US Media Studios Relays 2016 Flu Vaccine Information

Do you get the flu vaccine every year? Nearly a quarter of adults don’t get this annual vaccine for varying reasons. One of those reasons is having a reaction to the vaccine. But very few people who get the flu shot ever have a bad reaction to it.

The Flu Shot and Side Effects 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 157 million to 168 million doses of the injectable flu vaccine available this year. The vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chance of getting the flu. Yet, the possibility of feeling lousy from side effects keeps some adults away from the doctor’s office, community center or pharmacy. Soreness at the shot site that lasts for maybe two days is one of the aftereffects of the vaccine. Other complaints US Media Studios notes people make after getting the shot are: headache, nausea, and muscle aches, which can be the symptoms of influenza. These last perhaps a day or two and then go away.

Who Should and Should Not Get the Flu Shot

Children 6 months old and everyone else and especially seniors.

Pregnant women can get the flu shot.

Children under 6 months should not get the flu shot.

Anyone with a severe egg allergy should not get the flu shot

The Flu Shot Myth

Every year we hear people say they won’t get the flu shot because they think it will give them the flu. The truth is that the flu viruses are inactive and therefore, non-infectious in the vaccine. One cannot get catch the flu bug from getting a flu shot. If someone does happen to get the flu after getting a flu vaccination, they were already exposed to the virus before immunity from the vaccine was built up.

Stay healthy this fall and winter.

US Media Studios Relays FDA Finding on Antibacterial Products

What cleans hands better than soap and water?

The FDA Findings

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (FDA), recently published its findings on the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. In its report, the federal agency found that among several ingredients in antibacterial soaps, triclosan and triclocarban are not more effective than using soap and water to wash hands. Then two named ingredients are intended to be used with water, and rinsed off. Manufacturers of over-the-counter antibacterial products which include those two ingredients are now no longer permitted to market them as such. The FDA also states that manufacturers of products with those ingredients have not proven that that they are safe for long term use, nor any more effective than using soap and water.

Cold and Flu Season, Schools, Workplaces

US Media Studios long believes that the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs in commonly populated spaces, and when germs are most likely to be spread, is to wash hands regularly with warm water and soap. No special soap is needed as most are effective in killing germs. Schools and workplaces, where more people are located and congregate, should consider antibacterial soaps with regular soap dispensers and running hot water.

If soap is not available, and hot water is not provided, a hand sanitizer product with 60 percent alcohol is recommended, such as disposable wipes and hand gels. Washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Other methods of germ prevention is cleaning desks, telephones, doorknobs, lunch and break room tables and other objects with a germ-killing solution or spray.

Nothing cleans hands better than soap and water. Read more on the topic here. 

US Media Studios Highlights Heat-Related Ailment Prevention

America is heating up, and not just from the presidential campaigns.  Temperatures across the country are reaching to 100 degrees with heat indexes, or the “feels like” temperatures above that. Heat-related ailments are common when this happens. US Media Studios highlights prevention steps everyone can take to have a safe summer wherever you are.

Your Body and Heat Illnesses

Heat illnesses happen when the body can’t keep itself cool through sweating. 

Heat illnesses are strongly related to days when the humidity level is high. High humidity hinders the body’s ability to cool itself.  On drier days, when there is less humidity in the air, body sweat evaporates more quickly than days when the air is heavy with moisture. If there is more moisture in the air, sweat takes longer to evaporate, therefore, making you feel hotter.

Heat-Related Illnesses and Prevention Tips

Heat rash or prickly rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating while clothing covers the body. If this happens, move to a shady area, and roll shirt sleeves up, roll pant legs up. Loosen clothing until the sweat dries.

Heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms which occur during heavy exercise in the heat. Gently massive the cramped muscle and drink plenty of water or sports drinks with extra electrolytes and salt.

Heat exhaustion happens when the body is depleted of water or salt. Fatigue, weakness, and nausea are common symptoms of heat exhaustion. Get out of the heat and into an air conditioned or shady area. Use cool, damp cloths to lessen the body temperature, if in public. At home, take a cool shower. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses. It is life-threatening. There are two kinds:

Classic – Develops slowly over a few days after repeated exposure to hot, humid weather. It is non-exertional. Small children and the elderly are most affected by it.

Exertional – Happens faster, usually in hours and affects healthy, active people such as those who work outdoors like construction workers and athletes.

The body temp rises above 105 degrees and the person may or may not be sweating. Confusion, severe headache, rapid pulse and possibly loss of consciousness are common symptoms.

Move the person to a cooler area and fan air over them. Apply ice to underarms, neck, back and groin. If possible, place the affected person in a tub of cool water, and call 9-1-1.

Prevention is First

US Media Studios urges readers to always be aware of the heat index in the area before making plans to be active outside. If the temperature is high, so will the “feels like” temperature. Stay indoors where it is cool. Venture outdoors in the morning or evening hours when the heat is not so oppressive. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing when outside. Take a hat or umbrella to keep the blazing sun from harming the head and body. Drink water or sports drinks to stay hydrated. 

Preventing heat-related illnesses should be the first step taken.

US Media Studios Reviews Information about Bacterial Meningitis

Young men and women seem to be affected by bacterial meningitis more often than others. Perhaps this is because they are young and feel invincible, or perhaps because it is just that they happen to spend more time with each other in close proximity (dorm rooms, for example) than other age groups. US Media Studios views some important facts about this infection, shares a few prevention tips.

Vital Facts

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear fast or over a few days. They usually develop within three to seven days of exposure. The symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, severe headache and a stiff neck. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion are also symptoms. If any of these or even a few of these symptoms are present, visit a healthcare professional immediately for testing. Early antibiotic treatment is essential for recovery. Bacterial meningitis cannot be spread by breathing the same air as someone who has it. It is most often spread from person to person through saliva or spit (coughing or kissing). It is not as contagious as the common cold or the flu.

Prevention

The simplest way to prevent infection is to have children of all ages vaccinated against it. US Media Studios suggests asking prep school and universities for information regarding their policies on the prevention of infections and illnesses on campuses. Avoid sharing anything that involves the possible swapping of saliva, such as sharing drinking glasses or e-cigarettes. Cover the mouth when coughing or when someone else near you is coughing. 

US Media Studios Takes On Teen E-Smoking Topic

The good news is that rate of teen smoking is going way down. The not so good news is that e-smoking, or “vaping”, has increased.

Cigarettes versus E-cigarettes

The US Centers for Disease Control reports that about 11 percent of high school students said they smoke, and 24 percent of high school students admitted they used e-cigarettes during the 30 days before the Centers ran their report. Even though regular cigarette smoking is way down, there is a rise in vaping. Medical professionals credit the heavy marketing campaign about the health risks of smoking, the rise in age to buy cigarettes or show ID to prove age.

E-Cigarette Laws

Starting in August 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration will ban the sale of e-cigarette and e-cigars to anyone under the age of 18. Health warnings will not be added to the packaging as there are laws in place allowing manufacturers time to change boxes, etc. Other areas of concern regarding teen health are the uptick in hookah usage, and teenage boys smoking flavored cigars. US Media Studios notes that vaping is not all the healthy, and more so when the vapor contains nicotine.

Why Are E-Cigarettes Bad for Teens

A team from a leading public health school found that many e-cigarette flavors deliver diacetyl, a chemical that causes "popcorn lung" found in workers at microwave popcorn packaging plants. Other researchers found formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer, and is common is regular nicotine cigarettes. Vaping may be the next cool thing to smoking, but its health affect on teens is not so cool. 

US Media Studios Asks Where Can We Find Lead

There are very few people who do not know that there was a dangerously high amount of lead found in the water in Flint, Michigan. That public health crisis is all but over now and the water is safe to cook with and drink. But where else can we find lead?

image:Google images

It is long-known that lead can be found in school water fountains, wall paint and toys. 

What are the other ways?

Common Places to Find Lead 

Paint – Lead from paint and lead-contaminated dust can be pretty rare to find and determine. Lead accidentally consumed this way is the most common cause of lead poisoning, according to the EPA. While there are some facilities which may still have lead-based paint on walls, doors and windowsills, most don’t anymore.

Drinking water – Lead poisoning is more likely to be in drinking water through distribution systems and corroded household plumbing. Schools, public buildings and some older homes should have pipes and distribution systems examined for possible corrosion.

Common household products – Glazed ceramics can contain lead. Non-glossy vinyl mini-blinds imported from China, Taiwan, Mexico and Indonesia may contain lead. As the blinds deteriorate, dust forms on the slat which children may ingest. Replace these inexpensive blinds with better quality ones.

 Summary

Lead and dust from lead can not only make consumers ill, but can lower the IQ of children who inadvertently ingest it. US Media Studios hopes that readers will be more attuned to where lead can be found every day. 

US Media Studios Highlights National Drowning Prevention Week Guidelines

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 10 people drown every day. Two are these are children aged 14 and under. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the country. US Media Studios highlights some important drowning prevention tips for people of all ages.

Risk Prevention

• People of all ages and genders are at risk of drowning in pools, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water. Risks can range from toddlers falling into the deeper sides of a public or private swimming pool.
• People who don’t know how to swim can drown in any body of water.
• Lack of adequate fencing and secure gates around private home pools can contribute to drowning injuries and deaths.
• Lack of not using life preservers, otherwise called personal flotation devices can contribute to drowning in and around natural bodies of water such as lakes and oceans.
• Not knowing how to swim out of a rip current can cause drowning.
• Alcohol use on boats and other vessels can cause accidents and accidental drownings.

Drowning Prevention Tips

• Keep small children at arm’s length when around water, even a small, portable “baby pool”.
• If going to the beach or boating on a lake or river, be sure there are enough life preservers for everyone onboard. Keep them in an accessible location.
• Pay attention to local water and weather events. Almost every weather-related app will send an alert for small craft advisories, rip current risks, and safety measures to take.
• Do not take any alcohol on any boat. Alcohol consumption leads to poor decision making which can lead to boating accidents, such as going too fast and stopping too fast.
• Be sure the boat has a working radio on it.
• Sign up family members for swimming classes. Ask friends and neighbors to join.  Many public pools and YMCA clubs offer these classes for free.

US Media Studios encourages everyone to practice safe water guidelines this summer. Swimming, boating, snorkeling, wading, paddle boarding – all of these are great fun and refreshing activities. Don’t let them become tragic. Prevention is the key to a long life.

US Media Studios Covers Food Poisoning Prevention Tip

The summer holidays are times families and friends gather to celebrate and eat al fresco together. Let’s make it a good time, and not time spend in the bathroom all afternoon or night long. US Media Studios also shares what to do if you are hit with a bout of food poisoning.

Food poisoning can happen at any time and any place, even at Aunt B’s famous Memorial Day cookout. Below are some common sense prevention tips so we can have a great summer:

Avoid food that smells “off”. This can mean grilled chicken or hamburgers. One bite and most people know when the meat or poultry is not safe to eat. Don’t swallow the bad bite, but spit it out in a napkin. Kindly let the hosts know. Wash the taste from the mouth with a beverage.

Avoid foods made with milk or mayonnaise and which have been left outside or on the counter and not in a cold pack. Essentially, all prepared food should be kept in cold picnic containers until ready to eat.

If a bout of food poisoning should occur, it can happen a few hours, days or even weeks after ingesting affected food. It feels like one minute you are feeling fine and the next you are sitting on the bathroom floor worshipping the porcelain god.

Symptoms can include: feeling bloated, extreme abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, cramps, watery diarrhea and fever. After the wave of these symptoms subsides, US Media Studios suggests drinking water slowly to flush out the bacteria. Ginger ale sipped slowly can also ease nausea. Sports drinks can replace lost calcium and electrolytes. Eat bland food slowly for a day or two until you feel stronger and not so shaky.

It’s okay to enjoy the homemade goodies family and friends bring to picnics, cookouts and parties. Just be sure they are stored correctly, and if heating or cooking is needed, that it is done thoroughly.

US Media Studios Examines the Safety of Public Pools

How safe is the public pool people enjoy? How clean is the water? US Media Studios examines the safety of public pools.

How clean is the water in a public pool?

A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that almost 80 percent of the 50,000 public pools, hot rubs and water playgrounds they tested had at least one violation. One in eight inspections resulted in immediate closure due to serious health and safety problems. The highest numbers of closures were related to “kiddie” wading pools. Closures result from common contamination in the water such as fecal matter or urine.

Poop in the pool does have to be seen to be prevalent. Microscopic particles can stem from an adult with diarrhea getting in the pool or hot tub. The swim diapers worn by infants, toddlers and small children are not preventative in keeping fecal particles from getting in the water. Wading pool water is shallow and easily warms up in the heat of day.

Safety is another public swim issue which led to some closures. Lack of lifeguards, lack of safety equipment, poor drain coverage, a pH level too low –these can close a favorite water park or pool immediately. Inadequate disinfectant concentration is also to blame for closures. So too is a pool with an unusually high amount of chlorine in the water.

US Media Studios suggests checking public health records for all public pools, including those in condo and apartment communities, homeowner associations, hotels, motels and resorts.  Summer is around the corner. Some US states are already experiencing summer temps. As the heat moves in, people head to pools to cool off. We remind readers to take a shower before entering the pool. Take small children to the rest rooms every hour and be sure to clean bottoms well.  After all, no one wants to swim with poop in the pool.

US Media Studios Reviews How to Prevent Playground Injuries

Small children are incredibly active and can fall down and get hurt in the time it takes to blink the eyes. US Media Studios reviews how to prevent playground injuries.

The playground is a great place for children. It is full of fun equipment, and gives kids a way to expend some of the bottled up energy they get from sitting quietly too long. From the slide to the swings and monkey bars, there are plenty of ways to have fun – and get hurt. School and state safety officials should thoroughly inspect playground equipment once a quarter to be sure there are no faulty connections, loose nuts or bolts and are safe. Parents taking kids to public parks to play might want to talk to little kids about what’s okay to do and not to do at the playground. We realize that once some children get to the park, they just want to bolt and start playing. Frankly, a cool playground can affect adults the same way too. Adult supervision at the playground is imperative.

Parents, caretakers and other adults might want to look at and examine playground equipment. If it is rusty and looks like some of the parts could fall off when in use, keep children away from it. On the other hand, many local playgrounds are safe. US Media Studios also notes that parents and adults can remind kids to not hang upside down on monkey bars, slide head first down the slides or jump off a swing or teeter-totter when it is too high. Everyone can have fun and be safe at the playground.

US Media Studios Joins National Drug Take-Back Day

Saturday, April 30 is National Drug Take-Back day in the United States.

Every year, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration with local law enforcement agencies, hosts drop of locations in communities to return unused prescription drugs. US Media Studios joins this effort.

Drop-off sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there is one near you. Click here to find it. The service is free and anonymous. Only pills and patches are accepted. Sharps, needles, and liquids are not accepted. Pills and patches are commonly thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet, which is a safety and bio hazard. Drugs tossed in the garbage can be removed and taken. Drugs flushed down the toilet poison the water.

This effort is a massive, national campaign to reduce the number of overdoses, accidental poisonings of children due to prescription drugs. More than 50,000 children end up in hospital emergency rooms every year due to accidental poisoning. The abuse of prescription drugs by family and friends mainly stems from home medicine cabinets. Even if you live alone, it is better to get rid of these items. Expired prescription drugs can make one sick.

US Media Studios urges readers to take any unused, unwanted or expired pills and patches to drop off locations in their community. If this prevents the death of one small child from an accidental poisoning, or prevents one person from abusing prescription pain killers, then the effort is worth it.

(image:patch.com)