50 health s The QUEE NS Courier • health • MARCH 7, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com PROTECT YOUR FAMILY WITH VACCINATIONS Whether you are an adult or a child, viruses, bacteria and disease can strike at any time and are not something which can always be dismissed with bed rest and soup. Terrible viruses, such as measles, have vaccines available, but have seen a continued rise in cases over recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adults may take on a little of the ‘not me’ idea where they feel it’s not something they personally have to worry about because their body is strong enough,” says Dr. Sherly Abraham, residency program director of the Family Medicine Department at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. “But the reality is many of these individuals will become sick over the fall and winter, which could have been prevented with a vaccination.” To help minimize the number of vaccine treatable conditions, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation, through support from Pfizer Inc, presents awards to family medicine residency programs that have achieved increased immunization rates in their communities through creative solutions. The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) Family Medicine residency program was recognized for its outstanding achievement in improving vaccination rates. The team, led by Dr. Abraham and Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, chair of TBHC’s department of family medicine, has been recognized the last two years for its outstanding achievement in improving vaccination rates among children (2011) and adults (2012). The program overcame a number of challenges - including vaccine availability, language barriers and community concern regarding vaccines - that contributed to low immunization rates. Abraham noted one of the best things patients can do is ask questions about vaccines and treatments so each are fully understood. If parents are unsure about a vaccine for their child and choose not to immunize, that child may be extremely vulnerable to future diseases. Once at TBHC, Abraham noted one of the most effective ways to accommodate patient schedules is giving “work notes” at the end of each visit to alleviate the stress of missing work. In addition, Kondamudi emphasizes pre-visit coordination to further strengthen the patient/physician partnership. “Prior to the patient’s visit, our staff reviews the medical record and alert the physician to any needed services such as seasonal flu vaccination or childhood immunization,” Kondamudi says. “This helps ensure that patients receive vaccinations in a timely manner.” Their Family Medicine Center became recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home in 2010. As a Patient Centered Medical Home, the Family Medicine Center coordinates patient care over time and works to build an active partnership between patients and staff. These centers, according to Kondamudi, work to provide education and support for patients to take active role in their own health care. To help ensure you and your family remain properly vaccinated this season, Abraham and Kondamudi recommend considering the following: • During an upcoming medical visit, ask your doctor to check your immunization history and confirm all vaccines are up-to-date. • If you have additional questions concerning a vaccine after speaking with the doctor, office support staff is readily available to help answer any questions. • Ask for “work notes” when scheduling a medical visit during the week to help alleviate the stress of taking time off from work. • Don’t be afraid to call the office and speak with an assistant to confirm your immunizations. They can usually check your chart and let you know if an appointment is needed. “Curable diseases cost the U.S. over $83 billion every year,” Abraham says. “Adults may be afraid of missing a few hours of work for vaccinations, but the truth is they are putting themselves at risk to miss more substantial time by missing these appointments.” Courtesy BPT Practical foot health for people with diabetes Healthy feet are essential for overall good health, no matter your age, fitness level or physical challenges. For people with diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is especially vital. More than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide are related to complications from the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics with diabetes are particularly in danger since more than 90 percent of those with the disease or at risk for it have never seen a podiatrist as part of their health care. “Regardless of ethnicity, foot ulcers and infections are the leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes, but most of those problems are largely preventable,” says Dr. Joseph Caporusso, a podiatrist and president of the APMA. It’s important for those with the disease to ‘knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot exams by today’s podiatrists.” While ulcers - open sores on the foot - are the most common diabetes-related foot problem, several others are also serious and prevalent, including neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, poor circulation and infection. The nerve damage that diabetes causes may mean a person with an ulcer or injury may be unaware of it until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. The good news is, regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, the APMA says. People with diabetes need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels) or drainage on their socks. Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe. If you discover an ulcer or have any symptoms, see a podiatrist immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment. In addition to examining your feet every day, and keeping your blood glucose in your target range, make sure to follow these foot health tips: • Discuss your diabetes and the risks with your family. Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health. • Never go barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure both socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well. • Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection. • Keep your feet elevated while sitting. • Wiggle toes and move your feet and ankles up and down for five minute sessions throughout the day. “Successfully managing diabetes is a team effort, and today’s podiatrist is an inte
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