58 WELLNESS s The QUEE NS Courier • wellness • MARCH 17, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Two-thirds of all New York kids had their flu shots The New York State Department of Health (DOH) was honored for the second-straight year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for having high rates of childhood influenza vaccine coverage. During the 2014-15 flu season, 67 percent of New York children (outside of NYC) 6 months to 17 years of age received the flu vaccine, well above the national average of 59 percent. Childhood influenza vaccination coverage rates in other states ranged from 45.3 percent to 78.6 percent. “The fact we are receiving this award for the second time demonstrates our strong commitment to vaccinating the children of New York for influenza,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “For many years, the Department has taken aggressive steps to ensure that New York’s youngest citizens are appropriately protected from the flu, which can be life-saving in the pediatric population.” The state’s high childhood influenza vaccination rates can be attributed to several DOH initiatives including the following: • A $900,000 multimedia campaign that included television, radio, Internet radio, digital and mobile banner ads, sponsored Google searches and social media, and an influenza landing page on the DOH website. http://www. health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/ influenza/seasonal/ • Ongoing updates on influenza vaccine recommendations, vaccine availability and flu activity, which are disseminated to health care providers via email, electronic notification and webinars. • Educational materials on the flu vaccine distributed to schools, day care centers, nursery schools and pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state. In the 2013-14 flu season, which was especially severe, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order that allowed pharmacists to administer influenza vaccine to children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years. New York’s use of Executive Orders to help control influenza was recently featured by the National Governor’s Association as a strategy that other states should consider adopting. Influenza typically causes fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, and fatigue. According to the CDC, influenza in children under age 5 often requires medical attention. In children under 2, the flu can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections and dehydration. In children with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, the flu can worsen those diseases. For more information about the flu, visit: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/ communicable/influenza/seasonal/ what_everyone_should_know.htm. MALOCCLUSION AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE Malocclusion affects 74% of American adults. If you have malocclusion, it may affect your periodontal health, because it is difficult to remove plaque when teeth are not aligned. Periodontal disease can begin as hum redness or bleeding while brushing your teeth or using dental floss, and you may notice halitosis, or bad breath. If not treated, hum inflammation can become worse, leading to soft tissue damage, receding gums, the formation of pockets between teeth and hums, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. THE PROGRESSION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE When teeth are crowded, plaque with harmful bacteria can attach to the tooth surface down to the bottom of the pocket. Plaque can be difficult to remove from crowded areas because it is difficult to brush and floss here. Bacteria can cause gum tissue surrounding the tooth to degrade, and if not treated, result in bone loss. WEAR AND TRAUMA Poorly aligned teeth can also create unnatural stress and pressure on teeth and jaws. Teeth that are subject to excessive pressure can develop chipping and notches at the gum line called abfractions. Premature wear can lead to poor root support, loose teeth and eventually, tooth loss. STRAIGHT TEETH ARE HEALTHIER TEETH Straight, properly aligned teeth can help you avoid the negative effects of periodontal disease. HEALTHIER GUMS Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss than crowded or crooked teeth. Properly positioned teeth can help gums “fit” more tightly around them, which may lead to better periodontal health. IMPROVED HYGIENE With good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal disease can be reduced. COURTESY OF ASTORIA DENTAL GROUP 32-17 BROADWAY ASTORIA, NY 11106 SMILEdr.com • 866-511-5444 CLIFFORD E. DEGEL, D.D.S. CARMEN EVERY – DEGEL, D.D.S. Healthy Gingiva Gingivitis Periodontitis Advanced Peiodontitis FREE DENTAL EXAMINATION AND X-RAYS Discount Coupon NEW PATIENTS RAFFLE TICKET - 1st Prize: $2500 In Dental Treatment 2nd Prize: One Zoom In-Office Whitening Procedure Each Month Through May 31st, 2016 Astoria Dental Group Donation: $0.00 25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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