May 01, 2008
May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of bone. Bones become "porous" and weak causing an increased risk of bone fractures. Any bone can be affected, but spine and hip fractures are the most common. To determine your risk for developing osteoporosis, click here for a questionnaire from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Osteoporosis is a preventable disease, but there is no cure. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, there are five steps that can be taken to prevent osteoporosis:
· Get your recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D each day.
· Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
· Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
· Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health.
· When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.
Remember that prevention of osteoporosis is important because there is no cure.
National Stroke Awareness Month
If a stroke victim can get medical attention within 3 hours, there's a chance the effects of the stroke can be stopped or even reversed. The key is to recognize the signs of a stroke. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the signs and symptoms. How might you recognize the signs of a stroke in another person? Ask the person to perform three simple tasks:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask the individual to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the individual to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (i.e: It is sunny out today).
If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Widespread use of this simple test could result in a quick diagnosis and treatment of the stroke to prevent brain damage.
Make Fitness Fun for Your Family!
May is National Physical Fitness month and the Onondaga County Health Department encourages you to develop an exercise plan this month. Adults should exercise for at least thirty minutes on most days and children need to move at least sixty minutes on most days. Choose activities that are fun for you and your family that you can do together. You can better control your body weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases and improve your feeling of well being when you exercise daily. Try some of these ideas to get you and your family moving: take a nature hike; create a parade by dressing up kids, adults, and pets, decorating wagons, tricycles, bikes and strollers and parade around the block; or work in the garden. Surround your family with active fun this month for better health. For more healthy tips, call the Eat Well Play Hard program at 435-3280
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. Approximately one million teens in the United States will become pregnant over the next year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 80% of teen pregnancies are unintended. Parents and adults play an important role in reducing the risk of teen pregnancy. The following are some tips for parents or other adults that are important in the lives of teens:
· Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes.
· Talk with your children early and often about sex.
· Supervise and monitor your children and adolescents.
· Know your children's friends and their families.
· Discourage early, frequent, and steady dating.
· Take a strong stand against your daughter dating a boy significantly older than she is.
· Help your teenager have options for the future that are more attractive than early pregnancy and parenthood.
· Let your kids know that you value education.
· Know what your kids are watching, reading, and listening to.
It is important for parents to maintain close relationships with children and teens, set clear expectations for them, and communicate honestly and often with them about important matters.
Bicycle Helmets for Sale
The nice weather is here, and time to get back out on bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and skateboards. Onondaga County law requires all those under 18 years old to wear a helmet when bicycling, skating, or on a scooter or skateboard. Helmets are available for $6.00 or $10.00 depending on income. Two helmet styles and a variety of colors are available at helmet sale locations throughout Onondaga County. For a location near you, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-3280. Protect your brain—no matter what your age, and wear a helmet!
Before You Dig…
With the spring weather comes many activities that increase the risk of tetanus infection. Tetanus is a serious disease that is caused by bacteria found in dust, soil and manure. Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through any break in the skin, including a tiny pinprick, a scratch, a splinter and even bug bites. The best way to protect yourself against tetanus is by getting vaccinated. Because the protection from the shot lessens with time, a booster shot is required every ten years. Health officials now recommend that in place of the standard tetanus booster (including tetanus and diptheria) adults receive one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis containing vaccine). If you are due for a tetanus booster shot, never got the shots as a child, or are not sure if you ever had a tetanus shot, contact your health care provider. Making sure you are protected before you dig can help protect you from tetanus infection. For more information on tetanus, contact the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-3280.
Better Speech and Hearing Month
May is better speech and hearing month. This is a good time to focus on the importance of monitoring your child's speech and hearing. Children with speech and language impairments are four to five times more likely to experience other language learning problems than their peers. Helen Keller once noted that of all of her impairments, she was troubled most by her lack of speech and hearing as this separated her from people.
If you have concerns about your child, speak with your child's primary care physician. If your child is under the age of three, call Early Intervention at 435-3230. If your child is over the age of three, contact the school district where you live for further guidance.
Protect Your Pets with a Rabies Shot
Rabies shot clinics are held at various locations throughout Onondaga County and are free for Onondaga County residents. A voluntary donation per family is appreciated. Please be sure to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier during the rabies clinic and bring past shot records with you. New York State Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get vaccinated at three months of age, and then get a booster shot at one year old and then every three years after that. Ferrets must get vaccinated every year. Upcoming clinics are listed below or click here for a complete list of Health Department clinics.
· Monday, May 5th, 5:00 -7:00 pm: Clay Highway Garage, 4483 Rt 31, Clay
· Monday, May 19th, 5:00 -7:00 pm: Manlius Highway Garage, 5970 Clemons Rd, East Syracuse
· Tuesday, May 27th, 6:00-8:00 pm: S.P.CA.., 5878 E. Molloy Road, Mattydale
· Monday, June 9th, 5:00 -7:00 pm: Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee St., Syracuse
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