Don't Miss the Early Signs

Some people are surprised when they learn that not all heart attacks involve massive pain or a collapse that results in the need for an ambulance. Some indicators of heart disease are signs and symptoms of common illnesses that people overlook or dismiss. If you have any of the symptoms below, you should see your doctor. Ask if they could be early signs of heart disease.

Chest pain (Angina): This painful condition is sometimes the precursor to cardiac arrest, although it can also recur for years without triggering any more serious signs. Angina is the most common early warning of cardiovascular disease and can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including a feeling of heaviness in the chest, pain, a squeezing sensation, weight on the chest or a deep pain that causes you to catch your breath. Many people mistake angina for heartburn or indigestion, particularly since the pain is sometimes felt in other areas of the body, including pain in the shoulder, the middle or upper region of the back or even the jaw line.

Plague accumulation in the arteries (Arteriosclerosis): This is the narrowing or blocking of the major arteries due to the build-up of plaque from too much cholesterol. As the arteries become clogged, blood flow to and from the heart is restricted, forcing the heart to work harder. Most people first notice poor circulation that leads to difficulty keeping their hands and feet warm.

A family history of early heart disease or heart attacks: If one’s close relative has a history of heart disease of any form especially at an early age, it could be a sign of a genetic form of heart disease. It is important for other close family members to talk to their doctors about heart disease.

Other symptoms of heart disease may be recurring for months or even years without an individual connecting them to a serious problem like heart disease. These include dizziness, shortness of breath such as after an exercise, sweating, a rapid pulse and heart palpitations. Many people under 50 years tend to dismiss these symptoms especially when they come and go.

Talk to your doctor if you or a member of your family shows any signs of early heart disease. Do not disregard these symptoms, no matter how unlikely they may seem. Early detection and treatment can keep small health issues from turning into a major health problem.

Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals

A new FREE continuing education from Medscape and MMWR: Prevention recommendations for persons with/at risk for HepB virus.

To access this FREE MMWR / Medscape CE activity visit: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/cme/medscape_cme.html. If you are not a registered user on Medscape, please register for free or login without a password and get unlimited access to all continuing education activities and other Medscape features.

Credits available:
Physicians: maximum of 2.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)
ABIM Diplomates: maximum of 2.50 ABIM MOC points
Nurses: 2.50 ANCC Contact Hour(s) (2.50 contact hours in areas of pharmacology)
Pharmacists: 2.50 Knowledge-based ACPE (0.250 CEUs)

April is STD Awareness Month

STD’s are at an all-time high with more than 2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States. To promote STD Awareness Month Clay County Public Health Center will be offering FREE STD testing for the month of April.

We will have walk-in hours on a first come first serve basis throughout the month! Please check our website’s Calendar of Events for availability. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have an STD!

Please call 816-595-4261 to speak to our clinic staff with any questions regarding STD testing!

Updated Recommendation for Shingles Vaccination

Effective February 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the use of a new shingles vaccine called Shingrex and lowered the recommended age for shingles vaccination from 60 years old to 50. ¹

Shingles is a viral illness caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox—herpes zoster. After someone has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant or inactive in the body for years or decades. The virus can reactivate and cause shingles at any point later in life. Symptoms of shingles include a blistering rash, usually on the face or torso, that lasts 2-4 weeks and a painful or burning sensation. It is possible for someone to have more than one episode of shingles and the risk increases with age.

The new Shingrex vaccine is recommended for all healthy adults 50 years and older. The vaccine is given in two doses, two to six months apart. Previously, a different vaccine called Zostavax was recommended for those 60 years and older. The ACIP now recommends Shingrex over Zostavax and that those who received Zostavax previously also get the new Shingrex. Vaccination for shingles is the best way to prevent painful episodes of shingles in the future for adults ages 50 and older.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day- April 28th

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. To find a disposal site near you around the northland, click here.

Clay County Communicable Disease Data Summary

The 2018 year-to-date disease report for MMWR Week 12 shows that influenza is below what is expected for the county for this time. All other reportable disease conditions remained within what is expected for the county. We have not seen any confirmed cases of measles among Clay County residents. However, reports of measles exposures in the county have been reported with connections to a confirmed case.

The Clay County Public Health Center recommends that providers consider measles in any patient with a rash illness especially who also have a cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and fever.
We also recommend both IgM and PCR measles testing for such patients. Please report all suspect and confirmed cases to your local health department.

March 2018 Communicable Disease Data

To view the chart of communicable disease data, click here.