Ang Kalatas Volume IV February 2014 Issue | Page 18

18 Volume 4 | Number 5 February 2014 www.kalatas.com.au HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Measles outbreak sparks health warning HEALTHWISE EXPERT ADVISE Parkinson’s Disease Fe Watmore, RN NSW Health urges everyone planning on travelling to the Philippines to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations before they travel. An ongoing measles outbreak in the Philippines has prompted an urgent reminder for people travelling to the Philippines to check they and their children are fully immunised for measles before their departure. llDr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, said measles is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised. “Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing, and is one of the most contagious infections known,” Dr. Sheppeard said. “Complications can range from swelling of the brain and pneumonia to ear infections and diarrhoea. “In recent weeks there have been 7 cases of measles reported in NSW. Five were associated with travel to the Philippines - including 3 young children who were admitted to hospital. Cases from the Philippines have also been reported in Western Australia. “NSW Health urges everyone planning on travelling to the Philippines to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations before they travel. Anyone born during or after 1966 should have two doses of measles vaccine (at least 4 weeks apart). Even one dose gives around 90% protection. “Children should receive measles vaccine at 12 months and a second dose at 18 months. Babies who are travelling before their vaccines are due can be given the first dose as early as 9 months of age. “Children over 18 months who have not had their second dose of measles vaccine can be vaccinated now. “People returning from the Philippines should be on the look out of symptoms of measles, which starts with a fever, cough, sore red eyes and a runny nose for several days before a blotchy rash appears. People who have these symptoms should see a doctor - but call ahead to protect others in the waiting room. Let the GP know that they could have been exposed to measles in the Philippines. For more information on measles, please go to www. health.nsw.gov.au. YOUR MOUTH, YOUR BODY, YOUR HEALTH EXPERT ADVISE Dr. Rouel Vergara [email protected] Dr. Rouel Vergara, DMD is a general dentist practitioner focusing on patient-centred dentistry. He is a member of various dental organizations in Australia and overseas, and is also actively involved in providing lectures and workshops for dental health professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Dr. Vergara practices in Parramatta and Empire Bay, NSW. Tips in handling knocked out teeth O ne of the scariest things that parents can experience is seeing their kids’ teeth knocked out due to an accident. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to address this situation which only reduces the chances of saving knocked out permanent teeth. One of the key things to remember when this happens to you or your child is to see a dental health professional as soon as possible. Tooth avulsion (knocked out tooth) is a common dental accident or emergency. Tooth avulsion involves the complete physical loss of tooth from its bony socket due to trauma. Because of its nature, this requires urgent dental professional attention. The main goal is the re-insertion of the tooth back to its original socket to preserve supporting structures attached to the root of the tooth and to promote healing. To achieve optimum healing of an avulsed tooth, time is of the essence. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted or re-positioned to its original place, the better a prognosis can be reached. W HAT TO DO when a tooth is knocked out – 3 important things: An avulsed tooth must be handled by the crown (white part of the tooth) and never by the root/s. If the tooth is soiled, a gentle rinse using saline solution or milk must be used before re-inserting it. If possible after checking the bone socket, re-insertion of the knocked out permanent tooth must be done. Just make sure to check that the tooth is re-inserted in its original position. Otherwise, wrap the tooth in cling wrap or store it in a saline solution or milk and contact the dental professional immediately. WHAT NOT TO DO when a tooth is knocked out – 3 important things: D O NOT delay seeing a dental health professional. The longer you delay means poor healing. D O NOT wash soiled knocked out tooth with running water. This will remove important supporting structures attached to the root of the tooth. DO NOT re-insert knocked T k kd out primary or milk tooth. This can have a detrimental effect on the permanent tooth under the gums. A permanent tooth that has been knocked out or avulsed requires regular check and review. It is important to make sure that the health of the tooth is re-established. Otherwise, this can cause potential infection and permanent loss. If you or your child experienced knocked out tooth, or have concerns about the long term effect of this dental emergency, it is highly recommended that you seek professional dental advice as soon as possible. P arkinson’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects a person’s control of their body movements. It is not contagious and not fatal. It is estimated that approximately four people per 1,000 in Australia have Parkinson’s Disease, with the incidence increasing to one in 100 over the age of 60. llSYMPTOMS OF PD: Eve r y person is affected differently. Some of the main symptoms are: l Tremor (shaking) – affects one side of the body first and is typically more evident when muscles are relaxed l Rigidity (muscle stiffness) – increased muscle tone can cause stiffness, pain and cramps, may become stooped and walk with a shuffle or a limp lFreezing – sudden inability to move l Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) – writing, getting dressed, toileting and preparing meals can progressively become more difficult. Facial muscle activity is affected, resulting in a staring, expressionless appearance l Instability – problems with balance and unsteadiness develop later l Complications – some aspects of cognition (e.g. thinking and memory) and emotion can be later effects of Parkinson’s Disease llCAUSES OF PD: