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FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak
One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.

Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.

“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,” said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.

FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.

Source: www.fda.gov

A recent study confirmed what many of us have known for years…those of us that are older are more at risk for medications errors.

It makes sense. Think about it. Who takes the most medications, sees the most providers, has the most test, and tend to have more health concerns? In addition to all that is the issue of how our bodies function as they get older. For example, the metabolic processes in the kidney may not be what they use to be.

This is an issue I see on a daily basis - and it confirms for me the importance of having a primary care provider. As such, I get reports from specialists and see what they have prescribed or recommended. I also request that people put ALL the medications they are taking into a bag and bring them into their appointment. This includes over the counter medication. I’m amazed at how many people take too much tylenol (which is hard on your liver) for example.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones?

1. If you don’t have a primary provider - get one. While I am biased toward Nurse Practitioners, the choice is up to you. Just find one you are comfortable with.
2. Choose a primary pharmacy. When you get all of your medications from one pharmacy, they are much more likely to detect problems before they occur.
3. Whenever you visit a health care provider - be it a specialist, the ER, etc…make sure they know what medications you are taking.
4. Create and carry with you a list of ALL medications, nutritional supplements, herbs and over-the-counter medications you take. Include in this list any allergies along with what reaction you have.
5. Unless your health condition dictates otherwise (and your provider would have told you), keep your body hydrated…drink lots of water.

Your best bet of course is to avoid unnecessary medication all together. Eat right, exercise daily, and stay healthy!

(c)2006 Barbara C. Phillips, NP

The results of a European study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that virgin olive oil contained more antioxidants that a more refined olive oil. What does this mean to you? More antixoidants may offer more protection against heart disease.

In this study those taking the virgin olive oil had higher levels of polyphenols (a certain class of antioxidants), higher levels of HDL (the good cholesterol that protects your heart) and higher levels of substances that help prevent the oxidantion of the LDL (bad cholesterol). All of this means you may be able to lower your risk of heart disease and strokes by using virgin olive oils over other types of oils in your diet.

How much olive oil? The participants, all men, ate about 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil per day for three weeks. (Other particpants ate refined olive oil or a mixture of virgin and refined).

Remember when adding fats to your diet to look at your overall fat intake.