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Nurses Exposed to Chemicals - Health Risks

December 13, 2007

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As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, an Oakland environmental group warned in a recent study that nurses are being exposed to harmful chemicals. I ronically, the exposure is from chemicals used to keep the hospital clean and treat patients. The group sites "heavy-duty cleaners and latex to chemotherapy drugs" could have long term effects on the nurses health. A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group and Health Care Without Harm, evaluated nursing exposure to 11 common chemicals use in healthcare, including anesthesia gas, hand disinfectants, cleaning agents and chemicals used for sterilization. The study notes that exposure may increase the risk of cancer, asthma and miscarriage rates for nurses that are exposed.

The frightening part of all this is that the nurses are unknowingly being exposed - the study notes that nurses may not even be aware that job related chemical exposure is an issue.

Check out the full story on nurses and chemical exposure here >>>

Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Consumer Health, Public Health, Healthcare Jobs, Hospitals 

Microsoft plans medical record service - and beats Google to the punch!

October 19, 2007

Microsoft announced its plan to jump into the medical record business - what will they think of next?

Read Microsoft Plans Medical record Service

The article goes on to state… "On Thursday the company is outlining its vision, dubbed HealthVault, in which a person can view, from one place, their complete health records. Consumers will be able to view information from medical devices, myriad health care providers and insurance companies as well as share that information with health care providers of their choosing or search for information related to their health issues."

If your reaction is the same as mine (shocked, amused and left with a feeling that there is no way can they pull this off) - then you will enjoy Chris Pirillo’s blog and video - check it out here…

Chris goes on to say…

"On Thursday the company outlined its vision, dubbed HealthVault, in which a person can view, from one place, their complete health records. Consumers will be able to view information from medical devices, myriad health care providers and insurance companies as well as share that information with health care providers of their choosing or search for information related to their health issues."

 Another good article can be found on ZDNet at http://blogs.zdnet.com/micro-markets/?p=891

Who do you think will win the race for medical record dominance?

- Google

- Microsoft

- Other

Leave your comments and feedback.

 

Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Medical Records, Featured Stories, Public Health 

California Man Diagnosed with the First Case of the West Nile Virus

October 19, 2007

Public Health - Disease - Consumer Health

This week, it was announced that a 32 year old Californian man was diagnosed with the first case of the West Nile Virus. It is not entirely known where or how he contracted the virus, but he is out of the hospital and recovering now. While in the hospital, he suffered from a high fever and persistent headaches. The gentleman went an entire month with these symptoms prior to finally going to the doctor to have them examine him.

It is advised that anyone that has these symptoms for the same amount of time as he had, that they need to go to the doctor as soon as possible. Thanks to the proper treatments and rehabilitation, the man was released from the hospital on Monday, September 17. He seems to be in good spirits, and is looking forward to his full recovery.

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Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Disease, Featured Stories, Consumer Health, Public Health 

New York State and City Seek Restitution Regarding Vioxx

October 18, 2007

Health Regulation - Public Health
 
The government and citizens of New York State and New York City have had enough. On Monday, the state government filed a lawsuit with the State Supreme Court in regards to Vioxx, a drug that was pulled off of the shelves in 2004 due to the dangers that patients had in side effects. Those that have filed a lawsuit are stating that Mereck, the distributor of Vioxx, knew that their product, an arthritis reliever, caused heart attacks and strokes in many instances.
 
Other states have lined up as well for the restitution that they feel is owed back to those that were patients on Vioxx. There is a multi-million dollar lawsuit under litigation in all of these states, and the hope that the tax payers will be reimbursed is what those that have been effected as well as the state lawyers are hoping for.

Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Featured Stories, Public Health, Health Regulation, Pharmaceuticals 

Another Recall of Leafy Greens Linked to E.Coli

October 18, 2007

Public Health - Disease
 
As if last year’s spinach scare of E. Coli was not enough, Dole has recalled their mixed salad bags due to a possible E. Coli outbreak. To date, there are nine states that have been notified of the possible outbreak. The origins of the E. Coli outbreak was said to have started in Canada. As of Monday, September 17, there was a voluntary recall for the Dole Hearts Delight salad mix.
 
Dole, who was under much scrutiny for its spinach recall last year, is taking all of the precautionary steps as needed for this sudden outbreak. The Hearts Delight salad mix has an expatriation date of September 19, 2007. Anyone who has this salad bag mix in their refrigerators are encouraged to throw out the salad, and contact a medical physician immediately should any symptoms of the E. Coli bacteria should be prevalent.

Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Disease, Featured Stories, Public Health 

An Additional 10,000 Birds to be Killed Due to Outbreak

October 18, 2007

Disease
 
The latest flu outbreak in Guangzhou, China has proven to be quite stressful and taxing for those that live in the community. In an attempt to control the bird flu from spreading, there is a planned execution of 10,000 domestic birds, thanks to their local government. Tests that were processed on other birds thought to carry the bird flu came back as positive. The Chinese government is not taking any chances, and will move forward with their actions.
 
The reason for the elimination of so many birds is due to the fact that the way that the bird flu virus is contract is via bird and human contact. Chinese officials have urged their citizens to not touch birds, domestic or wild, and to make sure that they are taking all of the precautionary steps as needed. The officials in Guangzhou hope that the execution will put some sort of a stop on the spreading of the deadly disease.

Written by healthyinsight · Filed Under Disease, Featured Stories, Public Health