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Four common allergy questions answered

ppletcher — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:00:33 +0000

Anne M. Staveren, MD, is an allergist at our Los Angeles Medical Center. She spent some time with us this busy season to answer the four most common questions people have about allergies.

How do I know I have allergies and not a cold?

Many of the symptoms are similar, but there are important differences. Colds usually get better in three to seven days, and they rarely last longer than two weeks. But allergies may last for a month or more. Seasonal allergies occur like clockwork at certain times of year, while colds are unpredictable.

What's the best way to find out if I have allergies?

If you find your seasonal allergy symptoms are more than just a nuisance, especially if you suffer from asthma or other lung conditions, and you are not sure what is causing your allergies, talk to your primary care physician so he or she is aware of your concerns. Your doctor may refer you to a board-certified allergist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat allergic and immunologic diseases. The allergist may recommend skin or blood tests to identify your allergic triggers, like grass pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold.

How can I relieve my allergy symptoms?

First: Avoid the offenders. Once you know what causes your allergies, avoid those things if possible. For example, if you are allergic to dogs, you may want to make your dog an outside pet. Or if you're allergic to pine, you can avoid taking walks outside when the pines shed their spores in the fall.

Second: Start preventive medication a few weeks before your seasonal allergies are due and continue it daily during the season.

If you find that you react to an indoor allergen, such as pet hair, dust mites, or pollen that comes in through open windows, try the following:

Place HEPA filters in air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. They help reduce the number of small particles that can set off your allergies.
Use allergy bed covers, dust your window blinds, and reduce clutter to limit pollen, dust mites, and animal dander that get trapped indoors.
If these two actions don't ease your symptoms, allergy shots may help reduce your sensitivity to allergens.

Can allergies make my asthma worse?

Yes. Some allergens can trigger asthma attacks. Gaining greater control of the postnasal drip and secondary sinus infections that often accompany nasal allergies can help you stop asthma attacks. During your season of allergies, take extra care to monitor your asthma so it doesn't get out of control.

Know when to see a doctor this cold and flu season

admin10kavesian — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:43:25 +0000

Chances are you or someone close to you has been sniffling and coughing. But can you tell if it's a cold or the flu? Could it be the swine flu? What should you do if the symptoms get worse?

About H1N1

"In general, the H1N1 swine flu is not more serious than regular seasonal flu," says Jared Spotkov, MD, chief of infectious diseases at our South Bay Medical Center and physician lead of our Pandemic Influenza Team in Southern California.

"However, pregnant women, younger persons (3 to 18 years), and people with chronic conditions like asthma are at greater risk of more severe illness, and that's why these groups in particular should be sure to receive the H1N1 vaccination this season."

The signs of H1N1 infection are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, and most people recover effectively at home with rest and over-the-counter remedies to manage fever, aches, and cough. But there are some potentially serious symptoms that you should immediately see a doctor about.

When you should take your child to the doctor

Get medical care immediately if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

has unusually fast breathing or trouble breathing
shows bluish or grayish skin color
experiences severe or persistent vomiting
is not drinking enough fluids or is unable to keep down fluids
is lacking tears when crying, which indicates dehydration
is so irritable that he or she doesn't want to be held
is not interacting or not waking up

When you should see a doctor

Get medical care immediately if you or an adult family member shows any of the following symptoms:

has chest pain or difficulty breathing
shows purple or blue discoloration of the lips
is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
shows signs of dehydration like dizziness when standing or lack of urination
is experiencing seizures
is less responsive than normal or shows signs of confusion

"The occurrence of these or other severe symptoms require medical attention, whether or not this is from the flu," advises Spotkov. He adds, "Many times there are very mild or few symptoms with cold and flu viral infections."

Kaiser Permanente makes the Fast Company World’s Most Innovative Companies list

admin10kavesian — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:00:55 +0000

For helping pave the way for change in the health care industry, Kaiser Permanente was named the fifth most innovative health care company in the world by Fast Company magazine.

In the publication's annual 2010 Most Innovative Companies issue, we were recognized for pioneering a shared electronic health record system with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as for the cutting-edge research being done at our Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center.

The shared health record system with the VA

The pilot program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs enables clinicians from the VA and Kaiser Permanente to share patient data, such as medical history and medication and allergy information, to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health.

This groundbreaking program is the first to tackle the challenges of sharing data across different electronic health information systems. With the ultimate aim of improved quality of care, patient safety, and overall efficiency, the program could become a model for information exchange among medical institutions nationwide.

The Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center

Opened in 2006, the Garfield Center is a one-of-a-kind testing ground for the development of new technologies, practices, physical environments, and clinical operations in health care.

Bringing our doctors, nurses, and volunteers together in a common research setting—which includes the unprecedented Digital Operating Room of the Future—research at the center identifies promising new products and practices to be piloted in the clinical environment.

Current and past initiatives have included an award-winning medication error reduction program, simplified exam room and mini family clinic concepts, a handheld computer tablet for nurses and physicians, and a knowledge exchange program for nurses that allows for more efficient data transfer between nursing shifts.

Making the list

In selecting those companies worthy of the "world's most innovative" designation, Fast Company’s editorial team analyzes information on thousands of businesses across the globe. Beyond revenue growth and high profit margins, they seek to recognize companies with creative models and progressive cultures that define innovation across the business landscape.

Dispatches from Haiti

admin10kavesian — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:02:39 +0000

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, a number of Kaiser Permanente physicians and nurses who are trained in disaster relief have been on the front lines, helping in every way possible.

Many of our caregivers are sharing their moving, firsthand stories on the blog "Dispatches from Haiti." Visit the blog for updates, and feel free to leave an encouraging comment.

For Kaiser Permanente employees

Literally thousands of Kaiser Permanente employees have expressed interest in joining the relief effort. Physicians, nurses, and other support staff should visit the “For the People of Kaiser Permanente” section in the right navigation of the blog for a link to an internal site where you can learn more about the relief efforts and how to get involved.

Haiti relief efforts include team from Kaiser Permanente

admin11kcesarz — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:07:36 +0000

Some Kaiser Permanente physicians and nurses who are trained in disaster relief have arrived in Haiti to provide first-hand help. They're sharing their stories and photos from the field on their blog, "Dispatches from Haiti."

How you can help

In addition to volunteering your time locally, financial contributions are a good way to help in the relief effort. On January 16, 2010, Kaiser Permanente donated $500,000 to four key organizations on the ground in Haiti. You, too, can help by donating any amount to these organizations:

As needs arise, Kaiser Permanente will be ready to provide further resources and emergency caregivers. Like the rest of the world, we send our hearts and thoughts to the people in Haiti.

The correlation between belly fat and dementia

admin11kcesarz — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:09:14 +0000

A 2008 study in the journal Neurology found that having a few extra pounds around your belly in midlife can increase your chances of suffering from dementia later in life.

The study, led by Rachel Whitmer, PhD, uncovered the following key findings:

People who were overweight and had a large belly were 2.7 times more likely to develop dementia than people with a normal weight and belly size. Abdominal obesity is a waistline measuring greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.
People who were both obese and had a large belly were 3.6 times more likely to develop dementia.
People who were not overweight but had extra belly fat nonetheless were 1.9 times more likely to develop dementia.

These findings are important because, while it's well known that a lot of belly fat increases risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, this is the first time researchers made a distinct connection between belly fat and risk of dementia.

Dr. Whitmer, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California, says, "Considering that 50 percent of adults in this country have abdominal obesity, this is a disturbing finding."

What's more, Dr. Whitmer adds, "These findings imply that the dangerous effects of abdominal obesity on the brain may start long before the signs of dementia appear."

Researchers studied 6,583 Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California who had their belly fat measured between 1964 and 1973 (when they were in their forties). An average of 36 years later, they determined that 16 percent had been diagnosed with dementia.

All in all, this study is further proof that reducing body fat with diet and exercise isn't just good for your body—it's good for your mind.

Check out Dr. Whitmer's television appearance on KGO-TV, ABC's "The View from the Bay" on April 1, 2008, where she discusses the correlation between belly fat and dementia.

Electronic health records save patients time and money

admin11kcesarz — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:55:20 +0000

One of the most radical ways to reform health care is probably the least controversial.

Electronic health records are saving both time and money while revolutionizing and improving the way we treat you when you need care. Following are just some of the benefits of electronic health records:

Efficiency
• Diagnosis and treatment written down on paper can sometimes be hard to read or can be incomplete. Having your total medical history (including all your prescribed medications, for example) can often be the key to solving a medical puzzle.

Coordination
• Electronic records mean doctors can communicate more easily, improving diagnosis and the quality of care. For example, your family doctor can share vital information with a specialist (or number of specialists), saving you time in the office or maybe even your life in an emergency.

Safety
• Without electronic medical records, every time you go to a doctor's office you have to fill out new forms that include personal information. Every time that paperwork is handed back and forth or moved from office to office there is a chance that your private information might be compromised.

Portability
• If you move or change jobs, electronic health records make it easier for your medical history to go with you. And if your doctor retires or changes practice, those records won't get lost in the shuffle.

Empowerment
• Having access to important parts of your own health record when you want them will help you make vital decisions, such as treatment options, and stay informed so you can get well and stay well.

Learn more about our electronic health record.

Did You Know — H1N1

admin11kcesarz — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:30:37 +0000

Did you know that most people who have become ill with the H1N1 virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment? Learn how to spot the symptoms and treat the H1N1 flu.

Exploring best practices in health care reform

admin11kcesarz — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:35:58 +0000

The road to high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans may be bumpy in Washington, D.C., but across the country groups are coming together to improve outcomes and lower costs.

Teamwork, technology, and coordinated care were the topics of a national forum hosted by the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Institute and the National Labor College.

"As a nation, we need to improve access to care, reduce costs, and ensure quality care for all," said George Halvorson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente. "Team-based care, supported by technology, is essential to achieving that vision."

Read how we are working to lower costs and improve patient care.

Changing the way we manage disease through electronic health records

admin11kcesarz — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:31:22 +0000

Is kidney disease just the beginning?

A new, five-year project shows that the use of electronic health records by specialty and primary care doctors can lead to improved care and early intervention for those with serious health issues like kidney disease.

"The goal with kidney disease is to detect it early enough to make changes that will slow the disease down. If you're more likely to end up with kidney failure, we want to reach you in time to help prepare you for successful dialysis treatment," said Brian J. Lee, MD, the paper's lead author.

Learn more about the electronic health records project.