Trisomy is the presence of an additional, or third, chromosome in a human cell that typically has just two chromosomes. This extra chromosome can cause many types of developmental disabilities.
During Trisomy Awareness Month in March, many national family advocacy organizations try to raise awareness about the cause, evaluation and treatment of these genetic disorders, especially trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. (more…)
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths among Americans each year, and many of the risk factors that contribute to the development of these diseases are preventable. Healthy People 2020, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to improve the health of all Americans by providing science-based, 10-year national objectives. (more…)
As many as 400,000 fans are expected to descend on the New York metropolitan region for Super Bowl XLVIII, to be held February 2 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A full lineup of high-profile, big-ticket parties and concerts is scheduled to begin in Manhattan during Super Bowl week. Bars, clubs, concert venues and restaurants all over the tri-state area will get in on the pre-Bowl excitement as well. While such a major event will give the New York metro area a chance show its best to the nation, the influx of people, excessive drinking and drug use that accompany the biggest sporting event of the year also will bring the opportunity for increased crime and violence (including sexual violence) to those living in, working in and visiting the area.
Under the federal Affordable Care Act, an “Exchange”—an organized marketplace designed to help people shop for and enroll in health insurance coverage—will be operating in every state starting in 2014. New York has chosen to set up its own Exchange, called the New York Health Benefit Exchange. Individuals, families and small businesses will be able to use the Exchange to find the best possible health insurance plan for themselves and their families, and, if eligible, apply for financial assistance to pay for it. Insurance coverage can be purchased through the Health Benefit Exchange beginning in October 2013 and will become effective January 1, 2014. (more…)
The only thing to fear is fear itself. So please get tested. Of the approximately 1.2 million people in the United States who are HIV positive, 250,000 don’t know it.
There are two good reasons to know your HIV status. First, there are treatments available that let people live normal lives. The earlier they’re started in the course of the disease, the better they are at protecting people against complications. Second, people who are HIV positive and successfully suppress the virus with treatment are less likely to transmit the disease. (more…)
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has established Alcohol-Free Weekend (April 5-7), to raise public awareness about alcohol and alcoholism as a chronic, progressive, yet treatable disease. During this weekend, NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans to engage in three alcohol-free days. The use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, businesses and our communities is an important consideration for all of us.