Wednesday June 11 / 2008

Wednesday June 11 / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:12: McMaster received funding to investigate whether or not there’s a connection between a hyper-clean childhood environment and rising rates of allergies, asthma and other autoimmune diseases.
Guest: Dr. Kathy McCoy, assistant professor in McMaster's department of medicine, and specialist in gastrointestinal immunology.

12:20: Say it aint so: your flip-flops might be leading you down a path to pain and injury, according to new research.
Guest: Justin Shroyer, Lead Researcher and Biomechanics Doctoral Student.

12:35: Let’s get ‘er goin’ and get ‘er done at the gym!
Guest: Ernie Schramayr over at All Canadian Fitness.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene Hogan.
West Nile Virus

What is West Nile Virus?
It is a virus spread by mosquitoes that can cause illness in humans. It was first indentified in the province of West Nile, Uganda in 1937. West Nile virus activity has been found in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

How Is It Spread?
It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito contracts the virus when it bites an infected bird. As a rule, it is not spread by touch or contact with an infected person or animal. The virus can also be spread by organ transplant, blood transfusions, breast-feeding, handling infected tissues in a lab and mother to fetus. (These do only account for a few cases)

Clean up and ruin the mosquito’s love life
• Clean areas where they like to breed
• Mosquitoes do not fly very far and tend to stay close to their breeding sites and normal habitat
• They lay their eggs in stagnant water, even very small amounts. The life cycle from egg to adult can take less than 10 days.
• Drain water from containers, toys, garbage cans, pool covers, flower pots, tires, tarps or anything that can hold water, even a small amount.
• Change water in bird baths, wading pool and pet bowls twice a week.
• Fill low-lying areas that can hold water.
• Maintain pools and aerate ornamental ponds or stock with fish.
• Do not let grass clippings enter roadside gutters or catch basins as these are perfect mosquito breeding sites.

Who is at risk?
West Nile can affect people of any age and health. People with a weakened immune system and those over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk.

West Nile Protection
Apply insect replant containing DEET to clothing or skin. (Use a product that has no more than 30% Deet for adults). Avoid eyes and mouth. Children aged 6 months to two years may receive 1 application per day of a product containing 10% of Deet or less if only chances of being bitten are high. For children 2-12 years use a product with 10% Deet or less. DO NOT apply to face or hands. Limit to less than 3 times a day. Take extra caution when outdoor between dusk and early morning when mosquito activity is high. If they can’t get to you, you won’t get bitten! Minimize exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts or jackets. Mosquitoes like darker more intense colours, so remember to wear light colours if possible.

Symptoms of West Nile
Many people infected with West Nile do not show any symptoms, and do not get sick, or have only mild symptoms. When infection does cause illness, symptoms will usually appear within 2 to 15 days. The extent and severity of symptoms vary widely from person to person. In mild cases there may be flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. Some people may also develop a mild rah or swollen lymph glands. For individuals who have weaker immune systems, they are at a greater risk of developing symptoms and health effects that are more serious, including meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis. These conditions can be fatal. If an onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness and paralysis should seek immediate medical attention.


Nadine Janacek Blog Reporter Rexall #0202