a Heeth & Associates, Inc. company

3707 Constitution Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
ph: 972-237-9402
fax: 972-237-9698
alt: 214-502-8079

MedICS NEWS

The MedICS MONTHLY

  • The 2009-2010 Flu Season

    Fall 2009 update- Dannette Heeth, CEH, NREMT-B, IP

    The Centers for Disease Control will begin tracking this season's reported influenza cases in October, 2009. As of August 15, 2009, there were 7983 hospitalizations and 522 deaths associated with the H1N1 influenza. 

    What determines the severity of a flu season?

    It is impossible to predict the number of expected cases, and the overall health impact of a flu season varies from year to year. Based on data collected and monitored over many years, the criteria for determining the severity of a season include:

    • The level of reported activity within each state
    • The proportion of flu laboratory tests that are positive
    • The proportion of visits to physicians for flu-like illnesses
    • The proportion of all deaths that are caused by flu and pneumonia
    • The number of flu-associated deaths among children
    • The flu-associated hospitalization rate among children

    How do I protect myself and family from the flu?

    • Wash hands frequently especially after using the restroom and before eating
    • Wash hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or has a runny nose
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
    • Avoid closed, crowded spaces
    • Don't use anyone else's pen or computer keyboard (and mouse)
    • Don't share towels, lipstick, toys, eating utensils and drinking glasses
    • Stay home when sick to avoid spreading the flu in your community

     

    For more information call 972-237-9402 or 214-502-8079.


MedICS provides on-site training program for adults and children to teach infection prevention. These classes are fun and informational.Call 972-237-9402  to schedule a class. Training certificates provided.

 

 SURFACE TESTING NOW AVAILABLE

MedICS announces our newest service, surface testing!

Any surface considered to be  "high hand contact" such as doors, water fountains, countertops, shared computer keyboards and restrooms can be tested to the amount of bioload (germs).

The MedICS testing equipment takes a reading between 0-9999 and registers the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) load.  ATP is the "energy" source of all living things, thus the higher the number, the more number of germs that can be found on that surface.  A reading of 10 is considered within the acceptable range for a surgical suite and a reading of 30 or under is acceptable for food service. MedICS takes a reading before using our infection control system and another at the completion of our service.   After using the MedICS system, the same surface tested at 8, or better than surgical suite clean. 

 

THE WORST SURFACES EVER!!!!

Some of our high ATP readings during the summer of 2009 have been:

  • Security keypad of a public building (396)
  • Remote control in a blood services building (929)
  • Community pen at a reception desk in a public building (899)
  • Drinking fountain of a community exercise facility (8721)
  • Wheel (handle) of an ambulance (773)
  • Soap dispenser pull in a medical building (621)

 

HEETH TO CONDUCT INFECTION CONTROL WEBINAR ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009.

Texas Organization for Rural and Community Hospitals recently announced Dannette Heeth will present a webinar for their members on Infection Control.  Heeth is a frequent presenter for the TORCH organization, specializing in teaching home health nurses and other medical professionals practical ways to reduce the spread of infection.

3707 Constitution Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
ph: 972-237-9402
fax: 972-237-9698
alt: 214-502-8079