Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission                                         PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS -                                                          Public Health Information on Public Access Television

MBRHC is pleased to present ‘Public Health Matters,’ a new public access cable program, sponsored by the Commission. The first show aired in January 2008. Our goal with the program is to bring reliable information about important public health issues directly to the residents we serve. While our first goal is to focus on issues of local public health significance, we will also present relevant topics which impact the public on state and national levels as well. We also hope to raise the general awareness of the many roles played by local public health professionals.

The half-hour program is an interview format, with 1–2 guests being interviewed each month by MBRHC Health Educator Colleen McKay Wharton. The program is produced by Piscataway Community Television (PCTV), which serves 11 towns in Central Jersey. With the addition of Warren Media also airing the program, Public Health Matters will be available in each town served by the Commission.

Program Schedule:Please note that new episodes of Public Health Matters are no longer being developed. However, all prior episodes are described below and can be accessed via YouTube. We hope you will view these episodes at your convenience!

Many of these programs are supported by the UMDNJ- School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice and we thank them for their generous support of this effort.

Please TAKE A BRIEF SURVEY to give us your opinion about the show, or suggestions for future programs! Your feedback is appreciated!

Public Health Matters Program Resources

October 2010: Breast Cancer Awareness -- Watch the program now via YouTube!

Guests: Margie McDonald, RN Certified Breast Health Navigator at and Director of Breast Care Connection at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and "Sharing Stories," a Breast Cancer Awareness Theater project developed to promote breast cancer awareness among minority women. Through the use of skits, monologues and improvisation, the program addresses many of the fears and myths women experience.

NJCEED -- NJ Cancer Education and Early Detection: A program funded through the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, to help assure women have access to needed health services, including mammograms. EVERY COUNTY in NJ has an agency responsible for implementing this program.

 

September 2010: Car Seats, Seat Belts and Safety, Oh My! - View it here on YouTube!

Guest: Diana Starace, Injury Prevention Coordinator with the Level 1 Trauma Center at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital / SafeKids Middlesex County Coordinator. Diana shares important information about child seat safety laws in NJ, why they exist, and tips to be sure you are using the right seat for your infant / child. Here is a Car Seat Tip sheet for parents!

September is Child Passenger Safety Month -- Learn More!

ALSO: Give us your feedback in our online survey, to enter in a chance to win a free booster seat from RWJUH! Or, call the MBRHC office at 732-356-8090 to share your feedback, and enter for a chance to win!

 

July / August: Summer Safety Tips - View it here on YouTube!

Guests Diana Starace, Injury Prevention Coordinator with the Level 1 Trauma Center at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital / SafeKids Middlesex County Coordinator, and Nancy Lanner, Registered Environmental Health Specialist with MBRHC. Attention Parents! Review this Summer Safety sheet to see easy ways to keep your children safe this summer...

Diana Starace shared key water safety guidelines for safe summer fun, along with information about proper helmet use when enjoying the outdoors 'on wheels.'   Here is additional safety information regarding camping and hiking with children.

Nancy Lanner addressed keys ways to prevent harmful bacteria from spoiling your family's fun at picnics and BBQs... Visit the FDA's web page on grilling safety or our own MBRHC 'Summer Safety' page to see more details!

 

June 2010 -- Municipal Alliances: Coming Together for Prevention - View it here on YouTube!

Guests Penny Gleeson, the Somerville Municipal Alliance Coordinator and Jeanette Grimes, representative for The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. Ms. Grimes shared the picture of teen alcohol and drug use in the U.S., NJ and local communities, while Ms. Gleeson shared the role of Municipal Alliances in the community. Click here if you suspect your child may be using drugs or alcohol. In Somerset County, you may also contact the Somerset Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. In Middlesex County, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency - Middlesex. Lastly, The NJ Prevention Network is a valuable resource for education, advicacy, health promotion and recovery resources. The NJ Association of Student Assistance Professionals which works to help at-risk youth in the schools, particularly in areas of alcohol and substance abuse.

October 2009

H1N1 Influenza: What You Need to Know -- Watch the program here via YouTube!

Guests Kevin Sumner, Health Officer of MBRHC, and Somini Mathew John, Assistant Epidemiologist with the Middlesex County Department of Health. Discusses the H1N1 virus, its symptoms, prevention methods and vaccination. For H1N1 clinic information, visit: the Greater Somerset H1N1 clinic website at www.greatersomerseth1n1.org . For clinics in Middlesex County, visit Middlesex County Health Department. Learn more at the CDC! Or visit NJ's H1N1 Resource Center.  Additional information can be found at the MBRHC webpage on H1N1.

May 2009

YES YOU CAN QUIT SMOKING!

You can watch this program here via YouTube!

Guests for this month's program were Dr. Chris Kotsen of Somerset Medical Center's Quit Center and Lauren Connolly, with the Somerset County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency and coordinator of REBEL. Dr. Kotsen described the many resources which are available to assist individuals who want to quit smoking. he also described how quit programs are generally structured at the state's QuitCenters. Ms. Connolly highlighted the programs and education efforts of REBEL, to help prevent youth from starting the habit. This program was supported by the Somerset County Cancer Coalition, and will soon be available via YouTube.

March 2009

Pandemic Influenza: What You Need to Know

Guests Dr. Peter Wenger, Associate Professor with UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School, Nurse / Health Educator Candice Davenport, RN, BSN, MPH, and NJDHSS Public Health Planner Cathy Vacirca, discuss many aspects of concern related to a pandemic influenza. Dr. Wenger describes the clinical circumstances that need to be in place in order for a true global pandemic to occur; Ms. Davenport discusses the ways in which a society may be impacted, and describes the many personal preparedness actions families and individuals can begin now; and Ms. Vacirca discusses the many plans being developed by local, state and federal public health officials, as well as plans developed by all healthcare providers.

To learn more about what you can do, contact the MBRHC at 732-356-8090 to request the free booklet "Be Prepared for a Flu Pandemic," which walks readers through several planning steps you can begin right now.

This program can also be streamed here.

UPDATE: Information on the new Influenza A - H1N1 virus can be found here.

January 2009 Cervical Health: What Women Need to Know

You can watch this program here, via YouTube!

Guests Dr. Randi Protter, Medical Director and Mae Belin, Director of Health Administration & Education with Women's Health and Counseling, in Somerville, discussed the importance getting routine pap smears and pelvic exams as a critical component of good health. In particular, Dr. Protter discussed the Human Papillomavirus, and its potential connection to cervical cancer. Ms. Belin highlighted many of the other services provided by Women's Health and Counseling.

 

NOVEMBER 2008: Prostate Health: What Every Man Needs to Know

YOU CAN WATCH the program here, via YouTube! Be sure to watch all three parts!

Guests Dr. Keith Harmon of Somerset Urological Associates and Ellen Levine, MSW and Program Director The Wellness Community discussed conditions that may affect a man's prostate, health screenings, and how the Wellness Community can help man and their families cope with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Learn about prostate health and appropriate screenings here. This program was supported by the Somerset County Cancer Coalition.

 

October 2008 -- Flu Prevention

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM here, via You Tube!

Guests for the October 2008 edition of Public Health Matters were Robert Reidinger, Pharmacist and Owner of Devine's Pharmacy in Edison and Diane Krasovec, RN of the Community VNA in Somerville. Guests discussed the common symptoms of influenza, ways of preventing the illness, and the importance of receiving flu and pneumonia vaccination, particularly for certain groups. Flu clinics will be held at Devine's Pharmacy on these dates, and the schedule for clinics provided by Community VNA can be found here. For clinics offered by MBRHC, and for more information about influenza prevention, click here. This program was generously support by Devine's Pharmacy in Edison, NJ.

 

September 2008

September is National Preparedness Month!

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM HERE via You Tube!.

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM HERE in Spanish

Do you have a personal or family preparedness kit? A plan as to how you will manage during an emergency? These are just some of the topics discussed in September's Public Health Matters. Program guest Jim Langenbach, from the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services described the many roles of the department before, during and after a public health emergency. Areas included providing grants for hospitals and public health agencies throughout the state, to help them become better prepared to protect and serve their communities during an emergency. Following Jim was the Executive Director of the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Amy discussed the three key strategies families should apply to be prepared for any emergency: Get a Kit; Make a Plan and Be Informed!

Now is the time to start preparing! Click here to be linked to our Emergency Preparedness page, which has plenty of resources to get you started!

 

 

 

July / August 2008

Summer Sun Protection

YOU CAN WATCH THIS PROGRAM here, via You Tube!

Summer is here!! Time to get out into the great outdoors -- but don't forget to protect yourself! Viewers learned how from program guests Dr. Alissa Fox, dermatologist from Branchburg, NJ and Lucille Young-Talbot, Public Health Consultant and Coordinator for the Somerset County Cancer Coalition (SCCC). Visit their site to learn about the many programs and services provided - at no charge - by the Coalition. To learn about other Cancer Coalitions throughout NJ, visit the NJ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention website.

Review some important sun safety tips from the CDC, by clicking here. For sun safety and other summer safety tips, visit our own Summer Safety page!

Alissa Fox of Fox Skin & Allergy Associates provides Dermatologist services at 3461 US Highway 22. Her number is (908)725-4777.

To reach Lucille Young-Talbot for more information about the SCCC, or to schedule a program for your community group or organization, email her directly at Lucille Young-Talbot or call the Somerset County Department of Health 908-231-7155.

Learn more about the Mollie Biggane story, the young woman who died at the age of twenty from melanoma, which was referenced during the program.

 

May 2008

The month of May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM HERE via You Tube!

In an effort to raise awareness about asthma in particular -- especially in children -- guest representatives from the Pediatric and Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey (PACNJ) were interviewed to discuss this important public health issue. Click here to learn about the PACNJ Coalition!

Our guests were Arthur J. Torre, MD Pediatric Allergist -- who serves as Co-Chair of the Coalition, and Sandra Fusco-Walker, a member of the Coalition representing for the Allergy & Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics (www.aanma.org) .

Each guest offered valuable information related to asthma in children. Dr. Torre highlighted some of the shocking statistics related to the number of children affected by asthma, and the impact of asthma on their lives. He also stressed, however, that asthma CAN BE CONTROLLED with proper medication. And, with an effective Asthma Treatment Plan, families -- and schools -- can be better prepared to manage asthma attacks.

Ms. Fusco-Walker discussed many of the common triggers that can cause an asthma episode, and the new inhalers. Information about the Coalition's Asthma Treatment Plan, the 10 common asthma triggers can be found at the PACNJ website.

 

April 2008

What is Public Health?

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM HERE via You Tube!

As part of our recognition of Public Health Week, April 7 - 13, our topic for April's programming is "What is Public Health?" Guests, pictured left, are Dr. Audrey Gotsch, Dean of the UMDNJ School of Public Health, with campuses in Newark, Piscataway/ New Brunswick and Stratford/Camden, and Kevin Sumner, MPH, Health Officer for the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission. Dr. Gotsch provides the broad scope of public health achievements, particularly in the areas of tobacco and infectious diseases, as well as information about public health degrees - both the MPH Program and the BA-BS-MPH program from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health. Mr. Sumner provided information about roles public health plays at the local community levels. In addition, the varied careers -- and career paths -- in public health were also described.

For more information about public health, visit these sites:

What is Public Health?

Association of Schools of Public Health

American Public Health Association

 

March 2008 -- Colorectal Cancer Awareness

YOU CAN WATCH THE PROGRAM HERE via You Tube!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To help increase awareness about this PREVENTABLE and highly treatable form of cancer, out program addresses the importance of including fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods to help reduce your risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. Guest Karen Connelly, Clinical Nutritionist with Steeple Chase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, suggested several 'easy ways' to incorporate these foods into your diet. A sample menu is suggested by the American Cancer Society. In addition, here is a whole website dedicated to how we can all incorporate more fruits and veggies into our lives -- check it out today.

When detected early (thus the importance of participating in important screenings), cancer of the colon is highly treatable. As described by Dr. Cory Vergilio, people with no additional risk besides age should begin screenings at the age of 50. Individuals aged 50 and over are encouraged to speak to their physician to discuss this important health concern. For full description of potential risk factors, prevention, appropriate screenings, visit the American Cancer Society. Additional information about this important health concern can be found at our guest's Dr. Vergilio's website.

Does Medicare pay for colorectal screenings? Click here to find out!

 

February 2008 -- Winter Safety

Guests were Robyn Key, Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the Commission and Jim Rinker, Fire Official with the Middlesex Borough Bureau of Fire Safety. Click here for a range of information about winter safety!

For financial assistance for home energy bills, here are the resources discussed:

Home Energy Assistance Program AND NJ Universal Service Fund
LIHEAP Hotline:
1-800-510-3102

NJ SHARES
1-866-NJSHARES
(1-866-657-4273)

NORWESCAP
Serves Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren or Sussex counties.
Somerset:  908-685-3033

January 2008- MRSA

YOU CAN WATCH THIS PROGRAM right here, via You Tube!

Airing in January 2007, this program will focus on the bacteria Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (commonly referred to as MRSA – pronounced ‘mursa’), and guests will be Dr. Corey Robertson, Medical Director, Emerging Infectious Diseases with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and Ms. Pat Lafaro, Director of Infection Prevention with the Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Both guests are pictured to the right.

Recently, there has been significant press coverage about MRSA -- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (it is pronounced 'Mursa'). What this means is that the bacteria 'Staphylococcus Aureus' (often referred to as simply 'Staph') which may be causing an infection in a wound or other area of the body is resistant to a certain group of antibiotics. Because of this resistance, it can make it very difficult to treat.

Although anyone can get a MRSA infection, it is most common in hospitals ("hospital-acquired") and long term care facilities such as nursing homes and prisons. However, these resistant bacteria are being seen more frequently in the community ("Community-Acquired") in Daycare Centers and in 'the locker room' where athletes are becoming exposed through small abrasions in the skin. Here is a link to the CDC, discussing additional information about MRSA in the schools.

MRSA skin infections are generally minor, such as pimples, boils and other skin conditions. They are often mistaken for spider bites. Left untreated, these infections can get worse. These infections could spread to the bloodstream or lungs, causing serious illness and possibly death. If you suspect a MRSA skin infection, you should seek medical attention. Learn more about MRSA from this NJDHSS Fact Sheet regarding some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about this bacterial infection.

Mentioned in the program was a study published in October 2007 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Here is a link to that paper, which also notes some common risk factors for both hospital- and community-associated MRSA.

In discussing community-associated MRSA, Dr. Robertson referred to the "5 C's" , which describe certain conditions or factors which may increase the risks of becoming exposed to MRSA. They include:

In addition, the most essential, key behaviors to help reduce the risk of infection -- not only MRSA, but many others as well- are

Mrs. Lafaro mentioned several points to consider to reduce your risk of developing hospital-associated MRSA when entering a hospital for a procedure. Those and other tips are available for your reference here.