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NewsletterApril - June 2019
CONTACT USAssociation of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP)131-07 40th Road, Suite E32 Flushing, NY 11354 Tel: 718-321-8798 Email: [email protected] Web: www.acaponline.org
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Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/Oral-Cancer-Slideshow?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhrotator&utm_content=oral-cancer-awareness;
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer
Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
Top Risk Factors1. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): The sexually transmitted disease is now
associated with about 9,000 cases of head and neck cancer (specifically those occurring at the back of the tongue, in or around the tonsils) diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the CDC.
2. Gender: Men are twice more likely to get oral cancer. The American Cancer Society attributes this to higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use by men, but says more men of a younger age are being diagnosed with HPV-related forms of oral cancer.
3. Age: Most people who are diagnosed with oral cancer are 55 or older, according to the American Cancer Society. HPV-related oral cancers, however, are often diagnosed in people who are younger.
4. Tobacco: Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco use increases your risk dramatically.
5. Alcohol: According to the American Cancer Society, 7 of 10 oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an average of two drinks a day or more for men and an average of more than one drink a day for women.
MAYLupus
Awareness Month
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body’s immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. The disease is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.
Source: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_chinese-traditional-unlocking-mystery-lupus-heart-faqs.asp; https://www.hss.edu/files/JBRH_R2_MythFact.pdf
Who Gets Lupus?Lupus is estimated to affect nearly 1.5 million Americans. While it occurs in both sexes, 90 percent are women, and most are diagnosed during the childbearing years. African-American women are three times more likely to get the disease than Caucasian women, and they often suffer more severe disease. National Institutes of Health figures indicate that as many as one in every 250 African-American women has lupus. Lupus is also twice as prevalent in Asian-American and Hispanic women as it is among Caucasian women. Native American women are also disproportionately affected.
Common Symptoms• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/
crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/
tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed
easily and do not heal within 2 weeks• A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the
back of the throat• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving
the jaw or tongue• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice• Ear pain• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together• Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.
APRILOral Cancer Awareness
Month
What are the Symptoms of Lupus? Every person with lupus has different symptoms that may come and go. Common symptoms include joint pain, unusual fatigue, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, and unexplained fevers. You may look OK, but only your doctor can determine if you have lupus and if the disease is active (called a flare).
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Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The good news is there are many things people can do to stay safe and prevent injuries. Our focus for National Safety Month will be BIKE SAFETY.
JUNENational Safety
Month
Source: https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/physical-activity/ride-your-
bike-safely
Bike Safety TipsRiding bikes is a great way to get active. Riding a bike can help you - get in shape, lose weight, lower your risk of health conditions like heart disease, and save money on gas. Riding bikes is also a great way to spend time with your family and get active together. If you have kids, teach them to bike safely from the start. Follow these safety tips every time you ride.
Ride a bike that’s the right size for you.Riders of any age should be able to put one leg on each side of the top bar (tube) of their bike with both feet flat on the ground. Otherwise, the bike isn’t safe to ride.
Check the brakes.Make sure the brakes are working before you ride. If you are choosing a bike for a child, choose one that brakes when the rider pedals backwards. Young children’s hands aren’t big enough or strong enough to use hand brakes.
Join our seminar to learn more about Lupus and services provided by
LANtern® (Lupus Asian Network)
ACAP Community Health Education Series
Monday May 20, 2019
10:30 am
Lupus: Myths & Facts
Flushing Library 3rd Fl. Conference Room
41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355
How is Lupus Treated? While there is no cure for lupus, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help in managing the symptoms and lessening the chance of permanent damage to organs or tissues. Once a lupus diagnosis is established, an assessment is made of damage to major organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Treatment strategies depend on the activity level and extent of the disease and can range from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to prescription medications, psychotherapy, healthy diet changes, and lifestyle revisions such as staying out of the sun and avoiding stress.
How Serious a Threat does Lupus Pose to Heart Health? The cardiovascular system is a main target of lupus. It can directly weaken the heart by causing inflammation of the muscle itself (myocarditis) or its inner lining (endocarditis). But the most common heart involvement in people with lupus is inflammation in the sac around the heart (pericarditis), which causes shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. These complications are typically treated with powerful anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressants such as prednisone, a corticosteroid.
Always wear a bike helmet that fits correctly.Wear a helmet every time and everywhere you ride a bike. A bike helmet lowers your risk of a head or brain injury if you crash.
A bike helmet only protects you if you wear it the right way. Every time you put your helmet on, make sure that:• The helmet is flat on the top of your head• The edge rests just above your eyebrows, so
the helmet covers your forehead• The helmet fits snugly all around your head• The strap is buckled snugly under your chin
Make sure people can see you easily.Drivers can have a hard time seeing bike riders, even during the day. Follow these tips to help drivers see you:• Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors.
You can also wear clothing that reflects light. • Put something on your clothes or bike that
reflects light, like reflective tape.
Follow the rules of the road.• Look both ways before entering the street.• Ride in the same direction as the cars.• Stop at all stop signs and intersections.• Use hand signals to show others what you
plan to do next.
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The Association of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP) is a non profit professional organization of Chinese American physicians and physicians that care for the Chinese community. Since its inception in 1995, ACAP’s membership has grown to over 700 physicians, includ-ing licensed doctors in New York and New Jersey areas, physicians and researchers working in medical institutions, and students who are currently pursuing a career in the medical field.
ACAP provides medical education and career development opportunities for our members, promotes collaboration among physicians, and provides mock interviews and short-term training for medical graduates preparing to enter the American medical system.
ACAP is also committed to giving back to the Chinese community, promoting quality health care, providing community health education, and helping Chinese immigrants understand the American health system. Since 2007, ACAP organizes community health fair every year to provide free health services to local Chinese residents. In addition, ACAP hosts lectures in the community every month.
Become a member of ACAP. Join Us Onlinewww.acaponline.org/membership
ACAP Community Health Education Series
Dr. Shuli Zou from Association of Chinese American Physicians hosted a health talk on “Early Signs of Uterine Cancer” at Flushing library on March 18, 2019.
Dr. Yufei Tu, an ophthalmologist from ACAP shared valuable information on Glaucoma risk factors, symptoms, and treatment at CPC Nan Shan Senior Center on February 26, 2019.
On April 3rd, 2019 Dr. Xinru Qian from Association of Chinese American Physicians gave a health talk on “Shoulder and Neck Pain” at Selfhelp Innovative Senior Center.
