For more information on Immunizations in New York State visit the following:

NYS Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule

NYS Adult Immunization Schedule 

I didn’t realize I needed certain immunizations until I started a new job. Do you know which shots you need? Does your doctor remind you to get the flu vaccination?

Sources: Adults Need Immunizations Too ; CDC Features: Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What you need to know; Protecting Against Influenza (Flu): Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old

Picture source: Alignmap Blog

Why should you be concerned about Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?

Pertussis is a very contagious bacterial infection that causes cold-like symptoms which leads to severe coughing. In many cases, especially in babies, pertussis can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, convulsions, even death! Babies are at a higher risk because they may not have received their complete DTaP vaccination yet. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need five DTaP shots. The first three shots are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The fourth shot is given between 15 and 18 months of age, and a fifth shot is given when a child enters school, at 4–6 years of age. Parents can also help protect infants by keeping them away as much as possible from anyone who has cold symptoms or is coughing.

To hear what Pertussis sounds like, visit Sounds of Pertussis

Are you going to enter the contest? We’d be happy to hear all about your epxerience.

Source: CDC Features: Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What you need to know ; Sound off about Pertussis

According to the CDC, there has been no proven link between vaccines and autism. So, please get your baby vaccinated. By not vaccinating your baby, you are putting her or him at risk for very serious diseases. We here at NCPPC would also like to remind you that breastfeeding is a natural way for you to immunize your baby against common infections, like colds.

Watch the CDC’s video, “Get the Picture- Childhood Immunizations” to learn more about vaccines and your baby.

For more information on vaccine schedules in New York State, visit the NYS Department of Health website or view their Recommend Immunization Schedule (Spanish).

Exercising regularly, along with having low body fat and avoiding large amounts of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks can reduce you chances of having Endometriosis. Endo what? Well, if you have never heard of Endometriosis before, it is a common health problem that affects more than 5 million women in the U.S. Endometriosis causes the lining of the Uterus or womb, the Endometrium, to grow outside of the uterus. This growth can be very painful and can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant.

Common places for Endometriosis to occur include:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tubes
• Tissues that hold the Uterus in place
• Outer surface of the Uterus
• Lining of the Pelvic Cavity

If you have, or had Endometriosis, you may be experiencing feelings of fear, anger or uncertainty, but remember you’re not alone. 

I have a family member who had surgery last year for Endometriosis. Surgery is the one treatment that can boost your chances for getting pregnant. Now, she and her husband are on the road to recovery and hopefully the road to parenthood (I’m keeping my fingers crossed). Have you or someone close to you had Endometriosis? As par of National Endometriosis Awareness Month, would you like to share your story to serve as inspiration for others? Please post your story or opinion in our comment section. 

If you would like more information about this disease, visit one of the websites below or talk to your doctor.

Sources:

National Women’s Health Center

Endometriosos Research Center