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.

February 23, 2009

COPD Is Serious and Will Kill You!

Filed under: Cancer, Chronic Pain, Environmental Toxins, Men's Health, Prevention, Product Toxins, Women's Health, addiction, disease, infection, mortality, pain — Marc Woodard @ 17:49

CODP (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a disease by which breathing becomes very difficult without assistance from an oxygen tank once the disease has progressed and will eventually kill you!  It is well know that smoking is a major culprit behind COPD.  The smoke causes and creates permanent damage to the lungs air-sacs.  There are other inhaled elements that can put you at risk.  1) Chemical Fumes.  2)  Dust 3) Air Pollution 4) Second hand smoke.  After years of one or more element exposures, it can take years for this disease to present itself.   COPD is most commonly found in people 60 and over, those that have had lung infections as a child, those that got emphysema in their 30-40’s, or families where this disease manifested itself.  Symptoms – Chronic cough and/or mucus when coughing, shortness of breath, especially during exercise, weight loss and weakness.  As the disease progresses exacerbation flare ups can be mild to life threatening by suffocation, or drowning in your own mucus fluids.

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable CODP.  What chemicals in cigarettes are responsible for causing CODP?  This is a good question, The National Cancer Institute states there are over 4,000 chemicals released from tobacco smoke.  The tar residues by-product that enters your body includes such poisons as arsenic and cyanide!  The American Lung Association shows each year 400,000 Americans die from lung disease.  There are 35 million more Americans in any given year that are now living with chronic lung disease!  Even with these unbelievable statistics American smoking consumption is as strong as ever, “Nicotine has the addictive power of heroin and cocaine.” (Dr. C. Everett Koop, Surgeon General).

It is also known that second hand smoke gravely impacts others around them.  Many smokers do not believe their habits impact anyone else but themselves.  The American Heart Association secondhand mortality statistics:  Secondhand smoke is directly responsible for 37,000-40,000 cardiovascular and 3,400 fatal lung cancer victims per year. And according to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is responsible for over 150,000 lung infections and 750,000 middle ear infections within our children each year.  There are basically two diseases associated with COPD.  1)  Chronic Bronchitis – When airways that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body get inflamed producing mucus, this makes it hard to breath.  2)  Emphysema – This is where the lungs air sacs become inefficient at intake and pushing air.  Once these air sacs become damaged the body begins to starve and die due to lack of oxygen-enriched blood.  At this point the patient always feels short of breath with a constant feeling of suffocation.  Over time COPD gets worse.  The damage to your lungs at this point is permanent.  However, you can take steps to stop further damage to your lungs and body.

Recommendations 

-See a physician if you smoke, or a cough that will not go away, or mucus when coughing.
-Medication will boost your chance 50% to quit smoking for good (American Cancer Society).
-Ask a physician for other tests if you suspect exposure to other things in your past.
-Request a doctor to listen to your lungs and a spirometry breathing test.
-Request chest X-rays to rule out other potential problems, or pathologies.
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Next Issue:  “Prevention & Treatment of Uterine Cancer” Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

August 12, 2008

Why Prostate Health Is Important for Men

Filed under: Cancer, Diet, Exercise, Men's Health, Product Toxins, Prostate Cancer, Surgery, Wellness, disease, how to, infection, mortality, tips — Marc Woodard @ 18:20

Although most men don’t understand the overall role, function or importance of prostate health, men over 40 should make every attempt to take care of the prostate gland.  The prostate to a man should be what breast health is to a woman.  Both examinations check for abnormalities within the soft gland tissue.  During a rectal prostate exam the physician is feeling for a hard or lumpy tissue signature that may require further examination.  The prostate gland has two main functions (also known as an exocrine gland that secretes fluids).  These fluids are important in the production of the male reproductive semen.  The prostate gland is also responsible for controlling the flow of urine.  The prostate is slightly larger than a walnut and surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal exam.  The urethra like the prostate also has two main functions: To carry urine from the bladder and carry semen. 

The prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life.  This growth does not usually affect prostate health until later in life.  Three common prostate medical diagnosis:  1) Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate gland.  Where acute and chronic prostate enlargement conditions are due to bacterial infections and treated with antibiotics.  Possible causes of Prostatitis:  Bacteria & yeast driven infection, virus, food allergy BPH, Auto-immune response, possible rare tumor, physical injury.  2) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in older men.  After the age of 50, half of all men have enlarging prostates and by the time they are 80, 80% of these men will have significantly enlarged prostates.  The prostate enlarges to a point where urination is extremely difficult and painful.  BPH can be treated with medication and in extreme cases surgery is required to remove the prostate. 3) Prostate Cancer – One of the most common cancers affecting older men in developed countries and a significant cause of death.  The lethality of prostate cancer stems from the fact, “as an endocrine gland the potential to spread cancer is great (cancerous tumors develop by growth and division “metastasis”) and remission becomes less favorable without prompt treatment.”  The prostate also produces a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).  The PSA protein produced in the prostate, also found in the semen can be traced in the blood stream.  An elevated PSA blood test is typical when testing to determine if one has prostate cancer but does not necessarily mean you have cancer.  Prostatitis can also elevate PSA levels in the blood.  Regular rectal exams are recommended for older men to detect prostate cancer early. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms seek medical advisement:  Trouble sleeping at night, frequent visits to the bathroom, erectile problems, blood in the urine, poor flow of urine, difficulty in starting the stream.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1)   Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.  Give up smoking.  Drink plenty of water.
2)   Diet turns out to be of primary importance.  Also high fiber intake is very important.
3)   Start a regular regiment of mild daily exercise.
4)   Get an annual PSA and prostate exam especially after the age of 50.
5)   Visit our wellness company at the home site.  Inquire about our prostate health supplements.
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 Issue:  “Cook Ware Toxic Hazards”  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 FREE Monthly eNewsletter.       

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

June 25, 2008

Toxins in Our Families Home Use Products?

Filed under: Anti-Aging, Cancer, Consumer Safety, Environmental Toxins, Mental Health, Prevention, Product Toxins, Wellness, Women's Health, celebrity deaths, disability, disease, immune system, infection, manage depression, tips, well-being — Marc Woodard @ 07:36

Back in November 2007, I wrote an article “Is Cancer in Your Tub?” The information within this article predominately came from Network News and Publications(www.netnewspbl.com).  In essence the literature discusses FDA approved chemicals in our foods and house hold products as an outrage to our families health!  Many of your everyday use items have carcinogenic toxins that within a laboratory controlled study, in many cases “confirm serious health issues with long term use of our FDA Qualified “SAFE” products!”  To read the full article “Is Cancer in Your Tub?  Visit our Health Repository, look under “Environmental Toxins, and scroll over to Mirror Athlete free read articles column.”

Recently I procured brochures from author Debra Lynn Dadd, “Please Protect Yourself from Household Toxics.  I would like to share a portion of the information that was in her literature.  She writes,

“While certain people may be more sensitive than others, and some chemical(s) may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals in the home could put anyone at risk.  Cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, heart disease… Almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and psychological, has been associated with chemicals in common household products.  Recently, scientists have discovered that toxic chemicals can lodge in our endocrine system contributing to thyroid problems, diabetes, weight gain, and infertility.  At greatest risk are fetuses, children, the elderly, and those who are already ill, but these chemicals are threatening the health of everyone, every day.”

Also, as I combed through AARP Bulletin Today, May 2008, Vol.49 No. 4, there is an excellent article I’d like to share with you.  “Hazards at Home,” by Reed Karaim.

“And older people are more likely to have conditions – such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes – that can dramatically reduce their ability to withstand exposure to environmental hazards… The stakes are high.  Older people tend to process and eliminate toxicants from their bodies more slowly than younger people.  And “as we age, we become less efficient at detoxification – the slowing down of kidneys, liver and immune system functioning all play a role.  In this older people are more like infants and children in their ability to fend off toxic assaults,says Sandra Steingraber,the author of Living Downstream:  An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment.”

“Cleaners – Chemicals to avoid in cleaners, says McRandle (Paul McRandle, Deputy Editor at the National Geographic Green Guide), run from ammonia, which is known to trigger asthma, elements in chlorine bleach, which is a lung irritant and will kill you if you swallow it, to things like glycol ethers, which are used to dissolve grime and dirt, and can cause nerve damage.”  Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves and your lungs by ventilating your work area or wearing a mask.”

It simply was amazing to see within these articles, glycol ethers and propylene Glycol (ingredient found in anti-freeze), are ingredients within many of your household shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste and pet food?”  Why is it necessary to put these carcinogenic solvents in our consumable house hold products?  Especially, when company’s know how to make a non-toxic human product?  The answer is very clear.  “It’s all about the money.”  It’s obvious to me that cost cutting “skimming SAFE quality products” and outsourcing American business is “the” critical” element required when profits are king.

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.

June 20, 2008

Are Leaching Plastics Killing Us?

Filed under: Consumer Safety, Environmental Toxins, Prevention, Product Toxins, Wellness, infection — Marc Woodard @ 12:42

I know just about everyone out there has experienced a funky taste when drinking out of a new plastic bottle, or container.  Not only do we need to be aware of the chemical preservatives in our foods, but also with containers holding the foods we consume.  Throughout the food chain process; from crop grown, manufacturer processed and packaged… Man has contaminated what we put in our bodies many times over!  But let’s focus on plastic containers. Virtually all plastics have a leaching effect.  The two key leaching chemical compounds: “Phthalates” (pronounced “thalates”) and “bisphenol A” (BPA).  These chemicals leach from our plastic containers, some cosmetics and lining of almost every canned item.  The problem with these types of chemicals, they tend to store in our adipose (fat) tissue and at some point “can” act as an endocrine disrupter.  The endocrine system is critical to overall good health because it is responsible for the bodies (1) Total body metabolism (2) Growth, and (3) Reproduction!

“Studies in 1999 by government researchers found phthalates in the blood or urine of every one of 1,000 adults tested.  A study in 2004 by Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Mass., and Harvard University’s School of Public Health found phthalates in the dust and air of every 120 homes they tested (www.jobwerx.com).”   The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have concluded that this form of leaching could pose some risk to the brains of fetuses, babies and children.  The chemical industry claims BPA poses “no threat” to humans!  Not too long ago, recall on your local news, “leaching of BPA into infant formulae from plastic baby bottles becoming worse after microwave heating.

Many studies on BPA risks to the human body “discount” trace amounts of leaching and harm to the body by special interest groups.  It is noteworthy to point out a few major toy manufactures understood these risks to children:  “In response to a 1998 Consumer Product Safety Commission request, retailers including Kmart, Sears, Target, Toys “R” Us, and Wal-Mart stopped selling heavily mouthed baby products with phthalates and 7 manufacturers removed the harmful plastic compounds from production. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention “show BPA is present in humans at levels found harmful in laboratory studies!” See our Wellness Company Safe Home Products.

Recommendations:
-Baby bottles – Select bottles made from glass or a safer non-polycarbonate plastic.
-Avoid washing plastic dishware with harsh dish soap and hot water. See our products.
-Find “PVC-free” on the labels of soft plastic toys and teethers. Choose wooden toys.
-Do not purchase plastic containers with “PC” stamp. Or plastics numbered, #3, #7.
-Choose plastics, #1, 2, or #5 in the recycle triangle. “Do not heat beverages in them.”
-BPA can leach from metal can lining.  Buy all baby food products in bottled glass.
-Choose metal utensils, enamel, or ceramic plates for feeding and microwave safe.
-Avoid foods wrapped in plastics, such as meats and cheeses.  Buy deli products wrapped in paper. Use stainless steel drinking containers, glass and paper 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 FREE Monthly eNewsletter.      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

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