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Unanticipated Storm Aftermaths
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 As we know, Hurricane Irene dumped about a foot of rain on our communities as it rumbled through on August 27th. The remnants of tropical storm Lee followed a few days later. Within a short time, the number of children coming through our office covered in mosquito bites began to soar! Fortunately, none of the bitten children showed signs of West Nile Virus, but this tends to be peak season for that virus (five cases were seen in NYC this week), so we're on the watch.
Our apothecary carries Badger Shake & Spray, an affordable repellant that's laced with citronella, cedar, and other essential oils in a soybean & castor oil base.
Another aftermath of the storms we've noted here in the office these last two weeks has been a notable increase in respiratory symptoms from mold (and probably dust mites, which also like humid conditions) sensitivity. More on a possible source of symptom relief in our blog.
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Ticks Hop the Hudson
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 Although home prices in Dutchess continue to outpace those in Ulster, the ticks have apparently moved west. This summer, the rate of Lyme Disease in Ulster exceeded 200 cases per 100,000 - making it the highest in the Hudson Valley. In Dutchess, the rate dropped to 175.
This certainly has been our observation. Two years ago, Dr. Malak contracted Lyme while hiking in Esopus. And in the last few weeks, a significant majority of the cases we saw in the office came from across the river.
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| Fresh Connect Program |
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 Last month, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the Fresh Connect Farmer's Market Program. For every $5 in EBT (food stamps or WIC) purchases, participates will receive a $2 voucher redeemable at designated Farmer's Markets. The program's aims include fostering the sale of locally-grown food and bringing fresh food into under-served communities.
The only participating one in our area, The Poughkeepsie Walkway Farmers Market, is just down the street from our office at Pulaski Park. It runs on Fridays from 3 to 7 PM.
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Wheat Belly
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 The current issue of Life Extension has an interesting article which postulates that much of the obesity epidemic may be due to consumption of modern wheat products. How so?
It seems that about 25 years ago, doctors started touting the benefits of a low fat diet and consumption of more whole grains. Well, modern wheat has been hybridized in such a way that it can be called a "super-carb." A slice of bread raises blood sugar higher than a Snicker's Bar!
Moreover, wheat contains gliadomorphins (also called gluteomorphins) -- opiate substances that might actually be addictive!
Dr. Malak has seen an 80 pound two-year old. Two of his patients have undergone gastric bypass. It might be that a removing wheat from the diet could be an important step in helping an overweight child get back on track.
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Hip-Healthy Swaddling
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 Three little girls in our practice were diagnosed this year with hip dysplasia. Two were caught early and did well in a Pavlik Harness. The other was picked up at a later age and has required surgery.
AAP News this month featured an article on improper swaddling as a risk factor for hip troubles. This has been known for some time, but is receiving increased attention -- perhaps due to popular products such as the Woombie and Halo SleepSack. The bottom line is that babies do best when wrapped with their hips and knees flexed -- not straight. A nice video of how to do this can be found here.
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