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an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." as Benjamin Franklin once famously said. 

Primary Care: More Than Just a Routine Visit

1. Decreased Emergency Visits: Studies in 2023 show that individuals who regularly visit their primary care physicians have a 20% lower chance of visiting an emergency room compared to those who don't.
2. Better Chronic Disease Management: 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition. Those with regular primary care oversight report better disease management and quality of life.
3. Cost Savings: Regular primary care appointments lead to a 15% reduction in overall healthcare costs, translating to billions of dollars saved annually.

The Ripple Effect of Neglect

A Simple, Proactive Approach

A trio of vaccines are emerging for adults this Fall, especially those most at risk, with the recent approval of a new adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. Consult with your primary care if you have questions, as most public health experts are expecting a new COVID-19 booster along with their annual flu shot and this new RSV vaccine for those at risk.

How is RSV Different Now?

According to a recent article by the Cleveland Clinic, Why Is RSV Different Now Than In Past Years?:  "RSV has surged in nearly all populations. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 58,000–80,000 children younger than 5 and an estimated 177,000 adults over the age of 60 are hospitalized each year after getting infected with RSV. Of those older adults, as many as up to 14,000 of them die from their RSV infection each year.

Recent RSV seasons have caused those numbers in older populations to increase nearly 10-fold, with about 15 out of every 10,000 people older than 50 being hospitalized for their RSV infection."

Risk factors for severe RSV disease

According to an August 30, 2023 recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) evidence indicates that persons aged 60 years and older who are at highest risk for severe RSV disease and who might be most likely to benefit from vaccination include those with chronic medical conditions such as:

• Cardiopulmonary disease,
• Kidney disorders,
• Liver disorders,
• Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions,
• Hematologic disorders,
• Diabetes mellitus, and
• Moderate or severe immune compromise (either attributable to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatment);

as well as:

• Persons who are frail*;
• persons of advanced age^†;
• persons who reside in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities; and
• persons with other underlying conditions or factors that the provider determines might increase the risk for severe respiratory disease.

^*Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome and reflects a state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Although there is no consensus definition, one frequently used tool is the Fried frailty phenotype in which frailty is defined as a clinical syndrome with three or more of the following symptoms present: unintentional weight loss (10 lbs [4.5 kg] in the past year), self-reported exhaustion, weakness (grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity.

^†Among adults aged ≥60 years, RSV incidence increases with advancing age. Although age may be considered in determining an older adult patient’s risk for severe RSV-associated disease, there is no specific age threshold at which RSV vaccination is more strongly recommended within the age group of adults aged ≥60 years.

National EMS Week is a time to recognize and appreciate the incredible contributions of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who tirelessly serve our community. From May 21 to 27, 2023, let's take a moment to reflect on the invaluable role of EMS services and the profound impact they have on the well-being of our community.

Dedicated First Responders

EMS professionals bravely respond to emergencies, provide critical care and help in people's biggest time of need. They are often the first on the scene, offering immediate medical attention and support during some of life's most challenging moments. Their knowledge, skills, and dedication can make all the difference in preserving life and reducing the severity of injuries.

Rapid Response and Timely Care

During emergencies, time is of the essence, and EMS services play a crucial role in delivering rapid response and timely care. Whether it's a heart attack, a car accident, or a sudden illness, EMS professionals possess the expertise to assess the situation, stabilize patients, and transport them safely to medical facilities. Their ability to act swiftly and efficiently significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome.

Community Health and Public Safety

EMS services not only focus on immediate emergency response but also contribute significantly to the overall health and safety of the community. They provide education, training, and support to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies, promoting proactive measures like CPR and first aid training. EMS professionals collaborate with other healthcare providers, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive and coordinated emergency care.

Compassionate Care and Emotional Support

In addition to their medical expertise, EMS professionals exhibit compassion and empathy during challenging times. They offer reassurance and emotional support to patients and their loved ones, alleviating fear and anxiety. Their presence brings comfort and a sense of security, fostering trust and understanding within the community.

Adaptability and Versatility

EMS services face a diverse range of emergencies, often requiring quick thinking, adaptability, and versatility demonstrated by helping our community through the COVID19 pandemic. Whether responding to natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, or community health crises, EMS professionals demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in managing complex situations. They continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of medical advancements and best practices.

A Reminder of Exceptional Dedication

National EMS Week serves as a reminder of the exceptional dedication and selflessness displayed by EMS professionals in our community. Their commitment to saving lives, providing timely care, and promoting community health is truly commendable. As we celebrate this week, let us express our gratitude and support for these extraordinary individuals who make a difference every day, ensuring our safety and well-being.

Please take a moment to thank the EMS professionals in our community, and consider getting involved by supporting local EMS organizations, volunteering, or participating in community education programs. Together, we can create a safer and healthier future for all.

Vaping - you can’t turn on a television or radio, pick up a newspaper or magazine (or venture online to any news source) and not be bombarded by a deluge of reports on a mystery illness that has been swiftly spreading across the nation. 

Every day there are more deaths linked to this as yet undefined lung illness which has been established as directly related to the use of electronic cigarettes (commonly referred to as e-cigarettes) and the process by which they deliver nicotine and other products, called vaping.   

E-cigarettes are also known as vape pens, vapes, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).  These devices work by heating the liquid inside the cartridges or pods which creates an aerosol that is then inhaled, as one would do when smoking a traditional cigarette.  The liquid inside these devices can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, as well as other substances and additives, including unknown chemicals.  The most common uses of the e-cigarette is to deliver nicotine and/or THC.  E-cigarettes containing specifically nicotine are available in various strength cartridges that can be adjusted to further increase the voltage on the device, delivering additional, higher amounts of nicotine.

So what’s all the hype about with this vaping crisis?   

How is it any different than smoking cigarettes?  Vaping and e-cigarettes were originally marketed as a smoking cessation aid and many former cigarette smokers credit vaping as the single most important factor in their ability to quit smoking cigarettes.  Surprisingly, studies published by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed that electronic cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes and therefore, do not present an effective means by which to quit smoking cigarettes.  Additionally, these devices have not been approved by the FDA to be utilized for smoking cessation.  Furthermore, a recent study showed that individuals who used e-cigarettes as a means of smoking cessation not only returned to smoking traditional cigarettes, but utilized e-cigarettes as well. 

When it comes to the vaping epidemic, the broader concern lies within the marketing tactics used to entice teens to begin using e-cigarettes.  According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that in 2015 e-cigarette use by high school students had increased by 900 percent, with 40 percent of those users never having even smoked a regular cigarette or used any other form of tobacco.  It has become abundantly clear as time passes that e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly attractive to teens because they (falsely) believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.  The fact that e-cigarettes tend to cost less than regular cigarettes may also play a role in the increase in amount of teens choosing to vape. 

Finally and probably the most problematic factor in teen use of e-cigarettes, is that the cartridges and liquid used in the devices come in a variety of flavorings which appeal to a younger audience such as watermelon, cotton candy, mint, mango, apple pie - the list goes on.  So why wouldn’t a teen participate in the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens?  They’re cheaper than cigarettes, they don’t produce a foul smell, they come in various enticing flavors and they are led to the belief that using these devices is a healthy alternative to smoking cigarettes.  Currently, across the country efforts are being made to ban the sale of flavored vape “juice” in hopes that this will deter teens from using e-cigarettes.

Now, to the nitty-gritty facts: 

• Currently, the Center for Disease Control’s website lists that as of October 1, 2019, 1,080 lung injury cases associated with vaping have been reported from 48 states and one U.S. territory. 
• Eighteen deaths have been confirmed. 
• 16% of these patients are under eighteen years old
• 21% being between the ages of 18 and 21 
• 81% of patients are under 35 years old 

These statistics are increasing so steadily that the CDC now updates their website with new information every Thursday.

What Symptoms Are People Having?

So, people are getting sick, they are suffering from some unknown lung illness, but we do not know why these illnesses are occurring and by what processes they are occurring within the body.  It is only by gathering data that we will be able to learn why people are becoming ill and thereby develop ways in which to prevent illness and death related to vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.   The symptoms recorded across the board in patients with these lung related illnesses includes cough, shortness of breath, cheat pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever and abdominal pain.  Patients report both becoming acutely ill and others note that their symptoms increased over the course of several weeks.  There has been no correlation between existing lung infections and vaping related illnesses.

The takeaway here is that there are just too many unknowns when it comes to the health effects of vaping and the use of e-cigarettes, including the specific chemical makeup of the products being used which is compounded by the fact that no single product or substance seems to be identified in every single case.  Ingredients in the products vary greatly and there is no way that a consumer can identify what is contained in the products that they are purchasing and using.  Some products may have been altered by the supplier.  The bottom line is that there is just no way to know what you are purchasing.

So what can you do?  

The obvious answer is to discontinue use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, especially products which contain THC, which appears to have a strong correlation between use and illness.  According to the Center For Disease Control’s website, efforts are being made to respond to this public health crisis including identifying and defining the risk factors and sources of lung disease associated with e-cigarette use and vaping, maintaining close communication with state, local and clinical practitioners regarding recommendations for treatment and prevention and developing lab procedures to identify the cause of illness, thereby providing better patient care and favorable patient outcomes.

What it boils down to is that there are just too many unknowns when it comes to why and how these illnesses are occurring.  It is better to operate on a “better safe than sorry” mentality and educate yourself, your family and friends regarding the health risks associated with vaping and e-cigarette use.  If you, a family member, or a friend experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately through a primary care physician, local urgent care, or emergency room.

Are you an adult who has quit smoking or trying to quit smoking?

The CDC has very specific recommendations:

• Do not return to smoking cigarettes.

• If you continue to use e-cigarettes, carefully monitor yourself for symptoms and see a healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.

If you are an adult who is trying to quit smoking:

• Contact your healthcare provider if you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
• Use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved treatments.

More Resources

More information regarding e-cigarettes and vaping can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

Johns Hopkins Medical’s website found at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

The Center on Addiction’s website located at https://www.centeronaddiction.org/e-cigarettes/recreational-vaping

Free resources & counseling offered by NYS Smoker's Quit Line.

https://www.nysmokefree.com

Rensselaer County resources:

The Butt Stops Here

Seton Health @ St. Mary’s Hospital

The program fee is $45 Medicaid participants pay a $20 fee for seven 1-hour sessions with the option of signing up for additional support sessions and is covered by some health plans. The program includes a workbook and 4-weeks of nicotine patches or gum. Tuesdays 6:00-7:00p To register for The Butt Stops Here, call (518) 459-2550. For more information,visit our website at quitsolutions.org

1300 Massachusetts Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
Phone: (518) 459-2550

As summer draws to a close, temperatures start to cool off, especially at night.  It’s only a matter of time until we reluctantly head to the thermostat to turn the heat on.  If you’re like most, you try to wait as long as you can to flip that switch, thinking that maybe it will stave off the cold weather longer. 

It's important to safeguard against Carbon Monoxide -- a silent killer.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas which is found in fumes that are produced when you burn fuel, like when you turn your car, stove, grill, fireplace, or furnace on.  If safeguards are not in place, the fumes these items generate can accumulate indoors and poison both people and animals, causing injury and death.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 400 people die annually as a result of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, with more than 20,000 people visiting an emergency room for symptoms and 4,000 being admitted to the hospital.

CO poisoning can often mimic “flu-like” symptoms - headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath.  Late signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness and ultimately death.  It’s imperative to know and recognize the early symptoms as soon as possible to prevent injury and death. 

Simple Safety Tips

Fortunately, there are simple safeguards that you can put in place to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and they include:

• Have a working CO detector on every floor of your house and outside every bedroom.  Check the batteries in them every year, test them every month to make sure that they are operational and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding when to replace them;
• Get your furnace, water heater and other gas burning appliances in your home inspected and serviced every year by a qualified professional;
• Inspect and clean your chimney every year.  Ensure that the damper is open before using it and left open well after use;
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home;
• Never use portable, flameless, chemical heaters in your home;
• Only run gas generators more than 20 feet from any window and never inside your home, basement or garage 
• Pull your vehicle out into the driveway and away from the house - Never let a vehicle run in an attached garage.
• If your CO alarm alerts, vacate your house immediately, call 911 as soon as possible and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Winter is Coming...

While you’re putting away lawn furniture and readying your home for colder weather, making a few small observations and putting the safeguards above in place will ensure that your family is protected from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. 

More information regarding CO poisoning can be found by visiting:  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm;  Safe Kids Worldwide: https://www.safekids.org/blog/its-national-carbon-monoxide-awareness-week;  The National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/other-poisons/carbon-monoxide; and the U.S. Fire Administration: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/carbon_monoxide.html.