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Lyme disease cases exploding in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County

Ticks carrying Lyme disease are already making more people in Pennsylvania sick than anywhere else in the country and now there are seven newly discovered viruses carried by ticks to worry about, according to a report this month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Check out this video! (more…)

Traffic fumes linked to serious health problems

Vehicle fumes you breathe can cause heart problems, severe breathing conditions, and can harm unborn babies. Breathing high levels of nitrogen oxide, or NO_x, like those that come from a truck’s tail pipe, on a daily basis will increase your chance of respiratory problems. “NO_x can cause asthma, heart disease, and worsening of current lung problems such as emphysema,” said Dr. Marilyn Howarth, an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician working with the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. (more…)

Good news, get your child vaccinated today for free!

Did you know that immunizations currently prevent between 2 to 3 million deaths every single year? Due to immunizations, children are protected against contagious diseases that can cause serious illness, disability, and can be terminal. According to WHO, immunization is one of the most cost-effective and successful public health interventions. We have good news, there are places that currently offer free immunizations to children who do not have health insurance in Lancaster county. Read more to learn the specific details on how to get your child vaccinated today.

May 2018: Measles confirmed in an overseas visitor

May 6, 2018

Did you know that you can catch measles just by being in the same area where an individual with measles has been and up to 2 hours after that person has left? In early May, measles was confirmed in an overseas visitor who had recently traveled through Central Pennsylvania. Read more on this case to learn about measles and the prevention methods you can take today.

Should kids be out in the sun?

Yes! That’s what the medical experts say. “It might surprise parents that the sun is very important for children because it gives them much-needed Vitamin D,” said Dr. Alan Peterson, a family physician in Lancaster County. “We’ve heard for years that sun exposure may lead to skin cancer but some sun is actually good for your children.” Peterson said the sun’s ultraviolet rays react with the skin to make vitamin D.“ (more…)