What's the Big Deal about MRSA? (continued)
Contributed by: Valerie Emming, Pharm.D.
                      Community Pharmacy Resident

What can people do to prevent CA-MRSA? 

1. Do not share personal items (towels, soaps, razors, etc.)
   
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
   
3. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages
   
4. Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
   

swelling, pain, pus, or drainage), it is important that a healthcare provider be seen.  If an antibiotic is prescribed be sure to take all of the doses, even if the wound is getting better, unless told otherwise by the physician.  If the infection is not getting better after a few days, the physician must be contacted again.  The antibiotic or wound care regimen may need to be changed if the infection is not responding to the initial treatment.

*Please talk to your physician or pharmacist if you have any further ques

tions regarding community-acquired MRSA.  If you suspect infection, seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.  For additional information on this topic, you may also visit www.tufts.edu/med/apua/mrsa/mrsa.html or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html.

It's EASY to Lower Blood Pressure Without Taking Medication
  Contributed by: Daniel Hansen, Pharm.D. Candidate
                        UMKC School of Pharmacy

Hypertension is a disease state that is very widespread, affecting more than 50 million American citizens.  There are many ways to treat high blood pressure with medicines, and the use of medications that have been developed over the last 30 to 40 years has drastically improved the health outcomes of hypertensive patients.  But many patients are weary of taking more medicine, and many patients seem to require a greater number of medications to treat their high blood pressure as time goes on.  So how can someone prevent the worsening of their high blood pressure without having to take more medicine?  People often talk about the importance of diet and exercise, but what exactly does that mean.  There are all kinds of diets out there and who has the time or energy to engage in strenuous workout programs after a hard day's work?  It's not as hard as you might think.  Just follow these 4 EASY steps:

1. Exercise- 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week has a

substantial impact on blood pressure lowering.  What is aerobic exercise?  Simply briskly walking around the block for 30 minutes a night qualifies, and it's a great way to work off some stress after a long day.
2. Alcohol limitation- You don't have to remove alcohol all together, but simply limit it to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. That means you can still h ave our glass of wine or beer with dinner, but limiting your alcohol consumption to that will have a positive effect on your blood pressure.
3. Salt restriction- Make an effort to monitor how much salt you are eating.  Check the labels on the foods you eat for how much sodium (which is salt) is contained in those foods.  Keep it to less than 2.4 grams per day and you will see a difference in your blood pressure readings.
4. You lose 10 pounds.  A weight reduction of as little as 10 pounds

has been shown to dramatically improve blood pressure.  If you're willing to lose more weight than that, great!  Further weight loss will continue to improve your blood pressure readings.

So as you can see, it's not as complicated as it may seem.  By following these 4 EASY lifestyle adjustments, you can make a positive impact on your blood pressure and overall health without drastically altering your life!

For additional information talk with your pharmacist or physician.