QUICK LINKS TO THE BELOW HEALTH & WELFARE ARTICLES*
Dietary Guidelines
Retirement
Caring Across Generations
Protection from Influenza in 2015
Rebuild Your Body Organs with Your Own Stem Cells
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
What To Do If You Are Exposed To an Ebola-Infected Person
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Statin Therapy and High Cholesterol Guidelines
Fire Prevention
2013-2014 Flu Season
Immunization Month
Waging War on Aging
Bird Flu H7N9
Meningitis Health Alert
What’s New With the Flu?
Nanoparticles and Your Health
Whooping Cough
Can We Bring Down Health Care Costs?
Free Burial for Veterans and Spouses
Mosquitoes
*Note: We offer these articles to increase awareness of the topics. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of BLN or the Retirees Board.
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The New Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
February, 2016
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The Department of Health and Human Services have released the new dietary guidelines. To access them, go to: click here.
Many of you were part of the Northwest Lipid Center dietary alternative study at the University of Washington. The results showed that reduction in saturated fat and total fat consumption significantly lowered serum cholesterol over one year. It is estimated that nearly 1/3 of Americans should be treated for high cholesterol.
Arterial disease starts as a fatty streak in the vessel wall in childhood. By the time one reaches 50 years of age the disease has been progressing to the point when signs and symptoms begin to appear. Sudden cardiac death may occur without warning. Risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking, pollution, lack of exercise, poor diet, and stress of modern life accelerate the disease process. In many of us this includes genetic inheritance of an inability to metabolize cholesterol in our livers to prevent high cholesterol.
It’s a cradle to grave disease, so the prevention has to be over the lifespan of all individuals at risk. Lifestyle changes will significantly alter the disease process and the quality of life, but will not extend lifespans. Three dietary principals to remember: 1) An eating pattern represents the totality of all foods and beverages consumed. 2) Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods. 3) Healthy eating patterns are adaptable and can be tailored to your socio-cultural and personal preferences.
Consume a healthy eating pattern that accounts for all foods and beverages within an appropriate calorie level: for women over 50 yrs. – 1600, for men – 2000. Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from added sugars; less than 10 percent of calories per day from saturated fats; and less than 2,300 milligrams (1 tsp.) per day of sodium. If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Weigh yourself each week. Keep your BMI (Body mass index) at 27.5 or less, but not less than 15. Exercise regularly – at least 100 minutes per week. Try out a fit bit. Don’t forget to stretch. Resistance exercises help keep your joints and muscles in good condition. A wobbly joint from poor muscle tone means more arthritis.
If you have had a heart attack and have survived, cardiac rehabilitation improves quality of life. In many this can result in less treatment. A change in symptoms with regular exercise can reveal underlying heart problems that a sedentary life style will not.
Behavior changes are tough and have to be done slowly and carefully. Participation with friends and relatives helps to maintain regular lifestyle changes. Having trouble? Seek professional trainer help.
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Retirement I have said it a hundred times over: this isn’t your father’s retirement. Long gone are the days of a pension you can’t outlive and a gold watch. Here to stay is an era where workers and families are responsible for their own retirement investments. ________________________________________________ CARING ACROSS GENERATIONS (CAG) Statement on DOL Home Care Rule Decision CARING ACROSS GENERATIONS APPLAUDS APPEALS COURT DECISION GRANTING TWO MILLION HOME CARE WORKERS BASIC RIGHT. Caring Across Generations is a national movement of families, caregivers, people with disabilities and aging Americans working to transform the way we care in this country. By harnessing the power of online action, grassroots organizing and innovative culture change work, we are shifting how our nation values caregiving and calling for policy solutions that enable all of us to live and age with dignity and independence. For more information visit: www.caringacross. ________________________________________________ Last year the flu vaccine did not cover all virulent flu viruses. A recent study conducted in Navarre, Spain showed that the vaccines are not protective after six months in persons age 65 years and older due to declining immunity It is well known that the flu viruses mutate with person-to-person infection. For these reasons vaccines cannot prevent all flu illnesses, since the ever changing infectious viruses are biologically uncontrolled in swine and birds and, to some extent, people living in overcrowded conditions and in poor health. Among these populations, vaccination rates are low. A recent outbreak of bird flu in chickens in the midwest resulted in the need for destruction of thousands of chickens ________________________________________________ Rebuild Your Body Organs with Your Own Stem Cells A stem cell is a living cell which has multiple possibilities to divide and mature and grow into any organ or tissue in your body. When we are conceived the fertilized egg divides and forms stem cells. The next series of cell divisions differentiate into specialized cells which will begin the growth of the embryo. ________________________________________________ What To Do II You Are Exposed To an Ebola-Infected Person If you think you have been exposed to an Ebola-infected person, call your healthcare provider and the local public health department and explain the circumstances of your exposure. They will ask you how, when, and where, you were exposed. Did you come in contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, sputum, or diarrhea? What sanitizing methods did you use to disinfect yourself? Were you in West Africa where Ebola is now an epidemic? Was it within the last 21 days? If it has been 21 days are more since your contact and you are well, without fever or symptoms, it is unlikely that you have contacted Ebola virus disease. Symptoms of the flu are similar but it is still important to contact your healthcare provider and public health. Time since exposure are sometimes difficult to determine for an individual. Have you made any contacts with other persons, such as family and friends after your exposure? Make a list of all persons you have had contact and places you visited after your exposure. ________________________________________________ Prevention of Infectious Diseases for Seniors The news this year has been about deadly diseases in West Africa and the Middle East countries. The virus, Ebola, has caused more than a thousand deaths in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Nigeria and the Republic of Congo are also affected. Two cases of this bloodborne (and bodily fluid) infection in healthcare providers infected in West Africa have been treated successfully here in the USA. The CDC has issued a level 3 travel warning (avoid non-essential travel) for Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea and level 2 warning (practice enhanced precautions) for Nigeria and the Republic of Congo. ________________________________________________ New Guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) The new guidelines for statin therapy and possible dual treatment for high cholesterol are significant because they will affect the treatment of 1/3 of the US population. These guidelines include: ________________________________________________ Fire Prevention More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time. Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires. The following printable document provides advice for portable heaters, woodstoves and fireplaces, generators, candles, smoke alarms, home escape plans, and links to more resources: fire prevention click here ________________________________________________ 2013-2014 Flu Season Influenza (flu) causes thousands of deaths each year – about 90% of which occur in people 65 and older. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu and spread it to others. The CDC recommends that all persons receive the vaccine, especially those over 65. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs may be advised not to get the vaccine. People who have had a mild reaction confined to hives may receive the vaccine with special precautions. They should discuss this with their healthcare provider. ________________________________________________ National Immunization Awareness Month National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that people of all ages can protect their health by getting recommended vaccinations. Take a look at immunization schedules by age: ________________________________________________ Waging War on Aging Aging is no longer considered a disease, but rather a process taking place in our cells. Scientists are studying the process of aging and one of their theories is telomere shortening. At the ends of our chromosomes there are structures, like the ends of shoe laces, called telomeres that are important in cell division and growth, repairing and maintaining DNA structure. We are conceived with a predetermined length to these telomeres. They are their longest when we are born and shorten each time cell division occurs and are the shortest when we are old. Primates have a fixed length of telomeres. We have an enzyme called telomerase that helps to maintain the telomere length. Some animals, such as the Bow whale, lobster, and the tortoise, have a great deal of telomerase and their aging is slower. The Euglena worm has a gene that can increase the life span of that worm four times. There is a theory that if you supplement the telomerase enzyme you can live many more years; however, telomerase has also been associated with cancer, so much more research needs to be done before we all start taking this supplement. Hormones, secreted by our endocrine glands, are at a peak during our reproductive years and decline with age. The question then is – should they be supplemented? There are now age management clinics sprouting up all over the country to treat persons who are interested in maintaining youthful quality of life – not only with hormones but with other tried and true methods, exercise and proper nutrition. It remains to be documented with evidence-based studies whether this is wishful thinking or a true possibility. The fountain of youth may be just a few years away. Hang on! ________________________________________________ Bird Flu H7N9 Health Alert In March this year a new avian flu virus, H7N9, has been isolated from humans. Since 2003 the H5N1 and H7N9 avian flu viruses have killed 371 out of the 627 infected. The spread of these viruses from poultry to humans is attributed to the close contact between humans and the birds in poultry markets in China. Although the birds (chickens, ducks, and pigeons) do not show signs of infection, many have tested positive for the new virus. It is difficult to determine which birds are carrying the flu virus. Migratory birds have not tested positive for the new virus. In April the number of new cases has declined as a result of closure of the open poultry markets. About half of the humans infected had a history of poultry contact and half no known contact. If you are traveling to China be aware that there is a CDC Level 1 (highest level) warning (April 25, 2013) for Anhui, Beijing, Henan, Jiangu, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. ________________________________________________ Health Alert
________________________________________________ What’s New With the Flu? It has long been recognized that people 65 and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu—90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in this age group. That is why you’re strongly encouraged to get your flu shot. The flu season starts in October, so you should get your shot now, because it takes about two weeks to develop flu antibodies. The 2012-2013 influenza vaccine is made from the following three viruses, an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1), an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2), and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010. In response to predictions of the Centers for Disease Control, each year’s vaccine usually differs from that of the previous year, and this year’s is different from that for the 2011-2012 season. Adults over 65 have two flu shots available to them, the regular-dose Fluzone and a newer flu vaccine designed for this age group, Fluzone High Dose. The high-dose vaccine is associated with a stronger immune response; however, whether that response results in greater protection against influenza is not yet known. Neither the intradermal flu vaccine nor the nasal spray is recommended. Persons who are sensitive to eggs, have previously had severe reactions to a flu vaccine, or have a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome should check with their health care provider. Besides getting your shot, be sure to take everyday preventive actions, such as covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding sick people. Seek medical advice quickly if you develop flu symptoms to see whether you should be treated with antivirals. It is important that antiviral treatment begin early to avoid serious complications. For more information visit http://www.flunearyou.org Have a happy, healthy, fluless fall. ________________________________________________ Nanoparticles and Your Health It has been noted that heart attacks, lung disorders, immune diseases and asthma attacks increase with the amount of air pollution. This has been well documented and published in the scientific literature. The latest study, released this last Monday, demonstrated that a person breathing 0.3 parts per million (ppm) of ozone for two hours received the same amount of ozone as does a person breathing the lower EPA’s standard of 0.076 ppm eight hours. Ground level ozone is created when pollutants from combustion by cars, trucks, and power plants, construction, agriculture, and wind producing dust, as well as particulates from chemical solvents and consumer products, react in the presence of sunlight. These nanoparticles (a microscopic particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometer – one nanometer is one billionth of a meter) are inhaled and attach to the amino acid arginine to form citruline causing an immune reaction which can result in disease.
There are now health warnings published each day and the TV news has information about pollution. If you have lung, heart, or immune disease, be aware of the pollution levels and stay inside. This time of year pollens and mold exposure have risks for those of us who are sensitive. Have a good filter, preferable an electronic filter, in your home heating system. When exposed to excessive dust, wear a mask that filters out small particles. ________________________________________________ Whooping Cough Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a very infectious disease that can affect everyone including seniors. The Seattle area has been hit with the highest number of cases recently recorded: 187 cases confirmed, 15 probable, and 15 suspected to date, compared to 98 cases in 2011. Statewide, as of May 12, reported cases jumped by 200 in a week for a total of 1484, compared to 134 last year during this same time. It’s the highest number of reported cases in more than six decades. The best way to avoid a serious illness from whooping cough is to have the full set of pertussis immunization shots. Adults should have one dose of Tdap. There are many available places to get an immunization. Check with your healthcare provider. Always cover your cough – cough into your sleeve – and wash your hands frequently ________________________________________________ Can We Bring Down Health Care Costs? There is now a movement to establish a medical home for most persons in a health care program. Some of us are enrolled in Group Health and understand managed care. Some of us are covered by private I a insurance and have a medical home with a family doctor. In this modern time many do not have health insurance. So pays for them? It is far cheaper to cover all persons, because allowing disease to progress causes more costs that could be avoided. Understand that a pregnant illegal alien is better served by being care for than allowing complications to occur which could mean a life time cost of a chronically ill baby. By law that baby born in the US is a US citizen. or years large companies with health care insurance covered persons who had no insurance. Now costs are so high most companies and small businesses cannot afford the ever increasing costs of private insurance. Many countries have national insurance and health care is rationed, often resulting in waiting lines to get care and waiting lists to be treated. It remains to be seen what the Healthcare Affordability Act will bring if it is not repealed this year. A national tax for health care on all goods and services could be the solution. Clinical guidelines and regulations by the government are helpful, but they do not address the individual medical case. The US leads the world in developing new procedures and treatments, hopefully this will continue not only for us but for the entire world. Some countries are offering tourist heath care for most elective procedures plus a vacation at a reasonable cost! For sure change is coming. Survival calculations and futile care (treatment that won’t make a difference to survival and quality-adjusted life years) guidelines will make a difference in how we are treated. How and when we are treated for elevated cholesterol and blood pressure even though we know younger adults could benefit. Remember when the doctor came to the house to see and treat you. As a nation we have to learn how to use the large body of information that is available to help us look after ourselves better. It may one day be worthwhile to have our genetic information so we can better plan a lifelong preventive medical program. Take care of yourself you are the one in charge. ________________________________________________ Free Burial for Veterans and Spouses Available to Veterans and their spouses at no cost — burial plots, columbarium spaces, engraved headstones and columbarium identification at the Tahoma National Cemetery, courtesy of the U.S. Veterans Administration. This offer is extended to all veterans who served on active duty. To apply, take your Honorable Discharge Certificate (Form DD-214 or equivalent) to the Funeral Home of your choice to make your final arrangements. You can do this in advance or your family can do it at the time of bereavement. Let the Funeral Home know you want internment at the Tahoma National Cemetery and they will make the necessary arrangements. Inform the Funeral Home whether or not you desire Final Military Honors, and those wishes will be coordinated with both the cemetery and the Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, etc.). Volunteers from the Veterans Service Organizations and/or active duty military personnel will provide final Military Honors at no charge. You have a choice of Full Final Honors at the Burial Commitment Ceremony, or any of the individual services such as a Chaplin, Color Bearers, rifle squad, and/or bugler. Anticipated cutoff date for cemetery space availability is the year 2026. If you can’t locate your Form DD-214, contact your local Veterans Service Officer for assistance. In the Puget Sound the number is (206) 768-5359. ________________________________________________ Mosquitoes Mosquitoes cause more disease and death around the world than any other insect. There are actually 250 known diseases that are spread by mosquitoes. Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile Virus are a few common illnesses caused by this pesky vector. Diseases are spread by the female mosquito when she bites humans and/or animals for the blood that she needs for propagation. When she ingests blood from an infected human or animal and then bites again with the infectious agent in her salivary glands, she injects these agents into uninfected humans/animals. Prevention is the best medicine-wearing protective clothing, using DEET repellant, and killing those little pests that alight on your skin. Other preventive measures include using an electric bug zapper or the new carbon dioxide propane traps. Citronella candles and screens on door and windows are a barrier to invading bugs. Insecticide bug sprays are also useful when barriers do not work, but be sure to use the right spray in the house for the right bug. Bats and birds provide an ecological and biological means for ridding your yard of mosquitoes. Bats and swallows will consume thousands of mosquitoes and other bugs every evening. Place a bat house up in a tree if your house is near water, or place a birdhouse on your house or in a tree.
by Department of Labor Secretary Tom Perez (Submitted By Peter Bailey September 18, 2015)
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The Department of Labor and the entire Obama administration are committed to ensuring the retirement security of America’s workers. But in spite of repeated calls by President Obama for legislation that would automatically enroll workers into retirement plans, Congress has failed to act. The good news is that states recognize that workers need more opportunities to save, and they’re stepping up to create new retirement options.
I was proud to join leaders from both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly this week as they announced a new state commission to study the best ways to expand access to workplace-based retirement plans. Maryland joins several other states in exploring new ways to expand access to retirement savings.
We know that as states explore their options, they are going to have questions for the department about how they can avoid running afoul of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. At the president’s direction, we have developed a proposed rule, which has been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for their review. We can’t get into the specifics of the proposal until it is published for public comment, but we can say that it will set forth circumstances in which states can administer auto-enrollment IRA savings programs, funded with payroll deductions, without requiring employers to create ERISA-covered plans. We also plan to issue guidance at the same time about how states might pursue an alternative approach that would promote the creation of ERISA-covered plans, which would be fully subject to ERISA’s rights and protections.
We are also nearing the close of the public comment period on a proposed rule that would protect workers’ hard-earned savings from conflicts of interest. The department has been working with consumer groups, the financial services industry, states, Congress and others over the past five years to craft a rule that protects retirement savings while allowing brokers and advisers the flexibility to get paid in multiple ways.
Sept. 24 is the final opportunity to comment on the proposal. As states and the department continue to look for ways to increase retirement security for working people, this is your chance to comment on a proposal that will make sure that the money saved stays where it belongs – in the pockets of working families.
To submit a comment, use one of the following methods: email e-ORI@dol.gov and include RIN 1210-AB32 in the subject line of the message; visit regulations.gov and follow instructions for submitting comments; or send a hard copy via mail or hand delivery/courier to the Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Attn: Conflict of Interest Rule, Room N-5655, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210.
Submitted By Peter Bailey September 18, 2015
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Securing Basic Protections for Home Care Workers Is Crucial to Strengthening Critical, Growing Workforce Washington, DC — Caring Across Generations applauds today’s decision in the case Home Care Association, et al. v. Weil, et al. by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Resolving the lawsuit brought by for-profit home care associations against a new Department of Labor rule that would grant home care workers the right to minimum wage and overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the panel of three judges ruled that the rule was legally sound — and the right thing to do.
“This decision represents a major step forward, recognizing the value of care work in today’s economy,” said Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the co-director of the Caring Across Generations campaign. “Today’s ruling not only addresses a longstanding, shameful exclusion of professional caregivers from basic worker protections, it allows us to begin the real task at hand: strengthening this workforce for the enormous responsibility of caring for a growing aging population in America. This is both a victory for home care providers — and for every family that may one day depend on the crucial support of a home care provider. The women and men who care for our aging moms, dads and grandparents will now be able to provide for their own families, too,” said Sarita Gupta, executive director of Jobs With Justice and the co-director of the Caring Across Generations campaign. “Extending minimum wage and overtime protections to this critical workforce is not just the right thing to do — now it’s the law of the land. This is a great first step toward transforming home care work into high-quality jobs that are good for America. Now it’s up to states to ensure that as they implement this rule, no one is harmed in any way by cuts to home care programs or caps on hours.”
“This ruling will mean the difference between constantly worrying about my bills and having a little breathing room. I’ve been a home care worker for 6 years, and I don’t get any overtime — its $9 an hour no matter how many hours we work and no matter how many years we have been on the job,” said D’Rosa Davis, a home care worker from Atlanta. “I love taking care of people, but my own family has been barely scraping by. I’m looking forward to being able to finally pay my rent without wondering whether I’ll be able to pay my light bill.”
“Without the assistance of my attendants, I wouldn’t be able to live independently in my home and stay in my community. They provide invaluable support that has allowed me to live on my own, get a graduate degree, and work as a marriage and family therapist,” said Nikki Brown-Booker of Oakland, California. “They are all hard workers, but because they’re paid through the state home care program, I have no say in their wages. I’m overjoyed that my home attendants will finally receive overtime pay for the long hours they work. I’d hate to lose any of my attendants. In order for this work to be sustainable, workers must make enough to be able to support themselves.”
Home care is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, and is projected to add over one million new jobs to the US economy over the next decade. Yet despite the increasing demand and critical services these healthcare professionals provide, they earn poverty wages. The majority of home care workers are women of color and increasingly immigrants, and earn on average less than $10/hour. More than half of all home care workers rely on public assistance to support their families, and one in two leave their jobs every year due to the poor working conditions.
Protection from Influenza in 2015
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
September, 2015
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This year two types of flu vaccines are available for prevention – a trivalent and a quadrivalent. Both are available in the inactivated and the live attenuated forms. The live attenuated vaccine is not recommended for people who are immune compromised, allergic to egg protein, or have asthma. Persons with egg allergy can now have cell cultured vaccine. The trivalent vaccine contains A/California (H1N1), A/Switzerland (H3N2), and B/Phuket (Yamagata). The quadrivalent vaccine will contain, in addition to the above, B/Brisbane (Victoria) virus.
Flu vaccines are very effective, resulting in 3.2 million fewer illnesses requiring medical care and 80,000 less hospitalizations. The effect of high dose flu vaccine in persons older than 65 years increased the level of antibodies significantly when compared to the standard dose.
Check with your health care provider for when and which vaccine is right for you. You can find out if there is a flu outbreak near you by going to the website: https://flunearyou.org. You can enter information and help public heath with vital information. The website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/documents/5100/420-100-fluupdate.pdf will illustrate the trends in Washington State.
Avoid crowded places, wear a mask, the N95 variety, in public places, and get vaccinated when the flu is active near you. Remember more than 36,000 persons die from the flu each year. If you do get ill with flu, the antiviral medications Oseltamivir (oral), Zamamivir (inhaled), and Peramivir (IV) are available to treat flu infection early.
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
May 11, 2015
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Our adult bodies have stem cells which are tissue specific. Some of these cells repair our tissues when injured or diseased. It is possible to convert fat stem cells into many different types of tissues. These fat stem cells can be made to divide with the aid of platelet derived growth hormone. With the introduction of special viruses into the cell culture, these stem cells can then become cartilage, muscle, heart muscle, skin etc. This is a marvelous new science which promises us ways to repair our bodies with our own stem calls. One day it will be possible to implant cells into joints to replace worn out cartilage, scarred fibrotic hearts with new contractile heart cells, and many other organ tissues. This science will revolutionize medicine and offer a bright new era of treatment possibilities. Research studies are now being conducted to find out how this science can be used safely and effectively.
I don’t think we will miss the fat.
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
October 21, 2014
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Take your temperature, is it 38 degrees Centigrade or 98 degrees Fahrenheit or is it higher? Write it down. Repeat the measurement every 12 hours or until your healthcare provider directs you to do otherwise.
Decontaminate with an antibacterial, antiviral soap all areas that your bodily fluids may have contaminated. If your healthcare provider or the public health personnel determine that you are at risk they will visit the areas where you are and where you have been.
Should you be considered at risk for developing Ebola viral infection you may be asked to quarantine yourself for 21 days. You will be given special instructions on how to do this. You may have to cancel elective medical and dental appointments.
New antiviral medical treatment and use of antibodies from persons who have survived Ebola are being developed to treat the disease. Healthcare workers who have developed Ebola infection have been treated successfully. Early diagnosis, treatment, and containment of Ebola virus infection are the keys to public health. Healthcare workers are now being trained and equipped with protective gear but we all must do our part to contain this potentially deadly disease.
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
September, 2014
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There are two identified cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), an airborne droplet infection; one in Indiana and one in Florida. These two individuals contracted the Illness on an airplane. The civil wars in the Middle East have made containing and treating it there extremely difficult. The death rate for MERS victims is estimated at 30%.
Currently there are some experimental treatments, but no vaccines for prevention for either of these viral diseases.
And then there is the flu season which is rapidly approaching. We have several options for preventative vaccines: trivalent vaccine and quadrivalent vaccine, both come in live attenuated (LAIV) and inactivated (IIV). The trivalent vaccines contain A/California (H1N1), A/Texas (H3N2) and B/Massachusetts. The quadrivalent vaccine has in addition to the other three, B/Brisbane. Both the live attenuated and the inactivated vaccines were equally effective in adults. Live attenuated vaccines should not be given to pregnant women or patients who are immune compromised. It is also not recommended for children less than two years or adults older than 49 years. Thus seniors should receive the inactivated vaccines only. Check with your healthcare provider for further information. Flu vaccines are available in many places and the cost is covered by Medicare and medical insurance companies.
The website, http://www.Flunearyou.org, is a useful tool for you to follow the flu season. It can help you to avoid local areas where the flu is prevalent. It also allows you to enter data about your condition, thus helping local health agencies understand the flu season.
for Persons at High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events
January, 2014
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
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1) The goal is a 50% reduction of LDL cholesterol in patients with known cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis) and events.
2) Patients with familial high serum cholesterol that is greater than 190 mg/dl should be evaluated and treated with a lipid lowering medication.
3) Patients with diabetes and are 40-75 years and have an LDL of 70-189 mg/dl but no evidence of cardiovascular disease should be evaluated and treated with lipid lowering medications.
4) Individuals with no evidence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes that are 40-75 years and have an LDL 70-189 mg/dl and with a Framingham score of greater than a 7.5% risk of a heart attack in 10 years should be treated. Keep in mind risk calculators have been known to over-estimate the risk of future cardiovascular events.
5) People who are taking statin should be followed and evaluated for side effects. Statins can affect the liver and muscles. Antioxidants, such as CoQ 10 are an important adjuvant therapy for these individuals.
6) Many persons at risk are choosing a vegetarian diet and regular aerobic exercise. 150 minutes a week is the recommended minimum. A pedometer is useful – the goal should be at least 10,000 steps per day.
January, 2014
From Dr. George Gey, MD
November, 2013
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
There are several types of flu vaccines. The most common are:
1) Traditional standard dose trivalent (3 viruses)
2) High-dose trivalent, approved for persons 65 and older
3) Standard dose quadrivalent injection (4 viruses)
4) Standard dose quadrivalent flu vaccine given as a nasal spray approved for people 2 through 49 years of age.
The CDC does not recommend which type to get.
There are new viruses – one in China (H7N9) flu virus, and Mers-CoV coronavirus in the Arabian Peninsula which can cause respiratory illnesses. At this time there are no cases of (H7N9) flu or Mers-CoV reported in the USA, nor are there vaccines to prevent them.
Flunearyou.org web site can offer epidemiological information about flu in your area if you are interested click here. Stay away from crowded places if there is an outbreak in your area.
Remember to cover your cough, stay home if you have flu symptoms, and call your health care provider. There are antiviral agents which can treat the flu.
August, 2013
By George Gey, MD
• Adults (ages 19 and older) click here
• Preteens and Teens (ages 7-18) click here
• Children (birth through age 6) click here
July 16, 2013
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
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May 9, 2013
By George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn, EdD, RN
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For more information contact your health care provider and www.cdc.gov on line.
October 23, 2012
Dr. George Gey, MD
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October 1, 2012
George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn EdD, RN
June 14, 2012
George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn EdD, RN
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The World Health Organization estimates that 2,000,000 people worldwide, mostly elderly people with cardiovascular disease, die because of acute exposure to air pollution. The EPA puts the yearly US toll at 40,000 -50,000 deaths.
May 16, 2012
George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn EdD, RN
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We expect this epidemic to continue for several months. So far there have not been any recorded deaths. Young children are at highest risk of serious illness. All persons who have the disease can spread the disease through coughing. If you have a cough that persists, stay away from infants and pregnant women and see your health care provider for an evaluation. Keep in mind that you are contagious for five days after you have been treated with antibiotics. If you have had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with whooping cough or you have coughing fits, vomiting after coughing, or whoops when inhaling after coughing, and or your coughing has lasted longer than 14 days ,stay away from people until you have been evaluated by your healthcare provider.
George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn EdD, RN
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If you have some thoughts on this, and/or other health issues, please email us at the – ggeymd@yahoo.com
For a drive through of the tranquil, serene and well-maintained cemetery, visit it at 18600 SE 240th Street in Kent, WA. To watch a Final Commitment Ceremony, call the cemetery at (425) 413-9614 for a schedule of ceremonies. For more information, contact Abe Goo
George Gey, MD and Jeanette Dunn EdD, RN