Health Matters January 2014 by The Hays Daily News

HealthMatters 7 Screenings detect early risk.

9 Doctors help kids get strong start.

4 Prevention bears fruit in keeping people healthier longer.

We’re here to help Shae Veach, vice president of Hays Medical Center

Vaccines important at any age.

recent report conducted by the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program has listed Ellis County as the fifth healthiest county in the state of Kansas. This is a great accomplishment, and the Ellis County community should feel good about the fact we are among the healthiest in the state. HaysMed is committed to helping reach the goal of being the No. 1 ranked county in the state of Kansas by continu-

ing to provide quality educational, preventive and important health screenings to Ellis County and western Kansas. HaysMed continues to demonstrate our “Healthy Hays” initiative by promoting monthly blood screenings, diabetes solutions education, “Exercise is Medicine” program, and preventive educational offerings throughout the year. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these programs and take charge of your health in 2014.

Guide to your blood screenings results: Test name and definition:

Albumin: Albumin is the most abundant serum protein. Decreased blood might indicate many disorders including poor nutrition, kidney disease, and advanced liver disease. Alkaline Phosphatase: Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and bones. Elevated serum levels may indicate the presence of bone or liver disorders. The enzyme activity also increases following fractures and in growing children and pregnant women. Alanine aminotransferase: ALT is an enzyme found in the liver. It might rise with liver diseases, viral infections and reactions to drug and alcohol. Aspartate aminotransferase: AST is an enzyme found in the liver, cardiac and skeletal muscle. AST might rise in liver, heart and muscle disorders. It also can rise following strenuous, prolonged exercise. Bilirubin: Total bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin. Abnormally high bilirubin levels might occur in individuals with liver and gallbladder disease, causing jaundice. Blood urea nitrogen: BUN is an end product of protein metabolism. BUN levels might rise in kidney diseases, dehydration or urinary obstruction among other causes. BUN/Creatinine Ratio: Blood Urea Nitrogen is an end calculated value that might indicate an abnormality that is not obvious by reviewing the individual test results. Calcium: One of the most important minerals in the body. This might be used to diagnose and monitor several conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys and teeth. Cardio CRP: This stands for C-reactive protein, which is made by the liver in response to infection, tissue injury or inflammation. Even low values, previously regarded as normal, have been shown to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis (fatty deposits lining the walls of blood vessels). Results of this test can help predict your risk of developing atherosclerotic heart disease.

Health Matters

Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte, important in maintaining electroneutrality in the body. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is one of the major fats (lipids) in the body. High levels might indicate an increased risk of heart disease. Levels can be controlled with diet, exercise and medications. Cholesterol/HDL ratio: This is another indicator of heart disease risk. A ratio of 5.0 or less might be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Creatinine: A metabolic product released from muscle tissue and excreted by the kidneys, and may rise in kidney disease. eGFR: Creatinine is not sensitive to early renal damage since it varies with age, gender, and ethnic background. The impact of these variables can be reduced by an estimation of the Glomerlar Filtration Rate (eGFR) using an equation that includes serum creatine, age and gender. Globulin: A major component of blood proteins. Abnormal levels, both elevated and decreased, might indicate infections, allergic states, immune disorders and other diseases. Glucose: The main source of energy for living organisms. Glucose rises after a meal. It might remain abnormally elevated in some illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. Hemoglobin A1c: Helps to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes therapy. In diabetes, the glucose level has greater variation with elevated levels compared to individuals without diabetes. The excess glucose binds onto proteins including most abundant protein in the red blood cells, hemoglobin. The combination is known as hemoglobin A1c and results are reported as percent of the hemoglobin that has bound glucose. Hemogram (also known as complete blood count):Used as a screening test for various disease states including anemia, leukemia, and inflammatory processes. HDL Cholesterol: Elevated high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol might be associated with decreased risk

Prevention

of heart disease. LDL/HDL Cholesterol ratio: An indicator of heart disease risk. The lower the ratio, the lower the risk. LDL Cholesterol: Elevations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol might be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. High levels of LDL can be reduced by diet and/or medication. Potassium: Potassium is present in all body fluids, however, it is mainly found within cells. It is routinely ordered by physicians to evaluate a wide variety of conditions. Protein, Total: Protein in blood includes two major components, albumin and globulin. Protein levels might fall in chronic disease, malnutrition, or cancer. Increases in protein can be seen in dehydrations, blood dyscrasias, and chronic infections, among other causes. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen): Prostate-Specific Antigen test in males can be elevated in certain prostate abnormalities including cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte which is present in all body fluids. Sodium is used to detect the cause and to help monitor treatment of dehydration edema, and a variety of other symptoms. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: TSH, secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine. This test is used to detect thyroid disease. Triglycerides: Fats that provide a reserve of energy. Increases in triglycerides combined with low HDL cholesterol and increased small particle LDL might indicated heart disease risk. Triglycerides may rise with obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and after a meal high in fat.

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Dr. Rick Rajewski talks with patient Jo Murphy, who also is director of volunteer services at Hays Medical Center.

An ounce of prevention

enjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Making a few simple lifestyle changes now and following your doctor’s recommendations for health screenings can go a long way toward preventing many illnesses. “There are a lot of health problems that are alterable if we can change our lifestyle, if we can live healthier,” said Dr. Richard Rajewski, a family physician at Hays Family Medicine, 2509 Canterbury. While some conditions are thought to be genetic, patients should research their family histories and get recommendations from their doctors about taking steps to prevent the progression of those illnesses. Rajewski, who has helped many Page 4

A group of women work out during a group fitness class at the Center for Health Improvement.

patients become healthier during the span of his 35-year career, also personally has experienced the benefits of Prevention

preventive medicine. Heart disease runs in his family, he said, and further investigation revealed Health Matters

Center members share a laugh as they work out during a morning class at HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement.

several of his relatives had high cholesterol. After identifying that genetic risk factor, Rajewski began a regimen of healthy eating and exercise. He also checks his cholesterol regularly through blood screenings to confirm his number is under control. “I got new life insurance when I was 60, and I got the best rate available because of controlling my cholesterol numbers, exercising regularly and having a relatively normal body weight,” he said. “I don’t use tobacco — another big thing — and those are all preventive things.” HaysMed Volunteers offer community blood screenings one Saturday a month inside the hospital entrance B. The cost for a complete chemistry profile is $25, while PSA screenings are $15 and hemoglobin tests are $10. Ten to 12 hours of fasting are preferred for the screenings, which can detect early signs of many illnesses, includContinued Health Matters

“

If women will maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol to the point of no more than one drink a day, they can lower their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent. Dr. Rick Rajewski

”

ing high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, blood cell abnormalities, and thyroid disease. Healthy adults younger than 50, and those older than 50 who have not had

abnormal screenings previously, should have a screening once every few years, Rajewski said. Those who have had abnormal blood screens in the past or are particularly at risk for a certain genetic condition should be screened more frequently, as advised by their physicians. One of the most important steps to take toward better health is implementing a regular exercise regimen. Last year, HaysMed made it a company-wide goal to prescribe exercise for patients. Just 150 minutes of aerobic activity — meaning exercise that increases your heart rate — each week significantly can help prevent the onset or worsening of many chronic conditions. “Regular aerobic exercise is very, very important for so many things, from mental health to diabetes to cancer,” Rajewski said.

Page 6 Prevention

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Tips for

healthy living:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a major factor that increases the risk of developing several types of diseases. Patients should strive to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and good nutrition. • Avoid tobacco. The use of tobacco has been found to significantly increase the risk of many chronic diseases. • Drink alcohol in moderation. At a maximum, men should consume no more than 10 alcoholic beverages each week. Women should not consume more than seven. • See your doctor for regular preventive health check-ups. • Make sure your vaccines are current. From Dr. Rick Rajewski, Hays Family Medicine clinic.

Dr. Rick Rajewski.

“There’s great data out there saying exercise is good for everything,” Rajewski said. While the intensity of a workout will vary based on each patient’s physical condition, every patient should be able to find a healthy activity. “We all know that exercise is good for our health, even though it may not be the most fun thing to do,” Rajewski said. “There are some activities that nearly everybody could participate in that would be fun for them.” Obesity seriously increases the paPage 6

tient’s risk of developing several types of diseases. Patients should strive to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and good nutrition. Breast cancer is one example of a disease that is thought to be preventable in many cases, he said. “If women will maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol to the point of no more than one drink a day, they can lower their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent,” Rajewsi said. It’s also important for patients to folPrevention

low their physician’s recommendations for other types of screening, such as preventive procedures to help detect the early onset of cancer. Patients 50 and older should have regular screenings for colon cancer, and women can begin having regular mammograms at age 40 or 50. Those who are thought to be high-risk because of family history or other factors might need to start screening sooner or more often, based on their physician’s recommendations. Health Matters

Joyce Peckham performs one of several cardiac screening tests on a patient.

Keeping a healthy beat C hest pain. Shortness of breath. Irregular heart beat. Many people are familiar with some of the symptoms of heart disease. HaysMed, however, offers a preventive health screening to catch the early stages of cardiovascular disease before symptoms begin. By checking blood pressure in all four limbs and using ultrasound technology, technologists collect data that indicate if a patient is showing early signs of atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke or aortic aneurysm. “The thing is, most patients are going to be normal,” said Joyce Peckham, ultrasound supervisor. “But it gives them a peace of mind, and

Health Matters

then it also gives you a place to go forward from. “And it’s the same if you have an issue. You have peace of mind. You think ‘OK, I’m doing the right thing.’ Keep doing what you’re doing.” The weekly cardiovascular screenings are available from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays by appointment. The cost for the complete screening is $75, though patients can select only certain tests for a lesser price. Insurance does not reimburse for the procedure, as the preventive screening is elective. No preparation is necessary for the procedure. The full screening takes ap-

Screenings

proximately 20 minutes. Patients can expect to have their blood pressures taken and their heart rates monitored through EKG. Ultrasound technology will be used to collect images of carotid arteries in the neck to assess a possible risk of stroke, and in the abdomen to detect aneurysm. Because ultrasound technology relies on sound waves, there is no exposure to radiation during the screening, Peckham said. Results usually are mailed to patients a few days after the tests. In rare instances a critical health problem has been detected during the tests. Continued

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When a problem is detected, those patients are seen by a physician — and sometimes treated — before they can return home. That’s a benefit of having the screening done in the hospital, she said. “We’ve had people coming in, planning on leaving town, and we’ve caught critical issues and stopped them,” Peckham said. “We call the cardiologist, and they come down and see the patient right then and take them off for an intervention. We have had that.” The screening enables physicians to catch the earliest signs of cardiac complications. In early phases, the condition often can be managed by lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. That beats the alternative of waiting until symptoms become significant, which could result in heart attack, stroke or open-heart surgery, she said. The screening generally is recommended for patients 50 and older. The screening can be done annually or every few years if the patient’s previous test did not indicate any abnormalities. Patients who have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes, smoking or obesity might need to be screened at a younger age. Those concerned about their risk factors can make an appointment with their physicians. “You catch it early, and our goal then is to be able to treat it with lifestyle changes — the exercise, quit smoking, get healthy,” Peckham said. “You need to catch that stuff early when you have a family history and it’s coming on.” HaysMed has been offering the

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Joyce Peckham, supervisor of ultrasound at Hays Med, left, performs one of several cardiac screening tests.

elective screenings for approximately nine years, and was one of the early adopters of the preventive procedure. Cardiac screenings have gained prevalence through the years, and several hospitals have worked with HaysMed’s staff to develop similar programs, Peckham said. “We truly do this for the community,” she said. Screenings for PAD, stroke and aortic aneurysm also are available quarterly in Hill City, Oakley, Phillipsburg, Ransom and WaKeeney. Patients wanting to schedule an appointment can call (785) 623-5714. Appointments should be made at least a week in advance. Screenings

Weekly cardio screenings

• Atrial fibrillation: $15 Do you have palpitations or irregular heartbeat? Do you have chest discomfort? Do you have light-headedness or shortness of breath? • PAD (peripheral artery disease): $30 Do you have cramping, aching or fatigue in your legs when you walk? Do you have poorly healing ulcers on your feet? Do you smoke, have hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol? • Stroke scan: $30 Carotid ultrasound with doppler looks inside the carotid arteries to detect early signs of plaque build-up. • Aortic aneurysm scan: $30 Abdominal aorta ultrasound looks for a ballooning of the artery wall that could cause the artery to burst. • All four scans: $75

Health Matters

Getting a strong start W hen it comes to parenting, there are many decisions that must be made for your children every

day. One of the most important decisions — and one that can impact your child for years to come — is made soon after birth when parents are presented with a schedule of recommended vaccines. “In the end, vaccines are the only thing medicine has come up with in all of our years of research to completely prevent a disease,” said Dr. Ellen Squire, a pediatrician at HaysMed. “I think that, from a preventive medicine standpoint, is the whole goal.” Several agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatricians and federal Centers for Disease Control and PrevenHealth Matters

tion, have drafted a vaccine schedule based on the optimum time for both the immune system’s response and exposure to certain diseases. The first vaccine for hepatitis B is recommended at birth, with other vaccines following in an infant’s first two years of life. Other key times for immunizations are the ages of 4 to 6 — when a child is beginning school and could be exposed to more illnesses — and 11 to 12, Squire said. Children older than 6 months also are encouraged to receive an annual flu shot to protect against common strains of influenza. While alternate schedules and ideas long have circulated on the Web, Squire said it’s always best to follow your docChildren

tor’s recommendations. “In a nutshell, that schedule is optimally designed for the child,” she said. “So when we alternate or go to another schedule, we’re not optimizing it for that child. We’re actually really doing a disservice.” Vaccinating your children is a choice, but it’s a choice doctors strongly encourage parents to make. The issue has become particularly challenging for parents in recent years, with a plethora of misinformation easily found on the Internet and promoted by some parenting groups. It can be difficult for parents to discern fact from fiction, and if in doubt, parents always should talk to their child’s pediatrician, Squire said. Continued

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Figure 1. Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 18 years – 2013. (FOR THOSE WHO FALL BEHIND OR START LATE, SEE THE CATCH-UP SCHEDULE [FIGURE 2]).

“We’ve been trained through years of schooling. All of us here have done multiple researches ourselves. The American Academy of Pediatricians is a very important organization for kids and has done multiple rounds of research. “In the end, what you come out with, is that vaccines are very important for not only saving lives, but preventing illness,” Squire said. “I think it’s very important to note there is no link to autism.” Vaccines against once-common childhood illnesses such as measles and chicken pox were developed to help protect children from possible severe side effects. “There are lots of people who would have a bad reaction ... and it’s very difficult to predict who would have bad outcomes,” Squire said. “So that’s what vaccines are designed to do. They are designed to completely prevent a disease so we don’t have to worry about who’s going to respond best and who’s not.” As a result, illnesses such as chicken pox that were commonplace just a generation ago aren’t seen as often in today’s youth. As parents, it’s important not to take that sense of security for granted, as

These recommendations must be read with the footnotes that follow. For those who fall behind or start late, provide catch-up vaccination at the earliest opportunity as indicated by the green bars in Figure 1. To determine minimum intervals between doses, see the catch-up schedule (Figure 2). School entry and adolescent vaccine age groups are in bold. Vaccines

Birth

Hepatitis B (HepB) 1

1st dose

1 mo

2 mos

4 mos

6 mos

2nd dose

9 mos

12 mos

15 mos

19–23 mos

2-3 yrs

4-6 yrs

7-10 yrs

1st dose

2nd dose

See footnote 2

Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP: <7 yrs)

1st dose

2nd dose

3rd dose

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

1 dose

2 dose

See footnote 5

3rd or 4th dose, see footnote 5

Pneumococcal conjugate

1 dose

2nd dose

3rd dose

4th dose

1st dose

2nd dose

4th dose

Tetanus, diphtheria, & acellular pertussis (Tdap: >7 yrs)

6a,c

(PCV13)

13–15 yrs

16–18 yrs

5th dose

11-12 yrs

3rd dose

Rotavirus2 (RV) RV-1 (2-dose series); RV-5 (3-dose series) 3

18 mos

(Tdap) st

Pneumococcal polysaccharide6b,c (PPSV23) Inactivated Poliovirus7 (IPV) (<18years) Influenza (IIV; LAIV) 2 doses for some : see footnote 8 8

3rd dose

4th dose

Annual vaccination (IIV only)

Annual vaccination (IIV or LAIV)

Measles, mumps, rubella9 (MMR)

1 dose

2 dose

Varicella (VAR)

1 dose

2nd dose

Hepatitis A11 (HepA)

2 dose series, see footnote 11

Human papillomavirus (HPV2: females only; HPV4: males and females) 12

(3-dose series)

Meningococcal (Hib-MenCY > 6 weeks; MCV4-D>9 mos; MCV4-CRM > 2 yrs.) 13

Range of recommended ages for all children

see footnote 13 Range of recommended ages for catch-up immunization

Range of recommended ages for certain high-risk groups

1st dose

Range of recommended ages during which catch-up is encouraged and for certain high-risk groups

booster

Not routinely recommended

This schedule includes recommendations in effect as of January 1, 2013. Any dose not administered at the recommended age should be administered at a subsequent visit, when indicated and feasible. The use of a com-

*Courtesy the federal Centers Disease Control and Prevention bination vaccineof generally is preferred over separatefor injections of its equivalent component vaccines. Vaccination providers should consult the relevant Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) statement

for detailed recommendations, available online at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/acip-list.htm. Clinically significant adverse events that follow vaccination should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) online (http://www.vaers.hhs.gov) or by telephone (800-822-7967).Suspected cases of vaccine-preventable diseases should be reported to the state or local health department. Additional information, including precautions and contraindications for vaccination, is available from CDC online (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines) or by telephone (800-CDC-INFO [800-232-4636]).

Health Matters Children P age 10 This schedule is approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html), the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org), the American Academy of Family Physicians (http://www.aafp.org), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (http://www.acog.org).

NOTE: The above recommendations must be read along with the footnotes of this schedule.

Dr. Ellen Squire, HaysMed.

some of those illnesses are still a plane ride away, she said. Though side effects from vaccines are reported occasionally, parents can rest assured that immunizing their children is a safe practice. “If you look at the side effects profile for amoxicillin, and kids take that all the time, there’s a higher risk of side effects with that than there is with the vaccines.”

Well child checks

Another important piece of preventive health for children is following a doctor’s recommended schedule of well child checks. These appointments often are recommended especially up to age 3 and help ensure the child is meeting developmentally important milestones. The appointments measure a child’s height and weight, and doctors also ask a series of questions relating to motor skills, social skills and problem solving to gauge behavioral development. If a problem is detected, early intervention is an important way to improve a child’s outcomes later in life, Squire said. “It also provides an opportunity for the parents to ask questions about development or nutrition or safety,” she said. “Again, because not everything put on the Internet is always true.” Health Matters

The exams also can monitor vision, hearing and dental health. Newborns should be taken to their doctor every two months for the first six months. Other check-ups are recommended at 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years, 21⁄2 years and 3 years. After that, parents are encouraged to bring their child to the doctor at least once each year for an annual check-up. Children

It’s hoped beginning that practice early will carry on later in life. “It underscores the importance of meeting with your doctor on a yearly basis,” Squire said. “So as you even get into adulthood, the child who has seen a doctor yearly and understands the importance of seeing a doctor yearly will be more likely to continue seeing a doctor yearly as they get into adulthood.” Page 11

Screening recommendations for men and women Ages 18 to 39

Ages 40 to 49

Ages 50 to 64

Ages 65-plus

Blood pressure

At least every 2 years if you have blood pressure of 120/80 or below. At least once a year if between 120/80 and 140/90. Discuss treatment for blood pressure of 140/90 or above.

Cholesterol

Beginning at age 20, get a regular test if you are at an increased risk of heart disease. Ask your doctor how often you need to be tested.

Get a regular test if you are at an increased risk of heart disease. Ask your doctor how often you need to be tested.

Start screenings at age 50. Talk to your doctor about what test is best for you and how often you need it.

Continue screenings to age 75. Talk to your doctor about what test is best for you and how often you need it.

Get screened if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take high blood pressure medicine.

Colorectal cancer tests

Diabetes tests

Get screened if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take high blood pressure medicine.

Gonorrhea tests

Get tested if you Get tested if you are sexually active are sexually active and at increased risk, and at increased risk, pregnant or not. pregnant or not.

HIV tests

Get tested at least once. Discuss your risk with your doctor. All pregnant women should be tested.

Get tested at least once. Discuss your risk with your doctor.

Get tested at least once if you never have been tested or are at high risk.

Syphilis tests

Get tested if you are at an increased risk.

Get screened if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take high blood pressure medicine.

Get tested if you are Get tested if you are sexually active and sexually active and at increased risk. at increased risk.

Additional tests for women Ages 18 to 39

Ages 40 to 49

Bone mineral density test (osteoporosis screening) Mammogram

Discuss with your health care provider.

Ages 50 to 64

Ages 65-plus

Discuss with your doctor if you are at risk of osteoporosis.

Get this test at least once at age 65 or older. Talk to your doctor about a repeat screening.

Starting at age 50, get screened every 2 years.

Get screened every 2 years through age 74. Ask your doctor if screenings should continue past age 75.

Cervical cancer screening (pap test)

Get a Pap test every After age 30, get 3 years after age 21. a Pap and HPV test At age 30, get a Pap every 5 years. and HPV test every 5 years.

After age 30, get a Pap and HPV test every 5 years.

Ask your health care provider if you need to be screened.

Chlamydia test

Get tested yearly through age 24 if you are sexually active or pregnant. Ages 25 and older, get tested if you are at an increased risk, pregnant or not.

Get tested if you are at an increased risk.

Get tested if you are at an increased risk, pregnant or not.

* Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A healthy dose

hile many patients likely are familiar with pediatric immunizations, adults also are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the schedule of vaccines recommended by their physicians. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a schedule of 12 vaccines adults might need, depending on their age and risk factors for certain diseases. “As health care providers, as you see illnesses, you know they could have been prevented,” said Bevra Brinkman, infection prevention officer. “And that’s important. “Of course, it’s always a choice, but prevention is key.” The influenza vaccine is one of the Page 14

most widely recommended immunizations for adults. The annual shot offers protection from three flu strains that are projected to be the most prevalent that winter. Flu season typically runs from October to March, often peaking around January. HaysMed long has offered a drive-thru flu shot event, offering the vaccine to patients free of charge. Even if patients missed that opportunity, however, it still is recommended to get the shot even toward the end of the regular flu season. “It’s recommended for all adults annually,” Brinkman said. “There’s really nobody out there to rule out.” Other commonly recommended In Focus

vaccines are to help prevent pneumonia and shingles. Both vaccines especially are recommended for seniors, but younger patients also could be candidates based on their risk factors, such as potential exposure and health conditions. The pneumonia vaccine typically is administered in one or two doses, and is particularly important for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, she said. The zoster vaccine, widely recommended for adults older than 60, is designed to help prevent the occurrence of shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the same virus as chicken pox. Patients who have had chicken pox already have the virus in their system, so Health Matters

Bevra Brinkman is infection prevention officer at HaysMed.

it’s hoped the vaccine will decrease the instance of shingles, she said. Older adults who spend significant amounts of time with young children also are encouraged to get a tetanus booster, which also includes a vaccine against whooping cough. “Susceptibility goes up, because the vaccine wanes a bit, they found, and adults are getting it,” Brinkman said. “So it’s very important to get that.” There also are vaccines that are recommended for young adults. Students who plan to attend college, living in the dorms or with roommates, often are required to get a meningitis vaccine. Meningitis is a bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal chords. The illness is most prevalent in group living situations. While it used to be only students living in college dormitories that were required to get the vaccine, some colleges have begun to require the immunization as a condition of admission. Adults between the ages of 19 and 26 also are encouraged to get three doses of the HPV vaccine. The sexually transmitted human papillomavirus has become more common, Health Matters

20-second prevention The No. 1 way to prevent common illnesses is simply to wash your hands, Brinkman said. Handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water is one of the most effective ways to avoid the spread of potentially contagious bacteria and viruses. Hand sanitizing liquids are equally effective, she said. Here are some simple health tips: • Wash your hands after using the restroom, before food preparation, and after coming into contact with and is thought to be a significant risk factor for cervical cancer later in a woman’s life. Secure electronic databases are available to help track what immunizations a person receives over the course of their lifetime. If vaccines are received outside a doctor’s office, such as at a pharmacy or county health office, patients are encouraged to bring paper records to their doctors. If a patient has any questions about what vaccines they have had and which ones they need to get, they should contact their primary care provider. In Focus

high-touch surfaces, such as telephones, computer boards and surfaces in public places like handrails or door knobs. • Use sanitizing wipes provided at grocery store entrances to sanitize your shopping cart handle. • Keep hand sanitizing gel in your purse, in your car and in your office for quick access. • Try to keep your hands away from your mouth and nose, and immediately wash your hands after contact.

“

Of course, it’s always a choice, but prevention is key.

”

Bevra Brinkman

Infection prevention Page 15