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Across the Fence:  Fox News: 50% Of Our Meat has MRSA!  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 19 2012 : 10:30:49 AM
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http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/19/antibiotics-can-be-their-own-worst-enemy/
During a busy office day, I can be as guilty as the next doctor - dispensing an antibiotic under pressure to a patient for what I believe is likely a viral infection. Antibiotics don’t treat viruses, yet many doctors respond with a knee-jerk prescription to the clogged sinuses or cough of an upper respiratory infection.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed no difference in treating sinus infections with antibiotics versus without them; 95 percent of upper respiratory infections have been shown to be viral, and yet 20 percent of the antibiotics we doctors prescribe are for sinus infections.
What is the result of this over prescribing? It leads to the emergence of more resistant bacteria among millions of colonies. It’s survival of the fittest, as those which are resistant are the ones which survive. This is also true with livestock, as we over treat our cattle with cephalosporins and resistant bacteria take over. As a result, 50 percent of our meat contains MRSA – a contagious staph bacterium.
Back in the 19th century, people died of minor infections, such as a common scratch. That's why the average lifespan was below 50 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried that could be the case again if our current practices of over-treatment continue. Whether or not this concern is an overstatement, we still need to be apprehensive.
Our hospitals are filthy, and several studies have shown that they breed resistant bacteria because of overuse of antibiotics combined with inadequate sterilization.
Tuberculosis (TB) resistance is also a growing problem for the same reasons. Eight percent of TB cases in the U.S. are multi-drug resistant, and there is a 50 percent mortality rate from these infections.
So what is there to do? In addition to prescribing less and cleaning our hospitals more, we are faced with the fact that drug companies aren't motivated to make new antibiotics. This is because these drugs are mainly used episodically to treat short term illnesses - as opposed to some drugs, like Viagra or statins, that we use every day. It is difficult to overcome this problem without some kind of incentive.
In the meantime, we continue to breed resistant bacteria but we don't have the antibiotics to keep up with them. I can still treat you for an infected cut or scratch, though it is becoming more difficult to do so.
Marc Siegel MD is an associate professor of medicine and medical director of Doctor Radio at NYU Langone Medical Center. He is author of The Inner Pulse: Unlocking the Secret Code of Sickness and Health and is a member of the Fox News Medical A Team.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2012 : 11:52:46 AM
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Oh to be sure antibiotics are overprescribed. I am amazed at how widely the statins are prescribed and how the patient rarely knows that in the case of the generics such as simavastatin the active ingredient is synthetic derived fermentation product of aspergillus terreus...a fungus mold. So many people are allergic to this mold. My uncle developed the serious muscle disorder from statins and ultimately died from it. In short months he went to having to use a cane, to wheel chair, to dialysis and death. Sisters, please research your Rx before taking them and discuss it with your doctor. I know they are busy but it is an exchange and you must insist even if it means making a separate appointment. My sister who is a social worker caught MRSA from going to juvenile services and greeting a teen there. The other lady social worker who was with her gave the teen a supportive hug also came down with MRSA and was hospitalized for weeks. I think MRSA is out there more than we are aware.
It is always a careful decision between M.D. and yourself to weigh the benefits vs. risks in your care. It is more work but worth it and should in the end build a better relationship with your doctor.
Respectfully yours,
Annie |
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YakLady
True Blue Farmgirl
652 Posts
Natalie
Montana
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2012 : 8:51:37 PM
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The meat problem is more related to pre-emptive/over-dosing of our country's meat supply herds.
I do remember about 10 years ago anytime I or any of my friends had a little congestion and green snot, we got a Z-pac (Zithromax). Talk about excessive.
I really wish that people would look at things like C. diff and MRSA as serious issues and think before they pop pills.
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, and a few dogs. Looking to add heritage rabbits. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2012 : 04:53:51 AM
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I just had a really bad sinus infection that led to a bad cough and something in my chest, but I just stayed home since Thursday. My mom urged me to go to the doctor and I probably should have once it got to my chest, but I am actually pretty happy that I seem to be beating this thing without antibiotics. I have had to take so many antibiotics when I had my tonsils because I would re-infect myself and would be sick so so so much. I worry that my body could have built up some sort of resistance. I am trying to go without antibiotics for as long as possible to see if that helps reset my system.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2012 : 11:41:16 AM
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Alee, that's the best way to do it. I hate antibiotics. The few times I have taken them, I have gotten a horrible yeast infection. I would so much rather be sick. And I hate to give my animals antibiotics but sometimes I just have to. I will try other things first though. But sometimes they just need them to get over that hump and get better. I am going to be taking a class in May at a farm that is totally grass fed. So hopefully I can learn more about intensive grazing and holistic treatment. This guy never vacinates his animals doing this. I wish more people would be aware of healthier alternatives. And I hope I never have to buy meat again.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 04:52:06 AM
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That is great Kris!! I know that I much prefer to get better without antibiotics if I can and same with my husband. We rarely have to give any of our animals antibiotics- but I am sure glad they are there for when we really do need them. I hope your class goes well! I am really looking forward to raising out own meat next year!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 03:37:36 AM
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Instead of antibiotics, try garlic.
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 03:59:44 AM
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I guess that with overstocking of so many head of cattle dosing with antibiotics has to be done
It's common practice, that when a calf is born to dose it with antibiotics and vitamins and send it on its way.
The same thing is done with piglets. For some reason, if this is nt done, there is more risk of the young animal dying. Not sure why.
We do this in the zoo field too.
Would be super curious to know if there is a super hardy beef and dairy cow out there that is more hardy than your typical gurnsey or gersy or herford that doesn't need antibiotics |
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Across the Fence: Fox News: 50% Of Our Meat has MRSA! |
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Fox News: 50% Of Our Meat has MRSA!
