Mirror Athlete Enterprises Articles

August 21, 2009

MRSA Killer Bug?

Filed under: Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health, bacteria, disease, hygiene, immune system, infection, tips — Marc Woodard @ 16:46

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is often referred to as a killer, or super bug that is resistant to many antibiotics.  This bacterial bug is most appropriately referred to as a super bug because of Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (ORSA).  This is a MRSA strain that is resistant to many types of antibiotics, to include penicillin’s and cephalosporins.  This bug is of great concern to those who need surgery, or nursing care services where the patient age 65 and older are four times more prone to contracting MRSA.  The term killer bug stems from the fact that in 2005, “More than 18,000 Deaths and 94,000 life-threatening cases occurred.   The bug frequently enters the body in a sterile health care facility or hospitals where patients are in a weakened immune state.  Most bacterial spread occurs due to unsterile dialysis, catheters, or surgical procedures (Medical cleanliness standards have greatly improved since 2005).  This does not mean a healthy individual cannot obtain this bug.  Patients can be exposed to a Community Associated (CA)-MRSA infection.  CA infections are common among homosexuals, athletes, prisoners and soldiers.

Since MRSA bacterium is often found in the noses and skin of healthy people, we are all susceptible during a weakened immune state to activate the MRSA bacteria.  In most cases, this activation is prominent after surgeries, can form around malignancies as boils and abscesses to include other pus-type lesions.  Most that contract MRSA are not considered infected; instead the organism is colonized on the skin, in the nose, or throat without infection.  However, if one also has fever like symptoms then they would be considered infectious.  One should not fear MRSA, or methincillin-sensitive S type (difficult to treat with anti-biotic) as a general threat to the public.  MRSA does not typically present a threat to health care providers, or family members that provide the care unless they are suffering from debilitating disease.  One should not be discouraged from social contact.
 
Recommendations, If Diagnosed with MRSA, or Require a Medical Procedure
1.        Inquire how often staff is required to wash hands (before & after MRSA patient handling, or procedures).  Frequent cleanliness practice prevents spread of MRSA.
2.      Patients room doors should remain closed, records clearly labeled where regularly damp dusting occurs, and nursed in wards not placed with non-infected patients.
3.      Treatment – Antibiotics through the nose and special bathing procedures to ensure there is no possibility of spreading the bug in a facility, or home care facility. 
4.      After patient discharge it is very important the medical facility disinfects the room and clothes bagged for special treatment so the next patient is not exposed to MRSA.
5.      Ensure your physician and care handlers refer to past MRSA susceptibility, separation and isolate immediately should you require future hospitalization, or medical care.

References,
Association of Medical Microbiologists, worldwide Internet………………http://www.amm.co.uk/files/factsabout/fa_mrsa.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention………………………………………http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html
Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRSA
Web MD, http://www.webmd.com/news/20071016/more-us-deaths-from-mrsa-than-aids

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your free eNewsletter.

April 25, 2008

Candida and What to Do About it?

Filed under: Chronic Pain, Depression, Diet, Nutrition, Prevention, Product Toxins, Treatment, Women's Health, bacteria, blood chemistry, disease, how to, immune system, remedies — Marc Woodard @ 03:52

Some think or suspect the Candida fungus is responsible for what ails them.  Since Candida resides in us all, it is not impossible to believe this particular fungus could get out of hand.  Candida is a yeast fungus that normally is present on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina, and that may become pathogenic, especially C. albicans, the causative agent of thrush (fungal infecti0n of the mouth or throat).  Infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans, is manifested by white, slightly raised patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue, mouth, and throat. The mucous membrane beneath the patches is usually raw and bleeding.  Candida overtakes your guts probiotics (read “Intestinal Bacteria & Nutrient Absorption?” at our home site), outnumbering the helpful bacteria as its food source.  Candida albicans then runs rampant within the stomach and small intestines.  When the fungus becomes present in the large intestines… This is a sign your system is fighting a battle it can’t win unless something changes. This is because your guts bacterial environment has become septic with the fungus.  With long-term infection the fungus actually sets up a root system penetrating the intestinal and mucosal lining of our guts.  Other harmful materials then are easily absorbed by this deep rooted system resulting in an immunological reaction, where the yeast syndrome impacts the entire body’s system.

 Health problems associated with this fungus – It is recognized, this deep rooted fungi system can introduce insidious pathogens in the body creating a condition where serious disease can thrive, e.g., “1) Acne or psoriasis 2) Allergies 3) Diabetes 4) Digestive disorders… Weight gain, gas, bloating, colitis (read “IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome” at our home site) 5) Ear infections 6) Emotional upsets and depression 6) Energy imbalances or insomnia 7) Hormonal problems 8) Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) 9) Hypoglycemia 10) Hypothyroidism 11) Lung problems 12) Obesity 13) Pollen allergies 14) Reproductive Organ Disorders 15) Sensitivities to foods, chemicals, and/or molds 16) Susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, and other infections 17) Thyroid.   Some practitioners believe that Candida overgrowth can lead to onset of chronic illnesses: Chronic fatigue symptom (CFS), fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, cancer, and autism (www.puristat.com).”

Recommendations Once you are identified with Candida, it can take up to 7 months to remove it through proper diet.

Avoid the following foods:  All sugars, baked goods, breads, refined flour, alcohol, vinegars, pickled vegetable, dried fruits, cheeses, mushrooms.  Candida depends on sugar to survive.  Cut off the food source and you’ll starve-kill the fungus.  Also check food labels for fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, mannitol, sorbitol and sucrose.  Avoid honey, maple syrup and molasses.  Remove processed and packaged foods from your diet (high in sugars).

Foods to Consume:  Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds, eggs, yogurt, meats, poultry, fish, oils (flaxseed, olive, sesame, and sunflower), butter, lemon, etc., (www.puristat.com)”   See our Wellness Company “Quality & Vitamin” supplements for whole body health with Flori (good bacteria), anti-oxidant protection, heart health, digestive system, healthy bones, etc.     

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008  Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com,,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

February 15, 2008

How to Deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Filed under: Nutrition, Prevention, Product Toxins, bacteria, disability, fast food, how to, immune system, infection, obesity, pain, remedies, tips — Tags: , , — Marc Woodard @ 15:02

 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) creates much discomfort for those that experience the symptoms causing havoc within the large intestine (colon).  The symptoms include, bloating, gas, cramps in the abdomen with pain, constipation and diarrhea.  IBS presents itself to 1 out of every 5 adults and is more prominently exhibited in women starting as early as 20 years of age.  Although IBS creates a great deal of discomfort, it is not a serious health risk (does not lead to intestinal bleeding or cancer).  Common pharmaceuticals prescribed for diarrhea (Lotronex) and for constipation (Zelnorm) to include over the counter medication, which can have serious side effects.

What causes IBS?  No one knows for sure, there is not one identifiable organic factor.  Through clinical case studies and research, scientific consensus agrees the following various factors bring about IBS symptoms:  Individuals with sensitive and reactive colons, immune system, reproductive hormones, diet, stress and emotions can strongly influence the colon.  Since the colons reactive triggers are piped to the brain and are partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, much like the heart and the lungs; the colon responds to stress (emotions and food intake stimuli) much like the heart and lungs (e.g., being freighted, fast heart beat and breathing, etc.).  The colon reacts the same way by contracting too little, or too much, by removing too little water through the intestinal lining (diarrhea), or too much water (constipation).  Both conditions cause cramping, boating and gas felt within the stomach.  IBS “IS NOT” considered a disease.  Natural Cure Recommendations Below,

 Recommendations:  “IBS has no cures. You must manage what creates & triggers the symptoms!”
1    Keep a journal of the foods you eat, when you eat and how much (target IBS triggers).  See a physician, or naturopathic physician to present this information to.
2    Reduce large meal intake, which can cause cramping, and diarrhea (smaller meals and more frequent meals), slow eating down, and stop chewing gum, both results in too much gas (air). 
3    Check risks warnings on medicines prescribed. Ask your doctor about questionable medications.  Seek professional medical advisement and ask about natural cure management.
4    Remove chocolate, caffeine, milk products and alcohol from diet.   Try removing one at a time to determine if symptoms improve.  Log this information in your daily journal.
5    Remove stress, conflict and other emotional upsetting factors from your lifestyle.
6    Drink 6-8 glasses of water/day, especially for diarrhea.  Don’t drink carbonated drinks.
7    Consume low fat & higher in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice and “whole grain breads & cereals” (unless you have “celiac disease.”  This disease mimics IBS… If you are diagnosed with this, your body can’t digest gluten (wheat, rye, barley, etc.,) a blood test can rule out if you have celiac disease).
8    Increase fruits and vegetable consumption within your diet and, or see line #9.
9    Supplement your diet with a quality absorbable min & vit’s (See our natural products).
10   Supplement your diet with an autoimmune quality product (See our natural products).
11   Supplement your diet with flora (Good intestinal bacteria) (See our natural products).
12   Supplement your diet with natural menopausal products (See our natural products).
 

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter. 

     

  
 
 

 

 

 

 

Powered by WordPress