RECOGNIZING & RESPONDING TO SEPSIS
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
BETTERSAFE
W E LC O A’ S O N L I N E B U L L E T I N F O R YO U R FA M I LY ’ S S A F E T Y
RECOGNIZING
& RESPONDING
TO SEPSIS
When you get an infection, whether it’s the common
cold or flu virus, your body’s immune system usually
kicks into gear, fighting the culprit until you’re back to
normal in a few days. But if something goes wrong with
your immune response, it could potentially be sepsis,
and this can cause big problems.
Talk with your
doctor if you have
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that
any concerns about
occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages
your health.
its own tissues. When the infection-fighting processes
turn on the body, they cause organs to function poorly
and abnormally. The most dangerous stage of sepsis is
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
called septic shock. It can cause multiple organs to fail,
including the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Bacterial infections cause most sepsis cases. But sepsis
can also result from other infections, including viral
Septic shock begins when the body’s response to an infections, such as COVID-19 or the flu (influenza).
infection damages blood vessels. When blood vessels Anyone can get sepsis. But certain people are at higher
are damaged, your blood pressure can drop very low. risk, including infants, children, and older adults.
Without normal blood flow, your body can’t get enough
oxygen. The early symptoms of sepsis are similar to those of
many other conditions. These can include fever, chills,
MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK rapid breathing or heart rate, a skin rash, confusion, and
disorientation. It’s important to know the symptoms as
Believe it or not, almost 1.7 million people in the U.S. sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or your loved
develop sepsis every year. Even with modern treatments, one has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting
it still kills nearly 270,000 of those who develop it. Many worse, get medical care immediately.
people recover, but some have lifelong damage to the
body and brain. For example, doctors can get many Researchers are now looking for better ways to diagnose
people over that first infection that caused the sepsis, sepsis. One strategy is to use artificial intelligence to
but then they’re at risk of dying from a second infection predict a patient’s risk of sepsis when they have an
because of their weakened condition. infection.
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
TREATMENT & PREVENTION
There are a few medicines that help treat sepsis. Early
treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids
improves chances for survival. Doctors try to stop the
infection and support the functions of vital organs. This
usually includes giving oxygen and fluids. For now,
preventing infections is the best way to avoid sepsis.
SAVE YOURSELF FROM SEPSIS
There’s a lot you can do to prevent sepsis and the
complications that go along with it:
» Take care of yourself. Do everything you can
to stay healthy and prevent infections. Eat well and
exercise. Take good care of chronic conditions. Get
recommended vaccines.
» Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Keep
cuts clean and covered until healed.
» Recognize the signs of sepsis. Symptoms can
include any one or combination of these: confusion,
disorientation, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate,
fever, shivering, chills, extreme pain, and clammy or
sweaty skin.
» Seek professional medical treatment. Get
medical care immediately if you suspect sepsis
or have an infection that’s not getting better or is
getting worse.
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
SIMPLE STEPS TO
KEEP YOUR EYES
HEALTHY
Many of us may not think about eye health until we start
having vision issues. However, there’s a lot you can do
to prevent eye problems. Healthy habits like eating well
and being active can lower your risk for diseases and
conditions that can lead to eye or vision problems, like
diabetes or high blood pressure.
TO HELP ENSURE HEALTHY VISION YOU CAN
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS: Talk with your
doctor if you have
Eat fruits and veggies every day. Fruits and veggies any concerns about
are great for overall health and they provide specific your health.
eye benefits too. Especially fruits and veggies high in
vitamin C because they’re good for the blood vessels in
your eyes, and science suggests it could lower your risk eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Choose a
of getting cataracts. Great sources of vitamin C include pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
bell peppers, bok choy, cauliflower, papayas, Moreover, if you play contact sports or use hazardous
and strawberries. or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety
glasses or protective goggles.
Get moving. Being physically active helps you stay
healthy. It can also lower your risk of health conditions Give your eyes a rest. Staring at a computer or phone
that can cause eye health or vision problems, like screen for too long can cause eyestrain. Rest your eyes
diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Get
up at least every 2 hours and take a 15-minute break.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of diseases
like macular degeneration and cataracts, and it can Visit your eye doctor regularly. Everyone needs a
harm the optic nerve. regular eye exam, even young children. It helps protect
your sight and lets you see your best. Eye exams can also
Wear sunglasses and safety eyewear. Too much find diseases, like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It’s
UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and important to spot them early on when they’re easier to
macular degeneration. Sunglasses can help protect your treat.
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
FIND OUT IF YOU’RE AT RISK FOR EYE DISEASES
Getting older increases your risk of some eye diseases. You
might also have a higher risk of some eye diseases if you:
» Are overweight or obese
» Have a family history of eye disease
» Are African American, Hispanic, or Native
American
Other health conditions, like diabetes or high blood
pressure, can also increase your risk of some eye
diseases. If you’re worried you might be at risk for some
eye diseases, talk to your doctor. You may be able to take
steps to lower your risk.
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
COULD IT BE
ALZHEIMER’S?
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so it’s
a good time to learn about this condition and what you
can do to stay in charge of your health. Alzheimer’s is
a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and
behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of
dementia, a general term for memory loss and other
cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with
daily life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Talk with your
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of doctor if you have
dementia cases. any concerns about
your health.
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. There are
several warning signs and symptoms you should be
aware of. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore ability to develop and follow a plan or work with
them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar
recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S
Losing track of time and/or place. People living
Signs of Alzheimer’s may include, but are not limited to: with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the
passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they
Regular forgetfulness. One of the most common are or how they got there.
signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early
stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others Difficulty with words and/or social interactions.
include forgetting important dates or events, asking People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble
for the same questions over and over, and increasingly following or joining a conversation. They may stop in
needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to
electronic devices). continue. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies,
social activities or other engagements. They may
Difficulty or failure to complete simple tasks. also struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete familiar object or use the wrong name.
daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving
to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or Drastic changes in mood and personality.
remembering the rules of a favorite game. Some people Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience
living with dementia may experience changes in their mood and personality changes. They can become
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when
out of their comfort zone.
If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another
person, it’s important to take action to figure out what’s
going on. Getting checked by your doctor can help
determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are
truly due to Alzheimer’s or some other condition. If
Alzheimer’s is the cause, an early diagnosis is ideal
because it allows you to access treatment options
early. While current medications do not prevent,
stop, or reverse Alzheimer’s, they can help lessen the
symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion. An early
Alzheimer’s diagnosis provides you with a better chance
of benefiting from treatment.
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
CUTTING YOUR
CANCER RISK
Cancer is the name given to a collection of related
diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s
cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into
surrounding tissues. Cancer can start almost anywhere
in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
Cancer starts with damage to the genes that control the
way cells function. Many things you’re exposed to over
your lifetime can damage genes. These include but are Talk with your
not limited to chemicals, radiation, tobacco, and alcohol. doctor if you have
Your body has ways to repair the damage, but they don’t any concerns about
always work perfectly. your health.
Moreover, as you age, your body has had more time
to build up damage. And the normal aging process Tobacco products contain an addictive substance called
causes other changes in cells that help cancer develop. nicotine. There are medications that can help you quit.
These factors make cancer more likely to appear as you They can reduce nicotine withdrawal and cravings.
age. However, because damage to your genes builds Some are available by prescription. Others can be found
up slowly over time, there are many opportunities for over-the-counter, like nicotine replacement gums or
prevention, and there are many things you can do to patches. Using medications with counseling can be even
reduce your risk. more effective. Remember, no matter how long you’ve
used tobacco or how old you are, quitting tobacco use
PREVENTION MEASURES will always benefit your health.
According to health experts there are several key things Focus on good nutrition and physical activity.
you can do to help prevent all kinds of cancer: When it comes to cancer prevention, your overall
lifestyle, including weight and physical activity, matters.
Don’t smoke or quit if you do. Tobacco use is the There’s a lot of evidence that maintaining a healthy
leading cause of cancer in the U.S. This includes smoking lifestyle which includes proper nutrition and regular
and use of other tobacco products, like chewing tobacco. physical activity has the potential to reduce cancer risk.
Many chemicals in tobacco products can damage your
genes. Using tobacco also increases your risk of heart How diet itself affects cancer risk is complicated. What
attack, stroke, lung disease, and many other conditions. we eat gets broken down and used by our cells to keep
But it can be very hard to stop—even if you know the risks. the body running. Chemicals in some foods—like highly
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H E A LT H BU L L E T I N S
processed meats—may raise the risk of cancer. But
overall, there aren’t many single foods to avoid.
Other chemicals in food may lower your risk. But no
single food, nutrient, or vitamin alone can protect you
from cancer. It’s really about the overall quality of your
diet. Choose fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean
proteins, and healthy oils. Limit alcohol, added sugars,
saturated fats, and sodium.
Additionally, healthy eating appears to reduce cancer
risk even if you have trouble losing weight. And the same
seems to be true for physical activity. Experts point out
that physical activity lowers the risk of some types of
cancers, independent of its effects on weight. This may
be because exercise can reduce inflammation, stress, and
other things that can harm your cells.
Make smart lifestyle choices. There are other
simple actions you can take to reduce your risk of
» What cancer screening tests should I have at my
specific cancers. For example, to lower your chances of
age?
skin cancer, wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing,
limit your time in the sun, and avoid tanning beds. » What dietary changes can I make to help reduce my
risk of cancer?
Certain vaccines can reduce your risk of cervical, liver, » How can I safely exercise to improve my health?
and other cancers. This is because some viruses, like
human papillomavirus (HPV), can damage your genes » Does my family medical history put me at higher
in ways that lead to cancer. Getting vaccinated against risk for cancer?
HPV and other cancer-related viruses is a very practical » Is there anything else I should know about my
way to modify your cancer risk. cancer risk?
Common screening tests can also reduce your risk.
These let doctors find and remove small growths that
may turn into cancer. A colonoscopy, which looks
for growths in the colon and rectum, is one example.
Cervical cancer screening is another.
TALK WITH YOUR DOC
Here are some simple questions you can ask your doctor
about reducing your cancer risk:
» What can you recommend to help me quit smoking?
(if you smoke)
» Have I had all the recommended vaccinations to
prevent cancer?
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