Issaquah youth kicks rare form of epilepsy
January 17, 2012
At its worst, epilepsy with myoclonic absences caused 1,000 seizures a day
Gabe Uribe, 10, a proficient soccer player, shows his prowess by kicking the ball held by his sister Ava, 7, and his mother Cindy. By Greg Farrar
Cindy Uribe can remember when her 10-year-old son was just 16 months old, turning heads on the soccer pitch.
“We’d gone to the Seattle University’s soccer field for a pickup game. Gabe had an infant’s soccer ball and was dribbling it up and down the sideline,” she recalled. “The adults were amazed by Gabe showing such control at such a young age.”
However, Gabe is just now regaining those promising soccer skills. At age 3, something happened. A bout with a rare form of epilepsy sidetracked all of his motor skills.
Issaquah and Sammamish Health & Safety Fair features free services
January 17, 2012
The eighth annual Issaquah and Sammamish Health & Safety Fair returns Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W.
There is no admission fee and all ages are welcome.
More than 40 local vendors will discuss their services and wares, including Balance Physical Therapy, Banic Chiropractic and Dr. Troy Schmedding.
National Health Observances for January
January 17, 2012
Cervical Health Awareness Month
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition
- 818-992-4242
- info@nccc-online.org
- www.nccc-online.org/awareness.html
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
- Prevent Blindness America
- 800-331-2020 toll free
- 312-363-6001
- 312-363-6052 fax
- info@preventblindness.org
- http://preventblindness.org
Thyroid Awareness Month
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
- 904-353-7878
- 904-404-4207 fax
- kpan@aace.com
- www.aace.com
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
- National Birth Defects Prevention Network
- nbdpn@nbdpn.org
- www.nbdpn.org
National Radon Action Month
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- 202-343-9206
- 202-343-2394 fax
- www.epa.gov/radon/nram
National Folic Acid Awareness Week Jan. 8-14
- National Council on Folic Acid
- 800-621-3141, ext. 13 toll free
- 202-944-3285 ext. 13
- 202-944-3295 fax
- ncfa@sbaa.org
- www.folicacidinfo.org
Source: 2012 National Health Observances, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
Health Support Groups
January 17, 2012
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Group: 6-7:30 p.m. second Thursday, Aegis of Issaquah, 780 N.W. Juniper St., 313-7364
Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Family Support Group: 6-7:30 p.m. second Thursday, Faith United Methodist Church, 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Road S.E., 313-7364.
Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups: A free information and support group for care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia meets the second Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Road S.E. Call 486-7621.
Prevent the spread of cold and flu germs
December 20, 2011
Ten easy steps to keep you and others healthier this holiday season
Novanhealth.org
Each year, millions of people suffer from a cold or flu, and this year is likely to be no different. Between 15 million and 61 million people in the United States will get the flu this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Temperature taking is a key indicator of flu patterns and should be taken seriously, according to Mary Pappas, the New York-area school nurse credited with first alerting officials about the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.
“The flu usually comes with a fever while the common cold does not, so taking your temperature is the easiest way to tell the difference,” she said.
A high or prolonged fever can be an indicator of when to seek medical attention, so it’s important to monitor your temperature on an ongoing basis when you are sick.
Pappas has been taking temperatures for nearly 30 years and, as a school nurse, takes as many as 50 per day. But whether it’s one temperature or 100, she maintains that the most important consideration is that it be accurate. While there are many types of thermometers available, Pappas favors the Exergen TemporalScanner because of its proven accuracy and ease-of-use; all it requires is a simple swipe across the forehead.
“Whether it’s a student at my school or a parent at home, I know taking a temperature can be a challenge, especially with young children who may be uncomfortable and fussy,” Pappas said. “What I love about the TemporalScanner is that it’s not invasive like an ear, rectal or oral thermometer. No matter what a student comes to see me for, I’m able to get an accurate reading. It’s so easy to use that you can take someone’s temperature even when they are sleeping and not disturb them.”
King County’s tuberculosis infection rate remains high
December 20, 2011
King County continues to experience one of the highest tuberculosis infection rates in the United States.
Public Health – Seattle & King County released the latest findings about the infectious disease Nov. 21 in the 2010 TB report. The report also details local efforts to control the disease, and the ongoing and expensive challenge of battling drug resistant strains.
In 2010, the public health agency’s TB Program identified 114 cases of active TB, and provided treatment and or evaluation to more than 1,100 King County residents suffering from active or latent TB.
“TB control is an essential investment in the health of our communities that helps us fight the local effects of this global disease,” Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, said in a statement. “In these difficult budget times, state funding support for this work is now threatened, but we can’t afford to let down our guard.”
Locals can still receive a flu vaccine
December 20, 2011
King County public health officials said time remains for people to receive a flu vaccine.
Health experts recommend for everyone 6 months of age and older to get the flu vaccine, especially children, pregnant women, elderly people and people suffering from health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The flu season usually peaks in February or later, and can last as late as May.
“No one wants to spend the holidays sick with flu,” Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, said in a statement. “Even people who were vaccinated last season should be vaccinated again to boost their protection.”
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, public health centers and other providers. Find a flu shot clinic at www.flucliniclocator.org. Find complete information about seasonal influenza at www.kingcounty.gov/health/flu.
Officials said healthy habits can limit the spread of contagious illnesses, including the flu. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, avoid close contact with ill people, and stay home from work, school and other public settings when ill.
Gout is more than arthritic flareup
November 15, 2011
Gout, a form of acute arthritis, is a painful, inflammatory reaction in joints from fluid buildup that creates needlelike crystals. Thinkstock
More than 8.3 million Americans are affected by gout.
A form of acute arthritis, gout occurs as a result of the body’s inflammatory reaction to needlelike crystals that form in joint fluid when there is an excess of uric acid in the fluid. Uric acid is a waste product of cell metabolism in the body.
Gout has been recognized and studied since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Hippocrates called gout the “un-walkable disease.” Galileo Galilei, Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin all suffered from gout. In times when overindulgence and obesity was a rarity, gout was considered a disease of the rich and powerful and was frequently referred to as “the disease of kings.”
When these crystals appear in a joint, the joint and surrounding tissue become inflamed, leading to swelling and causing nerve endings in the area to become irritated, leading to intense pain. Occurring most commonly in the big toe, attacks are usually sudden and cause extreme and often debilitating pain. The pain is usually so excruciating that the sufferer cannot bear weight on the afflicted joint. The inflamed skin over the joint will appear red, shiny and dry.
Troopers remind motorists to beware dangers of drowsy driving
November 15, 2011
State troopers urged motorists to wake up to the dangers of drowsy driving during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.
In addition to drunken driving and distracted driving, drowsy driving can cause devastating effects on Washington roadways.
In 2010, drowsy driving caused 17 deaths and 74 seriously injured motorists in Washington. Estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents nationwide each year.
“It always breaks my heart to hear that someone was killed or injured because a driver fell asleep at the wheel. These are totally preventable deaths and collisions,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in a statement.
Overlake Hospital Medical Center offers classes
November 15, 2011
Overlake Hospital Medical Center offers the following classes at its Issaquah clinic, 5708 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. S.E. Register by calling 688-5259.
- “Weight Loss Surgery Seminar” — 6 p.m. Nov. 22, free
- “Condensed Series Preparation for Childbirth & Newborn Care” — 9 a.m. Dec. 2 & 10, $95 per couple
- “You and Your New Baby” — 10 a.m. Nov. 14, $55
