To Your Health Newsletter

"Promoting Good Health Through Information"

Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Patient Education Newsletter • Fall 2007

Keep Our Antibiotics Strong!

Jenny Chen, Pharmacy Student

Many people think that antibiotics are a cure for all infections. In
fact, some of us would go to our doctor\'s office and ask for an
antibiotic whenever we think we have an infection. But do you know that
antibiotics only work for infections that are caused by bacteria? They
don\'t work for viral infections. The incorrect use of antibiotics can
lead to tougher bacteria that are harder to treat, and eventually the
need for stronger antibiotics.

How do bacteria become tougher in the first place, you may ask?
Antibiotics kill or stop bacteria from growing. But some bacteria, once
they have seen an antibiotic, can change themselves in a way that makes
the same antibiotic no longer work. The more we use an antibiotic, the
faster the bacteria can change and become resistant to the antibiotic.
If we don\'t finish a course of antibiotics or if we skip too many
doses, this makes it easier for the bacteria to become resistant.

A study by the California Department of Health Services in 2001 showed a
30% resistance rate to penicillin for a common bacterium that causes
lung and middle ear infections. That is one out of three people in
California may not respond to penicillin-type antibiotics when treated!

There are only a limited number of antibiotics. What happens if the
strongest one no longer works? That\'s a scary thought, isn\'t it?
Fortunately we have antibiotics that are still strong enough to fight
most bugs. But to preserve what we have we must not use antibiotics
unless we really need them.

What can you do to help? Following are some useful tips from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention:

1\. Talk with your healthcare provider:

• Ask if an antibiotic is likely to help you.

• Ask what else you can do to feel better sooner.

2\. DO NOT take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the
flu.

3\. DO NOT save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick.
Throw away any leftover medication once you have finished your course of
treatment.

4\. Take an antibiotic exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. DO
NOT skip doses.

5\. Finish the course of antibiotic even if you are feeling better. If
you don\'t finish your antibiotics, some bacteria may live and cause
another infection and may become resitant to antibiotics.

6\. DO NOT take someone else\'s antibiotic. The antibiotic may not work
for your particular infection. Taking the wrong medicine may delay
correct treatment and allow bacteria to grow.

7\. If your healthcare provider thinks that you do not have a bacterial
infection, ask about ways to help you feel better. DO NOT pressure your
provider to write you a prescription for an antibiotic.

By using antibiotics smartly, we can win the battle against bacteria!

Reference:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4830a3.htm

http://www.aware.md/facts/anti_facts.

Recipe for Health

CRUNCHY PUMPKIN PIE

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

1 cup canned pumpkin

2/3 cup evaporated skim milk

For the Crust:

1 cup quick cooking oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup ground almonds

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 Tbsp. water

Directions:

1\. Preheat oven to 425 °F.

To prepare crust:

2\. Mix oats, flour, almonds, sugar, and salt in small mixing bowl.

3\. Blend oil and water in measuring cup with fork or small wire whisk
until emulsified.

4\. Add oil mixture to dry ingredients and mix well. If needed, add
small amount of water to hold mixture together.

5\. Press into 9-inch pie pan, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until light
brown.

6\. Turn down oven to 350 ºF.

To prepare filling:

7\. Mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in bowl.

8\. Add egg and vanilla, and mix to blend ingredients.

9\. Add pumpkin and milk, and stir to combine.

Putting it together:

10\. Pour filling into prepared pie shell.

11\. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 ºF or until knife inserted near center
comes out clean.

Yields:

9 servings

Serving Size:

1/9 of 9-inch pie

Each serving provides:

Calories: 169;

Total fat: 7 g;

Saturated fat: 1 g;

Cholesterol: 24 mg;

Sodium: 207 mg;

Fiber: 3 g;

Protein: 5 g;

Carbohydrates: 22 g;

Potassium: 223 mg

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Test Your Knowledge on Antibiotic Use

1\. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by all the following
EXCEPT:

A. Worms

B. Bacteria

C. Viruses

D. Fungi

2\. How can you cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics?

A. When you use antibiotics to treat the flu

B. When you don\'t finish all the antibiotic the doctor gave to you

C. When you skip doses of your antibiotic

D. None of the above, there is nothing you can do to prevent antibiotic
resistance

E. A, B & C

3\. True or False: Your friend has a cold just like the one you had
about a week ago. You have left over antibiotics that your doctor gave
to you so you should give them to your friend until he/she can see their
doctor.

4\. True or False: Once you start to feel better, you should stop taking
your antibiotic to prevent the development of resistance.

5\. True or False: If your doctor thinks that you do not have a
bacterial infection, ask about ways to help you feel better. But do not
forget to remind your provider to write you a prescription for an
antibiotic.

Answers:

1\. C

2\. E

3\. False

4\. False

5\. False

Medication Resources For You!

Elissa Wong, Pharmacy Student

Do you ever have questions about your medications, but don\'t know where
to find the answer? Are you worried about food or alcohol interactions,
side effects, available generics, or missed doses? Here are some ways to
find answers.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has a useful website called
\"Consumer Education: Ensuring Safe Use of Medicine.\" A variety of
online brochures, some also available in Spanish, cover the following
topics:

• General use of prescription and over-the-counter medicine

• Driving when you are using medicine

• Safe use of medicines for seniors.

Some useful brochures include: \"6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes\",
\"Drug Interactions: What You Should Know\", \"Driving When You are
Taking Medications\", and \"Medication and You: A Guide for Older
Adults.\" This website can be found at
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/ensuring_safe_use_text.htm.

Request printed copies by email at dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov or by phone at
1-301-827-1243 (to speak with an FDA representative) or 1-888-INFO-FDA
(automated phone system).

Another useful website is MedlinePlus. This website is perfect for
people who want to look up specific facts on drugs or herbal
supplements. You can browse or look up information using the first
letter of the drug or herbal supplement. There is also a medical
dictionary, information on general health topics, and much more.

Access this website at medlineplus.gov or for the Spanish version, go to
medlineplus.gov/spanish

Are you at the VA and have questions? VA Palo Alto has handy patient
learning kiosks. You can read or listen to information on basic health
topics. Don\'t have the time to stay at the VA? You can print out what
you need and take it home with you.

Kiosks are also available at most clinic sites in the VA Palo Alto
health care system with the exception of our Capitola site.

Can\'t find the answer you want? Do you feel more comfortable talking to
a professional? You can call and talk to a VA Palo Alto pharmacist
Monday through Friday 9 AM to 1:30 PM (except on holidays). You can
reach them at 1-800-311-2511.

Chaplain Services at VAPAHCS

Penny Philips, Chaplain

How do you think VA Staff Chaplains spend their time here in the
hospital? Chaplains do a variety of activities and provide different
kinds of support for patients, families and staff. Mainly we are here to
accompany patients during their hospital stay. Our goal is to provide a
safe and confidential atmosphere in which veterans can find support in
maintaining optimal spiritual health.

Pastoral care services include: celebrating various religious holidays;
crisis intervention; grief support; chapel programs; pre- and
post-surgery support; sacramental ministry; liaison with local community
clergy; spirituality groups; counseling and emotional support. All of
our pastoral care, assessment, and treatment are designed to address the
spiritual needs and concerns of veterans.

We provide companionship for patients during their hospital stay. We
listen, we support, we encourage, and we affirm each Veteran\'s faith
journey and personal spirituality. Sometimes chaplains will facilitate
groups to support patients in recovery programs, strengthen their faith,
or to discuss different issues.

On Sunday mornings at Palo Alto, we provide a Catholic worship service
at 9 AM and a Protestant Worship service at 10:30 AM. Every Wednesday at
12:30 PM, we have a meditation service in the Palo Alto chapel. At the
Livermore campus, there is Catholic Mass at 2 PM on Sundays in Building
64, and at 10:30 AM in the nursing home. There is also a Protestant
Service at 2:30 PM in the nursing home. At Menlo Park there are Catholic
and Protestant Sunday services. Everyone is welcome to all services.

Our VAPAHCS Staff Chaplains represent many faith groups and minister to
patients of all religious traditions. Our Chaplain Service values
diversity and strives to provide an open and supportive environment for
the pastoral and spiritual care of all our veterans.

**Tips for Healthy Living**

• Ask a friend to exercise with you.

• Share an entrée with a friend.

[www.smallstep.gov](http://www.smallstep.gov/)

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions or topics you would like

addressed in ***To Your Health*** feel free to contact:

**Rachel Grande, PharmD**

Pharmacy Practice Resident

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

3801 Miranda Avenue #119 (Pharmacy)

Palo Alto, CA 94304

\(650\) 493-5000 ext. 66573

***To Your Health*** is published quarterly for VAPAHCS veterans and
their families.

Editorial Board:

Randell K. Miyahara, PharmD

Rosemary Gill, RN, MS

Rachel Grande, PharmD

Kris Morrow

VA Palo Alto\
Health Care System Facilities

VA PALO ALTO DIVISION

3801 Miranda Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94304

\(650\) 493-5000

VA LIVERMORE DIVISION

4951 Arroyo Road

Livermore, CA 94550

\(925\) 373-4700

VA MENLO PARK DIVISION

795 Willow Road

Menlo Park, CA 94025

\(650\) 493-5000

VA CAPITOLA OPC

1350 N. 41st Street,

Suite 102

Capitola, CA 95010

\(831\) 464-5519

VA MODESTO OPC

1524 McHenry Avenue,

Suite 315

Modesto, CA 95350

\(209\) 557-6200

VA MONTEREY OPC

3401 Engineer Lane

Seaside, CA 93955

\(831\) 883-3800

VA SAN JOSE OPC

80 Great Oaks Boulevard

San Jose, CA 95119

\(408\) 363-3000

VA SONORA OPC

19747 Greenley Road

Sonora, CA 95370

\(209\) 588-2600

VA STOCKTON OPC

500 W. Hospital Road

Stockton, CA 95231

\(209\) 946-3400

World Wide Web Address:

www.palo-alto.med.va.gov