Over the past two months hundreds of children across the country have been affected by Enterovirus, known as EV-D68. Sadly there have been more than 600 cases reported and 5 children have died. Therefore, it’s no surprise that families are concerned and also confused about this respiratory illness. I’ve broken it down below in order to give you a better understanding about what Enterovirus is, and how to protect your family!

 

• Enteroviruses are actually more common than one may realize – in fact there are over 100 different types and they infect over 10 million people every year. Each year the mix of viruses going around the country varies, and this year there is a higher number of EV-D68 cases than in the past.
• This particular strain of Enterovirus, EV-D68, can cause a fever, runny nose, body aches and other cold-like symptoms. On the more severe end it can also cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.
• The virus has this biggest impact on babies, kids, and teens who haven’t had exposure to it previously and therefore don’t have immunity to it.

Now that you know the facts abut Enterovirus and that it’s more prevalent than usual you are probably wondering about prevention and protection. Let’s dive right into how you can turn your awareness into action. First thing to note: it’s a respiratory virus, which means that the virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva and nasal mucus. This means it spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, or sneezes. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family.

• Wash your hands OFTEN and with soap and water for 20 seconds. To make sure you are washing long enough try singing the Happy Birthday song in your head while washing   Fact: the CDC actually says that hand washing is the best way to protect yourself from viruses.

• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at work and at home, including toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay informed. If you have questions or think you or your family member may be sick then talk to your doctor! There’s no need to be scared or hide your children. You are powerful and armed with knowledge of what the Enterovirus is and how you can protect yourself and your family from it!

Wishing you good health.

 

Dr. V

 

I can hardly believe it either – it’s nearly time to squeeze back into our swimsuits and flaunt our legs in shorter hemlines.  As much as I’m sure you’re all welcoming warmer weather, many of you are probably hitting the gym and working on getting in shape for summer. A fan of fitness myself, I applaud your efforts, and encourage you to make them a habit year round!  That said, for those of you just starting out, here are some of my rules for summer training and shaping up!

 

#1 – Always Check in with Your Doctor First

If you’re adding a new routine to your life – whether it’s training for a 5K or starting a spin class, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor before you begin.  This is especially important if you are pregnant, have any pre-existing conditions or think you’ll be really upping the intensity during your training program in comparison to how you usually work out.

 

#2 – Make Hydration Mandatory Before, During & After Working Out

Sometimes we’re so much in our “zone” that we forget to drink water while working out in the hot summer sun.  Then we wonder why we’re tired, underperforming, or feel crummy after the workout!  For those of you exercising in the warmer months, be sure you’re hydrating before, during, and after each and every workout.

 

#3 – Proper Gear is a Must (& an Excuse to Go Shopping)

Who wants an excuse to do a little shopping, raise your hand! You’ll feel better, do better and want to continue working out if you’re dressed properly for your workouts.  This means researching the best shoes for the specific type of fitness program you’re following, picking out an outfit that is comfortable, and wicks away sweat and “works for your workout” (i.e., no loose pants if you’re in spin class).  If you’re doing things outdoors this also means sunglasses and perhaps a hat to protect your face and eyes from the sun and other elements, like pesky bugs, wind kicking up dirt, etc.  The cherry on top of all this great gear is that beyond helping you perform better, it will incentivize you to keep “showing up” as a workout warrior because you’ll want to show off your new looks!

 

#4 – Slather on that Sunblock

Sure you want to soak in the Vitamin D rays while working out in the sun, but you do not want to deal with skin cancer risks, not to mention a future of wrinkly, sun-damaged skin.  In the summer I recommend you select a sunblock that is water and sweat proof, which will protect you without you having to worry about you sweating it off!

 

#5 – If You’re Working Out Outdoors at Night Be Careful!

The hot summer sun can be a beast during the day and because of that I know many of you will opt to run, bike or hike later in the day.  Though it does bring cooler temperatures it also means that you’re putting yourself at risk in a few more ways, so be sure you’re taking the proper precautions before you head out after sun down.  If you’re anywhere near traffic be sure you’re wearing reflective, bright colored clothing to warn cars, bikes, and other people that you’re there.  I also like to encourage women to work out in pairs or groups (many cities have running groups you can join).  No matter how safe your neighborhood is, running or biking alone at night can be tricky, so give yourself and those who love you peace of mind and do it with a partner.  Finally, don’t forget that when the sun goes down, lots of bugs come out.  Be sure you have a great sunblock on to keep mosquitos at bay!

 

Wishing you a great workout!

 

Dr. V

 

 

When news of recent measles cases began hitting the news it surprised people a lot.  “Measles?!” I know you thought, “Huh? Didn’t we take care of that health issue years ago?”  “Do people still get that?”  Though it does sound like an illness that was more prominent when our parents or even grandparents were young, this highly contagious disease DOES still exist – in fact each year about 60 people in the United States alone are diagnosed.   Unvaccinated people can also bring measles into the United States from other countries after being infected themselves or spending time with infected friends and family. Thankfully, because of successful vaccination the measles is not a health epidemic here in the US, but it still kills an estimated 164,000 people each year around the world. Since the measles has popped up again here in the US and is HIGHLY contagious and has long term consequences I thought I would break down some facts about measles for you in this essential guide.

 

What is the Measles?

It is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that enters your body via the respiratory system and is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing.  It can cause fevers, cough, runny nose and a rash all over your body. It doesn’t just affect kids, measles can also make a pregnant woman have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely. The measles is so highly contagious that if you have not been vaccinated against it and you are exposed to it, you will almost absolutely get it, and it can lead to other health issues like ear infections and pneumonia.

 

How do most of us prevent it these days?

Measles can be prevented by being vaccinated with the combination MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.

 

Why have there been more measles cases in the United States in recent years?

Most people attribute the recent cases of measles cases and outbreaks to two things 1) to an increase in unvaccinated people visiting the United States and 2) Americans traveling more and more to communities with unvaccinated people in them, then returning home with the virus, bringing it back into the United States.  Vaccination Fun Fact:  The Measles Vaccination Program began in 1963 and before that time 3 to 4 million people got measles every year!

 

Do I have to worry about a measles outbreak in the United States?

Short answer?  No.  Though cases have been reported recently, most of the cases are isolated. That said, if you’re traveling into unvaccinated areas take proper precautious and fully understand the risk you’re putting yourself into before going abroad. And secondly, if you are not vaccinated or do not plant o vaccinate your children talk to your health care provider to ensure ways to stay Measles free.

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood and the rest of the world gasped this past week at the shocking news that Philip Seymour Hoffman died from what appears to be an accidental heroin overdose.  Those close to him revealed soon after that the actor had been waging a long term battle with addiction and drug abuse and had recently faltered and fallen off a decades long sobriety wagon.

Though very publicized, the manner of death at which we lost Hoffman isn’t something new and it isn’t as uncommon as you may think.  In fact, all over the world millions of people snort, inject or smoke the drug.  In fact, around the world, men and women over the age of 35 have seen their heroin overdose rates grow by double-digits in each of the past two years!

One great way to help prevent tragedies like these from occurring is to educate ourselves about them so let’s get down to some Heroin 101.

How Does Heroin Work:

• Heroin works on the central nervous system. It is a narcotic, and opiate like Fentanyl, Morphine, Dilaudid, Vicodin, and Percocet. It impacts all the body’s systems by acting as a depressant meaning it slows down the heart, decreases the ability to breath, and can easily lead to loss of consciousness. Any of these effects can be fatal if the dose is too high or if it’s laced with something else, as many believe Hoffman’s hit was.

• Depending on purity and the user, a lethal dose of heroin may range from 200mg to 500mg, but hardened addicts have survived doses of 1800mg and over.  Again this could be where Philip Seymour Hoffman ran into an issue: as a former user he may have thought he could go back to his old dosage, but after years away from the drug, his tolerance could have changed, and a lower dosage could have proved lethal!
• That said, as with all street drugs, there is no “safe dosage.” It depends on tolerance, amount and purity taken, and there are no hard and fast ways to check those when you’re taking a hit or buying it off a dealer.

 

Symptoms of a Heroin Overdose:

If you suspect someone you know may have been taking heroin here are some signs to watch out for:

• Slow Shallow Breathing
• Muscle Spasms
• Pinpoint Pupils
• Bluish Fingernails
• Cold, Clammy and Pale Looking Skin
• Weak Slow Pulse
• Drowsiness or Change in Mental Status
• Difficulty Awakening the Person

 

What to Do if You Suspect Someone is Overdosing

• Keep Calm – You will only be able to help them if you remain calm and collected.

• Call 911 – Get help or get them to an emergency room immediately.

• Look around and see if you can assess what types of drugs they took and how much they consumed. Look for bottles, pills, or other drug paraphernalia

• While you’re waiting keep the person calm (if they are conscious) and keep the area around them clear so they don’t accidentally injure themselves and so the medical team can easily access them.

If you are able to save someone after they come around remember that helping them get to rehab and creating a long term recovery plan is also something that those around them can help make happen!

We often like to think that drug users and abusers are hiding in the dark shadows in the street but many are people in the public eye or “regular” people like you and me.  Be aware of the signs and symptoms of drug use and don’t be afraid to speak up! It’s better to confront a friend about bad habits now than wait for the unavoidable and scary after effects!

Wishing you good health.

Dr. V

 

 

 

Almost 26 million people in the US have diabetes, including recognizable names like Halle Berry and as we recently learned, the larger than life, Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The actor announced earlier this month that his doctor diagnosed him with Type 2 Diabetes. Hanks also reported that his doc told him if he could “just get down to his high school weight that he could probably get rid of his diabetes.” Hanks joked on Letterman that it wouldn’t be possible as he weighed 98lbs in high school! I applaud Mr. Hanks for coming out and sharing his diagnosis, as he is typically known to be a very private, person. Media outlets have reported and questioned if perhaps Mr. Hanks’ necessity to lose and gain weight for movie roles throughout the years was responsible for him now having diabetes.  As a medical professional, I have to admit that’s mostly likely not the reason and Hanks himself stated he doesn’t think that’s the case, as he has been pre-diabetic for years. Interestingly studies have shown that although a lifetime of yo-yo dieting isn’t good for you, it is a healthier alternative to obesity. I’m certainly not condoning yo-yo dieting – we all know a lifestyle change vs. dieting is the best way to maintain a healthy weight and prevent illness. It’s also important to remember that good old genetics plays a significant role in the risk for Type 2 diabetes. There is a definite link and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes for anyone who has a family history of diabetes. That doesn’t mean you will get “the suga,” as diabetes is affectionately called, but it does mean that you may be at increased risk. Wishing you the best of luck Tom in managing your diabetes, I know that he can take it on and win!

Dr. V

 

Our deepest condolences go out to Pierce Brosnan and his family as his beloved daughter, Charlotte, (both shown above) lost her 3-year battle with ovarian cancer, at the young age of 41. It is so sad to hear that another beautiful life has succumb to this terrible disease. Although ovarian cancer awareness month isn’t until September it’s important that EVERY woman EVERY DAY know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer because it can affect any of us. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute report that 1 out of 100 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime. The risk goes up exponentially to 5 out of 100 if one family member has had ovarian cancer, and 7 out of 100 if two or three relatives have had it.  Many of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific, such as abdominal pressure, bloating, and pelvic pain. Only 20% of ovarian cancers are found before the tumor has spread beyond the ovaries.  The frightening thing about ovarian cancer is that it is hard to detect early. Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage and is hard to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women. The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2013 more than 22,000 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer, and more than 15,000 will die from the disease. Ovarian cancer usually occurs in women over age 50, but can also affect younger women. In the case of Pierce Brosnan’s daughter, Charlotte she had a strong family history as her mother, actress Cassandra Harris (pictured below) and grandmother both died from the disease, and she may have even have had a genetic mutation such as  BRCA1 or BRCA2 which significantly increases one’s risk for ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown scientists are working hard to figure out genetic markers, and things that not only increase but also decrease our risk for developing this disease.

Pierce Brosnan and wife Cassandra Harris, Charlotte’s mother.

 

Because of the aggressive nature of ovarian cancer and the nonspecific symptoms it is important that women be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, because the sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better the chance for recovery.

For more information about ovarian cancer click here http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/ovary/page2 Become informed and help us stop ovarian cancer!

 

Dr. V