Category Archives: Health Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

SIGNS OF A GAS LEAK (GUEST POST)

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Sent to us by Ryan Edun
People often worry about the dangers of having a natural gas furnace. While natural gas is affordable and burns clean, it can still produce deadly carbon monoxide if there is something wrong with the system. Carbon monoxide detectors will protect you from the danger, but it’s still wise to know what the warning signs are of a gas leak

Watch for the Odor
Natural gas has a unique odor. Often described as being comparable to rotten eggs, you can easily smell a gas leak. If you ever walk into your home and smell gas, you should call the gas company immediately for service. If you are unable to reach the gas company, then call the fire department because they can also help.

The Gentle Breeze
Gas leaking out of a line will have some pressure behind it. Look around the exterior of your home around the gas lines. Plants that are gently blowing like they are in a breeze could be directly under a leak.

Bubbling Puddles
If the ground is wet around buried gas lines, then the escaping gas can cause the moisture to bubble. Have your lines marked so you know the general direction lines move in underground. If you ever see puddles or ground moisture bubbling around the area of your buried gas lines, then you should call the gas company immediately.

Fading Plants
Gas will eventually dry out and kill off plants that are near an outdoor leak. Look for landscaping that suddenly struggles and dies with no visible cause. The culprit could be a gas leak steadily poisoning the plant.

Physical symptoms
It’s also important to know what physical symptoms you might suffer from if exposed to a gas leak. Understanding the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning will help keep you and your family safe. Watch for these warning signs, and call for service immediately if you start seeing them.

Exhaustion and fatigue are a warning sign of serious poisoning. If you and the rest of your household find yourselves too tired to keep your eyes open in the middle of the day, you should get out of the house immediately and take in some fresh air.

Other serious warning problems include involuntary muscle twitching, difficult writing and assembling thoughts, spots in your vision and trouble hearing. There may be a high pitched noise sounding in your ears and a sensitivity to light. Chronic headaches are another warning sign you should heed.

While some gas leaks are serious and will cause a sudden onset of symptoms, other leaks are very minor. Low enough that you cannot detect them by simple odor, the symptoms can also set in slowly. If you notice new allergies, food sensitivities or just chronic unexplained headaches, then the problem could be lurking in the furnace. A cracked heat exchanger, defective parts or leaky connections could allow small levels of carbon monoxide to seep into the home. Over the long term, these small amounts are just as dangerous as the higher fatal levels.

You can avoid the drama of a gas leak by investing in regular maintenance. When your system is well cared for, you won’t have to worry as much about it leaking. With regular tune-ups, defective parts can be replaced before your system poses a threat to your family. You won’t have to worry about breakdowns, and you will hopefully avoid the danger of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PROTECTING TEETH DURING SPORTS (GUEST POST)

Sports injuries are a leading cause of dental problems and tooth loss; flying balls, heavy objects, body contact and unpredictable surfaces can all spell danger for one’s teeth, but there are some simple and effective ways of reducing the risk of injury and preventing accidents when participating in sport. 

Sport participation is a great way of keeping fit and healthy, meeting new people and getting rid of pent-up stress and energy. But, though you may not immediately think so, it can be dangerous too. Thankfully, there is a great deal of safety equipment available for sports players of all abilities. 

Ways to protect your teeth 

If you play sport on a regular basis or play a contact sport a mouth guard is essential. Mouth guards can be purchased from sports shops and you can take them home and mould them using hot water to fit your mouth. However, a dentist-made mouth guard is the best option as they are designed to fit your mouth perfectly. They can take a little getting used to, but if your mouth guard fits well it should be relatively comfortable and it will protect your teeth from damage from balls, falls and contact with other people or objects. 

This kind of equipment is generally recommended for people who play rugby, hockey, lacrosse, ice hockey and boxing. They are also available in a range of colours and designs. You can even buy models that use the latest sports science technology to improve your sporting performance. Additional safety equipment such as helmets can also help to prevent head and facial injuries. 

Reducing your risk of injury 

Sport has many benefits, but it is often a cause of injury. You can reduce your risk of suffering a mishap by following these tips: 

  • Always warm up before you start exercising
  • Wear protective clothing and use protective equipment
  • Follow the rules of the game
  • Wear suitable and supportive footwear
  • Cool down after exercising
  • Increase the intensity of exercise gradually

Raising awareness of sporting injuries 

Many people know about the risks associated with playing sport, but if you only play sport now and again or if you assume that because you’re just an amateur you don’t need to wear protective clothing, you are putting your safety at risk. Dental injuries may seem like unlikely if you just play an hour of sport now and again, but accidents can happen at any time, in any place and there is as much chance of you suffering an injury in that hour as any other hour. Wearing a mouth guard will protect your teeth and potentially save you from losing one or more teeth; your teeth create your smile, which most people regard as their most important feature, so losing teeth can have a significant impact on your confidence, as well as the appearance of your smile. 

If you don’t know much about safety in sport or you think others would benefit from leaning about playing sport safely and preventing dental injuries and other potential hazards, why not organise a sporting event at work to raise awareness of the importance of taking safety measures when playing sport? You can combine fun, team work and getting fit with informing people about safety in sport. 

This is a blog article from the good folk at www.dentalimplant.co.uk where there is more info on protecting your mouth and finding solutions for dental health problems.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

March 3-9: National Patient Safety Awareness Week

Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and awareness campaign for health care safety led by NPSF. Each year, health care organizations internationally take part in the event by prominently displaying the NPSF campaign logo and promotional materials within their organizations, creating awareness in the community, and utilizing NPSF educational resources among hospital staff and patients. Visit the NPSF Store to order materials.

The theme for Patient Safety Awareness Week 2013 is Patient Safety 7/365: 7 days of recognition, 365 days of commitment to safe care. This is a week to recognize the advancements that have been made in the patient safety arena, while acknowledging the challenges that remain—and committing to work on them, every day.

Key Facts About Patient Safety

Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals dedicate their lives to caring for their patients. But providing health care can be complicated. There are often multiple steps involved in a health care visit. A number of different medical staff may be take part in the care of a single patient. And patients may be confused by unfamiliar words and technical language.  If the patient is elderly, there should be a caregiver or family member present to be sure everyone understands the physicians’ instructions.

Although hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices take many steps to keep their patients safe, medical errors can happen. Often, medical errors (also called adverse events) happen when there is a single misstep in a chain of activities.

Researchers and experts in the field of patient safety have identified a number of ongoing patient safety challenges. Below are descriptions of some of the most common and worrisome issues.  Have you or a friend or family member experienced an incident regarding safety issues while you were a patient? 

Wrong-Site Surgery

Wrong-site surgery means an operation done on the wrong part of the body or on the wrong person. It can also mean the wrong surgery was performed.  Wrong-site surgery is rare and preventable, but it does still occur. Between 1995 and 2010, 956 wrong-site incidents were reported to the Joint Commission (the Joint Commission is an organization that reviews and grants accreditation to health care institutions). One study surveyed surgical procedures from 28 hospitals and found the incidence of WSS to be approximately 1 in 112,994 procedures. For the average hospital, this means only one error every 5 to 10 years. 

However, to ensure that you aren’t that “one” error, be sure to ask the surgical staff  if the correct surgical site is marked, and ask any other questions you may have prior to the surgery.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are when a patient receives the wrong medication, or when he or she receives the right medication but in the wrong dosage or manner.  Medication errors are unfortunately very common. According to the Institute of Medicine’s July 2006 report Preventing Medication Errors, medication errors harm an estimated 1.5 million Americans each year, resulting in upward of $3.5 billion in extra medical costs. Medication errors include cases where the wrong medication is given, where the wrong dose of the right medication is given, or when medication is given the wrong way (for example, in pill form rather than liquid) or when it is given at the wrong time. 

Health Care-Acquired Infections

A health care-acquired infection (HAI) is an infection a person gets while being treated for a medical condition. HAIs may occur in patients who are treated at a medical facility or in their homes. An infection is considered to be an HAI when it occurs after treatment begins. HAIs are often discovered within 48 hours of admission to a health care facility, but other infections may also be considered HAIs.  In the United States, 1 out of 20 hospitalized patients contract HAIs. These complications of care lead to extra time in the hospital and longer recovery times.

The three most common types of HAIs are

  • Catheter-related bloodstream infections: Catheter-related bloodstream infections, or CRBSIs, are among the most common infections in patients who are admitted to critical care units. These infections occur when bacteria and other germs travel down a “central line” and enter the bloodstream.
  • Hospital-acquired pneumonia: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is an infection of the lungs that occurs 48 hours or longer after admission to a hospital. This pneumonia tends to be more serious because patients in the hospital are often sicker and unable to fight off germs than otherwise health people. Hospital-acquired pneumonia occurs more often in patients who are using a respirator (machine) to help them breathe. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) falls into the HAP category. It may occur in patients who need a tube to breathe.
  • Surgical site infections (SSI): A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Surgical site infections sometimes only involve the skin. Others are more serious and can involve tissues under the skin, organs, or implanted material (such as knee or hip replacements). 

Falls

Falls are a common cause of injury, both within and outside of health care settings. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults over 65 fall each year. Injuries that result from falls can include bone fractures, excessive bleeding, or even death.  Researchers estimate that more than 500,000 falls happen each year in U.S. hospitals, resulting in 150,000 injuries. Patients may be at increased risk of falls if

  • They have an impaired memory
  • They have muscle weakness
  • They are older than 60
  • They use a cane or walker to help them walk

Medications may also play a role in increasing a person’s risk for a fall. Studies have also shown that elderly patients taking four or more prescription medications are at three time’s greater risk for falls than are other patients.  Hospitals and other health care organizations take steps to prevent falls among their patients, such as placing a sign on the door that this patient is a fall risk. You can help prevent falls by asking your doctor or nurse about your risk and taking steps to reduce your chance of a fall.  Bed alarms are also placed on the beds of fall-prone patients.

Readmissions

A readmission is when a patient needs to return to the hospital less then 30 days after being discharged. Many factors may lead to hospital readmissions, such as poor quality care or a gap in the transition between different providers and care settings. Readmissions may also occur if patients are discharged from hospitals prematurely, or if they are discharged to inappropriate settings, or if they do not receive adequate information or resources to aid in recovery.

Patients can help avoid readmission by making sure they understand their care plan before they are discharged from the hospital. They also need to be sure to follow up on care once they leave the hospital.

Diagnostic Errors

Diagnostic errors mean a diagnosis that was either “wrong, missed, or unintentionally delayed.” No-fault errors may happen when there are masked or unusual symptoms of a disease, or when a patient has not fully cooperated in care. Diagnostic errors may also result from system-related problems, such as equipment failure or flaws in communication. A wrong diagnosis may also occur when the clinician relies too much on common symptoms, and choosing an obvious answer, without looking further into what may be causing them.

We all want to know there is a hospital nearby when one falls ill or has an accident.  We also want to trust that we will receive professional care.  My husband developed a Strep B infection following a hip replacement, resulting in more surgery, and six weeks of home health care, including wearing an iv bag for six weeks.  Luckily, the infection cleared up, but he should not have had to go through that.  I could list numerous friends and family that have been made more sick after being hospitalized than before they went in.  I feel most of you can, too.

The best advice is to feel free to ask the doctors and nurses as many questions as you have.  Nurses and aides should do their job and give the same attention they give to patients who have no one sitting in the room with them to those who do have someone present.  It is not the sitter or family members’ job to bathe, or take care of the patient.  This happens in hospitals all too frequently.  We all are paid to do our own jobs.  It is our responsibility to be aware of negligence and/or mistakes, and report it to the compliance officer of the hospital.

I just had to add my two cents to this article.  Most of us have experienced some type of incident while in a hospital.  The statements in italics are my comments.  Feel free to send yours, too. pb

Source: National Patient Safety Foundation

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TEN RULES NEW LOW-CARB DIETERS SHOULD FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

Note: Just in time for the weekend, in case you are considering a diet, here’s some info regarding low-carbs.  pb

Cutting carbohydrates is a cornerstone tenet of many popular diets, due in part to the simple fact that these diet plans can be quite effective when they’re followed properly. Learning the ropes and dedicating yourself to a low-carb diet isn’t always easy, though. Changing your eating patterns can be a challenge, especially when you’re eliminating or greatly reducing a targeted substance. These 10 tips can help you get over the proverbial hump of low-carb dieting.

  1. Don’t Starve or Skip – Just because you are trying a diet doesn’t mean you should starve yourself to lose weight. Skipping meals will also go against what your end goal is, especially when you’re working with the low-carb diet model. Skipping and starving puts your body in a mode to store up fat when you do eat so that it can survive during those times when you don’t feed it properly. Choosing not to eat is actually counter-productive. One of the perks of a low-carb diet is that you never have to feel hungry, so make sure that you’re satisfying your hunger pangs with low-carb snacks.
  2. Snack Before Bed – Having a full meal right before bed is a no-no. But don’t rule out eating before bed altogether. Indulging in a light, carb-free snack before bed can be beneficial. For one thing, a small snack before bed can keep you from waking up feeling ravenous after hours without sustenance. For another, it might put you in the habit of having smaller meals throughout the day, which can also help with weight loss. Just be sure to keep that light snack in the low-carb category.
  3. Remove Temptation – Keeping carb-filled food around the house is a quick way to fall back into old habits. Get those starches and sugars out of your cabinets so that when you get those carb-based cravings, you are less tempted to splurge on snacks that will wreck your diet.
  4. Stock Up on Meat – If you’re opting for the Atkin’s dieting style of high protein and low carbs, one thing that you’ll be able to eat your fill of is meat products. When you cull your cabinets of sugars and starches, make room in the freezer for plenty of meat.
  5. Eat Your Veggies – Most vegetables are not only high on the nutrition scale, they’re also low in carbohydrates. Have a large portion of vegetables with each meal and look for new snacking options comprised of fresh veggies. Explore the options of your grocer’s produce section and opt for a variety to keep things interesting.
  6. Eat at Least Three Meals a Day – Having at least three meals a day will ensure that you will not feel like you are starving yourself on a new diet, boosting your chances of success. If you find that you’re snacking frequently between meals, it may also be smart to consider making the move to multiple small meals throughout the day. Just remember to decrease your portions as the number of meals increases and you’ll be able to feel full and satisfied while adhering to your weight-loss plan.
  7. Eat Low-Sugar Fruits – Depending on the style of low-carb diet that you’re following, you may be able to indulge in a bit of low-sugar fruit to satisfy sweet-tooth cravings without blowing your diet. The Atkins and South Beach diets don’t allow any fruit during the first phase, but other low-carb plans may be less strict.
  8. Stay Away from Starch, Sugar, Refined Flour – You should avoid foods that are starchy, such as potatoes and corn, sugary foods and refined flour-based foods like pasta and bread. Keep away from those standard foods and that’s all the “counting” you’ll have to do. Don’t worry about the number of calories, just worry about the carb content.
  9. Keep It Green – Along the lines of eating your vegetables, make sure you keep things green. Have something green and leafy with each meal to guarantee you are keeping on the right track while providing your body with essential vitamins and nutrients.
  10. Know That There Are No One-Size-Fits-All Diets – Just because the low-carb plan worked for your best friend or co-worker doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you. There’s no diet out there that works the same for everyone. If you find that this diet plan isn’t right for you, don’t become discouraged. Instead, reconsider your options and try something new. As long as you’re taking steps in the right direction and are dedicated to improving your health, you’re sure to find the solution that works for your individual body.

Cutting carbohydrates can be an effective way of losing weight, but it can also be dangerous if it’s paired with a high-protein regimen under some circumstances. Before you start any diet, it’s smart to talk it over with your doctor to make sure that your decisions are healthy ones. The last thing you want to do is to inadvertently damage your health by trying to lose weight and get into shape!

Submitted by Suzanne Cullen, of www.aupair.org

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

LOVE YOUR HEART! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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What better day to remind you that February is American Heart Month than on Valentine’s Day?  We made the announcement of this annual health observation at the first of the month.  However, it is such an important subject that we want you to be aware of the problems that come with heart disease. 

First, you must know the warning signs of a heart attack:

  • Chest discomfort.  It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that last more than a few minutes.
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.  This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausea.  Women may experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea /vomitting, and back or jaw pain.

Heart attacks strike someone every 34 seconds.  When the blood flow bringing oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely, a heart attack occurs. Please don’t ignore the warning signs.  Every second counts.  Call 9-1-1 or get to the emergency room; however, if you call for an ambulance, medical attendants can begin life-saving treatment, and the hospital will be expecting you, so you will get treatment faster than if you are driven by someone else. 

Please take care of your heart, and the ones you love, too.  Remind them to exercise, eat healthy, get the right amount of rest, and less stress in their lives.  We only have one heart, so let’s take care of it. 

From all of us at Blog4Safety, and Texas America Safety Company, have a great and healthy Valentine’s Day!

Source: Ft. Worth Star Telegram

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHERE ARE MY KEYS? NON-DRUG THERAPIES FOR MEMORY CARE (GUEST POST)

Where Are My Keys? 5 Non-Drug Therapies for Memory Care

So much of your daily life depends on your memory skills. Little things such as remembering where your car keys are or where your car is parked are typical functions that most people encounter every day. It’s amazing how much space the brain has for storing memory. However, as you age, your ability to remember things can begin to decline. The great news is that the brain is similar to a muscle and there are exercises you can do to prevent it from having memory gaps. The following are some helpful tips to exercise your brain:

1. Exercise

Physical activity keeps blood flowing to the brain and also produces chemicals that help to protect it. The health of your brain is extremely important for maintaining a good memory and exercise should be a part of your daily plan. Instead of staying indoors and watching TV, go for walk or jog. The outdoor scenery can energize your senses and boost your memory. Since music improves your memory also, put on a headset and play your favorite tunes while you work out. Research has even shown that people who are physically and mentally active have a lesser risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For those who have a mild case or are at risk for developing the disease, physical activity has been known to delay and even improve symptoms.

2. Socialize

Humans are social creatures that weren’t meant to be alone. Healthy relationships with family and friends can stimulate the brain, especially when laughter is involved. There are a number of ways to stay active and even meet new people by joining a club, volunteering and scheduling time with a favorite friend. Pets can also add value to your life and boost your brain’s ability to think.

3. Get Enough Sleep

The brain stores its long-term memories during the dreaming phase of your sleep and getting at least seven to eight hours of rest is important each night. Sleep also helps keep the memory keen and helps you function properly throughout the day. This is especially helpful for students and individuals that need to utilize their brain for studying and preparing for exams.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

There are a number of healthy foods that can help enhance your memory. Omega-3 fatty acids, berries, whole grains, eggs, green leafy vegetables, brightly colored fruits and nuts can all speed up the brain to work faster and with efficiency. Eating the foods on a regular basis will also help prevent memory gaps.

5. Mentally Challenge Yourself

Finding mentally challenging tasks can keep your memory in top shape. Playing chess with a friend, putting together a puzzle, reading and cooking meals are important activities that can aid your brain function. For those in an assisted living center, you’ll find a number of activities available to help seniors stay sharp. You can even find continuing education classes for learning a new skill set or to just be computer savvy. If you are searching for a memory care program in an assisted living in Atlanta, then you may find these following non-drug treatments:

  • Reminiscence Therapy uses long-term memories to spawn interaction among the residents which acquaints them with one another and helps their caregivers to know and understand them better. This treatment validates who they are and their accomplishments.
  • Cognitive Stimulation Therapy uses games of association, memory, and concentration in a group setting. This treatment stirs the residents to communicate their memories in story form.
  • Five Sense Therapy explores the new research in physiology that suggests the mind is not in the brain but travels the entire body on convoys of hormones and enzymes, actively making sense of the complex wonder we index as touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision.

Whether you’re a senior looking to lessen memory gaps, a student studying for a test or someone who just wants to stay mentally on the ball, there are a number of exercises you can do that will help to enhance and sharpen your brain power.

Kelly Dennie enjoys researching and seeking non-drug alternatives for diseases and overall health improvement. Dogwood Forest, an assisted living in Atlanta, has learned that through clinically proven non-drug treatments Alzheimer’s disease can be deferred by an average of six years. Their living environment is built around this medical science break through in the fight against dementia.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

IT’S NATIONAL BURN AWARENESS WEEK – 2013!

Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designed to provide an opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. Burn Awareness Week, celebrated early in the year, is an excellent opportunity to “kick off” a year full of burn awareness education.  This year’s theme focuses on Preventing Scald Injuries.

Scalds – A Burning Issue

Scald injuries are painful and require prolonged treatment. They may result in lifelong scarring and even death. Prevention of scalds is always preferable to treatment and can be accomplished through simple changes in behavior and the home environment.

In conjunction with Burn Awareness Week, (February 3 through February 9) the American Burn Association is providing information relating to scald burns for use in your own communities.  Although anyone can sustain a scald burn, certain people are more likely to be scalded —infants, young children, older adults and people with disabilities. These high-risk groups are also more likely to require hospitalization, suffer complications and experience a difficult recovery.

Most burn injuries occur in the person’s own home and the vast majority of these injuries could have easily been prevented.  Tap water scalds are often more severe than cooking-related scalds. The American Burn Association recommends the following simple safety tips to decrease the risk to yourself and those you love from tap water scalds.

  •  Set home water heater thermostats to deliver water at a temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit / 48 degree Celsius. An easy method to test this is to allow hot water to run for three to five minutes, then test with a candy, meat or water thermometer.
  • Adjust the water heater and wait a day to let the temperature drop. Re-test and re-adjust as necessary.
  •  Provide constant adult supervision of young children or anyone who may experience difficulty removing themselves from hot water on their own. Gather all necessary supplies before placing a child in the tub, and keep them within easy reach.
  •  Fill tub to desired level before getting in. Run cold water first, then add hot. Turn off the hot water first. This can prevent scalding in case someone should fall in while the tub is filling. Mix the water thoroughly and check the temperature by moving your elbow, wrist or hand with spread fingers through the water before allowing someone to get in.
  •  Install grab bars, shower seats or non-slip flooring in tubs or showers if the person is     unsteady or weak.
  • Avoid flushing toilets, running water or using the dish- or clothes washer while anyone is showering.
  •  Install anti-scald or tempering devices. These heat sensitive instruments stop or interrupt the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-determined level and prevent hot water that is too hot from coming out of the tap. 

Cooking-related scalds are also easy to prevent. Some things you can do to make your home safer from cooking-related burns include:

  •  Establish a “kid zone” out of the traffic path between the stove and sink where children can safely play and still be supervised. Keep young children in high chairs or play yards, a safe distance from counter- or stovetops, hot liquids, hot surfaces or other cooking hazards.
  • Cook on back burners when young children are present. Keep all pot handles turned back, away from the stove edge. All appliance cords should be coiled and away from the counter edge. During mealtime, place hot items in the center of the table, at least 10 inches from the table edge. Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths if toddlers are present.
  • Never drink or carry hot liquids while carrying or holding a child. Quick motions may cause spilling of the liquid onto the child. 

For more information about preventing scald burns, contact the American Burn Association at 312-642-9260 or www.ameriburn.org.  Accidents happen so quickly, and burns are so painful and slow to heal, let’s all take a little more time for extra care where there is a potential for getting injured by burns.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

BE WISE WHEN IT COMES TO EXTRACTION OF WISDOM TEETH (GUEST POST)

By Chris Grasso

Common surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extractions don’t usually lead to medical complications. In some cases, though, individuals have suffered severe pain because of dental procedures that they didn’t even need. The unnecessary removal of wisdom teeth can bring about its own set of complications, which are completely avoidable by being informed. Before letting a dentist operate on you, make sure you understand the risks of extractions and related procedures.

Know Your Reaction to Anesthesia

Some people have a sensitivity or allergy to general anesthesia drugs. This can cause them to experience a stroke or heart attack during surgery. It’s absolutely crucial to be aware of potential allergic reactions to specific drugs and to understand the alternative options. Accidental injuries related to anesthesia have been on the rise in the past 10 years. In fact, the death rate for people under full anesthesia has risen in recent years. According to German researchers, seven out of one million patients die during anesthesia. That might sound like a low number, but it’s nearly twice the number of deaths during the 1980s.

Know What Causes Dry Socket

Patients also risk medical problems while recovering from tooth extractions. Between two and five percent of people who have their wisdom teeth extracted get dry socket, an extremely painful condition that requires additional medical attention. In most cases, patients can prevent dry socket by keeping their mouths clean. Not all dentists, however, provide proper instructions for people who have a high risk for getting dry socket, including those who smoke or use certain birth control pills.

Nerve Damage Caused by Botched Extractions

Given the large number of nerves clustered in and around the mouth, it’s not surprising that some patients experience extensive nerve damage that can leave them handicapped for life. In some cases, dentists have accidentally severed nerves, causing loss of feeling or numbness in the mouths of patients. They can also damage nerves while pulling on wisdom teeth or cutting impacted areas. This nerve damage can affect the lips, tongue, and cheeks. Some patients even lose their sense of taste.

Tooth Extractions Can Damage Existing Dental Work

Wisdom teeth don’t always come out easily. Dentists often have to pull, tug, and cut them out. Patients don’t feel this when they are under the effects of general anesthesia. Violent extractions, however, can damage existing dental work. That often causes long-term pain, not to mention the additional expense of getting crowns, implants, and other dental work replaced.

The truly unfortunate thing is that not all people who have their wisdom teeth removed actually need the procedure. It has become a rite of passage that nearly all people undergo. Keeping the existing dental work in tact is very important and costly thing to do, CuperoLaw.com recognizes that dentists have a responsibility to protect their patients from unnecessary pain and expense. If you think that an oral surgeon has taken advantage of you, then it’s important to get the right legal representation before confronting the doctor as doctors know their rights and you should know yours.

Painkiller Complications

It may be a smaller percentage of people who are allergic or get sick from a painkiller given after a surgery, but would you want to find out after surgery. Being in immense pain after surgery is no time to find out that you may get sick after taking the pill given for you to deaden the pain. Others get very nauseous from these pills in addition to the pain being present. Know the feeling and effect you get from painkillers. This could save you from becoming ill and being in unnecessary pain.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHEN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS HURT INSTEAD OF HEAL (GUEST POST)

When Prescription Drugs Hurt Instead Of Heal

Most people put their wholehearted trust into their doctors when it comes to their medical health. This trust is usually not misplaced since these professionals are trained to keep people healthy. When a doctor prescribes a certain medicine to someone, that person usually trusts that it is safe for them to take. Unfortunately, due to negligence on part of the doctor, a pharmacy or a drug manufacturer, safety isn’t always guaranteed. It’s important for everyone to understand the risks of prescription drug side effects and what can be done if they occur.

When Prescription Drugs go Bad

Doctors don’t knowingly give their patients prescription drugs that are likely to cause serious health risks. While it’s true that most drugs have known side effects, the perceived benefits of these drugs often outweigh the possible risks. Patients are usually informed if there are any known possible side effects related to a drug that they’re taking, but unfortunately, this isn’t always enough to keep a person safe.

People can be harmed by prescription drugs in numerous ways. Certain drugs, for instance, can be perfectly safe until mixed with other drugs. When doctors fail to take note of the prescriptions their patients are already on, it can lead to an individual taking two prescriptions that can be deadly when used in conjunction with each other.

Negative drug reactions, however, aren’t always the fault of doctors. It’s also possible that pharmaceutical companies failed to recognize all of the possible side effects of a drug before putting it on the market as in the case of Pradaxa litigation. This often occurs due to sub-par clinical trials and the rush to make profit by getting the drug out into the general public. Since these possibilities have the chance of deadly results, every person should take precautionary measures when taking any prescription.

Avoiding Prescription Drug Mishaps

There are several ways that a person can lessen their chance of experiencing adverse side effects when taking prescription drugs. This is exceptionally important since Quarterwatch, a pharmaceutical research nonprofit group, found that there are nearly 180,000 known serious or fatal reactions that can occur related to prescription drugs. Knowing these figures, most people would welcome a few tips on avoiding side effects.

  • Always take prescriptions exactly as prescribed.
  • Doctor should have full medical history of patient. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter drugs being taken.
  • Keep a list of possible side effects handy for at least six months. Not all drugs will cause detrimental reactions immediately; serious side effects sometimes take time to show up.
  • Stick with tried and true prescriptions. If there are other drugs that have been on the market for over seven years and accomplish the same goal, take them. Not all side effects of a drug are immediately known before the drug gets FDA approval.
  • Do your research. Check for bad reviews, ongoing litigation, and manufacturer recalls.  You do this before you buy a car or electronics, you should do it for your own well being.

What to do if harmed by Prescription Drugs

There are several things that an individual or their family should do if serious side effects are experienced due to prescription drugs. The most vital thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention. Even side effects that seem relatively minor can result in serious injury or death. A doctor should be consulted before discontinuing any medication just to ensure full safety.

Those injured by prescription drugs also have certain legal rights. This type of injury isn’t like a car accident or other seemingly minor event that can be easily handled by two parties outside of court. Doctors and drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure that prescription drugs are going to be safe for a person, and when side effects are possible, patients must be informed of them. When these entities fail in this duty, patients have the right to recover damages.

Anyone who suffers an injury due to a prescription drug can receive compensation for their pain, suffering, medical costs and any other losses related to the injury. Even though this is the case, taking a few of the aforementioned precautionary steps is much better than dealing with a medical malpractice suit or facing a pharmaceutical company in court. When it does come down to these instances, however, it’s important for a person to have an attorney who is experienced in prescription drug lawsuits at their side.

Kelly Dennie is a freelance writer who specializes in a wide variety of topics to spawn awareness that she hopes will lead to action. The attorneys at Doyle Raizner LLP can attest to the importance of a drug’s market longevity, due to its Pradaxa litigation and that drug’s relatively short life span from development to market. Having worked with pharmaceutical companies, and litigated bodily injury cases due to adverse reactions to prescription medications throughout the nation, these attorneys understand and can provide the necessary diligence and commitment your defense will require.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE “BUG” THAT WON’T GO AWAY!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, all states in the U.S. have widespread flu activity, with the exception of Tennessee and Hawaii.  Some states are seeing an increase in flu activity while others are seeing the numbers of cases going down.  The nations’ total this flu season for pediatric deaths is 29.  Although the government doesn’t keep a running tally of adult deaths from the flu, estimates are that it takes about 24,000 lives every year. 

Federal officials are taking unusual steps to make more flu medicines available and urging wider use of them as soon as symptoms appear.  One reason is that the number of older people hospitalized with the flu as risen sharply.  Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the CDCP, reports that this season is shaping up to be a worse-than-average season, especially for the elderly.  Two drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, can cut the severity and risk of death from the flu, but must be started within 48 hours of first symptoms to do much good. 

Some of the signs of the flu are:

  • Feeling as though you have been hit by a truck;
  • Coughing;
  • Aching;
  • Head is pounding;
  • Fever
  • Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. 

Know that the flu is a virus, which means that antibiotics won’t cure viruses.  Usually the flu passes without complications.  However, in the case of high fever, especially in children, a doctor should be involved in their care.  High-risk groups, pregnant women, children, or the elderly may want to see their doctor, because they are at a higher risk to contact the flu.  Some antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza can be taken as early as possible to enable the illness to not be as severe.  Of course, the flu shots seem to be helping all three strains that are circulating, also helping it to be a lighter case than without the shot. 

Warning signs to get to the emergency room ASAP if these symptoms are experienced by children: 

  • Not drinking fluids
  • Extreme irritability
  • Fever with a rash
  • Having trouble breathing or breathing rapidly
  • Blue tinge to the skin
  • Child won’t wake up or interact
  • Flu symptoms have improved, but cough and fever return and worsen 

Symptoms to watch for in adults may be similar; however, they may also experience: 

  • Vomiting that is severe and persistent
  • Confusion
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 

Here are ways to help prevent the spread of this “bug”: 

  1. Get the flu shot
  2. Stay home if you are sick
  3. Keep your kids home from school until they’ve gone 24 hours without fever
  4. Wash hands very often
  5. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
  6. Use a face mask to protect others when you cough or sneeze.
  7. Stay out of public places
  8. Understand that this is a serious illness that could result in complications, such as pneumonia 

The CDC states that the flu again has surpassed an “epidemic” status, based on monitoring of deaths from flu.  It happens every year, and it takes everyone’s cooperation in preventing the spread of flu by following the instructions above.  Persons will appreciate your missing church, school, or work, if you are ill.  You can always catch up on what you miss, and you’ll know you did your part in keeping others safe from flu.