PhillyHealthInfo.org
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Table of Contents

Home Pages

This is the Home Page Section.  Any time you post a new edition of your “Home Page”, it will get added to this section.  This way, you can keep a record of all the different home pages you’ve had.  It’s also nice for linking people to past/archived versions of the home page if that’s ever something you wish to do.

About Us

PhillyHealthInfo.org is a program of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, a not-for-profit cultural and scholarly institution founded in 1787 with a long history of providing health information to the public.

In September 2003, the College, under the leadership of former President, Thomas W. Langfitt, M.D., converted an on-site consumer health information program online by launching PhillyHealthInfo.org.  This online resource provides direct and anonymous access to trustworthy consumer health information and local resources in the Delaware Valley (Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County).  This website is free of advertising and does not require any registration.

Because of the College’s neutrality, we are able to feature hundreds of health and medical organizations, services and events, regardless of affiliation.  For more information on our resource listing policy, please see our inclusion criteria.

Additionally, PhillyHealthInfo.org is committed to working with Greater Philadelphia educational organizations to improve health literacy and information access across all populations and bridge information, technological and cultural barriers to health information.  We do this by working with local organizations to identify and provide community needs for health information, locate non-English and easy-to-read materials, and provide free listings to Delaware Valley health organizations, resources, services and events.

Our Mission

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is dedicated to advancing the cause of health and upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine.  PhillyHealthInfo.org helps serve that mission by promoting interest about important health issues and provide the tools and resources to allow consumers to make informed decisions about medical care.  PhillyHealthInfo.org strives to provide information to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, with special attention to race, ethnicity, literacy, and language.

PhillyHealthInfo.org is a work in progress that depends upon help from many Delaware Valley community partners – including funders – who share the goal of improving the health of the public.

We are continuously updating our database of local health resources.  We welcome suggestions, and submissions of additional Delaware Valley health resources we may be missing or information about an upcoming health-related event. We are committed to improving and expanding Philly HealthInfo.org in an effort to provide the most accurate links to health information resources in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Advisory, Editorial & Public Health Boards

PhillyHealthInfo.org’s Advisory Board:

The PhillyHealthInfo.org team relies on expertise and guidance from the following:


Honorary Member(s):
C. Everett Koop, MD, ScD
C. Everett Koop Institute

Ex Officio Member(s):
George M. Wohlreich, MD
Director and Chief Executive Officer
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Staff Liaison:
Andrea L. Kenyon, AMLS
Director of Public Services, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Philly Health Info Project Director

PhillyHealthInfo.org’s Editorial Board:

Philly Health Info.org is indebted to the following Fellows (members) of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia for their assistance in editing and vetting website content:

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s Section on Public Health

The Section brings together public health professionals from all across the region to study public health problems, assesses potential responses and provides information for the development of health policy. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2005-2006

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF PHILADELPHIA PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS

COLLEGE OFFICERS

STAFF LIAISON

Privacy Policy

Phillyhealthinfo.org uses automatic tracking systems on our web site to collect general information about visitors without identifying specific individuals. We use this information both to compile statistics about the use Phillyhealthinfo.org and to assist in enhancements to Phillyhealthinfo.org. We also track the addresses of external web sites that have established hyperlinks to Phillyhealthinfo.org. Logged information is kept indefinitely as administrative and research material; it is not disclosed outside of Phillyhealthinfo.org personnel.

Phillyhealthinfo.org does not sell or rent visitors’ identifying or contact information. Visitor information is submitted voluntarily by the visitor and any visitor at any time can request to remove his or her identifying or contact information and it will be removed in a timely manner.  Visitors registering for Phillyhealthinfo.org’s email alert service may request to be removed at any time. Phillyhealthinfo.org makes every reasonable effort to protect the security of visitors’ personal information and honor visitors’ choices for its intended use. Please be aware there is some risk involved in transmitting identifying or contact information over the Internet regardless of our efforts.

Phillyhealthinfo.org is not responsible for the privacy practices of any external web sites to which Phillyhealthinfo.org links. Concerned visitors are encouraged to read the privacy statements on those sites.

HIPAA Compliance

Phillyhealthinfo.org and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia pledge to honor and abide by the federal privacy regulations called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). Information about these regulations and the rights of individuals under this Act can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Phillyhealthinfo.org’s privacy policy, please Contact Us.

Partnering and Sponsoring Organizations

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is grateful for the invaluable assistance it receives from private and public organizations for the development, promotion and maintenance of PhillyHealthInfo.org, a community health information resource:

Sponsors and Funders

PhillyHealthInfo.org is currently supported in part by an unrestricted operating grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Organizations that have provided grants and monetary gifts to the College to support PhillyHealthInfo.org in the past:

Partners

Organizations that have provided in-kind support:

Consultants

Organizations that have provided fee-based services, including development of the Philly Health Info.org web portal and resources:

Thomas W. Langfitt, MD

In Memoriam

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April 20, 1927 – August 7, 2005

Dr. Thomas Langfitt was past-President and former Board member of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.  He previously served in leadership roles at the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Glenmede Trust Company.  Prior to joining Pew, Dr. Langfitt was a neurosurgeon.

During his time at Pew, Dr. Langfitt became committed to removing barriers to services and information, particularly with regard to health care.  Under his leadership, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia moved its consumer health program and resources online with PhillyHealthInfo.org.  Dr. Langfitt believed the College’s mission of educating the public about health – as well as its neutrality – could foster a better relationship between patient and doctor and help to fix a broken health care system.

The PhillyHealthInfo.org team was humbled by his insatiable energy, curiosity and enthusiasm.  He was a tireless advocate for Philly Health Info.org and the mission of improving the health of the public through education and increased access to health information.  We remain deeply indebted to his stewardship and steadfastly committed to his vision.

Disclaimers

Calendar

Phillyhealthinfo.org calendar listings are provided as a public service, to create access to health information and services for Phillyhealthinfo.org visitors. Inclusion of events in the calendar does not indicate an endorsement of these services by Phillyhealthinfo.org, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, or any partner organization.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

Reference on the Phillyhealthinfo.org web site to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trade mark, manufacturer, or other reference, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favor by Phillyhealthinfo.org or The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The views and opinions expressed in documents available through Phillyhealthinfo.org do not necessarily state or reflect those of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia as an institution, and may not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Medical Advice

The information (text, graphics, tables, audio and video) provided on the pages of the Phillyhealthinfo.org web site are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as medical care or medical advice, and are not a replacement for medical care given by physicians or trained medical personnel. Phillyhealthinfo.org does not directly or indirectly practice medicine, nor does Phillyhealthinfo.org dispense medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or any other medical service as part of this free web site. Phillyhealthinfo.org visitors should always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified healthcare provider(s) when experiencing symptoms or health problems, or before starting any new treatment.  Phillyhealthinfo.org encourages visitors to share with their healthcare provider(s) any information gathered on Phillyhealthinfo.org. Phillyhealthinfo.org encourages visitors to use this information to start a dialog with their healthcare provider(s) and to become empowered in that relationship. Neither Phillyhealthinfo.org nor The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is to be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or editorial errors, or for any consequences resulting from the information provided. By continuing to view the Phillyhealthinfo.org web pages, visitors indicate acceptance of these terms. Visitors who do not accept these terms should not access, use, interact with or view these web pages.

Ownership/Copyright

The text, graphics, design, and architecture of Phillyhealthinfo.org--except for any products that have been licensed from third parties--are the property of Phillyhealthinfo.org and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia unless the licensing agreement specifies otherwise and may not be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission from Phillyhealthinfo.org. All content created by Phillyhealthinfo.org is protected by U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Visitors may not copy, publish, distribute, create derivative works of, or commercially exploit the content of these web pages, or use these web pages for any other purpose.

Site Hosting

Phillyhealthinfo.org is hosted on server space provided by Rackspace Managed Hosting (http://www.rackspace.com). Phillyhealthinfo.org visitors are encouraged to read Rackspace’s terms of service and conditions, privacy policy, disclaimers etc.

Limitation of Liability

All content, material and links provided by Phillyhealthinfo.org is intended for information and guidance only. Neither Phillyhealthinfo.org nor The College of Physicians of Philadelphia accepts responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the content, material or links on this web site. Reference to organizations or persons included on Phillyhealthinfo.org, or any web site to which it is linked, does not indicate an endorsement. Neither Phillyhealthinfo.org nor The College of Physicians of Philadelphia takes responsibility or accepts liability for any loss or damage resulting from using this website and its content or any other site to which it is linked.

When visiting Phillyhealthinfo.org, information will be transmitted over a medium that may be beyond the control and jurisdiction of Phillyhealthinfo.org and its suppliers. Accordingly, Phillyhealthinfo.org and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia assume no liability for or relating to the delay, failure, interruption, or corruption of any data or other information transmitted in connection with the use of the Phillyhealthinfo.org.

Links

Phillyhealthinfo.org provides hyperlinks to other web sites to allow visitors ready access to additional information that may be useful to the Phillyhealthinfo.org visitor’s needs. The inclusion of any link on Phillyhealthinfo.org should not be interpreted as an endorsement. Neither Phillyhealthinfo.org nor The College of Physicians of Philadelphia will take responsibility or accept liability for the availability or function of these external sites, or the content provided on any sites to which Phillyhealthinfo.org is linked. Visitors to linked sites must judge for themselves the accuracy and the quality of the information provided at the linked site(s), and take responsibility for the appropriateness of acting on such information.

Links from Phillyhealthinfo.org to external web sites are checked regularly for functionality. Non-functioning links are corrected or removed at that time.  Phillyhealthinfo.org users may report non-functioning links by clicking on the Contact Us link located at the top of every page.

Listed physicians

Phillyhealthinfo.org, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, its supporters, partners, and the creators of this web site assume no responsibility for the clinical diagnosis, treatment procedures or schedule fulfillment of any physician listed on this web site, or to any physician whose contact information is accessible using Phillyhealthinfo.org. Information about physicians is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute an endorsement of any physician or healthcare facility.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Philly Health Info’s disclaimers, please Contact Us.

Home Page - July 2006

Time to Quit Smoking

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Philadelphia’s smoking ban is on the books so it’s about time you kicked the habit for good.  Need help?  Use our Smoking section to find a class or a support group near you. 

Concerned about Spinach?

Recent E. coli outbreaks got you wondering about food safety? Use our Food Safety section to find information and local organizations that can help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and there are free screenings going on all over the Delaware Valley.  If you or someone you love is over 50 it’s time to get a check up.

A Tribute to Our Founder

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A tribute to former president of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and founder of Philly Health Info, Dr. Thomas Langfitt.

In Memoriam - Thomas W. Langfitt, MD

April 20, 1927 – August 7, 2005

Melanoma International Foundation

image In 2003, The Melanoma International Foundation or MIF, was started by Catherine Poole, a melanoma survivor and patient advocate of 19 years.  Catherine is the author of Melanoma Prevention, Detection and Treatment with DuPont Guerry, MD, who headed Penn’s Melanoma Program (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998, Revised 2005.) Ms. Poole decided to write the book because there was no where to turn during her scary bout with melanoma during her pregnancy.

After completing the book, many patients called on Ms. Poole for advice. She started a hotline, email response system and now a new moderated forum (http://www.melanomaforum.org) where patients and families can safely ask questions and get answers they can trust. This became the backbone of the MIF’s mission:  helping patients and their families understand their diagnosis and get the best possible treatment.

MIF is also focused on early detection.  When melanoma is found early it is 90% curable with simple outpatient treatment. The Melanoma International Foundation provides free screenings at its annual awareness event, Safe From The Sun, in Seattle, and at Villanova University as well as 22 new localities from coast to coast this year.  Most people find their own melanomas, so MIF teaches how to perform a skin self examination and examine their loved ones at company lunch time programs and at civic organizations.  MIF’s website has a 2 minute video that can teach people how to examine their skin as well: http://www.melanomaintl.org/minfo_examine.asp

Melanoma kills one person each hour. It is the leading cancer killer of young women and more prevalent than breast cancer in women ages 26-29.  It is the easiest cancer to screen for, but the least physician screened for cancer. It is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer probably due to our cultural preference that a tan looks good and the prevalence of tanning parlors.  One out of three teens go to tanning parlors in which 15 minutes provide as much dangerous exposure as a full day at the beach. Also, approximately 80% of our children are sunburned each summer. This too will keep the melanoma rates climbing.

Melanoma is not a priority by any of the major cancer organizations including the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society.  MIF hopes to change that and raise the priority of melanoma prevention, early detection and treatment among the major funding agencies for research.  We also are helping to get legislation passed to ban all youth from tanning salons.

This May, Safe from the Sun is back!  Our emphasis is family fun with a serious side of melanoma screening for early detection and the support of those fighting melanoma as well as honoring those we’ve lost. Philadelphia Safe from the Sun will again take place in the pavilion at Villanova University, SATURDAY May 10th, 2008:

To register for the Philadelphia event, go to: http://www.safefromthesun.org

For more information about skin cancer, please see the PhillyHealthInfo.org Skin Cancer section.

Contact Us

Help us make PhillyHealthInfo.org the best stop on the web for Delaware Valley health events, services and programs. We value your questions, comments and suggestions.


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Inclusion Criteria

Since its founding in 1787, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has remained relentlessly neutral in its efforts to advance the cause of health and uphold the ideals and heritage of medicine.  Philly Health Info.org was designed with this neutrality in mind.  Below are the criteria we use to determine which resources and information sources will be featured on our website.

Regional Resources and Events

Regional resources include but are not limited to hospitals, support groups, health and medical organizations & associations, and health education services and programs in the Delaware Valley (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties).  Events include but are not limited to time-limited happenings such as health fairs, fundraisers, lectures, workshops, and conferences.

Content

For PHI purposes, content includes but is not limited to recommended websites, quizzes, non-English language materials, easy reading materials, and hoaxes.

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MEDLINEplus.gov

Brought to you by the National Library of Medicine, MEDLINEplus is an extensive clearinghouse of information on over 700 health topics from libraries, government agencies and health-related organizations.

Features:

MayoClinic.com

Although the website address is a .com, this site is owned by the not-for-profit Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and is a joint venture between Web specialists at the foundation and medical experts from the Mayo Clinic.

Features:

Healthfinder.gov

Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies, Healthfinder is a good place to start your search because it doesn’t produce overwhelming results on each topic.

Features:

MedHelp.org

Non-profit organization that provides consumers with access to online support groups and physician-monitored forums.

Features:

NORD

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare diseases find information and support.

Features:

Submit An Event

Want your event to appear on PhillyHealthInfo.org? Submit the details to us using the form below:

Website Summary

A comprehensive directory of health services, events and information for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Send To A Friend

Tell a friend about the page you’ve found on the PhillyHealthInfo.org website.

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AIDS - Philadelphia FIGHT

Philadelphia FIGHT, http://www.fight.org, is a comprehensive AIDS service organization providing HIV specialty primary care, consumer education, one-on-one advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines.  FIGHT was formed as a partnership of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and clinicians, who joined together to improve the lives of people living with the disease. Our mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the lifetimes of people living with HIV right now.

Our programs include:



Project TEACH

Project TEACH is a class for people living with HIV and AIDS. It was formed in 1996 to meet the demands of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), who needed state-of-the-art HIV treatment information, leadership development, and self-empowerment. Our mission is to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to get educated about HIV, to use that knowledge to make the best decisions for their lives and to share that knowledge and empowerment with their communities. Since 1996, almost 2000 people have graduated from our various programs, which have included TEACH, TEACH Outside, Teen TEACH, Frontline TEACH (for friends, family members and community activists), and classes and seminars in Chester County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore.

We deeply believe that anyone can learn sophisticated HIV information if they are motivated to do so.  The HIV epidemic has taught us that it is crucial for people with HIV/AIDS to share their experiences and help other people learn what they have learned. And we know that people learn best when they are supported by peers, friends and family. We provide not just good information, but resources for finding help, reducing stress, and not just living with HIV - living WELL with HIV.

We believe that people have a right to know what’s going on in their bodies, and to understand what doctors are recommending and why. In making medical decisions, people will always serve their health priorities, beliefs and goals. We want to help people identify their priorities more clearly, and support people in making decisions that are new for them.

For example, someone who has never taken antiviral medication might get a lot of pressure from friends and family to take them, or not to take them. They might know about the benefits of medications, but be scared of the potential for side effects. Project TEACH is there to give them more information about the benefits AND risks of medications, as well as what their medical provider might be thinking, so that their decisions are made with the best possible information. We’re not here to tell people to take medication, or not to take it. We’re here to help people get the best information, so that they can make decisions that reflect their goals.

For more information on Project TEACH, Philadelphia FIGHT, or any of these programs, please call 215-985-4448, or visit our website at http://www.fight.org/

To find more HIV/AIDS resources, including Delaware Valley organizations and non-English materials, visit Philly Health Info’s AIDS page.

AIDS - Spotlight on AIDS

AIDS is a condition caused by a virus called human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.  Most people who become infected with HIV will eventually develop AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. “Acquired” means that the disease is spread through contact with a virus, in this case, HIV.  “Immunodeficiency” means that the disease attacks the immune system.  The immune system is what protects the body from disease.  “Syndrome” refers to the group of symptoms that are common to the disease.

It usually takes many years for someone with HIV to develop AIDS.  When someone first becomes infected with HIV, he or she might not feel sick at all.  Over time, HIV weakens the immune system of the infected person.  Eventually, the body has trouble fighting certain infections and the person can come down with pneumonia, weight loss, and other complications known as “opportunistic infections”. Many of the illnesses that the person has with AIDS are from infections that the body fought off before but now cannot.

HIV is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood or semen.  The most common way of sharing these bodily fluids is through sexual contact with someone who has HIV.

HIV can also be spread by sharing needles with someone who has HIV.  If you cannot or will not stop using drugs, you should use a new needle every time.  If new needles aren’t available, old needles should be boiled or cleaned with bleach before reuse.  In addition, you should find out about needle exchange programs in your community that make clean, reliable needles available to users.  For more information please visit, http://www.preventionpointphilly.org/services/services-syringe.html

Having another sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or herpes, can also increase someone’s chances of becoming infected with HIV.  These diseases can cause sores or skin irritations in the genital area that make transmission of HIV easier.

In addition, infected mothers can pass the virus to their children during pregnancy, childbirth itself or through breast milk.  In rare cases, infected blood given in a blood transfusion can also spread HIV.  With modern screening techniques it is almost impossible to get HIV from a blood transfusion.

Despite the rumors you might hear, you cannot be infected in any of the following ways:



Currently, forty million people are living with HIV worldwide, including over one million Americans.  Twenty five percent of these people don’t know they’re infected.  That’s frightening because there is no cure for or vaccine against HIV infection.

New medicines may allow patients with HIV to live longer, better lives, but in most cases HIV/AIDS will eventually end in the death of its victims.  The best hope for preventing infection is education.  Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:



To find more HIV/AIDS resources, including Delaware Valley organizations and non-English materials, visit Philly Health Info’s AIDS page.

Edited by Ellen M. Tedaldi, MD, Professor of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine; Director, Temple Comprehensive HIV Program; Fellow, College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Alzheimer’s Disease - Spotlight on Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disorder of thinking in seniors that worsens over time. By far and away the most important risk factor for AD is age, and the frequency of AD clearly increases with age so that about 40% of individuals over 80 years of age have AD.  A specific kind of memory deficit is the earliest and most obvious problem in AD.  This is difficulty learning and remembering new information like a phone message or what was eaten for breakfast.

Patients often ask the same question throughout the day, forgetting that it’s been asked many times before, and frequently repeat themselves during a conversation.  However, memory difficulty alone is not enough to say that someone has AD.  Individuals with AD also have impaired language (poor word-finding when speaking, difficulty understanding), problems with visual perception (difficulty recognizing objects, getting lost in very familiar places), and impaired planning and organizing.  Sometimes AD is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and depression.

AD may be inherited, but this occurs only in a very small number of people.  AD is not due to strokes, head trauma, vitamin deficiency, infection, or endocrine problems, although any of these can lead to memory difficulty.  An experienced doctor can evaluate these and other problems that can cause memory and thinking impairments. Instead, proteins accumulate abnormally in the brain of an AD patient, and these proteins interfere with the functioning of brain cells or neurons.

While there is currently no cure for AD, treatments are being developed to prevent the brain cells from being attacked. These treatments should be available in the next 5 years. Several medications are available now that can help slow the progression of AD. These medicines are directed at helping some of the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Other treatments help manage some of the symptoms associated with AD such as paranoia, agitation, and depression.

AD is a progressive condition, and patients can become increasingly agitated and can wander. There may be difficulty sleeping through the night, often because patients are sleeping too much during the day. As the condition gets worse, patients eventually require care 24 hours a day for seven days a week throughout the year, becoming totally dependent on their caregivers for all activities of daily living.

Even with all of the love in the world, this is overwhelming for any one caregiver to manage alone. There are many services available in the area to help in the caring process, such as Adult Activity Centers and companions. The Alzheimer’s Association can provide information about these resources. The Alzheimer’s Association also sponsors free support groups throughout the area where more can be learned about AD.

Murray Grossman, MD, EdD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Penn School of Medicine and affiliated with the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania, http://www.med.upenn.edu/ins/faculty/grossman.htm

Alzheimer’s Disease - Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter

imageDid you know that Alzheimer’s is the 7th highest leading cause of death in the world?  Currently, there are an estimated 294,000 people in the Delaware Valley suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter is dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families through education, advocacy, support, and funding important research to find a cure.  Our core services include:

Our goal is to provide leadership to enhance care and to support services for individuals with dementia and their families, while supporting the elimination of Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.  There are more than 294,000 families in our area, and more than 5.1 million nationwide, coping with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other progressively debilitating degenerative neurological disorders.  If you need help or information, please call our Helpline/Contact Center (800) 272-3900 or log onto http://www.alz.org/desjsepa. Together, we can make Alzheimer’s disease just a memory. 

Delaware Valley Chapter
399 Market St. Suite 102
Philadelphia, Pa 19106
24-Hour Contact Center/Helpline: (800) 272-3900
Office: (215) 561-2919
Fax: (215) 561-4663
http://www.alz.org/desjsepa

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, please see the Phillyhealthinfo.org Alzheimer’s Disease page.

Asthma - Spotlight on Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs.  People with asthma often have trouble breathing.  They may wheeze, cough, or feel tightness in their chest.  Asthma can even cause what is known an “attack.” An asthma attack is caused by severe swelling in the lungs and can leave someone gasping for air. 

Unfortunately, asthma is the most common long-term disease in children, affecting more than 6 million kids in the United States alone.  In fact, asthma accounted for more than 14 million missed school days in 2000. 

Overall, more than 20 million Americans have asthma, 12 million of whom experience serious asthma attacks.  These attacks lead to 2 million emergency room visits and 5,000 deaths each year in the United States.

The causes of asthma are unknown and currently there is no cure.  What’s even more frightening is that the number of asthma cases has risen during the past decade, especially among children living in the inner city.

One thing is clear:  if someone has a parent with asthma, he or she is far more likely to develop asthma than a person who has no family history.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by things in the environment.  Living in a large urban area like Philadelphia may increase exposure to these environmental triggers, which include:



Once someone knows what triggers their asthma, they can take steps to reduce the triggers in their environment.  Sometimes this is easier said than done.  Some causes like pollen, air pollution, and weather can’t be helped, but other things like cigarette smoke, mold, and cockroaches can and should be fixed. 

Because these attacks don’t happen all the time and because asthma can persist without environmental triggers, asthma can be difficult to diagnose, especially in young children. Regular doctor visits to check for allergies and to determine proper lung functioning can help.
The testing of lung function is called spirometry.  Spirometry is one way to confirm the diagnosis of asthma. A spirometer is a piece of equipment that measures the largest amount of air you can exhale after taking a very deep breath.

A doctor should also ask a patient about their family history of asthma, allergy and other breathing problems, and their home environment.  Patients should make sure to be honest about any lost school or work days and limits on daily or physical activities.

It’s important to remember that even though there isn’t a cure, asthma is treatable.  The first thing someone can do is to remove the triggers in their environment that make their asthma worse.  The other thing they can do is to make sure to take any medicine their doctor prescribes.

There are two main types of asthma medication:  quick-relief medicines and long-term control medicines.  Quick-relief medicines are often inhaled into the lungs and are taken only as needed to ease the symptoms of an attack.  They work within minutes to open the airways and help breathing.  Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers in case of an attack. 

Long-term control medicines are taken everyday to control chronic symptoms in people with persistent asthma.  Many people will need both types of medicines to effectively control their asthma. 

Remember, there are three simple things someone can do to control their asthma:

When someone controls their asthma, they will not only reduce the symptoms and the likelihood of attacks, but they’ll sleep better, miss less work or school, take part in more physical activities, and, best of all, they won’t end up in the ER with an asthma attack.

Edited by James Plumb, MD. Dr. Plumb is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Asthma - Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma Coalition

The Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma Coalition (PAAA) formed in 2000 to fight the rise of asthma in children living in the city. The Coalition consists of over 90 members representing more than 40 organizations including health care systems, providers, schools, insurers, community based agencies, nursing centers, state and local heath departments and parent/caregivers. Health Promotion Council is the lead agency for the PAAA. Coalition members actively participate on various committees and volunteer for special assignments.

PAAA’s programs include services that assist families in accessing healthcare services, asthma education, home-visits for trigger remediation, and social service support. These programs include the following:

The Child Asthma Link Line
The Child Asthma Link Line (Asthma Link Line) is community-based telephone center designed to coordinate the medical appointments, asthma education, and other services for parents of children of asthma. The Asthma Link Line also helps uninsured families obtain health insurance.  The Asthma Link Line is a free program and can be accessed by calling 1-866-610-6000.

Asthma Action Plan
The Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma Coalition in collaboration with AmeriChoice, Health Partners, and Keystone Mercy Health Plan developed a standardized Asthma Action Plan (AAP). The AAP is an asthma management plan designed for children with asthma to be completed by a health care provider.  PAAA has distributed the AAP to over 600 providers in Philadelphia.

Education Services
To educate caregivers and children with asthma on ways to control this disease, PAAA offers the following asthma education programs: Asthma Classes for Adults All About Asthma, Asthma Awareness Day and Smokeless Homes.

Asthma Classes for Adults
Free classes are available for adults with asthma. These classes are held at various community locations in the City. This program is a series of 4 classes addressing topics such as medications and devices, psychosocial issues, and asthma action plans. Upon completion of the class series participants receive a certificate of completion and incentives.

All About Asthma
All About Asthma is an asthma awareness and educational presentation developed for parents, community members, daycare providers, and teachers.  It is a comprehensive user-friendly 45 minute presentation addressing the following five topics: 1) What is asthma? 2) Asthma triggers 3) Asthma medications and devices 4) Controlling asthma and 5) Asthma resources in the community. 

Asthma Awareness Day
Asthma Awareness Day is a school-based program developed by PAAA members and partners to increase awareness and educate students and their families about asthma.  Asthma Awareness Day includes hands-on learning stations that educate small groups using games and activities.  These activities explain what asthma is, its triggers, medications, devices, and control methods. In addition, students and their families are informed about various asthma programs, such as the Asthma Link Line, Asthma Camp, and other services.

Smokeless Homes
Smoke from tobacco can trigger asthma attacks. More than half of children with asthma live in homes with an adult who smokes. Our Smokeless Homes program reaches out to parents and gives them tips on how to keep tobacco smoke away from their asthmatic children.

To Learn More About PAAC, call the Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma Coalition at (215) 731-6150 or visit the website at http://www.hpcpa.org/paaa.html.  Community members are welcome to join. All services and presentations are available in English and Spanish.

PAAA is determined to find ways to help children with asthma stay healthy!

PAAA is funded by: Pennsylvania Department of Health, The Philadelphia Foundation, STEPS to a Healthier Philadelphia , AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, The United Way, and the Aetna Foundation. 

A project of the Health Promotion Council, http://www.hpcpa.org

Blood Donation - American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region

If you had an hour of free time, how would you use it?

Going grocery shopping, watching your favorite reality show, chatting online with friends, or cleaning out the refrigerator?  There are a lot of activities that can be done in 60 minutes. But there’s only one hour-long activity you can do that saves lives: donating blood.

Each and every day, blood is needed for trauma and accident victims, heart surgeries, organ transplants, and treatments for leukemia, cancer, and other diseases. Since blood cannot be manufactured or substituted, hospitals and patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to provide this lifesaving gift.

In the Philadelphia area, you can donate blood through the American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region. Each week, the Penn-Jersey Region operates nine community centers and more than 200 blood drives at local businesses, organizations, and schools throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.? So most likely there is a location near your home or work!

Although blood donations are needed throughout the year, there are certain times when the available supply becomes dangerously low. In particular, blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to holidays, travel schedules, illness, and bad weather. It is important for donors to make and keep their appointments during this critical time because it can affect patient care.

However, no matter what the time of year, the American Red Cross encourages the public to include regular blood donation in their schedule and to ask their family, friends, and co-workers to give the gift of life.

Giving blood is easy, safe, and truly makes a difference in patients’ lives. Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Donors must bring appropriate identification such as a driver’s license or an American Red Cross donor card. To make an appointment at a blood drive or donor center closest to you, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit http://www.pleasegiveblood.org.

One hour of your time equals three lives saved. Please, make time on your schedule this month to donate blood.  It can be the most rewarding hour you spend!

Blood Donation Facts

American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region.
1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
http://www.pleasegiveblood.org

Blood Donation - Be a Life Saver: Donate Blood

Each year 4.5 million American lives are saved by blood transfusions. In fact, every three seconds someone needs a transfusion, and half of us will require a blood transfusion at some point during our lives.

A blood transfusion involves the direct injection of blood into the bloodstream using an intravenous tube (a tube inserted in a vein) with a needle, usually into the arm.

Blood is about 7 percent of our body weight (10 to12 pints). It is made up of multiple components that serve very different and specific purposes:

People may need blood transfusions for many reasons. Advances in science and technology allow blood to be broken down into its specific components and transfused to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Doctors often transfuse their patients to replace blood lost as a result of a severe injury or burn. Some victims of serious accidents or falls have no visible signs of injury or bleeding, but have had injuries that cause internal bleeding. Surgery is usually required to repair the injury and a blood transfusion is often also necessary.

Occasionally people need transfusions to replace blood lost during other, non-injury- related surgeries such as heart, transplant and joint replacement surgeries. Some heart surgeries can use up to 20 pints of red blood cells. Joint replacement surgeries can use 1 to 3 pints of red blood cells.

Some people with illnesses like anemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and leukemia and other cancers also need blood transfusions. Blood platelets are commonly used to treat leukemia patients. Plasma is used to treat hemophilia and red blood cells are used to treat anemia.

Blood cannot be manufactured and, because it has a short shelf life, it must be used quickly and then replenished. Yet maintaining an adequate and fresh supply of blood is difficult when only half of the people who can donate blood actually do donate in their lifetime. And only 5 percent of those people donate once or more in any given year.

One out of every 10 hospital patients needs a blood transfusion. One pint of blood, the amount of blood given in one donation, can save the lives of three people! A blood donation is one of the easiest and most important donations a person can make. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds can donate blood every 56 days.

You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life! Donate now and commit to future donations.

Michael Greenberg, M.D., M.P.H.,
Professor of Emergency Medicine and Public Health; Director, Division of Medical Toxicology
Drexel University College of Medicine
245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA? 19102
http://www.drexel.edu/med/

Cancer - Wellness Community of Philadelphia

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia (TWCP), located at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland, Chamounix Drive, West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit organization that provides emotional support, education and hope for people affected by cancer.  Participants are welcome at any stage of their illness, from diagnosis through recovery.  Professionally lead support groups for people with cancer and their caregivers meet weekly.  Other programs and services include nutrition, yoga, T?ai Chi, aerobic exercise classes, mind-body programs, and educational forums.  All TWCP programs and services are provided at no charge to participants.

Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1993 at a small office on City Avenue, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia is one of 21 Wellness Communities nationwide (there are also two international locations and more in development in the United States).  In 1997, it moved to its current location at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.  Renovated and restored through community gifts, Ridgeland is a warm, home-like setting, where people with cancer and their families feel safe to talk about the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.  Participants may also enjoy the Jean C. Holler Contemplation Garden, located just beside the Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland.  The Contemplation Garden is a place of peace and comfort for participants and caregivers to take T’ai Chi, meditation and relaxation programs, and to quietly reflect and restore their spirits. Meetings and large group classes are held in the renovated barn on premises.

The programs offered at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia give people with cancer and their loved ones and caregivers information, coping skills, and a greater sense of control over their lives.  Independent research shows that those who participate in support groups experience a myriad of quality-of-life benefits, including less stress and anxiety, a more positive outlook, fewer side effects from treatment, and a quicker return to work after treatment.  TWCP programs follow the Patient Active Concept, which states, ?Patients who participate in their fight for recovery along with their health care team, rather than acting as hopeless, helpless, passive victims of the illness, will improve the quality of their lives and may enhance the possibility of recovery.

TWCP serves people with cancer and their families of all ages and ethnicities in Philadelphia and throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.  Beyond their Fairmount Park location, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia serves individuals through their Community-Based Programs in six locations throughout Philadelphia.  In addition, TWCP holds programs at Hahnemann University Hospital, in the Bux-Mont area and in Chester county.

TWCP is funded solely with the help of generous gifts from individuals, community organizations, businesses, and foundations.  TWCP welcomes gifts through all area United Ways.  The Wellness Community of Philadelphia is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Please call (215) 879-7733 or (888) 819-3553, or visit http://www.twcp.org for more information.

Breast Cancer - Spotlight on Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.  Approximately 225,000 new breast cancers will be diagnosed in this country in 2005.  Almost one in every eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.  The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age; therefore, the risk in an eighty-year old is greater than the risk in a sixty-year old.  About 45,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2005. Despite the increasing numbers of patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk of dying of the disease remains the same or is diminishing slightly.  Earlier diagnosis is the primary reason for these improved cure rates, although better treatments also play a role. 

Many risk factors influence the chance that any woman will develop breast cancer.  Most important is family history.  The greatest risk is in women who have a mother, daughter, or sister with the disease, especially if they developed breast cancer before menopause or if both breasts were affected.  Families with a history of male breast cancer or relatives with ovarian cancer are also at increased risk.  Breast cancer genes can be detected in about 5% of breast cancer patients.  Individuals with one of the above risk factors are more likely to have the breast cancer gene.  Patients who fit the above criteria should ask their doctor if they are candidates for a genetic risk assessment program.  Other factors which increase the risk of breast cancer include:  early onset of menstrual periods (age 10 or younger), first term pregnancy after age 30, no term pregnancies, late menopause (after age 55).

There are no proven ways to prevent breast cancer.  Diet, cigarette and alcohol use have been suggested to increase your risk for getting breast cancer, however, that has not been proven.  Early diagnosis is really the key to lowering the risk of dying from breast cancer.  Every woman should have a baseline mammogram at about age 35.  Annual mammography should begin at age 40.  Ultrasound is used to aid in further evaluation in certain mammogram findings.  MRI can also be very useful in high-risk patients or in those where mammograms are difficult to interpret.  Because mammograms still fail to identify 10-15% of all cancers, an annual physical examination should be performed by a qualified examiner.  Abnormal findings on either mammogram or physical examination must be followed by some type of biopsy to determine it there is cancer.

Surgery is still the primary treatment for breast cancer.  The tumor must be removed, but in most cases this can be done without sacrificing the breast, a “lumpectomy.” Some patients still require the removal of the entire breast, a “mastectomy.” Most patients who have mastectomy are able to have plastic surgery to reconstruct a new breast.  Most patients who have a lumpectomy require radiation treatments to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast.  At the time of surgery, many patients undergo removal of the lymph glands in the armpit to determine whether cancer cells have spread to that area.  A new procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy is now being used in many centers to avoid removing all lymph glands in many patients.

After recovery from surgery, chemotherapy is recommended for a large number of patients.  Need for such treatments is determined by the type and size of the tumor, presence of involved lymph nodes, the patient’s age and general health status, as well as other factors.  These treatments can lower the risk of the tumor returning, or delay its reappearance.  Side effects of chemotherapy include loss of hair, nausea and vomiting, and lowering of blood counts with increased risk or infection.  Additionally, some patients are given hormone-blocking drugs which have less significant side effects than chemotherapy but are also effective in increasing the cure rate in selected patients.

Although breast cancer still affects many women in this country, early diagnosis and treatment have had a positive effect on increasing cure rates in recent years. Ongoing research is aimed at identifying ways to prevent breast cancer, improving diagnostic methods, finding less invasive surgical treatments, and developing safer and more effective drugs to prevent tumors from returning. 

Robert D. Smink, Jr. MD is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.  He is Chief of Surgery at Lankenau Hospital, http://www.mainlinehealth.org/lh/

Breast Cancer - breastcancer.org

The Mission

Our mission is to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast cancer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.

The Need

The Reach

The Advantages

The Founder


Breast Cancer - Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation

The Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation honors the memory of songwriter Linda Creed by empowering women and their families to practice breast health, fostering the healing process and establishing a public agenda for prevention and cure.

The Foundation was the first local organization to address breast cancer as a serious and widespread disease threatening the lives of women living in the Delaware Valley. Before the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation was established, local women and families had limited information and access to resources when faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. The Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation broke the silence surrounding breast cancer, empowered women and their families to talk about it, learn about breast health and take control of their health and their lives.

LCBCF Mission

Programs and Services:

Screening
Screenings are scheduled at twelve area hospitals.  The screenings provide the three parts to good breast health care: mammogram, clinical breast exam and instruction on breast self-examination.

Mammograms
Free mammograms are provided for women with inadequate or no health insurance. 

Diagnostic Testing Services

Safe Circle
Outreach program to African-American women providing breast health information, screenings and support services.

Rainbow Circle
Outreach program to the lesbian community providing breast health information, screening and support services.

Patient Emergency Fund
The Emergency Assistance Fund fulfills a crucial need to provide non-medical financial assistance to women facing day-to-day hardships while dealing with breast cancer treatment and its effects.

Advocacy
Statewide Alert Network advocates for increased funding for breast cancer research and necessary legislation on the state and federal levels. The Foundation is a founding member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Support Services
Includes Eva’s Room, a place to find information on treatment, available resources and research through books, articles, tapes and the Internet, and the toll free information line, 1-877-99 CREED.

Screenings are held in the spring (March - June) and in the fall (September - November).  Diagnostic tests are scheduled on an as needed basis.  For more information on any of the programs and services call 215-545-0800 or visit the LCBCF website: http://www.lindacreed.org.

Colon Cancer - Spotlight on Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to any of several cancers that develop in a person’s colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the human digestive, or gastrointestinal, system.

The digestive system is responsible for removing important nutrients from the food we eat and then removing waste from the body. Swallowed food is broken down in the stomach and then moves on to the small intestine. The small intestine continues breaking down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients we ingest. The remainder passes on to the large intestine, or colon. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the partially digested food and stores waste. This waste, known as feces or stool, then moves to the rectum, which is the last section of the digestive system, where the feces is eliminated from the body through the anus.

Both men and women can develop colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 106,680 new cases of colon cancer (49,220 in men and 57,460 women) and 41,930 new cases of rectal cancer (23,580 men and 18,350 women) will be diagnosed in 2006.

The exact cause of most colorectal cancers is not yet known. However, research has shown the majority of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. However, a person’s diet may contribute to colorectal cancer risk. People who eat foods high in fat, protein, and calories may increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer. There is also some evidence that smoking and drinking alcohol may increase the risk for developing colorectal cancer.

In most people, colorectal cancer develops slowly over a period of several years. Colorectal cancer generally develops from abnormal growths, called polyps, on the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps and colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms, especially at first. But sometimes there are symptoms, such as:

If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine why you’re having these symptoms.

Screening

Certain medical tests can find polyps so they can be removed before they grow into cancer. Screening tests can also identify colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%. (The 5-year relative survival rate is the percentage of people alive at least five years after diagnosis of cancer.)

Several tests can be used alone or in combination to screen for colorectal cancer:

Colonoscopy is the most specific examination to diagnose polyps or cancer, but requires thorough cleansing of the colon and rectum and mild sedation during the exam. You should begin screening for colorectal cancer when you turn 50, then continue getting screened at regular periods. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if you have:

The death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the past 20 years. One reason may be because polyps are being found by screening before they can develop into cancers. Also, colorectal cancer is being found earlier when it is easier to cure, and treatments have improved. Because of this, there are around 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.

Treatment

The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer and on the patient’s general health. The three standard treatments for colon cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Surgery, however, is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. Surgery is an operation to remove a segment of the intestine containing the cancer. A doctor may remove the cancer using several types of surgery.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth, or it may be put into the body by inserting a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called systemic treatment because the drugs enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Edited by John M. Daly, MD, Fellow of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Professor of Surgery and Dean, Temple University School of Medicine

Colorectal Cancer - American Cancer Society

imageColorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.  The Society estimates that this year 148,810 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and almost 50,000 will die of the disease - a number that could be cut in half if Americans followed American Cancer Society testing recommendations for the disease.

Colon cancer develops in the lower part of the digestive system, also referred to as the gastrointestinal, or GI, system. The digestive tract processes the food you eat and rids the body of solid waste matter. This cancer usually develops from pre-cancerous changes or growths in the lining of the colon and rectum. Growths in the colon or rectum are called polyps.

Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp.  In most cases, colon and rectum cancers develop slowly over a period of several years.  Finding and removing these polyps before they become cancerous can stop colon cancer before it even starts. 

Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer and personal risk varies.  There are several factors that are associated with increased risk.  They include:

Fortunately, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for the past 15 years.  Progress is credited to colorectal cancer screening, which is recommended by the American Cancer Society beginning at age 50.  When colon cancers are detected at an early (i.e. localized) stage, the five-year survival rate is approximately 90 percent; however, because screening rates are so low, only 39 percent of colorectal cancers are detected at this stage.  By getting tested, you can prevent or cure colon cancer.

Your doctor can help you make informed decisions about the most appropriate testing method.  The American Cancer Society recommends one of these five testing options:

Help the American Cancer Society honor National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March and get tested.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information on the Society’s research program or about how to give, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the Society’s homepage: http://www.cancer.org. On the homepage, click “In My Community” to learn what programs, services and events are going in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

For information, resources and events related to colorectal cancer, see the PhillyHealthInfo.org Colon Cancer page.

Depression - Spotlight on Depression

Depression, a very common problem, is a treatable medical condition. The treatment is as successful as those found with other medical problems. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, in a given year, 10% of the U.S. population experiences symptoms of depression. Depression is not a moral failing or a sign of psychological weakness.  It is not the same as the very common feeling of being temporarily “down in the dumps” on a rainy afternoon or feeling “blue” for a day or two. Instead, depression is a serious, potentially fatal illness that can affect all areas of a person’s life: body, mind, work, family, friendships, and hobbies.

Symptoms

The name “depression” actually refers to a family of related medical conditions, including major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness).  This article is limited to a discussion of major depression.  Major depression can bring about one or more recognizable symptoms, including:

Risk Factors

In some cases, major depression can occur in several generations of the same family. However, major depression can also strike people with no family history of the disease. Other risk factors for depression include low self-esteem, a pessimistic view of the world, and difficulty coping with stress.  Certain medical conditions, including stroke, heart disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease can also lead to major depression. Finally, a significant event or events, including job loss, death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or financial difficulties, can trigger an episode of major depression.  A person’s first episode of major depression often results from a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental causes. It is not uncommon for victims of an episode of major depression to experience two or more episodes throughout their life. Later episodes of major depression may be triggered by the same combination of issues that triggered the first episode, or a later episode may develop without any noticeable cause.

Twice as many women as men experience major depression. The reasons for this disparity are not completely clear. Women’s bodies experience unique hormonal changes, associated with events such as menstruation, pregnancy, new motherhood, and menopause, that help account for women’s increased rates of major depression. While men are less likely than women to suffer an episode of major depression, the National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that 3 to 4 million men in the U.S. do experience major depression at any given time. This is especially troubling because men are less likely than women to admit and report symptoms of major depression, and 4 times more likely than women to commit suicide.

Major depression also occurs in older adults, but symptoms are often mistaken for normal signs of aging. Also, some symptoms of depression in older adults can result from certain medical conditions or medications an older adult is taking to treat medical conditions.  Major depression strikes children as well as adults. Symptoms of major depression in children may be mistaken for “growing pains” which the child will “grow out of”, and so the disease may go undiagnosed and untreated.

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of major depression begins with a physical examination by a physician. As mentioned, certain medications and physical illnesses can lead to symptoms of depression. If a physical problem is ruled out, the patient is often referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for special testing. Psychiatrists are physicians with advanced training in mental illness and brain disorders. Psychologists do not have a medical degree, and cannot prescribe medication, but they do have advanced training in counseling psychology and psychotherapy. Psychiatric social workers and Advanced Practice Nurses are other mental health practitioners who can be helpful. Once major depression is properly diagnosed, the care provider(s) decide on a course of treatment.

Treatment

Psychotherapy alone can be very helpful for persons with mild depression. A psychotherapist helps depressed patients identify and, wherever possible, change the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that helped cause or can worsen a depressive episode. The form, type, and length of the psychotherapy should always be discussed with the practitioner. 

Antidepressant medication is generally prescribed for persons with moderate to severe depression. Patients must take the prescribed dose of antidepressant medication for at least 3 or 4 weeks, and perhaps as many as 8 weeks, before feeling the medication’s full effects. Antidepressants, like other prescription medications, may cause mild, temporary side effects in some patients. Patients should report any side effects to their physician. Physicians typically direct patients to take their antidepressants regularly for up to 9 months in order to prevent a relapse. Regardless of any side effects or an improvement in their condition, patients should never stop taking an antidepressant, or change the dosage, without first speaking to their physician.

Depressed patients typically receive a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Electroconvulsive therapy, commonly known as electroshock therapy, may be prescribed for patients with severe depression who do not respond to or cannot tolerate medication.  Although sometimes misrepresented in the popular media, ECT has been shown to be particularly helpful and even life-saving for some individuals.

What is most important is that the disorder be diagnosed and treated. Appropriate treatment can help most persons dealing with major depression. Untreated, symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years. Moreover, untreated depression effects and is painful both to the person with it and to his/her family, friends, work associated.

Major depression itself is not a fatal disease, but severely depressed persons may feel so hopeless that they consider or even attempt suicide. Patients should discuss any suicidal thoughts, feelings or actions with their mental health care provider. If a patient poses an immediate danger to themselves or someone else, they should call 911 or go to mental health crisis center or hospital emergency room immediately.

Depression is more than just “feeling blue.” If you or someone you know shows signs of major depression, talk with your healthcare provider. Help is out there.

Edited by George