Wellness Matters

health matters MRSA ��� ���The Superbug��� Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a common bacteria that lives on the skin and in the nose of approximately 30% of healthy Canadians. Although it can lead to infection, up until recent years such infections have been largely manageable. However, the long-time and widespread use of antibiotics has produced a new strain of staph ��� a multi-antibiotic-resistant bacterium called Methicillin-resistant��Staphylococcus aureus��(MRSA), also called ���The Superbug.��� What makes MRSA such a concern is the fact that there are very few antibiotics capable of treating this infection, which puts vulnerable populations (hospital patients, seniors and people with a weakened immune system) at special risk. For these people, and sometimes even for otherwise healthy patients, MRSA infection can be life-threatening. Most MRSA infections are acquired in hospitals, however, it can be acquired in the community. The first sign of MRSA is usually a skin infection that begins to drain pus. In some cases this localized infection can lead to infection elsewhere in the body, producing severe symptoms, which Photographs: iStock A Galling Problem Among people who experience recurring abdominal pain, it���s amazing how often gallstones are to blame. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ just below the liver that���s responsible for storing the bile secreted by the liver as an aid to digesting fats in the diet. Gallstones are hard deposits that sometimes form inside the gallbladder or its associated bile ducts. They can range in size from as tiny as a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. They���re more common in women than in men and are associated with obesity, pregnancy, elevated blood trigylceride levels and some inflammatory bowel diseases. When a large stone blocks a bile duct, it can produce severe pain in the middle to right-upper abdomen or back ��� a condition called biliary colic. The pain can be sharp or dull, can spread to the back, and can also be accompanied by fever or jaundice. Diagnosis of the condition is usually through examination or an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. For those experiencing pain and other symptoms, gallbladder removal (usually laparoscopic surgery) is the standard treatment, although alternative treatments can be used for smaller stones. To help prevent the formation of gallstones, avoid fried and heavily processed foods, whole-milk products and fatty red meat. Also, avoid very low-calorie diets or losing weight too quickly. Both have been linked to an increased incidence of gallstones. is why early diagnosis (through lab tests) is so important. Transmission of MRSA is person to person, or through direct contact with contaminated clothing, towels, razors and other shared surfaces. That���s why the best way to protect yourself and to prevent the spread of MRSA is to practise good hygiene: ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Immediately clean and cover all cuts and wounds. Avoid sharing personal items with others (e.g, razors, towels). Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor. When visiting hospitals or seniors��� residences, observe all sanitation protocols (e.g., gloves and gowns as required). If you suspect you may have MRSA, see your doctor immediately. Adult Acne Having acne as a teenager is an expected right of passage, but having acne as an adult seems downright unfair. Still, more than 50% of adults experience break outs at some point in their lives. Most acne has a hormonal component, which explains why many women have acne at certain times during their menstrual cycle or during menopause. In some adults an overactive immune system can attack the skin���s own follicles and oil glands, producing inflammation. Persistent breakouts can also be an indicator of an underlying medical condition, or a side-effect of medications (in such cases, see your doctor). Basic acne-management advice that worked in puberty works in adulthood, too. Eat nutritious foods, get adequate sleep, exercise, cleanse your skin regularly, drink plenty of water and control stress. Some topical treatments intended for oily teenage skin may not be appropriate for drier adult skin. Try mild skin-care creams and cleansers before trying products with beads or granules that might actually worsen the condition. In severe or persistent cases, your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory, or topical or oral antibiotic. Some women may benefit from taking birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin. A final resort might be laser treatment or various other forms of therapy. Most adult acne is transient and resolves on its own, but if it persists, see your doctor or a dermatologist. Now and then, it���s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918) French poet and playwright 6 WM Spring 2013

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