Zika Virus Basics

Zika virus is a mosquito born illness.  A mosquito becomes infected when it bites someone who has Zika virus.  It can also be transferred through sex or mother to new born baby.  Most Zika infection is not very serious, flu like symptoms.  They may have joint pain, rash, fever which may last for a couple weeks.  Zika illness during pregnancy can transfer microcephaly to the infant.  This is a serious brain disorder.

Things to prevent Zika Virus includes wearing long sleeves when in places with Zika virus, stay where there is air conditioning and window screens, take steps to control mosquitoes, Use Environmental Protection Agency approved insect repellants.  Mosquito netting can be used for babies.
If you suspect you have Zika virus get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, take medicines like acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain, do not take aspirin, talk to your doctor if you are taking other medication.

Vapes: Myths and Realities

Are E-cigarettes or Vapes harmless?  Not really.  They produce a water vapor which contains nicotine and perhaps other harmful drugs.  They still deliver nicotine and low levels of other toxins and chemicals.  As E-cigarettes are not regulated you never know how much you are getting.  Can E-cigarettes help you  quite smoking?  Some people may switch, put switching is not quitting.  They are not approved by the FDS as a way to quit smoking.  Are E cigarettes addictive?  Anything which contains nicotine is addictive.   To quite call 1-800-NO-BUTTS.

Child Abuse and Alcoholism: Is there a Connection?

These are my thoughts about an article appearing in Parenting on the Peninsula, April 2016 written by Rayne E. Golay.
The article sites studies which show that college students with PTSD have a greater chance of over using alcohol.  From their the author assumes that the PTSD is caused by child abuse.  I think it is important to realize that misuse of alcohol effects more than just you.  Alcohol, or other drug use increases the incidence of child abuse and neglect.  Parental alcoholism is often a factor in children being placed in protective custody.  When Sheri and I were foster parents, the majority of the children who came to our home was the result of parental alcohol or drug problems.
If you are having issues with alcohol or drugs, it is important to seek help.

Lower Back Pain

American College of Physicians Foundation

Food Temperature Safety

This fridge sticker is pretty specific.  Under 41 or over 135 are safe temperatures for food to prevent growth of bad things.

Burn Safety and Burn Center Nurse Manager

Please be mindful of the season and take care.

On Monday, June 27^th, SCVMC teamed up with officials from the Santa Clara Fire and Sheriff's Department and the San Jose Fire and Police Departments to improve public awareness about the danger of illegal fireworks.  Our own Jill Sproul , RN, Nurse Manger of our Burn Center joined other County leaders at this Community event held at Vasona Park in Los Gatos. Jill provided the following advice to members of the Santa Clara Community:

• "The staff at the Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have been treating pediatric and adult burn patients for the past 46 years.  Every 4^th of July season we treat several patients with burn and blast injuries as the result of illegal fireworks.
• Despite our prevention efforts few people understand the associated risks, lifelong effects and devastating disability that occurs after a burn injury.
• In addition to life threatening injuries, years of rehabilitation, burn injuries can cause disfigurement and loss of function.
• After working in Burn care for 26 years I can tell you people do not think it will happen to them.
• As a burn survivor myself from a gasoline explosion I sustained as a child- I am here to tell you burns do not discriminate and it can happen to you.
• According to the National Fire Protection Agency, Emergency rooms across the country will treat thousands of people over the next few weeks due to fireworks related injuries.
• This time of year we also see an increase in camp fire related injuries, BBQ accidents and burns sustained from covering hot coals at the beach.
• Our goal this year at the Burn Center is to have no fireworks related burn injuries, as EVEN ONE is too many.
• We ask that you help us in preventing burn injuries by not participating in the use of illegal fireworks. Our hope is that you and your families have a safe and injury free Fourth of July Holiday!
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Pamphlet: Staying Smoke Free After Your Baby Is Born

Remember reasons for not smoking such as, I want to take care of my baby, I want to save money, I want to protect my baby from smoke.  Avoid temptations.  Triggers can be friends, locations, a cup of coffee or alcohol.  Keep cigarettes out of the house.  Find healthy ways to deal with stress and "baby blues."  Ideas could be to take a walk, calla friend, join a parent support group.  If the "blues" become such that you can't take care of your baby, or the "blues" won't go away, you may want to talk to a doctor.    Other ways to avoid smoking is to ask family and friends for support, or call a smoke free hot-line like 1-800-NOBUTTS, or 1-800 QUIT-NOW.