Dr. Joe Galati's Blog

Your Health and Natural Disasters

Here on the Gulf Coast, we are in the midst of the hurricane season, and with every impending storm, I have been asked to comment on how you need to prepare for such acts of nature. Protecting the personal safety of you and your family is the topic of great discussion during this time. Here are a few points to remember.

Regarding medications, you should always have a least 5-7 days of extra supply of your required medications. These include needed over the counter medications. Make sure you have a list of both the name and dose of the prescriptions you take, and if possible, a copy of the prescription. Your pharmacy should be able to supply this for you. In case you need to relocate temporarily, having the proper information will allow you to get the necessary refills, and avoid gaps in therapy. Critical medications such as diabetic medications, high blood pressure therapy, and medications to control psychiatric problems are especially critical.

Making sure you have enough safe water should also be a priority in planning. The Centers for Disease Control make the following recommendations:

If the water is clear

• Add 1/8 teaspoon of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).

• Wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.

If the water is cloudy

• Add 1/4 teaspoon of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).

• Wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.

Clean the inside of things that hold water (like cans, jars, bottles, glasses).

• Use 1 teaspoon of household liquid bleach in

1 cup of water. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).

• Pour in.

• Shake.

– Let soak for 30 minutes.

– Rinse with clean water.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach. 

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More Bad News on Fatty Liver in Kids

Once again, fatty liver disease is in the news, and again, it's about kids. A recent post I had discussed fatty liver disease and the obesity epidemic we are facing in kids. A new article posted yesterday repeats the concern-our kids will die of liver failure if we don't wake up and face this problem now.

"In a new and disturbing twist on the obesity epidemic, some overweight teenagers have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, and a handful have needed liver transplants.

Many more may need a new liver by their 30s or 40s, say experts warning that pediatricians need to be more vigilant. The condition, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure or liver cancer, is being seen in kids in the United States, Europe, Australia and even some developing countries, according to a surge of recent medical studies and doctors interviewed by The Associated Press.

The American Liver Foundation and other experts estimate 2 percent to 5 percent of American children over age 5, nearly all of them obese or overweight, have the condition, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

"It's clearly the most common cause of liver disease," said Dr. Ronald Sokol, head of public policy at the liver foundation and a liver specialist at Children's Hospital and University of Colorado Denver.

Some experts think as many as 10 percent of all children and half of those who are obese may suffer from it, but note that few are given the simple blood test that can signal its presence. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose this disease."   Read the full article

For both adults and children, obesity needs to be curbed. The thought of our children having a shorter life expectancy than their parents is child abuse.

Listen here for a recent KTRH interview I did with JP and Lana during the Morning News.