Warnings issued about post-storm mold exposure

Millenium Physician Group Family Nurse Practitioner Kristin Gustin MSN, FNP, who also holds a master’s of science in nursing, is concerned about the mold left over from Hurricane Ian Mold, in minute amounts, is a normal occurrence in air, water and homes, she said, however when it grows and multiplies uncontrollably, it can become problematic and possibly increase risk of potential health problems

“Symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold can include sinus irritation, cough, congestion, mucus in the throat post nasal drip, itchy throat, eyes and nose

Mold can trigger asthma attacks, causing shortness of breath, tightness of chest and wheezing It can cause skin rashes, which can present as dry, scaly patches, sensitivity, non-healing sores, bumpy texture and or discoloration,” Gustin said

According to Gustin, signs and symptoms of an infection caused by mold can vary significantly in each case Some patients present with candida (fungus) of the stomach, mouth and esophagus, she said, which can cause causes gastroenterology symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, white patches in the oral cavity, dry mouth, pain and dif- ficulty when eating and swallowing, as well as cracking at the corners of one’s mouth

A candida infection of the lungs may present with cough, shortness of breath, fever, generalized weakness, and or pain, she said.

“Mold toxicity can lead to memory i m p a i r m e n t , m o o d s w i n g s , h e a d a c h e s , generalized body aches, elevated heart rate, sweating, and swollen lymph nodes," she said "There is evidence of long-term effects from consuming mold toxin foods, however, less is known to the actual risk of long-term exposure to mold via skin contact or breathing

"We have found that since Hurricane Ian, there have been a significant amount of people complaining of the various symptoms listed above, and that once treated as a fungal infection, their symptoms resolved We have been tracking and d o c u m e n t i n g d e m o g r a p h i c s , s y m p t o m s and outcomes of these cases,” Gustin said Because people are all different, she explained, it is difficult to say, with any certainty, how much exposure to mold each individual can safely tolerate, as it varies from person to person Some will be affected sooner and more severely than others, such as the elderly, those with compromised immune symptoms, chronic respiratory conditions, and children

“We want our islanders to know that exposure to mold in their home, air or water can present serious complications if left untreated Unfortunately, many people are not even aware that they are being exposed If anyone feels that they may have been exposed to mold, and are experiencing any of those symptoms or if anyone has any questions, they can always call the office to be evaluated It’s important that no one feels that they have no choice other than to live with mold,” Gustin said

Besides being one of your local healthcare providers, Gustin is on the board of the Greater Pine Island Alliance, which focuses on Pine Islanders who may still have unmet needs after Ian The organization is currently working in collaboration with a company who is offering free mold remediation, she said

The Millennium Physician Group is at 10484 Stringfellow Road, Suite 1, St James City Call 239-283-5200 or visit Team@GPIAlliance org for information

Open mic event this Friday at SJCCA

The St James City Civic Center, located at 3300 Fourth Ave , is holding an open mic event Friday, April 7, from noon to p m

The SJCCA is looking for local musicians to take the stage and folks to enjoy the music!

Organizers are planning to hold the open mic activities inside the building.

For information, call Denise Huber at 208-290-2512 or Myra Watson at 717817-1512