Over the past several months there has been world wide concern about infant formula contaminated with the chemical melamine.  Although this contamination was initially found in baby formula made and sold in China, recently there have been some reports of melamine in U.S. formulas.

 

Melamine is a chemical used in some industrial processes, but is not meant to be consumed by people (or animals) as it results in the formation of kidney stones leading to kidney failure.  In September of 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) learned of more than 52,000 cases of melamine poisoning in China with at least 13,000 hospitalizations and 3 confirmed deaths of infants.  Formula in these countries was found to have up to 2500 part per million (PPM) of melamine. Anything more than 1 PPM is considered toxic.

 

More recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found trace amounts of melamine in Some U.S. formulas. The amount found in U.S. formulas is less than 0.15 PPM, and the FDA does not consider these low levels to pose a health risk to infants.  No formulas have been recalled, and some manufactures are questioning the FDA's methods and findings.  More information, including a list of formulas identified by the FDA can be found at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html#warnings .  I want my patient to know that I consider infant formula made in the U.S. to be safe. 

This annual contest was established by the Massachusetts Medical Society to encourage children not to use tobacco. In 2008, more than 4,000 children from across the Commonwealth submitted entries and 12 winners are featured in the 2009 calendar which we will be proudly hanging in our office starting in January.
 
The contest is open to children in grades 1 through 6 and we encourage all of our patients in these grades to participate. Kids should create a poster that ties in with the theme for their grade:

Grades 1 & 2: Tobacco is bad for your body
Grades 3 & 4: Tobacco affects other people
Grades 5 & 6: Why I won't start smoking

Children enter the contest by creating a poster either on an official contest entry form (available by visiting www.massmed.org/tobacco) or on any 8.5" X 11" paper held horizontally. All entries must include the child's name, age, home address, grade, sponsor address and sponsor phone number (that's us: Performance Pediatrics, 23 Aldrin Road, Plymouth, MA 02360, 508-747-8277, ATTN Leann DiDomenico, info@PerformancePediatrics.com) on the back.

 

You can give your entry to us or mail it directly to:
 
Anti-Tobacco Poster Contest
Massachusetts Medical Society
Department of Public Health and Education
860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451
 
Entries must be received by the Massachusetts Medical Society by Friday, February 13, 2009.
 
Four winning entries will be selected from each theme and will each receive a $50 gift certificate.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

On Sunday, December 7, 2008, the Annual Carver Holiday House Tour to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
 
The philosophy of the Carver Holiday House Tour is to provide a festive event bringing neighbors and friends together to share their traditions in celebration of the holiday season.  The goal each year is to raise community awareness and funding for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth.   
 
The exact locations of the homes will not be disclosed in advance, however, in an effort to increase advanced ticket sales, we are letting our families know that Dr. McAllister's own home will be on this year's tour. (Photo is NOT Dr. McAllister's home but yet another already leaked home on this year's tour; click the photo to read the article in the Carver Reporter).