Cynical People More Likely to Die Young, Develop Dementia

European researchers have found that cynical people tend to die younger and are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia. The researchers specifically examined cynicism that involves doubting the truthfulness of what people say and believing that most people are motivated by self-interest rather than the greater good.

The researchers concluded that higher cynical distrust in late life was associated with higher mortality, but they added that this cynicism could be explained by socioeconomic position, lifestyle and health status. The presence of confounding factors supports the link between cynical distrust and dementia.

To learn more, click here.

FDA Approves Drug to Treat MRSA, Other Skin Infections

The FDA has approved an antibacterial drug designed to treat adults with skin infections including Staphyloccous aureus (including MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes.

The intravenous drug, Dalvance, is the first drug designated as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product to receive FDA approval. It received this label under the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) portion of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, the agency's program for encouraging increased development and approval of new antibacterial drugs.

Dalvance is marketed by Chicago-based Durata Therapeutics.

To learn more, click here.

Untangling Advanced Wound Care

As the advanced wound care market grows more robust, it can be tough to keep up with product claims and features. To help you out, we created the chart below as a quick reference guide below.

All of the dressings listed below should perform the following functions: remove excess exudates and toxic components; allow gaseous exchange; provide thermal insulation and protect against secondary infection. These dressings are often used with silver or other topical agents that limit infection and speed healing.1

Dressings at a glance 1,2

Alginate

Indications: Moderate to heavily draining wounds, partial- and full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers (Stages III and IV), dermal wounds, surgical incisions or dehisced wounds, sinus tracts, tunnels, cavity wounds, infected wounds

Features:

• Hydrophilic gel is produced when alginate comes in contact with wound exudate
• Can absorb up to 20 times its weight
• Does not adhere to wound

Collagen

Indications: Burns, grafts, any type of wound with light, moderate or heavy drainage

Features:

• Provides a moist healing environment
• Some reduce destructive elements in wound fluid
• Promote tissue granulation and epithelialization

Film

Indications: Superficial wounds with little exudate; commonly used as secondary dressings to attach a primary absorbent dressing

Features:

• Permeable to gases and water vapor, but impermeable to wound fluids
• Retain moisture and are impermeable to bacteria and other contaminants 
• Allow wound observation
• Do not require a secondary dressing

Foam

Indications: Partial-to full-thickness wounds with light to heavy exudate; frequently used under compression stockings to help treat venous leg ulcers

Features:

• Have small, open cells that hold fluids
• Permeable to water and gas
• Some have a waterproof top surface

Hydrocolloid

Indications: Stage I-IV pressure ulcers, partial- and full-thickness wounds, dermal ulcers, necrotic wounds

Features:

• Adhesive, absorbent and elastomeric components
• Form a gel upon contact with wound fluid
• Facilitate autolytic debridement
• Self-adhesive, mold well and minimize skin trauma and healing disruption
• Can be used under compression wraps
• Can be used as a preventive dressing for areas at high risk of friction

Hydrofiber

Indications: Moderate to heavily draining wounds, partial- or full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers (Stage III and IV), surgical wounds, donor sites, dehisced wounds, cavity wounds, wounds with sinus tracts or tunnels

Features:

• Maintain a moist wound environment by absorbing large amounts of exudates and forming a gel
• Secondary dressing is required

Hydrogel

Indications: Lightly to moderately draining wounds, necrotic wounds

Features:

• High water content provides moisture to the wound and rehydrate dry wound beds
• Cooling and soothing
• Reduce pain

Your ProMed territory manager is ready to introduce you to ProMed's comprehensive basic and advanced wound care products. To learn more, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

References
1 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Technology assessment on negative pressure wound therapy devices. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/ta/negative-pressure-wound-therapy/background.html. Accessed May 13, 2014.

2 Lippincott’s Nursing Center. Wound & Skin Care: Choosing a wound dressing, part 2. Available at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/journalarticle?Article_ID=770292. Accessed May 13, 2014. 

Memorial Day Closure Reminder

Professional Medical will be closed Monday, May 26 in honor of Memorial Day. All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 27. All Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 28. Please call our Customer Care department at 800.648.5190 with any questions or concerns.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend and thank all of our veterans for their service.

FDA Recalls Ground Beef Contaminated with E. coli

Before you throw your hamburgers on the grill this Memorial Day weekend, check to make sure they're not part of the 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products that were recalled this week because they might be contaminated with E. coli. 

There are five known retailers that could have potentially received the tainted meat, including three here in the Midwest:

• Gordon Food Service Marketplace stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Florida 
• M Sixty Six General Store in Orleans, Michigan 
• Buchtel Food Mart in Buchtel, Ohio 
• Surf N Turf Market in Sebring, Florida
• Giorgio's Italian Delicatessen in Stuart, Florida 

This list of stores is not final and more could be added as the investigation continues. 

Consumers are advised to return or throw out any meat that has the code EST.2574B and a production date between March 31 and April 18, 2014. The meat is sold under a variety of labels, but comes from Wolverine Packing Company in Detroit. 

To learn more, click here.

Study: Nighttime Systolic Blood Pressure Readings Best Predictor of Heart Attack, Stroke

According to a new study, caregivers should pay closer attention to nighttime hypertension readings to determine a resident's likelihood of experiencing a stroke or adverse cardiovascular event. 

The researchers found that the risk of heart attack or stroke jumped 25 percent for every 10-point increase in systolic blood pressure at night. By comparison, the risk rose 20 percent for daytime increases and 11 percent for clinic readings.

To learn more, click here. 

Fighting Back against Fungal Infections

As warmer temperatures creep in and humidity rises, it can be tough to keep skin dry. Excess skin moisture can contribute to a number of uncomfortable fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. These infections are usually itchy and can lead to scaling, cracking and rashes. If left untreated, they can lead to abscesses or cellulitis.1

Fungal infections pose a unique challenge for healthcare facilities because they can be spread very easily from person to person. To help curb this, residents should not share towels, combs or other personal items. Special care should also be taken to keep shared areas clean and residents should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently.2

The following strategies can help protect your residents from fungal infections both during the warmer months and throughout the year:

• Apply an antifungal powder or cream to the body after bathing, paying close attention to folds of skin where moisture might collect 
• To avoid contracting athlete’s foot, wash the feet daily, dry them well and put on clean socks
• Take shoes off to expose the feet to air
• Wear waterproof sandals or “shower shoes” in communal bathing areas 
• Keep the groin area clean and dry and change into dry, clean clothes and underwear after sweating
• Avoid tight clothing and fabrics that do not “breathe” 

Professional Medical stocks a number of antifungal products that can help keep your residents comfortable and protected. To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Dermatophytes (Ringworm) Infections. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/dermatophytes/symptoms.html. Accessed May 13, 2014.

2 Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Ringworm (body). Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/basics/definition/con-20021104. Accessed May 13, 2014.

C. diff Vaccine Advances to Phase III Trial

A vaccine for C. diff is now one step closer to reality. The potential vaccine, developed by Sanofi Pasteur, has performed well in two initial trials and has now moved on to a large Phase III trial.

During an earlier testing phase, researchers saw a significant increase in antibody production against C. diff toxins in volunteers between the ages of 40 and 75. Elderly recipients experienced particularly strong immune responses.

The vaccine is designed to work the same way as the tetanus or whooping cough vaccines, by stimulating the immune system to fight C. diff when it appears.

To learn more, click here.

FDA: Lunesta Starting Dosage Must Be Reduced

The FDA has announced that it is requiring the manufacturer of Lunesta, a popular sleep aid, to change the drug label and lower the current recommended starting dose out of concern that it may impair some users' abilities to perform activities the morning after usage, even if they feel fully awake.

The recommended starting dose for Lunesta has been reduced from 2 mg to 1 mg for both men and women. The lower starting dose will mean that less of the drug remains in the bloodstream the next morning. Users who are currently taking the 2 mg and 3 mg doses of Lunesta should contact their doctors for instructions on how to proceed.

The dose change follows a study that showed that Lunesta 3 mg is associated with severe next-morning psychomotor and memory impairment in both men and women 7.5 hours after taking the drug. The study found that the recommended doses can lead to impaired driving skills, memory and coordination up to 11 hours after the drug is taken. Many users were unaware that they were impaired.

The dosage and label changes will also apply to generic versions of Lunesta.

To learn more, click here.

CDC Report: More Than Half of Americans Take Prescription Drugs

According to a new report from the CDC, about half of Americans take at least one prescription drug a month. Ten percent of Americans take more than four.

A lot of money is being spent on those drugs, too. In 2011, Americans spent $263 billion on prescription drugs, accounting for 9.7 percent of all national health expenditures.

Other findings included:

• Direct-to-consumer advertising for all drugs tripled between 1996 and 2005 to $4.2 billion
• Use of antidepressants more than quadrupled between the years of 1998-94 and 2007-10, from 2.4 percent to 10.8 percent
• Prescription of antibiotics for cold symptoms declined 39 percent between 1995-96 and 2009-10

To learn more, click here.

Aloha! It's National Nursing Home Week!

It's National Nursing Home Week, and this year's theme will definitely have you feeling warm and sunny no matter the weather - it's "Living the Aloha Spirit."

According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), there's a lot more to the theme than just blue ocean water and pineapples: "To Hawaiians, the word 'aloha' has a deeper significance than just a fond farewell. By Living the Aloha Spirit, we show others love and respect and joyfully share life in order to create a better world. Key attributes of the 'Aloha Spirit' include patience, kindness and good feelings and respect in caring about others." The AHCA encourages facilities to spend the week enjoying activities that demonstrate these attributes.

The AHCA has posted party tips along with ideas for activities, music, games and food on their website. To view them, click here.

10 Tips for Fighting Seasonal Allergies

You and your residents have surely noticed that hay fever season has hit. We hope the following 10 suggestions from Health.com help you fight back against allergy symptoms!

1. Keep the windows closed. Even though a breeze is refreshing, tree and grass pollen can come into the building through just the narrowest of window cracks. If it gets stuffy, run your air conditioner (and remember the change the filters before each season to remove pollen, dust and mold). 
2. Know what to expect. Weather websites and news channels track the pollen count. There are also phone apps available for this purpose. If the count is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. 
3. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses can physically block allergens from blowing into your eyes, especially when it's windy. 
4. Eat yogurt. Studies have shown that people who consumed a yogurt drink containing the probiotic Lactobacillus casei once daily for five months had lower levels of an antibody that produces allergy symptoms. 
5. Try to relax. Stress can aggravate allergic reactions. 
6. Exercise in the afternoon. If you like to walk or run outdoors, do so in the afternoon when pollen counts are lower. 
7. Take off your shoes. When you walk into your home, take off your shoes so that you don't track pollen around the house. You might also want to take a shower so that pollen doesn't hang around on your hair and body. 
8. Eat salmon. A German study found that people who eat food containing high levels of an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA - which is common in fatty fish like salmon - were less likely to develop hay fever. 
9. Keep your pets off your bed. Pets that spend time outdoors can drag pollen back inside with them on their fur. 
10. Take a 24-hour allergy pill before bed. Since these pills can cause drowsiness and take a few hours to kick in, they'll start working while you sleep. 

To learn more, click here.

Proposed Rule: Providers Can Be Kicked Out of Medicare, Medicaid for Obstructing Audits

Under a new proposed rule, long-term care providers who obstruct audits could have their Medicare and Medicaid certifications revoked.

Under current law, individuals and organizations can be removed from the programs if they are convicted of obstructing a criminal investigation. The Affordable Care Act empowered the government to also remove those who are obstruct audits, hence the proposed rule.

For more details, click here.

ProMed Memorial Day Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed Monday, May 26 in honor of Memorial Day. All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 27. All Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 28.

Customers who typically order on Monday for Tuesday delivery will need to place their orders by noon on Friday, May 23.

Please call our Customer Care department at 800.648.5190 with any questions or concerns.

Poll: LTC Nurses Most Likely to Be Looking to Change Workplaces

According to a recent poll, long-term care nurses are more likely than their colleagues to be looking to transfer into a different healthcare setting. On the flip side, ambulatory care nurses were most satisfied with where they worked.

Fewer than half of the nurses polled anticipated being in the current setting for the next five years. A desire for a better work/life balance was cited as the primary reason for looking to change settings, with pay as the runner-up.

Despite the desire to change settings, 93 percent of those polled said they enjoyed being nurses and 85 percent said they never anticipate changing careers.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Eating Sorbet Before Meals Helps Increase Food Consumption

There might just be something to that old adage about eating dessert first. A small study found that nursing home residents who ate sorbet as an appetizer before their meals tended to eat more during the meal and maintain their weight.

Previous research has shown that eating sorbet increases salivation more than drinking water does. Increased salivation is linked to increased food consumption.

Twenty-two residents completed the two-phase study. During the first phase, they drank two ounces of a non-citrus beverage before lunch and dinner. During the second phase. they ate two ounces of lemon-lime sorbet instead. The residents ate significantly more food at dinner during the sorbet phase and also drank less liquid during the meal. Eighteen of the 22 residents either gained or maintained their weight, with four residents losing weight during the study.

According to the researchers, the results show the need for a larger study.

To learn more, click here.

Understanding Ostomy Surgeries

Ostomy surgery is performed when, for medical reasons, a person is not able to urinate or move their bowels normally. While these surgeries can ultimately help residents live more independent lives and enjoy improved health, they can also be daunting. It's crucial that caregivers at your facility understand the different types of ostomy surgery and how to provide optimal care to affected residents.

During ostomy surgery, an opening called a stoma is created in the abdomen. Depending on the situation, a stoma can be either temporary or permanent. There are three primary types of ostomy surgery: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.

A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine, or colon. Colostomies divert waste from the digestive system. People who have had colostomy surgery pass waste through a stoma on the abdomen, the location of which is determined by which part of the colon is damaged.

During an ileostomy surgery, a stoma is created in the small intestine, or ileum. Because the ileum contains digestive enzymes and acids, extra care needs to be taken to protect the skin from irritation. People who undergo colostomy or ileostomy surgery will need to use collection pouches following the procedure because they will no longer have voluntary control of their bowel movements.

Urostomy surgery helps urine flow from the body after a diseased or damaged portion of the urinary tract is removed. Following the surgery, a pouch or collection device collects urine as it is produced. These devices have a drainage tap on the bottom of them that allows urine to be emptied throughout the day.

Professional Medical's exclusive Compliance Continuing Education program offers a number of courses to help your staff understand ostomy care, including product selection, skin management and caring for the resident post-surgery. To learn more about this program, which covers more than 20 wide-ranging categories and is appropriate for the majority of your nursing staff, contact your ProMed Territory Manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

CDC: What You Can Do to Avoid MERS-CoV

On May 2, the first confirmed case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the U.S. was reported in Indiana. The individual in question traveled through Chicago to reach his final destination. The CDC is working diligently to minimize the spread of the virus.

MERS-CoV was first reported 2012 in Saudi Arabia and likely developed from an animal source, possibly camels. All reported cases have been linked to the Arabian Peninsula (the case in the U.S. involves an American traveling from Saudi Arabia).

People who have MERS-CoV are likely to develop severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath; however, some infected people had mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Thirty percent of the people who have developed the virus have died. Most of these people had an underlying medical condition.

MERS-CoV has been shown to spread between people who are in close contact. The illness has also been transmitted from patients to healthcare personnel.

The CDC is not recommending that Americans change their travel plans to avoid MERS-CoV. However, the agency is recommending that people take the following steps to help prevent potentially contracting the virus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Avoid close contact (kissing, sharing eating utensils, etc.) with ill people. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs. 

To learn more, click here.

Yep, There's Even a Pressure Ulcer and Ostomy App

It turns out there's an app for just about everything.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) has released the Evidence-Based Wound Care Guidelines and Fecal Ostomy Best Practice app, which can be downloaded to Apple devices via the App Store.

The app provides up-to-date recommendations for residents with pressure ulcers, fecal ostomies, lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD), lower extremity neuropathic disease (LEND) and lower extremity venous disease (LEVD). It is designed for use by physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physical therapists.

App users can access a differential assessment algorithm as well as a comprehensive image library to help assess residents. Once an image is selected, they can view details related to the diagnosis with extended guidelines and tools.

The apps retails for $59.99. To learn more, click here.

FDA: HC Professionals Need to Stop Prescribing, Dispensing Drugs Containing More Than 325 mg of Acetaminophen

The FDA is reminding healthcare professionals to stop prescribing and pharmacists to stop dispensing prescription combination drugs that contain more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per unit (tablets, capsules, etc.). These products are no longer considered safe by the FDA because of the risk of severe liver damage, which can be linked to ingesting too much acetaminophen.

If a pharmacist receives a prescription for a combination drug containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per unit, the FDA recommends that the pharmacist contact the prescriber to ask about an alternative. Additionally, pharmacists are encouraged to return these drugs to the wholesaler or manufacturer, and wholesalers are being asked to remove the drugs from their ordering systems.

To learn more, click here.