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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday,
January 6, 2006 (Posted
1/6/06)
PEDIATRICIANS
AND PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATES LAUNCH SMOKE FREE HOMES INITIATIVE
Medical
Organization Promotes Intervention to Protect Kids
from Secondhand Smoke Dangers
Mineola,
New York
-The American Academy of Pediatrics, NY Chapter 2 in partnership with the
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island, the NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free
City, and the American Cancer Society announced an innovative Smoke Free Homes
collaborative effort. This
initiative will encourage pediatricians to discuss the importance of raising
children in smoke free homes and the health hazards of smoking near children.
“We
need to be proactive because parents are responsible for 90% of children’s
exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Joseph Greensher, MD, spokesperson for the
American Academy of Pediatrics and Vice Chairman of Pediatrics at
Winthrop-University Hospital. “Research
has told us time and again that parents respond when pediatricians ask them to
make health changes. Now we are
asking parents not to allow smoking in their homes and cars.”
Through
this new initiative, members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, NY Chapter 2
(Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens) will:
Advise all families on the health hazards of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke during office visits.
Provide direction to parents on ways to effectively protect their children from secondhand smoke exposure in homes and in cars.
Support the initiative by distributing pledge brochures and cards that include smoke free decals for homes and cars.
“Children
are especially vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke.
They breathe faster than adults and are still developing physically,”
said Joanne Koldare, M.Ed., Director of the NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City.
“Children also have little control over their indoor environments,
which is why having pediatricians urge parents to make their homes smoke free is
critical.” “It’s just not
enough for parents to smoke in another room, open a window, run a fan, or use
air purifiers,” said Susan Kennedy, CSW, CASAC, Director of the Tobacco Action
Coalition of Long Island. “Children
who breathe secondhand smoke are at increased risk for asthma, bronchitis,
pneumonia, middle ear infections, and other ailments.”
According
to polls conducted independently by the New York City and Long Island
coalitions, approximately 30% of respondents continue to allow smoking in their
homes, exposing family members to secondhand smoke.
“Secondhand smoke is a cancerous blend of more then 4,000 toxic chemicals,” said Marianne Esolen, LMSW, Director of Community Health Initiatives for the American Cancer Society. “Clean air works better for our families - and our future.”
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New York State DOH has created an Oral Health Plan. This plan addresses the burden of oral disease in New York State and was developed by the New York State Department of Health in collaboration with the New York State Public Health Association and stakeholders from across the state.
The Plan has identified goals, objectives, and strategies covering a broad spectrum of issues related to policy, prevention, access, workforce, and surveillance and research. The guidance provided in this Plan will serve as a blueprint for achieving optimal oral health for all New Yorkers.
Oral diseases are a major health concern affecting almost every person in New York State. Dental caries and periodontal diseases have a huge economic and social cost and can be a portal for serious systemic problems. Most oral diseases are preventable which can then reduce pain, suffering, and health care expenses. Therefore, every effort to promote and implement preventive measures is a wise investment. Thus, its prevention and control is an important priority for society.
As the Plan moves forward, the DOH invite all stakeholders and interested partners to actively participate in promoting the oral health of all New Yorkers.
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Disaster: AAP Reaches Out to Disaster
Victims (Posted
9/9/05)
The Academy has a number of resources available on the Academy web site
www.aap.org/new/disasterresources.htm to assist you and your chapter members to care for children in displaced families from Hurricane Karina. Several of these resources address the psychosocial needs of families who have survived a traumatic event. Included are the following:
Psychosocial Issues for Children and Families in Disasters: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician
Updated Clinical Guideline: Psychosocial Implications of Disaster or Terrorism on Children: A Guide for the Pediatrician
Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis: An Important Role for Pediatricians
The Pediatrician and Childhood Bereavement
Children, Terrorism and Disasters Web site
Feelings Need Check Ups Too (CD-ROM)
When Terrible Things Happen (Brochure)
Red Book Online – An Infectious Disease Resource
The web site contains links to pertinent and up-to-date CDC information on acute health care needs of evacuees particularly related to immunizations and infections acquired in the flood plain.
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New
Legislation (Posted 7/17/07)
The Nassau County legislature unanimously passed
a "Social Host" bill that addresses underage drinking in private
homes. This bill holds adults who allow underage drinkers (18 years) to
consume alcohol in their homes to be held criminally responsible. This
bill carries a $250 fine for the first offense and penalties up to $1,000 and a
year in jail. Currently, Long Beach, Glen Cove, Amityville, Nebraska,
Virginia and three places in California have "social host" laws.
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Proposed HIPAA Legislation (Posted 3/17/03)
For an excellent summary of the HIPAA legislation, go to the HIPAA page provided by our Practice Management Committee.
To obtain copies of the manuals and other HIPAA information and materials, go to the AAP Members Only Channel (http://www.aap.org/moc). Under "What's New," select "HIPAA Compliance Manuals and Tools" and also check the HIPAA link in the left column. To reach Academy staff who can answer your questions directly, call 800/433-9016 for Alysha Johnson, ext 4089 or Jean Davis, ext 4325.
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