Nurse’s Notes – Bulletin Blurbs for May 2010

May 3

Wait …. before you kiss that frog …. here’s something you ought to know!  The CDC says critter contact causes about 74,000 cases each year of salmonella infection.  Animals to remember are birds, chicks, reptiles like turtles and snakes, and especially amphibians, such as frogs.  Young children may put the animal to their mouths, or not wash their hands properly after touching it.  People even clean the aquarium in the kitchen, contaminating areas where they prepare food. (http://www.hhs.gov/news/healthbeat/2010)

May 10

When you take a calcium supplement, it’s the amount of elemental calcium that’s key.  For example, Tums Ultra 1000 contains 1000 mg. of calcium carbonate per tablet, but only 40% of calcium carbonate is elemental calcium.  This means that one Tums Ultra 1000 tablet has 400 mg. of the essential mineral [calcium].  If you have questions regarding the right dose for you, speak to your doctor.  Also, it is best to spread out your daily dose of calcium so you don’t take more than 600 mg. of elemental calcium at one time; the body absorbs larger amounts less efficiently. (http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com, March 10, 2010)

May 17

Do you require less than 6 hours of shut-eye a night?  If so, you are a rarity.  A just-discovered genetic mutation does enable some people to get by on 20-25% less sleep than average, but researchers estimate that fewer than 1% of people have the trait.  Two likely signs you’re among them:  You wake up regularly without an alarm clock, and at the same time every day, says Emory University sleep expert, David Schulman, MD  “But most of us need 7 to 8 hours to function well and stay healthy.”  (Prevention, April 2010, pg. 17)

May 24

Lawn Mower Safety from http://www.aap.org/family/tipplawn.htm

  • Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go
  • Children younger than 16 should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers.  Children under 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers
  • Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
  • Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking them up before mowing begins.  Have anyone who uses the mower wear hearing and eye protection.
  • Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
  • Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
  • Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.

May 31

Salt for athlete’s foot?  A saline [salt] solution provides a hostile environment for fungus, decreases excess perspiration, and softens skin so antifungal meds can penetrate deeper.  Soak your foot for 10-15 minutes in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of salt per pint of warm water, recommends podiatric surgeon Suzanne M Levine, DPM (Prevention, April 2010, pg. 49)

Print