July 2013 Newsletter
HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
IN THIS ISSUE:
HEPATITIS - a look at
precautions and awareness
ARE YOU DINKING ENOUGH
WATER - the importance of
drinking fluids
For information on the Empire
Living Centre’s Social Club call
705.474.9555 ext. 165
CONTACT BLUE SKY PSWs
www.blueskypsws.com
705.498.1588
[email protected]
Contact us 705.498.1588
Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and
inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These
viruses constitute a major global health risk with an estimated 240 million
people being chronically infected with hepatitis B and an estimated 150
million people chronically infected with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused primarily when a person ingests food or
water that is contaminated. The virus is found in the stool of infected people.
Eating foods that are contaminated while being prepared by an infected
person who has not properly washed their hands can put you at risk of being
infected. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause liver disease and
is rarely fatal.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the
hepatitis B virus. It is a major global health problem and the most serious type
of viral hepatitis. It can cause chronic liver disease and puts people at high risk
of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is transmitted
by direct blood to blood contact or sexual contact with an infected person.
Unlike other viruses, hepatitis B can survive at least 7 days outside of the
body. This virus is a major health risk to Health care Professionals. Most
common modes of transmission are:
• unprotected sexual contact
• unsafe blood transfusion
• unsafe injection practices
• perinatal - from mother to child at birth
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease the results from infection with the
virus. It can cause a mild illness lasting only a few weeks or to a life long
illness. This virus is usually spread when blood from an infected person enters
the body of another person. It is the most common virus that affect the liver.
Hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by:
• blood transfusion before 1992, organ transplant
•
needle-stick injuries for health care workers
• child born to hepatitis C infected mother
• drug users
Hepatitis E is a virus transmitted mainly through contaminated drinking water.
It is not contagious and usually clears itself within 4-6 weeks.
For more information on Hepatitis including symptoms and treatment please
visit:
http://www.who.int/campaigns/hepatitis-day/2013/event/en/index.html
[email protected] w: blueskypersonalsupportworkers.com
ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER?
IMPORTANT SITES TO CHECK OUT:
For seniors staying healthy go to
www.seniorsinfo.ca
For Clinics in the area go to
www.healthunit.biz
We are members of the OHCA,
check out their site for lots of
great information!
This Month in History:
July 1st, 1867 - First Canada Day.
Commemorating the
confederation of Upper and
Lower Canada and some of the
Maritimes into the "Dominion of
Canada"
As a senior, you need to drink fluids regularly, whether you feel
thirsty or not.
Women should try to drink about nine 8-ounce glasses
(2.2 litres) of fluids each day and men should try to drink about
twelve 8-ounce glasses (three litres) of fluids each day.
Drink more:
• when it is hot
• if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea.
You can get your fluids by drinking plain water, but there are
also many different and healthy sources of fluids, including:
• vegetable and fruit juices
• low-fat milk and buttermilk
• unsweetened soy beverages
• low-fat yogurt drinks
• soups
• decaffeinated coffee and tea (including black, green, herbal
and chai)
Remember to always check with your physician to ensure that
these recommended amounts are right for you. Drinking too
much while on certain medications or if you have one of several
disorders may result in illnesses.
July 6, 1885 - Louis Pasteur gave
the first successful anti-rabies
inoculation to a boy who had
been bitten
Send us an email if you have
ideas that you would like us
to cover in our next
newsletter
Contact us 705.498.1588
Are you planning a holiday and need someone to check in on
your loved one or vacant home. Call us and let us reduce
your stress and provide the support your family needs.
[email protected] w: blueskypersonalsupportworkers.com