Recognizing the Impact of Antibiotics

By Cody Randel

Antibiotics save and improve countless lives every day. However, antibiotic resistance is something we need to understand and face together. November 18 – 24 is Antibiotic Awareness Week in the U.S. and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week on a global scale. Antimicrobial resistance of any kind can impact everyone.

Antibiotics are part of the antimicrobial family, which also includes antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. These medicines kill infections and diseases. Without them, humans will have a much more difficult time fighting and surviving diseases. Fortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) saw this growing problem and has made it a priority. Because diseases become more difficult to treat as antibiotic resistance increases, it will make all antimicrobials less effective.

WHO’s Five Goals to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

  • Raise awareness 
  • Increase monitoring and research
  • Reduce infections
  • Maximize the use of antimicrobial medications 
  • Sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other interventions

We rely on antibiotics to help us recover from what may seem like minor illnesses today. But these illnesses could become life-threatening if antibiotic resistance increases.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is increasing in all parts of the world. Changing this is a big job that requires all of us to do our part. Here are six ways you can help:

  • Only use antibiotics prescribed to you by a certified health professional.
  • Never demand antibiotics from your health worker. If you need them, they will prescribe them.
  • Always follow directions for taking medications.
  • Never share any prescriptions.
  • Prevent illnesses by washing your hands and staying away from people who are sick.
  • Get vaccinated and stay up to date on seasonal vaccines like flu.

If you have questions about medications you are taking, or about vaccines you may need, talk to your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, request an appointment with one of our providers.

2019-2020 Influenza Vaccine Season – FAQ

By: Taylor Lukas, PA-C

Every year, the influenza virus causes unwanted, often severe, upper respiratory infections across the US during the months of October-May.

Influenza viruses A and B are the culprits for these infections, and if contracted, can cause

  • high fevers
  • severe coughing
  • fatigue
  • body aches
  • other upper respiratory symptoms

Consequences of this infection can range from physical discomfort and missed days from work for a young, healthy adult, to potentially severe and life-threatening complications for small children, chronically ill adults, pregnant women, and the elderly population. In the 2018-2019 season, the CDC estimated there were over 530,000 hospitalizations and over 37,000 deaths associated with influenza! Fortunately, we have an annual vaccine that targets the anticipated strains of the virus for that season and can help reduce our risk of infection! Below are a few commonly asked questions and concerns regarding the flu vaccine to help you make an informed decision.

Who should get the influenza vaccine, and when?

The flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC for all patients over 6 months of age (that do not have a contraindication to the vaccine). The vaccine is HIGHLY recommended for any adult with chronic medical conditions such as

  • asthma/COPD
  • diabetes
  • chronic kidney or liver disease
  • HIV
  • cancer
  • morbid obesity
  • elderly patients >65 years of age
  • pregnant women are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated due to risks associated with contracting the virus during pregnancy.

The ideal time to be vaccinated is before November, however it is beneficial to be vaccinated at any time during the flu season!

I am fairly healthy and don’t get sick often! Why do I need to get the influenza vaccine?

Even if the virus may not be more than an inconvenience to you, it could mean a life-threatening situation if you are to accidentally pass it along to an elderly or sick individual! You are helping protect others that may be unable to get the vaccine, as well as yourself, when you get vaccinated! Additionally, if you do catch the flu despite getting the vaccine, immunization is shown to reduce the SEVERITY and LENGTH of the illness, which allows you to get back to feeling better faster!

I always feel under the weather after I get the flu vaccine. Can I get sick from the flu vaccine?

The influenza vaccine typically administered contains an inactivated (dead) virus, so it is impossible to contract influenza from the vaccine itself. The most common side effect of a flu vaccine is arm soreness for 2-3 days after administration. Some patients report experiencing a mild headache, fatigue, or body aches after receiving the vaccine, however studies do not support a direct relationship between the vaccine itself and these symptoms. These mild potential side effects pale in comparison to the influenza symptoms that you will have protection from!

The start of the 2019-2020 influenza season is quickly approaching! Please come in and see us at any of our NOAH locations to receive a flu vaccine! Your medical provider can answer any additional questions or concerns at your office visit, and choose the flu vaccine that is appropriate for you! Here’s to a happy and healthy winter season!

The Measles – Are You Vaccinated?

By Chris Sweeney, RN – Quality Manager
“The measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can spread quickly, so if you or your child are not vaccinated against the disease there is a risk of getting measles,” says Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
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Measles – Answers to All Your Questions!

By Dr. Amit Jain, Pediatrician

What is measles?
It is a once common childhood illness, now much rarer, thanks to the advent of the measles vaccine.
Read more

And the award goes to …

“I’m especially proud of the #teen #award as it’s our 4th year in a row for NOAH Heuser Family Medicine Center. Our staff are doing an amazing job in promoting & educating our patients about vaccinations. We’re doing our part to #immunize those that are able to receive #vaccines,” says Melody Dockery-Chleva, Practice Manager at NOAH Heuser Family Medicine Center. Are your child’s #vaccinations up to date? Schedule an annual well-child visit & find out! Don’t forget to bring your #shotrecords. To schedule an apt., please call 480-882-4545!

2018 NOAH Desert Mission Back to School Health Checks

Last Saturday we hosted an awesome Back to School event at our Desert Mission Community Health Center providing FREE Back-to-school health checks! A special thanks to our friends at BHHS Legacy Foundation @MercyCare for their generous support of our programs and services.

2018 NOAH Palomino Back to School Health Checks

Last Saturday we hosted an awesome Back to School event at our Palomino Health Center providing FREE Back-to-school health checks! A special thanks to our friends @MercyCare for their generous support of our programs and services. Saturday, August 11, 2018 is our last FREE Back-to-School event from 9-3pm @ our Desert Mission Community Health Center. Learn more and schedule at KIDS.NOAHHELPS.ORG or call 480-882-4545! Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers – AACHC National Association of Community Health Centers #NHCW18 #CHCSuperPower #ValueCHCs


National Immunization Awareness Month

By Chris Sweeney, RN, NOAH Quality Manager

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2017 Back To School Health Checks

On Wednesday, July 26th NOAH participated in Covering the Bases: Back-to-School 2017 @ Scottsdale Stadium presented by The City of Scottsdale. Over 1000 Students attended the event.

NOAH provided dental screenings and scheduled back to school immunizations and well child exams at our clinic on Saturday, July 29th.