Do You Have Weight Gain After Your 3ariatric Surgery? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A TUNE-UP? WE DO A NO INCISION ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE Call 248-546-2600 For a Free Consultation With Dr. Gary Katz, DO Bariatric Surgeon Board Certified I ///// / 8/4 V001111 1111 1111.1111 v\„ 140 „,„,,,,„, 160 ,, ,, iR /// ///. /,/ 12 4, "\ -...„ nn \‘'n \$, 50 70 ,,„ 8 0 .110 zi-30 =,,20 fi r ni 100= 240 10 k 0 130 \vs 260 280 \ 120, ? 310 8/ \\\\\\\\\ 27483 Dequindre, Suite 301, Madison Heights, MI 48071 health & wellness Spreading Awareness College students should guard against bacterial meningitis. Ruthan Brodsky Special to the Jewish News E mily Stillman of West Bloomfield, a funny, sassy sophomore at Kalamazoo College, died Feb. 3 of this year of bacterial meningitis. No one knows how Emily con- tracted the illness, and none of her roommates displayed symptoms. "When we sent our daughter off to college, we gave her our parental advice regarding drinking, drugs and safe sex," Alicia Stillman, her mother, says. "We never told her to be aware of meningitis?' Alicia and Michael Stillman believe parents should add that last piece of information to their advice list for their children, especially those going off to college. "In some small way, Alicia and I want to make a difference," Michael Stillman says. "We also want parents and health care professionals and college-age children themselves to be more aware of the flu-like symptoms and the headache?' "We're concerned that children aren't getting vaccinations," Alicia says. "Emily was vaccinated, but she died from a bacterial strain that is not covered by the vaccination in the U.S. It is covered in the European Meningitis Symptoms MOI ' Mg 11 Cakw Cupcakes ( "a _ 4 Cookies & More!!! 1 -- ■•■ 1110r Cookie Kits 248.626.9110 On the Boardwalk * 6879 Orchard Lake Rd. * West Bloomfield www.da kota b read .com Log on to JNonline.us giveaways • forums • calendars VISIT JNonline.us 68 July 25 • 2013 Symptoms of meningococcal dis- ease are usually a sudden fever, headache and stiff neck. It often begins as if a person had the flu because it also can cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, a rash and confusion. "In the U.S. three meningococ- cal vaccines are available that can prevent four types of meningococ- cal disease," Gordon says. "This represents about 70 percent of the cases in this country. "Viral meningitis occurs more often than bacterial meningitis and it is milder," he says. "It usually happens in the late summer and early fall. Symptoms usually disap- pear within two weeks. vaccines. We've been told it will take at least five more years before it becomes available here. It could have saved our daughter's life?' Dr. James Gordon, M.D., chief of infectious disease at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township, says, "Children need to be protected from bacterial meningitis with the meningococcal vaccine at age 11 or 12. They should then receive a booster at age 16-18, or before they go to college. These are the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)" Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens and young adults. It is the danger- ous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that usually results from these bacteria. Gordon acknowledges that the routine vaccination and booster may not be 100 percent effective, but says they have a relatively high efficacy (80-90 percent) of preventing the majority of strains of the disease. "When MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) was first used to vaccinate 11- to 12-year-olds, the expectation was that it offered pro- tection for 10 years" Gordon says. "Now it's known that may not be the case, and a booster dose at age 16-17 is recommended?' "You can't tell if you have bac- terial or viral meningitis by how you feel. Your physician examines and tests you to determine the type. Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis, but are used to treat bacterial meningitis." According to Gordon, one of the best steps to prevent men- ingitis is to wash your hands. Careful hand-washing is impor- tant to avoid exposure to infec- tious agents in general. Another good habit is to use good hygiene by not sharing drinks, straws, lipsticks or toothbrushes. He also advises covering your mouth when you need to cough or sneeze, and keeping your immune system up by getting enough rest and eating well. ❑