The confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. for nearly the first half of 2014 are already eight times greater than the average number of cases reported each year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirms 477 measles cases from January 1, 2014 through June 13, 2014, while only about 60 cases of measles are reported in the U.S. annually.

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000 when no new measles cases or outbreaks originated in this country for at least 12 months. This elimination was attributed to highly effective vaccination programs, strong public health systems, and proactive detection and response to measles cases and outbreaks. The elimination means thatmeasles is no longer native to the United States. New measles cases occur, but they are from infected people from other countries.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. It spreads through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Complications include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and death in extreme cases. These complications are more common among children under age 5 and adults over age 20.

Why the Climb?

The CDC reports these contributions to the rise of measles cases:

• Measles is common worldwide. Travelers continue to bring it into the U.S.
• Measles is highly contagious. Unprotected and unvaccinated people are at risk.
• Measles cases put people at risk who can’t get the vaccine due to age or health.
• Measles cases occur in communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.

2014: The Philippines is currently experiencing widespread measles outbreaks.

2013: The U.S. experienced 11 outbreaks.

2011: France experienced a large outbreak, which spread to the U.S.

2008: Measles spread to communities with groups of unvaccinated people.

Complete elimination of measles requires worldwide community education, proactive vaccination programs, and protecting people who cannot get the vaccine. By eliminating measles from each country, there will be no place where measles can spread. That is why the measles vaccine is important.

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Outside of the Arabian Peninsula, there are reports of travel-associated infections in 10 countries around the world, including the U.S. Two cases of MERS had been identified in the U.S. in early May 2014. Both cases involved healthcare workers from Saudi Arabia who recently returned to the U.S. Both patients have recovered and have been discharged from the hospital. A third case which was earlier reported positive by the CDC, has since been determined a false negative case.

Currently, MERS represents a very low risk to the general public in the United States, but the CDC recommends that you take precautions to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and assist young children in doing the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, phones, and doorknobs.

If you have recently traveled to countries in the Arabian Peninsula and have developed fever, cough or other respiratory illness symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with a traveler who has developed acute respiratory symptoms, we recommend that you receive an evaluation by a health care provider and that you take extra precautions to prevent the spread of germs.

More information about MERS can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/index.html

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I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know that everything you love about Urgent Care of Connecticut is staying the same – except for our name!

I’m pleased to announce that, effective June 2014, our name will be …

Why change our name? Well, we are growing – our new name will allow us to serve more patients and more communities in neighboring states.

PhysicianOne Urgent Care is the result of a 15 month process where Urgent Care of Connecticut consulted with current patients (maybe you were one of them?), other users of Urgent Care services, and employees using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research. The process was focused on ensuring that the new name was representative of the quality and expert care that people who utilize Urgent Care of Connecticut for their non-life threatening injuries and illnesses have grown to expect.

We love the new name and, once you see our new branding, we think you will agree that it exemplifies the professionalism and experience our doctors and clinical staff have presented since we opened our first clinic in 2008.

Thank you for being a part of the Urgent Care of Connecticut family. Given the choice you have for urgent care centers, we are pleased that we are top of mind for you.

Regards,

Dr. R. Robert Rohatsch, MD

Chief Executive Officer

Please note that our blog will be getting a makeover under our new company name. Not to worry though, we will continue to provide you with the same content that you have come to know and love. When our new website and blog go live, you will automatically be redirected. Thank you for your continued support. -Jeannie Kenkare, D.O., blog author.

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Top 5 Characteristics that Best Describe Emergency Personnel

1. Brave
2. Compassionate
3. Dedicated
4. Empathetic
5. Strong

Whether fighting crime, fires, or being the first to provide care when the need arises – emergency personnel are out there saving lives every day. During times of emergencies, it is easy to forget to show appreciation to the ones who are helping you, so be sure to thank them for their bravery, courage, and dedication!

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The field of nursing wasn’t always a respected or highly recognized career. Here are some of the most famous nurses in history who helped mold the nursing profession into the modern, respected field it is today.

Florence Nightingale- Known as “The Lady with the Lamp,” Florence Nightingale is possibly the most well-known nurse in history. Born into a wealthy British family, the call to nursing was early in her life.  After she completed her training she went directly into the field where she experienced devastating conditions.  Unhappy with the quality of patient care and unsanitary hygiene conditions, Nightingale and her fellow nurses started to tend to the soldiers and set their own standard of care.  It was successful, and she later went on to found her own school of nursing.  To this day, the school’s curriculum has laid the groundwork for modern nursing education. May 12th, 2014 is Florence Nightingale’s 194th birthday!

Clara Barton- Clara Barton may have started her professional life as a teacher and a recording clerk for the U.S. Patent Office, but she soon transformed into quite the humanitarian.  During the Civil war she became known as the “angel of the battlefield” and volunteered countless hours and efforts to helping the sick and wounded soldiers. At the age of 60, she founded the American Red Cross and led the group until 1904.

Mary Ezra Mahoney- The first African-American woman to complete nursing training and become a registered nurse was Mary Ezra Mahoney.  The hospital’s nursing school had 42 candidates, with only four graduates; Mary was one of those four. Mary went into private practice in New England and was an advocate for the rights of all African-American nurses.  She also co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908.

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Health care is constantly changing and evolving. Today, more than ever, nurses are stepping out of their comfort zones and becoming active contributors and innovators in the health care system. Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals in the United States, with more than three million nurses in the field.

SOURCE: http://www.rncentral.com, http://www.nursingworld.org

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In honor of National Nurses Week 2014, we had a chance to sit down with the nurses of Urgent Care of Connecticut for a “Get to Know You” session. Although they are not directly involved in daily patient care, they each play a large role behind the scenes to ensure that Urgent Care of Connecticut operates smoothly.

Linda Rohatsch, RN, BSN is the Chief Operating Officer for Urgent Care of Connecticut. She works directly with the CEO and CMO to provide leadership and direction to the clinical and administrative staff.

Tracey Cassese, RN, BSN, B-C, LNCC is the Director of Clinical Implementation for Urgent Care of Connecticut. She ensures that new clinics open smoothly and fully equipped with everything needed.

Sabrina Huhn, RN, BSN is the Director of Clinical Education for Urgent Care of Connecticut. She provides education and training to new employees throughout the orientation process.

Where did you earn your degree?

Linda: “Western Connecticut State University”

Sabrina: “I completed my Associates through SUNY-Orange in Middletown, NY. I then completed my BSN through University of Phoenix.”

Tracey: “I earned my B.S. in Nursing from University of Connecticut. My graduate programs were at Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.”

Tell us briefly about your background. Where have you worked before coming to Urgent Care of Connecticut?

Linda: “I worked clinically at Westchester Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic and just prior, I was the administrator at Stewart Air National Guard Base Medical Group.”

Sabrina: “I have mainly worked as a Medical/Surgical RN, I did this at Bon Secour Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. I later worked at Easton Hospital in Easton, PA where I was able to gain some experience in Obstetrics/NICU nursing.

Tracey: “My career began at Yale New Haven Hospital as a staff nurse for infants and toddlers. Through the years I have been a staff nurse in various pediatric settings at hospitals, corporations, schools, and private practices.”

What inspired you to become a nurse?

Linda: “I was an EMT/Med Tech in the Air Force and I was inspired by the nurses I worked with.”

Sabrina: “I have always wanted to be a nurse as far as I can remember. I received a lot of support from my family as well as my military family when I decided to pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse.

Tracey: “My passion to help infants, toddlers, and children of all ages with critical care needs.”

What is your favorite memory or most inspiring moment during your nursing career?

Linda: “Taking care of the wounded military members while deployed to Balad, Iraq. I had the honor to take care of many outstanding and strong fellow service members.”

Sabrina: “My fondest memories involve patients I have cared for and their families. Being able to make them smile and communicate with them when they are in need gives me a feeling of fulfillment.”

Tracey: “There have been so many inspiring moments. I cannot help but have a personal connection to my patients. It is always rewarding when I can make a visible difference in the care they receive.”

What does the future hold for nursing careers?

Linda: “The nursing profession has endless opportunities! The sky’s the limit.”

Sabrina: “The sky is the limit…I am so excited about the nursing field and patient care. There are so many different avenues you can take.”

Tracey: “There are so many facets of nursing. Besides hands-on care for patients, nursing offers abundant opportunities in education and research.”

 For full bios – click on each photo!

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• Avoid being outside during high pollen count hours – Pollen count is usually at its highest between 10am and 4pm
• Use an HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter on your furnace and air conditioner
• Download the free pollen.com app for your iPhone so you can check what the pollen count is wherever you are
• If you have pets, wipe their fur and paws after they have been outside to prevent them from tracking pollen into your home.
• If staying indoors isn’t enough to prevent your allergy symptoms – try taking over the counter allergy medications, such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Allergra, etc.
• If over the counter medications don’t help relieve your allergy symptoms – consider seeing an allergist who can better help treat your symptoms

Source: www.familydoctor.org, www.pollen.com

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What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a noninfectious, inflammatory disease.  Although the exact cause is unknown, sarcoidosis is thought to be due to an exaggerated immune response to an unknown trigger or substance the patient encounters.

People with sarcoidosis develop granulomas; small, abnormal clumps of inflammatory cells that cluster together. Although granulomas are most commonly found in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin, they can form in almost any organ in the body.  If too many granulomas form in an organ, they can interfere with how that organ functions.

Sarcoidosis is rare, affecting approximately .01% of the population. In the United States, adults between 20 and 40 years old have the highest incidence of sarcoidosis. Women are affected more often than men and this disease is more commonly seen in individuals of African American or European descent.

Sarcoidosis causes different symptoms depending on which body parts it affects.  The lungs are involved in 90% of patients who have sarcoidosis. Symptoms of sarcoidosis in the lungs can include cough, trouble breathing, chest pains, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Many people with sarcoidosis feel well and don’t have any symptoms at all, making it a difficult disease to detect.

There is no single test to tell if you have sarcoidosis. Medical professionals look at a patient’s history and physical exam findings in combination with imaging studies and tissue samples to determine if a person has sarcoidosis.

Since the cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, there is no cure. Patients with mild cases of this disease do not require any treatment. Frequently, about 50% of the time, people with sarcoidosis experience a spontaneous remission of their symptoms and disease. Patients with more severe cases of sarcoidosis are treated with steroids to relieve symptoms and limit tissue damage. Steroid therapy reduces the body’s immune responses and shrinks the granulomas caused by sarcoidosis.

For more information on Sarcoidosis, please visit the following links:

http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/sarcoidosis/

http://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/patient-resources/what-is-sarcoidosis/

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• Identify your sources of stress. What events or situations trigger stressful feelings for you?
• Learn your own stress signals. You may feel irritable or experience headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue. Identify any physical complaints you may have that might be linked to stress.
• Understand how you experience stress. How are your thoughts or behaviors different from times when you do not feel stressed?
• Recognize how you deal with stress. Determine if you are using abusing cigarettes, drugs, alcohol or food to cope. Is this a routine behavior, or is it specific to certain events or situations?
• Take a break from the stressor. Give yourself permission to step away from stressful situations. Even taking just 20-minutes to focus on yourself is helpful.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Don’t take on too much at once. Focus on changing a single behavior at a time.
• Take care of yourself. Eat right, give yourself enough time to sleep, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular physical activity. No matter how hectic life gets, make time for yourself.
• Exercise.  Exercise benefits your mind and your body. Taking a 20-minute walk, run, or exercise session in the midst of a stressful time can provide relief.
• Smile and laugh. Laughing or smiling can relieve tension and improve your mood.
• Meditate. Helps your body to relax and allows your mind to clear.
• Get social support. Call a friend, send an email. Share your concerns or feelings with another person who understands and validates you.
• Reach out for support. Accept help from supportive friends and family. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from a psychologist to assist you in coping with and managing your stressors.

For more information visit  www.apa.org

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A concussion occurs when an impact causes the brain to move back and forth within the skull. This movement can cause bruising of the brain itself or stretching, tearing or bleeding in the tissues and blood vessels that surround the brain. Patients who have suffered even a mild concussion should be monitored closely as it may take several hours, even days to determine the full effects of a concussion.

After any head injury, observe the individual closely, looking for the following:

• Any loss of consciousness
• Impaired physical functioning
• Behavioral, mood, and personality changes
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness or difficulty remembering recent events

Seek immediate medical care for the following signs or symptoms:

• Dilated pupils
• Worsening headache
• Increased drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Convulsions or seizures
• Significant memory problems or atypical behavior
• If the athlete “just does not feel right”

An athlete with a concussion needs time to heal and must refrain from sports activities until he or she is fully recovered and symptom free. Injured athletes should be evaluated and cleared to resume their sport by a medical provider.  Repeat concussions can result in long-term problems in an athlete, including permanent brain damage.

To enjoy a safe spring sporting season, young athletes should always wear appropriate safety gear, follow the rules of the game, and avoid reckless or dangerous play.

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