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October 26, 2011     Indian Valley Record
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October 26, 2011
 
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Bulletin, Progressive, Record, Reporter Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 91B : Antibiotics. /"()llow direcri,)ns, save lives HERE' TO YOUR HEALTH AURA WHITTAKER We've all been there -- you're not feeling wee but you really don't want to go to the doctor or take antibiotics. Maybe the medication makes you feel worse before you get better. Or maybe you just never remember to take the prescript ion. While taking daily medication for a week or two can be a pain in more ways than one, finishing the course of antibiotics is becoming a critical issue. Antibiotic resistance can occur when certainanti- biotics no longer work against disease-causing bacteria. Resistant infections are difficult to treat and can mean longer'-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits, hospital stays and the need for more expensive and toxic medica- tions. Some antibiotic resis- tant infections can even cause death. Although scientists and doctors are working to develop new antibiotics and other treatments to stay on top of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, infectious organisms adapt quickly. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria will continue to be a global health concern-- and using antibiotics wisely is impor- tant for preventing the spread of disease. If antibiotics are used too often for things they can't treat -- like colds, flu or other viral infections -- they become less effective against the bacteria they're intended to treat. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Not taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor can lead to worse health problems. For example, ff yoti take an antibiotic for only a few days -- instead of the full course -- the antibiotic may wipe out some but not all of the infectious bacteria. The surviving bacteria become stronger and more resistant and can be spread to other people. When bacteria become resistant to first line treat- ments, the risk of complica- tions and death increases greatly. In the United States alone, it is estimated that thousands of people die each year of antibiotic-resistant infections. The failure of first line antibiotics also means that doctors have to resort to less commonly used medications, many of which are more costly and can have more serious side effects. For instance, the medica- tion needed to treat drug- resistant forms of tuberculo- sis (TB) are much more expensive than are the medications used to treat nonresistant TB. The course of treatment for drug-resistant TB is long up to two years -- and the side effects can be severe. Other consequences of not taking the full course of prescribed antibiotics are the increased costs associated wit h prolonged illnesses, including expenses for additional tests, treatments and hospitalization, and indirect costs such as lost income. The good news is there are steps to take to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness. Since repeated and improper use, of antibiotics is the pri- mary cause of the increase in the number of drug-resistant bacteria, proper use of antibiotics is the answer. Educate yourseff about when antibiotics should be used. Don't expect to take antibiotics every time you're sick. They are only effective in treating bacterial infec- tions. They are not useful against viral infections, such as colds, acute bronchitis or the flu. And even some common bacterial ailments, such as mild ear infections, don't benefit much from antibiotics. Antibiotics are not always the answer. Talk with your doctor about and research ways to relieve your symp- toms without medication -- for instance, a saline nasal spray to clear a stuffy nose or a mixture of warm water. lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat. When your doctor does prescribe antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Don't stop treatment a few days early even if you're feeling better. Taking the full course of antibiotics is the only wayto kill all of the harmful bacteria. A short- ened course of antibiotics, on the other hand, often wipes Out only the most vulnerable bacteria while allowing the stronger, more resistant bacteria to survive. Never take antibiotics without a prescription. If you didn't complete a full course of antibiotics previously, don't be tempted to use the leftover medication the next time you get sick or pass it along to someone else who is sick. For one thing, the antibiotic might not be appropriate for a future illness. And even if it is, you're not likely to have enough pills to combat the germs making you sick, which can lead to more resistant bacteria. Make an effort to prevent yourself and others from getting sick in the first place• Prevent the spread of germs with good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper or handling raw meat or poultry. Although antibac- terial cleaners and soap are widely available, they aren't necessary. Some experts suggestthese soaps are part of the problem. Plain soap and water work fine to kill ' germs in most settings. Make no mistake-- anti- biotic resistance is a global health problem. Nearly all significant bacterial infec- tions in the world are becom- ing resistant to commonly used antibiotics. When you misuse antibiotics, you help create resistant microorgan- isms that can cause new and hard-to-treat infections. That's why the decisions you make about using antibiotics have far-reaching conse- quehces. Be responsible in how you use antibiotics to protect your health and that of your family, neighbors, community and beyond. Beware of Medicare scams Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones warns seniors and their advocates to be on guard against unreasonable sales practices during the annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Prescrip- tion Drug Program. Open enrollment funs Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. Jones offers the following tips to help protect against predatory insurance sales practices during the open enrollment period: --:Medicare has no official sales representatives. --Guard personal informa- tion. Never give out informa- tion over the telephone. --Verify the person you are dealing with has authority to act on behalf of the plan. --Federal regulations pro- hibit free meal offers for listening to sales presen- tations or signing up for particular plans. • Bring deceptive practices to the department's attention. "If we know about question- able conduct we can do some- thing about it," Jones said. Even if someone just has questions or concerns, call (800) 927-HELP (4357). For local help in reporting ques- tionable marketing, call PAS- SAGES HICAP (Health Insur- ance Counseling & Advocacy Program) at (800) 434-0222. (00rali jlgur GSouI ani00 part00 till j00our l00one00 rattle,. /! ....... All Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Decor 400/0 off All Christmas Cards 30° off All Holiday Books 25°/o Off All Shelved Paperback Books 250/0 Off (does not include new releases of paperbaclc hardcover or speKi(l'rdg All Gift Items 250 off 80 CommercialSt., Portola • 530-832-1980 • . ,, i,.,. ..,: • .',:*  ,. ,%.: "We have a great selection of Halloween and Fall decorations to delight you, and all the treasures that you've come to expect." • "It's almt time for Christmas at Crescent Country." Nov. 4 &5 Friday & Saturday lOam-gpm Nov. 6, Sunday lOam-6pm Please remember we will be dosed Oct. 29 thru Nov. 3 for preparation Delivery Available in Quincy & Portola CHESTER QUINCY PORTOLA 258-3155 283-4545 832-0430 197 Main St. 490 W. Main St. 197 Commercial St. Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 10am-4pm v:,, u, . , ,; 7 i  : A LOT Of Stuffi!  :::il ;:: Tue.-Fri. 9am-5pm Sat. 9am-4pm ' ;: Sun. & Mon. 1-4pm ~ PLUS ~ " " Unique Made Costumes By Genesee Sewing Trisha Aitken @ 284-7480 COUNTRY STYLE SALON A Little Shop With ' 219 Main St., Greenville • 284-7273 F00i., Oct. 28 • 64 E. $1otra $1., Portoh ,,, .... • ........ ., 3rd Annunl F J oa. • i. 8hal h 21 oEd00 LUITH ID 284-6016 ~ Hwy 89 • Crescent Mills