Medicine or Myth

Nima with our hosts

In this episode we speak about the outbreak of meningococcemia at the University of Oregon and discuss long-term care and skilled nursing facilities with Nima Pourfathi of Auburn Oaks Care Center.

This week a sixth student at the University of Oregon was diagnosed meningococcemia.  One of the six students died from the infection in February.  The bacteria commonly causes outbreaks of meningitis and meningococcemia, a deadly blood infection of the bacteria.  There are approximately 4,900 California students at the University, some of whom will be traveling to California this week for Spring break.  Students with flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, headache, or mental status changes) should seek medical attention immediately.  Symptoms can progress from onset to death within hours.  Mortality (death) from infection occurs in 10 – 20 % of those infected.  Known close contacts with an infected individual should also immediately seek medical attention for prophylactic (preventive) treatment with oral antibiotics.

CDC page on meningococcemia

CDC page on meningitis vaccine

Story about University of Oregon outbreak

Nima is available for questions by phone at 916-770-7352.

Trusts and advanced health care directives can be prepared through Robert Vaughan at 530-885-6400.

 

Dr. James Dunn, Urogynecologist speaks with our live audience on menopause and other issues affecting women’s health.  Treatments discussed include hormone replacement therapy with estrogens alone, estrogen with progesterone, Effexor (venlafaxine), Prozac(fluoxetine) and other SSRI anti-depressants, and natural remedies like black cohosh and soy isoflavins.

Dr. James Dunn, Urogynecologist speaks with our live audience on menopause and other issues affecting women’s health.  Treatments discussed include hormone replacement therapy with estrogens alone, estrogen with progesterone, Effexor (venlafaxine), Prozac(fluoxetine) and other SSRI anti-depressants, and natural remedies like black cohosh and soy isoflavins.

Herpes Ophthalmicus or eye herpes was the main topic of our talk with David Norcott, OD, Optometrist at Auburn Eye Care.  Herpes Ophthalmicus is one possible complication of shingles or chicken pox which are both caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus.

Herpes Ophthalmicus or eye herpes was the main topic of our talk with David Norcott, OD, Optometrist at Auburn Eye Care.  Herpes Ophthalmicus is one possible complication of shingles or chicken pox which are both caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus.

David Norcott, OD, of Auburn Eye Care

On a rainy day in February Dr. Vaughan and Larry looked out on a school playground and recorded a podcast.  Dr. Vaughan explains how the weather does not cause illness during “cold and flu” season.  We mentioned the United States Preventive Services Task Force which publishes recommendations for medical screening tests.  We also review typical […]

On a rainy day in February Dr. Vaughan and Larry looked out on a school playground and recorded a podcast.  Dr. Vaughan explains how the weather does not cause illness during “cold and flu” season.  We mentioned the United States Preventive Services Task Force which publishes recommendations for medical screening tests.  We also review typical daily activities of Dr. Vaughan at the Auburn Medical Group.

Dr. Daniel Tsoi, Auburn Cardiologist, puts Medically Speaking Radio to the test by having Dr. Vaughan perform an exercise treadmill test.  In addition to the exercise treadmill test, we also discuss other ways that a Cardiologist evaluates a patient for heart disease and the resulting treatments.

Dr. Daniel Tsoi, Auburn Cardiologist, puts Medically Speaking Radio to the test by having Dr. Vaughan perform an exercise treadmill test.  In addition to the exercise treadmill test, we also discuss other ways that a Cardiologist evaluates a patient for heart disease and the resulting treatments.

Dr. Vaughan’s exercise treadmill test

 

Vaccines are discussed in the news right now because of our current measles outbreak, pertussis epidemic, and widespread influenza activity.  We review these vaccines and the new pneumonia vaccine recommendations.  This show was pre-recorded on January 29, 2015 for release on February 14, 2015.   LINKS: California Department of Public Health Pages on: Measles Pertussis […]