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Show Page 12 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume IX Issue III November 15, 2003 BREASTFEEDING cont. from page 8 The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other major health associations, overwhelmingly support the importance of breastfeeding, even in a contaminated world. Documented benefits of breastfeeding include reduced incidences of the following: Insulin Dependent diabetes Some childhood cancers Ear infections Upper respiratory infections Obesity Other health problems In addition, studies suggest that breastfeeding may have a positive influence upon the development of verbal and general intelligence. It is impossible to reduce exposure to all chemical elements. However, for those who would like to reduce contact with chemicals, especially before pregnancy, and during pregnancy and lactation, the following suggestions may be helpful. Ten Simple Steps to Help Reduce the Level of Chemicals in Your Body Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol since levels of contaminants have been found to be higher in those who smoke and drink alcoholic beverages. Be aware in purchasing homes and buildings that have been treated with pesticides for termites and/ or older homes that might have lead-based paints. In general, eat a variety of foods low in animal fats, remove skin and excess fat from meats and poultry. Avoiding highfat dairy products may reduce the potential burden of fat-soluble contaminants. Increase consumption of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Thoroughly wash and peel fruits and vegetables to help eliminate the hazard of pesticide residues on the skin. When available, eat food grown without fertilizer or pesticide application. Avoid fish such as swordfish and shark, or freshwater fish from waters reported as contaminated by local health agencies. Limit exposure to chemicals such as sol vents found in paints, non-water based glues, furniture strippers, nail polish, and gasoline fumes. Remove the plastic cover of dry cleaned clothing, and air out the garments in a room with open windows for 12-24 hours. Try to avoid contact with incinerator dis charge, preserved wood, or produce grown near incinerators. For those in the workforce, attempt to avoid occupational exposure to chemical contaminants, and seek improved work place chemical safety standards for all employees, especially pregnant and lactating women. Encourage other family members to be sensitive to contaminant residue they may inadvertently bring into the home. The Disability Forum — Tips to achieving good mental health Submitted by Mary Etta Tubbs, F.L.E. A Nurse’s Eye View— Excerpt from a public health lecture series on RSV and croup Let go of baggage from the past; things you cannot change. By John C. Witwer, RN and Rebecca Flitton, RN Recognize your own self worth and dignity. Participate in support groups, depending upon your need. Take time for self-renewal (meditation, relaxation, creative pursuits, etc.). Maintain healthy eating habits. Plan ahead and practice responses so you can be proactive instead of reactive. RSV The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a viral infection affecting the lungs and breathing passages. It is usually more severe in infants, but infects people throughout their life span. Those that are infected act as carriers. RSV infections are very contagious, with symptoms resembling a moderate to severe cold: Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough ing, wheezing, fevers, earache, lack of appetite, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and a decreased interest in surroundings. Create a comfortable environment. The Centers for Disease Control points out that there are no treatments for RSV, just for the symptoms. Home treatments include: Using a cool mist vaporizer to humidify the air, which may help soothe irritated breathing passages and relieve coughing. Drink plenty of fluids to help keep nasal secretions watery and easy to clear. Salt-water nose drops can be used to loosen mucus in the nose. A bulb syringe may be used to clear secretions out of a child who can’t blow their own nose. If the nostrils are irritated, a little bit of petroleum jelly can be placed under them. Dress comfortable and appropriately. Get adequate rest. Don’t insist on perfection. Having high standards doesn’t mean being perfect! Practice visualization techniques. The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health suggests that symptoms gradually resolve sometime between 7 to 14 days, but some cases may last up to 3 weeks. Your age, general health, and the severity of the infection affect recovery. Additionally, according to the National Center for Infectious Disease, RSV can lead to severe complications: Bronchiolitis and pneumonia, common in infants younger than 3 years of age, may require hospitalization. Severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur at any age, especially among the elderly or among those with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems. CROUP Croup is not an infection but is a condition of breathing difficulty caused by infection (i.e. RSV or the flu) of the upper airway and characterized by a “barking” cough. The characteristic cough is a result of swelling in the upper airway. Other signs include: Restlessness, fever, and difficulty breathing. Visible struggling to breathe through the use of chest and neck muscles. In severe cases, the lack of adequate oxygen supply may cause lips and fingers to turn blue. Imagine yourself handling situations well. Practice deep breathing to relieve tension. Help create an environment of appreciation and mutual respect. Keep a journal of successes, instructions, and questions. Get exercise during the day—even walking around helps. Remember that you won’t be good friends with everyone Accept others. Seek to create solutions to problems, but don’t dwell on the problem itself. Post positive quotes where they can remind you to be optimistic. Be willing to help others, and go the extra mile without doing more than you can realistically do. Be aware of the symptoms of depression and seek professional help, if needed. Source: adapted from Department of Mental Health—Well-Being. Tri-County Independent Living Center of Utah provides programs and services to “enhance independence for all people with disabilities”. Contact at 612-3215; 2726 Washington Blvd., or www.tri-county-ilc.com for more information. The number of infections usually peaks in the late fall, winter, and early spring in the United States. Infection spreads from person to person through everyday contact. The most common way of spreading the virus is: The infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. Another person inhales those droplets and the virus enters the respiratory tract, spreading the infection. Other ways the virus is spread: Sharing food or drink with an infected person. Picking up the droplets through contact with the hands and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus spreads easily and is extremely difficult to completely avoid. However, simple practices can reduce the spread. Hand washing, both your hands and your child’s, is most effective. Avoid congested public areas, such as stores, during peak times when RSV typ- ically spreads. The National Institute of Health (NIH) outlines some supportive measures possible at home for mild illness. Parents should stay calm to help the child to stay calm. Warm or cool humidified air should be provided. Taking the child outside into cold air may be helpful. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 1 hour, or any of the following conditions appear, NIH advises immediate medical attention. Severe breathing difficulty Bluish coloration of the skin Fatigue Dehydration Unconsciousness If your child is extremely irritable and has excessive drooling. This lecture in the series on RSV/Croup will be presented at the Huntsville Library Auditorium, November 20 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. For more information, or if you have questions, contact johnwitwer@yahoo.com |