Fifty cases of E. coli, leading to multiple hospitalizations and one death, have caused the FDA to issue a warning to consumers about bagged fresh spinach. The outbreak of E. coli in multiple states seems to be linked to the consumption of produce with bagged spinach being tagged as the possible cause.

“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,” said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

E. coli causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. The very young and the elderly are at particular risk for developing the most serious complication of E. coli – HUS or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. It can lead to kidney failure and death.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile the FDA advises consumers not to eat bagged spinach at this time. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have had symptoms of illness following the consumption of bagged spinach.

The National Fire Protection Association has conducted studies to determine the effectiveness of auditory smoke alarm signals in alerting sleeping adults 65+. The study used a variety of tones including a male voice alarm speaking words of warning (Fire, Danger, Wake Up).

The different auditory signals were played to study participants between 65 and 85 years old when they were in deep sleep. Each signal was played from 35 dBA to 95 dBA to sleeping participants who would press a bedside button upon awaking. The goal was to measure the auditory arousal threshold among older adults.

The study concluded that the current high-frequency T-3 signal currently used in smoke alarms is not effective for sleeping adults over 65. They found a mixed T-3 signal was effective at lower volumes than the high-frequency T-3 signal and that the male voice alarm was the least effective of all.

Key Recommendation: The high frequency alarm signal currently found in smoke alarms should be replaced by an alternative signal that performs significantly better in awakening most of the adult population, once the nature of the best signal has been determined.

Read the full report here

Falls are responsible for more deaths than heart attack and stroke in people age 65 and over. 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls and more than half, 55% of all falls, occur in the home. Falls can lead to serious injury and those who fall 2-3 times are more likely to fall again.

The National Safety Council recommends that you modify your home environment to reduce the common risks that cause trips and falls. Here are some tips:

* Use contrasting colors on floors and walls, lighter colors on floors is recommended.

* Keep walking surfaces level as much as possible. Use skid resistant surfaces on floors, rough tiles or carpets with short, dense pile. Avoid shag carpets and changes in walking surfaces from room to room.

* Keep it well lit. As we age we need brighter light than we did when we were in our twenties.

* Mount light fixtures on the wall within reach and use fixtures that have two bulbs. Make sure light switches are at the entrance to rooms.

* Watch out for extension and phone cords. Keep them short and out of the way. Do not run them under carpet as it could be a fire hazard.

* Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom to minimize falls in the tub and when rising from the toilet.

* Handrails on stairs should extend beyond the last step at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Remove padded carpet treads from stairs. If possible, use a strip of bright color at the edge of each step.

Other Resources:

WebMD – Preventing Harm in Your Own House

NSC.org – Designs on Building Safe Homes for the Elderly

Keeping cool in the summer is a problem for everyone but it is especially crucial for seniors who may suffer ill effects of extreme heat. The elderly are at high risk from hyperthermia during the hot and humid weather. Many times, medications they take for other conditions can lower their ability to regulate body temperature and as we age that ability can wane naturally as well.

There are important tips that can help reduce the incidence of hyperthermia in hot summer months.

* Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t think you are thirst.

*Avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine, these contribute to dehydration.

* Use air-conditioning if you have it. Fans used indoors can create a “wind chill” effect and lower the indoor temperature by 4 degrees farenheit even without air conditioning. If you have AC, a ceiling fan will let you lower the setting on it without raising the indoor temperature.

* If you can’t keep cool indoors, try spending the day at the local mall or some other place that is air-conditioned, such as a senior center or library.

* Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing made of cotton or other natural fibers that “breathe”.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke is the more dangerous of the two and is a life-threatening situation. If you suffer any of the symptoms of hyperthermia, seek medical attention immediately

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

* Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
* Headache.
* Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
* Nausea.
* The skin may or may not feel hot.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

* Vomiting.
* Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
* High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105ºF).
* Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
* Rapid, weak pulse.
* Rapid, shallow breathing.