Category Archives: Health Care

Somebody Waiting for Santa?

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640-santa8WILLIAMS – Is someone waiting for Santa? He will return to the Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Supplies at 517 E. Route 66 in Williams on Sunday, December 14. Santa will be available for pet photos and to get their wishes for Christmas.

Santa will be at Spoiled Rotten from noon to 5 p.m. Printed photos are $10 or $7 to have photo emailed to you. Christmas tree ornaments will be available for $15.

While you are there you can poke around the toys, clothing, line of Science Diet food, treats and other pet supplies.

The proceeds from the event benefit the Animals in Needs fund at the Williams Veterinary Clinic. This fund is set up to take care of animal emergencies for those who cannot afford them.

Recall of Northstar Label Gabapentin Capsules

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ucm424493Dayton, NJ, Aurobindo Pharma USA is voluntarily recalling lot GESB14011-A of Gabapentin Capsules, USP 300 mg 100-count bottles to the consumer level. The product lot has been found to contain some empty capsules.

Empty capsules could result in missed dose(s) of gabapentin resulting in adverse health consequences that could range from no effect, short term reduction in efficacy, short term withdrawal effect, or status epilepticus (long period seizures) that could be life-threatening. Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall to date, but has received four complaints for empty capsules.

Gabapentin is used as in the treatment of epilepsy and for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles). The affected Gabapentin lot is GESB14011-A, Expiration 12/2015 and is packaged in 100-count bottles, NDC 16714-662-01. The product can be identified by the imprint D on yellow cap and 03 on yellow body with black edible ink. Product was distributed through Northstar label to retail outlets nationwide.

Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. is notifying its distributors and customers by recall letters and is arranging for return of all recalled product. Consumers, distributors, and retailers that have product which is being recalled should stop using, distributing, or dispensing the affected lot and return to place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Aurobindo Pharma USA Pharmacovigilance group at (732) 839-9400 Option 2 or PVG@aurobindousa.com Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

AMS Health Sciences, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex

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101031Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — AMS Health Sciences, LLC is notifying the public that it is recalling 2014 bottles of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex due to possible contamination of Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. To date, no illness or complaints have been reported to AMS Health Sciences, LLC.

A single lot of Saba Shark Cartilage Complex is the subject of this public announcement and recall as a result of a sample from one bottle that tested positive for Salmonella. This product is packaged in black screw-top bottles with the brand name “saba” in red letters, the product name “shark cartilage complex” in white letters, and a net quantity statement of “500 mg 60 capsules” in small white letters. Product from the affected lot can be identified by the Lot Number 416349 and an expiration date of 08/16, both of which are printed in black letters inside a white rectangle that is adjacent to the products “Suggested Use” instructions.

Product from this lot was sold to consumers through the internet site www.sabaforlife.com during the period of February through August 2014. AMS is initiating this recall out of caution for consumer health, even though numerous samples from the same Lot No. have tested negative for Salmonella.

Any consumer who purchased product with the lot number and expiration date above should dispose of it immediately and may request a refund by calling (866) 758-7222, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central). If you have consumed the product and are experiencing any unusual or severe symptoms such as those described above, go to an emergency room immediately or contact your physician for immediate advice.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Israeli company offers cure for Ebola

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ebolai24 News – Protalix says it has the resources to produce experimental medicine ZMapp, which has run out elsewhere

The death toll from the Ebola epidemic has climbed above 2,000, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Friday, as it voiced hopes a vaccine could be available in November.

However, supplies of experimental medicines — including the prototype drug ZMapp — are limited, and “will not be sufficient for several months to come,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned Friday.

Protalix, an Israeli biopharmaceutical company, said Saturday that it has the resources to produce the coveted ZMapp, which has recently run out, Israeli site The Times of Israel, citing Channel 2 TV’s report, said Sunday.

Read more at i24 News

More good news concerning the “affordable care act”

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From Facebook:
cabelasThis is an image of a sales receipt from Cabela’s, a popular sporting goods store with almost 50 locations throughout the US.

The 2.3% Medical Excise Tax that began on January 1st is supposed to be “hidden” from the consumer, but it’s been brought to the public’s attention by hunting and fishing store Cabela’s who have refused to hide it and are showing it as a separate line item tax on their receipts, the email states.

I did some research and found directly from the IRS’s website information that PROVES this to be true and an accurate portrayal of something hidden in Obamacare that I was not aware of! Now being skeptical of this I went to the IRS website and found this!

Q1. What is the medical device excise tax?
A1. Section 4191 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an excise tax on the sale of certain medical devices by the manufacturer or importer of the device.
Q2. When does the tax go into effect?
A2. The tax applies to sales of taxable medical devices after Dec. 31, 2012.
Q3. How much is the tax?
A3. The tax is 2.3 percent of the sale price of the taxable medical device. See Chapter 5 of IRS Publication 510, Excise Taxes, and Notice 2012-77 for additional information on the determination of sale price.

IRS.gov Chapter Fivehttp://www.irs.gov/publications/p510/ch05.html

So being more curious I clicked on “Chapter 5 Of IRS Publication 510.”

And what do I find under “MEDICAL DEVICES” under “MANUFACTURERS TAXES”?

The following discussion of manufacturers taxes

Applies to the tax on:

  • Sport fishing equipment;
  • Fishing rods and fishing poles;
  • Electric outboard motors;
  • Fishing tackle boxes;
  • Bows, quivers, broadheads, and points;
  • Arrow shafts;
  • Coal;
  • Taxable tires;
  • Gas guzzler automobiles; and
  • Vaccines.

I NEVER KNEW THAT A TIRE IS A MEDICAL DEVICE.

IRS.gov I think we have definitely been fooled, if we believe that the Affordable Care Act is all about health care. It Truly does appear to be nothing more than a bill laden with a whole lot of taxes that we the people have yet to be aware of.

Please pass this on. I am still incredulous that this can go on. Where is our press? I guess it’s just like Nancy Pelosi said…

We have to pass it to see what is in it. What is next What else is there we do not know about? I am sick to death about our government..!!!!!!

God help us bring this nation back to a land of freedom, and to have the courage and commitment to do so.

Tip of the iceberg!! Also don’t forget the 3.8% tax on unearned income which includes profit from sale of homes, condos …

Covidien Initiates Voluntary Field Safety Alert for Multi-function Defibrillation Electrodes

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Sample photos from Coviden web site. For illustration only. Contact Coviden for exact models effected by recall.

Sample photos from Coviden web site. For illustration only. Contact Coviden for exact models effected by recall.

Dublin, Ireland — Covidien today announced that it has notified customers of a voluntary Field Safety Alert for certain Medi-Trace™ Cadence and Kendall™ Multi-function Defibrillation Electrodes due to a connector compatibility issue with Philips FR3 and FRx Defibrillators.

These electrodes will not connect with Philips FR3 or FRx AED units, and in the case of the use of Covidien defibrillation electrodes with the Philips FR3 AED units, could result in a delay of therapy. The FRx AED unit requires the pads to be pre-connected, and will issue a continuous alarm chirp to alert the user that the proper pads are not connected to the unit prior to use. The FR3, however, does not require pre-connection and the user will not discover the compatibility issue until the AED must be used. This may result in a delay in therapy.

Philips FR3 and FRx AED units should only be used with the Philips brand electrodes specified in the equipment manual.

Covidien has received two reports where customers attempted to use a Covidien electrode with a Philips FR3 AED unit. The mismatch of these devices contributed to a delay in resuscitation and may have contributed to the subsequent death of one patient.

Covidien alerted customers to the this issue by letter on September 18, 2014, and has revised labeling to clarify that use of these electrodes is incompatible with Philips FR3 and FRx AED units.

The Field Safety Alert requests that customers review the use of Covidien defibrillation electrodes in their facility to assure that Covidien electrodes are not placed for use with Philips model FR3 or FRx AEDs.

There are a total of 644,460 electrodes affected by this safety alert.

The following Covidien electrodes are affected:

  • 22660R – Medi-Trace™ Cadence Adult Multi-Function Defibrillation Electrodes Radiotransparent
  • 22660PC – Medi-Trace™ Cadence Adult Multi-Function Defibrillation Electrodes Pre-connect
  • 20660 – Kendall™ Adult Multi-Function Defibrillation Electrodes
  • 40000006 – Kendall™ 1710H Multi-Function Defibrillation Electrodes

In addition, similar private label electrodes produced by Covidien were also distributed under the following brands, and have the same connector compatibility issue:

  • MC1710H – MediChoice® Multifunction Electrode
  • M3718A – Philips HEARTSTART Multifunction Electrode Pads

The Field Safety Alert applies to all lot numbers distributed globally.

The Food and Drug Administration has classified this as a Class 1 Recall, the most serious recall where there is a reasonable risk of a serious adverse health consequences or death.

For further information or to report a problem, please contact Covidien Quality Assurance at 1-800-962-9888, option 8, then extension 2500 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern) or email Mansfield.productmonitoring@covidien.com

Does Your Kid Have a Cold or Enterovirus D68? Here Are Two Ways You Can Tell the Difference

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Capture6-770x330
It starts as a case of the sniffles but can end up putting a child in the hospital–or worse. Enterovirus D68 is sweeping through the country, causing, so far, 691 confirmed cases and at least one death. The bug also has been present in at least four other children who died from other illnesses.

Although this virus has been known since 1987, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the strain this year has been particularly brutal:

From mid-August to October 6, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 594 people in 43 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.

Read more at IJ Review

Coconino County Health meeting in Williams October 2

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marijuana3n-2-webWILLIAMS – The Coconino County Public Health Service is seeking to revise Chapter 8 of the Environmental Services Ordinance. There will be a public meeting in Williams this Thursday, October 2 from 9 am to 10:30 in the City Hall Council Chambers on 1st street.

The topic of discussion for the current series of public meeting is on Chapter 8, Food Establishments and Medical Marijuana Edible Est. (PDF)

Two other meetings will be held in Flagstaff on this topic. One on Thursday October 9 from 10:30 am to noon at the Board of Supervisors meeting room on Cherry Street and Wednesday October 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Ponderosa Room at 2625 N. King Street.

Health Fair and Open House this weekend at clinic

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250nchc-logo-3WILLIAMS – The North Country Health Care clinic will be holding a Health Fair and Open House this Saturday the 27th from 8 am to 12 pm. The clinic is located at 301 S. 7th Street. For full information you can call 928-635-4441.

Services at the Health Fair include:

  • Cholesterol Screening for the First 125 Visitors
    (please do not eat or drink anything other than water 10 hours prior to test)
  • Blood Pressure Checks
  • Blood Glucose Screening
  • Rapid HIV Testing
  • Oxygen Saturation Measurements
  • Mammograms by Assured Imaging
    call for an appointment: 1-888-233-6121
  • FIT at Fifty and Well Woman Health Check Programs
  • Maternal and Child Health Program
  • Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program
  • Prescription Drug Take Back Program
  • Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance 8: Info
    (Marketplace & AHCCCS)
  • Raffle Prizes and Much More!

New excuse: My dog kept me awake all night

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sleeping-with-dogPHOENIX – Along with the dog ate my homework, kids can now add the dog slept with me as an excuse why they are late for school. The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix conducted a study of sleep deprivation and claim a link to owners allowing pets to sleep with them. Some scientist warn of Zoonoses, or the transmission of disease from pets to owners from allowing pets to sleep in beds.

Web MD says 53% were disturbed by pet bedroom sharing. Medical Daily claims 63% have some sleep deprivation by sharing bed with a pet.

More than half of pet owners (54%) said they shared their bed or bedroom with their dog (58%) or cat (42%) Sowjanya Duthuluru, MD told MedScape. He said that is “quite a lot.” The Web MD site also cites:

Sleeping with pets isn’t unusual in this country. According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dogs sleep in their owner’s beds. The survey found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners.

Several stories quote Lois Krahn, M.D., Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and author of the study.

“The study determined that while the majority of patients did not view their pets intolerably disturbing their sleep, a higher percentage of patients experienced irritation — this may be related to the larger number of households with multiple pets. When people have these kinds of sleep problems, sleep specialists should ask about companion animals and help patients think about ways to optimize their sleep.”

She also noted:

“One patient owned a parrot who consistently squawked at 6 a.m. He must have thought he was a rooster.”

Could zoonoses explain the mental instability of Canadian actor James Eugene Carrey?

Could zoonoses explain the mental instability of Canadian actor James Eugene Carrey?

According to the document “Zoonoses in the Bedroom” by Bruno B. Chomel and Ben Sun (PDF)—which is not the title of the latest hot adult novel—transmission of disease from pets to human can occur from kissing animals on the mouth and sleeping with them. Particularly flea and tick infested animals.

During a 1974 outbreak of plague in New Mexico, USA, 7 cases of bubonic plague were investigated. One patient noticed flea bites the morning after he allowed his flea-infested cat to share his bed. Similarly, in a series of 23 cases of plague related to cat exposure, a 9-year-old boy from Arizona had handled and slept with a sick cat. Another case, which occurred in 1983 in New Mexico, was likely acquired after indoor/outdoor cats slept with the patient.

Listening to Ted Nugent is not the only way to contract Cat-Scratch Fever. The document stated that cat-scratch disease can be transmitted in the bedroom.

Cat-scratch disease is mainly transmitted to humans when they are scratched by a cat that harbors Bartonella henselae–infected fleas and flea feces. However, a few documented cases have been associated with sleeping or being licked by a household pet.

The report admits that zoonotic infections acquired by sleeping with a pet are uncommon and more cases of disease transmission are caused by kissing animals.

However, severe cases of C. canimorsus infection or plague in humans have been documented. More zoonotic agents that are transmitted by kissing a pet or being licked by a pet have been identified, especially zoonotic pathogens that are commensal in the oral cavity of carnivores, such as Pasteurella spp. and C. canimorsus.

The document recommends the common sense step regular veterinary visits. Immediate steps should be taken to rid pets of flea and tick infestations.

So the lesson here is that instead of telling the little dog to move over because A new dog’s movin’ in, you should just kick him out. Then spray the dog house.

Nighty-night.

See Also Science Daily, NBC News