* *Preventing Infection Tips* *
The Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC), states "HAND HYGIENE is considered the most important and effective infection prevention and control measure..." Poor hand hygiene is an open door for diseases ranging from the common cold to streptoccocus, influenza, E.Coli, and Hepatitis. With drug-resistant bacteria and deadly super bugs like MRSA & VRE, unwashed hands can be downright dangerous.
Proper Hand Washing Procedure:
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Wet hands with warm, running water. Apply product , lather and rub hands vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Pay close attention to the back of the hands, wrists, between the fingers and under the nails.
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Rinse thoroughly. While water is running, dry hands with a single-use paper towel and use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid cross-contaminiation.
Additional safeguards:
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Remember to keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
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Cover your cough or sneeze in your arm
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Avoid artificial nails and nail polish, which have been associated with and increase in bacteria
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Keep nails short and clean
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Cover cuts with bandages
Preventative Care
Colorectal Screening
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Every two years, with a FIT test, for patients age 50-74 with an average risk. Patients with an elevated risk should be screened, starting at age 50, by colonoscopy.
Bone Mineral Density
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Begins at age 50
Mammogram
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Beginning at age 40-74 for normal risk, 30-74 for high risk
Pap Smear
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Effective March 2025, screening begins at age 25, every 5 years, or based on previous results. HPV screening is now standard of care and the reason for the new guidelines.
PSA
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begins at age 50. Please note: to obtain an accurate result, abstain from sexual activity for 48 hours prior to test.
Physicals (Annual) Male & Female
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Done yearly or schedule set by health care provider. Note that an annual physical will not always include Pap or PSA testing.
