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! Giant Hogweed The stems and leaves of this plant are covered with small hairs coated with poisonous sap. Even the slightest touch can cause painful blisters and severe skin irritation. The symptoms can take a couple of days to develop with the skin becoming highly photosensitive producing large watery blisters; however the effects can be long lasting, with contact resulting in recurrent dermatitis. This is a particular concern for small children who may use the stems as pea-shooters or pretend telescopes resulting in horrific injuries. What does Hogweed Look Like?
Wild Parsnip Is another weed that should also be avoided. The effects are similar to those associated with Giant Hog Weed. Irritation can occur if your skin contacts the plant’s fluids and is then exposed to sunlight. Contact with the eyes can cause temporary blindness and in rare cases permanent blindness. Wild parsnip can be found within uncultivated land, roadside ditches, parklands, nature trails and sports fields as well as on and around residential properties. What Does Wild Parsnip Look Like?
Being able to readily identify wild parsnip and giant hogweed will minimize accidental exposure to these plants and the painful results that follow. Anyone having information on specific locations where these weeds are posing a public risk should contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711. You will be asked to send in photos for identification. DO NOT touch, cut or collect parts of the plant. The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team ... committed to keeping you as healthy as possible! Fast Facts:
Stroke Can Happen at any Age Although stroke is most common in people over the age of 70, the new data, according to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, reveals an alarming increase among those under 70. Over the past ten years, strokes in people in their 50s have increased by 24 per cent and, in those in their 60s, by 13 per cent. Even more troubling, recent international studies predict that stroke rates among younger people (ages 24–64), will double in the next 15 years. What are the Five Signs of Stroke?
Stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts. Anyone who witnesses or experiences the signs of a stroke should call 9-1-1 immediately so the person can get to a hospital that is equipped to provide emergency stroke care. The sooner someone who is experiencing stroke gets to hospital and receives appropriate treatment, the better their chances of recovery. Prevention every step of the way There is hope -- stroke is treatable and preventable. Up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented. It’s never too late to adopt healthy behaviours that will decrease your risk factors for stroke, even after a stroke has occurred. Go to https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/hsra to take the Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and get tips on how to maintain healthy changes. If you are a rostered patient and do not have access to a computer, feel free to call the office at (705) 569-3244 to make an appointment with our dietitian who can take you through the risk assessment. Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future! The best way to prevent infection is to avoid tick-infested areas whenever possible, especially in the spring and early summer when nymph ticks feed. Adult ticks are a bigger threat in the fall. Ticks favour moist, shaded environments, especially leafy wooded areas and overgrown grassy habitats. Top 5 Tick Habitat Precautions:
Canada is home to many species of ticks, but the Ixodes Tick (known as the black legged or “deer” tick) is the most common Lyme-carrier. Lyme disease is a challenge to diagnose and can be even tougher to treat. Whether you have reason to suspect infection, or you’ve just been diagnosed, it’s important to learn all you can about this complex illness. The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation is a great resource, go to www.canlyme.com to learn more. Lyme disease is preventable. By taking the right precautions and spreading the word, you can effectively protect yourself and your family from Lyme. The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team…
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible! DID YOU KNOW...
Patients seeking narcotic medications are a big problem in many hospital emergency rooms. Many patients are presenting to the ER wanting refills – the reason being lost or stolen pills, but another common excuse is, “I accidentally spilled my pills down the toilet.” Prescription of narcotics is restricted in many Emergency Rooms across the province. If you are an individual who is prescribed narcotics for chronic pain management, it is imperative that you have your prescriptions renewed by your primary care provider rather than the Emergency Room. It is your responsibility as a patient to make an appointment with your provider to have your prescription(s) renewed before they run out. Be an active member of your health care team!
Your foot is a very complex part of your body. Each foot contains 26 bones, held in place by hundreds of ligaments, tendons and muscles. The average adult puts well over one million pounds of force on their feet every day. However, the foot acts as a complex set of shock absorbers that protect the body with every step. This is only one of many important reasons why you should take good care of your feet. People with Diabetes If you have diabetes you are at a greater risk of foot problems. In fact, diabetes can often first be detected in the foot. In addition to regular screening, be aware of these warning signs:
To help prevent issues arising with your feet you should:
From the first baby steps you take and in all of the phases throughout your life, having healthy feet is important. You only have one pair of feet to last a lifetime so take good care of them! Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future!
Tuberculosis (TB), which is curable and preventable, is caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they push the TB germs into the air. It only takes a few of these germs for someone to become infected. When a person develops active TB, the symptoms may be mild for many months. This can lead to a delay in seeking medical care and results in transmission of the bacteria to others. DID YOU KNOW…
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ACTIVE LUNG TB:
DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosing active tuberculosis based merely on signs and symptoms is difficult. A diagnosis of TB should, however, be considered in people with signs of lung disease or a group of symptoms lasting longer than two weeks. A chest X-ray and multiple sputum cultures are typically part of the initial assessment. Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns. The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team
is committed to keeping you as healthy as possible! |
AuthorEllen Ibey Archives
August 2022
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