Put Federal Support for Sickle Cell Disease Care, Education and Research Back On Track

Sickle Cell Community, Please sign this Petition to President Obama to increase funding for Sickle Cell Research that has been drastically cut since 2008.

Your Health Matters: June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

Your Health Matters: June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day: Reblogged from NPR Educate And Ask: Key To Living With Sickle Cell Disease It is ...

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

Reblogged from NPR Educate And Ask: Key To Living With Sickle Cell Disease It is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the U.S., and most people who have it are African-American. Host Michel Martin learns more from pediatrician Dr. Leslie Walker.

Pet Sitting options for Travel

Planning for the care of a family Pet while on vacation requires a little bit more thought. My dog Theo, is a rambunctious, 75-pound White German Shepherd. I have used kennels, pet sitters and family & friends for dog sitting services. Boarding in kennels offers some perks if you can afford a boarder who offers daily walks, swimming, canine massage and grooming. Other options are Pet Sitters who play a similar role as a baby sitter and will take care of pet(s) in your own home. They will also pick up your mail, water your plants, take pets on walks & dispense medication. A reputable agency can help you find a pet sitter who is licensed, bonded and carries insurance for pet sitters. The other ‘old school’ and most affordable option is to find a family, friend, neighbor or someone you can bake cookies while negotiating a price to watch your Pet(s). I chose leaving Theo with my mother and gave her a few dollars (money) to watch him. Theo did not get a daily walk in the park but my mother let him out in the back yard several times a day and kept his water and his dog bowl full of food. Make sure the sitter is aware of your pet’s personality and any special needs. I also left a few items from home like his favorite toy, blanket and clothes (t-shirt and socks) that had my scent. Whatever ever the option, stay calm and prepare in advance as pets can sense anxiety and emotions when their owner is leaving home. Message from Dr. Nina Healthy Tidbits Newsletter, Vol. 4(2). For more information, check out Sit, stay, go by Laura Amann writer from the Costco Connection. .

Travel Health with a Chronic Disease

Taking a vacation and traveling can be relaxing but takes additional planning for people who have a chronic medical condition such as, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, sickle cell anemia, & arthritis especially when traveling overseas. Medications and medical supplies like inhalers, glucose test strips and insulin needles should be packed to last enough for the entire trip. If you plan to go for more than 30-days, talk with your healthcare provider about how to get enough medicine for the entire trip stay. All medications should be packed in a carry on bag or luggage to avoid the chance of it getting stuck under the plane or in case the suite case gets lost. Transportation Security Admission (TSA) regulations require medications to be in their original prescription bottles and label. Some regions of the world may also require certain medications and vaccines to protect against tropical diseases like malaria, yellow fever and typhoid fever. People with weakened immune systems are also more prone to traveler’s diarrhea, therefore adhere to safe eating and drinking travel advice and wash hands often. Speak with your healthcare provider about the trip-specifics and/or see a travel medicine specialist. If you see a travel medicine specialist, bring a list of all medications you currently take to prevent drug interactions with prescribed travel medications and your shot records. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends purchasing trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance in case of an emergency. When purchasing travel insurance, always read the contract carefully to ensure the policy covers what is needed. Other helpful preparation tips are to carry in your wallet a Health Passport Card that has important medical information about your medical condition(s), food and drug allergies and red cell antibodies for those who have sickle cell anemia. Include your healthcare provider’s contact information in case you need to make an international call. Last ‘Pearl of Advice’, make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 2 weeks prior to travel. Re-Printed from Healthy Tidbits Newsletter, Vol. 4(2) 2014. Photo by: INSUREANDGO For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel. Safe Travels, Dr. Nina

Reflecting back on Mental Health Awareness and Reflecting on a DUI Diversion Program

Reflecting back on the Symposium to Breaking the Silence, Mental Health Awareness last month. I came across a News Journal (Delaware Online) article by Esteban Para on May 11, 2014 called 'Reflections Program' that teaches reflection through coping and decision making skills. This is a story about a middle-aged man who is incarcerated after a repeated DUI Offense who participates in a Substance Abuse Program started by Connections at Sussex Correctional Institute. What is interesting is the DUI Offenders (name Hardin) heartfelt and honest answers about his addiction to Alcohol and his need to self-medicate to cope with every day life stressors and to have a good time. Hardin states, "Everything was better with alcohol and drugs." Getting to the core of what catalyzed Hardin's Substance Abuse by Reflecting on underlying trauma may be a step in the right direction to understand a repeat DUI offender's underlying Mental Health Disorders. Society and the Public are battled in a fierce crisis on how low-level non-violent offenders with Substance Abuse are treated in the Court of Law. Since Substance Abuse is a Mental Health Disorder, why not have more Drug and Rehabilitative Centers as a diversion across the state? Should we as a society Decriminalize All Drugs in the U.S. and offer DUI and Poly Substance Abuse Offenders the option of jail time or rehabilitation treatment centers like in Portugal? Moreover, the Reflections Program helps DUI Offenders learn about safe driving, living a balanced life and seek safety. However, the 3-time DUI Offender, Hardin may also benefit from a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitative Program. The story does not mention whether Hardin harmed anyone while driving which would complicate matters on behalf of the courts and public safety matters. So much work to be done!

E-Cigarettes: Boom & Bust in Delaware

I found this article in the News Journal today, by Jon Offredo. Delaware Legislature, State Representative Debra Heffernan, D-Brandywine Hundred is introducing a bill supported by the Delaware Association Restaurateurs and the Department of Health & Social Services to ban e-cigarette use in restaurants, public spaces (beaches & parks) and indoor spaces. E-Cigarettes have boomed popularity and use, especially among teenagers. The long-term risked of smoking e-cigarettes are unknown. The toxic chemicals and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in the liquid vapor are not regulated by the FDA. This article was featured in the Tova Cares, Spring 2014 Newsletter, Healthy Tidbits. The House recently passed legislation to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and now the bill moves to the Senate.