Vaccines protect an entire population by preventing the spread of disease from one person to another…the more people immunized, the less chance there is for disease to spread. 

Preventing infection by immunization is a lifelong process that does not stop when you become an adult!  Childhood immunization programs have significantly reduced vaccine-preventable diseases among children, but Canada's population has an increasing number of adults who remain vulnerable to these diseases. 

All adults should be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.  As well, adults 65 years of age and older and those with conditions that increase their chances of complications (COPD or Diabetes for example) should receive one dose of pneumococcal vaccine in addition to a yearly Influenza vaccine.

What is Seasonal Influenza?
It’s a common and highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs.  In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April.

Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days, but some - including those over 65 and adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer - are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Approximately 3,500 Canadians can die from influenza and its complications annually, depending on the season.

Thinking of travelling? 
Be sure you are protected against illnesses such as hepatitis, typhoid, meningitis, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis depending on where you are going. If you’re not sure what you might need and have access to a computer, you can go to http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index-eng.php to learn about any travel advisories that may be applicable.

As you grow older, you don’t outgrow your need for immunization.  Whether you are a parent, a young adult or a senior, talk to your health care provider about being up-to-date on your immunizations.

Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future!

One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. UV rays are invisible, and are produced by the sun and tanning lamps. Most often, skin cancer is the result of overexposure.

Most cases of skin cancer are preventable.
You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by taking some simple but important steps. To avoid the harmful effects of UV rays, everyone should:

• Select shaded areas for outdoor activities.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and clothing with a tight weave, including a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, if you have to be in the sun for long periods of time.
• Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure it has both UVA and UVB protection. Apply to exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and re-apply 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure begins. You should also re-apply sunscreen after vigorous activity that could remove the product, such as swimming, toweling or excessive sweating and rubbing.
• Avoid overexposing yourself to the sun without protection, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Consult your health care provider if you have questions about your medication.

Remember that babies and children are at greater risk than adults because of their more sensitive skin.  

Talk to your health care provider about any changes to your skin like:

• a birthmark or a mole that changes shape, colour, size or surface
• any new growth on your skin – pale, pearly nodules that may grow larger and crust, or red, scaly, sharply defined patches
• any sore that doesn’t heal
• any patch of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or becomes red and bumpy

The disease, which used to kill about 40 to 50 Canadians a year in the 1920s and 30s, is now only rarely reported.  But doctors who have seen what tetanus does do not forget it. 

The bacteria multiply and start producing toxins that force muscles into painful contractions.  One of the first places where those contractions take hold is in the muscles of the jaw -- that’s where tetanus’ other name, lockjaw, comes from.  Between 10 and 20% of tetanus cases die.

The disease is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which are found in soil all over the world.  Because the bacteria are in soil, they are also in dust, so the spores can settle on objects like the thorns of a bush or a fence.  Typical tetanus stories involve gardening, which is why health care providers aggressively promote tetanus vaccination in the spring and summer.

Tetanus is among the immunizations given in childhood.  It’s bundled in vaccines that protect against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio.  Any child who has had all of his or her shots will be protected against tetanus. 

Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain the needed level of protective antibodies.  For adults, the vaccine comes in a serum that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis.

Think about tetanus this time of year, especially if you’re a gardener.  And make sure your booster is up-to-date!

The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team ...
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible!