Follow Day 2 of National Public Health Week - April 2, 2013

Healthy children learn better — that's a fact. Research has found that students' health affects their grades, attendance, behavior and whether they graduate. And we also know that education is one of the many social determinants that influence a person's health throughout the life span. Fortunately, public health and education systems have a long and fruitful history of working together to keep students safe and teach them healthy habits. Still, there's much more to do to make sure our schools are healthy and supportive environments — and you can help.   

DID YOU KNOW?

• Obesity prevalence among children and teens has nearly tripled since 1980. Today, about 17 percent, or 12.5 million, of children and teens ages 2 to 19 are obese. 

• In 2011, only 29 percent of high school students surveyed nationwide took part in the recommended 60 minutes per day of physical activity and only 31 percent attended a daily PE class. 

• In 2009, about one in 10 children had asthma. Overall, health care costs associated with asthma among adults and children topped $50 billion in 2007.

• During the 2006–2007 school year, more than 31 percent of students ages 12 through 18 said they were bullied at school. Sixty-two percent of school employees surveyed in 2010 said they witnessed bullying two or more times in the last month. 

• Every day, nearly 4,000 young people try their first cigarette and about 1,000 will become daily smokers. 

• In 2011, 16.7 million children lived in food-insecure households, meaning they didn't have enough nutritious food to lead a healthy life.

WHAT PUBLIC HEALTH TEACHES US

START SMALL...

• Advocate for smoke- and tobacco-free policies at schools as well as on college campuses. 

• Learn about a school's asthma policies: Does the school keep asthma action plans on file? Are students allowed to carry inhalers? Does the school nurse know which students have asthma? Support policies that reduce asthma risks, such as prohibiting school bus idling and using non-toxic cleaning supplies.

• Organize for school-wide policies and action against bullying and create a safe space for kids experiencing bullying to get help.

• Encourage your child's school to stop stocking soda and junk food in school vending machines and to put restrictions on the types of foods sold in schools that are  outside official school meal programs.

• Speak up about the importance of physical education in school.

• Volunteer for school health education efforts that teach kids to say no to tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

• Support evidence-based sexual health education that's aimed at preventing disease and unplanned pregnancy and is inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.

THINK BIG...

• Encourage schools to get involved in the national HealthierUS School Challenge, a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools that have created healthier environments by promoting nutrition and physical activity.

• Learn more about First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign and how it can promote more physical activity in schools.

• Encourage local leaders to support transportation planning decisions that incorporate safe routes to walk and bike to school. Get involved in your local Safe Routes to School Program or organize an event during International Walk to School Day.

• Let your national leaders know that you support the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, which provide all children with access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's income.

• Involve the larger community in recognizing bullying and developing community-wide responses to bullying.

• Write a letter to the editor or to decision-makers in support of local, state and federal investments in school-based health centers. These centers provide a range of health services, from chronic disease management to mental health counseling, and often serve as  critical safety nets for vulnerable children and adolescents.

There is much more you can do to support safe environments and adequate for children at school. To learn more, visit www.schoolbasedhealthcare.org.

seasonal flu 2013 – important information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that flu activity is now widespread across the United States. CDC officials said the level of flu activity reported in the first week of January is normally seen at the peak of a normal, moderately severe flu season.

Hospitals in most areas of New Jersey are reporting high volumes of influenza-like illness. In a few instances, hospital emergency departments have had to divert cases for a period of time because of extra high volume associated with the flu.

For additional information and resources on seasonal influenza, visit the CDC’s site at www.cdc.gov/flu or the New Jersey Department of Health at www.state.nj.us/health/flu.

Flu Talking Points

• Like many hospitals in New Jersey and elsewhere in the country, Saint Clare’s Health System has seen an increase in influenza-like illness.
• Each flu season, we prepare to ramp up for the higher volume of patients both in our Emergency Department and, if necessary, our inpatient beds. We prepare for the peaks, and staff accordingly.
• Patients with flu-like symptoms should first seek the advice of their primary care provider or a community health center. In most instances, these primary care providers can deliver the healthcare services you need to treat the flu, without the long waits sometimes experienced in the hospital Emergency Department.
• However, if you become acutely ill with the flu – including symptoms such as constant vomiting, difficulty breathing or symptoms that temporarily improve but return with a higher fever and worse cough – seek emergency care.
• We take careful precautions within our facilities to limit the spread of flu. Some of these precautions include greater use of masks and respiratory equipment and isolation of patients. Individuals with the flu are contagious 24 hours before they are symptomatic, so it’s important for hospitals to use these safeguards.
• In addition, the old tried-and-true precautions such as washing your hands often are among the most effective ways to prevent the flu’s spread.
• In fact, New Jersey residents are a critically important part of protecting themselves and others from the flu. We urge them to take the following common-sense precautions:
  • Wash your hands often
  • Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick
• We also cannot overemphasize the importance of getting a flu shot. It’s not too late to get a shot, and public health officials said this year’s combination of flu vaccine has been very effective against the strains of flu circulating this season.
• The flu shot is especially important if you are over age 65, have a chronic health condition that could be aggravated by the flu, are around infants less than 6 months of age or are around individuals with a chronic condition or compromised immune system.

The New Jersey Department of Health Web site can help you find a flu vaccination site near you. http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/findflushot.shtml

For additional information and resources on seasonal influenza, visit the CDC’s site at www.cdc.gov/flu or the New Jersey Department of Health at www.state.nj.us/health/flu.

From Yahoo Sports - ThePostGame

Pedicure Gone Wrong Sidelines Tennis Star  

Victoria Azarenka, the 23-year-old Belarusian phenom, has shot up the ranks of the tennis world over the past year. She won the Australian Open in 2012 and captured the gold medal in mixed doubles at the London Olympics and the bronze in singles. She earned $7.9 million in 2012 to set a new single-season record in prize money.

She's the world's top-ranked player and the top overall seed at the upcoming Australian Open. So what's the only thing that can stop Azarenka? A bad pedicure.

Azarenka pulled out of the semifinals of the Brisbane International on Friday because of the pain from a minor procedure on an ingrown nail that infected her right big toe. She said that after a pedicure about 10 days ago, a piece of her nail was jamming into her toe. The injury became so painful that Azarenka had to have a doctor remove the nail from her toe.

"It just got infected from a bad pedicure experience," Azarenka said. "They cut a little bit too much and it got infected. The doctor said it happens a lot. It's never happened to me before, so it's something that I am definitely going to prevent for the next time."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2012 Parsippany, NJ

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Vilayvanh Sysounthone, Dr. Helene T. Nguyen and Dr. Yong J. Zhu of Feet ‘N Beyond of New Jersey, P.A. announce the availability of the new PinPointeFootLaser, the first FDA approved, clinically proven laser device for patients with onychomycosis, or nail fungus.

For those suffering the pain and embarrassment of unsightly nail fungus, PinPointeäFootLaseräis the easy and convenient treatment that helps turn discolored and disfigurednails into clearer, healthier looking nails.  Nail infection can cause permanent deformity of the nail which makes it difficult to wear shoes and can interfere with walking, exercise, sports and other physical activities.  Women and men with this ailment are reluctant to wear open-toed shoes in summer or on vacation because they are embarrassed by the unsightly discoloration and unhealthy appearance of infected toe nails.

In-Office Pain-Free Treatment

Safe and effective, this in-​​office treatment is pain free, has no harmful side effects, and typically takes only about 30-​​minutes to complete. This new technology and treatment is now available by appointment at two of Feet ‘N Beyond of New Jersey office locations: 1259 Route 46 East, Parsippany, Building 3 (right before the Pathmark store) and 57 Route 46 East, Hackettstown (across from Target).

Nail fungus is a chronic condition, and for those patients with diabetes or immune disorders, it could become a serious health problem.  The root cause, which is an infection, is difficult to address with topical treatments because it invades under and inside the nail.

The Science behind the FootLaserä

The PinPointe FootLaser kills fungus that lives in and under the nail by directing a laser light through the nail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. When the toenail grows out, it will become clear.

The Process of Healing Toe Nail Fungal Infections

The process begins with a consultation with one of the doctors in our offices, who will explain the procedure and will advise patients of follow-​​up visits that may be required.  There is no pain with this procedure.  Some have reported a “warming” sensation or a feeling of a slight pin prick. The treatment typically takes about 30 minutes with no “recovery” period.

Patients are advised to remove all polish and decoration from the toes before treatment.  The infection will improve after one treatment, however visible results will be observed after the nail has grown in to replace the infected nail.

Dr. Vilayvanh Sysounthone, Dr. Helene T. Nguyen and Dr. Yong J. Zhu are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).  DPMs are the only health professionals whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. The doctors of Feet ‘N Beyond of NJ maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in podiatry as well as the latest technology in treatments. They specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle problems with medical and surgical approaches.

Those interested in this laser treatment for beautiful toenails, pain relief, and its healing effects should call to set up an appointment, during which the doctors and staff will discuss the length of therapy and options for financial arrangements.  For an appointment or more information, call their office toll free: 800FNBNJ04 (800.362.6504) or Tel: 973.263.5500, or email info@feetnbeyond.com. Visit their website to view videos and read more about this new treatment, www.feetnbeyond.com.

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*©2011 NuvoLase, Inc. PinPointe and FootLaser are trademarks of NuvoLase, Inc. LIT01235D, Distributed by Cynosure, Inc.

It has been a hot summer so far that we are having.  Whether you BBQing, sunbathing, swimming or just playing catch on the beach, we all need is to play safe and protect ourselves from getting burned.  Overexposure to the sun can cause severe sun damage.  Here are some myths about tanning and skin protection:

• "All I need to apply sunscreen once in morning for protection" - According to  Center of Disease Control (CDC), the hours between 10AM - 4PM are the most hazardous for UV exposure.  Sunscreen wears off, if you stay out in the sun more than 2 hours reapplication of sunscreen is a must as well as after swimming.
• "I have darker skin, so I dont need to use sunscreen" - Anyone at any skin tone can be benefit from applying sunscreen prior to any outdoor activities.  Skin cancer is rising in color skin population, five-year melanoma survival rate is lower for African Americans compared to Caucasians.
• "Wet clothing would help me cool down as well protect from sunburn" - Wet clothes would keep you cool but will offer much less UV protection than dry clothes.  Also darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.
• "As long as I apply sunscreen on my face and arms, it would be sufficient to protect from skin disease" - For most of the protection apply sunscreen to face, earsm back of the neck as well as feet.

Summer Sun Safety is Summer Fun for everyone.  Remember to wear sunscreen.

With proper check up on your feet and skin to detect suspicious lesions and promptly care for them.  Contact us at Feet 'N Beyond of New Jersey, P.A. when you first experience a questionable lesion on your lower extremity and our podiatric physicians would recommend you an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.