Sabrina Caston

What Vaccines do you need?

School is now in session for most states across the U.S. and right on time for National Immunization Awareness Month. The main goal is to increase awareness about immunizations which are very important because they can help protect yourself and others against life-threatening infections.

Throughout the U.S. there are?ástill some?ádeaths associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. Last year in Louisiana there was an?áincrease in reports of Hepatitis B and Pertussis (whooping cough)?áthan in 2008, which are two vaccine-preventable diseases. ?á

Not sure about what vaccines you might need? Check out the following link & take a brief quiz so that you can get a better idea of what you and your doctor should discuss on your next visit:

http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/

?áFor more information, please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?ID=249&Detail=7428

MedlinePlus Redesign!

Today is the release of the new MedlinePlus!

In addition to the new logo, new features include:

• Frequently used content is easier to find like Health Topics, Drugs & Supplements and Videos & Cool Tools
• Spotlighting popular features such as the Medical Dictionary, Popular Searches and useful NIH databases
• Web 2.0 technologies that help users share content
• Emphasizes search and makes navigation more intuitive
• Rotating image feature at the top of the page displays current interest topics and new MedlinePlus features
• Distinctive color schemes for English and Spanish pages
• Quick links to mobile version and updates via email, RSS, and Twitter on every page

For a closer look visit: http://medlineplus.gov

Arthritis Facts!

Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability – Fact

Approximately 46 million people in America have been diagnosed with arthritis, and of them 300,000 are children. Arthritis is a group of?á conditions that affects joints as well as other parts of the body. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle by walking or doing some other type of exercise is recommended to improve conditions. Inactivity may cause arthritis patients to experience more pain. Nearly everyone over the age of 75 is affected by arthritis in at least one joint, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

The 3 most common types of arthritis are:

• Rheumatoid

• Juvenile

• Osteoarthritis

A few ways to keep moving are stationary cycling, walking and gardening.

For additional information visit:

http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-awareness-month.php

College Health

College life can be overwhelming to some, with all the new responsibilities and challenges that one might face. Medline Plus offers several tips in order for college students to maintain healthy lifestyles, such as:

Getting enough sleep

Eating a balanced diet

Keeping up with vaccinations and checkups

Getting regular exercise

Making smart choices about alcohol and drugs

Practicing safe sex

Seeking help if you are depressed or stressed

Finding the right balance might be tough at first but once you implement these practices into your lifestyle you should remain healthy.

For more information visit:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/collegehealth.html

3-D TV Potential Health Hazards

Before you go out and purchase that 3-D TV to enhance your theatrical home experience, you might want to know that they pose a potential health hazard.?á Although itÔÇÖs a bit too early to determine a full list of hazards, some makers are releasing warnings about watching 3-D television which may cause:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Seizures

Other reports include:

• Eye twitching
• Convulsions to disorientation

Dr. Nicolas Bazan, head of the LSUHSCÔÇÖs Neuroscience Center, is concerned about the effects it will have on children. Since the connection between the brain and the eye are still in developing stage, the extent is not known about how harmful it can be. Like most other things, moderation is recommended.

To find out more information, visit:

http://www.abc26.com/news/local/wgno-news-3d-tv-health-hazards,0,3938270.story

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The month of October is a time to think of all persons that have fought the battle against breast cancer. In the U.S., breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. According to the American Cancer Society there are nearly 200,000 cases that are expected to arise this year alone. There are a growing number of male cases and that is expected to reach 1,910 by the end of the year. If you or a loved one is facing breast cancer educate yourself on what it is, how it develops and new treatment methods that are available.

The American Cancer Society is teaming up with the New Orleans Saints to raise awareness about breast cancer by wearing pink all month long. The items will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Locally, this yearÔÇÖs American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer raised slightly over $150,000.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.nbcam.org/index.cfm

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=19718&pg=entry

National Cancer Survivors Day!

?é?áSunday June 7^th, 2009 will be the 22nd annual celebration of the National Cancer Survivors Day. It is held throughout hundreds of communities worldwide. The event demonstrates that life after being diagnosed with cancer has become a reality. Currently in America, there are an estimated 10.8 million men, women, & children living with a history of cancer.?é?á Hope, knowledge and inspiration can help beat cancer. For more information, please visit http://www.ncsdf.org/

Get Ready for National Women’s Health Week 2009!

This year the 10^th annual National Women?óÔé¼Ôäós Health Week kicks off today!?é?á It is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services?óÔé¼Ôäó Office on Women?óÔé¼Ôäós Health (OWH). This year?óÔé¼Ôäós theme is ?óÔé¼?ôIt?óÔé¼Ôäós Your Time?óÔé¼?Ø.

Some tips to increase physical and mental health include:

• Getting at least 2 ?é?¢ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
• Eating a nutritious diet.
• Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

Locally there are a few events that are taking place:

Taking it to the Streets ?óÔé¼ÔÇ£ A City Walk and Lunch promoting women?óÔé¼Ôäós mental and physical health (http://www.tulane.edu/~tuxcoe/NewWebsite/com_womens_health/index.html)

Ask your Health Provider ?óÔé¼ÔÇ£ Clinical screening & exam, HIV & STI treatment and/or prevention, Taking the Pledge! (http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=264)

So far, Louisiana only has 6 women who took the pledge and is trailing far behind Missouri which has 155 pledges, so take the pledge today!

One week, not enough?

If you?óÔé¼Ôäód like to continue the Woman Challenge there is an eight-week online activity program that allows you to track your progress, so sign up today!

For more information please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/ .