Hackensack University Medical Center - Where medicine meets innovation

September 2006 Newsletter

September 2006 Vol. 1 , No. 4

Welcome to the fourth edition of our Greening Your Life newsletter.

Whether it was a trip abroad or a getaway in your own neighborhood, welcome back from all of us at the Center. As the new school year begins, we’re looking at ways to give the kids in your life a healthy start. Dr. Lawrence Rosen visits us again this issue with an article on giving children a healthy back-to-school experience. Dr. Philip Landrigan of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City discusses the National Children’s Study that will follow 100,000 children to help unlock the causes of childhood illnesses and disease, and our own Dr. Boscamp dispels the myths of headlice.

This issue, we’re also teaming up with the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) to bring you new information on the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Consuming even a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects as well as learning and behavioral problems.

For other information you can use now, our “Did You Know?” section gives you the facts on the flu vaccine, moth balls and common household cleaners.

In current legislation, the Combating Autism Act has passed in the Senate and now needs your support to pass in the House. Read more in this issue, and contact your Representative to let your voice be heard.

From all of us at the Center, we hope you enjoy a safe, happy and healthy Fall.

My best,

Deirdre Imus

President and Founder

Congressional Act to Combat Autism

Needs Public Support

Children’s environmental health advocate Deirdre Imus says the Combating Autism Act (S. 843) is desperately needed to research causes into what has become a childhood epidemic. The measure passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent in early August and comes before the House of Representatives this fall. Read more

Back to School

by Dr. Lawrence Rosen

Once again autumn approaches and families are gearing up for that exciting yet challenging yearly rite-of-passage: “Back to School.” It is crucial for families to pay attention to several lifestyle factors to ensure a smooth transition for their children. Including nutrition, exercise and rest. Read more

Treatment of Head Lice: There Must Be A Better Way

by: Jeffrey R. Boscamp, M.

Infestation of humans with Pediculus humanus capitus, the human head louse, is a phenomenon that was described as early as 1500 bc, in ancient Egyptian writings. As opposed to the body louse, which is a well-known vector of disease, head lice are not known to transmit disease. Read more

The Facts about Alcohol and Pregnancy

Alcohol consumed during pregnancy is toxic to human development and is the country’s leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. Many people have the instinct that women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy, but few realize that alcohol is a teratogen—a neurotoxin like lead or mercury—that can interfere with the healthy physical and functional development of a baby at any stage during pregnancy.Read more

Legislation Update

The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology® works with legislation affecting children’s environmental health. Let your legislators hear from you on these critical issues including, Combating Autism Act, Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, and Mercury-Free Vaccine Legislation. Read more

The National Children’s Study: Changing the Course of Children’s Health

by: Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., M.Sc

America has a special responsibility to safeguard its children. They are America’s most precious resource – and the hope for our future. But today rapidly rising disease rates threaten the health of our children. The National Children’s Study will give us the ability to understand these epidemics – and fundamentally enhance the health of America’s children in the 21st Century. Read more