The West Nile Virus

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes.  West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). 

Most people who get West Nile virus are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.

Typically people get infected with West Nile virus from June through September.

West Nile virus disease cases have been reported from all 48 lower states.  The only states that have not reported cases are Alaska and Hawaii.  The weather, numbers of birds that maintain the virus, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the virus and human behavior are all factors that an influence when and where outbreaks occur.

Avoiding exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to avoid getting West Nile virus.  The CDC also recommends doing the following to reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

• Use repellents with Deet, Picardin, IR3535 oroil of lemon eucalyptus
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours.  Use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, utters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

How to Stop Eating Junk Food

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Junk food is tempting but can have dangerous consequences. Here are some tips on how to quit snacking on the junk.

1.  Plan ahead.  There is no better way to handle cravings than to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time.  If you eat healthy throughout the day, you are less likely to grab some junk food.  Try to plan your week’s meals on Sunday, or at least the day before you busy week starts.  Use food storage containers to pack serving sizes that you can grab in the morning
2. Shop the perimeter.  The perimeter of the grocery store typically includes the produce, dairy, meat and fish sections.  This is where you find the “real” foods rather than processed foods.  Eating from these foods will give your body the nutrients it needs, so your cravings for other foods decreases.
3. Eat healthy fats.  Your body needs fat.  However, there are many types of fats.  Avoid trans-fat and limit the amount of saturated fat.  Nuts and avocados are heart healthy fats that help you feel full and reduce cravings.
4. Eat enough protein.  Protein makes you feel full.  Look for healthy sources of protein including fish, beans, nuts, lean meats or cheese.  If you feel full, there is less desire for junk food.
5. Try fruit.  Fruit does have sugar, but it also has vitamins, antioxidants, water and fiber.  These tend to help balance your blood sugar.  If you are craving something sweet, grab a bowl of berries.
6. Taste the rainbow.  Add new and different foods to your diet.  The more varied your diet, the less likely you will get bored and crave junk food.
7. Think about junk food differently.  A 2013 study showed that when people were trained to look at and interpret one of their most craved junk foods in negative light, their desire for it lessened.  Tell yourself you are full, save the item for later, think of the negative consequences of eating the food (weight gain, etc.).  The mind is more powerful than you might think!
8. Focus on adding healthy foods.  Focusing on the positive side of eating healthy is more effective than focusing on the need to remove junk food.  The more healthy foods you eat, the easier it will be to crowd out the unhealthy ones.
9. Work on stress management.  There is almost always an emotional component behind cravings.  Consider how you may be eating as a way to alter feelings, procrastinate or distract yourself.  Practice redirecting yourself when you feel the urge to reach for food instead of what needs to be done.
10. Get more sleep.  Lack of sleep can has effects on your mood and energy level, but it also plays a role in junk food cravings.  Studies show that sleep restriction resulted in more hunger and less ability to control intake of snacks.  

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips for Better Flips

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Wow!  Look At All The Benefits of Gymnastics

We have all watched Olympic gymnasts and been amazed at their strength, flexibility, balance and control. 

Gymnastics at all levels has health benefits for kids.

•  Flexibility.  Flexibility is a key factor in gymnastics.  Increasing your flexibility can be effective to reduce injury and gain greater control of the body.
• Disease prevention.  Gymnastics can help prevent health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.  It helps encourage a healthy lifestyle.
• Gymnastics is a weight bearing activity, and that can help to develop strong bones.
• Several studies show that children who participate in physical activity, like gymnastics are likely to have better self-esteem
• The American Heart Association suggests children participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Participating in gymnastics helps meet this recommendation.
• Gymnastics not only offers physical gain, but also improves concentration and mental focus.  Gymnasts also gain improved coordination to be better equipped to avoid falls.
•  In children, gymnastics also provides an opportunity to develop social skills and instill self-discipline. 

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

How to Treat a Sunburn

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Getting a sunburn looks bad, is painful, peels, and inflicts long-lasting damage to skin. Even one blistering burn can double the lifetime risk of melanoma. Sunburns are preventable with sunscreen, shade and clothing, but they can happen. Here are a few ways to ease the pain and damage of a sunburn.

Act quickly. If you feel the tingling of a sunburn or see any sign of skin reddening, get out of the sun and start treatment. Sunburns can sneak up on you, as it may take 4-5 hours for symptoms to develop after the actual burn.

Cool the skin with a bath or shower and slather on moisturizing cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Repeat frequently. Consider using a product such as Noxzema to cool the skin also. It’s also OK to use a hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid) for a couple days to decrease inflammation and relieve discomfort. Don’t scrub, pick or peel the skin.

Burns draw fluid to the skin and away from the rest of the body, so drink extra water for a few days.

Ibuprofen (Advil) also works as an anti-inflammatory to relieve discomfort for the first 48 hours after a sunburn. Just be sure to take it with food.

 Most sunburns, even blistering ones, can be treated at home. If fever/chills develop, then seek medical attention.

Consider the burn a “warning” that your sun protection measure have failed and try to avoid another one. That means using sunscreen, covering up, wearing hats and avoiding the sun as much as possible between 10am -4pm.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips for Safety While Traveling

By Rose Kreller of Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

Summer time often brings about vacations. Here are some tips for a safe trip.

Before You Go

• Research basic information about your destination
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend.
• Make sure your vehicle is in good working order if you are driving.
• Get copies of maps of your destinations and attractions that you plan to visit.

Packing

• Travel light.
• Be sure to pack medications needed. Pack an extra pair of glasses if you have them.
• Don’t bring a lot of cash/credit cards. Instead, use one or two cards and a small amount of cash.  Alert you credit card company that you will be traveling and where.
• Don’t pack valuables.
• Make sure baggage is labeled with your name and phone number.

At The Airport

• Don’t leave baggage unattended.
• Don’t accept packages from strangers.
• Report suspicious activities. Be alert to your surroundings

On The Road

• Wear your seatbelt.
• If you get drowsy, take a break. Stop and walk around or grab a bite to eat.
• Avoid texting or using cell phone while driving.
• Plan ahead and check road/weather conditions.
• Always park in well-lit areas and keep your doors locked.

At The Hotel

• Note where fire exits, alarms and extinguishers are location.
• Keep hotel room locked.
• If you are meeting a visitor, have them meet you in the lobby instead of your room
• Don’t get in the elevator with suspicious strangers.

Out and About

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Don’t accept rides from strangers.
• Keep a low profile and avoid large crowds, demonstrations or public confrontations.
• Stay in well-lit and well-traveled places.

We hope that as you travel, you have a safe, enjoyable trip!

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Slip, Slop, Slap & Wrap!

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Summer is approaching, which means more time outdoors and increased sun exposure on skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and protects you from heat, sunlight, injury and infection. However, it is important to protect skin.

The need to protect skin has become very clear over the years, supported by multiple studies linking sun exposure with skin cancer. Additionally, overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun or indoor “sunlamps” can cause other complications including eye problems, weakened immune system, age spots, and wrinkles.

You can reduce your risk of these issues by protecting your skin. The American Cancer Society notes the best way to avoid overexposure of harmful rays is to stay in the shade; but that is not always possible. It also suggests the “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap” reminder.

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on some sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Wrap on some sunglasses

Wearing clothing is an important and easy way to protect your skin. Long- sleeved shirts and pants are good examples, as are hats and sunglasses.

Sunburns significantly increase one’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid getting a sunburn. When possible, avoid the sun during peak hours between 10am and 4pm. Take cover in the shade.

Remember to use caution when near reflective surfaces such as water, snow and sand. These can reflect the damaging rays of the sun and increase your chance of sunburn. Higher altitudes also expose you to more UV rays.

Apply sunscreen of an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Remember to reapply, especially after swimming or sweating, even if the bottle says water resistant. Reapply at least 3 times per day when outside for extended periods.

Always monitor your skin for changes such as raided red patches, open sores that do not heal, changing moles, etc. If you find something of concern, see your health care provider as soon as possible.

You can all enjoy summer, but just remember to take precautions to protect yourself!

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

All About Insect Repellents

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Spring and summer mean more time outdoors. They also mean more bugs, mosquitoes and such. Here are a few things to remember about insect repellents.

The CDC recommends the use of products containing ingredients registered with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Of the products registered, those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus provide longer lasting protection. EPA registration means that the EPA does not expect the product to cause adverse effects to human health or environment.

Repellents containing higher percentages of active ingredients typically provide longer-lasting protection. Reapply according to the label instructions.

Apply repellents to exposed skin and/or clothing. Do not apply under your clothing. Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

Do not apply to eyes or mouth and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not allow children to spray the product. Spray/apply it to your hands and then put it on the child. Avoid applying repellent to children’s hands as they frequently put their hands in their eyes and mouth.

Use just enough to cover exposed areas. Heavy application does not give you better or longer lasting protection.

After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bath. If you get a rash or other reaction from the repellent, stop using it, wash it off and consult medical attention.

Most products are safe for use on children. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three. The EPA does not recommend any additional precaution for repellent use by pregnant or nursing women. However, always check with your medical provider.

Many products contain sunscreen and insect repellents. It is not recommended to use a single product that combines DEET and sunscreen. There are no specific recommendations for the use of these combination products; however, repellent usually does not need to be reapplied as often as sunscreen should be. If you do use a combination product, have a sunscreen available to reapply.

Permethrin is a type of repellent and insecticide. Certain products containing it are recommended on clothing, shoes and camping gear. Permethrin-treated products repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes and other arthropods. These products continue to repel and kill insects after several washings. Be sure to follow label instructions.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416

Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com