Category: Latest Articles from KyIP

In 2023, September was declared as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important, including learning how to prevent infections, which can be harder to fight off when you have Sickle Cell Disease. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institute of Health (NIH), Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become crescent or “sickle” shaped due to a genetic mutation. The sickle shaped cells do not move as easily and can get stuck and block blood flow to the rest of the body. How…

Children are gearing up for back to school, and some have already returned. When children miss school, they miss valuable opportunities for learning, social development, and emotional development. Let’s plan for a healthy school year. This starts with sufficient sleep, nutritious meals, and adequate physical activity to promote wellbeing. Even following those steps, children can become ill with any of the numerous common childhood illness. With students, families, and school staff following proper precautions, this will minimize disruptions from illnesses in the ever-important educational environment. For illnesses to spread, there needs to be a source, transmission, and a host. Transmission can be through contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g. desktops, doorknobs), sprays and splashes (e.g. from sneezing or coughing), inhalation from aerosolized particles, and vectors (e.g. mosquitos, ticks). The below measures…

Summer is here, bringing along hot temperatures. Enjoying activities like hiking, swimming, and basking in the sun is a highlight of the season. However, spending time outdoors also increases the risk of sunburn, insect bites, and contact with poisonous plants. Implementing preventative measures is crucial to fully enjoy these activities without unwanted consequences. Everyone over the age of 6 months should wear sunscreen when in the sun. People can also wear clothing that covers the skin, hats, and can utilize shady areas. Sunburns are uncomfortable, but are also a major cause of skin cancer, which affects nearly a quarter of all adults. The American Academy of Dermatology offers recommendations to help prevent common summer skin problems, including sunburn. These guidelines, found in "12 Summer Skin Problems You Can Prevent" (aad.org),…

Cancer—a heavy, scary, daunting diagnosis. Millions of Americans are affected by cancer every year, either themselves or someone they know. Technology is advancing at the speed of light, and for years now we have had access to a vaccine that prevents Human Papillomavirus (HPV), indirectly preventing many types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. It might sound strange to call the HPV vaccine an anti-cancer shot. However, when it prevents over 90% of HPV related cancers, it’s hard to explain it any other way. National Women's Health Week (May 12th-18th) is a pivotal time to spotlight the significance of the HPV vaccine in safeguarding women's health. By emphasizing the HPV vaccine in our newsletter during this month, we underscore the critical role it plays in preventing cervical cancer and promoting overall…