Farmers Markets: Directory

It is getting close to that time of year when everyone anticipates the opening of the local farmers market. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is part of a healthy diet. Eating locally grown foods is part of social consciousness. Find out where the closest farmers market is to your location. The directory is brought to you by the US Department of Agriculture and can be searched by zip code and can be limited by the products sold and the types of payment accepted, including WIC and SNAP. Click here.

Medical Tests and Treatments - Choosing Wisely

Sometimes patients ask their physicians to order tests or treatments that are not necessarily appropriate or which might actually be harmful. Consequently the American Board of Internal Medicine joined with leading specialty organizations to develop Choosing Wisely, lists of evidence-based tests and procedures for patients and physicians to discuss in order to make wise decisions.

Here is a list of conditions to check for the best advice on how to proceed if a condition affects you.

Here is a complete list of Choosing Wisely recommendations.

Medical Tests and Treatments - Choosing Wisely

Sometimes patients ask their physicians to order tests or treatments that are not necessarily appropriate or which might actually be harmful. Consequently the American Board of Internal Medicine joined with leading specialty organizations to develop Choosing Wisely, lists of evidence-based tests and procedures for patients and physicians to discuss in order to make wise decisions.

Here is a list of conditions to check for the best advice on how to proceed if a condition affects you.

Here is a complete list of Choosing Wisely recommendations.

Energy Drinks May Have Heart-Related Side Effects

At a recent meeting of the American Heart Association researchers reported that energy drinks may have harmful side effects, even among the healthy. In those who drank only 1-3 cans of a drink, systolic blood pressure (the top number in a BP reading) was higher. Also, in those who consumed this type of drink the QT internal, a segment of the heart’s rhythm on an EKG, was longer. Prolonged QT intervals can cause serious irregular heartbeats and even sudden cardiac death. To read more about the study highlights go to American Heart Association Meeting Report.

"Disaster Hero" Helps Children Prepare for Emergencies

Kids in grades one to eight can learn how to prepare for disasters and emergency situations by playing "Disaster Hero," a new online video game from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Players create their own hero  to compete with cartoon heros, who are "elite disaster specialists." The scenarios include earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods.  The goal is to teach children the basics of preparedness. "Disaster Hero" also has games, puzzles, and quizzes where children learn about escape routes, avoiding hazards, and putting together emergency kits. The website also has parent and teacher resources. ACEP developed the game with funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). "Disaster Hero" is available at http://www.disasterhero.com.

Neti Pots and Other Nasal Irrigation Systems

Many people who have sinus problems often treat themselves by using nasal irrigation systems such as the Neti pot.  The FDA recently released a report about these devices, including some questions and answers and how to use them safely.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375 

Health Literacy Challenge Video Contest

The ¡VIVA! Peer Tutors of the South Texas Independent School District are conducting a nationwide health literacy challenge. Students enrolled in U.S. schools in grades 6-12 can submit a video promoting the website MedlinePlus.gov. Video submission will open February 1, 2012 and will close March 23, 2012. Winners will be announced on the ¡VIVA! website and Facebook page on April 16, 2012, and winning videos will be posted on the ¡VIVA! website. For complete details about the video contest please visit the ¡VIVA! website at: http://bla.stisd.net/viva.html.