303.651.5111 LUHCARES.ORG / 3
A NEWLY ACQUIRED, advanced laboratory system
is helping providers at Longmont United Hospital
diagnose patients' illnesses faster and more accurately.
This spring, the Hospital became the only facility
in our area to acquire the Nanosphere Verigene
®
System, a new molecular technology that identifies
disease-causing organisms—including those that
cause bloodstream infections that may lead to sepsis
(a life-threatening complication of an infection)—
by testing the organisms' DNA. It also detects a
variety of respiratory illnesses including influenzae,
respiratory syncytial virus, and pertussis (whooping
cough), as well as a variety of organisms that cause
gastroenteritis. The Verigene System can produce
faster, more accurate results than conventional lab
systems, and it reduces the time needed to pinpoint
certain pathogens from one to five days to two to
three hours.
"The faster a physician can diagnose what kind of
infection a patient has, the faster the individual can
receive treatment," says Erika Weigle, MS, ASCP, lead
microbiology technologist at the Hospital. "Speed
is especially important if a patient has a potentially
fatal infection, such as sepsis. The Verigene System
reduces diagnosis times, shortens hospital stays, and
decreases overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. I
can't express how amazing this technology is."
Identifying Infections
Faster
DRINKING ALCOHOL CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF HEALTH PROBLEMS OVER TIME.
DRINKING ALCOHOL SEEMS as American as apple pie—
37 percent of adults report low-to-moderate drinking, which
represents one daily drink for women and two drinks daily for
men, and 28 percent of adults drink heavily. However, even
moderate drinking over time can increase your risk for:
• Mouth and throat cancer
• Cancer in the liver, colon, and rectum
• Breast cancer
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
You don't have to be a heavy drinker to experience negative
health consequences from drinking—compared to women who
don't drink at all, women who have three drinks a week have about
15 percent higher risk of breast cancer and see their overall risk
increase by 10 percent for each additional daily drink.
CUTTING BACK FOR BETTER HEALTH
Use these tips to moderate your alcohol consumption and stay
aware of any problems:
• Keep count. Whether on your phone or on a piece of paper,
write down how many drinks you have per week.
• Go slow. Sip your alcohol slowly, and alternate alcoholic
beverages with water or soda.
• Learn to say 'no.' You may find it hard to start refusing drinks
initially. Practice saying no politely but firmly.
Your physician may recommend abstinence from alcohol based
on your personal and family history with alcoholism or alcohol-
related conditions.
To find a Milestone Medical Group physician who can
help you with your overall health—including any issues
with alcohol—call 303.485.3559.
