“February is dedicated to the work of perianesthesia nurses. Perianesthesia nurses specialize in helping or caring for patients who are entering or recovering from anesthesia. These nurses help many patients and families all the time and deal with normal and adverse reactions to sedation multiple times a day. They are extremely passionate about the work they do, which is why, this week, the American Association of Perianesthesia Nurses, is stressing the importance of celebrating the exceptional work practiced by these nurses.”

Legacy Health Services (https://lhshealth.com/2019/02/perianesthesia-nurse-awareness-week/)

The nation’s 60,000 perianesthesia nurses will highlight and celebrate their work during PeriAnesthesia Nurse Awareness Week (PANAW), which is observed throughout the United States the first full week of February.

Perianesthesia Nurses care for patients before and after procedures requiring anesthesia, sedation, and analgesia. Approximately 40 million surgical procedures take place in the U.S. each year.

The work environments these nurses work in consists of  a few areas that are critical:

“Millions of people in the United States are living with a visual impairment. A visual impairment can make it hard to do everyday activities, like getting around, reading, or cooking. And it can’t be fixed with glasses, contacts, or other standard treatments, like medicine or surgery.

The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with a visual impairment make the most of the vision they have — and keep doing the things they love. Take some time this Low Vision Awareness Month to learn about vision rehabilitation.”

NIH – National Eye Institute (https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/vision-rehabilitation-resources/low-vision-awareness-month)

Prevent Blindness has declared February as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older, and more than 2.9 million Americans age 40 and older have low vision. Low vision is defined as a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, medicine, eye glasses or contact lenses.

According to the National Eye Institute, currently 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older are visually impaired. Of these, 3 million have low vision. By 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, the number of Americans who have visual impairments is projected to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million having low vision.

Magnification devices, electronic devices, computer-access software, and other access and mainstream technologies are used to help people with low vision maximize their remaining vision or learn alternative ways to do things, such as using their sense of touch or their sense of hearing.

“Darier’s disease is a dominantly inherited condition affecting skin, nails and mucosae.   Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 36 000 (in North-East England). Skin signs generally develop between 6 and 20 years of age, although lesions may be overlooked until aggravated by heat, sweating or sunlight.

Clinically, the distinctive lesion is a warty plaque formed by coalescing firm, greasy, skin-coloured papules. The seborrhoeic areas of the trunk and face are predominantly affected. Pruritus is common, occurring in 80% of patients, and may be intractable; pain is unusual. When flexures are involved, the lesions may be hypertrophic, fissured and malodorous.”

National Library of Medicine (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539598/)

Darier disease, previously known as keratosis follicularis, is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by keratotic papules and longitudinal eyrthronychia; it is caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene, encoding a calcium pump within the endoplasmic reticulum.

Darier disease, also known as Darier-White disease, keratosis follicularis, or dyskeratosis follicularis (MIM #124200), again know it is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by a persistent eruption of red-brown, keratotic papules scattered to confluent in a seborrheic distribution, nail abnormalities, pitting of palms and soles, and mucosal changes [1]. The disease usually starts around puberty and runs a chronic course with exacerbations induced by sun exposure, heat, friction, or infections.

Darier disease is exacerbated by sunlight, heat, infections, and friction. This activity reviews the clinical presentation encompassing multiple red or brown papules with hyperkeratosis, nail anomalies including longitudinal erythronychia, and mucosal changes typically surfacing around puberty and persisting throughout life. By exploring evaluation techniques and treatment modalities, this session empowers healthcare professionals to adopt a holistic approach, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration to manage this dermatological disorder effectively. The interprofessional team’s role in assessing, diagnosing, and coordinating care for Darier disease patients is underscored, recognizing the impact of external exposures and emphasizing tailored therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.  Avoid going to the dermatologist which is the worst move you could do since it will only get worse to the spread of the disease to completely over the body over  years due to what exacerbates it (take the sun just alone).

This disease can be characterized by multiple dark scaly patches of itchy skin most commonly affecting the chest, back, ears, forehead, scalp, neck, and groin areas. These wart-like lesions can be foul smelling and disfiguring and has been known to affect nails and mucous membranes of the individual.

The occurrence of Darier disease is rare with the age of onset usually in the first or second decade of life. It is frequently worse in the summer with heat and humidity as major precipitating factors and can be exacerbated by sun exposure, trauma, or bacterial infections.

Review of the cause of this disease is oftentimes due to a mutation in a specific gene known as ATP2A2 which can alter the function and development of the skin. The affected parent with this gene has at least a fifty percent chance of passing it down to their children. Patients with this disease may be associated with behavioral disorders and rarely with decreased intelligence. Most patients with Darier disease have a family history of either one or both parents being affected. However, it can also present itself without any family history as well. Even though the severity fluctuates over time, Remember, Darier disease is a chronic condition that persists throughout life and is not associated with any skin cancers.

Darier disease is a rare disorder that affects all ethnic groups. The estimated prevalence ranges from 1 to 4 per 100,000 people [2-5]. In a Singaporean study, the incidence was 0.3 per 1 million people per year.

What helps diagnosing this disease     :

1 A dermatology consult for the MD just to look at the skin as the first approach is the best MD to go to, the expert on skin disease diagnosing.

2. Depending on the area affected, patients with Darier disease often presents with multiple crusty and itchy patches of skin. When the scaly crusts are removed, a slit-like opening becomes visible. In areas such as nails, they are described as a sandwich of red and white bands running along the length of the nail that is thin with its characteristic V-shaped scalloping. Mucous membranes may present as white, cobblestone appearing lesions of the cheeks, palate, and gums. With the discovery of the ATP2A2 gene, skin biopsy is helpful in diagnosis through gene sequencing when suspected. SKIN BIOPSY is always helpful with diagnosing skin disease which includes tumors on the skin.

Treatments for Darier’s Disease:

This disease depends on the severity of the presented clinical symptoms.

1. For most minor cases , the disorder can be managed by using sunscreen, moisturizing lotions, avoidance of non-breathable clothing, and excessive perspiration.

2, For more severe cases of Darier’s disease, hospitalisation may be required to heal affected individuals who display frequent relapse and remit patterns. In less severe cases, signs and symptoms may clear up completely through hygienic interventions. Most patients with Darier’s disease live normal, healthy lives. Rapid resolution of rash symptoms can be complicated due to the increased vulnerability of affected skin surfaces by secondary bacterial or viral infections.

****In cases of Epidermal Staphylococcus aureus, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have been reported. In these cases, topical and/or oral antibiotic/antiviral medications may need to be prescribed.****

Typical recommendations are the application of antiseptics, soaking in astringents, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and topical diclofenac sodium.

If Darier’s is more localized, common treatments include:

• Topical retinoids: used to help in the reduction of hyperkeratosis, retinoids work by causing the skin cells in the top layers to die and be shed off. The common retinoids used for this disorder are:
  • Adapalene
  • Tazarotene gel
  • Tretinoin
• Dermal abrasion
  • Removal of the top layer of skin to help smooth and stimulate new growth of the skin.^[21]
• Electrosurgery
  • Used to help stop bleeding and remove abnormal skin growths.
• Topical corticosteroids

“Every year in the US, approximately 19 million people are infected with an STD (1), and 50,000 people are infected with HIV (2). The risk of STD and HIV infection can be greatly reduced with correct and consistent condom use (3), yet condom use remains low, even among individuals who are engaging in sexual behaviors that put them at risk for STDs and HIV (4, 5).”

NIH-National Library of Medicine (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4108502/)

On Valentine’s day every year it started National Condom Week.

In the US, February National Condom Month originally started on the campus of the University of California – Berkeley, it has grown into a educational even for high schools, colleges, family planning organizations, AIDS groups, sexually transmitted disease awareness groups, pharmacies and condom manufacturers.  In hopes to help young ones and all in preventing STDs.  Using condoms helps prevent you getting sexual transmitted diseases through intercourse.  Also having one sex partner only with both checked for STDs first.  STDs you don’t want to get especially those that can shorten your life.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been known to mankind for centuries. Before the advent of modern medicine, people’s lack of awareness and understanding of STDs contributed to the widespread transmission of the infections while few or no treatments were available to treat the conditions.

In medieval times, syphilis and gonorrhoea were two of the most prevalent STDs in Europe.

Some STDs can have severe, life-changing consequences; syphilis, for example, can eventually cause progressive destruction of the brain and spinal cord, leading to mental dysfunction and hallucinations, speech problems and general paresis.

It’s kind of puzzling that sexually transmitted diseases are so prevalent—particularly when you consider that you have to get pretty up close and personal to contract one. An STD is characterized by any disease that is spread by one partner to another via sexual contact, and that can be orally, vaginally, anally, or via hand to genital contact. Regardless, they are spread when one partner passes the disease-causing organism on to the other. Obviously, preventing STD transmission is first and foremost by practicing safe sex (PREVENTION) and not enough do it in America for some crazy reason hurting themselves and other people. However, if you think you might have contracted one of the most common STDs, recognizing the disease is imperative for swift treatment and preventing further spreading.

Top venereal diseases in the USA:

1-Gonorrhea

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 700,000 new cases of Gonorrhea, or the “clap”, crop up every year. This long-term STD that is spread bacterially, affecting a female’s cervix, a male’s urethra, or the throat in both sexes, which means that it’s transmitted by vaginal, oral, and anal sex. The symptoms of gonorrhea are pretty subtle; the most noticeable being burning when urinating or a yellowish penile discharge in men.

2-Hepatitis

Sexually transmitted hepatitis is hepatitis B (or HBV), which afflicts more than 1.25 million individuals in the U.S. even though there is a vaccine. If left untreated, a Hep B infection will scar and damage the liver, causing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Unfortunately, over half of those affected show no symptoms, but those who do suffer muscle pain and fatigue, yellowing of the eyes (or jaundice), nausea, and a distended stomach.

3-Syphilis

Syphilis is a particularly sneaky STD that caused by a type bacterial infection of the genital tract, known as Treponema Pallidum. Syphilis is transmitted when direct contact is made between the small, painless sores on the mouth, rectum, vagina, or around the genitals in areas not protected by latex condoms. It can also be transmitted via infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. When there are no sores, the disease is still present. Syphilis symptoms are rare , however, the most telling are sores or lesions on and around the genitals, as well as hair loss, sore throat, fever; headache; and a white patchy skin rash.

4- Chlamydia

Like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia affects a man’s penile urethra and a woman’s cervix. However, oftentimes those who’ve contracted Chlamydia don’t show symptoms for months or even years, which explains why it’s the most common and rampant STD. If you do show symptoms, you’ll feel pain during intercourse and have a discolored, thick discharge from the vagina or penis. Transmitted via sexual penetration with an affected partner, using latex condoms can prevent transmission of this curable STD.

 5. Crabs

If you feel a creepy-crawly, itchy sensation in your genitals, you may have crabs (or public lice). They show themselves as visible eggs or lice in the coarse hair of the genital region (even if you shave it off), and they can spread to the armpits and eyebrows if left untreated. Typically transmitted via sexual contact, crabs can also be passed via contact with infested linens or clothing .

6. Human Papilloma Virus

Human Papilloma Virus (or HPV) is currently the most wide spread STD. It affects roughly three-quarters of the sexually active population and a staggering one-quarter of sexually active women, which is why there is a North American vaccine to protect young women from certain types of HPV that are linked to genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV is transmitted through genital contact—via vaginal and anal sex, and also oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. Most times HPV doesn’t show any symptoms until it’s far advanced, but genital warts as well as RRP, a condition where warts grow in the throat and eventually cause breathing difficulties are common.

7. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, is not always considered an STD even though it typically afflicts those of child-bearing age with multiple or new sex partners. BV occurs when healthy bacteria in the vagina overgrow and become imbalanced, causing burning and itching around the vagina and a thick, grey discharge with a strong fishy odor. Antibiotics will quickly clear up bouts of BV, but it can reoccur, leaving the victim prone to pelvic inflammatory disease, other STDs, and premature births (if pregnant).

 8. Herpes

Painful sores or lesions on your mouth or genitals may indicate herpes, a viral STD that comes in two forms HSV1 (herpes of the mouth) and HSV2 (herpes of the genitals). Herpes is transmitted skin-to-skin—for instance, from genital to genital, mouth to genital, or mouth to mouth contact with an infected individual, even when they don’t have visible sores. Even though herpes symptoms be treated with antibiotics, the virus never goes away and reoccurs typically 2 to 4 times per year.

9. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or “trich”, often masks itself as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women with similar symptoms—including a thick, grey discharge, offensive vaginal odor, pain or burning intercourse, and itchiness. A parasitic trichomonas vaginalis infection affects the urethra and the vagina in women. It can be transmitted back and forth between sex partners (man to woman and woman to woman) via vaginal intercourse and contact. However, most men typically don’t have any symptoms.

10. HIV

HIV is transmitted via the exchange of body fluids—such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood, or breast milk. Within a month or 2 of contracting HIV, about 40 to 90-percent of those afflicted suffer from flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, achy muscles, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, skin rash, dry cough, nausea, rapid weight loss, night sweats, frequent yeast infections (for women), cold sores, and eventually, pneumonia. Luckily, many individuals who are diagnosed early can live a long, productive life with HIV thanks to a combination of highly active anti-retroviral drug therapy, which prevents to progression to AIDS causing death.

Vaccination is another way that you can prevent yourself from becoming infected. So far the only effective vaccines we have available are for hepatitis B and HPV. We’re recommending that teenage girls be vaccinated against HPV, because certain strains are associated with cervical cancer.

So Don’t be silly, protect your willy
When in doubt, shroud your spout
It will be sweeter if you wrap your peter
No glove, no love!

Don’t lac but get your vac to prevent a poor sex act!

Remember PREVENTION!

While humor is used to help provide education, National Condom Week has become a tool to help educate young adults about serious risks involved with unprotected sex. This includes the risk of catching and spreading sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS as well as helping to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

“Heart and blood vessel disease, also called heart disease, includes numerous problems, many of which are related to atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can block the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.”

American Heart Association AHA (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease)

THE HEART:

The heart is a muscular organ in most animals, which pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. Blood provides the body with oxygen and nutrients, as well as assists in the removal of metabolic wastes. In humans, the heart is located between the lungs, in the middle compartment of the chest.

WHAT IS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities.1 CVD costs the United States over $300 billion each year, including the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Heart diseases include:

• Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects)
• Heart valve disease
• Disease of the heart muscle
• Heart infection

Understanding the Burden of CVD:

CVD does not affect all groups of people in the same way. Although the number of preventable deaths has declined in people aged 65 to 74 years, it has remained unchanged in people under age 65. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable CVD.

Having a close relative who has heart disease puts you at higher risk for CVD. Health disparities based on geography also exist. During 2007–2009, death rates due to heart disease were the highest in the South and lowest in the West.
Race and ethnicity also affect your risk. Nearly 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of CVD. And African Americans are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to have high blood pressure and to develop the condition earlier in life. About 2 in 5 African American adults have high blood pressure, yet fewer than half of them have the condition under control.

Many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits, healthier living spaces, and better management of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

You can control a number of risk factors for CVD, including:

-Diet
-Physical activity
-Tobacco use
-Obesity
-High blood pressure
-High blood cholesterol
-Diabetes

As you begin your journey to better heart health that can last a lifetime, keep these things in mind:

1-Try not to become overwhelmed. Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart, and every healthy choice makes a difference!
2-Partner up. The journey is more fun—and often more successful—when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you.
3-Don’t get discouraged. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good night’s sleep—also important for a healthy heart—and do what you can tomorrow.
4-Reward yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group, or have a healthy dinner with your family or friends.

Revised 2/16/2021