Could our high altitude be causing stomach problems for some of us? It can, especially for people traveling out here this summer.
We know that when someone visits us here in Colorado, we have to worry about our high altitude and dry climate. Giving them a couple of days to get used to the altitude and making sure they drink plenty of fluids can help keep them comfortable and safe. But a new, small study is showing that traveling to a higher altitude, like here in Colorado, can also cause flare ups of certain intestinal issues. In particular, researcher found that when someone traveled about 6,500 feet, they ended up having more flare ups of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This means those suffering from Crohn's Disease or Colitis need to pay particular attention to how they feel when they get out here to our higher altitudes.
Although researchers aren't sure what causes this and haven't yet looked at what people can do when flare ups do occur, knowing this can happen can prepare visitors. And having your visitors talk with their doctor before heading out here to get medications they can use just in case they do have a flare up, can also go a long way towards helping make sure their vacation doesn't get them sick.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Detergent Pod Warning
They might be convenient, but they're also proving to be a problem for kids.
We're talking about these little detergent packs that have been showing up on store shelves. Doctors across the country are seeing more and more children that have eaten them. And some of these children have ended up getting very sick because of it.
These small detergent packs are very convenient. And they work because they pack a lot of detergent in a little package. But that little package, for some reason, is also attractive to kids, probably because they are so brightly colored. And since these packages are made to dissolve very quickly, once a child puts them in their mouth they end up getting a big load of detergent.
But doctors are also noticing that kids putting these packets in their mouths get more sick than those eating regular detergent and aren't sure why. It might be because they get a bigger load or because it dissolves so quickly. Either way, more children are getting sick and some even hospitalized after putting one in their mouth.
Manufacturers are responding by putting locks on the container lids. In the meantime, and even after the lid locks are in place, treat these detergent packs like any other dangerous product in your house. Keep them in a cabinet out of reach of your children or with childproof locks. That way the little ones in your house won't be tempted by the brightly colored packages.
We're talking about these little detergent packs that have been showing up on store shelves. Doctors across the country are seeing more and more children that have eaten them. And some of these children have ended up getting very sick because of it.
These small detergent packs are very convenient. And they work because they pack a lot of detergent in a little package. But that little package, for some reason, is also attractive to kids, probably because they are so brightly colored. And since these packages are made to dissolve very quickly, once a child puts them in their mouth they end up getting a big load of detergent.
But doctors are also noticing that kids putting these packets in their mouths get more sick than those eating regular detergent and aren't sure why. It might be because they get a bigger load or because it dissolves so quickly. Either way, more children are getting sick and some even hospitalized after putting one in their mouth.
Manufacturers are responding by putting locks on the container lids. In the meantime, and even after the lid locks are in place, treat these detergent packs like any other dangerous product in your house. Keep them in a cabinet out of reach of your children or with childproof locks. That way the little ones in your house won't be tempted by the brightly colored packages.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Summer Safety Tips
This weekend is the unofficial start of summer. As the saying goes, "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt." So, here are some simple steps that can help make sure summer stays fun.
Remember that with our intense sunshine, sunscreen to prevent burning and fluids to prevent dehydration are important for everyone, even on cloudy days. This is even more important for visitors.
And after a long winter and many school days, bicycles and scooters will be your children's best friends. Head injuries happen easily and can be devastating. So, just make sure they always wear a helmet, even if just in your driveway. Most kids don't like helmets at first, but if the house rule is always, "no helmet, no bicycle," they'll quickly get used to them.
With the warmer temperatures and more sunshine, we will also start venturing outside more to exercise. But after a slow winter, you need to allow your body time to adjust to a new exercise routine. Start slowly, increasing the distance or intensity of your workout over days. Also, spend less time, at first, outdoors to allow your body to adjust to the hotter temperatures. And exercise when it's cooler, in the morning or towards the end of the day. Again, don't forget to keep hydrated.
The goal here is to enjoy Colorado's beautiful summer with your family, but to do so with safety in mind.
Remember that with our intense sunshine, sunscreen to prevent burning and fluids to prevent dehydration are important for everyone, even on cloudy days. This is even more important for visitors.
And after a long winter and many school days, bicycles and scooters will be your children's best friends. Head injuries happen easily and can be devastating. So, just make sure they always wear a helmet, even if just in your driveway. Most kids don't like helmets at first, but if the house rule is always, "no helmet, no bicycle," they'll quickly get used to them.
With the warmer temperatures and more sunshine, we will also start venturing outside more to exercise. But after a slow winter, you need to allow your body time to adjust to a new exercise routine. Start slowly, increasing the distance or intensity of your workout over days. Also, spend less time, at first, outdoors to allow your body to adjust to the hotter temperatures. And exercise when it's cooler, in the morning or towards the end of the day. Again, don't forget to keep hydrated.
The goal here is to enjoy Colorado's beautiful summer with your family, but to do so with safety in mind.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Swimming: Don't Get Sick Tips
It's about time to start that summertime ritual, hitting the swimming pool on hot days. But there are a few things to think about before jumping in.
It's about making sure you or your kids don't get sick swimming this year. But right up front, this isn't a "don't swim warning," but more of a "take a few precautions" before getting in the pool story.
Recent reports have shown that more people are getting sick from swimming pool water. This usually means catching gastroenteritis... causing belly pain, vomiting and diarrhea. And one of the main reasons is because many of us don't shower before entering the pool and some of us even swim when we're sick.
But again, don't take this as a reason to miss out on pool fun this summer, but there are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy. Most importantly, if you have diarrhea, don't swim until things get better. Also, whether you are sick or not, shower off with water *and* soap before getting in the pool. According to a survey by the water quality and health council, although 93% of us would never reuse someone else's bath water, only a little more than half of us shower "before" getting in a pool. And pools are basically a big communal bath, so wash off before getting in. And when you're in the pool, to further help yourself out, don't swallow pool water and wash your hands when you get out. Make sure your kids do the same.
That way this summer you can not only have fun in the pool, but also keep healthy while you're at it.
It's about making sure you or your kids don't get sick swimming this year. But right up front, this isn't a "don't swim warning," but more of a "take a few precautions" before getting in the pool story.
Recent reports have shown that more people are getting sick from swimming pool water. This usually means catching gastroenteritis... causing belly pain, vomiting and diarrhea. And one of the main reasons is because many of us don't shower before entering the pool and some of us even swim when we're sick.
But again, don't take this as a reason to miss out on pool fun this summer, but there are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy. Most importantly, if you have diarrhea, don't swim until things get better. Also, whether you are sick or not, shower off with water *and* soap before getting in the pool. According to a survey by the water quality and health council, although 93% of us would never reuse someone else's bath water, only a little more than half of us shower "before" getting in a pool. And pools are basically a big communal bath, so wash off before getting in. And when you're in the pool, to further help yourself out, don't swallow pool water and wash your hands when you get out. Make sure your kids do the same.
That way this summer you can not only have fun in the pool, but also keep healthy while you're at it.
Hepatitis C Test
The government is urging some of us, especially baby boomers, to get a certain blood test.
The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer or cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundred of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
SO, to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer or cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundred of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
SO, to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Button Battery Warning
It might seem harmless, but the common button battery is doing a lot more harm to kids than we thought.
We've issued this warning before, to be careful with button batteries around children. But a new study is showing that more children are getting hurt and ending up in the ER because of these batteries than every before.
Researchers have found that more than 65,000 children have ended up in the ER after swallowing batteries over the last 20 years. And those numbers are rising. Part of the problem is that small button batteries are easy to swallow and for some reason appealing to some kids. To some they even look like candy. And part of the problem is that they are becoming more common. You'd probably be surprised at just how many of these button batteries you have in your house right now.
But the bigger problem is what happens once a child swallows the battery. The battery itself can burn a hold through the esophagus, the feeding tube, stomach lining or intestines. That then becomes a life-threatening condition. And it can happen just a couple of hours after the battery is swallowed.
So, your best bet is to keep them out of the reach of small children. If you suspect they swallowed a button battery, or if you notice excessive drooling, which can be a sign of something stuck in their throat, don't wait. Get them to the ER.
We've issued this warning before, to be careful with button batteries around children. But a new study is showing that more children are getting hurt and ending up in the ER because of these batteries than every before.
Researchers have found that more than 65,000 children have ended up in the ER after swallowing batteries over the last 20 years. And those numbers are rising. Part of the problem is that small button batteries are easy to swallow and for some reason appealing to some kids. To some they even look like candy. And part of the problem is that they are becoming more common. You'd probably be surprised at just how many of these button batteries you have in your house right now.
But the bigger problem is what happens once a child swallows the battery. The battery itself can burn a hold through the esophagus, the feeding tube, stomach lining or intestines. That then becomes a life-threatening condition. And it can happen just a couple of hours after the battery is swallowed.
So, your best bet is to keep them out of the reach of small children. If you suspect they swallowed a button battery, or if you notice excessive drooling, which can be a sign of something stuck in their throat, don't wait. Get them to the ER.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Measles Alert
There is an alert out for a disease you probably haven't heard of in a while, but could start making its way to Colorado.
We're talking about measles, something most of us have never seen, but something that might be traveling to Colorado this summer.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has just issued an alert to doctors around the state to be on the lookout for people with symptoms of measles. The department is especially wanting Urgent Cares, emergency departments and other doctors' clinics to be on the watch for measles since people will be traveling to Europe this summer for the Olympics or to other international locations.
Part of the problem is that measles outbreaks are occurring in England and other parts of the world and more children here in the U.S. are not getting recommended vaccines. When you combine those two by traveling to an area and getting exposed to measles without the protection of a vaccine, that not only means you or your children will get sick, but you could also bring measles back to Colorado.
So, your best bet is to make sure you and your children have their required vaccines, whether you are traveling or not. Especially since it looks like measles will do some traveling of its own this summer.
We're talking about measles, something most of us have never seen, but something that might be traveling to Colorado this summer.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has just issued an alert to doctors around the state to be on the lookout for people with symptoms of measles. The department is especially wanting Urgent Cares, emergency departments and other doctors' clinics to be on the watch for measles since people will be traveling to Europe this summer for the Olympics or to other international locations.
Part of the problem is that measles outbreaks are occurring in England and other parts of the world and more children here in the U.S. are not getting recommended vaccines. When you combine those two by traveling to an area and getting exposed to measles without the protection of a vaccine, that not only means you or your children will get sick, but you could also bring measles back to Colorado.
So, your best bet is to make sure you and your children have their required vaccines, whether you are traveling or not. Especially since it looks like measles will do some traveling of its own this summer.
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