Vital Signs newsletter: Houlton woman’s life changed by infection after surgery

When Jerolyn Ireland suffered a seizure one evening in 2012 and was rushed to the hospital only to find out she had a brain tumor, she thought it was the worst experience she’d ever go through.

She was wrong.

The 73-year-old Houlton woman learned the tumor was noncancerous, but her struggle with a form of staph called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, was just beginning.

MRSA is among the most worrisome infections that hospitals and other health care facilities face, fueled by overuse of antibiotics in the U.S. and worldwide.

In Maine, hospitals are increasingly preventing more infections and more closely following safety protocols, reports show. But some patient advocates want Maine to do more to tackle and publicize the potentially devastating illnesses.

Houlton woman’s life forever changed by infection after surgery

Other top health stories:

Mainers’ premiums could skyrocket without ACA subsidies

Premiums would jump nearly 400 percent if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against subsidies that help consumers afford health insurance under the health reform law.

Vapers oppose Bangor proposal to restrict e-cigarette use

The practice’s growing popularity, the opening of a new store, and the concern of city officials and health care organizations has put Bangor in the middle of the vaping debate.

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Almost five years and four marathons later, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I want to share some of the thinking that held me back so it doesn’t hold you back.

From the source

A new report from the Ecology Center finds many child car seats contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. But as Consumer Reports points out, the risks to children of being unrestrained in a car are much higher.

Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.