Sharing Insulin Pens: Are You Putting Patients at Risk?

Sharing Insulin Pens: Are You Putting Patients at Risk?

E ase of administration, accuracy, and convenience are among the hallmark characteristics of insulin pens. These devices, which have gained popularity over the past 10 years, are designed to be used multiple times for a single person, using a new needle for each injection. Unfortunately, reports of themisuse of insulin pens also have been growing. Backflow of blood and other biologic material i...

Adult tonsillectomy--are long waiting lists putting patients at risk?

There is a paucity of data on morbidity associated with long waiting lists for adult tonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity associated with long waiting lists for adult tonsillectomy in a developing world setting. Of 350 patients on the waiting list at Groote Schuur Hospital for 18 months or more, only 55 were contactable. This low yield (15.7%) from the telephonic sur...

Are you at risk for hepatitis B?

Sharing drug using equipment Sharing equipment for injection and non-injection drugs such as needles, cottons, cookers, ties, straws, pipes and even water are some of the easiest ways to get hepatitis C. Even the smallest amounts of blood that you may not be able to see can transmit the virus. Making sure your equipment stays personal and isn’t shared with anyone will help you stay healthy. If ...

Hepatitis B: are you at risk?

Are you at risk for oral cancer?

• Check your mouth for symptoms. If you see a problem, call your dentist. • Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can do a screening for oral cancer during a regular exam. • Don’t smoke or drink. If you drink and smoke at the same time, your risk multiplies, since alcohol increases the absorption of the toxic chemicals in tobacco. • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. • A sor...