Use Your Medical History As Guide Guideline

Preventive health guidelines were developed to improve one’s health using things that prevent disease and detect it early.  They are based on credible research in which the criteria have been studied extensively.  The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a leading resource for preventive health guidelines along with doctor specialty organizations like the American Academy Of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics.  There are so many that it can become confusing as to what you should do.  Like one size fails to fit all so do the guidelines. How will you know what you need and when you need it?
 
Use your medical history as your guide in deciphering through different health organization guidelines.   Though they may address the same thing, there will be similarities and differences.  If you have a history of cancer, you may want to get a mammogram or colonoscopy more often. If there is a family history, you may want to get tests sooner than the guidelines suggest.  Abnormal physical exam findings warrant testing regardless of guidelines.
 
Be sure to review guidelines from different organizations. This gives you a broader view of what you need.  Look at the pros and cons as they fit you.  Focus on those that concern you and your condition.  Discuss them all with your doctors and healthcare providers to plan your guidelines. Your medical history is your guide to the guidelines right for you.  Best health!

Zapping Zika to Zero

The Zika virus is here. This Aedes species mosquito-borne flavivirus continues across the Americas.  Zika is spread primarily by mosquito and/or sexual transmission.  In pregnant females it may be transmitted to the fetus and infant. Blood transfusion transmission has also been a cause.  Known new cases are reported almost daily.  States and U.S. territories with the most reported infections are Puerto Rico (primarily unrelated to travel), New York, Florida, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania


Common symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain.  They have been described as flu-like and mild lasting up to one week.  This usually occurs within 1-2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito or having sex with someone who carries the virus.  The symptoms, travel history, and living in specific infected areas help make the diagnosis.  Blood and urine tests for Zika confirm the diagnosis.  Screening asymptomatic individuals is not recommended at this time.  Major complications include Guillan-Barre syndrome, fetal defects (microcephaly, hearing loss, eye defects), delayed infant growth, and pregnancy loss  Treatment is much the same as flu including rest, fluids, and analgesics.  The vaccine is in experimental stages as are Zika anti-virals.


You should protect yourself from Zika virus as much as possible. This includes the following:

• stay indoors (better with air conditioning) as much as possible especially during early evening, night, damp/rainy days
• wear long sleeves, long pants in light colors
• avoid highly scented perfumes, lotions, soap
• use insect repellant (e.g DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picardin, essential oils like basil, catnip, lavender, neem) on exposed skin, permethrin on clothes (or wear permethrin treated clothing)
• use insecticide yard spray, citronella incense/ candle products liberally around your home when outside (if inside use fogger or spray made for indoors)
• plant mosquito repelling plants in yard like geraniums, lemon balm, citronella
• use mosquito netting over stroller, carriers, outdoor venues (over beds if open area to mosquitos)
• keep windows, doors screened or closed to prevent mosquito entry
• avoid local areas that have yet to spray insecticide especially if a known endemic area

If bitten by mosquito apply cool compress and rubbing alcohol to areas involved.  If itching persists, try calamine lotion or topical diphenhydramine to areas.  Severe allergic reactions may require professional attention in the emergency department.  If Zika is suspected, see your healthcare provider or go to your local health department as soon as possible.  Zap Zika!  Best health!

Timely Tip: Your Medical To-Do List

As  you think over things to discuss with your doctor, you may be amazed to see how many are unresolved, and fortunately not life-threatening. It can be a task to try to get them all taken care of in a timely manner.
Make your medical to-do list before doctor visits. Update it after your doctor visits.  Keep your notes together in a folder (off computer and/or on computer), or notebook.  This creates an overview of your medical issues.  It will also help you keep up with the unresolved as well as resolved issues. Best health!