> 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 shortage of vaccine. Chiron is producer which has caused short fall. Initially it was expected that closure of production plant only affected 6-8 million doses. But reality is regulators has suspended Chiron license to manufacture any vaccine. Now effect is on 48 million doses that were destined for U.S. And other manufacturer cannot make up difference.
Last month I outlined recommendations of who should receive vaccine but now with 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 most frequent serious injuries to young athletes is a complete tear of ACL. The ACL is a tough fibrous band that crosses 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 reason for gender difference is not known. Some experts think difference is in muscle development as it generally occurs when 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 ladies pain and some difficulty with daily activities. Typically this occurs in most adults after decades of wear and tear and after 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 extent of 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 American Academy of Neurology. These guidelines should be well known by coaches, athletic directors and trainers.
There are 3 grades of concussion, if you are going to have any grade 1 is best and grade 3 is 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 key factor to be assessed. Is athlete forgetting plays or is mildly disoriented, does not know name of team they are playing, or period they are in.
