New research shows that bystanders performing CPR or using external defibrillators save as many cardiac arrest victims as trained paramedics. The data, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also reveals that cardiac arrest victims receiving this type of treatment are less likely to suffer brain damage.
Editor's Note: It would be a good idea to get a defibrillator for your park and/or community centre.

Valley Fever

One of the unique health risks for travellers to the southwestern United States and to parts of Central and South America is the chance of contracting the disease, "Valley Fever." Southern California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico are the highest risk states. Caused by a fungal infection, it is a disease of the lungs resulting from the release of fungal spores that grow in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures and moderate winter temperatures.

Valley Fever is spread through the air. If soil containing the fungus is disturbed by construction, natural disasters, or wind (especially dust storms), the fungus spores can get into the air and be inhaled by humans. The disease is not spread from person to person.

Most persons infected have no symptoms and cure is spontaneous. About 40% develop flu-like symptoms, which can last for a month, with tiredness sometimes lasting even longer. In rare cases and without proper treatment, spread of the disease can affect the skin, brain or bone and even lead to death.

Diagnosis is made with a blood test or culture, but as many Canadian physicians are unfamiliar with the disease, travellers returning from out-of-country locations must always alert their physicians to such facts. Treatment is successful with anti-fungal medications.

Although those most susceptible are construction workers, farmers and military personnel, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable.

Prevention is the best remedy. Avoid windy, dusty environments while travelling in the southwest or use a mask. If you develop flu-like symptoms after you've been to the southwest, see a physician immediately and describe any dusty exposure you may have experienced.

Severe heart attacks don't always hurt

According to a recent study published by Chest journal, heart attacks that are not accompanied by chest pain are deadlier, more apt to be missed, and less likely to receive proper treatment. Researchers found that of 20, 881 patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes in 14 countries, 1,763 (8%) did not report chest pain. One quarter of these people were initially misdiagnosed, compared with only 2% of those with chest pain.

If you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, or persistent nausea or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may be indicative of a heart attack, even if they are not accompanied by chest pain.