HAND WASHING KEY TO INFECTION CONTROL

Despite an ever increasing threat from antibiotic resistant "superbugs" and emerging new microbial illnesses, many Americans have forgotten the single best piece of infection control advice Mom ever gave them--always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom.  It is important to wash hands before and after handling food products, after handling pets, before eating, and when you are sick or are around sick people.  Despite the generally held belief that cold germs are spread through sneezing and coughing, the majority of transmission comes from hand-to-hand contact and transfer of germs.  With the flu season approaching and vaccine supplies arriving later than usual, hand washing becomes even more important this season.  Rita Corey, infection control specialist with Methodist Healthcare, is available for interviews on the importance of hand washing. 

  TV HELPS PATIENTS RELAX DURING MRI

Television shows like "Golden Girls," "Mysteries and Scandals," and "Scooby Doo" are keeping patients relaxed during medical procedures, thanks to new technology now available at Methodist Hospital.  A new mini-entertainment center helps ease patients' anxiety during MRI, an x-ray procedure that requires that the patient lie still inside a cylinder-shaped device.  The MRVision 2000 Ultra Audio/Video System allows patients to watch television or videos or listen to their favorite CD, cassette, or radio program during their exam.  The "television" is housed in lightweight adjustable goggles that completely cover the eyes, while headphones provide the audio and decrease the noise that is generated during the procedure. The new system enhances patient comfort and nearly eliminates patient space-related anxieties such as claustrophobia.  With children, it has been especially effective in taking their minds off the MRI machine.   Television shows have been more popular than movies since some patients have gotten so involved in the movies that they did not want to leave the machine when their scan was complete because the movie wasn't over.  Todd Betz, radiology manager, is available for interviews on the new system, and with advance notice we can arrange for videotaping or photographing a patient using the system.

  SELECTING HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR ELDERLY LOVED ONES

Shopping for holiday gifts for elderly loved ones can be quite a challenge since many may be bed ridden or home bound.  Mireya Tamez, program director for psychiatric services at Northeast Methodist and Metropolitan Methodist Hospitals, offers these suggestions for useful, meaningful holiday gifts for elderly loved ones:

• Cards and Stationery.  It's often difficult for the elderly to get out to shop.  A selection of  holiday cards, cards for various occasions, and stationery, as well as stamps, will assist seniors in keeping in touch with family and friends during the holidays as well as throughout the year.
• Photographs.  Framed photos of family members that can be displayed in their home or room at the nursing home keep family memories alive for seniors.
• Books on Tape and Tape Players.  Books on tape are a great way for seniors with failing eyesight to keep up with best sellers or "re-read" favorite books.
• Headphones.  Headphones, now available for televisions as well as radios, allow seniors to listen to in-room televisions or tune into the radio without disturbing roommates.
• Food.  Food in sealed containers (for pest-free storage), selected with special diets in mind, also is a thoughtful present.
• Cologne.  Elderly loved ones may not take the time to use make-up or shave daily.  A light cologne or after-shave can be a special treat.

If you are interested in doing a story on any of these topics, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 (W) or 715-6934 (pager) or JoAnn King-Sinnett, 575-0171 (W) or 604-3013 (pager).

For additional story ideas, visit our website at www.SAHealth.com/media/index.asp. or http://www.SAHealth.com/media/index.asp