Medical notebook

Internet info not enough
      Using Internet search engines and simple search terms is not an efficient way to get health information, the Medical Society of the State of New York cautions. The society cited a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which said that many Web sites provide "poor and inconsistent coverage of important health topics," although the information that is provided is generally accurate.
      Researchers involved in the study evaluated health information on the Internet about breast cancer, depression, obesity and childhood asthma. Up to 60 million Americans went online in search of health information last year, according to the state medical society.
      "Consumers using the Internet may have a difficult time finding complete and accurate information on a health problem," according to the JAMA article. "If people are relying on the Internet to make treatment decisions, including whether to seek care, deficiencies in information could negatively influence consumer decisions."
      
Caution young Internet users

      Almost one in five children and teenagers ages 10 to 17 who are regular Internet users report having received at least one unwanted sexual solicitation on the Internet, the state medical society alerts. The society referenced an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association that first reported about unwanted sexual solicitation on the Internet.
      Girls, older teens, troubled youths and chat-room participants are at the greatest risk for the solicitations. Also at higher risk are those who use the Internet in homes other than their own. One precaution is not to engage in "risky behavior online." Such behavior includes posting personal information, talking about sex with someone you've never met in person, or purposely going to X-rated sites.

Oversized crib sheet caution

      Loose or oversized sheets in baby cribs can suffocate or strangle babies. The medical society reported that a consumer watchdog group recently issued a safety warning after learning of the deaths of 17 babies, most under 12 months old. The deaths occurred when the infants became entangled in sheets in their cribs or beds.
      According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, four steps should be taken to ensure a safer sleeping environment for babies:

      (N) Make sure the crib sheet fits snugly on a crib mattress and overlaps the mattress so the sheet cannot be dislodged by pulling on the corner.
      (N) Never use an adult sheet on a crib mattress; the sheet could come loose and a baby could become entangled in it.
      (N) Place a baby on his/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib meeting current safety standards.
      (N) Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters or sheepskins in the crib.

      According to the medical society, industry standard requires all crib sheets to come with the following warning: "Prevent suffocation or entanglement. Never use crib sheet unless it fits securely in crib mattress."

Events, lectures and workshops

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Long Island is sponsoring the 14th annual Kenny Raff Swim-a-Thon on Aug. 20-21, at The Sands of Atlantic Beach. To learn how to participate and starting times, call (516) 569-3741. ... The Lupus Foundation of Long Island , in Bellmore, will hold an open forum noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Hampton Library, 2478 Main St., Bridgehampton. For more information, call (516) 783-3370. ... The Nassau University Medical Center will hold free waterbirth/labor education classes 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26 and 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Refreshments will be served. To register, call (516) 572-6820. ... Franklin Hospital Medical Center will host its annual invitational golf tournament on Monday, Aug. 20 at the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor. Tee-off time is 11 a.m., with all players enjoying brunch, a full round of golf, cocktails and an awards dinner. For information about the $375-per-player benefit, call (516) 256-6360. ... The Nassau County Department of Health reminds people to be careful when it comes to warm-weather dining and food-borne illnesses. No cooked food should ever come in contact with a cutting board or utensil that has been used to hold or prepare raw meat, fish or poultry. If a plate or cutting board is to be reused after holding raw food, it should first be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. For more information about eating safely during the warm weather, call the health department at (516) 571-3680. ... North Shore University Hospital is seeking children with Tourette's Syndrome or chronic tic disorders to participate in a drug-testing study. Children ages 7-17 who have Tourette's and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are invited to participate in a 16- week study testing a drug for the treatment of ADHD in tic disorders. For further information, please call (516) 562-3223 or (516) 562-3066. ... The Auxiliary of Franklin Hospital Medical Center will hold a flea market in the hospital's parking lot 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. The fee for vendors is $50. To reserve a space and for more information, call (516) 825-5216. ... Franklin Hospital Medical Center will host a free "Look Good-Feel Better" program to help cancer patients look their best after treatment. The workshop is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, in Franklin's Conference Center in Valley Stream. For more information, call (516) 256-6012. ... The Arthritis Foundation of Long Island will host a comedy benefit, to help those with arthritis, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Weeping Willow catering facility in Farmingdale. Reservations are recommended. For tickets, call (631) 427-8272. ... The Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research will launch its first fundraising walk Sunday, July 29, at Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury. Time to be announced. For further information, call (516) 803-2304.

Children at camp?

      We want to hear how you are coping with having a child at sleep-away camp. How have you filled the void in your home? How are you communicating with the camper, and what messages are you sending? What is the camper telling you? Share with others your techniques for getting along without your child during the summer and for helping your child cope with homesickness. Send comments to Rremler@AOL.com.

      Compiled by Robert Remler