Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week is December 1-7.

Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It happens when the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body. Any blood cells the marrow does make are normal, but there are not enough of them. Aplastic anemia can be moderate, severe or very severe. People with severe or very severe aplastic anemia are at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding. Although aplastic anemia can appear at any age, it is diagnosed more often in children and young adults. Several well-known figures from history had aplastic anemia, including chemist and Nobel Prize recipient Madame Curie and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Aplastic anemia is caused by destruction of the blood-forming stem cells in your bone marrow. These stem cells normally develop into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Most research suggests that stem cell destruction occurs because the body’s immune system attacks its own cells by mistake. Normally, the immune system attacks only foreign substances. When your immune system attacks your own body, you are said to have an autoimmune disease. Aplastic anemia is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease. Other autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Aplastic anemia can be acquired or hereditary.

• Acquired aplastic anemia can begin any time in life. About 75 out of 100 cases of acquired aplastic anemia are idiopathic. This means they have no known cause.
• Hereditary aplastic anemia is passed down through the genes from parent to child. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and is much less common than acquired aplastic anemia. People who develop hereditary aplastic anemia usually have other genetic or developmental abnormalities.

About 25 out of 100 cases of acquired aplastic anemia can be linked to one of several causes. These include:

• Toxins, such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene
• Radiation and chemotherapy used to treat cancer
• Treatments for other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy – sometimes, this aplastic anemia improves on its own after the woman gives birth
• The symptoms of aplastic anemia are caused by low blood cell counts. The symptoms depend on which type of blood cell is affected.
• Low red blood cell count
• A low red blood cell count is called anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A low red blood cell count causes fatigue and tiredness.
• Low white blood cell count
• A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia. White blood cells fight infections in the body by attacking and killing bacteria and viruses. A low white blood cell count can increase the risk for infections.
• Low platelet count
• A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help blood to clot and stop bleeding. A low platelet count can lead to bleeding problems and cause you to bruise easily.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy, which affects approximately 2 million persons in the United States, is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of these seizures and subsequent inadequate treatment increases the risk for additional seizures, disability, decreased health-related quality of life, and, in rare instances, death. Although epilepsy can occur at any age, the condition is more likely to begin among children aged 2 years and adults aged 65 years. The number of cases among older adults is increasing as the U.S. population ages. A multistate study by CDC indicated that approximately 1% of adults have active epilepsy, and many might not be receiving the best available medical care.

Many persons do not know how to respond appropriately to a person having a seizure. For example, although many law enforcement and emergency response personnel are able to respond successfully to readily recognizable forms of seizures and intervene appropriately, some might not recognize seizures in persons they encounter who appear to be confused, unable to communicate, or exhibit behaviors inappropriate to time and place. Such persons might not obey directives and might become involuntarily combative, resulting in inappropriate arrest, possible injury, and, in some cases, death.

“Get Seizure Smart,” this year’s theme for National Epilepsy Awareness Month, focuses on the importance of seizure recognition and first aid. During the month of November, the Epilepsy Foundation will launch an interactive website  that will provide educational materials and other resources to support this effort.

Additional information about epilepsy and the national program is available from the Epilepsy Foundation by telephone (800-332-1000) or online (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org ). Information in Spanish is available online (http://www.fundacionparalaepilepsia.org ) or by telephone (866-748-8008).

November is American Diabetes month and the American diabetes Association is asking, “How will you stop Diabetes?” Last November, the American Diabetes Association launched the Stop Diabetes movement, with the bold goal of having 1 million people join in the first year. So far, more than 814,000 people around the country have raised their hand and pledged to join the fight. There are plenty of ways you can become involved in American Diabetes Month and the Stop Diabetes movement this November. Therefore, please don’t waste time in learning the symptoms and getting the facts about diabetes. Drastic action is needed from everyone.

A new federal report predicts that one in three American adults may have diabetes by 2050‚  with the number of diabetes patients projected to double or triple over the next 40 years. These projections come from new analysis by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‚ published in the journal Population Health Metrics. The report points out three key demographic factors behind the increased diabetes prevalence: an aging population‚ increases in high–risk minority groups‚ and better survival in people who already have diabetes. Total costs of diabetes are an estimated $174 billion annually‚ including $116 billion in direct medical costs‚ the CDC says. The new report predicts that the number of new diabetes cases each year will increase from eight per 1‚000 people in 2008 to 15 per 1‚000 in 2050.

“These are alarming numbers that show how critical it is to change the course of type 2 diabetes‚” said Ann Albright‚ director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. ”Successful programs to improve lifestyle choices on healthy eating and physical activity must be made more widely available‚ because the stakes are too high and the personal toll too devastating to fail.” According to Sue Kirkman‚ senior vice president of medical affairs and community information for the American Diabetes Association‚ these new projections are probably the most accurate because of the amount of information used to make them. ”We definitely know that people with diabetes are living longer than they did 20 years ago‚ and are less likely to have complications‚” Kirkman said. Earlier this year‚ the CDC launched the National Diabetes Prevention Program to bring diabetes prevention to communities. The program supports a network of lifestyle intervention programs for overweight or obese people at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes*:

• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
• Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, dedicated to educating patients and the public about what sudden cardiac arrest is and how to respond to a cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating, resulting in no blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Approximately 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States, with a median reported survival-to-hospital-discharge rate of 8%.

What causes sudden cardiac death?

All known heart diseases can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. Most of the cardiac arrests that lead to sudden death occur when the electrical impulses in the diseased heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. This irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are due to extreme slowing of the heart which is called bradycardia. .
In 90 percent of adult victims of sudden cardiac death, two or more major coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty buildups. Scarring from a prior heart attack is found in two-thirds of victims. When sudden death occurs in young adults, other heart abnormalities are more likely causes. Adrenaline released during intense physical or athletic activity often acts as a trigger for sudden death when these abnormalities are present. Under certain conditions, various heart medications and other drugs — as well as illegal drug abuse — can lead to abnormal heart rhythms that cause sudden death.

The term “massive heart attack” is often wrongly used in the media to describe sudden death. The term “heart attack” refers to death of heart muscle tissue due to the loss of blood supply, not necessarily resulting in a cardiac arrest or the death of the heart attack victim. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, but the terms aren’t synonymous.

Rapidly implementing the “chain of survival” model can help increase the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The steps in the chain include activation of emergency medical services by calling 9-1-1, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and acquiring appropriate care. This year marks the 50th anniversary of CPR; updated CPR guidelines will be released later this year by the American Heart Association (AHA).

(October 3-9, 2010)

During National Fire Prevention Week, October 3 – 9, 2010 attention is focused on promoting fire safety and prevention. However, we should practice fire safety all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.

Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded.

Fire Safety Checklist:

• Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
• Teach everyone the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique in case clothing catches on fire.
• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
• Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys.
• If you suspect a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches.
• Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. However, doctors can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol and it can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medications.

It’s important to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. People who are overweight or obese and those who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease are at especially high risk of developing high cholesterol.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile can measure your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.

More than 98 million Americans have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 34 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, which puts them at high risk for heart disease.

High cholesterol can develop in early childhood and adolescence, and your risk increases as your weight increases. In the United States, more than one-third (31%) of youth aged 12–19 years have at least one abnormal lipid level. It is important for children over 2 years of age to have their cholesterol checked, if they are overweight/obese or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

If you have high cholesterol, to lower it your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your high cholesterol. In addition, you can lower your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. The National Cholesterol Education Program has developed specific recommendations about cholesterol treatment for people at increased risk, such as those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

Stan White, the chief security officer of Praise Covenant Christian Center, continues to offer security tips and vital information in the upcoming months. Therefore, please take note and stay alert as it relates to safety, especially when it comes to protecting your home.

Safety Tip # 4:  Protect Your Home While You Are Away

• Home burglary is a serious reality in the world we live in. Criminal teams work neighborhoods looking for unoccupied homes to steal from. They may watch a home for weeks to see who’s coming and going. They are also looking for patterns or consistent times when no one seems to be at home.
• Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don’t close your curtains – in the daytime this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
• Cancel any deliveries such as newspapers and other packages.
• Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
• Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail; mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don’t label them with your address.
• Don’t leave valuables, like your TV or computer where people can see them through windows.

Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.
Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis, is selected for the observance.
Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why. Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.
Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.

Peaches are a multi-million dollar cash crop that bolsters the economies of over 32 states. Also, the United States is the world’s largest peach producer, providing more than 20 percent of the world’s peaches and exporting approximately 250 million pounds each year.
Here’s some history on the origin of the peach. The scientific name persica, along with the word “peach” itself and its cognates in many European languages, derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to Persia (now Iran). The modern botanical consensus is that they originate in China, and were introduced to Persia and the Mediterranean region along the silk Road before Christian times. Cultivated peaches are divided into “freestone” and “clingstone” cultivars, depending on whether the flesh sticks to the stone or not; both kinds can have either white or yellow flesh. Peaches with white flesh typically are very sweet with little acidity, while yellow fleshed peaches typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness, though this also varies greatly. Low-acid white fleshed peaches are the most popular kinds in China, Japan, and neighboring Asian countries, while Europeans and north Americans have historically favored the acidic, yellow fleshed peaches.
In recognition of the role peaches play in our food supply and our economy, via a July 1982 resolution, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that every August will be observed as “National Peach Month”. Additionally, President Reagan called upon the people of the United States to incorporate this nutritious fruit into their diets and to celebrate this month with appropriate programs and activities. This holiday is for honoring and enjoying the great flavor of juicy peaches.
You can eat them right off the tree, sliced in cream, make peach cobbler with ice cream or you can even blend them and make smoothies. It doesn’t matter how you eat them just as long as you celebrate National Peach Month by eating them in as many ways as you can think of.

August is designated as National Immunization Month to spotlight the importance of keeping your immunizations up to date. The Center for Disease Control has put together a number of charts to help you keep on top of the vaccines that you and your children need. It’s gotten rather complicated over the past few years, as many additional shots have been added to the requirements for kids. 
 
As an adult you may be in need of some shots as well. Many of the immunizations that kids now take for granted, didn’t even exist when many of us were children. It’s worth checking out what is available and what you need. The diseases that these vaccines protect against are pretty nasty and better off avoided.
Vaccines became a required part of childhood in the early 1950s, when four vaccines were introduced: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and smallpox. Luckily for kids back then, three of the four were combined into a single injection. This meant that kids only had to receive five shots by the time they were two years old, and they never had to receive more than one per doctor’s visit.  
 
Kids are not as fortunate on that score nowadays. By the time kids are two, kids now receive as many as 20 vaccinations, sometimes receiving as many as five shots in one visit! Ugh! The good news is that kids today are protected from a long list of dangerous diseases. The bad news is that there are just too many shots. This will hopefully change in the next few years in two ways; there are more vaccinations being added each year, which unfortunately means more shots, but they are also working on a number of combined vaccines which means less shots. Hopefully the final outcome will mean more protection from disease with less shots. Kids hate feeling like pincushions.