Halloween Safety

The day before the Feast of All Saints (or All Hallows), Halloween has its origin in ancient Celtic traditions. By taking some precautions, it can be both fun and safe for children and adults.

Here are some Halloween safety tips, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Costumes that are bright and reflective (you can add reflective tape) will help to keep your little trick-or-treaters safe. Also, make sure their shoes and costumes fit well so they don’t trip and fall.
• Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats are a good alternative to masks, which can obstruct children’s sight and limit awareness of their surroundings.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and prescription from an eye care professional. Doing so can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders and infections, which could lead to permanent vision loss.
  
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or a local emergency number), if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Small children can draw jack-o-lantern faces on their pumpkins, which parents can then carve for them. Also, consider using a flashlight or glow stick if you’re out at night.
• Clearing obstructions in the front yard, walkway and porch, as well as making sure outdoor lighting is adequate, will help to keep everyone safe.
• Instead of candy, consider offering non-food items, such as coloring books, pens or pencils to trick-or-treaters who come to your door.
• Children should know never to enter someone’s home or car for a treat, and a parent or responsible adult should always accompany young trick-or-treaters.
• Wait until children have returned home to sort and check treats. Although tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and discard any suspicious items.

To find a pediatrician or other physician, visit www.chsli.org and go to “Find a Doctor”.

Flu Prevention

Each year, approximately 5-20% of U.S. residents get the Influenza virus and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications. Some individuals, including the elderly, young children, and those with certain health conditions, are at greater risk for serious flu complications.

The CDC recommends a yearly vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the most important step in protecting against the flu. Ask your health care provider when they will be receiving the flu vaccine to ensure you are protected before flu season begins.

 “The flu vaccine allows antibodies to develop in the body approximately two weeks after patients receive it,” explained Jason Golbin, DO, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer of St. Catherine of Siena. “These antibodies help provide protection against infection with the viruses in the vaccine.”

In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine, you should take steps such as washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others. Click on the link to view the CDC’s fact sheet for advice on how to prevent the spread of germs: Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu.

Speak to your physician if you are having health issues. Visit www.chsli.org to find a doctor near you.

Gabriel’s Courage: One Family’s Story

It was Christmas Eve when Maricela gave birth to twins, knowing that only one would survive.  Along with her family’s love, she had the support of Gabriel’s Courage, a family-centered perinatal program for expectant parents facing a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis.

Early in her pregnancy, Maricela learned she was carrying a boy and a girl, but that the girl had anencephaly (a neural tube defect).  “It was hard,” Maricela said, her voice tight with emotion, “but she is my daughter, and I love her.”

Because she had a high-risk pregnancy, Maricela was referred to Catholic Health Services (CHS) physician Dina El Kady, MD, who is board certified in maternal fetal medicine and specializes in difficult cases.  Dr. El Kady told Maricela and and her husband, Hilver, about Gabriel’s Courage, a free CHS program offered by specially trained staff from Good Shepherd Hospice, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to care and support through pregnancy, birth and post-birth.  Ostetricians, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists and bereavement specialists work together to offer compassionate support, education and birth planning services.  The program is available to individuals regardless of religious affiliation, and families are connected with additional community resources, as needed.

“Michelle and MaryAnn [part of the Gabriel’s Courage team] would come to see me every two weeks and helped with my other children,” Maricela explained.  She and her husband have a 14-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.  “Whenever I felt sad and thought, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ I could call Michelle and she’d give me advice.”

“Whenever I had a question, MaryAnn would always get back to me with an answer,” added Maricela.  “I love them.  My situation wasn’t easy, but they were there for me.”

While Maricela’s daughter Elisha lived only for an hour, the family and Gabriel’s Courage staff made the most of that precious time.  Deacon Rich Becker was in the delivery room and blessed Elisha.

“The dignity of human life, the effect one human being can have on others, the outpouring of God’s grace on His people cannot be measured in years, days, minutes or seconds,” said Deacon Rich. “Baby Elisha changed the lives of all she met in her short, beautiful life.”

Gabriel’s Courage Coordinator Maribeth McKeever commented, “The program offers support that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of families, helping to bridge feelings of loss, while validating the role of parents. This offers hope, affirms life and provides an opportunity for the baby to be welcomed into the family.”

If the family wishes, a professional photographer who works with Gabriel’s Courage will take pictures of the baby and family.  The staff that assists the family can be present in the delivery room, if the family desires.  Also, they will help create memories, saving a lock of hair, making impressions of hands and feet, and gathering the baby’s blanket, hat and medical bracelet.  For more than a year after birth, the team will continue to support the family.

“We are guided by something greater than ourselves.  Elisha’s brief life may forever change the lens through which I see life, death and consolation,” shared bereavement specialist Michelle Graff, LCW.  “To be able to walk alongside families on their intimate journeys of grief is a privilege for which I can’t express enough gratitude.”

“The program is amazing,” emphasized Maricela.  “I thank God I went to Dr. El Kady and she called Gabriel’s Courage for me.” She is also grateful to Serena Wu, MD, a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician who was involved in her care.

“She’s the one who took care of me.  I love her and stay in contact with her,” Maricela said.

For more information about Gabriel’s Courage, please call (631) 465-6363.

Avoiding Injuries From Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one third of adults 65 and older fall each year, resulting in injuries or even death. To help prevent these occurrences at home, the CDC provides the following tips:

• Ask someone to arrange your furniture to allow a clear path through each room.
• Always keep objects off the floor.
• Remove or secure throw rugs (with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing).
• Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them.
• If lighting is insufficient, have an electrician install an overhead light and wall switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
• Use nightlights in hallways and other rooms.
• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications to identify any that could make you sleepy or dizzy.
  

Building on a longstanding, county-wide collaboration focusing on preventing injuries resulting from falls, CHS has been partnering with the Suffolk County Health Department to offer a Fall Prevention Program across Long Island. Called Stepping On, the free seven-week program provides assessments and techniques to avoid falls at home or elsewhere.

“Working with the Suffolk County Department of Health, CHS has been afforded the opportunity for several of our key falls prevention staff members to become Stepping On trained leaders,” explained CHS Vice President of Care Management and Performance Improvement Anna ten Napel. “These newly trained leaders allow for an increased penetration of the Stepping On course in the community, achieving the goal of helping to better educate Long Islanders on ways to prevent falls and stay healthy at home.”

Please call 1-855-CHS-4500 for more information.

10 Tips to Stay Safe During a Hurricane

The National Hurricane Center announced the start of the East Coast hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 - November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a below normal season, with a likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms, including
0 to 2 major hurricanes.

During hurricane season, it is important to not only protect your home and family but also to protect your health. Be sure to have the following health and safety supplies prepared:

1. First aid kit
2. Medicine (seven-day supply)
3. Written list of your medications and have handy any paperwork about serious or ongoing medical conditions
4. A list of names and phone numbers of your physicians
5. The name and phone number of your pharmacy
6. Medical supplies (e.g., hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, nebulizer, syringes, or a cane)
7. The location of your medications inside your home. (If you need to evacuate your home quickly, make sure you tell someone where to locate the above items in the event they can be retrieved for you.) 
8. Baby supplies (e.g., bottles, formula, baby food and diapers)
9. Emergency blanket
10. Soap, toothbrush and other personal care items

Visit The Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more tips you and your family can use in the event of a hurricane.

Please visit www.chsli.org or call 1-855-CHS-4500.

Summer is Upon Us. Tips to Stay Cool!

Staying cool when temperatures get hot isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses and the risk increases significantly as temperatures rise and outdoor activities become more popular.

Heat-related illnesses can be classified as heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and classic and exertion heat stroke. Treatment is directed at restoring normal body defense mechanisms.

"Make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen at all times. Also, it is very important to pay attention to your body,” said Michael Moskowitz, DO, of Mercy Medical Center and Bellmore Family Practice. “Think carefully before starting new high-impact or stressful activities in the extreme heat.”

Wear loose fitting clothes in light colors and exercise during the morning hours when ambient temperatures are lowest.

Below are tips to help you stay safe if a heat-related condition occurs:

Heat Cramps
Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Sip water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy.  Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible.
First Aid: Lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move to an
air-conditioned place. Sip water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If fainting or vomiting occur, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately.

Heat Stroke
Symptoms: High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Person will most likely not sweat.
First Aid: heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. Move to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT DRINK FLUIDS.

View more tips here from the CDC: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp




To find a CHS physician near you, visit www.chsli.org

Melanoma and Sun Safety

Summer weather is coming, but it’s important to take precautions against skin cancer all year round. Did you know skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society? Melanoma accounts for only 2% of all skin cancer, cases yet is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. This dangerous cancer occurs in pigment-containing cells in the skin, eyes and other organs.

To protect you and your family and yourself from potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to melanoma and other skin cancers:

• Be cautious outdoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Check the UV index and remember that sand and water reflect sunlight.
• Be sure to apply water-resistant sunscreen with the appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) when at the beach, lake or pool.
• Wear sunglasses, hats and long sleeves, pants or skirts when necessary. Extra care must be taken to shield infants and young children from harmful rays.

“When identified early, melanoma and other skin cancers are treatable. However, preventive measures are always the best approach,” commented Kenneth Gold, MD, co-chair of CHS’s oncology service line and chief of hematology/oncology at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, which just earned its fourth consecutive Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. “Avoid tanning salons and severe sunburn, both of which have been associated with a rising incidence of melanoma. Also, red headed individuals need to be particularly vigilant, as their melanoma risk is increased compared to the general population.”

You can test your sun safety IQ by taking the quiz at here.

To find a physician near you, visit www.chsli.org