by Dr. Wayne Peate 5/15/09

Though most of you may know me as Dr. Peate, Wayne, or some form of “hey you” I am also known as Farmer Peate by my daughter who came up with the nickname.  I’ve tried my hand at growing orange, grapefruit and pomegranate trees, a pony, alpacas, and tropical fish. One of my most practical projects has been a brood of chickens. Now they might not have serene quality of fish floating in an aquarium or the alpacas grazing, but they provide great nutrition. 

Eggs have all the essential proteins and are an excellent source of vitamin B12. Be aware that egg yolks contain all of the cholesterol. So if you want to keep that under control, do what I do for breakfast. Eat four eggs, but give three of the yolks away. In my case to my dog (of course I have a dog I’m a farmer aren’t I?). Two other reasons to raise chickens was I could prove to my kids that food doesn't come from a plastic wrapper, and we no longer waste food---all scraps go to the birds.

I’m always keen to boast a little about my flock. But the reason I’m bringing up eggs today is that you might know that they are essential to influenza vaccine production.  The Swine Flu vaccine, for example, will be produced by incubating the virus in chicken eggs. Take a look at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8029917.stm. 

For additional information about how you can raise your own chickens see this week’s Arizona Daily Star article about the economic benefits of raising your very own chickens in a backyard coop.  Raising chickens is a cheap and easy way to have an inexpensive protein source every day. If you’re interested they are giving a chicken coop tour on May 23rd from 9am-1pm. For more details see http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/292469.php . 

Here’s a fun fact that could come in handy; if you’re wondering if your eggs are still fresh an easy test is to put them in water. The good eggs sink while the stale ones float.

For a fun read on raising chickens check out, Hen and the Art of Chicken Maintenance.

by Dr. Wayne Peate 5/15/09 

Try out the New England Journal of Medicine H1N1 Influenza center at http://h1n1.nejm.org/?emp=marcom

Curious about where the swine flu has occurred? Look at this interactive map at http://www.healthmap.org/nejm/ where you can view where it has occured geographically and the extent of the outbreak.  

by Dr. Wayne Peate 4/29/09

Swine Flu A/H1N1 Precautions for Public Safety Workers
Take extra precautions:
• If you have flu symptoms such as a cough, fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and fatigue (Some might also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite.) and have traveled recently to Mexico or any of the states with Swine flu get tested.
• Cover your nose and mouth well when you sneeze and cough.  Cough into the inside of your elbow or into a tissue you can throw away
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you must do so, use a clean tissue.
•  Do not leave the house and infect co-workers or the public during the time you have flu symptoms or for two days until after the symptoms resolve.

On calls:
• If fever, cough, headache symptoms and if the patient recently been in Mexico (or other outbreak location) or exposed to anyone who has flu like symptoms relay responses to these questions to EMS units before they arrive on scene
• Perform initial interview of all patients from at least 6 feet away to determine if personal protective equipment precautions are necessary.
• Place a mask on all patients with suspected influenza symptoms before approach. Use a surgical mask or non-rebreather mask when oxygen is required.

Killer in a Can! 

By Dr. Wayne Peate  4/24/09

Energy drinks can kill you says Roland Griffiths, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. 

The reason is that different products have very different doses.  Red Bull contains 90 milligrams of caffeine per 8.3-ounce can.  Wired has 505 milligrams.  Coffee has around 100 milligrams.  Coke Classic has 34.5, Pepsi 38, and Dr. Pepper 41.

By Dr. Wayne Peate 4/24/09

Don't count on thirst.
Our bodies often don’t warn us in time when we are low on fluids.   Start hydrating the day before physical activity. Drink before, during and after exercise.   The best way to know you are well hydrated is your pee should be pale yellow.

Electro what?
You also lose electrolytes when you sweat.   If electrolytes like sodium and or potassium go too low serious health consequences can occur. Try half strength sports drinks (half water, your choice of sports drink).

Energy drinks can kill!
A young man recently died from excess ingestion of an energy drink. These products contain chemicals that can harm your heart and act as a diuretic that will cause you to lose fluid through excess urination --- the last thing you want to do if you are sweating. 

Allow for acclimation.
Acclimation is your body's adaptation to a hot environment. Slowly increase intensity and duration of exercise and workouts over at least two weeks.  Take lots of breaks.  Use shade, wear a wide brimmed hat and use sun screen.  Start out early or go later when it is cooler,