Penn Elm Medical Group
488 E. Valley Parkway
Suite 411
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 745-2000

NEWSLETTER:
JANUARY 2005

News You Can Use
New Year's Resolutions
It’s that time of year when people decide they will lose that holiday weight, save money, read more, watch T.V. less, and strive to be happier via "The New Year’s Resolution" only to find themselves disappointed when they can't achieve their goals. Resolutions can be successful if you keep certain things in mind...

SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Why Resolutions Fail

• Resolutions are made at the last minute
• They are reactions to the time of year based on what currently bothers you
• They are framed as absolutes "I'll never do that again!"
• They are vague promises such as decrease stress, work out more, save more

How to Make Resolutions Succeed

• Make a strong, well thought-out commitment
• Be specific about your goal
• Break a large goal up into smaller goals
• Set short-term time lines to achieve portions of goal
• Prepare for obstacles
• Keep track of progress

Get support from others, and help them achieve their personal resolutions for the new year!

Many Teens Cannot Differentiate Between Preventing Pregnancy and Preventing STDs
According to data from a survey covering a variety of issues related to contraception decision-making among adolescents, including how much they know about different methods and personal use among those who are sexually active, teens think they know a lot about sex. But the reality is that young people are confused about devices that prevent pregnancy but not STDs. The survey of more than 500 15- to 17-year-olds is part of a public education campaign by the Kaiser Family Foundation in collaboration with Seventeen magazine. Teens in the survey were likely to be familiar with a variety of newer birth control methods, such as the patch—Ortho Evra, and the ring—Nuvaring—but often thought they were not very effective at pregnancy prevention, or simply didn't know how effective they were. More than one in four of the respondents who had heard about birth control pills did not know oral contraceptives offer no protection against STDs. Link to survey results.

More Data Needed on Female Sex Drug, Says FDA Committee
An FDA advisory committee voted unanimously against recommending approval of a topical testosterone system to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder in women whom have had hysterectomies and are receiving estrogen therapy. Although members of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs on December 2, 2004 agreed that the patch—Intrinsa—demonstrated a "clinically meaningful" benefit over a placebo in enhancing sexual satisfaction in these women, they said more long-term safety data was needed. In light of findings from the Women's Health Initiative studies, the committee had concerns about the potential adverse effects of chronic testosterone use on women on estrogen therapy. The FDA has yet to rule on the approval application, but it usually abides by the recommendations of its advisory committees. For links to briefing information used by the committee, go to www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/04/briefing/2004-4082b1.htm. For a statement on the decision from Procter & Gamble, which is seeking approval to sell the patch, go to http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=104574&p=irol-newsArticleMain&ID=649989.

Consumers Union Now Compares, Rates Prescription Drugs
Patients—and physicians—have a new source of information about prescription medications, their cost, and their comparative effectiveness. That source: www.crbestbuydrugs.org by Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, the nonprofit organization that tests consumer products and reports on their cost, reliability, and overall value. On Dec. 9, 2004, Consumers Union released the first three of an expected 20 reports on prescription drugs. The focus of those reports is on medications for heartburn and acid reflux, arthritis, and high cholesterol. Using the familiar Consumer Reports format—with charts listing drug name, price, and dosage—the reports rate the effectiveness of various drugs for these indications, offer consumer tips for cost-saving, discuss safety and possible side effects, and make recommendations about generic versus brand name products. Consumers Union based the reports on data from the Drug Effectiveness Review Project sponsored in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at the Oregon Health & Science University Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, OR, as well as input from independent advisers and physician peer reviewers, including representatives from the Institute of Medicine; university medical schools; and pharmacy, medical student, and public health associations.

Important Announcements
More Flu Vaccine Has Arrived!
Penn Elm has been able to acquire 1,000 more doses of flu vaccine. In addition, FluMist is available for healthy patients between 5-49 years of age. If you wish to receive the vaccine, you will need to schedule a visit with your primary doctor at Penn Elm or one of the available doctors.

Who should get a flu shot?
The flu shot should be given to protect people who are most likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu, including:

• Children aged 6 months to 23 months.
• Seniors aged 65 years and older.
• People 2 years or older who have an underlying, long-term illness: heart or lung disease, metabolic disease (like diabetes), kidney disease, a blood disorder, or a weakened immune system (including people with HIV/AIDS).
• Women who will be pregnant this season.
• People who live in nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities.
• People who are 6 months to 18 years of age and take aspirin daily.
• Health-care workers who take care of patients.
• People who have, or take care of, a baby under 6 months old (flu shots are not given to babies under 6 months).

Who should not get a flu shot?

• Babies under 6 months old should not get a flu shot.
• Healthy people 2 to 64 years old should wait to get a flu shot, or skip getting one this season.

What about the nasal-spray vaccine, sold as FluMist®?
FluMist is a vaccine that you spray in your nose instead of receiving as a shot. Healthy people, ages 5 to 49 years old, can get Flumist this season. This is a good option for people in this age group who have, or care for, babies under 6 months of age, or for health-care workers who take care of sick patients. Do not use FluMist if you are pregnant or if you care for, or live with, someone who has to be kept away from all germs because of a very weak immune system.

What can you do to help stop the spread of flu?
Here are some good health habits you should use to protect yourself and others:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick.
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. If you are sick, do not go near other people so you don’t make them sick too.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread this way.

What’s New at Penn Elm?
Treatment for Spider Veins on the Legs
Penn Elm now offers treatment for unsightly small- to medium-sized leg veins for patients who meet the appropriate criteria. Frequently these veins cause persistent leg soreness, itchiness, and swelling. Please contact your Penn Elm primary physician for more information.

home • about us • what is family practice? • scope of services • our physicians • office locations
emergency & after hours • referrals to specialists • insurance • newsletter/articles
patient forms • links • f a q • patient instructions • radiology • contact us • privacy policy
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

© 2004, Penn Elm Medical Group (760) 745-2000
design by Intelligraphics