What to you think can be done to combat this issue?

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Half Of US Overweight Teens At Risk For Serious Health Problems.

The AP  (5/21) reports, "Half the nation's overweight teens have unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels that put them at risk for future heart attacks and other cardiac problems," according to a study  published online May 21 in the journal Pediatrics. What's more, "an even larger proportion of obese adolescents have such a risk, according to the alarming new numbers." For the study, "the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research focused on 3,383 adolescents ages 12 through 19" who were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey .

        "Nearly one in four American adolescents may be on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes or could already be diabetic, representing a sharp increase in the disease's prevalence among children ages 12 to 19 since a decade ago, when it was estimated that fewer than one in 10 were at risk for or had diabetes," the New York Times  (5/21, Rabin) "Well" blog reports. While the study "confirmed that teenage obesity and overweight rates had leveled off in recent years and that teenage rates of high blood pressure and high cholesterol had not changed greatly, it found that the percentage of teenagers testing positive for diabetes and prediabetes had nearly tripled to 23 percent in 2007-8 from nine percent in 1999-2000." 


http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/05/15/peds.2011-3418

Impact of healthcare by the Eunice Community Health Center of the past few years.

Here are statistics showing the impact on the healthcare of our Tri-Parish area, and the growth of the impact over the years: 

2011
New patients: 344
Lab services: 28,998 value = $365,425.00
Total patients: 5216
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Services: $312,960.00
Therapeutic Eyecare: $7684.00
Chiropractic care: $1500.00
Community Prescriptions: 13,479 value = $18,185,270.00
PAP program (Pharm.Assistance): $20,845,321.00
Americare/Direct Relief: $300,100.00
Area Nursing Homes: $1,226,930.00

2010
New patients: 489
Lab services: 18,110 value = $97,187.00
Total patients: 3920
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Services: $235,200.00
Therapeutic Eyecare: $4840.00
Chiropractic care: $1200.00
Community Prescriptions: 12,818 value = $3,654,014.00
PAP program (Pharm.Assistance): $12,582,588.00
Americare/Direct Relief: $215,606.93
Area Nursing Homes: $487,372.00

2009
New patients: 467
Lab services: 11,825 value = $115,623.00
Total patients: 2278
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Services: $136,680.00
Therapeutic Eyecare: $3325.00
Chiropractic care: $0.00
Community Prescriptions: 9917 value = $2,578,354.32
PAP program (Pharm.Assistance): $9,828,000.00
Americare/Direct Relief: $305,826.71
Area Nursing Homes: $498,775.00

Thank you to the community for support!

Please like the facebook page for the ECHC
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eunice-Community-Health-Center/121063257953188

IOM Calls For Changes Throughout American Life To Combat Obesity.

NBC Nightly News (5/8, story 8, 2:20, Williams) reported, "Back now with our reporting on what's being called The Weight Of The Nation. Last night we told you about a stunning prediction that by the year 2030, health experts are telling us 42% of Americans will be obese. Today at a conference in Washington, some sweeping strategies for fighting this epidemic."

        The AP  (5/9, Neergaard) reports in a story appearing on at least 180 news sites that the Institute of Medicine released a "major new report" yesterday finding that "fighting obesity will require changes everywhere Americans live, work, play and learn."

        USA Today  (5/9, Hellmich) reports, "The goals and some of the strategies were presented...at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 'Weight of the Nation' meeting, where experts are discussing ideas for the prevention and control of obesity." While "the report says there is no one answer to this problem...it's going to require bringing all the pieces together -- the schools, the workplace, health care providers, says Dan Glickman, chairman of the institute committee and former secretary of the US Department of Agriculture."

        The Wall Street Journal  (5/9, McKay, Subscription Publication) quotes Glickman as saying, "If you believe this is a massive national problem, you have to deal with it in a systems way." He added, "This problem is incapable of being solved with a magic bullet."

        The Boston Globe  (5/9, Kotz) "Daily Dose" blog reports, "The panel of 16 experts -- a mixture of lawyers, health policy makers, health care executives and obesity researchers -- sorted through 800 previously published recommendations for obesity prevention, examining the latest evidence for each of them and whether it was strong enough to fold into...five main goals."

        The Los Angeles Times  (5/9, Healy) "Booster Shots" blog reports, "The panel recommended that schools position themselves as gateways to obesity prevention, ensuring that children get at least an hour of physical activity daily, barring access to foods and beverages high in calories, and offering all students healthful, nutritious foods and instruction in the fundamentals of healthful eating and living." Additionally, "workplaces and health insurers should 'increase the support structure' for obesity prevention, diagnosis and treatment and for encouraging healthful behaviors such as regular exercise, healthful eating and breast-feeding for new mothers." Meanwhile, "Congress should support the Obama administration's proposed funding increase for the school lunch program and join with federal officials in setting aside 'substantial funding' for a 'sustained and robust social marketing program on physical activity and nutrition,' the report said."

        The Hill  (5/9, Viebeck) "Healthwatch" blog reports, "The changes are aimed at a complete overhaul of the United States' 'obesogenic' environment, the panel wrote."

        Reuters  (5/9, Begley) reports in a story appearing on at least 50 news sites that the IOM found that obesity is not the result of individual choice or lack of willpower, and that societal change is necessary to reduce it. One member of the IOM is quoted saying that the environment promotes obesity. Also covering the story are WebMD  (5/9, DeNoon), Medscape  (5/9, MacReady), MedPage Today  (5/9, Fiore), and HealthDay  (5/9, Preidt). 






http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/wellness/story/2012-05-09/obesity-epidemic-strategies/54813912/1

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all moms.

Red and Itchy Eyes? Know the Symptoms, Causes and Treatments for Ocular Allergies

Spring is in the air here in New Jersey. The warmer weather, blooming plants and budding trees are an indication that pollen counts are high. When an allergic reaction takes place, your eyes are over-reacting to a substance perceived as harmful. These substances are called allergens.



Dust is harmless to most people, but can cause excessive production of tears and mucus in the eyes of allergic individuals. Allergies can trigger other problems, such as conjunctivitis and asthma.



Approximately 30-50% of U.S. residents have allergy symptoms and about 75% of those allergic symptoms affect the eyes.



Signs & Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis



•Itchy, burning, tearing eyes

•Red, swollen eyelids and/or redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid





Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis



•Seasonal allergies caused by allergens such as pollen, grass, & other airborne particles.





Reasons to Treat Allergic Conjunctivitis



•To help the eye look, feel & function normally and to prevent problems from recurring

•To prevent uncomfortable feelings in the eye, sensitivity to light, infection, and possible weakened vision.

•To improve contact lens comfort in patients with allergies.





What is the difference between Seasonal and Perennial Allergies?



•Seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen, which comes from grasses (such as ragweed), trees and flowering plants. This usually happens during the spring, late summer and autumn months.

•Perennial allergies occur year-round because the allergies that cause the symptoms are always present. Some common household allergens that cause perennial eye allergies include dust mites, mold, pet hair and pet dander.





How Can I Reduce Ocular Allergies?



The best way to manage your ocular allergies is to reduce contact with the allergens that irritate your eyes. Here is what you can do:



•Wash your hands, face & hair frequently to keep them free of allergens.

•Use air filters, and make sure that your home is vacuumed regularly.

•Avoid or reduce outdoor activities when the pollen counts are high.

•Close windows & doors to keep allergens out.

•Eliminate sources of mold around your house.

•If you have ocular allergies, try to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this may worsen the symptoms.

http://princeton.patch.com/blog_posts/red-and-itchy-eyes-know-the-symptoms-causes-and-treatments-for-ocular-allergies

Study: 42% Of Americans Will Be Obese By 2030.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/05/07/152184370/even-a-small-slowdown-in-obesitys-rise-would-save-big-money

A new report on US obesity projections received heavy coverage, with network news broadcasts devoting nearly four minutes to the study. Most sources emphasized the costs and health burden associated with an increasingly obese population, but many also pointed to the fact that obesity rates have stabilized in recent years.

        NBC Nightly News (5/7, story 7, 2:50, Williams) reported, "For everyone American who worries about their weight or the weight of their children, there is a stunning prediction tonight. Health experts warn that by the year 2030, a staggering 42% of Americans will officially be obese."

        The CBS Evening News (5/7, story 7, 0:35, Pelley) reported that currently, "nearly 36% of adults in this country...are obese."

        ABC World News (5/7, story 6, 0:30, Sawyer) reported, "In addition to the physical consequences, the CDC estimates obesity will increase health care costs another $555 billion."

        USA Today  (5/8, Hellmich) reports, "The analysis was presented at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 'Weight of the Nation'" conference. The research  (pdf) "is being published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine."

        The Washington Post  (5/8, Brown) reports, "Cynthia L. Ogden, an epidemiologist at the CDC, told the conference that, in general, obesity rates changed little in the 1960s and 1970s, rose steeply in the 1980s and 1990s, and have been leveling off in the past decade."

        The Los Angeles Times  (5/8, Healy) reports, "The sobering projections also contained some good news, the researchers said: Obesity's growth has slowed from the record pace of most of the last 30 years. If those trends were to continue, 51% of American adults would qualify as obese in 2030."

        Bloomberg BusinessWeek  (5/8, Lopatto) reports, "The findings predict that the number of people who are severely obese, or about 100 pounds overweight, will double to 11 percent."

        The AP  (5/8) reports, "That could be an ominous consequence of childhood obesity. Half of severely obese adults were obese as children, and they put on more pounds as they grew up, said" CDC obesity specialist Dr. William Dietz.

        The NPR  (5/8, Graham) "Shots" blog reports that in a statement, Dietz said, "We know more than ever about the most successful strategies that will help Americans live healthier, more active lives and reduce obesity rates and medical costs."

        The CBS News  (5/8) "HealthPop" blog quotes Dietz's statement as saying, "In the coming days at our Weight of the Nation conference, CDC and its partners will emphasize the proven, effective strategies and solutions that must continue to be applied to help make the healthy choice the easy choice." The blog adds, "The obesity epidemic has led to a rise in obesity-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer." Research published "earlier this year in...the journal Cancer found rates for cancers of the esophagus, uterus, pancreas and kidney were on the rise, with obesity being a likely factor."

        The National Journal  (5/8, Fox, Subscription Publication) reports that the researchers wrote, "Linear-time trend forecasts suggest that by 2030, 51 percent of the population will be obese. The model estimates a much lower obesity prevalence of 42 percent." However, "if obesity were to remain at 2010 levels, the combined savings in medical expenditures over the next two decades would be $549.5 billion."

        The ABC News  (5/8, Gann) "Medical Unit" blog reports, "The authors analyzed data collected from each state and made projections based on a number of factors influencing obesity rates, including the cost of healthy and unhealthy foods, gas prices and Internet access."

        The CNN  (5/8) "The Chart" blog reports, "They also looked at variables such as...the number of fast food restaurants and annual household income."

        The Washington Times  (5/8, Billups) reports that the researchers "said no one variable emerged to explain obesity's rise."

        Also covering the story were the Wall Street Journal  (5/8, McKay) "Health Blog," the Deseret (UT) Morning News  (5/8, Collins), HealthDay  (5/8, Gardner), WebMD  (5/8, DeNoon), and MedPage Today  (5/8, Fiore).