CITY OF TRENTON, NEW JERSEY
Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Health
218 N. Broad St Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
Tony F. Mack, Mayor
James A. Brownlee, MPH Director/
Health Officer
May 2013 Health Tips
This month the focus is on Asthma and Allergy Awareness, Hepatitis Awareness, Lupus
Awareness, Arthritis Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Stroke Awareness, and Physical
Fitness and Sports
Asthma and Allergy Awareness:
As per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Asthma affects an estimated 18.7 million adults (aged
+18 years) and 7 million children (aged< 18 years) in the United States. Asthma is a chronic disease
involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of
the lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or
early morning coughing. People with a family history of allergies or asthma are more prone to
developing asthma. Many people with asthma also have allergies. This is called allergic asthma.
Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances
while on the job. Childhood asthma impacts millions of children and their families. In fact, the
majority of children who develop asthma do so before the age of five. There is no cure for asthma, but
once it is properly diagnosed and a treatment plan is in place you will be able to manage your
condition, and your quality of life will improve. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you
will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs. Asthma can be controlled by taking
medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. In most cases, we don’t know what causes
asthma, and we don’t know how to cure it. We know that if someone in your family has asthma you
are more likely to have it. It can be hard to tell if someone has asthma, especially in children under age
5. Having a doctor check how well your lungs work and check for allergies can help you find out if
you have asthma. An allergist / immunologist are the best qualified physician in diagnosing and
treating asthma. With the help of your allergist, you can take control of your condition and participate
in normal activities. You must also remove the triggers in your environment that can make your
asthma worse. Asthma signs and symptoms include: shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain,
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, A whistling or wheezing
sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children), coughing or wheezing
attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. Signs that your asthma is
probably worsening include: asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome,
Increasing difficulty breathing and the need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often. Severe asthma
attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your doctor ahead of time to determine what to do when
your signs and symptoms worsen — and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma
emergency include: rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing, no improvement even after
using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, and shortness of breath when you are doing minimal
physical activity. Asthma triggers can bring on symptoms and some triggers are having colds and the
flu, Indoor allergens such as: pets, dust mites, mold and cockroaches. Outdoor allergens are: Exercise,
smoke, air pollution, paint, perfume, wood smoke from fireplaces, paint odors, cleaning solutions and
perfume. Some medications can trigger asthma symptoms. Make sure that your doctor knows all of the
medicines you are taking, including: prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicines, including
aspirin, Vitamins, and dietary supplements. For more information go to
http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html
Hepatitis Awareness:
As per the CDC, The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is most often caused
by a virus. In the US, the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Heavy
alcohol use, toxins, some medications and certain medical conditions can also cause hepatitis. In other
cases, your body mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer
and the most common reason for liver transplantation. An estimated 4.4 million Americans are living
with chronic hepatitis; most do not know they are infected. Your liver helps your body digests food,
store energy and remove poisons. Hepatitis is a swelling of the liver that makes it stop working well. It
can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis, or to cancer. You can help prevent some viral forms by getting a
vaccine. Some people who have hepatitis have no symptoms. Others may have: loss of appetite, nausea
and vomiting, diarrhea, dark-colored urine and pale bowel movements, stomach pain, jaundice, and
yellowing of skin and eye. When symptoms appear, they usually do so about 15 to 180 days after the
person has become infected. How to prevent hepatitis:
•Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet
•Only consume food that has just been cooked
•Only drink commercially bottled water, or boiled water if you unsure of local sanitation
•Only eat fruits that you can peel if you are somewhere where sanitation is unreliable
•Only eat raw vegetables if you are sure they have been cleaned/disinfected thoroughly
•Get a vaccine for Hepatitis A if you travel to places where hepatitis may be endemic
How to prevent Hepatitis B
•Tell the partner if you are infected
•Practice safe sex
•Only use clean syringes that have not been used by anyone else
•Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments
•Have a Hepatitis B series of shots if you are at risk
•Only allow well sterilized skin perforating equipment (tattoo, acupuncture, etc.)
How to prevent Hepatitis C
•If you are infected do not let others share your toothbrush, razor, manicure equipment
•If you are infected cover open wounds
•Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment
•If your skin is to be pierced, make sure equipment is well sterilized (tattoo, etc.)
•Go easy on the alcohol
•Do not share drug equipment
For more information go to http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/
Lupus Awareness:
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or
organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks
and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part
of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our
immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders.
Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and
your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy
healthy tissue. These auto antibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the
body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the
symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should
always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or
"give" lupus to someone. It is estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual
number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of
people in the U.S. living with lupus. It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a
form of lupus. Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and
teenagers develop lupus, too. Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus. People of
all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus. More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported
annually across the country. Medications are important for managing many systemic lupus
erythematous (SLE) patients. An array of drug therapies is now available, and this has increased the
potential for effective treatment and excellent patient outcomes. Women with lupus should have every
pregnancy closely monitored by their health care team, so that the safest decisions can be made about
medication use and any other necessary treatments, both before, during, and after the birth. All
medicines must be taken exactly as prescribed! Forgetting to take the medicine, taking medicine in the
wrong amounts or dosage, stopping a medicine, or adding dietary supplements without your doctor’s
approval will affect how well the drugs work and whether your symptoms of lupus can be brought
under control. Managing lupus is a team effort. And since there often will be several physicians
involved in your care, good communication is necessary among members of your health care team. For
more information http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html
Arthritis Awareness:
As per the CDC, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the
activities of nearly 21 million adults. Arthritis comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases
and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other frequently occurring forms of
arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. Common symptoms include pain,
aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid
arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms. Although arthritis is
more common among adults aged 65 years or older, people of all ages (including children) can be
affected. Nearly two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than age 65 years. Arthritis is more
common among women (24.3%) than men (18.7%) in every age group, and it affects members of all
racial and ethnic groups. Arthritis is also more common among adults who are obese than among those
who are normal weight or underweight. For people with arthritis, physical activities such as walking,
bicycling, and swimming have been shown to have significant benefits, including reducing pain and
improving physical function, mental health, and quality of life. Weight control and injury prevention
measures can lower a person's risk of developing osteoarthritis. Weight loss also can reduce symptoms
for overweight or obese people with knee osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management
are especially important for people with inflammatory arthritis. Consulting with a physician is also
important because recommendations from health care providers are the most influential factor in
convincing people to be physically active and to take an arthritis self-management course. For more
information go to http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/
Stroke Awareness:
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability.
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable; you can prevent a stroke!
A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood
from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body)
breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells
begin to die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that
area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient
is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For
example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of
an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to
speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some
type of disability. Stroke myths:
•Myth: Stroke is unpreventable
•Reality: Stroke is largely preventable
•Myth: Stroke cannot be treated
•Reality: Stroke requires emergency treatment
•Myth: Stroke only strikes the elderly
•Reality: Stroke can happen to anyone
•Myth: Stroke happens to the heart
•Reality: Stroke is a "Brain Attack"
•Myth: Stroke recovery only happens for a few months following a stroke
•Reality: Stroke recovery continues throughout life
Stroke Risk Factors: Anyone can have a stroke no matter your age, race or gender. But, the chances
of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, or criteria that can cause a stroke. The
good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, and the best way to protect yourself and
loved ones from stroke is to understand personal risk and how to manage it. There are 2 types of risk
factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable. Controllable risk factors generally fall into two
categories: lifestyle risk factors or medical risk factors. Lifestyle risk factors can often be changed,
while medical risk factors can usually be treated. Both types can be managed best by working with a
doctor, who can prescribe medications and advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Uncontrollable
risk factors include being over age 55, being male, being African American, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific
Islander, or having a family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Controllable Risk
Factors: high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis, circulation
problems, tobacco use and smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity and obesity. Uncontrollable Risk
Factors: age, gender, race, family history or previous stroke. Medication adherence is a prevalent issue
surrounding recurrent stroke prevention. Over 50 percent of aging patients on multiple prescription
medications admit that they forget to take their medications at varying degrees. Many patients also
admit to not taking their medications exactly as prescribed. Taking medications as prescribed is central
to recovery post-stroke and recurrent stroke prevention. Stroke symptoms include:
• SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.
•SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
•SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
•SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
•SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Note the time you experienced your
first symptom. This information is important to your healthcare provider and can affect
treatment decisions.
For more information go to http://www.stroke.org
Mental Health Awareness:
Mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to
others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical
conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline
personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible. Mental illnesses
can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal
weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed
with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an
individual treatment plan as prescribed by your medical provider.
As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior. If
individuals recognize these signs and seek effective and timely care, they can often prevent relapses.
However, because mental illnesses have no cure, treatment must be continuous. Individuals who live
with a mental illness also benefit tremendously from taking responsibility for their own recovery. Once
the illness is adequately managed, one must monitor potential side effects. The notion of recovery
involves a variety of perspectives. Recovery is a holistic process that includes traditional elements of
mental health and aspects that extend beyond medication. Recovery from serious mental illness also
includes attaining, and maintaining, physical health as another cornerstone of wellness. The recovery
journey is unique for each individual. There are several definitions of recovery; some grounded in
medical and clinical values, some grounded in context of community and some in successful living.
One of the most important principles is this: recovery is a process, not an event. The uniqueness and
individual nature of recovery must be honored. While serious mental illness impacts individuals in
many ways, the concept that all individuals can move towards wellness is paramount. For more
information go to www.nami.org
Physical Fitness and Sports:
May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to raise awareness about the important
role physical activity plays in maintaining health. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines
for Americans, physical activity can help control weight, improve mental health, and lower the risk for
early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Physical activity also can improve
cardiovascular and muscular fitness. In 2011, however, only one in five U.S. adults participated in
enough physical activity to gain substantial health benefits. To achieve substantial health benefits, the
guidelines recommend that adults perform at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic
activity, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination of
moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activities. The guidelines also recommend including musclestrengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. Additional
information about physical activity and resources for increasing participation in physical activity are
available at http://www.health.gov/paguidelinesExternal Web Site Icon and
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity.
If you need further information on any of the topics observed, please call the Trenton Health
Department at 609-989-3241 ext. 121, our Educational Department.
Live long and Healthy
Gwendolyn Carter MSN RN
Telephone Number (609) 989-3242 x115
FAX Number (609) 989-3242