It is impossible to turn on the television without hearing about the recent passing of Michael Jackson. The official autopsy results are being released later this week and news outlets are reporting various causes of death. The most reported cause is Michael Jackson’s ALLEGED addiction to pain killers which led to his death at such a young age.  However, people have abused pain pills long before Michael!

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, while most people do not abuse their prescription drugs when prescribed, an estimated 20 percent of the American population (ages 12 and older) has used prescription drugs for nonmedical uses in their lifetimes. In 2004, a survey revealed that 9.3 percent of 12^th graders had used Vicodin and 5 percent had used Oxy-Contin without a prescription in the past year.  These are clear examples of drug abuse.  

People tend to abuse prescription drugs more easily than street drugs because they believe the myth that they are achieving a medically-safe high. Prescription drugs are often attained easily from friends or relatives making it an easy to attain and less threatening than street drugs.

Prescription drugs such as opioids, depressants, and stimulants which alter brain activity and therefore lead to addiction.  

Opioids: Codeine, Oxy-Contin, Vicodin, Percocet- prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and the gastrointestinal tract to block the perception of pain. They are abused because of their euphoric, sedating and numbing effects.  Long term effects include tolerance and adaptation to the drug. Over time, a single large dose of an opioid could lead to severe respiratory depression which causes death.

CNS Depressants: Xanax, Valium, Librium- used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.  These sedatives and tranquilizers slow brain activity to make the person drowsy or more calm. A tolerance to the drugs becomes a result and higher doses are necessary to achieve the initial effects.

Stimulants: Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia, Adderall, Concerta-used to treat ADD/ADHD and other conditions such as narcolepsy. These drugs increase alertness, attention and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure and increase heart rate and respiration. Stimulants enhance the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals found in the brain often causing a sense of euphoria. Long term effects of abusing these drugs include dangerously high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and even at times cardiovascular failure leading to life threatening seizures.

A person becomes addicted to prescription drugs when they begin to use the drugs in ways other than those prescribed. Ways to treat addiction include behavioral and pharmacological. Behavioral treatment, such as counseling, teaches the patient how to function without the drug in their life, how to avoid situations with drugs, how to handle cravings and to even cope with a relapse.  Pharmacological treatment, used to treat opioid addictions, requires the use of a different drug to help with withdrawal symptoms, treat an overdose or help overcome drug cravings.

 If you even think you  or someone you love MAY have a problem with prescription or non- prescription drugs, GET HELP!  Many times this is a problem that requires the help of many… Your primary care physician is a good place to start!

Call 504-363-4711 if you do not already have a primary care doc.  You can even make an appointment online at www.valentinemedcenter.com.

Experience is not the only teacher!  Share your story so others may learn… 

It’s summer time and with it comes warm, beautiful weather.  We all will be spending some more time outside in the next few months, so I think it’s important to be educated on exactly your body is experiencing when exposed to the sun.

As we all know, there are some risks to prolonged sun exposure, the most common being sunburn.  However, exposure to the sun is very important.  In small amounts, it can provide as much vitamin D as 100 glasses of milk.  Vitamin D is important for bone health.

Sun light is made of UVA and UVB rays.  It’s the UVB rays that are more harmful to the skin.  It’s important to know that, even if it is cloudy or overcast outside, your skin is still being exposed to UVB.  Sun exposure can be harsher at places near the equator and at high altitudes.  Most people rack up 50-80% of their lifetime sun exposure before they are 18, so it’s very important to keep en eye on children

                                            SUNBURNS                                         
 Regardless of your race or ethnic background, YOU can get a sunburn!  The more burns you experience the higher your risk for skin cancer.  Sun burns can begin about 30 minutes after being in the sun.  Redness and irritation will begin about 2-4 hours after exposure and the peak of your symptoms occur between 12 and 16 hours.

Sun burns can generally go untreated, but seek medical attention if you begin to experience blisters, nausea and fainting.  These could be signs of more serious conditions

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion usually occurs when someone is playing or exercising outdoors and is more severe than a sunburn.  It typically occurs when someone depletes their internal “water supply” and their body is unable to produce sweat and cool itself down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.  If you experience the lesser of these symptoms, you may not have to seek medical help.  Just be sure to drink plenty of water and move into the shade.  If you begin to experience fainting, then proceed to the nearest hospital.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion.  It is actually a form of hyperthermia where your body is at an abnormal temperature and can be fatal if not treated immediately.  Causes of heat stroke include dehydration and symptoms sometimes mimic a heart attack.  They include difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, hallucinations, confusion and seizure.

Most susceptible to heat stroke are infants, seniors, outdoor workers and athletes.  To treat, immediately call 911, take the victim to a shaded area and give them plenty of water.

PREVENTION

Of course, it is unrealistic to deny yourself any exposure to the sun, nor is it health.  To prevent any of these ailments, be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the sun and avoid caffeine, alcohol and tea.

Any questions?  Feel free to comment and post about your experiences with sun exposure and your tips for staying hydrated this summer.