- Health Wise
By Dr. GREG MOFFATT
Contributing Writer Few topics make parents more nervous than sex education, sexual development, and the sexual behavior of their children. While there are a few sexual behaviors that are highly abnormal in teens (i.e. rape), there is a broad spectrum of behaviors that are not unusual. Parents need to bear in mind that children do not inherently know how to deal with the powerful sexual drives that are not uncommon in adolescence. Just as we must teach our children how to manage their tempers and other emotions, parents also need to teach their children to handle their sexual lives responsibly. By Dr. MIRONDA D. WILLIAMS Expecting? Nothing beats good preparation. In every worthwhile endeavor we normally plot a course of action to ensure success. This is just as important as you prepare for your pregnancy. Here’s news that many parents may find moving. Patrick Sims, a nine-year employee of District Four Health Services, joined the district’s Emergency Preparedness team May 3 as the public health liaison. He will work with the community and with private healthcare providers to build collaborative partnerships to improve disease surveillance and emergency preparedness within the district. If you work in retail, medicine, a warehouse or construction, you probably spend the majority of the day on your feet. “It’s just the nature of the business,” said Ron Petty, a developer and contractor in Boone, N.C. With the hectic schedules of today’s families, it seems as though there is rarely extra time for physical activity. However, David Marshall, M.D., medical director of the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, recommends that families should map out and plan time for activities to ensure they are added to the daily routine. In honor of National Physical Fitness Month, here are some family-friendly outdoor activities recommended for summertime: Southern Regional Health System’s Oncology Services was granted approval by The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Summer is approaching and the pools are opening. Parents need to be aware that 62 percent of drownings occur between the months of May and August. A common misconception is that a drowning child will splash, scream and cry out. However, drowning usually occurs quickly and silently. Children need constant adult supervision around water. Interventional cardiologists at MCG Health System have a new tool to help treat coronary artery disease. Clinical director Leslie Pope said Outcome Medical’s health fair is designed to provide a new insight into the use of non-narcotic treatments for chronic pain. She said the clinic will have doctors and technicians available to demonstrate the technology and offer free treatments for people who want to experience pain relief without the use of narcotic medications. For the 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there’s good news: knowledge about how to diagnose, manage and treat IBS is increasing. Still, millions of people living with the symptoms of IBS don’t even know they may have the disease. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders found that less than one in five respondents who are symptomatic have been diagnosed with IBS. Summer is a time when people head to the beaches to bask in the sun. And despite the best intentions, it is sometimes hard to shake the notion that a bronzed body is a healthy body. The reality is, too much sun can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, on average, a child’s exposure to the sun is three times that of an adult. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology states that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure is estimated to occur before the age of 18. With the summer season upon us, these are important statistics for the parents of small children to be aware of. For all you golfers replacing ‘fore’ with ‘sore,’ these simple measures to help avoid back pain or injury are for you: The Environmental Protection Agency estimates Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, unaware that their home environment can be just as polluted as outdoor air. PeachFuzz Hair Removal, a new business in Peachtree City, is the only hair removal center in the south metro Atlanta area to offer the new SpectraClear Intense Pulsed Light System. SpectraClear is one of the safest, most comfortable, effective and affordable permanent hair removal systems available on the market today. Fibromyalgia is a painful muscle disorder that affects millions of people, but is generally misunderstood. It is a multiple-symptom syndrome primarily involving widespread muscle pain (myalgia), which can be debilitating in its severity. The pain seems to be caused by the tightening and thickening of the myofascia, the thin film or tissue that holds the muscles together. Fibromyalgia, also called fibrositis, shares many of the same symptoms as chronic fatigue syndrome, including headaches, debilitating fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, and digestive problems.” One of the most popular gifts given to hospital patients are balloons, but you could be delivering more than a thoughtful gift to your family member or friend, especially if the patient is a child. Since most balloons are made from latex, they, along with common medical supplies like gloves, tubing and tape, may contribute to the concern of latex allergy in medical facilities today. There is good news for many expectant families: Banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells could save a family member’s life. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. That blood is a rich source of stem cells genetically unique to your baby and family. Preserving your baby’s cord blood is similar to taking out a biological insurance policy for your family. Stem cells are used to treat cancer and many other serious conditions. | 