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HEALTHY LIVING

HAWTHORNE TROOPER’S ARREST SUBJECT FOR STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE

19 March 2012
On 3/19/12 at 12:19am on the Taconic State parkway in the Town of Mt. Pleasant The New York State Police at Hawthorne stopped a southbound motorist for driving with his high beams on. Investigation at scene determined the vehicle, a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee had been reported stolen on January 17, 2012 to the New York City Police Department.

Muctarr Fofanah, a resident of the Bronx, was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd degree, a felony. He was arraigned before Judge Arlene Gordon-Oliver in the Town of Greenburgh and remanded on $1500 bail to Westchester County Jail to reappear in the Town of Mt. Pleasant on Thursday March 22, 2012.

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New Study Finds Whiplash Caused Brain Injury in Over 20 Percent of Cases

Preliminary findings show that the connection between whiplash and brain injury is more significant than thought

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — While it has long been known that whiplash can cause injuries to the cervical spine, a new study published in the July issue of the journal Brain Injury, (“Chiari and Whiplash Injury,” co-authored by Ezriel E. Kornel, M.D. F.A.C.S., Michael D. Freeman, Ph.D., and others) shows that whiplash may also cause anatomical changes that can result in brain injury.

The study, one of the few to look at the connection between whiplash and brain injury, examined the MRI scans of 1200 neck pain patients and found that those patients suffering from whiplash were more likely to have anatomical changes to the brain resulting in brain injury, specifically, a herniation of the brain called Chiari malformation, in which the bottom part of the brain (the cerebellum) dips through an opening in the base of the skull after a whiplash injury. Preliminary findings showed that brain injury occurred in 23% of the whiplash cases studied.

According to Dr. Kornel, a principal with Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York in White Plains, N.Y., “This condition can be quite painful and endanger the patient’s health, with symptoms that may include headaches, neck pain, upper extremity numbness and tingling, and weakness. In a few cases, there can also be lower extremity weakness and brain dysfunction.” Dr. Kornel advises anyone suffering from whiplash to see a physician immediately.

Dr. Kornel will discuss his latest findings about whiplash this Sunday on his WOR-AM radio show “Back Talk Live,” a call-in medical show devoted to back and neck pain, and brain disorders. “Whiplash: More Than Just a Pain in the Neck” will air on August 15 at 7:30 pm EDT. Dr. Kornel’s guest will be Dr. Michael D. Freeman, associate professor in the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Oregon Health and Science University, and the lead author of the Brain Injury journal article.

Dr. Kornel is a leader in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery of the spine as well as minimally invasive approaches in the surgical treatment of brain tumors. Dr. Kornel has been a principal of Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York since 1990. He currently serves on the board of directors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Alert Dogs Detect Critically Low Blood Sugar Levels in Children

DALLAS, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Dogs, long used by law enforcement and the military to sniff out drugs and bombs, are now being trained to detect high and low blood sugar levels in their handlers.

Created by the Dallas-based Diabetes Friendly Foundation, the “K-9 for Kids” program provides assistance in locating Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) while also providing funding for the training and placement of the animals for families in need.

“Every 24 hours, 4,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control,” said Cole Egger, Founder of the Diabetes Friendly Foundation. “Parents of children with diabetes constantly have to check their child’s blood sugar throughout the day and night in order to prevent severe consequences caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels. With a diabetes alert dog, some of the strain and fear of these dangerous side effects of diabetes is lifted.”

To build awareness of the DADs and the “K-9 for Kids” program, the Diabetes Friendly Foundation is hosting “K-9 for Kids Fundraiser” on November 13 at the Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) in downtown Dallas.

In addition to live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a doggie boutique, and silent auction, the event will feature the night’s honored guest – The Wildrose Kennel, select families and Diabetic Alert Dogs and puppies.

Following are two testimonials about the Diabetic Alert Dogs:

“We were very lucky to have Mallie (a Diabetic Alert Dog),” said Crystall Young, mother of 19-month- old Ean, who has Type 1 diabetes. “She truly is an amazing alert dog. She alerted me at times when I wouldn’t have thought I needed to check on Ean. There were times when Ean was outside playing and she would alert from inside.”

“Without JD, my diabetes alert dog, I was afraid to do a lot of things but JD has given me the confidence to live my life now and to not be afraid anymore,” said Deanna Whitehead, a teenager with Type 1 diabetes. “I trust him to take care of me and it’s an awesome feeling. I love JD.”

About the Diabetes Friendly Foundation

The Diabetes Friendly Foundation(TM) (DFF) was founded to create product awareness in the food industry and to empower consumers who are looking for healthy alternatives. Based in Dallas, the DFF allows consumers to easily access information needed to make healthy choices, as well as provide those with diabetes an easy tool to help manage their blood glucose levels.

To date, those with diabetes have been forced to analyze all nutrition labels carefully in order to best manage their diabetes. Now, when the Diabetes Friendly Foundation logo appears on products, consumers can feel confident they are purchasing a product that adheres to a specific set of standards. Standards vary by product line but take into consideration calories, total fat, saturated fat, transfat, fiber, and sodium.

The DFF standards were also developed to take into consideration other chronic diseases that those with diabetes may suffer from such as heart disease and high blood pressure. By choosing foods with the DFF logo, consumers will benefit by knowing they are choosing foods healthy for their diabetes and healthy for their heart.

For more information, visit the Diabetes Friendly Foundation website at: http://www.diabetesfriendly.org/

Nation’s Emergency Physicians to Parents: Prepare Now Before Sending Your Kids Back to School

WASHINGTON, August 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — An estimated 55 million students nationwide from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade head back into the classrooms in only a few weeks. The nation’s emergency physicians want every student to get to school safely, remain safe and healthy throughout the year and not end up in the emergency department or perhaps even worse.

“This should be an exciting time of year for every student, focused on starting a new chapter in their lives,” said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Parents need to take important steps now to protect their children’s health before sending them back to school.”

ACEP has created a list of medical priorities that should go right along with those lists that include buying pencils, notebooks and backpacks. This will help both parents and children start the school year right.
– Organize your child’s medical history records and emergency medical
contact information. Provide a copy of this information to your
child’s school or daycare provider with instructions to take it with
them to the emergency department if your child is sick or injured. The
form should include information related to prescription medications,
medical problems, or previous surgeries as well as pertinent family
history and emergency contacts.
– Fill out consent-to-treat forms and give one to the school or your
daycare provider for them to keep in your child’s record and to take
with them if your child goes to the emergency department. The form
will allow caregivers to authorize treatment in an emergency
situation.
– Schedule medical and dental check-ups before school starts. Some
children may need immunizations.
– Review and do a dry run of your child’s route to school, explaining
potential hazards along the way. This is a good time to discuss safety
rules and what to be on the lookout for with your child.
– If your child takes the school bus, establish a safe, visible pick
up/drop off spot, preferably with a group of additional children and
in an area where they can be clearly watched by adults.
– If your child drives to school, make sure they obey all laws and wear
seatbelts. Also remind them that more children are waiting outside
for school buses at that time and that more cars are on the roadways
and all drivers need to stay alert.
– Make sure the children understand potential traffic dangers,
especially if they walk to school.
– Make sure your children know how to telephone for help. Post
emergency-contact numbers by every telephone in your home. Have them
practice how to call 911 or the local emergency number, and giving
their name, address and a brief description of the problem.
– Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way
to or while at school.
– Be aware of any emergency and evacuation plans your children’s schools
may have established.

Any of these necessary medical forms can be found on ACEP’s Emergency Care for You website:

http://www.emergencycareforyou.com/forms

“Going back to school for children should be about learning, participating in extra-curricular activities and spending time with friends and peers,” said Dr. Gardner. “Even though we are here whenever you need us, we’d rather not have any of these kids end up in our emergency departments because of something that could have been avoided.”

For more information on back to school safety or any other health related topic, please go to www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.

86 Percent of Teens Have Driven While Distracted, According to AAA and Seventeen Magazine Survey

Seventeen, AAA and The Department of Transportation team up in a “Two-Second Turnoff Day” to stop texting while driving

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Teen drivers often understand that shooting a quick text message, playing with their radio, or eating while driving is dangerous. However, the overwhelming majority of teen drivers engage in distracted driving behaviors anyway, according to a recent survey by AAA and Seventeen magazine. Almost nine in 10 teenage drivers (86 percent) have driven while distracted, even though 84 percent of teen drivers know it’s dangerous. Featured in the September issue of Seventeen magazine, the results are based on a survey conducted in May of nearly 2,000 male and female teen drivers ages 16 – 19. Seventeen magazine and AAA set out to discover what risky behaviors teen drivers were engaging in while behind the wheel–and how they justify this dangerous behavior.

Of those surveyed, 73 percent have adjusted their radio/CD/MP3 player, 61 percent have eaten food, and 60 percent have talked on a cell phone while driving. The reasons teen drivers think it’s fine to engage in these distractions are varied: 41 percent think their action will only take a split second; 35 percent don’t think they’ll get hurt; 34 percent said they’re used to multitasking; and 32 percent don’t think that anything bad will happen to them.

“It’s great that so many teens are able to identify the bad driving habits that will put them and their friends in danger. But the bigger challenge we face now is to give them the tools they need to stop driving while distracted,” says Ann Shoket, editor in chief of Seventeen magazine. “It’s our responsibility to keep our 13 million readers out of harm’s way.”

Even as passengers, teen drivers worry about distracted driving, with nearly four out of 10 (38 percent) saying they have been afraid they were going to get hurt because they were the passenger of a distracted driver. More than one-third of teen drivers (36 percent) believe they have been involved in a near-crash because of their own or someone else’s distracted driving.

“Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teen drivers and the proliferation of distracted driving among teens is a challenge all of us must face head-on,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Because of their lack of driving experience and penchant to take risks, it’s imperative that teen drivers – like all drivers – remain focused behind the wheel at all times. AAA is pleased to partner with Seventeen to spread the anti-distracted driving message and help keep teen drivers safe.”

Texting while driving is among the riskiest of common driving distractions. Teen drivers are still developing safe driving skills and should limit unnecessary risks, according to AAA. Nonetheless, the survey revealed that teen drivers who text while driving sent, on average, 23 text messages while driving in the past month. Nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than a half million were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to AAA, taking your eyes off of the road for two seconds doubles your risk of getting into a crash. On September 17th, Seventeen magazine, AAA and the Department of Transportation are asking everyone to save a life and participate in the Seventeen Two-Second Turnoff Day by taking two seconds to turn off their cell phone before driving. Instead of spending two seconds looking away from the road while driving distracted, use those two seconds to turn off your phone before you get behind the wheel.

For more information on keeping teens safer on the road, visit AAAExchange.com.

YOU: Having A Baby! App Now Available on App Store

Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Michael Roizen and Sharecare launch an iPhone App that answers expectant mothers’ questions about pregnancy

ATLANTA, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — America’s Doctor – Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, today announced the launch of their YOU: Having A Baby! App on the App Store. The app provides expectant mothers with advice and information about their pregnancy from conception through infancy and offers content from the best-selling book of the same name published by Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in an easy-to-use Q&A format perfect for the iPhone and iPod touch.

In addition to content from Drs. Oz and Roizen, the app creates a central hub for answers to expectant mothers’ pregnancy-related questions, offering personalized daily nutritional reminders for maintaining a healthy pregnancy based on their due date, images of fetal development phases, and the ability to add content such as doctors’ appointments as well as important telephone numbers.

“Pregnancy is a time of great excitement, but it’s also a teachable moment for women to focus on their overall health. This new app for iPhone and iPod touch will help, providing them with a repository for everything from images of their child’s development to reminders about crucial steps for mothers to ensure the best health for their infants,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz. “We’re excited to be able to offer this convenient and insightful Q&A tool to expectant mothers (and probably some nervous fathers, too.).”

Developed by Sharecare.com, a new website organizing and answering all the questions of health, this is the first app to be based on one of the books in the “YOU” series by Drs. Oz and Roizen, published by Free Press. YOU: Having A Baby!, which was also written with Dr. Margaret L. McKenzie and other experts, delves into all of the pregnancy basics, from fertility to infant care, topic-by-topic and provides biological and physiological information about hormones, digestion, morning sickness, and other maternal-fetal interaction.

The YOU: Having A Baby! App is available for $1.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Top 10 Tips to get Your Kids to Eat Healthily

LONDON, /PRNewswire/ — Helping your children to develop healthy eating habits is all down to the way in which you approach food as they learn from you as parents and responsible people. It is not always easy to get them to eat food that is good for them, but at realbuzz.com we’ve come up with our top 10 tips, to help you out and remind you what’s good and what’s not!

Children need vital vitamins and nutrients to grow – and during the holidays giving them healthy food and healthy snacks will give them the boundless energy to enjoy all the entertainment you have lined up for them.

1. Eating with your Children – Children learn by example, sitting on the sofa and eating a takeaway will teach them to do the same! Sitting down with them to a nutritious home cooked meal at the table with them will teach them the importance of home cooking, social interaction and establishing a routine.

2. Make food fun! Experimenting with new foods and making meals more colourful will give children a chance to learn about different foods and perhaps different food cultures.

3. Include two portions of vegetables in your evening meal and provide fruit for desserts. This will ensure that you can at least satisfy three out of the requisite five-a-day.

4. Hide fruit and vegetables if you have a particularly fussy eater. Blended veg in soups and puree fruit with ice-cream – a great way to disguise some healthy nutrients.

5. Encourage your children to drink water and sugar free squash between meals to help stop snacking.

6. Don’t give up – it may be hard to encourage your children to eat healthier but tastes do change over time so do try that portion of broccoli again and again…

7. Make sure that lean meat or a portion of protein is included within every other meal. Protein fills you up for longer and discourages snacking in between meals.

8. Serve oily fish twice a week – Great source of omega oils and keeps heart and mind healthy, if fish is not on your diet then add plant seeds to their cereals to give the plant version of these oils.

9. Pack a healthy lunch box – Whether it’s a lunch box for school or a picnic box make sure that you include a variety of salad items in sandwiches and fruits ready to eat – they don’t want food that’s fussy when on the go!

10. Make sure your children eat breakfast – Ensuring your children have fortified breakfast cereals with iron and vitamin B will give them a great start to the day and establish a good routine that spills over to adulthood. Research suggests that adults that who eat a healthy breakfast are ‘less’ likely to be overweight than those who skip it.

Meals for children need to be balanced and include protein and dairy. They should be rich in calcium and iron to strengthen teeth and bones, help maintain attention spans and prevent anaemia. realbuzz.com the healthy active living site promotes its ethos to ensure that children live a healthy active lifestyle and maintain healthy eating habits. The site has more articles on healthy eating for kids visit: http://www.realbuzz.com/healthy-eating-kids