Take Care NJCU

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Take Care NJCU

At NJCU, we know that having the correct information is the best way to protect yourself and our community from contagious viruses and infections.

We want you to take good care, so check this page frequently for details about timely health issues.

Don't miss out on this crucial opportunity to protect yourself and thrive! Let's ensure your health and success with these essential vaccines!

Public Health Solutions - Fort Greene
295 Flatbush Ave, Ext 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Immunization Clinic Appointments: 347-396-7943

HWC FREE Resources

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Prevention Initiatives

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What Are the Symptoms?

There are different  and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include:

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Pain in any area of the breast.

Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).

A new lump in the breast or underarm.

See your doctor immediately if you have any signs that worry you.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Some main factors that affect your chance of getting breast cancer include the following

Being a Woman.

Being older. Most breast cancers are found in women 50 years old or older.

Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

How to reduce your risk?

Healthy habits are the first step in preventing breast cancer.

Keep a healthy weight. A healthful diet may lower your risk of developing some cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Please review our university's Nutrition & Workout plans.

Be active physically

Breast-feed

For more information, please visit  

What else can I do?

Consult your doctor if you detect changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Ask your physician when to start mammography as well.

Sources:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 17). Breast cancer: How to reduce your risk. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 26). What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from

Breast Cancer Awareness month 2022. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2022, October 4). Retrieved October 7, 2022, from

Common Symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency

PERSON HOLDING SIGN OF WORDS VITAMIN D

A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various symptoms, as it plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. Some common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy can be a sign of low vitamin D levels.

Bone and Muscle Pain: Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and muscle function. Deficiency can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of fractures.

Bone Loss: Severe vitamin D deficiency can result in osteoporosis, weakened bones, and increased fracture susceptibility.

Depression: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression and mood disorders.

Impaired Wound Healing: Vitamin D plays a role in supporting the immune system and promoting wound healing. Deficiency may impair the body's ability to heal wounds effectively.

Hair Loss: Some studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, though more research is needed to confirm this association.

Frequent Illness: A weakened immune system due to low vitamin D levels may increase susceptibility to infections and illnesses.

Difficulty Sleeping: Some individuals with vitamin D deficiency may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Reduced Cognitive Function: There is some evidence to suggest that low vitamin D levels may be associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia.

It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not necessarily indicate a vitamin D deficiency alone. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Additionally, it is essential to address any potential underlying causes of the deficiency and to follow medical advice regarding supplementation and lifestyle changes.

DID YOU GET YOUR VITAMIN TODAY?

Remember that addressing vitamin D deficiency is an important step towards optimizing your overall health and well-being. Please contact your doctor today.

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If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, please see and follow the simple recommended steps.

  1. Take the Risk Test 
  2. A1C Test  Ask your doctor to decide if this important test is right for you or not.
  3. Calculate Your BMI  Knowing your BMI is a great first step on your lifestyle change journey.
  4. Lifestyle Change Programs
    The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is one of the programs that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a structured, research-based program for changing one's lifestyle—which has been shown to help prevent and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes  Participating in a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program can cut your risk of type 2 diabetes in half.
  5. The Personal Success Tools (PST) 
    PST is a user-friendly interactive web tool that National DPP lifestyle coaches can utilize to boost participant retention. Assist individuals with prediabetes or those at risk for type 2 diabetes to complete the entire year of the lifestyle change program. 

For more information, please check

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 27). National Diabetes Prevention Program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from
  • Tools to know your risk. Know Your Risk | ADA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from

Staying hydrated is a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health and well-being. Water is a vital component of our bodies, accounting for approximately 60% of our body weight. It is crucial in physiological processes, including temperature regulation, joint lubrication, nutrient transportation, and waste elimination. Despite its importance, many people need to prioritize adequate hydration. This essay explores the benefits of staying hydrated, the signs of dehydration, and practical tips to ensure sufficient water intake.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Enhanced Physical Performance:
Staying hydrated is essential for optimal physical performance. During exercise or any strenuous activity, the body loses water through sweat. If this water is not replenished, it can lead to dehydration, adversely affecting strength, endurance, and overall performance. Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume, supports muscle function, and prevents fatigue.

Cognitive Function and Mood:
Hydration is crucial for brain health. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, including concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. Studies have shown that dehydration can also negatively impact mood, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and irritability. Drinking enough water ensures the brain remains well-hydrated, promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.

Digestive Health:
Water aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. It is necessary for the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. Adequate hydration keeps the digestive tract functioning smoothly and can prevent digestive discomforts such as bloating and indigestion.

Detoxification and Kidney Health:
Water is essential for the body’s detoxification processes. It helps flush out toxins and waste products through urine. Staying well-hydrated supports kidney function and reduces the risk of developing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Skin Health:
Hydration plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. Well-hydrated skin appears more radiant, elastic, and youthful. Water helps to keep the skin moisturized from within and can reduce the occurrence of dryness and wrinkles.

Signs of Dehydration
Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial to taking timely action. Common symptoms include:

  • Thirst: Feeling thirsty is an obvious sign that the body needs water.
  • Dry Mouth and Skin: Dehydration can cause dryness in the mouth and skin.
  • Dark-Colored Urine: Urine that is darker than usual can indicate dehydration.
  • Fatigue: Lack of water can lead to feelings of tiredness and lethargy.
  • Dizziness and Confusion: Severe dehydration can affect cognitive function and cause dizziness or confusion.

Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated

Drink Plenty of Water:
One of the most straightforward ways to ensure you're staying hydrated is to follow the '8x8' rule. This means aiming to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. However, it's important to note that individual water needs can vary based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and climate.

Eat Water-Rich Foods:
Drinking water isn't the only way to stay hydrated. You can also incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet. Cucumbers, watermelons, oranges, and strawberries are excellent choices that can help you stay hydrated while also providing essential nutrients.

Carry a Water Bottle:
Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day. This will remind you to drink water regularly.

Set Reminders:
Use smartphone apps or set alarms to remind yourself to drink water regularly.

Monitor Your Urine:
Take charge of your hydration by paying attention to the color of your urine. Light yellow urine indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow or amber can signify dehydration. By monitoring your urine, you can ensure you're staying properly hydrated.

Drink Water Before, During, and After Exercise:
Drink water before starting any physical activity, stay hydrated during exercise, and replenish lost fluids afterward.

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. It's not just about quenching your thirst but nurturing your body and mind. By recognizing the signs of dehydration and adopting practical strategies to ensure adequate water intake, you can significantly improve your quality of life. So, keep yourself hydrated and enjoy the myriad benefits that come with it.

 

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In the US, smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and 20% of all cancer cases.

Âé¶¹´«Ã½ 80% of lung cancer cases and 80% of lung cancer fatalities are brought on by smoking. The most common type of cancer that results in mortality in the US is lung cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with only a 4% survival rate, and is directly related to smoking.

Smoking harms your lungs' tiny air sacs and airways. As soon as a person starts smoking, harm is done, and lung function deteriorates over time. However, it could take some time before the issue is obvious enough to identify Lung illness.

Severe long-term lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can develop because of lung smoke damage (COPD). Smoking can worsen existing lung conditions, such as asthma, and it can increase the risk of lung infections, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.

COPD

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are both part of COPD, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Both disorders are common in people with COPD, but each one's severity varies from person to person.

The tiny airways in the lungs are damaged in COPD, making it challenging for the lungs to deliver oxygen to the rest of the body.

By far, smoking is the main contributor to COPD. The danger increases as you smoke more and for more extended periods.

Teenage tobacco usage is associated with other hazardous behaviors. According to research. Teens who smoke are also more likely to engage in risky sexual practices, carry weapons, try suicide, have mental health issues, including depression, and get into fights. Although they are more frequent in teenagers who use tobacco, this does not necessarily imply that tobacco use produced these behaviors.

Vaping vs. Smoking

Vaping, also known as smoking e-cigarettes, may influence a child's or teen's desire to try other tobacco products.

In 2020 were reports of severe lung disease in some people using e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. Symptoms included:

  • Cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Fatigue, fever, or weight loss

Some cases were so severe that hospitalization was necessary, and some patients passed away because of their disease.

Numerous (but not all) diseases were reported in users of customized devices that contained vitamin E acetate and THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. See this warning from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further details on this (CDC).

You can’t stop smoking in one day, but we can start today!
It’s never too late to quit smoking

To get help and learn more, visit

Learn more at or call 1-800-227-2345 for free tips and quitting resources.

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FREE testing today at our center: Vodra Hall, Suite 107

LUNG CANCER ILLUSTRATION

Lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the 6ssues of the lung. There are two types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Prevention
Avoiding cancer risk factors may help prevent specific cancers. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise.

The Risk factors for lung cancer:

  1. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking
  2. Secondhand smoke
  3. HIV Infection
  4. Radiation exposure
  5. Air pollution…and other Substances!

What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer?

  1. Do not smoke or quit if you smoke. Cigarette smoking causes about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the USA.
  2. Avoid secondhand smoke.
  3. Get your home tested for radon.
  4. Healthy lifestyle (Balanced Diet and Exercise)

For more information, please read the attached links below.

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Malaria is a severe and potentially fatal complaint transmitted through the bite of a pestilent womanish anopheline mosquito. Though rare, malaria can also be transmitted naturally from ma to the fetus or the bambino at birth, through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, or unsafe needle-sharing practices. Malaria is caused by any of five species of protozoan sponge of the rubric Plasmodium P. Falciparum, P. vivax, P. malaria, P. ovale, and. P. knowlesi. Worldwide, further than 240 million cases of malaria do each time (95 in Africa). Nearly all cases of malaria in the United States are imported and do in people traveling from countries with malaria transmission, multitudinous from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Before the COVID-19 epidemic, roughly 2,000 cases of mainly trip-related malaria were  diagnosed in the United States each time; approximately 300 people endured severe complaints, and 5 to 10 people with malaria failed yearly.

Symptoms of Malaria may include:

  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • The general feeling of discomfort.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Muscle or joint pain.

How is Malaria Transmitted?

  • Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria, and they must have been infected through a former blood mess taken from an infected person.
  • When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in, possessing bitsy malaria spongers.
  • Âé¶¹´«Ã½ one week latterly, when the mosquito takes its coming blood mess, these spongers mix with the mosquito’s slaver and are fitted into the person being stunk.
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Is Malaria a Contagious Disease?

No. Malaria is not dispersed from person to person, like a cold or the flu, and it cannot be sexually transmitted. You cannot get Malaria from casual contact with malaria-infected people, such as sitting next to someone with Malaria.

Recommendations

  • Take steps to prevent mosquito bites and control mosquitos at home to protect yourself from any mosquito-borne illness.
  • Before you travel, learn about the health risks and precautions for malaria and other diseases for your destination.
  • If you are traveling internationally to an area where malaria occurs, talk to your healthcare provider about medicines to prevent you from getting malaria.
  • If you have traveled to an area where malaria occurs and develop fever, chills, headache, body aches, and fatigue, seek medical care and tell your healthcare provider that you have traveled.

For More Information about Malaria Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  • CDC Treatment of Malaria: Guidelines for Clinicians (United States)
  • CDC - DPDx - Diagnostic Procedures
  • Malaria | CDC Yellow Book 2024
  • CDC Malaria Information and Prophylaxis, by Country
  • CDC - Parasites - Continuing Education - Malaria 101 for the Healthcare Provider
  • CDC - Malaria - Travelers - Risk Assessment
  • Prevent Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC

References

  • CDC. Local Transmission of Plasmodium vivax Malaria --- Palm Beach County, Florida, 2003. MMWR. 2003 Sep 26; 52(38):908-911.
  • Dye-Braumuller KC, Kanyangarara M. Malaria in the USA: How Vulnerable Are We to Future Outbreaks? Curr Trop Med Rep. 2021; 8(1):43-51.
  • Mace KE, Lucchi NW, Tan KR. Malaria Surveillance — United States, 2018. MMWR Surveill Summ 2022 Sep 2; 71(No. SS-8):1–29.
  • Schultz JS, Mace KE, Tan KR. Return to Travel in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Recovery Period and Implications for Imported Malaria: Reinforcing Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and Appropriate Treatment of Malaria. Clin Infect Dis. 2023 Apr 1; 76(7):1161-1163.
Illustration of meningitis symptoms

 

What is is Meningitis B (MenB)?

Meningitis B (MenB) is a serious infection. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides group B, which can cause an infection of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicemia, a severe infection of the bloodstream.

How it spreads

The germs that cause bacterial meningitis spread from one person to another. Certain germs can spread through food. How people spread germs often depends on the type of bacter