April 2013
2 posts
15 tags
Fireworks Safety
The summer season is upon us and fireworks may be part of the festivities. But fireworks have a dark side.
Even a seemingly innocuous sparkler burns at over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to ignite wood, melt glass, and produce fourth-degree burns.
12% of patients seen in Emergency Rooms for fireworks injuries require hospital admission.
Children under age 15 comprise over 50%...
WatchSeasonal Allergies
March 2013
2 posts
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology →
18 tags
Seasonal Allergies
INCIDENCE
Every springtime 35-40 million Americans struggle with the problem of seasonal allergies. Allergies are one of the most common reasons that people miss or underperform at work or school. They are thought to be responsible for 10,000 school absences daily.
The incidence of allergy is 10% in children below 10 years of age, but doubles in the child’s next 10 years. So it may be...
December 2012
2 posts
5 tags
WatchChuck Joy, MD on WJET-TV Addressing Toy Safety
9 tags
Snow Shoveling Safety
The Erie County Medical Society wants you to enjoy winter without falling victim to snow shoveling perils.So here are some helpful tips.
First and foremost
Check with your doctor. Shoveling stresses the heart because of both exertion and cold. Consider hiring someone for the task.
Do not shovel after eating or smoking as these activities reduce blood flow to the heart.
Stop if you feel...
November 2012
3 posts
US Consumer Product Safety Commission →
Stay Informed of Toy Recalls →
14 tags
Toy Safety Tips
Since the season is upon us when children receive an increased number of toys, the Erie County Medical Society wants to keep you up to date on the following toy safety tips.
GENERAL
Read and heed all warning labels regarding safe toy assembly and use.
Promptly discard all toy packaging such as plastic wrap, foam, staples and twist ties that can case a child to suffocate or choke.
CHOKING...
September 2012
3 posts
5 tags
WatchDr. Tom Falasca on WJET-TV Speaking on Seasonal Affective Disorder
8 tags
Seasonal Affective Disorder and You
To many of us, winter brings thoughts of outdoor sports, indoor socializing, and holiday cheer. But to some it is a time of varying depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Incidence
SAD occurs more frequently in women and in areas farther from the equator, where seasonal daylight changes are more extreme.
Symptoms
Symptom onset is usually gradual and frequently includes weight gain,...
11 tags
Back to School Health Tips
School days are upon us and that brings new concerns for our children’s health, concerns regarding backpacks, lunches, starting school, homework/study habits, and hygiene.Here are some helpful tips on how you can promote a healthier, happier school year.
Backpacks
Backpacks should have wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
The backpack should never weight more than 10-20% of...
August 2012
1 post
6 tags
Health Fair in Perry Square -- You're Invited!
September 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM is the Third Annual Health Fair in Perry Square![[MORE]]
July 2012
1 post
4 tags
Can Sunscreen Sticks Be Your Answer?
[[MORE]]
For some of us, the use of sunscreens around the face can cause eye irritation. If this is your problem, one of the beeswax-based sunscreen sticks could be your solution.
The beeswax vehicle maintains the position on the facial skin of the sunscreen’s active ingredients so that they are less easily transferred to the eye by sweat or minimal contact.
Moreover, many of these products are...
June 2012
2 posts
WatchDr. Ferdinando Mirarchi on WJET-TV Speaking on Heat Stroke
7 tags
Heat Stroke and You
Korey Stringer Minnesota Vikings died heat stroke August 2001
[[MORE]]
Each year heat exposure claims more lives than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. It is the second most frequent cause of death among high school athletes after spinal cord injury. Those affected most by heat related illness are the very young, the very old, those with heart or lung disease, and...
May 2012
2 posts
4 tags
WatchDr. David Benjamin on WJET-TV Speaking on Sun Protection
11 tags
What You Need to Know about Sun Protection
[[MORE]]What is the best protection from sun damage?
Simply put, the best protection from sun damage is sun avoidance. Avoid the sun from 10 AM until 4 PM when the sun is most intense. Avoid sunlight during this time even if the sunlight is coming through a glass window. Seek shade. Wear protective clothing.
What is protective clothing?
Cover as much skin as possible. Long sleeves in summer...
April 2012
2 posts
4 tags
WatchDr. Scott Lim on WJET-TV Speaking on Skin Cancer
9 tags
Protect Your Family from Skin Cancer
[[MORE]]Protect Your Family from Skin Cancer
Each year over one million people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer. This number is equivalent to all other cancers combined.
Some skin cancers, known as malignant melanomas, have a high propensity to metastasize, that is, spread distantly, and are extremely dangerous. Others, such as squamous cell carcinomas, have a propensity to metastasize...
March 2012
4 posts
4 tags
WatchDr. Mary Anne Albaugh on WJET-TV Speaking on Autism
5 tags
What Is Autism?
[[MORE]]The incidence of diagnosed autism and autism spectrum disorders has substantially increased in recent years. It is unclear how much of this is from true disease increase and how much is from improved diagnosis.
Autism is a more specific term than autism spectrum disorder. Autism refers to (1) impaired social interaction, (2) impaired communication, and (3) restricted, repetitive...
3 tags
National Healthcare Decision Day April 16
Only 29% of Americans have a living will. April 16 is National Healthcare Decision Day, a day to contemplate who will speak for us if we can’t speak for ourselves. For more information, visit nhdd.org.
WatchDr. Rob Haverly on WJET-TV Speaking on Cataracts
February 2012
4 posts
“This timely and authoritative information is brought to you by the Erie County...”
– ——- Thomas Falasca, DO
“A cataract … is an inevitable part of life if you live long enough.”
– ——- Robert Haverly, MD
6 tags
Cataract Precautions
[[MORE]]Although the cause of cataracts is not completely clear, it seems there may be measures you can take to at least postpone the occurrence of so-called senile cataracts. Don’t be discouraged if you do develop a cataract because it is an inevitable part of life if you live long enough.
Eye Exams. As a general principle, eye exams are recommended for all persons over 65 years old at least...
WatchDr. Sam Ward on WJET-TV Regarding Cardiac Risk Factors
5 tags
Know Your Risk Factors
Know Your Risk Factors
[[MORE]]A Valentine present for your heart! Why not? Your faithful little friend would love some attention from you this February. How about a nice review of the things that keep your little buddy safe and happy?
Your tireless little ticker beats 100,000 a day against the pressure of your arteries. Your doctor calls it afterload, or more simply, blood pressure. ...
January 2012
2 posts
Welcome to the new Erie County Medical Society...
Welcome to the new Erie County Medical Society website. This new website gives us the opportunity to deliver the most up to date news, information, links, and resources available.
At the top of the page you’ll notice links to three additional pages, an “About Us” page which gives you some insight into the background of the Erie County Medical Society, a “Contact”...
