#How Antibiotics trigger C. diff. Infections | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

makingscipub · 6 years ago

Text

Poo and puns: Recent representations of faecal microbiota transplants in English language news media

This post, by Carmen McLeod, Brigitte Nerlich and Rusi Jaspal, has recently been published on the Microbiology Society Blog. We reblog it here with permission.

***

Bacteria, germs, poo…these are words that normally don’t evoke images of health and happiness. The relationship between humans and bacteria is often understood as a combative one. Bacteria are an enemy that must be fought and we have been fighting them for many years. We have been fighting them in the toilets, we have been fighting them in the kitchens and we have been fighting them in hospitals. All the while bacteria have been mounting a resistance to the weaponry – such as antibiotics – we use to fight them. And so, the fight goes on.

This is still a dominant picture of bacteria. But things are changing. Bacteria have had an image make-over since the advent of probiotics and ‘good bacteria’. This more positive view has grown alongside the development of the new research field of microbiomics, which studies all the microorganisms of a given community (a ‘microbiota’) together. But of course, there are still ‘bad bacteria’ around. One of them is Clostridium difficile (or C. diff for short). This bacterium can infect the bowel and lead to serious diarrhoea. It especially affects people (mainly the elderly) who have been treated with antibiotics in hospital settings.

Here is where ‘poo’ comes in, or rather faecal microbiota transplants (FMT). This is the process of transferring stool from a healthy donor, who has a healthy gut microbiome containing good bacteria, to a recipient with a dysfunctional intestinal flora (containing bad bacteria), in order to repopulate their gut microbiome.

FMT has been used in one form or another for a long time, but has only recently made its appearance in official health care settings, especially in the treatment of otherwise intractable cases of C. diff.

Clinicians and scientists are starting to talk about FMT to journalists; journalists and science writers are picking up these stories and patients too are relating their experiences to the media. For our research, we wanted to find out more about this, get a feeling for what conversations people are having about FMT and whether this is changing the ways in which we understand the relationship between humans and bacteria.

To do this, we investigated how English-language newspapers represented FMT between 2003, when the phrase first appeared in English-language news, and 2017. From what we can ascertain, both science and the media began to follow the FMT story more closely from 2013 onwards.

In order to generate a data set of news articles on FMT, we searched for ‘fa(e)cal microbial’, ‘microbiota transplant’ and ‘stool transplant’ on the Nexis® UK news database. ‘Fa(e)cal transplant’ generated an amount suitable for qualitative analysis: 1609 articles – 1547 with duplicates removed. We then focused on ‘newspapers only’, which meant excluding trade publications, websites, magazines etc. This left 612 articles and after duplicates were removed, the remaining overall data consisted of 504 articles [December 24, 2017 search].

We studied these articles using qualitative thematic analysis, paying particular attention to certain forms of language; namely puns, wordplay, metaphor and argument structure, salient topics and events, key actors, and emerging patterns within the data, which clustered especially around the three aspects of FMT: faeces, bacteria/microbes and transplants/donation. We also examined broader themes associated with health and the gut microbiome, in order to uncover emerging social representations.

Our findings show that print media focused in particular on creating novel, mainly hopeful, social representations of faeces through wordplay and punning, side-lining issues of risk and fear. There was, of course, also hype, and future research should pay attention to evolving ‘GutHype’. In our media sample we saw controversy emerging around FMT and obesity. For example, one headline proclaimed “Bowel hope turns to crap” (Sydney MX, Australia, 06/02/2015). Autism featured as one of many hyped-up diseases that FMT is supposed to cure. One article asked “Are gut microbes really a panacea, or just overhyped?” (The Guardian, 2017), and another, in The Globe and Mail, talked about “Poo and woo woo” in a “post-truth” world.

The ‘gut reaction’ to the process of FMT is likely to be one of disgust. Throughout our corpus, this gut reaction was highlighted but also counteracted through various rhetorical strategies, namely punning, strategic use of numbers/science, contrastive storytelling, and the use of ‘but’. For example, a seminal 2013 study on FMT which triggered media attention was reported in Scientific American under the title “The S••t hits the fan!!”. The work of an FMT pioneer Australian doctor, Thomas Borody, attracted a lot of attention and reporters pointed out that his scientific papers include “such titles as Flora Power and Toying with Human Motions. But he is also deadly serious”. Another example of what we call the ‘but strategy’ is the: “The procedure is, of course, messy and odoriferous, but it’s also simplicity itself.”

We also identified changing metaphorical framings of microbes and bacteria from ‘enemies’ to ‘friends’ (“microbial miracle workers”). Additionally, readers are familiarised with FMT through the depiction of the process as being both mundane (“you can now liquidise your partner’s poo in a blender and insert it into your body at home”) and highly medicalised (“pills you pop in the mouth and swallow”).

We argue that emerging media representations have the potential to background the yuck factor and shape more positive social representations of FMT, paving the way for FMT to become a more socially acceptable procedure. Future research can build on this baseline study in order to study how social representations circulate in the wider media and public sphere, online as well as offline, and how they may change over time and differ between countries, as research into FMT progresses.

Further Reading:

Hodgetts T, Grenyer R, Greenhough B, McLeod C, Dwyer A et al. The Microbiome and its Publics. EMBO Reports 2018;19:e45786. McLeod C, Nerlich B, Jaspal R. Fecal microbiota transplants: Emerging social representations in the English-language print media. New Genetics and Society 2019; 38/3, 331-351.Nerlich B, Koteyko N. Balancing food risks and food benefits: the coverage of probiotics in the UK national press. Sociological research online 2008;13:1–14.

Dr McLeod presented her data at the Microbiology Society Focused Meeting Anaerobe 2019: Changing perceptions of anaerobic bacteria; from pathogen to the normal microbiota and back

Image needpix

The post Poo and puns: Recent representations of faecal microbiota transplants in English language news media appeared first on Making Science Public.

via Making Science Public https://ift.tt/2GXxiMs

#IFTTT #Making Science Public

0 notes

modifysimplelife · 7 years ago

Text

This report is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Never diagnose or treat yourself or a family member. See your doctor. Use your voice. Ask questions and share prescription concerns, if any, with your physician.

The purpose of this blog post is to reveal the reality of antibiotic overuse and misuse. This writing is to also encourage communication with your doctor when antibiotics are prescribed to you or the family member you advocate/share in health care responsibility.

Recently someone dear to me, “Barbara” was tested for a UTI. Barbara did not have UTI symptoms. Her bladder, however, appeared to be on a nighttime schedule with the inability to urinate during the day. The initial urinalysis revealed bacteria in the urine and her doctor insisted she be put on antibiotics ASAP, that day.

On the surface, following through with the physician’s request may appear as the only and best option for the patient. However, digging dipper, this was not the case. Barbara recently had C-DIFF (C. difficile/C-DIFF is a toxin-producing bacteria that causes antibiotic-associated colitis, Mayo Clinic…Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea) following surgery, which extended her stay at a skilled nursing facility by 3 weeks. She experienced horrific symptoms of both, C-DIFF and the necessary antibiotic treatment. There is a HIGH probability of C-DIFF reoccurring when a patient is prescribed antibiotics, in this case treating a possible UTI. Question to the doctor…“Knowing Barbara had C-DIFF a few months ago, can we wait for the full culture results before considering antibiotics??” It is not uncommon for some bacteria to appear in urine, especially in the population 75 years old+. The doctor agreed, stating, “I think that it’s reasonable to wait until the cultures come back, but it looks like a real infection based on the cell counts.” Three days later the culture results indicate…NO UTI. The doctor emailed…“The final urine cultures are back and surprisingly did not grow out any specific bacteria. So I would not give her the antibiotics. I would continue to monitor her symptoms. I would only recheck her urine if she is having symptoms.” If Barbara had a reoccurrence of C-DIFF, a high risk “serious symptom infection” possibly triggered by taking the prescribed antibiotic, she would have had to leave the comfort and familiarity of assisted living (very contagious). The C-DIFF treatment administered would have required admittance to either a hospital or skilled nursing facility, in contact isolation. Life would not have been pleasant for Barbara or her family, the aftermath of being treated for a UTI she didn’t have.

A key lesson from Barbara’s experience, communicate with your doctor. Express concerns by using your voice and take ownership to know options in order to make wise decisions for you and your family. The following shares antibiotic facts, its impact on the elderly and what you can do nutritionally to be “gut healthy” reducing side effects from antibiotics as well as some non-antibiotic drugs, to help prevent superbugs and antibiotic resistance (CDC: About Antimicrobial Resistance).

Full Culture Results

Whenever possible and with physician agreement, request a full culture before taking prescribed antibiotics.

Antibiotics –How They Work, Classifications, When Administered

Antibiotics are pharmaceutical prescribed medications administered to heal or slow down the growth of bacteria resulting in infections. Click this link for a complete antibiotic guide and their use…Antibiotics Guide, Medically reviewed on Aug 23, 2016 by L. Anderson, PharmD.

Antibiotics are known by these classes: Penicillins, Tetracyclines, Cephalosporins, Quinolones, Lincomycins, Masrolides, Sulfonamides, Glycopeptides, Aminoglycosides, Carbapenems.

Antibiotics are used to treat these top 10 common infections: Acne, bronchitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Otitis Media (Ear Infection), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s), Skin or Soft Tissue Infections, Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat), Traveler’s Diarrhea, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Additional details and supporting information can also be found at… Antibiotics: All You Need to Know by Medical News Today, By Christian Nordqvist, Jan. 2017. Article highlights…

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first natural antibiotic, in 1928.

Antibiotics cannot fight viral infections.

Fleming predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance we see today.

If antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly, there is a risk that the bacteria will become resistant

Antibiotics either kill bacteria or slow its growth.

Side effects can include diarrhea and feeling sick.

In some cases, antibiotics may be given to prevent rather than treat an infection, as might be the case before surgery. This is called ‘prophylactic’ use of antibiotics. They are commonly used before bowel and orthopedic surgery.

Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the body’s immune system can usually kill them. Our white blood cells attack harmful bacteria and, even if symptoms do occur, our immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection.

Antibiotic Side effects and FDA Warnings

What are common antibiotic side effects?

Common side effects of antibiotics include rash, soft stools, diarrhea, upset stomach, fungal (yeast) infections (like thrush). Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing; severe allergic reaction that includes difficulty breathing, facial swelling (lips, tongue, throat, face), severe watery or bloody diarrhea or stomach cramps, vaginal yeast infection with white discharge and severe itching, mouth sores or white patches in mouth or on tongue. Common Side Effects from Antibiotics, and Allergies and Reactions Medically reviewed on Mar 5, 2017 by L. Anderson, PharmD.

Your intestines contain about 100 trillion bacterial cells and up to 2,000 different kinds of bacteria, many of which help protect your body from infection. When you take an antibiotic to treat an infection, these drugs tend to destroy some of the normal, helpful bacteria in addition to the bacteria causing the infection. Without enough healthy bacteria to keep it in check, C. difficile can quickly grow out of control. The antibiotics that most often lead to C. difficile infections include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillins and clindamycin. C. Difficile Infection by Mayo Clinic

Which Antibiotics Are Most Associated with Causing Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea? On the basis of the available data, clindamycin should absolutely be avoided among patients who are at risk for C difficile infection, particularly in elderly patients and those with frequent antibiotic exposure or hospitalizations. Given the available data, it’s clear that clindamycin is a well-deserving candidate of its boxed warning specifically for C difficile risk. Box Warning can be read by clicking this LINK.

Clindamycin is prescribed most often to treat medical conditions as listed in …What Conditions Does Clindamycin Hcl treat? Other options that have a reduced risk of triggering C-difficile?

For community-acquired pneumonia, it has been suggested that a tetracycline may be substituted in place of azithromycin (or another macrolide) among elderly patients at higher risk for C difficile infection. In fact, data suggests that tetracyclines may NOT increase risk of C difficile infection at all, with a non-significant odd ratio of 0.9 versus no antibiotic exposure. In patients hospitalized with severe infections who require anti-Pseudomonal coverage, the available data suggests that penicillins (such as piperacillin/tazobactam) may have a lower risk of C difficile infection versus cephalosporins (such as cefepime) or carbapenems (such as meropenem). While this risk is certainly relevant to the selection of antimicrobials, local resistance patterns should also be considered when selecting an agent. Knowledge of high-risk and lower-risk antibiotics for C difficile infection is important, particularly in patients who are already at a higher risk for C difficile infection, such as elderly patients. Avoidance of these high-risk antibiotics when other first-line alternatives exist in certain patient populations should be an antimicrobial stewardship intervention for pharmacists to reduce the risk of C difficile infection both in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Antibiotic Warnings

Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. While these drugs are effective in treating serious bacterial infections, an FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluroquinolones are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system. These side effects can occur hours to weeks after exposure to fluoroquinolones and may potentially be permanent.

Types of Fluoroquinolones that are FDA approved but which fall into this warning include levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets, moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin and gemifloxacin (Factive). FDA updates warnings for fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Non-Antibiotic Drugs and Similar Antibiotic Side Effects

Antibiotics are known to trigger digestive issues and diarrhea, eliminating both the good and bad bacteria in our guts. There are also prescription non-antibiotic drugs that share similar harsh gut symptoms (as antibiotics) such as anti-diabetics (metformin), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and atypical antipsychotics (AAPs). Use the hyperlinks to see the listing of medications that fall within each category.

Non-antibiotics with antibiotic effects – Some non-antibiotic drugs have been associated with changes in gut microbiome composition, but the extent of this phenomenon is unknown. Athanasios Typas and colleagues screened more than 1,000 marketed drugs and observed that a quarter of them inhibited the growth of at least one bacterial strain in vitro. Scrutiny of previous human cohort studies showed that human-targeted drugs with anticommensal activity have antibiotic-like side effects in humans. The new data provide a resource for future drug-therapy research. Extensive impact of non-antibiotic drugs on human gut bacteria, Published: 19 March 2018

The Elderly and Antibiotics

UTIs are known to be common among the elderly and often the symptoms are not as visible making it difficult to know when a UTI exists. However, there appears to be a growing problem with over prescribed use of antibiotics especially for UTIs.

Consensus guidelines have been published to assist clinicians with diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection; however, a single evidence-based approach to diagnosis of urinary tract infection does not exist. In the absence of a gold standard definition of urinary tract infection that clinicians agree upon, overtreatment with antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infection remains a significant problem, and leads to a variety of negative consequences including the development of multidrug-resistant organisms. Urinary tract infection in older adults, NCBI

The elderly are prone to UTIs and other infections but are they being treated more often than not when an infection is actually not present? Antibiotics do not treat frequent urination nor does this infer a UTI. Antibiotics can cause serious symptoms in elderly, weakening those that are already frail; fever, rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, tendon ruptures, and nerve damage. Information above about clindamycin specifically refers to the elderly, along with alternative options for infection treatment.

Elderly have an increased risk to antibiotic resistant bacteria, superbugs.

Antibiotics may help “drug-resistant” bacteria grow, causing illnesses that are harder to cure and more costly to treat. Your doctor may have to try several antibiotics for treatment. This increases the risk of complications. The resistant bacteria can also be highly contagious/passed on to caregivers, family members and others. Antibiotics for urinary tract infections in older people When you need them—and when you don’t

A study conducted by The Ottawa Hospital Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario Geriatric Refresher Day, Rosemary Zvor, Antimicrobial Pharmacy Specialist, (Research on Elder infections with charts zvonar_use_of_antibiotics) found an increase exposure within the healthcare system, antimicrobials, along with decreased immune system and functional status resulting in poor hygiene, as well as the increase use of invasive devices and close contact with other residents and medical staff that could be carriers.

Some antibiotics carry specific risks to the elderly. The article Adverse effects of Antibiotics in the Geriatric Patient Population lists precautions to consider, which you might share the elderly patient’s physician, of whom you advocate.

“Elderly patients have several unique issues related to antibiotic therapy. In addition to age-associated physiological changes and drug-drug interactions, adverse drug reactions are also a noteworthy concern specific to this population.

Aminoglycosides-renal and auditory toxicity

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole-induced hyperkalemia and blood dyscrasias

Fluoroquinolone-related seizures and QT prolongation

Doxycycline-related esophageal ulcerations & strictures

Acute liver injury secondary to prolonged amoxicillin/clavulanate therapy”

Antibiotics – Impact On Brain Function

This article, Link Between Antibiotics and Delirium Strengthened by Tim Newman, February 18, 2016, Medical News Today, explores an interesting discovery that “antibiotics are known to cause neurological issues in some cases, but the interaction has not attracted much study in the past.” Among the neurologic issues is delirium, which can include hallucinations, agitation and confusion, especially among the elderly. Since infection and antibiotics both can trigger delirium, more work and research is needed to measure and understand this relationship but something to discuss with physicians. Delirium can increase the risk of death in critical care cases.

“The antibiotics react not only against the bacteria but also have ‘off-target’ effects by interfering with normal signaling within the brain. Different antibiotics affect the brain differently, hence causing varying patterns of toxicity.”

“Dr. Shamik Bhattacharyya, of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, conducted a retrospective review using historical patient data. He found that links between antibiotics and delirium might be stronger than previously thought.”

Cranberry Supplements – Heal Or Prevent UTIs?

The Mayo clinic gives good advice about cranberry and UTI prevention in the article… Urinary Tract Infection (UTI),

“Many people drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. There’s some indication that cranberry products, in either juice or tablet form, may have infection-fighting properties. Researchers continue to study the ability of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, but results are not conclusive. If you enjoy drinking cranberry juice and feel it helps you prevent UTIs, there’s little harm in it, but watch the calories. For most people, drinking cranberry juice is safe, but some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea. However, don’t drink cranberry juice if you’re taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin.”

Good Gut Health! Building a good gut…prebiotics and probiotic rich foods.

Be proactive and select foods that are high in probiotics and prebiotics for good gut health. The more good bacteria in your gut the less chance of bad bacteria that can cause irritating digestive system issues or trigger uncomfortable symptoms often experienced with autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Can you take a probiotic supplement? Yes. Supplements, however, are not FDA regulated and you can’t be certain that what is listed on the label is actually in the capsule. I choose to follow wise advice given many years ago when I attend a Celiac Disease conference led by Dr. Peter Green. He shared that the body better absorbs whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals and in this case probiotics and prebiotics rather than taking capsules. If you eat right and skip processed foods, you won’t need to spend the extra dollars on supplements. As we get older and appetites wane, supplements may be needed and this is a conversation reserved to take place with your doctor or a clinical certified nutritionist. Also, probiotic dietary supplements may not be safe, as noted in What are Probiotics?, which may pose risks if you…

Get infections often

Have a weakened immune system

Are allergic or sensitive to the sources of the probiotics (dairy, for example)

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics, simply put, are food for probiotics. “They’re necessary in order for the good flora to flourish,” says Kristi King, R.D., a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 6 Foods That Are Good for Gut Health

Prebiotics encourage the growth of good and healthy bacteria in your gut. Prebiotic foods include fruits and vegetables that are loaded with complex carbohydrates, fiber and resistant starch that pass through the digestive system, which feed good bacteria and other micorbes. Prebiotic foods include: legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, navy beans; raspberries and blackberries; barley, bran and bulgar (being gluten free I search for whole grain gluten-free breads). 6 Foods That Are Good for Gut Health, Consumer Reports

The lining of your gut, like every surface of your body, is covered in microscopic creatures, mostly bacteria. These organisms create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. And though we don’t really notice it’s there, it plays an oversized role in your health and can even affect your mood and behavior. Prebiotics, probiotics and your health

Vegetables offer the best impact for your gut when uncooked to preserve fiber. Cooking transforms the fiber, lowering fiber content. Prebiotic Food List

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live culture bacteria which are found in foods or supplements that promote microorganisms for our guts known to benefit our health, body and brain. Probiotics could also benefit immune function and suggested as an aid for digestive issues, reducing the risk of diarrhea with antibiotic use, lessens risk of C-DIFF infection, and aids in food poisoning and stomach virus. Yogurt, such as non-flavored Greek yogurt, is a great source of probiotics and contains on average per serving 100 million probiotics. Simple… eat a serving of yogurt per day! Some yogurts are marked specifically to contain probiotics, such as Activa. Watch sugar levels in fruit flavored yogurts. Other fermented food products known to contain probiotics; kefer, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, pickles, traditional buttermilk, nato and certain cheeses. Click Probiotic Food List for information on probiotic rich foods. Some fermented foods do have gluten, so for GF readers…read the labels.

NOTE: Kombucha bottles are not always well labeled to instruct recommended use, at least on the bottle I purchased. Internet checking I’ve seen serving recommendations at 4 oz and not to be consumed daily. The health benefits claimed have not been proven. Many brands contain alcohol and caffeine since it is fermented tea, therefore not for CHILDREN. There have been resulting health issues reported, such as liver damage, and the recommendation is to purchase from reputable sources and pass on homemade Kombucha. Not all Kombucha is created equal so if specifically looking for the benefits of probiotic and live cultures, look for labels with these ingredients noted. Some Kombucha can be high in sugar or use alternative sweeteners such as stevia. Check the label and choose those low in natural sugar. This video by Dr. Oz that aired Feb 2018 is a great resource about Kombucha in a comparison study to other food products rich in probiotics, titled, The Hype Behind Probiotics and Gut Foods. Another good resource…What is kombucha tea? Does it have any health benefits? Mayo Clinic, Answers from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Conclusion

Antibiotics rank as one of the greatest discoveries of our time, healing bacterial infections and saving lives. Fast forward 90 years and we are the generation experiencing repercussions of antibiotic overuse and misuse, especially within the elder populous leading to severe side effects, life threatening antibiotic resistant bacteria and superbugs. Failing to complete prescribed antibiotics and its dose recommendation, taking the wrong antibiotics for the wrong infection, borrowing another’s medication when feeling ill, or being prescribed antibiotics when an infection doesn’t exist, can lead to unwelcomed side affects and serious health issues. What can you do? Prepare now and be gut healthy choosing foods naturally rich in prebiotics and probiotics. Communicate prescription concerns with your healthcare provider and explore alternative options when possible. Use your voice and be an advocate for elderly family members. Antibiotic drugs can still be effective and the preferred drug to treat bacterial infections. The responsibility lies with you to know the facts, use your voice, and be proactive by feeding your gut well!

Resources

C. difficile/C-DIFF is a toxin-producing bacteria that causes antibiotic-associated colitis, Mayo Clinic…Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea

CDC: About Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotics Guide, Medically reviewed on Aug 23, 2016 by L. Anderson, PharmD.

Antibiotics: All You Need to Know by Medical News Today, By Christian Nordqvist, Jan. 2017.

Common Side Effects from Antibiotics, and Allergies and Reactions Medically reviewed on Mar 5, 2017 by L. Anderson, PharmD.

C. Difficile Infection by Mayo Clinic

Which Antibiotics Are Most Associated with Causing Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea? March 2017, Pharmacy Times

What Conditions Does Clindamycin Hcl treat? Web MD

FDA updates warnings for fluoroquinolone antibiotics, July 2016, FDA

Extensive impact of non-antibiotic drugs on human gut bacteria, March 2018, Nature International Journal of Science

Urinary tract infection in older adults, October 2013, NCBI

Antibiotics for urinary tract infections in older people When you need them—and when you don’t, Consumer Reports and American Geriatric Society, 2017

Challenges in the Use of Antibiotics in the Elderly by Zvonar, Rosemary Zvonar

Antimicrobial Pharmacy Specialist, The Ottawa Hospital

Adverse effects of Antibiotics in the Geriatric Patient Population, August 2013, LECOM

Link Between Antibiotics and Delirium Strengthened by Tim Newman, February 18, 2016, Medical News Today

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Mayo Clinic

What are Probiotics? Mayo Clinic

6 Foods That Are Good for Gut Health, September 2017, Consumer Reports

Prebiotics, probiotics and your health, Mayo Clinic

Prebiotic Food List, by Probiotics and Fermented Foods

The Hype Behind Probiotics and Gut Foods, February 2018, Dr. Oz

What is kombucha tea? Does it have any health benefits? Mayo Clinic, Answers from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.,

Bacteria Resistant Super Bug – C-DIFF (Clostridium difficile: From Obscurity to Superbug by NCBI )

Gut Health and Antibiotics…what you might want to know

This report is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Never diagnose or treat yourself or a family member.

Gut Health and Antibiotics…what you might want to know This report is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Never diagnose or treat yourself or a family member.

#Antibiotics #C-DIFF #Communicating with your doctor #Elderly and Antibiotics #Gut Healthy #Kombucha #Life Lesson #Prebiotics #Probiotics #Side effects of antibiotics

0 notes

patrickamadeu · 7 years ago

Text

Tips to Naturally Reduce Stress … Starting Now!

Stress kills. No, really… Even if a person has all the other factors right, high levels of stress can derail health. Unfortunately, just knowing stress is a problem doesn’t fix it. If you’re like me, the need to reduce stress just adds another item on the “to-do” list. Laundry… check. Dishes… check. De-stress… not so much. While I’m far from perfect at this step in my own quest for better health, it doesn’t stop me from searching for answers… Reducing Stress: The Silent Killer You can eat all the healthy organic food in the world and take all the best supplements, but if you’re stressed, it will undo it all. Chronic stress keeps stress hormones elevated, suppresses the immune system, and can put you at higher risk for heart disease or cancer. If high stress levels continue over extended periods of time, this puts you at higher risk for many diseases and can shorten your lifespan. Elevated stress hormones will interfere with the body’s ability to properly digest and assimilate food and even lowers insulin sensitivity, which can lead to weight gain or pre-diabetes. Factors besides just mental or emotional stress can create the same physical reaction. Toxins from our food, water, and air can create a stress reaction in the body, as can an unhealthy diet or lack of sleep. What Causes Stress? Physical, emotional/mental, or chemical factors can trigger stress reactions. Bad news for us, since these sources are abundant these days! So why does everyone seem to be so stressed out? There’s a lot of factors, but several come to mind: Poor diet – We have a wide range of processed food to choose from these days, grown from soil significantly lacking of nutrients, which makes the body think it is in famine mode. Concentrations of toxins – These come from food (Diet Coke anyone?), personal care products, and the environment around us and they cause a legitimate stress on the body and can interrupt normal bodily functions. Emotional stress – If you’re a parent, you’re familiar with this one I’m sure! (If you’re pregnant right now, probably even more!) Research also shows emotional stress can follow us from childhood. Physical stress – This can come from obvious factors like injury or trauma, but also from less obvious sources like lack of good fats (which are needed for proper hormone production), constant input from digital devices, and lack of sleep. (Repeat: lack of sleep can cause physical stress!) Add up all these factors, and it is quite logical that we are under more stress these days than when life or death situations (like invaders, wild animals, or famine) presented themselves daily. The truth is, we don’t know how to get rid of stress … because we don’t know how to fight a threat we can’t see. What is very visible and definitely not a figment of the imagination is the negative effect stress has on our physical health. What Stress Does to the Body As I mentioned before, stress causes tangible physical reactions in the body that prepare it for dangerous situations. This is the classic “fight or flight” response designed to make us stronger, faster, and more resilient in the face of a threat to our physical safety. This response is appropriate and valuable in the case of true danger (like a bear about to eat you or Hun invaders riding over the horizon). In order to achieve the burst of strength needed to outrun said threat, the body turns off some normal functions. This is why stress can suppress seemingly unrelated factors like fertility. For instance, the body uses progesterone to manufacture cortisol in the adrenals during periods of stress. Progesterone is also needed for the body for successful ovulation and hormone balance (not to mention carrying a pregnancy). Ovulating wouldn’t be a priority for someone running for her life, but for a woman with chronic low level stress who wants to conceive, this can be devastating. In these periods of chronic stress caused by not sleeping enough, not eating quality foods, inadequate exercise, toxins, and/or mental/emotional stress, the body will let certain aspects of health deteriorate because it thinks it is keeping you alive in a period of danger. (Even if the danger is just being late to the pick-up car line or a missed deadline at work!) What Stress Does to Hormones The stress reaction is controlled by hormones and the endocrine system that produces them. This system functions as a whole rather than in isolated parts, and so chronic stress affects much more than just the adrenals. An overabundance of adrenaline and cortisol can interrupt other hormones like serotonin, melatonin, and fertility hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, etc.) and cause problems like anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle problems, infertility, and menstrual disturbances. Prolonged stress also contributes to aging and weight gain, which no one is a fan of! Weight gain around the mid-section (especially in women) is actually often a symptom of impaired adrenals and the low progesterone that results. When Stress Made Me Sick It’s confession time. Think I have it all together? The truth is, no one does. Stress and sleep are the big gaping holes in my own health. Sure, it’s easy to write about them, and I know what I need to do to optimize them, but with little ones, homeschooling, a blog, a podcast, and getting healthy meals on the table day in and day out, the execution is often difficult. And even if what’s on your plate doesn’t look exactly like mine, I know if you’re a mom you practice an equally challenging (read: rewarding, glorious, exhausting, infuriating) balancing act every day. Several years ago, my stress materialized in a way I couldn’t ignore and reached a level that drastically impacted my health. Here’s what happened… Facing a Family Threat It all came to a head when my husband had an emergency appendectomy. The doctor said his appendix had likely been calcified since childhood. The original surgery required a 2-day hospital stay (and it was the first time I’d left my baby overnight). He came home and felt awful for another week. He was still in pain, wasn’t eating, wasn’t sleeping well, and couldn’t do much of anything but lay on the couch. At his follow-up appointment, the doctor discovered my husband had developed a secondary infection that he’d picked up in the hospital during his surgery recovery. They found an abscess where the appendix had been and drained about 8 ounces of puss from it. They put in a drain that stayed for about a week. A culture of the puss revealed 4 types of bacteria (picked up in the hospital) including the flesh-eating bacteria c-diff. This time, he had to stay in the hospital for 8 days, and was on IV broad-spectrum antibiotics every 6 hours. (I cringed for his poor gut every time they brought them in!) For me, this meant another week of being away from the kids, and in the hospital with him. When I started getting a sore throat and flu-like symptoms, I was put on an antibiotic too, to make sure that I hadn’t picked up any of his resistant bacteria and that I wouldn’t carry it home to the kids or my nursing baby. He finally got discharged from the hospital, and both of our symptoms were clearing up, so we got to go home. He was still under the weather and hadn’t been able to work for about a month thanks to the surgery and infection. I was taking care of the kids, the house, and him, plus trying to keep up with both of our work deadlines to make ends meet financially. I was definitely stressed, to say the least, but I’d always worked well under pressure, so I brushed it off and figured I’d relax and catch up on sleep when things got back to normal. Until… My Body Said “Enough” Then, I started having numbness in my fingers, toes, and lips. My heart was racing. My blood pressure and pulse were high and my whole body shook. I called the doctor, since I’d had allergic reactions to antibiotics in the past and was afraid I was having an allergic reaction. The doc checked and told me that none of these symptoms were listed as side effects or allergic reaction symptoms to this antibiotic, and asked what my stress level was… I laughed… After a follow-up, it turns out that I was on the verge of a panic attack. The remedy? “Learn to relax and reduce stress.” (Yeah, right, I’ll just add that to my to-do list!) Since then, things have calmed down, my husband is recovered, the kids are sleeping normally again, and my blood pressure is back to normal, but my brush with it all really re-enforced how much stress can affect your physical health. How to Lower Stress and Start Feeling Better (Today) We all know that reducing stress is important to optimal health, but how do we do it, practically speaking? Since we can’t truly function at our best with chronic stress, this is an important factor to address in the quest for good health. 1. Eat Foods That Reduce Stress You’ve heard this one a lot if you’ve read anything else around here, but it rings true again. Poor diets full of processed foods, grains, sugars, and chemicals put a tremendous stress on the body. For many people (some experts estimate close to 85%) grains can put a huge stress on the body as they can cause an immune reaction, damage the intestinal lining, and lead to serious disease. Excess carbohydrates can cause this problem too, since the sugars in carbohydrates cause increased insulin if they aren’t immediately used as fuel. For a stress-reducing, adrenal-nourishing diet, focus on getting your nutrients from fresh, real foods in as close to their natural source as possible. Drink a lot of water and, yes … even avoid the caffeine. 2. Reduce Exposure to Toxins This step goes along with the step above, as unfortunately, our “food” supply can be a major source of toxins. If the body is in a state of stress, the liver and kidneys are also not functioning optimally, making toxin removal slow and ineffective. Other sources of toxins include chemicals in toothpastes, personal care products, deodorants, medicines, and cleaning chemicals. Our exposure to large amounts of plastic, especially plastics that have been heated in the microwave, can also cause toxic build up in the body. Top steps for reducing toxins include: using only natural beauty and personal care products avoiding plastics and storing food in glass drinking enough water to make sure toxins are being flushed out avoiding processed foods full of chemicals using only natural cleaning products avoiding environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides 3. Get Enough Sleep Sleep is one of the most important steps in stress reduction, and most moms find the hardest. Historically, the body is used to sleeping when it is dark and being awake when it is light. When we stay awake long after the sun has set and don’t get enough cumulative sleep, we interrupt the body’s natural time for restoration and removal of toxins. The optimal time for regeneration during sleep is roughly between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M. Many people don’t sleep during part or all of this time, causing a backup of toxins and hormones in the body. The body also has a delicate balance of hormones and depends on serotonin and melatonin to regulate good sleep and alertness during the day. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can disrupt the balance of these hormones, making you groggy during the day and restless at night. Poor sleep can also (logically) lead to fatigue, brain fog, memory troubles, and additional stress on the body. Need some motivation to make sleep a priority? Listen to this podcast on why sleep is more important than diet and exercise combined. 4. Learn to Say No Another logical step that I’m guessing most of us are all bad at (me especially). I’m not just talking about saying “no” in a parenting sense (though that could be good too… I recommend “No, you many not eat that candy bar/Happy Meal/Ding-Dong/fill in the blank.”) Many of us have a commitment list as long as our arms, and the stress level to prove it. It is wonderful to help out whenever we can, but make sure you make yourself a priority and realistically evaluate what you can handle while keeping stress low and quality family time high. (Confession: I am really bad at this step myself and have resolved to do better this year!) 5. Exercise, Even If It’s Just a Little Exercise is really helpful in reducing stress in the body. It releases endorphins, helps the body regulate insulin, and improves hormone levels. Exercise also boosts your immune function and helps the body use up excess stress hormones. Try to mix it up and try weights and high intensity exercise instead of strict cardio. I use this 10-minute home workout to make it easy to fit in even on busy days. When in doubt, a vigorous 10-minute walk outside in the sunshine and fresh air is one of the best things you can do to lower stress and improve physical and mental health. 6. Get Enough Good Fats A low-fat diet can actually be a stress on the body, as it won’t have the raw materials it needs to function at its peak. Fats are present in every cell in your body and are necessary for enzymatic reactions and hormone production. There are many kinds of fats, and while your body will use whatever it has, some are certainly more beneficial that others, and some are flat out dangerous. Your body needs the right fats (coconut or olive oil, omega-3s, and fats from healthy grass-fed animals) to produce new cells, manufacture hormones, coat the lungs, for optimal brain function, and many other reactions. The body also needs quality fats to produce, utilize and store vitamin D, a necessary nutrient for immune function and disease prevention. 7. Take In More Antioxidants In the face of stress, the body compensates by speeding up adrenal production. This uses up the vitamins and minerals we take in at a much faster rate and can lead to depletion if not replenished with antioxidant and nutrient rich foods. You may want to consume additional vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium in times of stress especially. I list the best supplements I’ve found to help manage my stress in this post. I also like to use herbal teas for some of these nutrient needs especially in times of stress or illness. Green tea, yerba mate tea, and even peppermint tea contain high level of antioxidants and vitamins that may be beneficial for stress. Bonus: Sipping tea is often connected with sitting down with a good book or chatting with friends … good self-care activities that give you a break from the things stressing you out! 8. Talk to Yourself (and Others) It’s not crazy … we all engage in inner conversation with ourselves all day long! The question is, what are we saying? Stress is not totally objective. We can play a part in telling ourselves — to borrow some famous words — “every little thing gonna be alright.” A growing body of evidence on the positive health benefits of gratitude tells us that the more we emphasize the positive in our minds, the more our physiological responses will follow. This is one reason I take 5 minutes and journal 10 things I’m grateful for every day. Other ways to talk yourself into a better mental frame of mind: Acknowledge what you’re feeling, but counter it with a positive statement — even try this technique to retrain your response to incoming problems and stresses. Flip through a photo book of a favorite vacation and relive some of the experiences with the family or friends you shared it with. Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust — that sense of connection and support may put you back on the right track. Shape your environment by adding positive input and motivation. Hang quotes that inspire you, pictures of family that make you smile, and reminders of positive achievements. Bottom Line: Stress Doesn’t Have to Win It’s my hope that as moms we can beat the stress monster and create a safe space within the walls of our homes where there is enough time and we are enough. I’m not sure I achieve this every day (or even every week!) so if there are ways you’re making this happen in your home, please share with our Wellness Mama community… and help all moms know they’re not alone! Do any of these stress busters work for you? What are three ways that you’ve found help reduce stress levels in your life? Share below! Enjoy this blog and join our 12 week transformation program here: www.PatrickAmadeu.com/evolution Read the full article

0 notes

cdifffoundation · 8 years ago

Text

Clostridium difficile (C.diff.) a Spore Forming Bacteria

Types of spore forming bacteria.

To provide a background and definition of each of them the following information is beneficial.

Bacteria are a large group of microscopic, unicellular organisms that exist either independently or as parasites. Some bacteria are capable of forming spores around themselves, which allow the organism to survive in hostile environmental conditions. Bacterial spores…

View On WordPress

#Antibiotic awareness #Antibiotic Facts #c diff information #C. diff. history #CDAD #Clostridium difficile #Clostridium difficile Science #Clostridium diffiicle background #Clostridium genus #How Antibiotics trigger C. diff. Infections #Spore forming Bacteria #What are Clostridium diffiicle spores?

0 notes

sherristockman · 8 years ago

Link

Medical Mistakes Affect 1 in 5 People Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola Medical mistakes are made in the operating room, in the emergency room and in the doctor's office. And, unfortunately, the mistakes made by doctors, nurses and pharmaceutical companies still are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Statistics from a study originally published in 20001 have not changed in the 17 years since its publication. Authors in the Canadian Journal of Surgery believe medical errors represent a serious public health problem and a threat to patient safety.2 The definition of a medical error often rests on patient outcome, or rather if there was a negative outcome from a medication or procedure. Some research suggests 250,000 people die each year from medical errors and millions more who are harmed by drug-related mistakes.3 However, as frightening as the number of people dying from medical error is, some suggest it is only the tip of the iceberg.4 The purpose of understanding the numbers is not to scare you, but rather to help you understand how you can take control of your health even inside the health care system. Making informed choices and using proven tools to reduce your risk of illness by maintaining optimal health are strategies you may use to reduce your personal risk of injury at the hand of another. Some medical errors have resulted in drastic changes in the standards of medical care, but often only after tragedies and long years of work to change an ingrained system. For instance, in 1982, ABC highlighted cases of anesthesia mistakes that resulted in injury or death, but it wasn't until 1985 before a program of standardized anesthesia care and monitoring was put into place to avert those errors.5 As a general rule, one of your best ways of preventing unnecessary injury or death is to stay healthy and out of the hospital. This is why I am so passionate about sharing preventive health strategies with you, such as eating right, exercising, reducing stress and getting quality sleep. The exception is in cases of accidental trauma or surgical emergencies when modern medicine can be truly lifesaving. Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Patients Has Experienced a Medical Error In a nationwide survey of more than 2,500 people, researchers found that 1 in every 5 adults had been on the receiving end of a medical error and 1 in every 3 said someone whose care they were closely involved in had experienced a medical error.6 The results from this survey found most of the errors were involved with diagnosis of a medical condition and occurred in an outpatient setting. The press release begins:7 "The vast majority of Americans are having positive experiences with the health care system, but 21 percent of adults report having personally experienced a medical error, according to a new national survey released today by the IHI/NPSF Lucian Leape Institute and NORC at the University of Chicago." Other notable findings from this survey included: Almost half of the participants who discovered an error brought it to the attention of medical personnel or other staff Most believed that although the medical staff are predominantly responsible for safety, patients and families also have a role to play People identified on average seven different factors that played into the medical error While the survey does demonstrate a willingness to be involved in patient safety, it is also important to note the average rate of error was 21 percent in this sample size, and medical mistakes continue to rank as the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Dr. Tejal K. Gandhi, chief clinical and safety officer and president of the IHI/NPSF Lucian Leape Institute, commented on the results of the study: "The survey results show that Americans recognize that patient safety is a critically important, but complex, issue. The focus on diagnostic errors and the outpatient settings closely parallels other research in this area and confirms that health care improvers need to take a systems approach to safety that encompasses all settings of care, not just hospitals. I think one of the most valuable findings is the degree to which patients are willing, and expect, to be involved in their care. The fact that many people who experienced an error spoke up about it confirms that patients and families are vital to informing health care organizations about harm and how to prevent it in the future." What's Acceptable Human Error? Any time humans are involved in an equation, there is room for error. No human is error free. And, like most other human behaviors, the average rate of human error has also been picked apart, studied, analyzed and discussed. Human error rate tables confirm that the "human factor" is real and unavoidable. Human performance falters when tasks require great care, or are complicated and nonroutine, in much the same way medical care functions. However, in most human error rate tables, the highest percentage of error is 10 percent performing complicated, nonroutine tasks.8 Mechanical error rates outside of medical care average 0.5 percent to 1 percent.9 Researchers measured pharmacist error in a busy VA hospital where 1.9 million medications were dispensed over one year and found a 0.0048 percent error rate during the busiest shifts when verification of over 400 medications was done in one eight-hour shift.10 IHS Automotive, an auto industry research firm, reports there are nearly 253 million cars on U.S. roads.11 There are an estimated 5.8 million car accidents each year.12 Of those car accidents, 94 percent are caused by human error.13 If each car drove just once each day, accidents occurring as the result of human error in the 253 million cars is equal to 2.1 percent. Each of these statistics is a far cry from the 21 percent of patients in the U.S. health care system that experience medical errors. You May Be Shocked by These Medical Mistakes In many instances, medical error is preventable as it's often the result of human error. Patients and family members may help reduce these mistakes by staying vigilant when receiving medical care.14 • Getting the wrong treatment To give you medication, radiation, physical therapy or even surgery, medical staff are required to verify your identity. Most hospitals use identification bands with your name, birthdate and a unique barcode. Make sure this is checked before you receive any medication or treatment. • Waiting in the emergency room Hospitals and emergency rooms have a finite amount of space, so when they are full, you may be forced to wait for medical care. Most hospitals will prioritize patient care based on the extent of the trauma or urgency of the medical situation. Be sure the staff is aware of any changes to your medical condition while you're waiting. • Waking up during surgery If you receive an underdose of anesthesia, your brain may be "awake" even if you can't move your muscles. Unable to move or speak, you may still feel the surgery taking place. Express any concerns you have with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery, including asking about options for local anesthesia in lieu of being put to sleep. • Surgical mistakes Surgeons may perform a procedure on the wrong body part, or leave a “souvenir” inside. Between 2005 and 2012, nearly 800 instruments were left inside patients after surgery, drastically increasing their risk for infection and necessitating a second surgery.15 This number doesn't include other potential objects, such as sponges or electrodes. Alert your surgeon and attendants you are aware of these issues, confirming with the surgeon the body part on which surgery is planned and asking them to be especially careful when counting instruments and sponges at the end of the surgery. • Fake doctors Not all medical mistakes are made by medical professionals. In some cases, con artists pretend to be doctors or therapists to scam you of your hard-earned money. They sell potions, braces or exercise programs advertised to make you healthier, faster, better or prevent surgery without the research or expertise to back up those claims. CNN gave the example of Sarafina Gerling, who wore a back brace advertised online by a man found guilty of insurance fraud. Gerling thought the brace would help her scoliosis, but it only made the condition worse. Iatrogenic Infections Result in Nearly 50,000 Deaths Each Year Iatrogenic (caused by a medical treatment, diagnostic procedure or physician) and hospital-acquired infections kill more people each year than diabetes. Each year 1.7 million are infected at the doctor's office or hospital and 99,000 die from health care-associated (HAI) infections.16 These infections affect up to 10 percent of all patients hospitalized each year and add an estimated $20 billion in additional health care costs. Also called nosocomial infections, the most commonly acquired in-hospital type of infection include infections in central line IV catheters, urinary tract infections from Foley catheters, surgical site infections and diarrheal illness from Clostridium difficile (C. diff). In many cases, these infections can be prevented using simple handwashing techniques required of hospital personnel when coming into contact with patients. Unfortunately, many of these infections are triggered by superbugs or bacteria that have become antibiotic-resistant. Inappropriate use of antibiotics and overuse have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, but the largest source of exposure is actually through antibiotic use in your food. Nearly 80 percent of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are given to livestock to reduce disease and make the animals grow bigger faster. Residue from antibiotics is then passed along to you in the meat and dairy products you eat. For example, at least 80 different antibiotics are currently allowed and may be detected in cow's milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)17 has concluded that as much as 22 percent of antibiotic-resistant illness in humans is linked to food. Death Certificates Hide the Real Numbers At this point, no one knows the real number of deaths that may be attributed to medical mistakes as most death certificates do not list the trigger. For example, Dr. Barbara Starfield, author of the Journal of the American Medical Association study that documented a staggering 225,000 deaths from medical mistakes in 2000, was herself a victim. Her husband, Dr. Neil Holtzman, attributed her death to an interaction between aspirin and Plavix, which was not mentioned on her death certificate.18 Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine believe these shortcomings in how vital statistics are recorded hinder research and keep the issue out of the public eye. They wrote an open letter to the CDC, calling for medical errors to become a recognizable and reportable cause of death.19 The data analysis showed the coding system used to categorize death certificate data doesn't capture information that may have led to unrecognized surgical complications, inappropriate medications, diagnostic errors or poor judgment. The inability to capture the full picture of medical errors may stunt research and public knowledge of a problem that continues to grow inside the health care system. The researchers have recommended a number of different strategies that increase transparency following an error and communication within the health care system and with reporting agencies, such as the CDC. These types of changes may help researchers evaluate the issues and find solutions to reduce patient injury and death. As long as providers and administrators don't acknowledge the severity of the problem, very few corrections are likely to be made. Dr. Martin Makary, professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, led the research and commented on the irony in the results, saying,20 “It boils down to people dying from the care that they receive rather than the disease for which they are seeking care." Staying Safe in the Hospital Download Interview Transcript In this interview with Dr. Andrew Saul, who has written a book on the issue of safeguarding your health while hospitalized, we discuss the importance of being your own advocate. Once you have walked through your doctor's office door or have been checked into a hospital, you are immediately at risk for becoming the recipient of medical mistakes. You and your family are the best safeguards against experiencing a medical error. This is particularly important for children and senior citizens. Anytime you are hospitalized, be sure you have a personal advocate present with you to ask questions and take notes. It helps reduce the likelihood of mistakes when someone can ask, "What is this medication? What is it for? Who is supposed to get it? What's the dose? Are there side effects?" Another step you may consider if someone you know is scheduled for surgery is to print out the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist.21 The checklist can be downloaded free of charge here. If a loved one is in the hospital, print it out and bring it with you, as this can help you protect your family member or friend from preventable errors in care. Needless to say, avoiding hospitalization is your safest bet. You may be able to reduce your risk of hospitalization by maintaining optimal health following specific strategies you'll find in my previous article, "Medical Errors: STILL the Third Leading Cause of Death."

#VitalityPath

0 notes