The One Eleuthera Foundation in collaboration with the Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Family Medicine Center recently concluded its 2nd Annual Pathway to Wellness: Reversing the Trends, Health and Wellness Symposium under the theme “The Pathway to the Cure,” August 1st through August 3rd, 2013

In order to travel the pathway to wellness, we need to look at what we have for disease within the population, where are we in the disease continuum, and then identify what we have to do to begin to reverse the trends. This year, we will look primarily at cancer, as that is one of the largest contributors to morbidity and mortality in Eleuthera. We will speak to the scope of the disease, the options for management of it within the country and within our own local community, and what we need to do to begin to reverse the trends based on recent research.

Family Medicine Center is committed to activities involved in One Eleuthera Health and Wellness programs. Family Medicine Center recently sponsored Eleuthera’s first Health and Wellness Symposium “The Pathway to Wellness: Reversing the Trends”

One Eleuthera is a nonprofit development organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Led by a committed Board of Directors, OE was founded to identify and invest in unique, high-quality projects that strengthen Eleuthera’s communities and further the economic, environmental, and social development of the island.  OE represents a gathering of professionals and organizations that share a commitment to a future that is built on the responsible development of our island’s many assets.

The environmentally friendly trend of washing clothes in lower water temperatures could be failing to eliminate fungal pathogens from dirty socks, a study from Israel shows.

The researchers took samples from 81 socks worn by patients with tinea pedis, caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, and washed them at 40°C and 60°C.

Taking fungal samples from the heel and toe of the washed socks, they found that 36% of the socks washed at 40°C had positive fungal cultures; 70% of these were caused by Aspergillus.

This compared to only 6% of socks washed at 60°C being positive for fungal cultures and all were caused by Aspergillus.

Trichophyton rubrum was found in four of the socks washed at 40°C, but none of the socks washed at 60°C.

The authors said the study confirmed that washing clothes at high temperatures was essential for completely eradicating fungal pathogens.

“We consider that uses of other modes of disinfection, such as UV devices, should be considered as standard applications in domestic washing machines,” they said.

Catherine Hanrahan
Medical Observer

Do you want to be notified when the flu shots arrive? Contact us today and we will let you know.

Vaccines (shots) help prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to get caught up on their shots.

How can National Immunization Awareness Month make a difference? We can all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share what we know with our community.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Talk to friends and family members about how vaccines aren’t just for kids. People of all ages can get shots to protect them from serious diseases.

• Encourage people in your community to get the flu shot every year.

• Invite a doctor or nurse to speak to parents about why it’s important for all kids to get their shots.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference! This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

• Add information about immunizations to your newsletter.

• Tweet about National Immunization Awareness Month.

• Host a community event where families can get together and learn about immunizations.

Get Involved Take action to raise awareness about immunizations.

1. Organize a free or low – cost immunization clinic at a local community or health center.

2. Distribute vaccination record card s with space for people to record the names and dates of their shots along with helpful facts and phone numbers.

3. Partner with a school nurse and host an educational event for parents about the importance of immunizations.

4. Post immunization reminder fl iers around your office.

5. Work with local summer camps to make sure children get important shots before attending camp.

Health Topics

• Get Important Shots

• Get a Pneumonia Shot

• Get Your Child’s Shots on Schedule

• Get Your Pre – teen’s Shots on Schedule

• Prepare for a Flu Pandemic

Personal Health Tools

• Immunization Schedules

• Instant Childhood Immunization Schedule

• Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz

• Vaccines & Immunizations Publications

• Parents’ Guide to Childhood Immunizations