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Department Of Health
September 2012 Healthy Tips
September has many healthy awareness issues that you should be aware of:
National Childhood Obesity Month, National Cholesterol Education Month,
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, and Produce for Better Health
Foundation Fruit and Veggies More Matters Month to name a few. I will give you
some important information on the above issues.
Childhood Obesity:
As per the Center of Disease Control (CDC),childhood obesity has more than tripled in
the past 30 years. Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health
and well-being.
Immediate health effects: Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for
cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a populationbased sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for
cardiovascular disease.Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition
in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes. Children
and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep
apnea, and social and psychological problems and poor self-esteem.
Long-term health effects: Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese
as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease,
type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Overweight and
obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancers.
Prevention: Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can
lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. The dietary and
physical activity behaviors of children and adolescents are influenced by many sectors of
society. Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive
environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also
provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical
activity behaviors.
Cholesterol Education:
Children, young adults and older Americans can have high cholesterol. Learn how to
prevent high cholesterol and know what your cholesterol levels mean. 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. More than 102 million American Adults (20
years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above
healthy levels. More than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher,
which puts them at high risk for heart disease.
What is cholesterol? 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 in
your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
How do you know if your cholesterol is high? High cholesterol usually 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. High
cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes or if it is not enough, through
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.
Desirable Cholesterol Levels
Less than 170 mg/dL
Total cholesterol
Low LDL ("bad") cholesterol
Less than 110 mg/dL
High HDL ("good") cholesterol
35 mg/dL or higher
Less than 150 mg/dL
Triglycerides
Prostate Cancer
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate caner occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. Prostate cancer
is one of the most common cancers in American men. Genetics and age play a role in its
development . There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, and in most men it
grows very slowly. Some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Age, race, diet,
family history -- even a sedentary lifestyle -- may all play a part in contributing to your
prostate cancer risks. Prostate cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy,
cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and or radiaton. In some instatnces the doctor may
recommend watchful waiting. The most important thing to do is GET SCREENED
FOR PROSTATE CANCER. Ask you family doctor, go to the clinic, the health center,
or you can contact Linda Johnson at 609-989-0236, Director of the Mercer County NJ
CEED Program. That program will give you a free prostate cancer screening if you live
in Mercer County and have no insurance.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in children . Every year,
thousands of children across America are diagnosed with cancer an often life threatening
illness that remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15.
The causes of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, and though new discoveries are
resulting in new treatments, this heartbreaking disease continues to scar families and
communities in ways that may never fully heal. This month, we remember the young
lives taken too soon, stand with the families facing childhood cancer today, and
rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness.
The Presidential Proclamation -- National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2012
proclaimed by President Obama.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness
What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy center
of bones where our blood cells are formed. The disease develops when blood cells
produced in the bone marrow grow out of control. An estimated 44,600 new cases of
leukemia are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2011.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is the name for a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic
system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
In 2011, about 662,789 people are living with lymphoma or are in remission (no sign of
the disease). This number includes about 159,846 people with Hodgkin lymphoma and
502,943 people with NHL. The most common sign of lymphoma is enlarged lymph
nodes. Lymph nodes are felt as lumps in the neck, armpits or groin. Individuals may also
experience less specific symptoms like fever and weight loss. For more information ask
you medical provider.
Why Fruits & Veggies
Looking for a brighter future? Try eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables.
The potential benefits associated with eating more fruits and vegetables stack up
quickly: Reducing your risk of certain chronic diseases is only the beginning. Whether
fresh, frozen, canned, dried or 100% juice, fruits and vegetables will keep you healthy all
year round.
Healthy Living
G. Carter MSN RN