Well it's now Nov 27th, my fathers birthday, here is a Happy Birthday to you.
I have not posted in a bit, I know I get pretty bad for that sometimes.
This past week was thanksgiving then black friday and since I am in retail and I had to work all weekend up until Sunday evening at 8pm it was hell in a hand bag! >_<>_<
I did finish my Christmas shopping though, finally got my articles done for the scoop for City Of Heroes. Today went and got my Sassy Strawberry from work and hubby and I finally got new wedding rings and got a discount from the man that sells them since I work close by.
Nothing else is really new and exciting just crazy work due to the holidays, I hadn't jumped in City Of Heroes since last wed, but I finally did for a hour last night instead of D&D since i was so tired...
But ya, fun fun eh ?
Anyways I am gonna go finish talking to my best friend Amanda and Richard on and off and just relax.....
Later!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Updates & Things
Not much going on here
Just work work work and well the next 5 days I have off.
Updated my blog background and pic as ya can see
Not much else at the moment ..
Father in law and one of his co-workers are installing a new tap thingy in my bathroom, hubby is still sound asleep it hasn't woke him up yet.
Well he is sick too, nothing will prolly wake him up until it's time for work
I was also asked to work in the scoop for the City Of Heroes news Letter!
My first article was today!
Ill leave it here also for everyone to read.
So in closure, here is my article!
have a good one!
Wait Just a Minute!
Stop for a Moment and Give Thanks!
Being in the food industry since high school, my career has gone to beauty retail as a manager. When I moved to the United States and started working in retail, I noticed how fast we move from Halloween to Christmas with no in between, no time to enjoy Thanksgiving. I have come to remind you there is a Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for a lot of things, and most of all, a time to be spent with family and friends.
I could sit here and write out the history of Thanksgiving, but you know as well as I do that there is no point in me doing so. I am sure everyone knows already. I am going to list the top five Thanksgiving traditions followed by some recipes instead.
Top Five Thanksgiving Traditions
Turkey and Trimmings
From the first Thanksgiving to today's turkey burgers, turkeys are an American tradition dating back for centuries. According to the Turkey Federation, 95% of Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving. There are so many different ways to enjoy a turkey now, such as coffee rubbed turkey from Hawaii, salt encrusted turkey from New England, deep fried turkey from the South, and last but not least, oven roasted. How you choose to make your turkey is up to you.
Time Out for the Pigskin
Yes I am talking FOOTBALL, one of my favorite sports to watch now and again, and another tradition on Thanksgiving. Remember the first intercollegiate football championship held on Thanksgiving Day back in 1876? No? Well, the traditional holiday football rivalries have become so popular that a reporter once called Thanksgiving "a holiday granted by the State and the Nation to see a game of football."
Parading Around
The first American Thanksgiving Day parade was held in 1920, organized by Gimbel's Department store in Philadelphia—not Macy's as most people think. The NYC Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade tradition actually started in 1924 and has grown since then. More then 46 million people each year watch it in person or on TV.
Making a Wish
Who fights over the wishbone? I sure do! Everyone wants to make that wish!
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the people that are around you and everything you have or have accomplished over the past year. Some folks even do pre-meals for the homeless or help out at shelters for the holidays to help those in need. This holiday is truly a celebration of praise and thanks.
LadyK came to me, and asked me if I would be interested in helping her out with the foodie section for the Scoop. I told her that I sure would love to. I look forward to doing more of this, and as we get closer to Christmas time, I have a bunch of stuff running though my head to write, and I am sure LadyK does as well. We are going to put out heads together, so stay tuned, folks, you won’t wanna miss out!
~Mistress Noire~
Now for what everyone’s been waiting for: RECIPES!
I listed the two most common recipes people look for on Thanksgiving—turkey and pumpkin pie. Take a look, and try them out! Enjoy!
Oven Roasted Turkey
1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 apples, cored and halved
1 tablespoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Gently loosen turkey breast skin, and insert pieces of butter between the skin and breast. Place apples inside the turkey's cavity.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place turkey in a roasting bag, and pour champagne over the inside and outside of the bird.
Close bag, and place turkey in a roasting pan.
Bake turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) when measured in the meatiest part of the thigh. Remove turkey from bag, and let stand for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Pumpkin Pie
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Whisk pumpkin, EAGLE BRAND®, eggs, spices and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
Just work work work and well the next 5 days I have off.
Updated my blog background and pic as ya can see
Not much else at the moment ..
Father in law and one of his co-workers are installing a new tap thingy in my bathroom, hubby is still sound asleep it hasn't woke him up yet.
Well he is sick too, nothing will prolly wake him up until it's time for work
I was also asked to work in the scoop for the City Of Heroes news Letter!
My first article was today!
Ill leave it here also for everyone to read.
So in closure, here is my article!
have a good one!
Wait Just a Minute!
Stop for a Moment and Give Thanks!
Being in the food industry since high school, my career has gone to beauty retail as a manager. When I moved to the United States and started working in retail, I noticed how fast we move from Halloween to Christmas with no in between, no time to enjoy Thanksgiving. I have come to remind you there is a Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for a lot of things, and most of all, a time to be spent with family and friends.
I could sit here and write out the history of Thanksgiving, but you know as well as I do that there is no point in me doing so. I am sure everyone knows already. I am going to list the top five Thanksgiving traditions followed by some recipes instead.
Top Five Thanksgiving Traditions
Turkey and Trimmings
From the first Thanksgiving to today's turkey burgers, turkeys are an American tradition dating back for centuries. According to the Turkey Federation, 95% of Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving. There are so many different ways to enjoy a turkey now, such as coffee rubbed turkey from Hawaii, salt encrusted turkey from New England, deep fried turkey from the South, and last but not least, oven roasted. How you choose to make your turkey is up to you.
Time Out for the Pigskin
Yes I am talking FOOTBALL, one of my favorite sports to watch now and again, and another tradition on Thanksgiving. Remember the first intercollegiate football championship held on Thanksgiving Day back in 1876? No? Well, the traditional holiday football rivalries have become so popular that a reporter once called Thanksgiving "a holiday granted by the State and the Nation to see a game of football."
Parading Around
The first American Thanksgiving Day parade was held in 1920, organized by Gimbel's Department store in Philadelphia—not Macy's as most people think. The NYC Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade tradition actually started in 1924 and has grown since then. More then 46 million people each year watch it in person or on TV.
Making a Wish
Who fights over the wishbone? I sure do! Everyone wants to make that wish!
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the people that are around you and everything you have or have accomplished over the past year. Some folks even do pre-meals for the homeless or help out at shelters for the holidays to help those in need. This holiday is truly a celebration of praise and thanks.
LadyK came to me, and asked me if I would be interested in helping her out with the foodie section for the Scoop. I told her that I sure would love to. I look forward to doing more of this, and as we get closer to Christmas time, I have a bunch of stuff running though my head to write, and I am sure LadyK does as well. We are going to put out heads together, so stay tuned, folks, you won’t wanna miss out!
~Mistress Noire~
Now for what everyone’s been waiting for: RECIPES!
I listed the two most common recipes people look for on Thanksgiving—turkey and pumpkin pie. Take a look, and try them out! Enjoy!
Oven Roasted Turkey
1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 apples, cored and halved
1 tablespoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Gently loosen turkey breast skin, and insert pieces of butter between the skin and breast. Place apples inside the turkey's cavity.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place turkey in a roasting bag, and pour champagne over the inside and outside of the bird.
Close bag, and place turkey in a roasting pan.
Bake turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) when measured in the meatiest part of the thigh. Remove turkey from bag, and let stand for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Pumpkin Pie
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Whisk pumpkin, EAGLE BRAND®, eggs, spices and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Remembrance Day/Veterans Day
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Inspiration for the Poem
On 2 May, 1915, in the second week of fighting during the Second Battle of Ypres Lieutenant Alexis Helmer was killed by a German artillery shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae. It is believed that John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields' that evening.
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Inspiration for the Poem
On 2 May, 1915, in the second week of fighting during the Second Battle of Ypres Lieutenant Alexis Helmer was killed by a German artillery shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae. It is believed that John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields' that evening.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Food Poisioning Sucks!
Well Saturday Night I ordered Pizza Hut wing street wings.
I usually order them, I get the spicy asian or sometimes the honey BBQ, or sometimes just plain, but the other nite I was watching TV and the garlic cheese one looked yummy.
They where okay.. was not so crazy about them
I went to bed after playing some City of heroes with some friends, I then woke up around 6am.. Burped a few times and laid back down, didn't think anything of it until I ran to the bathroom and got really sick :(
Hubby came home and usually he goes into the bedroom and pokes at me and says good morning but this time he got confused and started looking for me.
I got sick so much the back of my throat started bleeding
It was gross :(
It finally stopped and I laid down and fell asleep for another few hrs, I then tried to get up and call my boss to explain the situation, I felt bad enough as it was cause I was sick and I knew we had a huge floorset, I still feel bad but I know these things happen its just well.. you know...
Anyways I couldn't even keep my eyes open for a moment to call her so hubby did for me, he said she didn't sound to happy but there is nothing you can do when ur sick.
I then dozed back off for a few more hrs, woke up and ate some crackers and got some pepto.
Fell back asleep for another 8hrs....
Yeah so overall in about a almost 60 hour period I slept think it was just over 40 hours...
Thats a very long time and you know I am still tried >_<
Today my boss calls, I know shes wanting me to come into work but my stomach is still trying to recover over this, I still feel pretty bad and I feel upset cause they where there late on Sunday but you know people do get sick, and everyone keeps telling me that, I had no control that these things do happen to don't let my boss get to me, just feel better and thats what I am trying to do but It's hard when I got my boss saying I hurt my shoulder Sunday night and we where all here pretty late... and I was here from 5am Sunday morning (okay thing is the store don't open until noon) anyways ya lay a freaken guilt trip! This is why I quit my other jobs... I HATE places that do this!
Then she says I need a doctors note...
I havn't been to the doctors since I moved to the states for a total pysical almost 3 years ago... um so yeah...
Plus I am off today, and yesterday, and tomarrow >_<
I only missed ONE day of work.... ONE!
Usually you need a doctors note after 2...
Yeah lets go to a doctor and say, " I got food poisoning and I missed work Sunday and I was feeling pretty bad Monday and part of Tuesday and I am feeling okay now, thing is today and yesterday and tomorrow are my days off work but my boss wants a doctors note "
The doctor is gonna turn around and go... " I am sorry but if you where sick why didn't you come in "
Me: " I never go to the docs unless I really really have too and this is something that can get over pretty easy without one "
Doctor " Okay, well thing is your not sick now so... and your on your days off we can't issue one, your boss is blowing smoke "
DUH!
Retards, I am so mad right now it's killing my stomach more, no clinic in there right mind wont give a doctors note unless they treat you in my case I am getting better so they are just gonna laugh at me :(
Anyways I am going to go back to trying to eat something and get better, stupid work.
I usually order them, I get the spicy asian or sometimes the honey BBQ, or sometimes just plain, but the other nite I was watching TV and the garlic cheese one looked yummy.
They where okay.. was not so crazy about them
I went to bed after playing some City of heroes with some friends, I then woke up around 6am.. Burped a few times and laid back down, didn't think anything of it until I ran to the bathroom and got really sick :(
Hubby came home and usually he goes into the bedroom and pokes at me and says good morning but this time he got confused and started looking for me.
I got sick so much the back of my throat started bleeding
It was gross :(
It finally stopped and I laid down and fell asleep for another few hrs, I then tried to get up and call my boss to explain the situation, I felt bad enough as it was cause I was sick and I knew we had a huge floorset, I still feel bad but I know these things happen its just well.. you know...
Anyways I couldn't even keep my eyes open for a moment to call her so hubby did for me, he said she didn't sound to happy but there is nothing you can do when ur sick.
I then dozed back off for a few more hrs, woke up and ate some crackers and got some pepto.
Fell back asleep for another 8hrs....
Yeah so overall in about a almost 60 hour period I slept think it was just over 40 hours...
Thats a very long time and you know I am still tried >_<
Today my boss calls, I know shes wanting me to come into work but my stomach is still trying to recover over this, I still feel pretty bad and I feel upset cause they where there late on Sunday but you know people do get sick, and everyone keeps telling me that, I had no control that these things do happen to don't let my boss get to me, just feel better and thats what I am trying to do but It's hard when I got my boss saying I hurt my shoulder Sunday night and we where all here pretty late... and I was here from 5am Sunday morning (okay thing is the store don't open until noon) anyways ya lay a freaken guilt trip! This is why I quit my other jobs... I HATE places that do this!
Then she says I need a doctors note...
I havn't been to the doctors since I moved to the states for a total pysical almost 3 years ago... um so yeah...
Plus I am off today, and yesterday, and tomarrow >_<
I only missed ONE day of work.... ONE!
Usually you need a doctors note after 2...
Yeah lets go to a doctor and say, " I got food poisoning and I missed work Sunday and I was feeling pretty bad Monday and part of Tuesday and I am feeling okay now, thing is today and yesterday and tomorrow are my days off work but my boss wants a doctors note "
The doctor is gonna turn around and go... " I am sorry but if you where sick why didn't you come in "
Me: " I never go to the docs unless I really really have too and this is something that can get over pretty easy without one "
Doctor " Okay, well thing is your not sick now so... and your on your days off we can't issue one, your boss is blowing smoke "
DUH!
Retards, I am so mad right now it's killing my stomach more, no clinic in there right mind wont give a doctors note unless they treat you in my case I am getting better so they are just gonna laugh at me :(
Anyways I am going to go back to trying to eat something and get better, stupid work.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
MRSA
I heard about this today at work, thought I do a bit of looking around and get information for you my friends and family for you guys to be careful and stay safe and stay healthy!
I love ya all very much and want ya all to stay alright and stuff :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What you should know about Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
What is Staphylococcus Aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a very common bacteria that can be found in about 3 out of 10 healthy people. Most of the time, it lives harmlessly in the nose or in other warm, moist areas on the body. Most people don't know that they are carrying it and are usually completely healthy. In certain circumstances, SA can cause infections.
What is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)?
Methicillin refers to a group of antibiotics that are usually used to treat SA. Some SA bacteria are no longer killed by these antibiotics and are called methicillin resistant. Over the past 30 years, more types of bacteria have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This makes infections caused by these germs more difficult to treat. MRSA is often referred to as a 'super bug', but that is a false name because we still have antibiotics that can be used to treat it.
All bacteria are able to learn how to resist antibiotics. As we use antibiotics more and more, the bacteria are becoming more resistant. This is an ongoing battle, and the battle will continue.
The good news is that even when the bacteria are able to resist some of the antibiotics, there is no reason to believe that they are more likely to cause infection. We live in harmony with most bacteria, and we live with them all the time. Good hand washing and other basic hygiene practices help us keep problematic bacteria in check.
Who gets MRSA?
Persons who are patients in acute care hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, who have open wounds, catheters or tubes, and those who are very ill, are most likely to get MRSA.
How is MRSA spread?
The most common way MRSA spreads from person to person is by direct contact with a person that is carrying (or colonized) with this bacteria , usually with their hands. A much less common way of MRSA being spread is by direct contact with surfaces like railings, faucets, or handles that may have been contaminated by an 'colonized person' hands. Spreading through the air is very uncommon.
What is The Ottawa Hospital doing to stop the spread of MRSA?
When patients with MRSA are identified, the hospital tries to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other patients. Patients, who may be at risk for MRSA, are screened when they are admitted to the hospital. The patients who are found to carry the bacteria, are separated from other patients by placing them either in a single room, or in a room with another patient who already is known to have this bacteria.
Staff and family members who come in contact with them must follow strict rules such as washing their hands frequently and wearing a mask, gown and gloves in the room Meanwhile, antibiotics may be given to them to try to kill the bacteria if this is determined to be the best approach. These patients will continue to be screened regularly. Precautions will stop if the patient is found to be MSRA free for more than three weeks. However, testing for it will continue to make sure that the bacteria does not come back.
How can you prevent MRSA infections?
The best way to prevent infections of all kinds is good personal hygiene:
wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for 10-15 seconds or use alcohol based gel;
avoid sharing personal articles such as cups, towels and toothbrushes;
clean and protect wounds promptly; and
cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
What should you do if MRSA is found in your nose or on your skin?
You should talk with your family doctor. If you feel healthy, you may not need any treatment. You do not pose a health risk to your family, co-workers, or the general public and you should continue with your normal activities. It is important for you to wash your hands regularly. Using an antibacterial hand soap or alcohol based gel may help stop you from spreading MRSA when touching surfaces with your hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is an Antibiotic Resistant Germ?
When someone has an infection, antibiotics are medicines that are used to kill the germ (bacteria) causing the infection. An antibiotic resistant germ is not killed by the usual antibiotics. If an antibiotic resistant germ causes an infection, then a stronger drug must be used.
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is bacteria that lives on human skin and it can also live in the nose. The usual antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus is called methicillin. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are not killed by methicillin and are said to be methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Can it be harmful?
Staphylococcus aureus is a normal germ which does not harm people and is needed to keep people healthy. In hospital, if any germ gets into a wound or the bloodstream it could cause an infection. When a person has an infection with MRSA it can be difficult to treat because the usual antibiotics can’t get rid of it.
How did I get MRSA?
People who are in hospitals or nursing homes get MRSA. It is spread by contact with the hands. Care givers can unknowingly transmit the germ during routine activities and procedures between patients.
Why are special precautions needed?
Special precautions are needed in order to prevent the spread of this organism to other patients in the hospital who are also ill and therefore more likely to develop an infection.
What will be different?
· you will need to stay in your room
· people who are taking care if you will wear gowns and gloves to prevent them from picking up the MRSA and from taking it to other patients
· it is very important for all staff and visitors to wash their hands when they come in and when they leave your room
· signs will be placed outside the room to remind everyone about the special precautions
· if you need to go to another part of the hospital for tests or treatments, you must wash your hands before you leave your room
· please wash your hands carefully after going to the bathroom
What about family and visitors?
You may still have visitors. They must wash their hands when they come in and when they leave. They must put on gowns and gloves too.
What will happen when I leave the Hospital?
If you go to another health care facility or of you have services from Home Care, some precautions may still be taken. This is to prevent your care givers from picking up the germ and spreading it to other patients. Good hand washing is very important to reduce the risk of spread.
What about at home?
If your family and friends do not look after other sick people, there is no need to worry.
MRSA is no more dangerous than other normal bacteria that people carry on their skin and are exposed to every day. Remind everyone to wash their hands often. You should wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, touch you nose or a wound.
Will this go away?
It might go away on its own, but you Doctor and Infection Control may order an antibiotic cream to put into your nose and on any wounds you might have. This should be used 3 times a day for 1 week. Also, you may wash your body with a special liquid soap. This will help to get rid of the MRSA faster.
After finishing using the cream and soap, cultures will be taken of your nose, rectum and any wounds for a few weeks. After there are 3 sets that do not show MRSA, you can come out of isolation. If you are still in the hospital you will be checked regularly to make sure you still do not have MRSA.
How can I help?
If you go to another Doctor or to another Hospital please tell your Doctor and Nurse or other care giver you were once on special precautions for MRSA. This will allow them to check your status to make sure that they don’t carry the organism to other patients.
What if I am admitted to the hospital again?
On any future admissions to the hospital, you may be placed in a single room and special precautions will be taken. Swabs of your nose, rectum and any wounds will be taken to make sure there is no MRSA. Even if special precautions are not being followed, we may keep you in a private room and check regularly to make sure that the MRSA does not come back.
I love ya all very much and want ya all to stay alright and stuff :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What you should know about Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
What is Staphylococcus Aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a very common bacteria that can be found in about 3 out of 10 healthy people. Most of the time, it lives harmlessly in the nose or in other warm, moist areas on the body. Most people don't know that they are carrying it and are usually completely healthy. In certain circumstances, SA can cause infections.
What is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)?
Methicillin refers to a group of antibiotics that are usually used to treat SA. Some SA bacteria are no longer killed by these antibiotics and are called methicillin resistant. Over the past 30 years, more types of bacteria have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This makes infections caused by these germs more difficult to treat. MRSA is often referred to as a 'super bug', but that is a false name because we still have antibiotics that can be used to treat it.
All bacteria are able to learn how to resist antibiotics. As we use antibiotics more and more, the bacteria are becoming more resistant. This is an ongoing battle, and the battle will continue.
The good news is that even when the bacteria are able to resist some of the antibiotics, there is no reason to believe that they are more likely to cause infection. We live in harmony with most bacteria, and we live with them all the time. Good hand washing and other basic hygiene practices help us keep problematic bacteria in check.
Who gets MRSA?
Persons who are patients in acute care hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, who have open wounds, catheters or tubes, and those who are very ill, are most likely to get MRSA.
How is MRSA spread?
The most common way MRSA spreads from person to person is by direct contact with a person that is carrying (or colonized) with this bacteria , usually with their hands. A much less common way of MRSA being spread is by direct contact with surfaces like railings, faucets, or handles that may have been contaminated by an 'colonized person' hands. Spreading through the air is very uncommon.
What is The Ottawa Hospital doing to stop the spread of MRSA?
When patients with MRSA are identified, the hospital tries to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other patients. Patients, who may be at risk for MRSA, are screened when they are admitted to the hospital. The patients who are found to carry the bacteria, are separated from other patients by placing them either in a single room, or in a room with another patient who already is known to have this bacteria.
Staff and family members who come in contact with them must follow strict rules such as washing their hands frequently and wearing a mask, gown and gloves in the room Meanwhile, antibiotics may be given to them to try to kill the bacteria if this is determined to be the best approach. These patients will continue to be screened regularly. Precautions will stop if the patient is found to be MSRA free for more than three weeks. However, testing for it will continue to make sure that the bacteria does not come back.
How can you prevent MRSA infections?
The best way to prevent infections of all kinds is good personal hygiene:
wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for 10-15 seconds or use alcohol based gel;
avoid sharing personal articles such as cups, towels and toothbrushes;
clean and protect wounds promptly; and
cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
What should you do if MRSA is found in your nose or on your skin?
You should talk with your family doctor. If you feel healthy, you may not need any treatment. You do not pose a health risk to your family, co-workers, or the general public and you should continue with your normal activities. It is important for you to wash your hands regularly. Using an antibacterial hand soap or alcohol based gel may help stop you from spreading MRSA when touching surfaces with your hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is an Antibiotic Resistant Germ?
When someone has an infection, antibiotics are medicines that are used to kill the germ (bacteria) causing the infection. An antibiotic resistant germ is not killed by the usual antibiotics. If an antibiotic resistant germ causes an infection, then a stronger drug must be used.
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is bacteria that lives on human skin and it can also live in the nose. The usual antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus is called methicillin. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are not killed by methicillin and are said to be methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Can it be harmful?
Staphylococcus aureus is a normal germ which does not harm people and is needed to keep people healthy. In hospital, if any germ gets into a wound or the bloodstream it could cause an infection. When a person has an infection with MRSA it can be difficult to treat because the usual antibiotics can’t get rid of it.
How did I get MRSA?
People who are in hospitals or nursing homes get MRSA. It is spread by contact with the hands. Care givers can unknowingly transmit the germ during routine activities and procedures between patients.
Why are special precautions needed?
Special precautions are needed in order to prevent the spread of this organism to other patients in the hospital who are also ill and therefore more likely to develop an infection.
What will be different?
· you will need to stay in your room
· people who are taking care if you will wear gowns and gloves to prevent them from picking up the MRSA and from taking it to other patients
· it is very important for all staff and visitors to wash their hands when they come in and when they leave your room
· signs will be placed outside the room to remind everyone about the special precautions
· if you need to go to another part of the hospital for tests or treatments, you must wash your hands before you leave your room
· please wash your hands carefully after going to the bathroom
What about family and visitors?
You may still have visitors. They must wash their hands when they come in and when they leave. They must put on gowns and gloves too.
What will happen when I leave the Hospital?
If you go to another health care facility or of you have services from Home Care, some precautions may still be taken. This is to prevent your care givers from picking up the germ and spreading it to other patients. Good hand washing is very important to reduce the risk of spread.
What about at home?
If your family and friends do not look after other sick people, there is no need to worry.
MRSA is no more dangerous than other normal bacteria that people carry on their skin and are exposed to every day. Remind everyone to wash their hands often. You should wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, touch you nose or a wound.
Will this go away?
It might go away on its own, but you Doctor and Infection Control may order an antibiotic cream to put into your nose and on any wounds you might have. This should be used 3 times a day for 1 week. Also, you may wash your body with a special liquid soap. This will help to get rid of the MRSA faster.
After finishing using the cream and soap, cultures will be taken of your nose, rectum and any wounds for a few weeks. After there are 3 sets that do not show MRSA, you can come out of isolation. If you are still in the hospital you will be checked regularly to make sure you still do not have MRSA.
How can I help?
If you go to another Doctor or to another Hospital please tell your Doctor and Nurse or other care giver you were once on special precautions for MRSA. This will allow them to check your status to make sure that they don’t carry the organism to other patients.
What if I am admitted to the hospital again?
On any future admissions to the hospital, you may be placed in a single room and special precautions will be taken. Swabs of your nose, rectum and any wounds will be taken to make sure there is no MRSA. Even if special precautions are not being followed, we may keep you in a private room and check regularly to make sure that the MRSA does not come back.
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