Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Fall 2019

As a parent, you’ve no doubt heard about this year’s measles outbreak. It’s the highest number of measles cases the U.S. has seen since 1994. And most of those measles cases have occurred among unvaccinated people. Some parents choose not to get their kids vaccinated because they’re concerned about the vaccine’s safety. But research shows that the measles vaccine is safe and does not cause autism or other diseases. “Measles itself can sometimes be severe in young children,” Physi- cian Assistant Nancy Campbell, PA-C, explains. “It can lead to complications like pneumonia and brain swelling. In rare cases, children even die from measles. “What’s more, measles is highly contagious,” she adds. “The virus can survive for several hours in a room after being occupied by a person with active measles. And community contamination is more likely when chil- dren are not vaccinated. This is a big risk for people who can’t be vaccinated against measles, such as babies less than a year old.” “Also, it’s not just children who need vaccinations,” Campbell cau- tions. The American College of Physi- cians advises immunizing adults born after 1956. If you have questions about mea- sles vaccines for your child or yourself, ask your health care provider. Nancy can be reached for ap- pointment at the Mossyrock Clinic at 360-983-8990 . Nancy Campbell, PA-C, Mossyrock Clinic ARBOR HEALTH FOUNDATION 521 Adams Ave Morton, WA 98356 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID WallaWalla,WA Permit No. 44 F I ND T H E SA LT Did you know that cheese has sodium? Fresh mozzarella, packed in water, and Swiss cheese usually have less salt than other cheeses. Check labels carefully. American Diabetes Association F OR PA R E N T S Why kids need the measles vaccine Measles was virtually eradicated in the U.S., thanks to vaccinations. But outbreaks, like the one this year, still occur when unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. get the disease overseas and then bring it back here. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine protects children from measles. Two doses are needed—the first one at 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old.

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