Quick Fact Sheet
THE HIDDEN DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3.Irritability
4.Confusion/Memory loss
5.Disorientation
6.Nausea and vomiting
7.Abnormal reflexes
8.Difficulty in coordinating
9.Difficulty in breathing
10.Chest Pain
11.Cerebral Edema
12.Convulsions/Seizures
13.Coma
14.Death
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Often, several members of the same family or those in a given building will complain of the same symptoms. Children are thought to be more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than adults. Some people may not suspect that CO poisoning is occurring until major symptoms appear. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can mimic gastroenteritis (nausea and vomiting). Other manifestations may cause the appearance of what may appear to be a neurological or psychiatric disorder. High risk groups include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a previous history of cardiac insufficiency or chronic obstructive lung disease.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) is also a common result of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. This life threatening condition entails the destruction of brain cells by compressing them into themselves within the cranial compartment. Drugs that are normally used for the treatment of cerebral edema, like Dexamethasone and Mannitol, do not seem to be of assistance in the treatment of CO induced cerebral edema. Studies have shown that cerebral edema caused by CO poisoning can cause delayed neurological problems that involve the "higher" or cognitive functions, and may cause a Parkinsonian-like brain syndrome.
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
Other incidents have been reported in apartments where gas stoves are being used for heat. In at least one case, carbon monoxide poisoning was caused by the use of a charcoal grill within an apartment's bathtub. More than fifty percent (50%) of all carbon monoxide incidents occur within homes. Twenty percent (20%) of all incidents occur in businesses of various types.
TREATMENT
1.Move the victim(s) to fresh air, this will only relieve immediate symptoms of acute poisoning, remember if you have chronic poisoning that is low level and that has gone on for some time your deteriation may be gradual so it could be some time before you notice.
2.Activate the Fire/Emergency Medical Service System, if victim(s) are experiencing any symptoms, if the fire department is called and they have the equipment ask them to record the CO PPM (parts per million of carbon monoxide in the air). This could be used to help your doctor diagnose your illness, also should you decide to pursue a legal claim may well help your legal team.
3.Monitor for respiratory problems, get a COHb test to check for carbon monoxide levels in the blood.
4.Ventilate the affected area
Upon arrival, it is recommended that Basic Life Support (BLS) (e.g. EMT) personnel should:
1.Evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonic.
2.Administer humidified 100% oxygen by tight- fitting face mask. Assist ventilations as needed
3.Monitor Vital Signs
4.Monitor level of consciousness
5.Consider early transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for severely poisoned patients
6.Place the patient in a position of comfort and keep them warm
It is recommended that Advanced Life Support (A.L.S.) (e.g. Paramedic) personnel should:
1.Further evaluate the respiratory tract for dysfunction or possible compromise - intubate and assist ventilation as needed
2.Draw a blood sample for Carboxyhemoglobin analysis
3.Provide 100% humidified oxygen, do not delay administration of oxygen while performing blood sampling
4.Administer normal saline or other crystalline parental fluids at 2/3 to 3/4 of normal maintenance rates
5.Prepare for the possibility of generalized seizures in severe cases. Give diazepam (Valium) in 2-10 mg. doses (as needed) to terminate and control seizure activity
6.Perform electrocardiogram monitoring of the patient, be especially aware of ventricular ectopic beats and heart blocks. EKG changes seen most commonly in CO patients are ST segment depression, T-wave abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, and PVCs.
7.Any patient found unconscious, seizing, or with EKG changes and with an associated history should be treated as a severe carbon monoxide poisoning until proven otherwise
8.Consider direct transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy facility, with Oxygen being administered enroute, for severely poisoned patients
9.If the patient's history suggests any possibility of CO Poisoning, treat him/her as though they were exposed
PREVENTION AND CONCLUSIONS
Many lives could be saved and much disability prevented if citizens could learn to recognize and prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Preventive efforts such as checking furnace flues, chimneys, and vents could help to alleviate the hazard. The use of good common sense in not using open flames, ovens and other appliances not intended for heating, could reduce the number of carbon monoxide related incidents. It is also recommended that homeowners have their complete heating systems checked before every heating season.
Only by being aware of the peril, and understanding the nature of the hazard, can we help to prevent unnecessary exposures to deadly carbon monoxide. By understanding the mechanism of injury, we can be better prepared to treat the effects of this toxic product. In this way, it is expected that the number of people who succumb to carbon monoxide's "deadly clutches" can be reduced.
from the Carbon Monoxide Site
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Golf Course Review:
I am trying out a "new feature" here. My husband Russ, has been golfing since he was 7 years of age. He is now in his late fifties. He has MS but that does not stop him from still going out and playing his usual 18 holes. With my Fibromyalgia I only get in 9 holes--I usually play every other hole. I call odds or evens before we start. My new idea for a feature here is to have Russ "Review" Courses we play on. He may even give tips--he's not sure about that yet. Living now is Southern Utah gives us a lot more Opportunities to play even a much wider range of courses. We live only 45 minutes from St. George UT. Forty-five more minutes down the road is Mesquite NV then another hour and a half from there is Las Vegas, NV.
I will ask the questions and Russ will answer them since he tells me I'm the writer not him.
Today's Course of Review will be in Las Vegas, NV.:
Desert Pines Golf Club: 3415 East Bonanza Road (702) 388-4400 http://www.waltersgolf.com/
1) What was your overall impression of the Staff at Desert Pines? Very Good, helpful, and accomadatinng.
We were an hr. early and they got us on the course within 15 mins. They were very friendly. They also
have a Course Marshall who goes around and checks on everyone.
2) Do you think the Fees charged are fair for this course? This is the Prime Time of Year so it will be high
at this time. Also, you must remember it is Vegas.
3) What was your impression of the Pro Shop? It was well-stocked and had everything anyone would
need.
4) What did you think of the Course in General? Each hole has it's own personality. You can get yourself
into trouble or make it easy on yourself. The fairways are narrow and the greens are large, making you
want to go for it. All the greens are challenging. There are plenty of water hazards, sand traps and trees.
5) Would you Recommend Desert Pines to Anyone? Yes.
6) How would you rate your overall experience at Desert Pines? (1-10 ten being Excellant) Ten.
FYI:
NFL FOOTBALL LEGENDS 1 MILLION DOLLAR FOOTBALL SHOOTOUT IN LAS VEGAS
Here is your chance to play a couple rounds of golf and party with some of your favorite NFL Football legends including Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Billy Joe Tolliver, Steve Beuerlein, Garo Yepremian and Butch Byrd to name a few... join us June 2nd - June 5th, 2011 for the "Football Legends $1,000,000.00 Shootout" at the exciting MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in fabulous Las Vegas. This incredible 4 day weekend is packed with pure excitement and fun. Two days of tournament golf partnered with a "Legend" of the NFL. One day of golf at the Desert Pines Golf Club and a second day at the Royal Links Golf Club.
This remarkable event is sponsored by The MGM Grand and offered by Desert Pines Golf Club
GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP AND PLAY.http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com/promotions/special-event-golf-deals/
I will ask the questions and Russ will answer them since he tells me I'm the writer not him.
Today's Course of Review will be in Las Vegas, NV.:
Desert Pines Golf Club: 3415 East Bonanza Road (702) 388-4400 http://www.waltersgolf.com/
1) What was your overall impression of the Staff at Desert Pines? Very Good, helpful, and accomadatinng.
We were an hr. early and they got us on the course within 15 mins. They were very friendly. They also
have a Course Marshall who goes around and checks on everyone.
2) Do you think the Fees charged are fair for this course? This is the Prime Time of Year so it will be high
at this time. Also, you must remember it is Vegas.
3) What was your impression of the Pro Shop? It was well-stocked and had everything anyone would
need.
4) What did you think of the Course in General? Each hole has it's own personality. You can get yourself
into trouble or make it easy on yourself. The fairways are narrow and the greens are large, making you
want to go for it. All the greens are challenging. There are plenty of water hazards, sand traps and trees.
5) Would you Recommend Desert Pines to Anyone? Yes.
6) How would you rate your overall experience at Desert Pines? (1-10 ten being Excellant) Ten.
FYI:
NFL FOOTBALL LEGENDS 1 MILLION DOLLAR FOOTBALL SHOOTOUT IN LAS VEGAS
Here is your chance to play a couple rounds of golf and party with some of your favorite NFL Football legends including Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Billy Joe Tolliver, Steve Beuerlein, Garo Yepremian and Butch Byrd to name a few... join us June 2nd - June 5th, 2011 for the "Football Legends $1,000,000.00 Shootout" at the exciting MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in fabulous Las Vegas. This incredible 4 day weekend is packed with pure excitement and fun. Two days of tournament golf partnered with a "Legend" of the NFL. One day of golf at the Desert Pines Golf Club and a second day at the Royal Links Golf Club.
This remarkable event is sponsored by The MGM Grand and offered by Desert Pines Golf Club
GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP AND PLAY.http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com/promotions/special-event-golf-deals/
What To Do In A Poisoning Emergency:
First Steps in a Poisoning Emergency
A poisoning may have occurred. What should I do?
Follow these basic steps at the first sign of a poisoning.
If the person inhaled poison: Get to fresh air right away. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
If the person has poison on the skin: Take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
If the person has poison in the eyes: Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
In some cases, you should not try to give first aid: If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
What should I do if my child swallows something poisonous?
Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Every poisoning is different. Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too.
Should I use activated charcoal when I suspect someone has been poisoned?
No. Activated charcoal addresses certain poisons, but it is difficult to use. Your poison center will decide if activated charcoal should be used. The poison center may call a hospital to advise what type of treatment to use.
From Poisoning Site
A poisoning may have occurred. What should I do?
Follow these basic steps at the first sign of a poisoning.
If the person inhaled poison: Get to fresh air right away. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
If the person has poison on the skin: Take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
If the person has poison in the eyes: Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
In some cases, you should not try to give first aid: If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
What should I do if my child swallows something poisonous?
Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Every poisoning is different. Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too.
Should I use activated charcoal when I suspect someone has been poisoned?
No. Activated charcoal addresses certain poisons, but it is difficult to use. Your poison center will decide if activated charcoal should be used. The poison center may call a hospital to advise what type of treatment to use.
From Poisoning Site
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Green Beans with Rosemary & Garlic (crock pot) Recipe
We at T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) were having our annual "Induction of Officers" potluck. So each of us were bringing a dish. I made some alterations to one I found in a Crock Pot Cookbook since I had just gotten back from Las Vegas 4 days earlier. I had brought back some fresh rosemary from my brother's garden which I wanted to use. This is the recipe I ended up with and the gals loved it.
*note since we have had such a horrible time with fresh vegetables lately I didn't find any good fresh green beans. The original recipe said fresh or canned. I don't ever use canned (due to high sodium/so mushy) so I had substituted frozen, by thawing the beans out in the refrigerator overnight (in there original pkg.) then draining what little water there was by placing them in a colander. The gals said they thought they were "fresh green beans".
64 ounces reg-cut frozen (do NOT use french style cut) Green Beans, thawed overnight (in refrigerator), drained in colander OR Fresh Green Beans
2 tsp. Beef Bouillon Granules
1 1/2 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary
2 Tbsp. minced Garlic
1/4 cup Water
Fat-free Cooking Spray
1. Spray slow cooker/crock pot with fat-free cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on high 3-4 hours.
Notes:
If you like, add 2 Tbsp. minced onions to step 2.
Per Serving: 46 calories; trace total fat; 7 total carbohydrates; 1g protein.
serves 8
Notes:
Check the label on the frozen green beans for an accurate Calorie Count. The green beans I got were Smith's Brand (Kroger Value) and were 30 calories. Some of the other brands I found - C&W=30 calories, Birdseye=35, and ones just listed as frozen=27. Therse are for 1/2 cup to 1 cup servings. So check labels for both serving size and calorie count. Especially if you are watching your weight like me.
*note since we have had such a horrible time with fresh vegetables lately I didn't find any good fresh green beans. The original recipe said fresh or canned. I don't ever use canned (due to high sodium/so mushy) so I had substituted frozen, by thawing the beans out in the refrigerator overnight (in there original pkg.) then draining what little water there was by placing them in a colander. The gals said they thought they were "fresh green beans".
64 ounces reg-cut frozen (do NOT use french style cut) Green Beans, thawed overnight (in refrigerator), drained in colander OR Fresh Green Beans
2 tsp. Beef Bouillon Granules
1 1/2 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary
2 Tbsp. minced Garlic
1/4 cup Water
Fat-free Cooking Spray
1. Spray slow cooker/crock pot with fat-free cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on high 3-4 hours.
Notes:
If you like, add 2 Tbsp. minced onions to step 2.
Per Serving: 46 calories; trace total fat; 7 total carbohydrates; 1g protein.
serves 8
Notes:
Check the label on the frozen green beans for an accurate Calorie Count. The green beans I got were Smith's Brand (Kroger Value) and were 30 calories. Some of the other brands I found - C&W=30 calories, Birdseye=35, and ones just listed as frozen=27. Therse are for 1/2 cup to 1 cup servings. So check labels for both serving size and calorie count. Especially if you are watching your weight like me.
Friday, April 22, 2011
My Recent Brush With Cancer
Two weeks ago my Doctor's Medical Assistant called me. She told me that the Mammogram I had in Dec. showed something and that I needed to see a surgeon for a biopsy. She gave me the Surgeon's name and phone number so I could schedule an appointment. I asked her which breast it was and she said she didn't have that information in front of her. I was a bit annoyed about that since I had worked for 30 years in the Medical Profession, part of it also being in Doctor's offices and Clinics before I moved on to Hospitals and Surgical Centers. We never gave information like she gave me over the phone for one. We always made an appointment for the patient to come in for a follow-up to have the doctor tell the patient. Also, why was it all of a sudden urgent when it has been 3 1/2 months since my Mammogram? Why did I not get a call sooner? Was it forgotten in the two appointments that I had seen my doctor in between on since the Mammogram? It seemed so wrong the way it was handled. And yet she DID NOT even have the RESULTS WITH HER when she called me!! I NEVER called a patient without the results right in front of me in all my 30 years of being in the Medical Field!
I made the appointment and my husband went with me to see the surgeon who was a very intelligent man. I was sent to another hospital for a different type of biopsy, than the more invasive surgical one the surgeon performed, due to the minuscule size. They were so tiny,actually 1/10th the size of buckshot. We had to view them with a magnifying glass. We had to drive to St. George, 45 minutes away, the biopsy was performed with a long needle and four little pieces were retrieved and a tiny titanium tag placed where they were removed. The tag was for future reference for either the surgeon if more surgery is required or future mammograms. Either way it is permanent & will not set off metal detectors at the Airports I'm told.
I waited four days for the results. Yesterday, I received the results that "I do not have Cancer". I am grateful since Breast Cancer took one of my Aunts when she was 54 and I am currently 51.
I am glad I have been having my Mammograms since the age of 40 years old. I had two fatty adipose masses taken out 7 years ago. Back then they were not detected when they were so small. They also watched them over a three year period. The first year the did a needle biopsy by withdrawing fluid only. Year two was no growth or anything. Year three they had tripled in size so they did a ultrasound and decided to remove them. They were benign also. We had expected them to be 99% benign before they were removed though.
Therefore, I am a great advocate about getting your Mammogram every year. It is very important. DO NOT PUT IT OFF. Early Detection is the best way for Early Treatment. The new Mammogram technology is great especially how they could detect such a small tiny tumor as they did on my mammogram this year versus 7 years ago was totally amazing to me. It sure proved to me that if it had gone the other way I would have had very early detection and a very very good chance of Treatment and Recovery.
I made the appointment and my husband went with me to see the surgeon who was a very intelligent man. I was sent to another hospital for a different type of biopsy, than the more invasive surgical one the surgeon performed, due to the minuscule size. They were so tiny,actually 1/10th the size of buckshot. We had to view them with a magnifying glass. We had to drive to St. George, 45 minutes away, the biopsy was performed with a long needle and four little pieces were retrieved and a tiny titanium tag placed where they were removed. The tag was for future reference for either the surgeon if more surgery is required or future mammograms. Either way it is permanent & will not set off metal detectors at the Airports I'm told.
I waited four days for the results. Yesterday, I received the results that "I do not have Cancer". I am grateful since Breast Cancer took one of my Aunts when she was 54 and I am currently 51.
I am glad I have been having my Mammograms since the age of 40 years old. I had two fatty adipose masses taken out 7 years ago. Back then they were not detected when they were so small. They also watched them over a three year period. The first year the did a needle biopsy by withdrawing fluid only. Year two was no growth or anything. Year three they had tripled in size so they did a ultrasound and decided to remove them. They were benign also. We had expected them to be 99% benign before they were removed though.
Therefore, I am a great advocate about getting your Mammogram every year. It is very important. DO NOT PUT IT OFF. Early Detection is the best way for Early Treatment. The new Mammogram technology is great especially how they could detect such a small tiny tumor as they did on my mammogram this year versus 7 years ago was totally amazing to me. It sure proved to me that if it had gone the other way I would have had very early detection and a very very good chance of Treatment and Recovery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)