TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome is Back

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome is back, and it is claiming the lives of young women.  Perhaps, you recall the health crisis in the 80’s involving TSS, and the use of deodorant tampons.  That, and the thought that people were not changing often enough, was thought to be the culprit.

Today, TSS is back, and claiming the lives of young women, again.  This time, the culprit, may surprise you.  Although, something as private as a woman’s monthly cycle, is not usually a topic of conversation, when it is becoming a silent health care crisis, it NEEDS to be SHARED!

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Special Thanks, to Lisa Elifritz, for sending me the story of her daughter, Amy. I am more than happy to share this story with you, so you are informed.

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome and Amy’s Story!

Last summer, TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome, took the life of Amy Rae Elifritz, (ARE). She went from being a healthy and happy 20 year old, with her whole life ahead of her, to losing her life in a matter of days . . . sadly, this could have been prevented.

Did you know that tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome is real, relatively common, and can be deadly? Last summer, when Amy experienced flu-like symptoms, the fact that she was menstruating, seemed unimportant. A few days later, on June 13, she died from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome and You ARE Loved

Lisa Elifritz, Amy’s Mom, founded You ARE Loved, Read the rest of this entry »

I could have turned this post into a rant about all the things that need reforming in this country.  We all know what they are, and at the top of the list is “Health Care Reform…or is that “Insurance Reform” ?  Instead of ranting, I chose to look at the more positive side of the issue.  There are things you can do right now, that just involve common sense, not money or health care coverage.

Recently, Johnson Diversey, announced a global effort to help its customers combat the spread of Swine Flu (H1N1 virus).  Johnson Diversey, is a leading global provider of cleaning and sanitation products and systems (cleaning machines).  They are stepping up production of their proprietary disinfection products globally by 50%.  This includes  providing application and infection control training and expertise to their vast customer base, in more than 160 countries world wide.

The company’s most effective disinfection products includes a line of accelerated
hydrogen peroxide-based technologies, including a proprietary formula that kills
viruses in one minute.  Most other products, in the industry require a 10-minute
contact time for effective disinfection.

The short contact time enhances the likelihood that the virus will be killed, giving
Johnson Diversey’s customers greater confidence that they’re doing all they can
to stop the spread of this virus.  In addition, the products are registered with
regulatory bodies as effective biocides, and they also have a favorable human health
and environmental profile.

Johnson Diversey’s customer base includes public facilities, such as schools and
airports, health care facilities, food and beverage production plants, hotels and commercial properties, such as offices and shopping malls. The proper cleaning and disinfection in all these customer settings is critical to public health.  The nice thing is they are able to make cleaning and disinfection easier and and more effective, in a eco-friendly way, and with non-toxic products that leave less impact on the environment.

One year ago, the World Wildlife Fund, announced that Johnson Diversey had joined the Climate Savers Program.  The company was one of 18  companies chosen world wide, to be considered for the award.   The entire process involved meeting certain criteria and third party approval.

Most of us have Johnson Diversey products in our homes, just not the commercial or industrial strength products mentioned here.  However, most public health agencies are recommending to use frequent hand washing,  along with the use of hand sanitizers, as well as, using broad- spectrum disinfection on hard surfaces to ward off the H1N1 virus.  Optimally, if you are ill, or know someone who is, please  stay home and take care of yourself.  Avoid contact, or public places until you are well again.

In their continued effort to remain sustainable, in everything they do, the company is going “greener” with Google Apps.

Johnson Diversey is committed to a cleaner and healthier future, and working toward a better tomorrow!

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