MCFHC E-Newsletter
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2009
What's in Enews Today? 1. National Health Observances: January – National Birth Defects Prevention Month February - National Children’s Dental Health Month 2.  Hot Topics: Pertussis Continues to Rise Locally Early Caesarean Births Create Risks for Babies 3. MCFH Coalition Updates 4.  Web Resources MCFH Coalition Welcomes New and Returning Members: New – Barbara Kieffer Returning – Terry Leet, Bill Kincaid, M.D., Corinne Walentik, M.D., Jeff Mayer, Lane Jacobs Visit www.stl-mcfhc.org to learn more about the benefits of membership in the MCFHC.	1. National Health Observances January – National Birth Defects Prevention Month: The National Birth Defects Prevention Network, group of individuals involved in birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention, has highlighted the impact of birth defects through its national prevention month. This year’s efforts are focusing “Obesity Prevention and Weight Management – Before, During, and After Pregnancy”. According to this organization birth defects account for more than 20% of all infant deaths. The causes of nearly two-thirds of all birth defects are still unknown which is why this organization is promoting more surveillance, research and prevention. Their web site features fact sheets about the affects of birth defects generally, facts on ten different birth defects, health promotions and genetic counseling information. The site also has campaign ideas, proclamations and resources. For more information about the organization go to: http://www.nbdpn.org/index.html The links in our Web Resources section relate directly to their focus on obesity prevention and weight management. February – National Children’s Dental Health Month: The National Children’s Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Dental Association is an effort to educate all children on the importance of dental health. This year the National Children’s Dental Health Month turns 60! This year’s effort is focusing on ‘maximizing smile power’ by educating parents and children on ways to protect their smiles. They encourage a balanced diet, limiting snacks, brushing and flossing each day and regular dental check-ups as the keys to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Their web site offers free online resources for presentations and classrooms as well as campaign ideas including press releases. The site also has a variety of coloring and activity sheets for children. http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp#general 2. Hot Topics Pertussis Continues to Rise Locally: The St. Louis Region is continuing to see a dramatic rise in pertussis. In St. Louis County there have been 220 cases in 2008 with a sharp rise since mid-October. Pertussis is more commonly known as the whooping cough. The symptoms look very much like a cold: runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever, and cough. After 1-2 weeks, the disease may progress to a stage characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs (paroxysms) which can last for weeks or months. It is often erroneously thought of as a childhood or infant disease but the local data is showing the highest incidence in St. Louis County in the age group of 10 to 17 year olds followed by 5 to 9 year olds. Adults are not exempt from having the disease either. With adults and teens the cough may not have the strong ‘whooping’ sound but is often characterized by its duration. Making sure that infants, children, teens and adults are up-to-date on their immunization for pertussis is especially important at this time of spiking incidence. All ages should contact their health care provider to detailed information on which version of the immunization is appropriate for their family members’ age. The St. Louis Immunization Coalition, a program of the Coalition, has been promoting the immunization for pertussis through its Missouri Adolescent Immunization Outreach initiative. Information about adolescent immunizations is available at the web site created for this effort, www.startwithfour.org. Data and graph provided by the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Emergency Preparedness of the St. Louis County Department of Health. Early Caesarean Births Create Risks for Babies: A new study published by the New England Journal of Medicine is reporting that early caesarean births create risks for babies. Babies born by caesarean section after 37 weeks are considered full term but have more complications than babies born by caesarean after 39 weeks. The complications include respiratory problems, hypoglycemia and infections that require admittance into neonatal intensive care units or prolonged hospitalizations. The study also found that in a small number of babies, caesarean delivery at 41 and 42 weeks also had more medical problems than those born vaginally. Caesarean births have been on the increase. Between 1996 and 2006, caesarean births have accounted for 20.7 percent and 30.0 percent of births respectively. Of women who had repeat caesarean births, over half of them had no medical indication for the surgery. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/health/09Caesarean.html?_r=1&emc=eta1 3. MCFH Coalition Update The Coalition Welcomes New Board Members: The Coalition is pleased to add a talented and committed group of individuals and organizations to our Board of Directors. They include: Ms. Ann W. Boayue, Pediatric Medical Social Worker, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Ms. Connie Brooks, M.P.H., B.S.N., Ascension Health, Ms. Deborah Kiel, PhD, RN, APRN, BC, UMSL College of Nursing, Ms. Melissa Marshall, M.D., Ms. Bobbie Moon, Sandberg, Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C., Ms. Cynthia Grieve, Clinical Manager, Barnes Jewish Hospital Women’s Services, Ms. Celeste Player, Express Scripts. Welcome aboard! St. Louis Immunization Coalition Honored by Sanofi Pasteur: The St. Louis Immunization Coalition, a program of the MCFH Coalition was pleased to receive recognition from Sanofi Pasteur. The plaque given to only four coalitions in Missouri says, “In honor of your continuing commitment to protect the health of adolescents through immunization, Sanofi Pasteur proudly recognizes St. Louis Immunization Coalition, for your outstanding achievement and service to the community.” Congratulations to all the volunteers and organizations that have been serving on the Missouri Adolescent Immunization Outreach initiative. The recognition goes to you! 4. Web Resources 1. National Birth Defects Prevention Network – Campaign Resources page - http://www.nbdpn.org/current/resources/bdpm2009.html Resources addressing maternal obesity -http://www.nbdpn.org/current/2009MSWord/BDPM2009_HighlightedResources.doc Resources addressing healthy lifestyle choices - http://www.nbdpn.org/archives/2006/2006MSWord/EN_healthy%20lifestyles.doc Birth Defects fact sheet - http://www.nbdpn.org/archives/2006/2006pdf/NBDPNhandout.pdf 2. National Children’s Dental Health Month – 2009 Campaign Resources – http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp#2009 During this month Give Kids a Smile Day also occurs. This program focuses on the needs of underserved children – http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/gkas/index.asp 3. CDC information on pertussis - http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/in-short-both.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/default.htm