Dr Bob's Medical Newsletter Oct. 2004 by Robert Roy MD

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Medical-News-For-You

Hi It's Dr Bob with your latest and up to date newsletter.

Volume 1 # 4

------------Topics-----------

#1 FLu Shortage: Why and What You Should Do

#2 Sports Injury The ACL Blow Out

#3 Concussions: Know The Facts For Your Athletes

#4 Dieting? Here Are Some 100 Calorie Snacks

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Flu Vaccine Shortage:

By now everyone has heard about the shortage of the vaccine. Chiron is the producer which has caused the short fall. Initially it was expected that the closure of the production plant only affected 6-8 million doses. But the reality is the regulators has suspended Chiron license to manufacture any vaccine. Now the effect is on 48 million doses that were destined for the U.S. And the other manufacturer cannot make up the difference.

Last month I outlined the recommendations of who should receive the vaccine but now with the shortage they need to be given only to those at high risk. These include: 1.those adults over 65 yr old

2. pregnant women

3. children with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart failure or chronic kidney disease

4. adults and children who's immunity is diminished, such as those who are undergoing chemotherapy or on steroids

5. HIV positive individuals

Dr Bob's Take: I urge those who are at high risk to not hesitate and get your vaccine. This is serious and a real shortage.

School Sports Be watchful of these

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL or Blown Knee)

One of the most frequent serious injuries to young athletes is a complete tear of the ACL. The ACL is a tough fibrous band that crosses the knee joint and holds it in place. This injury is seen in sports like soccer or basketball or other sports where there is sudden stopping and twisting to change direction.

It is seen primarily in girls and the reason for the gender difference is not known. Some experts think the difference is in the muscle development as it generally occurs when the girls are going through a growth spurt.

A recent study by a Sweedish Dr Lohmander on 103 females showed that these athletes developed osteoarthritis at a young age. The 103 athletes had ACL tears while in high school or college and were studied again about age 31.

The osteoarthritis was diagnosed by x-ray and caused the ladies pain and some difficulty with daily activities. Typically this occurs in most adults after decades of wear and tear and after the ages of 50- 70.

It is felt by some experts that 50% of these ladies will need knee replacements much earlier than a person who has normal onset of osteoarthritis. The problem with that is knee replacements last about 10- 15 years and some of these ladies will need 2 or 3 of them.

Dr. Bob's Take: Although this study is not surprising the extent of the disability is. I would recommend that your high school athletes do exercises to build up there quads.

Concussion On The Sports Field, What You Need To Know!

I am basing this report on definitions and guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology. These guidelines should be well known by the coaches, athletic directors and trainers.

There are 3 grades of concussion, if you are going to have any grade 1 is the best and grade 3 is the worst. A concussion does not mean that an athlete or anyone has to have any loss of consciousness. This is not necessary for grades 1 and 2. Confusion is the key factor to be assessed. Is the athlete forgetting plays or is mildly disoriented, does not know the name of the team they are playing, or the period they are in.

Here are the guidelines that need to be followed. grade 1st concussion 2nd concussion

grade 1: transient confusion, no loss of consciousness or mental status abnormalities on exam. symptoms resolve in 15 minutes or less. return to play when asymptomatic for 1 minutes return to play when asymptomatic for 1 week. if 2nd during same game must not return to same activity that day.

grade 2, similar to grade 1 but the symptoms resolve in more than 15 minutes return to lay when asmptymatic for 1 week. return to play after 2 weeks of being asymptomatic.

Go to Page 2

BIO:

Webmaster and Family Physician for
Physician-on -health.com a medical information website.
I have 20 years of practice experience and 12 years as a physician executive for several national health insurers.

Some Aditional Articles you may enjoy

8 Weight loss tips by Beth Scott

Change Your Thinking and Lose Weight by Kim Beardsmore

Walk Your Way Fit! by Laura M. Turner

How a Low Carb Lifestyle Can Help Your Entire Family by Henri Schauffler

Motivation: Keeping the Fire Going in Your Fat Loss Plan by Aimee Deak

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