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NEW CHILDREN’S CENTER OF EXCELLENCE OPENS IN HUNTINGTON

Cancer prevention starts in the womb—and thanks to a new medical center in Huntington called the Children’s Environmental Health Center of Excellence, there is now a unique opportunity for that health message to reach parents it may not have reached before. Though not yet formally announced, the Center, funded by a grant from NY State Senator Carl Marcellino, opened in July and is one of seven being established around New York state, spearheaded by Dr. Philip Landrigan, Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a nationally known author who has served on the Center for Disease Control and the National Academy of Sciences. The Huntington Center will be staffed by Drs. Joel Forman, Amir Miovodnik and Maida Galvez, all who bring a background in environmental and public health.

How does this Center differ from other doctor offices? Doctors at this center will be able to recognize the symptoms and treat a child if he or she is exposed to toxic substances such as pesticides, mercury, or lead, whereas many doctors may not. “These doctors will be able to assist parents and practicing pediatricians on Long Island by serving as a source ofexpert referral and consultation in the growing field of environmental pediatrics,” states Dr. Landrigan.

Also, as each patient arrives for the first time, they will receive a bag of important prevention information with the most current tips on reducing toxins in the home, environment, through our food and lifestyles, and in our communities. The information focuses on four specific topics: Lead, Endocrine disruptors, Air pollution, and Pesticides (LEAP) and a friendly frog named Ribbet will carry the message “Look Before You LEAP” to children in a fun way through a game and activity book so that they can learn to protect themselves.

For example, children will learn to avoid diesel bus fumes, choose organic gardening methods over pesticides, and not put plastic toys in their mouths that may leach chemicals. One hot topic many parents will learn about is that many baby bottles are made with plastic #7, which may contain bisphenol A, a hormone disruptor (See article on page 5).

Prevention is very important because more and more research is showing that exposures to toxins during critical developmental periods early on may have serious consequences later in life, including higher vulnerability to cancer. It is also known that exposure to nerve toxin chemicals can impact the development of a fetus, leading to learning disabilities and other neurological maladies.1 In the case of breast cancer, science is finding only 5-10% of cases are due to genetic heritage. A 2003 study of women carrying the genes for breast cancer (BRCA1 & BRCA2) found that the breast cancer risk by age 50 was 24% for those born before 1940 (when we started using numerous industrial chemicals) but increased to 67% for those born after 1940. Childhood cancer rates jumped 26% between 1975-1998.2

The Center’s educational materials & outreach are being coordinated through an interdisciplinary team organized by Karen Joy Miller, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition and Prevention Is The Cure, Inc., and includes Mary Landrigan, MPA, Health Education Consultant, Lynn Barker, Promotional Insights, Stephen Boese, Learning Disabilities Association of New York, and Beth Fiteni, Program Director, Neighborhood Network, all who contribute their expertise in bringing the science-based prevention message to the public.

For more information contact the Center’s toll free number 866-265-6201 to speak with health experts or Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition at 631-547-1518. Article appeared in Networking Newspaper – Breast Cancer Issue October 2008 1

Unwanted Exposure: Preventing Environmental Threats for the Health of New York State’s Children, Healthy Schools Network, 2007 report.

2. Id.

"Dr. Philip Landrigan, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Stephen Boese, Learning Disabilities Association of NY, and Karen Miller, HBCAC (not shown here) meet with NYS Senator Carl Marcellino to discuss the Children's Center Huntington project."