September 2009 Vol. 4 , No. 3
Dear Friends,
As children across the country head back to class, we are reminded how fast time passes as another school year begins again. On the minds of many parents and health care providers is H1N1, or the “swine flu.” As it makes daily headlines, we urge you to take a closer look at the facts. Our Medical Advisor and pediatrician, Dr. Lawrence Rosen, gives an integrative approach to addressing flu in this issue. September is also an important time as we acknowledge Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (see below). To honor this, we’re highlighting Gilda’s Club, which accomplishes the critical mission of offering free social support services and education for those living with cancer. To everyone at Gilda’s, we thank and honor you for your daily work to improve the lives of cancer patients.
We also gratefully acknowledge the CDC, which has awarded critical research funds to our Center. This study will examine possible environmental causes of autism in New Jersey. We are encouraged by Congress’ commitment to our Center and to this critical work on behalf of all families – nationwide - affected by this growing epidemic.
We also thank The Daily Green for featuring my "Twelve Ways to Protect Your Kids from Toxic Chemicals and Improve Their Health." Click here for this important list of tips. We hope this information goes beyond the back-to-school season to make every day healthier and safer for every child and family.
Best wishes and health to you,
Deirdre Imus
Influenza: Considerations for Prevention and Treatment
By Dr. Lawrence Rosen
It is not possible to read, listen to, or watch health news today without being confronted by stories about a new type of influenza, or “the swine flu” as it is commonly known. The intent of these stories theoretically is to raise public awareness about the danger of the illness, and to encourage the public to engage in preventive measures such as vaccination to limit the spread of the flu.
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Gilda’s Red Door Goes “Green”
By Lenore Guido, CEO
Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey provides a warm and welcoming environment for men, women, teens and children touched by cancer. Whether attending a support group, lecture, workshop or social event, members learn to live with cancer while empowering themselves with information, hope and a sense of community. Ever since we opened our doors to members 10 years ago, we have prided ourselves on our ability to provide this kind of support, which is such an essential complement to clinical medical care.
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Pediatric Environmental Health Update:
Research at the Center
By Erin S. Ihde, MA
The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology® is pleased to report on two important children's health research initiatives:
a pediatric head lice study and a study into the environmental causes of autism.
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How Can We Help?
Answers for families and friends
from parents of children with cancer
By Cyndi MacKinlay
Our circle of family and friends is the mainstay of our lives. Their steady presence through the best and worst of times makes them integral to all that we do and all that we are. A Swedish proverb that captures this relationship states: “Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.”
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NJ Considers "Green Cleaning" Policy for Schools
A bill that would require the Department of Education to adopt green cleaning policy for schools and child care centers with 50 or more students is now under consideration in the NJ State House. Assembly bill A4087 was introduced June 15, 2009 by NJ Assemblyman Reed Gusciora.
For other important children's health legislation, including updates on the Kid Safe Chemicals Act,
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Pediatric / Family Resources
In this issue we are highlighting organizations and information resources for health care providers and families of pediatric patients. Learn about Friends of Autistic People and Watering Can Press.
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Healthy, Kid-Friendly Recipe:
Orange Poppy Seed Muffins
These are really popular when we serve them for breakfast at the Ranch. Try them at home -- they're quick to make, and the kids and cowboys at your house will like them as much as ours do.
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