August is National Immunization Awareness Month

All children should be vaccinated against childhood diseases. If you are unable or someone you know is unable to afford vaccinations, free and reduced cost vaccinations are available throughout the United States. The Healing Project acknowledges that many people are concerned about the possible adverse-effects of immunization, particularly in children. While ingesting any substance has its risks, the benefits of vaccinations greatly out way the risks. Finally, we are also aware that members of the community are concerned that vaccinations may result in Autism. Careful scientific studies not only in the United States but also throughout the world have not demonstrated any causal relationship between vaccination and Autism. Please see a qualified health provider and see your children are vaccinated before they return to school.

For more information:

National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE, MS E-05
Atlanta, GA 30333
(800) 232-2522
(800) CDC-INFO (232-4636) English/Spanish
(888) 232-6348 TTY
(888) CDC-FAXX (232-3299) Free fax-back

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
npiinfo@hmhb.gov

August 1st is National Minority Donor Awareness Day

The Healing Project encourages all members of our community to particpate in organ and tissue donation programs. It is a gift of life.

August 1 is National Minority Organ Donor Awareness Day, and the National Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program (National MOTTEP®) was established to encourage the minority communities to actively particpate in these programs to save lives.

Why is it so important to have more minority organ donors?

• More than 83,000 persons are currently on the national transplant waiting list.

• 16 people die each day waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

• More than 50% of people waiting for transplants are racial/ethnic minorities including: 23,558 African Americans; 13,059 Hispanics/Latinos; and 5,158 Asians/Pacific Islanders.

• Patients in need of a transplant are more likely to find a genetically compatible match within their own racial/ethnic group.

• Minority donors account for only about 25% of the available donor pool.

National MOTTEP® is the National Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program. It is the first program of its kind in the country designed to:

Educate minority communities on facts about organ and tissue transplantation
Empower minority communities to develop transplant education programs which allow them to become involved in addressing the shortage of donors
Increase minority participation in organ/tissue transplant endeavors including signing organ donor cards
Encourage and increase family discussions related to organ and tissue donation
Increase the number of minorities who donate organs and tissues

The mission of the National Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program, (MOTTEP®) is to decrease the number and rate of ethnic minority Americans needing organ and tissue transplants. MOTTEP® will achieve its mission by implementing a national information and education campaign that emphasizes both prevention and intervention strategies that result in:

healthier life styles and behavioral patterns
increased number of minority donors and transplant recipients
increased number of family discussions regarding organ and tissue transplants
increased number of minority donor pledges

Why is there a National MOTTEP®?
National MOTTEP® was originally established to increase the number of minority organ and tissue transplant donors. The mission of National MOTTEP® was later revised to incorporate a preventive focus by addressing the diseases and behaviors which lead to the need for transplantation such as diabetes, hypertension, alcohol and substance abuse, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.

National Minority Donor Awareness Day
National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program
Ambulatory Care Center
2041 Georgia Avenue NW, Suite 3100
Washington, DC 20060
(800) 393-2839
(202) 865-4888
(202) 865-4880 Fax
nbbrooks@nationalmottep.org
http://www.nationalmottep.org/
Materials available
Contact: Norman Brooks

July is UV Safety Month

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Eye M.D.s around the country encourage everyone to protect their eyes from UV-related damage.

The same UV-A and UV-B rays that can damage your skin can harm your eyes as well. When you protect yourself from the sun, don't just think sunscreen – think sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

Excessive, prolonged UV exposure may be linked to the development of eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Extensive or intense exposure to UV rays can cause "sunburn" on the surface of your eye. Similar to a skin sunburn, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life so protect your eyes.

To protect your eyes, wear a brimmed hat and the right kind of sunglasses when you are going to be exposed to UV light.

Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

If you spend time on the water or in the snow, consider purchasing goggles or sunglasses that wrap around your temples because they block the sun’s rays from entering on the sides, offering better protection.

Remember sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer the right kind of UV protection. Even inexpensive glasses can protect your eyes if they offer 99 to 100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection.

Don't forget the kids. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest.

It's important to protect your eyes when UV light is most intense.
Generally, UV light is at the greatest level at midday (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), but you need to protect your eyes whenever you're outside for a prolonged period, even when it's gray and overcast.

Reflected sunlight off water, snow and pavement can be the most dangerous type of UV light because it is intensified.

Your eyes can be harmed by UV light sources other than the sun, such as welding lamps or tanning lights. So remember to wear eye protection when using these sources of invisible, high energy UV rays.

UV Safety Month
American Academy of Ophtalmology
P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120-7424
(415) 447-0213
(415) 561-8533 Fax
eyemd@aao.org
www.aao.org/eyemd
Materials available
Contact: Georgia Alward

July is Hemochromatosis Awareness Month

Hemochromatosis (HHC) is an inherited condition of abnormal iron metabolism; it is not a blood disease. Individuals with hemochromatosis absorb too much iron from the diet. Iron cannot be excreted therefore the metal can reach toxic levels in tissues of major organs such as the liver, heart, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, and synovium (joints). These overburdened organs cease to function properly and eventually become diseased. Therefore, undiagnosed and untreated HHC increases the risk for diseases and conditions such as diabetes mellitus, irregular heart beat or heart attack, arthritis (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis), cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer, depression, impotence, infertility, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and some cancers. Mismanaged iron in the brain is seen in those patients with neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, early onset Parkinson's, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease.

People At Risk:
Scots-Irish
British
Dutch
German
French
Spanish
Italian
Northern Western European descent
Northern Western European males
Females who no longer menstruate.
Blood relatives of people diagnosed with Hemochromatosis
People who have a family history of a premature death by heart attack
People who have a family history of liver disease
People who have a family history of diabetes mellitus (type II)
Bronze colored skin
Arthritis especially in the first two knuckles of the hands (iron fist)

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms are non-specific. Chronic fatigue and joint pain are among the first and most common symptoms reported by patients with hemochromatosis.

Later symptoms and findings can include:
Abdominal Pain
Irregular Heart Rhythm
Loss of Period Loss of Interest In Sex
Hair Loss
Skin Color Changes

Hemochromatosis is Often Misdiagnosed:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with HHC are misdiagnosed 67% of the time and usually see an average of three doctors before obtaining a successful diagnosis. This remains a critical health concern, because hemochromatosis is common and early detection with treatment can save lives and improve quality of life. Also, if a person with hemochromatosis is diagnosed prior to serum ferritin greater than 1,000ng/mL, the chance of cirrhosis is less than 1%! Genetic testing also called molecular analysis or DNA analysis, is available through any health care provider or can be ordered online from companies such as DNA Direct. Before getting genetically tested it is important to be fully informed of the potential for discrimination such as employment or insurance denial or cancellation. Genetic testing used in the right way can be helpful and even prevent unnecessary suffering or death.
http://www.irondisorders.org/Disorders/Hemochromatosis.asp

Hemochromatosis Awareness Month
Iron Disorders Institute
2722 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29615
(888) 565-4766
(864) 292-1175
info@irondisorders.org
http://www.irondisorders.org/
Materials available
Contact: Patient Information Services

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month

Some quick facts about Aphasia

What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, and most people with aphasia experience difficulty reading and writing.
What Causes Aphasia?The most common cause of aphasia is stroke (about 25-40% of stroke survivors acquire aphasia). It can also result from head injury, brain tumor or other neurological causes.

How Common is Aphasia?
Aphasia affects about one million Americans -or 1 in 250 people- and is more common than Parkinson's Disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. More than 100,000 Americans acquire the disorder each year. However, most people have never heard of it.

Who Acquires Aphasia?
While aphasia is most common among older people, it can occur in people of all ages, races, nationalities and gender.

Can a Person Have Aphasia Without Having a Physical Disability?
Yes, but many people with aphasia also have weakness or paralysis of their right leg and right arm. When a person acquires aphasia it is usually due to damage on the left side of the brain, which controls movements on the right side of the body.

How many people have aphasia?
It has been estimated that about one million people in the United States have acquired aphasia. The majority are the result of stroke. About one third of severely head-injured persons have aphasia.


Source: National Aphasia Association

National Aphasia Awareness Month
National Aphasia Association
350 Seventh Avenue, Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
(800) 922-4622
(212) 267-2814
(212) 267-2812 Fax
naa@aphasia.org
http://www.aphasia.org/
Materials available
Contact: Ellayne Ganzfried

June 8th - 14th is Sun Safety Week

The Sun-Safe Child Care Project
The Sun Safety Alliance has launched their latest Early Childhood Education project with Crème de la Crème® Early Learning Centers of Excellence. This SSA Childcare Project is aimed at educating children, early childcare staff, and parents on the importance of adopting sun safe behaviors. The educational program includes a staff training module, children's learning activities, and parent education materials. Teaching sun safety at an early age instills lifelong habits that can prevent skin cancer. The SSA, through our partnership with Crème de la Crème, is in the evaluation phase of this project to demonstrate the effectiveness of the sun safety educational materials for early care and education.

To download PDFs of the Children's Learning Activities and the "Safe Fun in the Sun" booklet, click on Resources.

To purchase the staff training and parent information sheets, please contact Dr. Charlotte Hendricks, Project Director, at chendricks@childhealthonline.org or visit http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/www.childhealthonline.org

Sun-Safe Actions in Early Child Care and Education (ECCE) Settings
What can you do to keep children sun-safe? Follow these simple guidelines in ECCE settings and encourage parents to follow these at home:

Schedule children’s outdoor playtime to avoid sun exposure during the peak UV hours of 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (4:00 during summer months) Remember, the UV rays are present, even on cloudy days.

Pay attention to the UV and Heat Indexes for your area. During high UV or heat days, be especially sun-safe or consider alternate indoor activity so children can stay cool while playing and exercising. You may also pay attention to pollen counts and air quality index (urban areas).

Provide plenty of shade on playgrounds. Plant trees or use large summer umbrellas, awnings, or sun tents around your play area. Play games with children in the shadow of your building.

Avoid direct sun exposure for infants.

Encourage parents to dress children in cool, lightweight clothing, Loose-fitting shirts with sleeves, and capris or long pants provide more sun protection than tank tops and shorts.

Make sure every child has a hat with a wide brim that shades the ears and neck. Let each child decorate a big floppy hat that he or she can wear each day.

Provide each child with sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection.” Polycarbonate or impact-resistant lenses are safest. Teach children to wear sunglasses when they are outdoors, and to store their sunglasses properly after playtime.

Children have tender skin and can easily become sunburned. It is recommended that you apply sunscreen labeled SPF 30 to all areas of exposed skin. Follow the directions on the sunscreen, and apply liberally and reapply every two hours. Remember, check your state and local guidelines about sunscreen use in childcare.

Encourage children to drink plenty of water.

Be a role model! These recommendations apply to both children and adults!

Remember, sun safety is important every day, even on cloudy days. And practice sun safety all year long; during the winter, the UV rays can be even more intense as they reflect off snow. Make sun safety a part of your daily activities.

We would greatly appreciate it if you can share this information through your local networks. For more information, please contact Dr. Charlotte Hendricks, Project Director, at chendricks@childhealthonline.org.

Sun Safety Week
Sun Safety Alliance
1760 Reston Parkway, Suite 415
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 481-1414
chendricks@sunsafetyalliance.org
http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/
Materials available
Contact: Dr. Charlotte Hendricks

June is Men's Health Week 9th -15th

Goal of Men's Health Month

The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. For a partial list of activities, click here.

Public Service Anouncement
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/psa/PSA.mp3
If you not sure you really wish to visit your healthcare provider, read some Healthcare Facts.
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/menshealthfacts.pdf

National Men's Health Week
Men’s Health Network
236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 301
P.O. Box 75972
Washington, DC 20013
(888) MEN-2-MEN (636-2636) Men's Healthline
(202) 543-MHN-1 (543-6461) x101
(202) 543-2727 Fax
info@menshealthweek.org
http://www.menshealthweek.org/
Materials available
Contact: Theresa Morrow

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

What is myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder that causes varying degrees of weakness involving the voluntary muscles of the body. Myasthenia gravis means “grave muscle weakness.” It can affect people of all races and in both sexes from infancy to senior citizen. The prevalence rate of patients with MG is estimated to be 20 per 100,000 population. MG may affect any voluntary muscle, but most commonly affects those that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, coughing and facial expression. Muscles that control breathing and movements of the arms and legs may also be affected. At present, the cause of myasthenia gravis is unknown, and there is no cure.

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.
1821 University Avenue West, Suite S256
St. Paul, MN 55104-2897
(800) 541-5454
(651) 917-6256
(651) 917-1835 Fax

mgfa@myasthenia.org

http://www.myasthenia.org/

Materials available

June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” meaning hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. The disease has been called “progressive systemic sclerosis,” but the use of that term has been discouraged since it has been found that scleroderma is not necessarily progressive. The disease may take several forms which will be explained later. There is also much variability among patients.

What scleroderma is not
Scleroderma is not contagious, it is not infectious, it is not cancerous or malignant.

How serious is scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms of scleroderma vary greatly from individual to individual, and the effects of scleroderma can range from very mild to life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. A mild case can become more serious if not properly treated. Prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified physicians may minimize the symptoms of scleroderma and lessen the chance for irreversible damage.

How is scleroderma diagnosed?
The diagnostic process may require consultation with rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), and/or dermatologists (skin specialists) and require blood studies and numerous other specialized tests depending upon which organs are affected.

Who develops scleroderma, and when?
There are an estimated 300,000 people in the United States who have scleroderma, about one third of whom have the systemic form of scleroderma. Since scleroderma presents with symptoms similar to other autoimmune diseases, diagnosis is difficult and there may be many misdiagnosed or undiagnosed cases as well.

Localized scleroderma is more common in children, whereas systemic scleroderma is more common in adults. Overall female patients outnumber male patients about four to one, and the average age at diagnosis is in the forties.

Factors other than sex, such as race and ethnic background, may influence the risk of getting scleroderma, the age of onset, and the pattern or severity of internal organ involvement. The reasons for this are not clear. Although scleroderma is not directly inherited, some scientists feel there is a slight predisposition to it in families with a history of rheumatic diseases.

However, scleroderma can develop and is found in every age group from infants to the elderly, but its onset is most frequent between the ages of 25 to 55. When doctors say "usually" or "for the most part," the reader should understand that variations frequently occur. Many patients get alarmed when they read medical information that seems to contradict their own experiences, and conclude that what has happened to them is not supposed to happen. There are many exceptions to the rules in scleroderma, perhaps more so than in other diseases. Each case is different, and information should be discussed with your own doctor.

What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause or causes of scleroderma are still unknown, but scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are working hard to make those determinations. It is known that scleroderma involves overproduction of collagen.

Is scleroderma genetic?
Most patients do not have any relatives with scleroderma and their children do not get scleroderma. Research indicates that there is a susceptibility gene which raises the likelihood of getting scleroderma, but by itself does not cause the disease.

What is the treatment for scleroderma?
At the present time, there is no cure for scleroderma, but there are many treatments available. Some are directed at particular symptoms like heartburn, which can be controlled by medications called proton pump inhibitors or medicine to improve the motion of the bowel. Some treatments are directed at decreasing the activity of the immune system. Some people with mild disease may not need medication at all and occasionally people can go off treatment when their scleroderma is no longer active. Because there is so much variation from one person to another there is great variation in the treatments prescribed.

Source: Scleroderma Foundation

National Scleroderma Awareness Month
Scleroderma Foundation
300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105
Danvers, MA 01923
(800) 722-HOPE (4673)
(978) 463-5809 Fax
sfinfo@scleroderma.org
http://www.scleroderma.org/
Materials available
Contact: National Office or Local Chapters

June 1st. is National Cancer Survivor Day

National Cancer Survivors Day is a big day on The Healing Project's calendar. Our organization was founded by Debra Lachance, a breast cancer survivor, and many in our community are continuing to deal with cancer in its many forms.

This year The Healing Project would like to highlight two leading members of the medical community contributions to changing the way in which cancer is being treated.

H. Michael Shepard, PhD

Dr. Shepard is a member of The Healing Project's Board of Directors. For more than three decades, this Alpert Prize winning scientist has been redefining the treatment of cancer and the development of therapeutics. This extremely humble man was the team leader of the Herceptin discovery team at Genentech. The team's work not only produced one of the most efficacious oncology agents in history but also changed drug discovery forever by demonstrating the potential of targeted therapies. Although this single discovery has changed the lives of millions of breast cancer patients across the world would represent crowning achievement of any researcher's career, Michael remains in the lab and at the bench. He, is a founder, president and CSO of Receptor BioLogix, a California-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a newly discovered class of protein therapeutics called Intron Fusion Proteins™ (IFP™) to treat cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other diseases.

Dr. Shepard's work has been game-changing. You may not know his name, but you should. He is one of the world's great scientists whose actions and results speak louder words. As Michael would say, "Science First."

Stephanie F. Bernik, MD, FACS

Dr. Bernik is Chief of Breast Surgery for the comprehensive breast program at St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York City. She is a scientific advisor for The Healing Project. A board certified surgeon specializing in breast diseases, Dr. Bernik has been at St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2000. In that time, she has developed a specialty in treating young women under 40 diagnosed with the disease.

Stephanie's work with women afflicted with cancer at an early age is designed to tailor treatments for patients hoping to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Dr. Bernik defines the current generation of cancer clinicians that approach these diseases from the point of view that many, if not most, are chronic conditions. The key is to give science the time to cure these conditions.

We highlighted these brilliant individuals on Cancer Survivors Day to remind everyone in our community that since the War on Cancer was declared 40 years ago we have made enormous strides, but we have along way to go. All survivors, families and loved ones must continue to support the drive for cures across all cancers. This not only involves demanding funding for cancer research but also volunteering for clinical trials, offering cells and providing tissue to the scientific community. It may require another 40 years but the end of most cancers is within reach if the scientific, clinical and patient communities cooperate and coordinate their efforts.

About National Cancer Survivors Day®

National Cancer Survivors Day® is an annual, worldwide Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries. Participants unite in a symbolic event to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.

In most areas, National Cancer Survivors Day is traditionally observed on the first Sunday in June, although this is not always possible due to scheduling conflicts and time differences. Celebrating its 21st year in 2008, NCSD is the world’s largest and fastest-growing annual cancer survivor event.

The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities by providing free guidance, education and networking. Anyone considering hosting an NCSD event can obtain a free NCSD Planning Kit.

Who is a cancer survivor? The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a "survivor" as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. National Cancer Survivors Day affords your community an opportunity to demonstrate that it has an active, productive cancer survivor population.

So be sure to attend an official National Cancer Survivors Day event in your area. To locate an event near you, e-mail info@ncsdf.org or call 615-794-3006.

National Cancer Survivors Day
National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation
P.O. Box 682285
Franklin, TN 37068
(615) 794-3006
(615) 794-0179 Fax
info@ncsdf.org
http://www.ncsdf.org/
Materials available
Contact: None designated