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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (July 17, 2003)
Pago8 The INDEPENDENT, July 17, 2003 m ji.wwww i i . i . i . i . i i i . i i i . ^ WWWWW.1 ».W W W w i w . i . i . i . i . i w w w w b ,» i . w , i . i i ,> i i i i m w w i i w w m u i > 11111 m i 1 m m i . i i n iiHrum v f n i m Health Notes ..................... ..................■........................................................................ ByAudeen Wagner Swimming information: The clinic has been seeing a number of young patients with “swimmer’s ear.” Here are some pointers from Providence Family Medicine-Vernonia, for prevention and treatment: Soon after going swimming, you can treat ears with equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water—this helps maintain an acid balance in the outer ear and, thus, prevents the uncomfort able infection. Just put three to four drops in each ear. If swim mer’s ear is suspected, it is necessary to make an appointment and have it diagnosed and treated with ear drops. Also regarding swimming: Those instructions that your grand mother gave you about not eating before swimming? It’s not just an “old wive’s tale," it’s true! Laura Nichols, P.A,. says, “Allow two hours after eating before going swimming, to prevent potentially dangerous cramps in the cold water.” Sports and School Physicals: It is that time again! The clinic hopes that families will get this important visit out of the way early, to avoid the rush just before school starts. Call the clinic for more information. Mammovan visit: Next opportunity for a mammogram in Vernonia is August 20. Call the clinic, 429-9191, for your appointment. “Beyond Words”art exhibit slated Northwest women artists of The Portland Artists Group will present their premier collective exhibit “Beyond Words" August 5-30 at the Columbia Center for the Arts in St. Helens. This mixed-media exhibit will show case altered books, fabric art, acrylics, mixed-media collage and assemblage. The public is invited to an artists’ reception Thursday, Au gust 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jo Reimer will present a talk and slide show on altered books at 7:00 p.m. in the Columbia Cen ter Auditorium. The Portland Artists Group is a diverse group of Northwest women artists whose interest in mixed-media art has led them to establish a supportive commu nity in which to explore and en courage both art and education. “ Beyond Words" is being presented as a part of the Liter ary Arts Series. The Columbia Center is located at 375 S. 18th St., St. Helens. West Nile Virus is not easily contracted The likelihood of contracting vere symptoms can include West Nile Virus is very low, but high fever, headache, neck publicity surrounding the virus stiffness, stupor, disorientation, has many people seeking more coma, tremors, convulsions, information about the symp muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Per toms. Most cases of infection by sons with severe symptoms of the mosquito-borne virus result West Nile Virus should seek in no symptoms or mild, flu-like medical attention immediately. symptoms. In rare cases, the There is no specific treatment virus can cause inflammation of for the virus. In severe cases, the brain (encephalitis), which supportive treatment may in intravenous fluids, interferes with brain and spinal clude cord functions and can result in breathing help and nursing care. death. The virus has been found in The incidence and severity West Asia, the Mediterranean, of West Nile Virus in the U.S. Africa, and the Middle East. It has varied greatly: In 1999, 62 was first identified in the United cases of West Nile Virus were States in New York City, in connected with seven deaths in 1999. The virus has not yet the New York area. In 2000, 21 been found in Oregon, though cases were diagnosed, result public health officials expect it ing in two deaths and, in 2001, to arrive this year. Washington there were 66 cases with nine and California have each re deaths. As the virus spread ported at least one case. throughout the country, more West Nile Virus is transmit than 400 cases and 263 deaths ted to humans from mosquitoes were reported in 2002. As of that become infected by feed July 11, the Center for Disease ing on birds that are infected Control (CDC) has reported with the virus. three cases for 2003. Most infections develop 3 to The key to prevention of the 14 days after being bitten by an West Nile Virus is to reduce or infected mosquito. Mild infec eliminate contact with mosqui tions include fever and flu-like toes, which are most active symptoms and generally do not from dusk to dawn and from require medical attention. Se April through October. Methods Another Parade picture from July 4, 2003 for reducing contact include the following: • Eliminate standing water in tires, buckets, and tree stumps. • Replace water weekly in outdoor containers, including bird baths. • Stock mosquito-eating fish in ponds and water troughs. • Maintain screens on win dows and doors. • Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitos are out. • Use an insect repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-tolu- amide). The likelihood of being in fected is still very low, accord ing to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Even in ar eas where mosquitoes carry the virus, fewer than one per cent are infected, and fewer than one percent of people be come severely ill when bitten by an infected mosquito. 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