Time is passing and September is almost over. I hope it has been a healthy month for you and your family, friends, community. We are moving closer to influenza season, so make sure you know how to avoid getting sick! Take this quiz to check your knowledge:
This week's featured article is "MRSA -- An Introduction." You may have heard of this dangerous skin infection which was confined to hospitals in the past but is now appearing in the community. Learn more about symptoms and treatment here:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43053.asp
I'm currently reading an information-packed book entitled The Hospital Stay Handbook - A Guide to Becoming a Patient Advocate for Your Loved Ones. Topics covered include Choosing Your Hospital, Educate Yourself, Stay in the room 24/7, and Lessons in Advocacy. It is written by Jari Holland Buck, who learned how to be a Patient Advocate when her husband became critically ill and spent 8 1/2 months in the hospital. Look for a review of this book during the month of October!
You may notice on the Public Health home page (publichealth.bellaonline.com) that on the left of the featured articles there is a list of subjects. Each of these subjects has at least one article and I am writing more all the time! Look through the subjects and find what interests you.
Did you know that we have free forums available where you can ask questions and discuss public health issues? The forum is slow right now, and we need your participation! I have a poll regarding MRSA and a notice about the FluFlix video contest, in addition to news about Diabetes and Bird Flu. Let us know what you think! Did you know about MRSA before reading this newsletter and the article? Vote yes, no, or I'm not sure in the poll!
http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=328
Feel free to contact me at any time with questions, comments, suggestions, or just to say hello! You may contact me on the main Public Health page, in the forum, or by replying to this email. I hope to hear from you soon.
Remember to pass this email along to interested friends and colleagues, and share the free knowledge! Public Health issues apply to everyone; the more knowledge we have, the better we can protect ourselves and our families.
Anita Simpson
Public Health Editor
BellaOnline.com
