It's not too late to get vaccinated!

Although the flu is on everyone’s mind with severe outbreaks reported nationwide, Oregon hasn't been severely affected—OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital would like to keep it that way.  You can help control influenza activity in our community by getting vaccinated. It's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones!

For the past three years, OHSU Doernbecher has given free flu vaccines to its patients' parents and other adult close contacts. This “Free Vaccine for Parents Cocooning Project” is intended to protect OHSU Doernbecher’s youngest and most vulnerable patients by “cocooning” them from infection by ensuring everyone they come into contact with has been immunized.

Have you been vaccinated yet?  Read how you can help control the spread of flu in your community on OHSU’s Healthy Families blog.

-Lacey 

How to quit smoking in 2013 - The OHSU Effect

We’re nearing one month into 2013—are you still adhering to your New Year’s resolutions?  If you’re struggling to make 2013 smoke-free, you may benefit from additional help. There’s no solution that works for everyone and getting help from an expert can make a real difference.

OHSU’s smoking cessation expert talks about several different ways you can successfully quit on OHSU’s 96k blog.  Head over there for tips and more health & science posts written by OHSU experts.

Why do women suffer more strokes? - The OHSU Effect

Contrary to popular belief, strokes are more common in women than in men.  We’re still trying to understand why, and researchers at OHSU are on the case.  Part of it relates to the fact that strokes increase with age, and women live longer than men, but there are other possible factors being researched as well. 

Right now, women should know and monitor the risk factors that increase their chances of having a stroke: high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Read more on OHSU’s On the Brain blog and let me know what you think.

-Lacey

When kids get stomach bugs, staying hydrated is No. 1 priority - The OHSU Effect

Oregon’s cold and flu season is in full swing and that means it’s also that time of year for a variety of stomach and intestinal viruses to make an appearance.  Commonly referred to as the “stomach flu,” these gastrointestinal bugs are particularly troublesome for children.  Dehydration is the number one concern in children due to significant loss of fluids as a result of near-constant vomiting and diarrhea.

Dr. Ben Hoffman, Medical Director at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, has provided tips on caring for kids who've been hit by a nasty stomach bug on the OHSU Doernbecher’s Healthy Families blog.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

-Lacey

Meet your weight loss resolution this year - The OHSU Effect

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or eat better this year along with millions of Americans?  Generic resolutions without a game plan are much more likely to fall by the wayside.  An Oregon Health & Science University dietitian recommends setting specific, achievable goals in order to improve your health this year.  See her top three eating-related tips on how you can get healthy and happy on OHSU’s 96k blog.

-Lacey

Do you remember New Year’s Eve? - The OHSU Effect

Have you forgotten New Year’s parties of years past—perhaps you enjoyed them too much?  Blackouts from drinking too much are far too common, especially among young people who are more likely to binge drink, but they can happen to anyone.

According to Kathy Grant, Ph.D., on OHSU’s On The Brain Blog, the areas in our brain that are related to memory are more sensitive to alcohol than other parts of our brains. Grant suggests eating a full meal before you drink, drinking in moderation, and sipping your drinks to ensure you remember everything from your New Year’s celebration.

Learn more on OHSU’s On The Brain Blog.

-Lacey