(December 3, 2007) Recent news reports have highlighted the dangers of MRSA, a strain of drug-resistant staph infection. While MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) has been found in hospitals among people with weakened or suppressed immune systems, recent scares include outbreaks in the community.

"MRSA is an issue because new strains of these staph bacteria have become resistant to popular antibiotic treatments and can cause severe infection in otherwise healthy individuals," said Barbara Mitschelen, RN, Infection Control Coordinator for Wagoner Community Hospital. "A key to coping with MRSA and the other diseases so prevalent this time of year is regular, thorough hand washing with soap and water. The medical community is split on whether antibacterial hand sanitizers are an acceptable substitute. Some feel they are a good choice, especially when soap and water aren't available. Others blame the proliferation of antibacterial soaps and other products with helping build these super bugs that are resistant to antibiotics.

"In a surprising study recently conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories found that MRSA caught in the community could be more dangerous than the version found in hospitals," Mrs. Mitschelen continued. "The study identified peptides within the bacteria that appear to destroy the healthy immune cells that would normally fight an infection. In this study, the community version of MRSA produced more peptides than the hospital-associated MRSA."

But MRSA isn't the only health threat we have to contend with. This is also flu season and the time for other health hazards.

• Hypothermia - body temperature too low. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather, especially during bitter cold spells. A good choice is to wear layers with cotton or other natural fibers close to the body to help wick away moisture. It's also important to have blankets and a coat with you whenever driving during cold spells. Hypothermia can also occur indoors, especially if you are lowering your thermostat to keep heating costs down. It's important to monitor older adults, young children and anyone with chronic health conditions who may be more susceptible to the cold.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning - Furnaces, gas water heaters, car heaters, and other heat sources can all produce carbon monoxide when burned. Carbon monoxide robs the blood of its ability to carry oxygen and can lead to dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, irregular breathing and even asphyxiation. If you don't have one, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. And, have your furnace professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned each year before use.
• Stomach problems - overindulgence and once-a-year treats contribute to the increase of stomach problems each holiday season. Food poisoning can also occur, especially if foods are left standing too long on a buffet line or the holiday bird isn't thoroughly cooked before serving. Using the same cutting board for raw poultry and other foods without a thorough cleaning is another culprit in food poisoning. During food preparation, wash your hands any time you switch dishes or foods and promptly refrigerate items that need to be kept cold.
• Accidents and falls - wet and snowy surfaces not only are hazardous to drivers, but also to people walking into work, shopping or simply checking their mail. Minimize your risks by staying off the roads when conditions are dangerous. If you must get out, slow down and use extra care when driving. When walking, choose footwear that provides the best traction.
• Parking lot rage - a new version of road rage has moved into the parking lot, especially during the holiday shopping season. Plan some extra time and consider letting others fight for the prime spaces while you safely park a little farther from the store and combine exercise with your shopping trip. If confronted with a rude driver who whips into the parking space you've been waiting for, it's wise to avoid confrontation rather than risk provoking a rage incident.
• Heart attacks - every year, middle-age Americans who rarely exercise respond to a heavy snowfall with shovel in hand. Unfortunately, this task is deceptively hard and can trigger a heart attack in someone unused to regular physical activity. So, if you're not used to regular lifting and exercise, pay a neighborhood teen to shovel your sidewalk or driveway for you.