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- MCAHC News Alert
Virginia among states affected by potentially contaminated medication
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently coordinating a multi-state investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection with a potentially contaminated product. Several of these patients also suf...fered strokes that are believed to have resulted from their infection. Virginia is one of the affected states.See More
McDonald Army Health Center did not receive any of these contaminated products. However, it is possible that some of our patients have received epidural steroid or joint injections with contaminated steroids from network providers. We are currently investigating if this is the case. If you or a family member have received an epidural steroid injection (ESI) or joint injection, you should first contact the physician who performed the procedure.
If you have received a potentially contaminated medication, seek medical attention if you have symptoms. Infected patients have had very mild symptoms that are only slightly worse than usual. For example, many infected patients have had slight weakness, slightly worsened back pain, or even a mild headache. Patients with infections have typically developed symptoms within 1-4 weeks after their injection. However, shorter and longer timeframes between injection and onset of symptoms have been reported. The timeframe is still being investigated. Patients should watch vigilantly for symptoms if they were injected with potentially contaminated steroids and see a doctor if they have any of the symptoms.
Patients who have had an epidural steroid injection since May 21, 2012, and have any of the following symptoms, should talk to their doctor as soon as possible:
* New or worsening headache
* Fever
* Sensitivity to light
* Stiff neck
* New weakness or numbness in any part of your body
* Slurred speech
* Increased pain, redness or swelling at your injection site
Infections from steroid injections into joints other than the spine (e.g., knee, hip) have not been reported. However, the investigation is ongoing and joint infections may take longer to develop than meningitis. The timeframe is still being investigated. Patients should watch vigilantly for symptoms if they were injected with potentially contaminated steroids and see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, increased pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in the joint that received the injection or at the injection site. - LikesSee All
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- New York City Medical Recruiting Company, U.S. ArmyGovernment Organization
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- McAPLSS Award
MCAHC Commander Michael E. Hershman (right) presents LTC Michael I. Cohen, Deputy Commander Clinical Services, and his other deputy commanders with an envelope filled with Army Provider Level Satisfaction Survey (APLSS) Award checks to recognize their employees for excellence in customer service. - Strategic Planning Conference 2012
Mr. Theodore M. Eppes, Patient Advocate, addresses members of the MCAHC staff during the Strategic Planning Conference hosted Oct. 11-12 at the Fort Eustis Club. Here, Eppes discusses the "Top 5 Patient Concerns" of FY-12. - Fight Flu, and vaccinate your children!
The flu can make your children sick enough to miss school, activities, or even be hospitalized.
Rarely, even healthy children can die from flu complications.
...Vaccinate your kids against the flu.See More
For more information, visit http://www.flu.gov/ or http://www.cdc.gov/flu - October 14-20, 2012 is designated as International Infection Prevention Week.
Infection prevention usually triggers thoughts about hand washing. But it encompasses so much more. Handwashing truly is the first line of defense against the transmission of disease-causing pathogens. But using precautions and personal protective equipment appropriate to the patient's problem is also important.
If...you wash your hands before caring for a patient with influenza, but do not ask the patient to wear a mask or wear one yourself, your clean hands alone are not enough to protect you. If your hands are clean, but environmental high touch surfaces have not been disinfected, your clean hand quickly pick up a new load of bacteria that you can then transmit to your patients open wound, injection site, IV site, etc.See More
To celebrate this week, a display table has been set up in the waiting area across from Outpatient Records. Please take a few minutes to visit the display.
Our theme this week is W.A.V.E for Infection Prevention. Any staff member that comes by Rm. M27 and can tell me what the acronym stands for will receive a small gift - as long as they last.
Thanks, and have a great week! - Don't miss this opportunity to get your "flu shot!"
If you haven't already come out or brought your family to the McDonald Army Health Center Public Flu Fair at Jacobs Theater, Fort Eustis, you have one more opportunity to join us.
Health Center personnel will be available to administer flu vaccinations to you and your family on Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. McDonald Army Health Center shared a link.
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http://militarydutystations.com/McDonald Army Health Center shared a link.
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http://militarydutystations.com/- Ms. Carlie W. Taylor, president of the Spouses Club of Fort Eustis, flashes a big smile as she receives her flu vaccination during the Public Flu Fair at Jacobs Theater, Fort Eustis, Oct. 11.
- It's flu season! Don't forget to get your "flu shot." If you haven't already come out or brought your family to the McDonald Army Health Center Public Flu Fair at Jacobs Theater, Fort Eustis, you have one more opportunity to join us.
Health Center personnel will be available to administer flu vaccinations to you and your family on Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - MCAHC wants YOU to participate in the JBLE Blood Drive being hosted at the Army Reserve Center on Wed., Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and "Give Something That Means Something."
- Congratulations to award recipients LTC Michael I. Cohen, Deputy Commander Clinical Services; LTC Jonathan R. Webb, who has recently relinquished his duties as Deputy Commander Administration, and LTC Michael T. Hamilton, Chief of Opthalmology.
McDonald Army Health Center shared a link.
National Depression Awareness Month
Dear Team,
As the Army officially recognizes October as National Depression Awareness Month, CSM Brock and I urge each of you to take time to learn more about this potentially devastating illness that...can impact anyone regardless of age, sex or race.See More
The good news is, clinical depression is treatable. If you know someone who is suffering from depression, please urge them to seek treatment.
Remind your fellow Soldiers, Family Members and co-workers that seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not a weakness.
Serving to Heal…Honored to Serve.
LTG Horoho
To view TSG video click here:
http://www.dvidshub.net/video/157273/national-depression-awareness-month-2012- October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Six years ago, Beyond Boobs! started out as a small group of women with breast cancer who came together to share love with one another throughout their treatment and healing process. Now,...Beyond Boobs!, co-founded by Mary Beth Gibson (left) and Rene Bowditch, is a non-profit health organization that focuses on moving women beyond passive awareness of breast cancer to the point of taking the necessary steps to reduce risk and ensure early detection. These ladies are packing a punch into the pink ribbon campaign of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by educating men and women of the importance of early detection, while also providing support for breast cancer patients and sharing with all women the things they wished they had known about breast cancer.See More
- MCAHC supports National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event was once again a success, according to Sgt. 1st Class Taurus Buck, Pharmacy Services NCOIC, who is seen here collecting unused or ...expired prescription drugs. The health center collected 128 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs from post patrons who participated in the 2012 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event hosted at the Post Exchange, Sept. 29.See More
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day was initiated in September 2010 by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to encourage American citizens to turn in unused or expired prescribed medication for proper disposal.
After it was reported that 242,000 pounds (121 tons) of prescription drugs had been turned in by the American public, Congress passed legislation amending the Controlled Substances Act to allow the DEA to develop a more permanent process for people to safely and conveniently dispose of their prescription drugs. This resulted in take-back sites being made available throughout the country in all 50 states and U.S. territories. - Commander's Holiday Safety Message (Columbus Day)
On Monday, 8 October 2012, we will observe Columbus Day, commemorating Columbus' first landing on the American continent in 1492. Columbus Day was set aside as a Federal Holiday by Preside...nt Franklin Roosevelt and Congress in 1934. Many of you will take time out from your busy schedules to enjoy the three-day weekend with family and friends.See More
Columbus Day weekend signals the start of the fall season which involves increased risks. The fall season involves fluctuating weather conditions such as fog, rain, and increased darkness during the morning commute into work. The fall season places extra demands on a driver's alertness and the capabilities of the vehicle or motorcycle. I challenge each of you to minimize risks by keeping safety in the forefront of your minds and using the composite risk management process. Recognize the potential hazards so you may put controls in place to minimize risk.
This time of year also signals the need for awareness of potential carbon monoxide poisoning and fires at home. At a minimum, please check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors at home to ensure they are functioning properly. Also, ensure your fire extinguishers are ready for use in the event they are needed.
I want each of you to enjoy this time with your family and friends. Please stay alert and watch out for one another. As you make your plans for the three-day weekend, keep safety in mind and take the appropriate precautionary measures for all activities.
MICHAEL E. HERSHMAN
COL, MS
Commanding - SGT Aaron M. Dixon of the Allergy/Immunizations/Dermatology Clinic is greeted by MGEN Bradley W. May, Senior Commander Army Element Eustis, during the Community Health Fair hosted at Fort Eustis Club, 28 SEP.
McDonald Army Health Center shared a link.
Dear Team,
CSM Brock and I wish all MEDCOM a happy birthday as WE celebrate 18 years of faithful and selfless service to Army Medicine. It is the professional men and women of MEDCOM that make it such a great organization. You can be prou...d or your accomplishments and service you provide to our Soldiers, Family Members and other beneficiaries.See More
Serving to Heal…Honored to Serve.
LTG Horoho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1U-4eFIiTo
http://www.dvidshub.net/video/156834/us-army-medical-command-2012-anniversary- MEDDAC Staff:
The Health Center will be hosting another Bake Sale on Thursday, 4 OCT 2012, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will be accepting donations for sale items until the morning of this event.
We are looking for cinnamon rolls, brownies, pound cake, cr...umb cake, pastries, etc. We will also be conducting another Cake Auction!
Please contact SFC Alam if you will be donating a cake for the Auction. - ActivityOctoberPeople Who Like ThisVisits2113