FitSugar

Salmonella Update: Mystery Solved?

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:10:00 -0700

We may be once again putting tomatoes on our plates, but the source of the salmonella outbreak has remained a mystery. The FDA just announced that a possible source of the salmonella outbreak – water. They found strains of salmonella in both irrigation water and serrano peppers at a Mexican farm in Nuevo Leon.

Since the tomato industry has lost over $300 million because so much produce had to be thrown out due to the government's warnings, the FDA has been hammered with questions, of course the most pressing one being, "Why did the investigation originally focus on tomatoes?" Officials said in the early part of the investigation, there was definitely a link to tomatoes, and that this red fruit still shouldn't be ruled out entirely. They also said it's possible that the salmonella outbreak was connected to several different kinds of produce. Well that would make sense if irrigation was the culprit.

As for now, two farms in Mexico are still under investigation: The Tamaulipas farm and the Nuevo Leon farm. People are still being advised to avoid raw jalapeño or serrano peppers from Mexico. I don't know about you, but something tells me this issue isn't a closed book. The Mexican government strongly disagrees with the FDA findings. First it was tomatoes, then it was hot peppers, and now the water. What element could possibly be implicated next?

Source

Irrigation solution (Irrigation)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:04 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Cleans and rinses areas of your body. You may need this because of a wound (such as a cut, scrape, or burn), surgery, or contact with something irritating (such as a chemical, medicine, or pollen).

Brand Name(s)

BSS, Ocular, Curity Sterile Water, Renacidin, Curity Sterile Saline, Travenol, Physiolyte, Physiosol, PhysioSol, Johnson & Johnson Eye-Aid, Tis-U-Sol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you are using this medicine without a prescription, read the label on the package to find out the ingredients. If your doctor will be using this medicine during surgery or another procedure, make sure your doctor knows about any allergies you have.

How to Use This Medicine

Spray, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Do not swallow this liquid.
Do not let the medicine container touch your broken or injured skin. If you are using this medicine in your eye, do not let the container touch your eye.
If this medicine comes in a spray can, do not inhale the spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can. You might need to spray a little of the medicine in the air before using it on your skin. This will clear out the spray nozzle.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store the aerosol spray near heat or fire.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes.
If this medicine was used in your eye, call your doctor if you start to have eye pain or vision changes after using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Treated area does not get better or gets worse.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5332

Mannitol (Irrigation)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:12 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Mannitol (MAN-i-tole)

Used as cleansing or rinsing fluid during prostate surgery or other surgical procedures.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mannitol, or if you have problem urinating.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or mineral imbalance such as decreased sodium in the blood.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Chest pain.
Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
Fast heartbeat.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Seizures or chills.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Backache.
Blurred vision.
Runny or stuffy nose.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5631

Calcium chloride/magnesium chloride/potassium chloride/sodium chloride (Irrigation)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:56 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Calcium Chloride (KAL-cee-um KLOR-ide), Magnesium Chloride (mag-NEE-zhum KLOR-ide), Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Chloride (SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide)

Temporarily stops the beating of the heart during open heart surgery. This medicine is used together with sodium bicarbonate.

Brand Name(s)

Plegisol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicines in the past.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Irregular heartbeat.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5613

Eye wash (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Used to wash out eyes to relieve irritation, discomfort, or itching, or to remove a chemical or foreign material from the eye.

Brand Name(s)

Steri-Optics Eye Wash, Eye-Cept Rewetting Drops, Eye Wash, OcuFresh Eye Wash, OcuFresh Eye Shower, Rite Aid Sterile Eye Wash, Advanced Eye Relief, Ocu-Wash, Mediwash Eye Irrigant, Irigate, Ocusoft Irrigating Solution I, Eye Clean Station, Eye-Stream, Eye Clean, Optigene Eye Wash

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the eye wash you are using. Be sure to read the label. Do not use if the liquid changes color or becomes cloudy.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. Shake the bottle well just before each use.
To use right out of the bottle: Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket. Hold the bottle tip close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into your eye, or squeeze the bottle to direct a steady of stream into the eye.
To use with an eye cup: Rinse the eye cup with the eye wash before you use it. Do not let anything else touch the rim and the inside of the eye cup. Fill the cup half full of eye wash. Put the cup over the eye to be rinsed. Press the cup tightly to your skin to keep the liquid from leaking out. Tilt your head back and open your eye wide. Move your eye from side to side and up and down to allow the liquid to wash all parts of the eye.
Do not rinse or wipe the bottle tip or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine is to be used when needed. Follow the directions on the label.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when you are not using it.Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

See a doctor right away if you have an open wound in or near your eye, if your eye was burned with a chemical, or if you have a foreign object in your eye that you cannot rinse out.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Changes in vision.
Eye pain, redness, or irritation that is not relieved by using this product.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

New or worsening eye symptoms.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5309

Neomycin/polymyxin B (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:03:43 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Neomycin (nee-oh-MEY-sin), Polymyxin B (pol-i-MIX-in B)

Prevents bladder infections caused by bacteria from an indwelling urinary catheter. An indwelling urinary catheter is a thin rubber tube that is placed and left in your bladder to drain urine out of your body.

Brand Name(s)

Neosporin G.U. Irrigant

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, or certain antibiotics (such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, streptomycin, tobramycin, Garamycin®, Netromycin®, Tobrex®). You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through your urinary catheter.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease.
Your doctor will need to check your urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much you urinate.
Pain in your side or lower back.
Ringing in your ears.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning or stinging of your skin around the catheter.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4861

Neti Pot in the Hands of the WRONG Guy

FitSugar — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

You know what a HUGE fan I am of the neti pot (especially the Rhino Horn). It's great for cleaning out dust, pollen, and congestion from your nose and sinuses.

This guy has definitely got the WRONG idea.

Want to see the RIGHT way, then read more

Get Ready to Sneeze: Ragweed Season

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:30:49 -0700

The unofficial start of ragweed season was Aug. 15.

Seventeen species of this inconspicuous weed grow throughout the US, but mostly on the East Coast and Midwest. Pollen from ragweed adversely affects 10 to 20 percent of the US population. It is estimated that 36 million Americans will suffer through the allergy symptoms of itchy, watering eyes, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and problems sleeping over the course of the Fall season. If you are allergic to ragweed, you may also have an oral reaction (itchiness and mild swelling around the mouth) to some foods including bananas, cucumbers, zucchinis, and melons.

Ragweed season continues through mid-October. If you're suffering, I have a few tips to help. Learn them when you read more.

Nasal irrigation is a prescription-free way to lessen the severity of sinus allergy symptoms. I am here to say that daily use of a neti pot can work wonders.
Avoid areas where ragweed plants thrive, such as ditches, roadsides, riverbanks, vacant lots, and the edges of wooded areas.
Keep windows closed during ragweed season in order to prevent pollen from getting into your home. Use air conditioning, which cools, cleans, and dries the air. The same goes for when you are driving; use the AC and keep your windows rolled up.
Shower after you spend time outdoors to wash the pollen off.
With the power of the Internet at your fingertips, be sure to check the National Allergy Bureau's reports on pollen counts in your area.

How's the pollen count in your area?

Source: Flickr User gmayfield10

Allergy Relief: Afrin Pure Sea vs. NeilMed

FitSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Using a neti pot is a simple, natural way to combat allergies and nasal congestion, but sometimes you need a little extra power in your nasal irrigation. I just tried two sinus rinse products, which can easily be found in a drugstore. Afrin Pure Sea ($12) and NeilMed Sinus Rinse ($11.50).

The Afrin saline solution is made from purified sea water, from St. Malo Bay off the coast of northern France. The water is isotonically treated, making the concentration of salt similar to that of your body; it is also preservative free. The four-ounce bottle comes with a detachable applicator to be cleaned between uses. To use, press down on the applicator once the tip is positioned inside your nostril, while leaning over a sink or in the shower. I tried the medium stream, but it is available in gentle stream as well.

To learn about the NeilMed product and to see how the two compare, read more.

The NeilMed is a little more do it yourself. You mix salt packets, 50 come with the nasal irrigator, which holds eight ounces of water. The salt packets are considered isotonic and are preservative free. You fill the irrigator with warm distilled water, mix in the salt, and then squeeze the bottle placed against a nostril, over a sink, to rinse your nasal passages.

I feel both these products work, but the NeilMed worked a bit better. Since you exert pressure on the bottle, you have more control over the force. The NeilMed is also more economical, because I believe you will get more applications per package. I found the press-with-cap of the Afrin a little awkward when using my left hand for my left nostril. On the plus side for the Afrin, you don't have to heat or distill your own water, which can be a pain. I used tap water with the NeilMed - who keeps distilled water on hand? While waiting for the water to heat up, I wasted a lot of water and live in a drought zone. The Afrin would also work well if you're traveling and are unsure of the availability or water quality in your destination.

The NeilMed is ultimately more eco friendly as well. You can buy extra packets of salt without purchasing another irrigating bottle. Plus, the water comes from your home or nearby instead of being shipped from France.

Have you tried either of the products? If so, share what you thoughts in the comments section below.

Wax blockage

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:53:29 -0700

Illustrations

Wax blockage in the ear

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Wax blockage is obstruction of the ear canal with cerumen (wax).

Alternative Names

Ear impaction; Cerumen impaction; Ear blockage; Ear wax

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The ear canal is lined with hair follicles and glands that produce a waxy oil called cerumen. This protects the ear by trapping dust, microorganisms, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering and damaging the ear. The wax usually makes its way to the opening of the ear where it falls out or is removed by washing.

In some people, the glands produce more wax than can be easily excreted from the ear. This extra wax may harden within the ear canal and block the ear. More commonly, the ear canal may be blocked by wax when attempts to clean the ear push wax deeper into the ear canal and cause a blockage.

Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.

Symptoms

Partial hearing loss, may be progressive
Noises in the ear (tinnitus)
Earache
Fullness in the ear or a sensation that the ear is plugged

Signs and tests

During a physical examination, the health care provider will look into the ear for signs of wax blockage.

Treatment

Most cases of ear wax blockage can be treated at home. Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops can be used to soften wax in the ear. Detergent drops such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may aid in the removal of wax.

Another method of removing wax is called irrigation. Body-temperature water should be used (cooler or warmer water may cause a response consisting of brief but severe dizziness or vertigo). With the head upright, straighten the ear canal by holding the external ear and gently pulling upward. Use a syringe to gently direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug. Tip the head to allow the water to drain. Irrigation may need to be repeated several times.

Never irrigate the ear if the eardrum is not known to be intact, because irrigation with a ruptured eardrum may cause ear infection or acoustic trauma. Do not irrigate the ear with a jet irrigator designed for cleaning teeth (such as a WaterPik) because the force of the irrigation may damage the eardrum.

After the wax is removed, the ear should be dried thoroughly. A few drops of alcohol in the ear or a hair dryer set on low may be used to help dry the ear.

If attempts to remove the wax plug are unsuccessful, consult a health care provider, who may remove the wax by repeating the irrigation attempts, suctioning the ear canal, or removing wax with a small device (curette). Occasionally, the wax must be removed with the help of a microscope.

Expectations (prognosis)

Wax blockage of the ear usually responds well to removal attempts, but may happen again in the future. Hearing loss is usually temporary, and hearing usually returns completely after removal of the blockage.

Complications

Perforated eardrum
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
External ear infection (otitis externa)
Permanent hearing loss from acoustic trauma

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the ears are blocked with wax and attempts to remove the wax are unsuccessful.

Also call if earwax blockage has been present and new symptoms develop, especially drainage from the ear, persistent or severe ear pain, fever, or persistent hearing loss.

Prevention

Individuals who suffer from frequent blockages may benefit from weekly irrigations. Never attempt to clean the ear by placing any object into the ear canal, such as a Q-tip. It is better to clean the outer ear canal by using a cloth or paper tissue wrapped around your finger.

Review Date: 10/20/2006

Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000979