Doc Gary's Featured Articles

What Parents Should Know About MRSA – The Super BUG!

By Dr. Gary Cooperstein

Within the past several years, the prevalence of infections involving the skin and soft tissues caused by a bacteria know as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (more easily referred to as MRSA) has greatly increased. Many causes for the resistance of certain bacteria to most antibiotics have been studied, but the most widely held view is that this is attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. MRSA has been recognized for many years as an infection that was usually found only in the hospital setting. But recently this virulent strain of “Staph” has moved beyond hospital walls and into the community. In some cases schools have been going to the extreme measure of closing altogether for disinfection when a student has been identified with this bug.

This particular type of MRSA referred to as Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), is significant in the fact that it is affecting otherwise healthy individuals who were not previously ill and had not been in a hospital or nursing home. Of concern is the outbreak in children, athletes and soldiers.

Staph is a bacteria that frequently lives on the skin and in the nose of individuals without causing any medical problems, and many individuals (perhaps as a high as a third of the population) can be “colonized” with Staph. Infection occurs when the bacteria enters into the skin through a wound or becomes spread at a time when an exposed or colonized individual develops a weakened immune system such as is the case when fighting off flu or other illnesses. Spread of MRSA usually occurs when there has been direct contact with an infected individual, and although it is more easily spread from patients with an active skin infection, colonized individuals who are without symptoms may also be the source of infection in others.

Most MRSA skin infections will have the appearance of a pustule or boil which usually is red, tender and has pus or drainage and is commonly found in areas where there have been signs of visible skin trauma such as in lacerations or abrasions. MRSA may even be confused by appearing similar to a spider bite.

But it is not all doom and gloom with this Super Bug! There is still plenty that can be done to prevent infection and win the battle. For starters, proper hygiene is the number one mechanism of control. Transmission occurs with direct contact so keeping hands clean and open wounds covered is probably the most important step. Wash hands for a minimum of 15 seconds with plenty of rubbing!

Also, it is important to NOT share any personal items such as razors or towels. And for parents and teenagers, it is probably not a bad idea to avoid shaving before going to a salon for a pedicure since tiny cuts and scrapes can be an entrance for infection.

Finally, make sure you see your Family Physician or Pediatrician if MRSA has been identified in your community and you have a suspicious wound or infection.

The CDC has a great website that offers in-depth coverage and tips for understanding and Preventing CA-MRSA

Just a Spoonful of Sugar

Or better yet, how about chocolate banana pie, grape bubblegum, or even Pina Colada? Now, a company has developed a clever product, Flavorx, to take the struggle out of “medicine taking” by adding FDA approved flavorings to over 300 medications.

Started by a family who share a story of their own dilemma in trying to administer medication to a chronically ill child, Flavorx is now available in most pharmacies as a safe and effective additive to liquid medication. Flavorx is available in 42 sugar free flavors, and in most instances are dye and alcohol free. Available for most commonly prescribed medication and many over the counter medicines as well, Flavorx can be added upon request at your local pharmacy. Check out their web site www.Flavorx.com to see their list of the “Yucky 21” medicines that should be flavored and the “Wheel of Yuck” for which flavor may work best for your medication.

About Childhood Obesity

Simple Ways to Change a Child’s Risk

By Dr. Gary A. Cooperstein

Simply stated, childhood obesity is out of control. A recent analysis of overweight or obese children revealed that approximately 30.4 percent of all adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are considered overweight, while 15.5 percent are considered obese. In children between the ages of 6 and 11 about 30.3 percent are considered overweight and 15.3 percent obese. Excess weight in childhood and adolescents has been found to predict obesity in adults. Current guidelines for activity levels in children suggest a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Just a short amount of time each days helps burn calories…. and keeps the kids out of the cookie jar! Outdoor activity also helps kids get a much-needed dose of vitamin D to help keep growing bones healthy. Regular free play helps kids to stay flexible and lessens their chances of developing depression, as well as preventing other adverse health effects such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic complications, and sleep apnea.

For busy moms, however, creating opportunities for play is a struggle. For most moms what has happened is that there is really very little time to arrange or supervise this kind of play. This generation of mothers has also been constantly bombarded by the Media with anxiety-producing fears, resulting in a genuine concern about allowing our kids to play freely, without an adult to oversee and protect them.

So, moms, here’s the bottom-line: you may have to compromise your standards, let go of something and make time for this to happen. In the long run, it’s probably a much better choice to take away an hour of TV time and go for a walk. Take the initiative to invite another family member or friend to go with you. Don’t get frustrated if you’re turned down because everybody is too busy. Ask somebody else!! What we have to remember is that we have to choose to make play a priority in our children’s lives. Not only will this effort help to keep you child fit, but also the opportunity to get to know your neighbors and make new friends will be fun for everyone.

A few final comments:

Don’t allow your kids to have soda on a regular basis

Encourage your kids to play for at least 60 minutes a day

Cookies and high carbohydrate/fatty snacks should be a weekly treat rather than a daily staple of your child’s diet.

Don’t allow your child to eat out of boredom.

Take time to go for walks; this is also an opportunity to find out what’s going on in your child’s life. Do this on a regular basis. Start going for walks early in their lives so that it is an on-going part of the family routine.