measles vaccination, you should speak with your doctor or contact the Foxhall Internists Immunization Clinic at (202) 362-4467.