March 2007 News

Granholm, MDCH Highlight Success Of Healthy Kids Dental Program - March 26th

Michigan Surgeon General Takes Fruit & Veggies-More Matters Campaign To Flint - March 24th

Michigan Surgeon General Launches Statewide Fruit & Veggies-More Matters Campaign - March 21st

Michigan Surgeon General Launches Campaign Encouraging Citizens To Eat More Fruits And Vegetables - March 19th

MDCH Releases Clandestine Drug Laboratory Cleanup Guidelines - March 15th

Farmington Hills Dentist Loses License - March 12th

MDCH Warns Of Illegal Cosmetic Silicone Injections - March 12th

MDCH Announces Problem Gambling Awareness Week As March 5-11 - March 2nd

Michigan Recognizes March As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - March 1st

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Granholm, MDCH Highlight Success Of Healthy Kids Dental Program March 26, 2007 LANSING-Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced that the state's Healthy Kids Dental program served nearly 150,000 Michigan children in its first five years of operation. "Ensuring our children receive proper health care is critical to maintaining a healthy Michigan," Granholm said. "This innovative partnership is helping us to provide quality dental care at affordable rates to some of Michigan's most vulnerable citizens." The program - highlighted by the American Dental Association as a top five model for improving access to dental care for low-income populations - is a public-private partnership between MDCH, Delta Dental, and the Michigan Dental Association. "We are proud to partner with dentists across the state to provide this critical coverage for children," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "As this program continues to grow, it plays an important role ensuring that Michigan's children are given access to quality dental care." University of Michigan researcher Dr. Stephen A. Eklund conducted a recent study that found dental visits were 50 percent higher for children enrolled in Healthy Kids Dental compared with children enrolled in the traditional Medicaid dental plan. The study included data from the program's first full year, 2001, through the end of 2005. The Healthy Kids Dental program, which MDCH contracts with Delta Dental, provides dental benefits to Medicaid-eligible residents under the age of 21 who live in 59 Michigan counties. Services provided include oral exams, teeth cleaning, x-rays, and cavity fillings. In a recent Scantron Corporation survey, nearly 99 percent of parents and caregivers said they were satisfied with the Healthy Kids Dental program and 92 percent said the program had improved their child's health. "Healthy Kids Dental helps thousands of children establish good oral health habits that will last a lifetime and contribute to good overall health," said Thomas J. Fleszar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Dental. "Delta Dental is proud to be partnering with the Michigan Department of Community Health, and we appreciate the Michigan Dental Association's ongoing support for this effective program." Healthy Kids Dental currently serves 59 counties and more than 200,000 children across Michigan. The program originally began in May 2000 as a demonstration project serving 22 counties and has grown in five years to its current service range. Counties are selected based on lack of access to dental treatment, including an absence of community-based dental services for low-income children. "We are pleased that the Healthy Kids Dental program has dramatically improved the oral health of 150,000 Michigan children," said Kris Nicholoff, assistant executive director for the Michigan Dental Association. "The members of the Michigan Dental Association are gratified to be a part of a program that establishes a dental home for children and leads to a pattern of regular dental care. We encourage further expansion of the program." For more information about Healthy Kids Dental, please go to www.deltadentalmi.com/programs/hkd/index.html. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Takes Fruit & Veggies-More Matters Campaign to Flint March 24, 2007 FLINT-Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom visited the Flint Farmers' Market today to encourage seniors to consume more fruits and vegetables and promote state and local programs that increase access to Michigan-grown produce as part of a statewide launch of the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters campaign. "A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce a person's risk of developing chronic disease, including some cancers, and can help those with chronic disease to better manage their conditions," Wisdom said. "Reducing risk and helping seniors manage their chronic conditions at home can reduce the need for long- term care and thus reduce health care costs." According to Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey data, there is a critical need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among Michigan's seniors. Among adults aged 65 and over in Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee counties, almost two-thirds consume less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Wisdom-joined by state and local elected officials-highlighted programs that are working to alleviate this problem by increasing access to fruits and vegetables. One such program is Senior Project FRESH, a USDA program that provides a minimum of ten, $2.00 coupons to eligible seniors to purchase non-processed Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables. Genesee County will participate again this year through the Valley Area Agency on Aging; however, Wisdom encouraged city and county officials to work together to identify additional support to expand the program and allow more seniors to participate. Wisdom also called on all Michigan residents to select Michigan-grown produce and support the more than 150 farmers' markets around the state to not only improve their health but also support the local and state economy. Dick Ramsdell, Manager of the Flint Farmers' Market added, "We are pleased to welcome the Surgeon General to the Farmers' Market today and partner with her to remind Flint residents that healthy, fresh, Michigan products are available just around the corner." Also as part of the festivities today, guests learned how to prepare healthy meals and snacks and had the opportunity to enroll in public nutrition-assistance programs. Fruits & Veggies-More Matters was created to help Americans overcome common everyday barriers to eating fruits and vegetables. The national campaign replaces the 5 A Day awareness program and promotes all forms of fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice. For more information about the campaign, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. The campaign aligns with Wisdom's Michigan Steps Up healthy lifestyle initiative that promotes healthy eating in addition to physical activity and avoidance of tobacco products and secondhand smoke. For more information about Michigan Steps Up, visit www.michiganstepsup.org. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Launches Statewide Fruit & Veggies-More Matters Campaign LANSING-Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom visited Henry North Elementary School today to encourage children to consume more fruits and vegetables and promote school-based nutrition improvement programs as part of a statewide launch of the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters campaign. "We know that when children eat a well-balanced breakfast, they can concentrate better throughout the day, and when they make healthy choices at mealtime and snack time, they have more energy and can be active after school," Wisdom said. "Our children should know that reaching for a piece of fruit or a cup of yogurt at snack time is better for them than reaching for sweets. They should also know why some choices are better than others." The need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among Michigan's children is growing each day, as more Michigan youth are overweight when compared to national figures. Overweight children have a higher likelihood of being obese as adults, increasing their risk for several chronic diseases. Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables makes a difference in maintaining a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of many diseases. Also as part of the festivities today, Henry North students were treated to samples of fruit and vegetables and fun activities led by MSU Extension to demonstrate how enjoyable it can be to make healthy choices. Wisdom also recognized Henry North Elementary School for its innovative efforts to create a healthier school environment and promote fruit and vegetable consumption through its North School Children's Garden. This service-learning project involves students in all phases of the gardening process. The Lansing Food Bank Garden Project has provided North School with assistance with spring tillage, seeds, plants and technical assistance, and North students have shared their harvest with a nearby senior center. "I am thrilled to shine the spotlight on North Elementary today," said Wisdom. "I hope that this school's outstanding achievements will inspire other schools to duplicate their success." Following the press conference, Wisdom-joined by Julia Bryce, RN, School Nurse at Henry North School, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, Chong-Anna Canfora, Representative for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Sheryl F. Lowe of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Anne Rauscher of the Lansing Food Bank Garden Project-led a ceremonial groundbreaking for the school's latest health-focused project. The school recently received a financial boost from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan through its Community Health Initiatives grant program that supports community efforts to reduce childhood obesity. With this funding, the school will build a freestanding greenhouse to expand the gardening experience for students, including raised garden beds for wheelchair users. The school hopes to see increases in the number of students participating in the garden project and the yield of produce available to students, their families and the community, as well as and increased fruit and vegetable consumption and increased interest in gardening. Fruits & Veggies-More Matters was created to help Americans overcome common everyday barriers to eating fruits and veggies. The national campaign replaces the 5 A Day awareness program and will leverage the 5 A Day heritage and success to further inspire and support consumers to eat more, showcasing the unrivaled combination of great taste, nutrition, abundant variety, and various product forms (fresh, frozen, canned, dried, 100% juice). It also will build upon the body of science that indicates that increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables may help prevent many chronic diseases. The Fruits & Veggies-More Matters campaign aligns with Wisdom's Michigan Steps Up healthy lifestyle initiative that promotes healthy eating in addition to physical activity and avoidance of tobacco products and secondhand smoke. The Michigan Steps Up Healthy Schools program encourages schools to form a Coordinated School Health Team, complete the Healthy School Action Tool (which more than 200 school have completed to date), and apply for the Michigan Surgeon General's Healthy School Recognition Program. Wisdom recognized 30 Michigan schools (out of 200 applicants) through this program last year. For more information about Michigan Steps Up and the Healthy Schools program, visit www.michiganstepsup.org. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Launches Campaign Encouraging Citizens To Eat More Fruits And Vegetables GRAND RAPIDS-Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom visited Grand Rapids today to kick off the statewide launch of a Fruits & Veggies-More Matters national campaign designed to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables. "Research has shown that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases," Wisdom said. "Unfortunately, most consumers need to at least double the amount of fruit and vegetables they currently consume in order to meet federal recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005." To encourage increased consumption all forms of fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, canned and juice), the East Beltline Meijer store in Grand Rapids treated shoppers to healthy cooking demonstrations, samples of Michigan-grown produce and free healthy cooking recipes. Volunteers from Dieticians of West Michigan and the Kent County Health Department were on-hand to answer nutrition-related questions. "Fruit and vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help keep you healthy and prevent disease," said Meijer Healthy Living Advisor Shari Steinbach, who also co-chairs the Michigan Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Coalition. ""jer, Inc. is thrilled to partner with the Surgeon General in this important effort to promote healthy living." The national campaign-coordinated by the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-also coincides with the release of a new article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showing that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Wisdom will promote the new campaign at events in Detroit, Lansing and Flint this week, where she and other Michigan Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Coalition members and local officials will encourage the purchase of Michigan-grown produce and highlight state and local efforts to increase access to fruit and vegetables. Also announced today was the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters interactive web site, www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, which offers recipes, serving ideas, and shopping advice for visitors. It also includes activities and tips for getting children involved and gives consumers the opportunity to share their own easy and fun serving ideas by submitting them online. For more information about the Michigan Surgeon General's health improvement initiatives, please visit www.michiganstepsup.org Back to Top

MDCH Releases Clandestine Drug Laboratory Cleanup Guidelines In response to changes in state law, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has released a draft Cleanup of Clandestine Drug Laboratory (CDL) Guidance manual. Michigan Public Act 260 (MCL 333.12103) and 258 (MCL 125.485a) of 2006 authorized MDCH to develop guidance for the assessment and cleanup of indoor environments that have been used as CDLs. MDCH invites the interested public to provide comments on the Draft Cleanup of Clandestine Drug Laboratory Guidance manual. Electronic copies are available on the MDCH website at www.michigan.gov/meth. A printed copy of the guidelines can also be requested by calling 1-800-648-6942. The manufacturing and use of illegal drugs results in the release of chemical precursors, and the drug itself, into the indoor air. These chemicals settle onto walls, floors, furniture, personal belongings, and other surfaces. Chemicals can also be spilled causing contamination. People who enter or live in former CDLs can be exposed to this contamination through breathing the air or touching contaminated surfaces. Small children may be at particular risk of exposure because they engage in behavior that will transfer contaminants from objects or their hands to their mouths where the chemicals are ingested. Comments should be addressed to Linda D. Dykema, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Capitol View Building, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, Michigan 48909. Comments may be sent via e-mail to dykemal@michigan.gov. People may also call the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI-TOXIC). Comments on the Public Health Consultation must be received by May 15, 2007. All comments received will be evaluated and considered for incorporation into the manual. Resources and information about methamphetamine and other illicit drugs may be found at www.michigan.gov/meth. Back to Top

Farmington Hills Dentist Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the dentistry license of Ahmad Ali Kanaan, D.D.S., based on his felony convictions in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court, Ingham County. On November 3, 2006, Kahaan was convicted of 11 felony counts of Medicaid Fraud. As a result, Kahaan was sentenced to one day in jail on each count (credited one day on each count) and ordered to pay an assessment, fine, costs and restitution totaling $2,604.42. On March 2, 2007, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Kahaan's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Kahaan's dentistry license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing. Back to Top

MDCH Warns Of Illegal Cosmetic Silicone Injections The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), in conjunction with the Detroit Poison Control Center, is urging people to become educated on the immediate and long-term life threatening risks of liquid silicone injections, a practice known as "pumping". The illegal injections contain industrial grade silicone (like bathtub caulking), which is sometimes mixed with other materials such as paraffin and various oils, and injected directly into the breasts, hips, buttocks and other areas. Castor oil may be used in place of silicone and is considered just as deadly. People who are not trained medical practitioners usually do the injections in non-sterile situations such as in motel rooms or private homes. These individuals travel around the country performing the procedure. Death from lung failure is an immediate effect that can occur after an injection. Long-term effects can result in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, severe infections, open sores, and HIV and hepatitis infections from non-sterile needles. Although appearance may be enhanced in the short-term, these types of silicone injections can ultimately be disfiguring as the silicone moves around the body, changes shape, and/or hardens. Once injected, silicone is impossible to remove completely. Even partial removal can result in heavy scarring. In contrast, medical-grade silicone that is used by professionals is implanted under the skin in sealed pouches to prevent leaking. The injections are popular within the transgender community as they are used to fill in areas that may be lacking fatty tissue. For more information about the dangers of pumping, please visit the Gender Education & Advocacy organization at www.gender.org, or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For those in need of medical care in a transgender-friendly environment, please contact the University of Michigan Health Services, Comprehensive Gender Services Program at 734-763-0466. Back to Top

MDCH Announces Problem Gambling Awareness Week As March 5-11 The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is partnering with communities across the country this week as it proclaims March 5 to 11 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. The primary goal of this campaign is aimed at raising awareness throughout Michigan of the symptoms and consequences of problem gambling. "MDCH is pleased to join in the recognition of problem gambling awareness week," said Donald L. Allen Jr., Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy. "Recognition of the insidious nature of this problem is key to providing meaningful assistance to the families engaged in this battle." A recent Western Michigan University study of gambling behaviors in Michigan found that an estimated 300,000 Michigan residents age 18 and over reported a lifetime gambling problem. The number of residents that currently have a gambling problem is estimated at 146,854. Of the 146,854, roughly 66,000 are estimated to be probable pathological gamblers. The most common types of gambling reported were lottery (51 percent), casino (34 percent), charitable group events (26 percent), and office pools and 50?50 raffles (24 percent). The highest rates of problem gambling were for those who participated in numbers games (14 percent), non-charitable group events (13 percent), and non-casino events (7 percent). Michigan allocates approximately $3.5 million each year to fund a toll-free, confidential number (1-800-270-7177) for information and assistance available statewide, confidential treatment services through a network of trained counselors, a gambling awareness curriculum available for grades 7-12, and prevention activities and public service announcements and brochures. As part of the awareness campaign, problem gambling screening information and referral services will be available at the following schools: University of Detroit, Detroit March 1, 2007 Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant March 1, 2007 Davenport University, Dearborn March 5, 2007 Wayne State University, Detroit March 6, 2007 Macomb Community College South Campus March 6, 2007 Macomb Community College Main Campus March 6, 2007 Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti March 8, 2007 Northern Michigan University and University of Detroit held screenings in February. The complete study, A Survey of Gambling Behaviors in Michigan 2006 and additional gambling information is available on the Department of Community Health, Problem Gambling website at www.michigan.gov/odcp, and at www.gambleresponsibly.org. Back to Top

Michigan Recognizes March As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is again recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. March 2007 marks the continuation of a national effort to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer-a serious disease that affects many Michigan citizens. "Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer," said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "Screening not only detects the disease at an early, curable stage, but it can also prevent it by finding and removing polyps-or precancerous growths-that might become colorectal cancer." The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends colorectal cancer screening for men and women starting at age 50. However, only 53 percent of Michigan adults age 50 and older report being screened. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Michigan for both men and women combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,750 Michigan men and women will die of colorectal cancer in 2007, with 5,570 new cases being diagnosed. Michigan currently ranks 31st in the nation for colorectal cancer deaths. Everyone is at risk of developing colorectal cancer-all men and all women of all races. The primary risk factor for colorectal cancer is increasing age. Other risk factors include a personal history of colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer, having a diet high in animal fats or low in fiber, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol abuse. Screening is crucial as there may not be any symptoms in the early stages of the cancer. Symptoms of advanced disease may include rectal bleeding, bloody stool, irregular bowel habits, and/or cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Preventative steps can be taken and include getting screened regularly and having any polyps removed, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and refraining from smoking and the excessive use of alcohol. For more information about colorectal cancer, please visit the Michigan Cancer Consortium website at www.michigancancer.org. Back to Top