HEALTH

60% of women consider breast ops

WHAT PEOPLE WOULD HAVE DONE

PROCEDURE	WOMEN	AVERAGE COST
1. Breast surgery	58%	$9,750
2. Liposuction	33%	$9,450
3. Tummy tuck	25%	$9,200
PROCEDURE	MEN	AVERAGE COST
1. Nose job	30%	$9,450
2. Liposuction	25%	$9,450
3. Mini facelift	11%	$9,600
Source: Abbey

Almost six out of 10 women have had, or would have, surgery on their breasts, a survey has suggested.

Men were most likely to opt for a nose job, with a third saying they had already had the operation or were considering doing so. The findings emerged from a survey of 2,000 people for the financial group Abbey. It found people were prepared to borrow an average of $7,000 to pay for cosmetic surgery. In the survey, 58% women said they had already had, or would consider having a breast augmentation or reduction, or an operation to raise or reshape breasts. Overall, women were three times more likely to opt to go under the knife than men, although men said they would borrow more. Liposuction was the second most popular operation for both sexes. The survey showed people living in Wales and the Midlands would borrow most to fund cosmetic surgery - while the Scots would borrow the least. Many people admitted that they were happy to live on credit. A quarter said they would happily borrow up to $30,000.

"Jordan is living proof that having big knockers can get you a good career" Dr. Ruth Holliday, Centre for Gender Studies, Leeds University

Teenage patients

Angus Porter, customer director for Abbey, said: "We are borrowing more than ever before but we have more control over our finances than past generations. "We live in a 'have it all' society and people are more comfortable about borrowing to achieve what they want, rather than only doing so when they feel there is no other option." Dr. Ruth Holliday, of Leeds University Centre for Gender Studies, said feminists had traditionally opposed cosmetic surgery because they felt women felt under pressure to conform to a certain look. But she said it cosmetic surgery could be a positive choice: "Jordan is living proof that having big knockers can get you a good career." She added: "Plastic surgery has fewer risks associated with it and breast surgery has become quite a routine operation." It is estimated around 65,000 to 75,000 cosmetic surgery procedures are carried out each year in the UK. Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show breast augmentation and breast raising or reshaping were the most popular operations in 2003, accounting for over 20% of all procedures. Adam Searle, president elect of BAAPS, said: "We recognize that there has been an increase in demand and interest for cosmetic surgery, not simply in terms of increased numbers, but the increased range of people seeking cosmetic surgery; men and women, younger and older patients. "It is now acceptable to pursue cosmetic surgery in a way it wasn't 10 years ago. its becoming an accepted part of modern life, but we must not lose sight of the careful decision making process that should be part of that cosmetic surgery environment. "People need to remember that any surgical procedure carries a risk, and so those decisions should not be seen as frivolous."

AVERAGE COST OF OPS: Face/neck lift - $13,750 . Breast reduction - $11,000 . Nose surgery - $7,500 . Eyelid surgery - $7,000. Brow lift - $3,500 . Ear surgery - $3,500. From the Desk of Rachel Rosenstein, Rebecca Adams.

___________________________________________________________________________________

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND COMMISSIONER FRIEDEN LAUNCH OUTREACH CAMPAIGN FOR MOTHERS WHO DEVELOP DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY

4,000 Mothers at Risk of Health Complications Will Receive Information and Resource Packets; Nurse-Family Partnership Will Assist in Providing Face-to-Face Education

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden today announced an initiative to educate and provide resources for women who developed diabetes during their pregnancy, a condition known as gestational diabetes. The City will send information packets each year to more than 4,000 affected mothers describing health risks and providing tools for them and their babies. The Mayor was joined at the announcement at the Health Department's District Public Health office in Bedford Stuyvesant by Dr. Monica Sweeney, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center and several community partners including the American Diabetes Association, SCO Northern Queens Health Coalition, CAMBA, Bright Star, St. John's Bread and Life, the Northern Manhattan Prenatal Network and the Caribbean Women's Health Association. At the State of the City Address, the Mayor announced that the City is embarking on a major campaign to fight diabetes. "The twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity are getting worse quickly - in both New York City and the nation," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This campaign is one important way to fight these diseases. By partnering with community-based organizations and the medical community, we can reduce the serious health effects of diabetes and improve the lives of thousands of new mothers and their babies. Obesity is leading to an increase in gestational diabetes, but health complications can be prevented in both mothers and babies," said Dr. Frieden. "People at risk for diabetes, including women with gestational diabetes, can cut in half their risk of full-blown diabetes by a modest increase in physical activity and modest weight loss. Breast feeding is also strongly encouraged, as this reduces the risk of obesity in both the infant and the mother."

The resource packet contains a letter in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Urdu describing the health risks of gestational diabetes and making recommendations on how moms and babies can stay healthy. It also includes several Health Bulletins on factors contributing to obesity and diabetes, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as tips for a healthy diet, physical activity, and helping children reach a healthy weight. A letter for mothers to bring to their doctors is also included. For Harlem, South Bronx, and North and Central Brooklyn (District Public Health offices areas), the packet also contains neighborhood-specific guides to fitness programs. Information for the mailing was obtained from birth certificates records, which include check boxes for gestational or previously diagnosed chronic diabetes. More than 30,000 health care providers, including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives, will receive a letter reminding them to discuss risks for gestational diabetes, screen for diabetes before and after delivery, and recommend lifestyle changes. Community agencies serving women and families will also receive packets for their clients. DOHMH will also use currently operating programs to educate new mothers about preventive steps they can take if they have had gestational diabetes:

Women who are obese, older, or have family members with diabetes are at highest risk.

* Through the City's Nurse-Family Partnership and Newborn Home Visiting Program, health workers will work directly with mothers who have had gestational diabetes. The Nurse-Family Partnership is an intensive program for first=time moms, in which nurses meet with families every one to two weeks from when pregnancy is first recognized until the child is two years old. The Newborn Home Visiting Program offers a home visit by a community health worker to every new mother in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, East Harlem, and Central Harlem.

* The City's District Public Health Offices in Harlem, the South Bronx, and North and Central Brooklyn will distribute packets in these high-risk neighborhoods. Packets include neighborhood-specific guides to fitness programs so that New Yorkers at risk for diabetes know where to go to get physical activity.

* By partnering with community-based health providers, such as Bedford Family Health Center and other community organizations, DOHMH will make information and health care services available to diverse communities throughout the five boroughs. The Department is also sending letters to mothers in Urdu, Chinese and Spanish to help reach these at-risk populations. Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy among women who did not have diabetes before pregnancy. Along with the increase in diabetes in general, gestational diabetes has also increased dramatically, by 50% between 1990 and 2004, and now affects approximately 1 in 23 pregnant women in New York City - about 400 women per month. Women who are obese, older, or have family members with diabetes are at highest risk. Two out of three women will develop gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies, and half of women will develop diabetes outside of pregnancy within ten years if they do not increase physical activity and reduce weight. Gestational diabetes can cause serious problems for babies, such as premature birth or heavy birth weight, and increases a child's risk of obesity later in life. "Getting follow-up care is critical for new moms who have had gestational diabetes," said Dr. Monica Sweeney, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center. "This includes a post-partum test for diabetes and working closely with your doctor to manage weight and take precautions for future pregnancies. We are here to help women manage these health risks for themselves and their new babies." Citywide, prevalence of gestational diabetes is highest in Brooklyn and Queens. While diabetes rates are highest among Black and Hispanic populations, South Asian women are at greatest risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes screening is even more important for this group. As obesity increases and greater numbers of older women become pregnant, gestational diabetes increases in all ethnic groups.

To stay healthy, new mothers and potential mothers are encouraged to:

* Get more physical activity: At least 30 minutes a day, at least four days a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (such as a brisk walk) can help prevent diabetes. Walk as much as you can. Even if you don't lose weight, if you get regular physical activity, you will be much healthier.

* Make healthy food choices: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, including non-diet soda. Eat smaller portions.

* Breast-feed your child. Breast-feeding will help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight, and breast-fed infants have lower rates of childhood obesity. Breast feeding also reduces the risk of a mother developing diabetes later on in life.

* Lose weight: If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds can help you prevent diabetes.

* Set healthy examples for your child: Offer healthy food choices and opportunities to be physically active. Discourage eating in front of the television, and limit time spent in watching television, palying video, and computer games and other activities that keep your child from moving. For more tips for parents, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/diabetes/diabetes-healthyweigh t.pdf

* Have a regular doctor for you and your new baby. Tell your doctor about your diabetes during pregnancy. Plan a visit to your doctor right before you think about having another baby. If you don't have a doctor, call 311 for help getting one.

Contact: Stu Loeser/Jordan Barowitz, (212) 788-2958, Sandra Mullin (DOHMH) (212) 788-5290. The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene is now offering information important for the health of all New Yorkers. To sign up for these new and valuable updates, log-on to our website at http://www.nyc.gov/health/email and select the NYC DOHMH updates you'd like to receive.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Before the Bris: How to Protect Your Infant Against Herpes Virus Infection Caused by metzitzah b’peh

Health Department has been investigating recent cases of herpes in infants. Attached is an Open Letter to the Community from Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden that updates the Department's investigation, clarifies misinformation that may be circulating, and clearly demonstrates the association between metzitzah b'peh and neonatal herpes. We are printing the letter in its entirety so that our readers and New York communities members have the benefit of the latest and most accurate information to date. Further information and additional updates can be obtained by contacting Sandra Mullin, Director of Communications, New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, (212) 788-5290.

Circumcision has health benefits. Recently, however, the Health Department has documented several cases of herpes infection in newborns after circumcisions that included metzitzah b’peh. Metzitzah b’peh is a religious practice performed by some mohelim (religious circumcisers) in the Jewish community. Some of these infants became seriously ill. One baby died, and another suffered brain damage. Because there is no proven way to reduce the risk of herpes infection posed by metzitzah b’peh, the Health Department recommends that infants being circumcised not undergo metzitzah b’peh. To help you protect your baby, we want to make sure that parents understand the risk of metzitzah b’peh BEFORE the day of the bris, while there is time to explore other options.

Photo: New York's Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. He is doing a great job!

How metzitzah b’peh spreads herpes: In metzitzah b’peh, the mohel places his mouth on the freshly circumcised penis to draw blood away from the cut. If the mohel is infected with oral herpes (as most adults are), metzitzah b’peh can expose the infant to the herpes virus. This creates a risk of infection. Oral herpes spreads easily through saliva, especially when saliva touches a cut or break in the skin, such as during metzitzah b’peh. Most people with oral herpes don’t know they are infected and don’t have symptoms. Even without symptoms, however, people can spread the infection. Because the immune system of newborns is not developed enough to fight serious infection, herpes infections pose grave risks to infants. There is no proven way to reduce the risk of metzitzah b’peh. Although a mohel may use oral rinses or sip wine before metzitzah b’peh, there is no evidence that these actions reduce the spread of herpes. A mohel who takes antiviral medication may reduce the risk of spreading herpes virus during metzitzah b’peh, but there is no evidence that taking medication eliminates this risk.

Many mohelim do NOT practice metzitzah b’peh: While some religious authorities consider metzitzah b’peh the only acceptable way to draw blood away from the circumcision cut, others use different means. For example, some mohelim use a glass tube – or a glass tube attached to a rubber bulb – to suction blood in a way that does not include contact between the mohel’s mouth and the baby’s cut. Others use a sponge or sterile gauze pad to wipe blood away. Unlike metzitzah b’peh, there is no evidence that any of these practices causes infection. Ask about metzitzah b’peh BEFORE the day of the bris. Some parents whose infants had metzitzah b’peh say they did not know the mohel would perform it. The Health Department recommends that parents ask the mohel several days before the bris if he practices metzitzah b’peh. This will give time to talk to your doctor and consider other options for circumcision. For more information on circumcision, talk to your family doctor or pediatrician.