Eating Crow – Hepatitis C Test needed more often than I thought!

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Mrs. BBT

I love my friends!  Especially my internet friends, who are often chosen because I have identified something in them that makes me want to be like them.

In the past, I have mentioned Rita Alexandrea as one of those friends I want to be like someday.  She writes, she cruises.  And – best of all – she cruises WHILE she writes.  Oh, how envious I am!  Today, Rita has proven her worth as a friend.

Yesterday, I posted a response rant concerning the CDC’s suggestion that all baby boomers get tested for Hepatitis C virus. While I agreed that those with risk factors should be tested, which is what the CDC has always espoused, the CDC’s initiative is for all boomers to have the Hepatitis C test, regardless of risk factor.  To that, I objected, as one member of the generation with zero drug use and no transfusion history, which were the reasons identified as the major reasons for boomers to be tested.  I honestly didn’t see the point, and secretly wondered if maybe there was a hidden agenda in there somewhere (as she whispers biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggg phaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarmaaaaaaaa and looks around cautiously).

Rita responded quickly to this post, pointing out that – well, I’ll let her tell you:

You could have knocked me over with a feather.  RH factor shots (aka RhoGam) were  commonly given to women within 72 hours of childbirth, if they had RH-Negative factor blood and if their child was RH positive (I don’t know what the accepted preventative is these days).  Who’d a thunk it?  As one of the approximately 15% of the population with RH negative blood, and having had two RH-positive children, I had two of these injections, and then, pretty much forgot about them.  I am pretty sure I didn’t even realize they involved blood products.  Although I am normally an active and involved participant in my own health care, I was just too busy taking care of my kids to even think about what “magic” made these shots possible and desirable.

Thanks to these injections, my second child had a wonderful chance at life that he would not otherwise have had (the first child of an RH-Negative mother is not at risk with this condition), and he has enriched my life, as well as the lives of his wife and children, immeasurably!  I cannot imagine life without him, so whatever risk factor I encountered as a result of these injections was well worth it.

Guess I’ll be getting tested.

Rita, thanks for speaking up!  I think I needed that!

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Should you be tested for Hepatitis C?

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Mrs. BBT
English: Simplified diagram of the structure o...

Simplified diagram of the structure of Hepatitis C virus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Just two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control issued a recommendation that all Baby Boomers should be tested for the Hepatitis C virus. The center even suggested a special “National Hepatitis Testing Day” on May 19 to get the word out and get as many boomers tested as possible.  This is in addition to testing already in-place for persons who are known to be at risk for the disease.

According to the CDC, at least one in 30 boomers has been infected with this virus and doesn’t even know it!  The most serious consequences of having hepatitis C include liver cancer, which is responsible for many deaths and liver transplants every year, and cirrhosis, another very serious condition. Between the two, these conditions are estimated to cause more than 15,000 deaths each year.

On May 22, the CDC formally invited the public to comment on the draft recommendation.  Public comment is open until June 8, so it’s not too late to read the recommendation (look for docket number CDC-2012-0005) and to make your opinion known.  I am trying to link to the document; however it appears the site is down temporarily for maintenance.  It should be up again soon, according to the Maintenance page.   Here, also, is the CDC fact sheet (PDF) that explains the problem and the recommendations.  Please do, however, go back to the recommendation and let your opinion be known.

Now, the thing that I have been wondering ever since I read this recommendation is: how does the CDC have any idea that baby boomers might actually be more at risk for this condition than, say, the general public?  Well, there’s a clue in the fact sheet:

Many baby boomers were infected with hepatitis C when they were in their teens and twenties. Some may have become infected through blood transfusions or other health care exposures before universal precautions and widespread blood screening began in 1992. Others may have become infected from experimentation with drug use, even if only once decades ago. Because these exposures were often long ago, many baby boomers may not recall — or may be unwilling to discuss — the events that could have placed them at risk. As a result, many have never been tested for hepatitis C.

So, it looks like the two big issues are 1) exposure through blood transfusions “or other health care exposures” and 2) exposure through drug use.

Was our generation really that bad?  I am just kind of an average person, and I know many average people like me who never even considered drug use.  Since I never had a transfusion and my biggest “health care exposures” were for immunizations (which I support), I am not buying that I am somehow at risk for a disease I have never been exposed to.

The PDF also shows the standard risk-based guidelines, which I urge you to read, and if you fit into any of those categories, I’d agree you should be tested, in line with the current recommendations.

So, the next question is:  what exactly is the test involved?  According to labtestsonline.org, there are a few tests that are used to screen for or detect Hepatitis C:

  • Anti-HCV test detects the presence of antibodies to the virus
  • HCV recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) is used to confirm a previous positive test or indicate a false positive.

The following three tests indicate a current infection and guide treatment:

  • HCV RNA, Qualitative (distinguishes between current or past infection)
  • HCV RNA, Quantitative (viral load) to tell how many viral RNA particles are present
  • Viral genotyping determines the type of HCV virus present

Just in case you didn’t notice, all of these tests require “health care exposure” in terms of at least a needle stick.  I am not a health professional, but I just bet that during the test, there is some significant exposure in terms of a large needle entering a vein. So, if you don’t have Hepatitis C and you don’t have any risk factors, why is it all of a sudden necessary to expose oneself to additional risk (of any sort) of infection?

So, the upshot of this is that just because you’re a baby boomer, a member of a generation that was infamous for irresponsibility and drug use many years ago (or maybe not so long ago), you’re supposed to have this test?  I am not about to tell you you shouldn’t have this test, but for me, I will not take a test that exposes me to further risk to check for an infection for which I am at virtually zero risk to start with.

What about you?  Will you be taking this recommended test?  What will you say if your doctor requests you take it?  In my case, I’ll be saying No, thanks,” but I’d be interested in hearing what you would say.

 

 

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TSA Targets The Weak, Adding Insult to Injury

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Mrs. BBT
TSA-Abuse-01

TSA-Abuse-01 (Photo credit: PB_net)

In the news lately we see more and more stories about the TSA overstepping its bounds.  It seems that this agency and its “officers” (which, by the way, are not commissioned law enforcement officers) target the weakest members of our society: the young and the very old, those who have had knee and hip replacements, are wheelchair-bound, or even are too senile to understand what is happening to them.

My question is even more to the point:  what is happening to US, as Americans and as a society?  Why do we allow this degrading nonsense to happen to us?

The TSA says it is trying to become more friendly, efficient, and caring of people, while still getting the job done.  My contention is that this agency will lie to your face, all the while the taking advantage of the elderly and weak. And as far as getting the job done – no TSA agent has EVER stopped a terrorist.  NEVER.  But, don’t take my word for it – why don’t you judge for yourself how the TSA targets American citizens?  Click the links for the full stories…

TSA Pretends to Lose Interest in Patting Down Your Gran …

crimedime.com3/14/12

Oh, TSA. Shall I compare thee to a stupid agency? Oh wait, there’s no one out there doing security work as badly as you are. I’m glad you …

So, it looks to me like here’s a time when it behooves you to forget your vanity and try to look as old as possible. If you can pass for 75, you can maybe even keep your shoes on!  On the other hand if your 85 or even 95, you’d just as well give up…these folks in this next story lost not only their dignity, but their $300!

“Another day, another TSA travel nightmare” Prison Planet.com » TSA Treats 95-Year-Old Wheelchair-Bound Veteran Like a “Terrorist,” $300 Stolen. April 18, 2012

And finally, here’s an elderly lady who was abused in El Paso.  Why has it come to this?

TSA Pat Down Makes Elderly Lady Feel Like a Fugitive

El Paso, Texas. – I didn’t know this lady, but I ended up going with her her to the bathroom and helping her get her money pinned back on her bra. To get her money back to where she wanted it, she had to take off both shirts and lower her bra straps….


Well, I said that was going to be the last one, but I found another that is equally disturbing.  This is short – only 2:55.  Please stick around and watch it, too.

Folks, don’t go easy!  I know it’s hard to protest, when all you want to do is get on your plane, but really, how far can this go on?

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Boomer Divorce Rate Soars – Don’t Let it Happen to You!

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Mrs. BBT

Are you still married?  Really?  That’s great!  It’s apparently also unusual!  According to this article in the Kansas City Star, couples our age are engaging in divorce at an accelerating rate.  While in 1990, fewer than 10 percent of divorces in the United States were in the fifty and older set, now more than 25 percent involves a boomer divorce, and divorce is not unheard of even among the very old.

Reasons for boomer divorce

So, what’s causing this phenomenon?  In short, but not necessarily in order:

  • People are much more financially stable and considerably less dependent on each other, even as a couple
  • The children have moved out and are on their own – at least, that is what most boomers hope, and there’s no need to “stay together for the kids”
  • Matrimonial laws concerning division of property have changed to make divorce somewhat more equitable than it used to be
  • One spouse has been stepping out and the other spouse just recently found out
  • Lifespans are longer, giving rise to “I’ve had enough of this and I’m grabbing some good time for myself while I still can”
  • Women, in particular, are much more able to provide for themselves, and are willing to do so to maintain some independence
  • But the largest, and most often-cited reason for the surge in divorce is the perennial “lack of communication”

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Despite the fact more baby boomers are divorcing,  and the stigma has largely been erased, the process is really never pleasant for those involved.  People don’t marry with the vision of eventually being alone, or if they do expect to be alone one day, they are thinking it will be through illness and death, not divorce.  Still, most boomers – as in the general population – would really prefer to be divorced than unhappily married.  Maybe the 1/3 of baby boomers that are currently unmarried have blazed the way to show that it can be not as bad as anticipated.

When boomer divorce is inevitable, what alternatives exist?

Airing a couple’s “dirty laundry” in court is one of the least desirable ways to accomplish the divorce process, and really should only be employed in a worst-case scenario when there’s no way the two can agree to equitably divide the property.  Another alternative would be having the respective lawyers meet and agree on a result, or employing an arbitrator.  Couples can even represent themselves in court, though this is certainly not an optimal solution.  No layperson really understands all the possible future consequences of divorce agreements that may be made under pressure.  That’s what a lawyer is for – not only to represent you in court, but to make certain you understand what may happen as a result of the various scenarios available to you at this stressful time.
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Is it possible to avoid divorce?

Of course it is possible to avoid divorce if you are in a happy marriage, but what if, like the majority of the older married population, you are just bouncing along, not really paying that much attention?  The advice available is not really different for older adults than it is for younger couples.  Among the suggestions are:

  • Make a sincere effort to pay attention to each other and respond to problems sooner, rather than later
  • Don’t engage in blame-throwing
  • Don’t engage in stonewalling, crazy-making, or gaslighting
  • Avoid defensiveness when a fault (of your own) is uncovered (nobody said it was easy!)
  • Avoid engaging in contemptuous self-talk, either about yourself, or (especially) about your spouse.  The exhibition of contemptuous feelings is a high hurdle to get over
  • Make your spouse a high priority
  • Instead of giving up on your relationship, see if  you can honestly engage the assistance of your spouse, no matter how “at fault” he or she is, so you can work together toward a solution
  • Don’t forget your sense of humor

Certainly, it can be very hard to follow these suggestions even during happy times.  During trying times it can seem to be nearly impossible, but getting and maintaining a handle on these issues can go a long way toward avoiding the sadness and loss that a divorce almost inevitably brings.

(Photo:  public-domain-image.com)

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Zumba Craze for Seniors?

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Mrs. BBT

Have you heard of Zumba?  You know, that exercise/dance system (some would call it a “craze”) where you move in choreographed steps to loud, fast exotic-style music with a fascinating beat.  I actually took a Zumba class once, but I found the music so loud I couldn’t think straight, and the instructor seemed to believe it wasn’t necessary to actually show us how to do the steps, which kind of made it hard on everyone.  Finally, I found not only the instructor, but also most of the students, were young enough to be my children.

Enter Zumba Gold!  Zumba Gold targets baby boomers, with a formula similar to the original Zumba, but modifies the moves, intensity and speed so that older participants can join in and be successful as well.  Zumba Gold is even usable by people in a wheelchair!  The intent of these classes is for seniors to have a great time while they are improving their heart health, strength, flexibility, and balance.

So, if you’re wondering what this Zumba stuff is all about, click here for a demo of what the young folks do  (note:  this is an advertisement for the Kinect XBox 360, but it’s still a great video).  Just looking at that makes me shake my head.  The lady doing the demo has NOT ONE OUNCE of jiggly flesh on her body!  Not ONE!!  This is definitely not me!

And then, click here for  an interesting  video about Zumba Gold, Move and Groove.  Now granted, that’s way more my speed, and I am pretty sure I can do this even at the level of the lady in the nice dress in the back….but I’ll have to admit:  I really like the original Zumba music best!

If you are looking for someone in the Zumba Gold movement, which is much kinder to our generation, look no further than Grandma Shellie at her Zumba Gold website.  Grandma Shellie must have a lot going on under the hood – I see she not only is a certified fitness instructor, but holds a Ph.D.  (not sure in what), but is also very attractive and young looking.  The only thing I would hold against her is her strong endorsement of Ms. Obama’s childhood obesity mandate.  Not that I am against eliminating childhood obesity – I just disagree with the dietary guidelines that goes along with the mandate.  The movement part – that is excellent!  So, take a look at Grandma Shellie’s website, and after you learn about Zumba Gold, see if a set of classes is available near you.

Me?  I’m doomed.  I’m scheduled for the Low Carb Cruise May 6-13, and will enjoy the every day availability of  Monique Forslund, one of the best non-senior citizen Zumba instructors available.  I really, really need to go to her classes…and maybe I can be half the picture of health Monique is!  Note to self: pack earplugs and get ready to jiggle!

Photo from Google Public Domain search.
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