2 The Courier sun • health • AUGUST 7, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com PARENTS URGED TO GET KIDS VACCINATED FOR ▶health NEW SCHOOL YEAR Moms do all they can to prepare their kids for a healthy transition from summer vacation to the new school year, which brings new teachers, homework and demanding sports practices. But, when gearing up for the transition, there is one thing moms might be forgetting to protect their children against: potentially fatal meningococcal disease. While parents may have grades and carpools on the mind, they should know that meningococcal disease is the result of a rare, but serious bacterial infection that can progress very rapidly and take the life of an otherwise healthy person in as little as one day. Symptoms that parents and their teens should watch out for could include stiff neck, fever, lethargy, sensitivity to light, irritability, headaches and vomiting. With school in session, kids are going to bed later and waking up earlier; the resulting fatigue may raise the risk of meningococcal disease, possibly by weakening the immune system. Common activities such as sharing water bottles and utensils can also facilitate the spread of the disease. As fall sports season approaches, student athletes can be at greater risk of exposure to meningococcal disease, since cramped locker rooms and long bus trips can increase the risk of exposure to the germs. To help raise awareness about the serious consequences of meningococcal disease and urge parents to take action and vaccinate against the disease, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) partnered with Sanofi Pasteur to launch “Get in the Game: Keeping Teens Healthy.” Get in the Game is a national campaign that is a part of the Voices of Meningitis educational program and features Olympic swimmer and mom Dara Torres along with meningococcal disease survivors. Adolescents and young adults can be especially vulnerable to the disease; however, many parents aren’t aware that this disease is a threat or that there are vaccinations - recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - available to help prevent this disease. Visit Facebook.com/ VoicesofMeningitis to learn more about meningococcal disease and the “Get in the Game Campaign.” Courtesy BPT ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE Do you cry from itchy, tearing, red swollen eyes, stuffy nose, and sore throat? Do you have sinus problems, shortness of breath or asthma? Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Asthma Care Specialist BETTER MEDICAL CARE, PC Warren W. Hsu, M.D. Board Certifi ed Allergist 212-15 Union Turnpike • Bayside 718-217-8600 Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat • 10am-7pm • Nasal Congestion and Infl ammation • Sneezing • Itchy Watery Eyes • Runny or Stuffed Up Nose • Sore Throat • Low Grade Fever Most Insurance Plans Accepted No Diagnostic Co-Pay On Your First Visit Only. With This Coupon Only of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com FREE Parking Ragweed Season Pollen Season DO YOU SUFFER FROM: • Pain • Shoulder Pain • Muscle Pain • Joint Pain • Lower or Upper Back Pain • Kyphoplasty • PRP injection ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES We are conveniently located in QUEENS, BROOKLYN & MANHATTAN i~Pain NO REFERRALS NEEDED! Call Us Today to schedule your appointment O ce: 646.620.6485 or 718.724.4388 for spanish
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