HEALTH INFORMATION This health information update is in two (2) parts – the first provides access to health-oriented web site addresses, the second covers health issues. Health-Oriented Websites: http://www.nycgovparks.org/befitnyc -- The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and Health and Mental Hygiene recently launched an enhanced BeFitNYC.org -- a search engine to find free and low-cost fitness opportunities in New York City. https://sites.google.com/site/compendiumof physical activities -- The Compendium of Physical Activities has been used in studies worldwide to assign intensity units to physical activity questionnaire responses and to develop innovative ways to assess energy expenditure in physical activity studies. The newest revision includes new and updated energy costs to many activities, and provides literature references for energy expenditure values that are assigned to activities. http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/npa/files/Plans/Toolkit/NPA_Toolkit.pdf -- The National partnership for Action to End Health Disparities offers a Toolkit for Community Action to help individuals, communities and organizations work together to address health disparities. http://ndep.nih.gov.media/ten-ways-hispanics-latinos.pdf-- The National Diabetes Education Program offers Hispanics 10 steps to lower their risks for Type 2 diabetes by making small lifestyle changes. http://www.wellnessproposals.com/wellness_proposals_guide_to_worksite_wellness.htm -- The free Wellness Library web site includes a guide to workplace wellness programs offering simple step-by-step planning processes to increase the success of any health promotion program regardless of the number of employees. Health Information Issues: 2011/2012 FLU SEASON RECOMMENDATIONS Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu and it can also help protect those around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to you, even if you got vaccinated last season. There are two main reasons for getting the annual flu vaccine. Flu viruses constantly change, so vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the most recent and most commonly circulating viruses. Even if the vaccines do not change from the last season, an annual vaccination is still very important because a person’s immune protection from the flu vaccine declines over time. Anyone, even healthy people, can get sick from the flu and it can be serious, leading to hospitalizations and sometimes even death. According to New York State’s Department of Health, each year in the United States, more than 23,600 people die from the flu. Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as vaccine is available. Getting vaccinated each flu season is especially important for those at high risk for serious flu-related complications and for those who live with, or care for, people who are at high risk. These people include: • Pregnant women (they can receive only flu shots, not the nasal-spry flu vaccine) to provide protection for them and their babies. • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two. • People 65 and older. • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and HIV. • Residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. • People who live with, or care for, those at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care personnel; household contacts of people at high risk for complications from the fly, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children younger than six months (these children are too young to be vaccinated), including caregivers of babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Flu-related complications can result in hospitalization and occasionally result in death. Complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus or ear infections. The flu also can make chronic health problems worse. People with asthma who get the flu may have more asthma attacks, and people who have chronic, congestive heart failure may feel their symptoms get worse. Some people should not be vaccinated. They include: • Children younger than six months. • People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past. • People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six seeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously. Some people should be vaccinated after additional considerations: • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs: These people can receive the flu shot. They will be observed by a health care provider for 30 minutes. • People who are sick with a fever: These people can get vaccinated once their symptoms lessen. People with a mild illness usually can get the vaccine. For more information about the flu, call your local health agency and/or your health care provider. Also, visit this web site: http:// www.nyhealth.gov/immunization. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE As our population ages, we are all increasingly aware of the growing and tragic toll of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of irreversible, progressive dementia in the elderly population. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process. It is a degeneration of the part of the brain that controls thought, memory and speech. Alzheimer’s disease is a terminal illness, and has recently surpassed diabetes as the sixth leading cause of death among American adults. And, notably, mortality rates for Alzheimer’s disease continue on the rise, unlike several other major killers such as heart disease and cancer death rates, which are continuing to decline. It is estimated that as many as 450,000 Empire State residents have this disease. Symptoms of the disease often begin slowly, with the first symptom typically being mild forgetfulness. The disease can progress to gradual memory loss, increasing difficulty performing normal tasks, impaired judgment, disorientation, personality change, difficulty in learning, and eventual loss of language skills. This disease typically progresses over years, even decades. Initially, a patient’s memory of people and events in the distant past may still be clear, but short-term memory becomes increasingly poor. The person with Alzheimer’s disease might forget where he or she is, as well as the date, time, and season of the year. They may begin to invent words, or fail to recognize familiar faces. During the later stages of the disease, people often need help with daily living activities, such as eating, grooming, and dressing, and independent living becomes first difficult, and as the disease progresses, impossible. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatment for some symptoms is available, and research is continuing. There are programs to help patients and their families cope. The New York State Health Department supports programs targeting Alzheimer’s disease, including nine local Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers (ADACs) that serve as Centers of Excellence, and the Statewide Coalition of Alzheimer’s Association Chapters, which provide essential support to families and caregivers, respite care, and information and referral services to patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families. To learn more about ADAC, visit the State Health Department web site at http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/dementia/alzheimer/adac_map.htm BREAST CANCER All women are encouraged to talk to their health care providers about breast cancer screening and their personal risk for the disease. Great strides have been made in early detection and treatment of breast cancer, and many women diagnosed with the disease are living long, healthy lives. Women are urged to consult with their health care providers to learn more about the disease, discuss their fears and concerns, and develop an appropriate plan for breast cancer screening. When coupled with new treatment options, early stage diagnosis through mammography screening can significantly improve a woman’s chance of survival. It is strongly recommended that women between 50 and 74 years of age get a mammogram every two years. Other women, including women who are between 40- and 49-years-old, or those with a family history or other risk factor for breast cancer, or who have any symptoms or changes in their breasts, should talk to their doctor about what screening schedule is right for them. Recommendations for when a woman should begin breast cancer screening, and how often a woman should be screened may differ among organizations. Regardless of these differences, each woman should be aware of her personal risk for breast cancer and decide, with her doctor, when and how she should be screened for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in New York State. (Lung cancer is the leading cause of death.) On average, more than 14,000 women in New York are newly diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and more than 2,700 women die annually from this disease. Although the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, the following factors may increase a woman’s risk for the disease: • Advancing age • Having a first menstrual period at a young agebr> • Starting me menopause at an older age • Never giving birth or having delayed giving birth to a first child until age 30 or older • Not breastfeeding • Having a personal or family history (on the mother’s or father’s side) of breast cancer, especially early (pre-menopausal) breast cancer • Having certain gene mutations such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 • Being overweight or obese • Drinking alcoholic beverages (The level of risk rises as the amount of alcohol consumed rises.) • Being sedentary • Having a history of radiation exposure to the chest • Taking hormone replacement therapy for an extended period of time Even if a woman has one or more of the risk factors for breast cancer, it does not mean she will be diagnosed with the disease. Conversely, many women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any risk factors or unusual symptoms, which is why screening is important for all women. Those who do have a personal or family history of breast cancer may want to consider genetic counseling to determine if they are at greater risk for developing the disease. Although research on the causes of breast cancer is ongoing, there are many ways to improve outcomes related to cancer. These include not smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, making healthy food choices, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and, specifically for women, breastfeeding their infants and getting recommended cancer screenings. For additional breast cancer information, talk to your health care provider, call your local health department and visit the State Department of Health web site at: http://health.ny.gov/statistics/registry/abouts/breast.htm GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT Cigarette smokers will be challenged to stop smoking for 24 hours on November 17, in recognition of the 36th annual Great American Smokeout. The hope is that they’ll quit forever. In 2010, 74 percent of adult New York smokers said they wanted to quit. “The Great American Smokeout” provides them with an ideal opportunity. Good things will happen if you quit. You will breathe more easily, have more energy, lower your risk for a heart attack, have a better sense of smell and taste, and be able to walk more easily. There are about 2.3 million smokers in the Empire State, and smoking kills 25,000 New Yorkers each year. Secondhand smoke kills 3,000. Another 570,000 New Yorkers are afflicted with serious disease caused by smoking. The New York State Smokers’ Quitline helps smokers in their goal to overcome the addiction of tobacco. Call the Quitline at 1-866-697-8487, or visit their web site at www.nysmokefree.com This is a free, confidential service that can help you become smoke-free. Research indicates a greater success rate in beating the addiction when smokers have some means of support (when compared to quit attempts with no assistance), such as: • Telephone smoking cessation hotlines • Nicotine replacement products • Counseling The NYS Smokers’ Quitline provides the above services free to eligible New Yorkers. Smokers also can talk to their doctors, participate in stop-smoking groups, and talk to friends and family for encouragement and support. • Call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 . • Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes. • Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan. • Avoid triggers, including alcohol, caffeine and other smokers. • Exercise to relieve stress, and to improve your mood and health. • Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as replacement patches, gum or lozenges. For additional information about the Great American Smokeout, call the American Cancer Society at 1800-227-2345 or visit the Society web site at www.cancer.org HOLIDAY SAFETY The holidays are a festive and exciting time of year. However, each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 8,700 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Make safety an important part of your holiday preparations. Look for and eliminate potential hazards from lights, candles, trees, fireplaces, space heaters, decorations, and/or electrical connections that could cause fires and injuries. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season, keep the following safety tips in mind: • Purchase green, moist Christmas trees, never old or brittle. Always keep live trees watered. If you buy an artificial tree, look for a label stating it is fire resistant. This will ensure that the tree has been manufactures and tested to meet specific safety standards. A fire resistant tree can still catch fire, but should resist burning and extinguish quickly. Always keep trees and other combustibles away from ignition sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, candles, overhead lights and radiators. Avoid using electric lights on metal trees. • Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates that the lights conform to safety standards. Before using outdoor lights, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. For additional electrical protections, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit protectors. These are available where electrical supplies are sold. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, broken bulbs, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Make sure t throw out damaged sets. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single, heavy-duty extension cord, rated for outdoor use. Check all wires periodically; they should be cool to the touch. Always turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. • Candle lighting ceremonies during Advent, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are beautiful traditions but only when proper precautions are taken. Keep matches, lighters and candles away from children, and never leave burning candles unattended. • Inspect extension cords for damaged insulation, splices or loose plugs before using. Match plugs with outlets. Don’t force a 3-pronged plug into a 2-pronged outlet or extension cord. Overloaded or improperly used outlets pose a potential fire and/or shock hazard. Use surge protectors in multiple outlets are needed. • Decorate with non-combustible or flame-retarded materials. In homes with small children and pets, avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, and keep older ornaments that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children. Trimmings with small removable parts that could be swallowed or inhaled should also be out of children’s reach. Avoid decorations that resemble candy or food that a child could ingest. • After opening gifts, remove all wrapping from tree and fireplace areas immediately. Do not burn papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result if the wrapping ignites suddenly and burns intensely. ORAL HYGIENE When it comes to oral hygiene, everyone should be aware about the importance of maintaining optimal oral health while leading busy, active lifestyles. Living a life on-the-go can be difficult sometimes, but keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be. Prevention is key when it comes to proper oral health. Dental professionals are working hard to increase public awareness about the importance of preventive services in taking good care of your teeth and gums and to encourage people of all ages to develop a great daily oral health routine. Oral hygiene is important for the overall health of your body. While we have to pay attention to different aspects of oral health as we age, the following “Top 10 Tips” are important for everyone when it comes to a healthy mouth: 1. CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY 3 MONTHS: The American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended that people change their toothbrush every three months. 2. USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE: Toothpaste that contains fluoride is very good for your teeth. Fluoride helps to fight against the bacteria causing various diseases and helps to freshen your breath. 3. USE PROPER BRUSHING TECHNIQUES: Overactive brushing can harm your teeth. Consult your dentist to know the proper techniques you should be using when brushing your teeth. 4. FLOSSING: Flossing helps eliminate bacteria, so it helps to floss after every meal. At a minimum, floss once a day! 5. HEALTHY DIET: You should eat healthy foods that include nuts, carrots and celery sticks. These are known as “Palace Cleaners,” as they clean the tooth root. 6. REGULAR CHECK-UPS EVERY 6 MONTHS: Regular check-ups are important to help monitor overall health and to provide early detection if disease is present. 7. LISTEN TO YOUR DENTIST: Dentists know the on-going condition of your teeth and gums, so take their advice when it comes to practices and products you should be using for optimal oral hygiene. 8. CARRY A SMALL DENTAL KIT WITH YOU: Buy a travel kit containing a small brush and toothpaste so you can brush your teeth after every meal. 9. GIVE YOURSELF SUFFICIENT TIME FOR PROPER ORAL HYGIENE: You should always brush and floss your teeth properly. Rushing through the process may do harm to your teeth and gums. 10. DON’T FORGET YOUR TONGUE AND THE ROOF OF YOUR MOUTH: For a thorough job, always remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to help eliminate all bacteria from your mouth. For more information about good oral hygiene, talk to your dental professional and follow his or her advice. SAFE GENERATOR USE As winter approaches and temperatures drop, New Yorkers must prepare for the possibility of severe storms and the power outages that can result. Power outages cause a number of safety concerns, especially when those affected seek heat from other sources. Portable generators can be an effective energy source during a power outage, but using them safely is important. Always read the directions that come with the device. The following tips will help you use your generator safely: • Make sure your generator produces more power than will be drawn by the things you connect to it. • Determine the amount of power you will need. Light bulb wattage indicates the power needed; appliance and equipment labels indicate their power requirements. If you can’t determine the amount of power you will need, ask an electrician. • Plus appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Never try to power your house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. • Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. • Store generator fuel in an approved safety can outside of living areas. Local laws may restrict use or storage of fuel. Ask you local fire department for information. • If you spill fuel, or do not deal containers properly, invisible vapors can travel along the ground and be ignited by an appliance’s pilot light. • Use the type of fuel recommended in the generator instructions or on its label. Most generators are gasoline powered and during operation, produce carbon monoxide, (CO) a colorless, odorless gas. When inhaled, the gas reduces your ability to utilize oxygen. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea and tiredness that can lead to unconsciousness and may be life-threatening. To avoid carbon monoxide exposure: • Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon dioxide build-up in the home. • Locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow carbon dioxide to come indoors. • Install battery-operated carbon dioxide alarms or plug-in carbon dioxide alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Test your carbon dioxide alarms frequently and replace dead batteries. Remember that you cannot see or smell carbon dioxide and portable generators can produce high levels very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Should you have a poisoning emergency, call your local New York Poison Information Center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately. TOY SAFETY As we look forward to another holiday season, children everywhere have one thought on their minds: toys! However, they are likely not considering the safety measures that should be used to enjoy those toys safely. Shoppers should read and pay attention to the warning labels on any toys they might buy, so they choose a toy that is suitable to the child’s age. More than 150,000 children under the age of 15 were treated in U>S> hospital emergency rooms in 2005. Almost half of these were the result of a small child choking on a ball or other small toy part. Following a few simple tips can greatly reduce the number of injuries that occur each year. You should try to buy toys that match the age range, skills, and interests of the child. Most toys have a “recommended age” sticker, which should be taken as a starting point in the selection process. Until your child or grandchild turns three, toy parts should be bigger than his/her mouth to avoid the possibility of choking. To determine whether a toy poses a choking risk, try fitting it through a toilet paper roll. If a toy or part from the toy can fit inside the cylinder, it’s not safe. Toys with any sharp edges or points should not be given to any child eight years old or younger. Keep toys with magnets away from children under six years old. Magnets may cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. There are a few guidelines to remember after your children or grandchildren have opened their gifts. You should immediately dispose of plastic wrappings on toys to keep them out of reach of small children. If you buy a toy for an older child, make sure it is kept out of reach of a younger sibling or neighbor’s child. Follow instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some of these can come without a device that prevents overcharging. If you buy a bike, scooter, in-line skates or skateboard, make sure your child has all of the necessary protective gear, which includes approved helmets, and elbow pads and knee pads for scooters, skates and skateboards. There are several categories of toys you should avoid. Toys that make loud noises, such as toy guns, can impair a child’s hearing for the rest of their life. Projectiles, such as propelled toy darts, may cause serious eye injuries. Electrical toys can cause burns, and should be completely avoided if your child is less than eight years old. Toys are sometimes recalled for reasons including unsafe lead levels, choking or fire hazards, or other problems that make them dangerous. Toys that are recalled should be removed from your home immediately. If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, contact your child’s doctor about testing for lead. To learn more about toy safety and toy recalls, go to www.cpsc.gov for photos and descriptions of recalled toys. YOUR WORKPLACE EMERGENCY PLAN Emergency planning extends beyond the arrangements that you make to keep your family safe and healthy at home. In your family’s general emergency plan, include an emergency workplace plan. Include instructions on how you will handle your health concerns and how you will contact your family or care for your children when you are at work and an emergency occurs. Because many people spend most of their time each day at their job, it makes good sense to be prepared and have a work place emergency plan that deals with your needs. Nearly all workplaces have emergency plans for their employees. It’s important to know what the plan is and how it affects you. Be familiar with that plan by participating in emergency drills and evacuations. That way, you will know what to do if a real emergency occurs. Also, let your employer know if you need special accommodations or assistance, such as walking down the stairwell during a building evacuation. These procedures can also be practiced during the drill. Your emergency workplace plan should work in conjunction with your employer’s plan. Your plan should include information on your health concerns, how you communicate with or locate your family if you become separated, and what provisions you need to make. Consider the following checklist as you develop your personal workplace plan: Evaluate Your Workplace: • Know where there are safe places (e.g., in the stairwells, under heavy tables or desks, and corners of rooms away from windows) and dangerous places (e.g. near windows, and heavy furniture and equipment that may get knocked over) around your work area. • Know the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, and fire alarms in your office, as well as any shared spaces. • Post all emergency numbers in a location that is visible and accessible. • Be familiar with your internal emergency broadcasting system. Be familiar with name of the person and/or department who will give official instructions. Notify them if you have a disability that prevents you from seeing, hearing or understanding that emergency communication system. • Know who are the floor wardens and other first aid attendants. If you will need assistance of any kind, let them know, before an emergency occurs. • Know the safe evacuation routes from your work area. Contact your floor warden or security staff if you don’t know; if routes have not been established, or if you will need assistance in using those routes. • If you have a disability or will need assistance, know who can help you and plan ahead. Ask a person or a group of people who you can rely on and trust, if they will help you during an emergency. Make Personal Provisions: • Arrange with your family to have an out-of-area telephone contact to help coordinate your family’s whereabouts. • Familiarize yourself with your children’s daycare and/or school emergency plan and policies. Plan how your children will be cared for if your family is separated. • Have emergency supplies available. Remember that power can be disrupted, water could be contaminated and phone lines could be damaged. Your emergency kit should be able to sustain you for at least 72 hours. • Assemble a workplace emergency kit. Consider including: comfortable walking shoes; high-energy food bar; warm jacket; foil water pouches or bottled water; first aid supplies; medications; personal medical information; back-up durable equipment and spare eyeglasses; flashlight with fresh batteries; and a working AM/FM portable radio. Keep this kit in an easily accessible place. Return to Home Page