BlackDoctor.org Helps Keep You Healthy During National Immunization Awareness Month
CHICAGO, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing pledge to make 2010 the "Healthiest Year Ever," BDO makes it easier for the entire community to participate in August's Immunization Awareness Month. BDO urges everyone to get their shots: from parents getting their children ready to go back to school, to young adults headed off to college, to adults just trying to keep their health on track. Immunizations are an essential key to combat illness and keep everyone strong and healthy.
How Do Vaccines Work?
When you receive a vaccine, it helps your body to create antibodies. Antibodies are the body's defenses that fight off any foreign substances (germs). Although your body can create antibodies on its own, most of the vaccine-preventable diseases cause severe illness and even death before enough antibodies are produced.
Why Do Adults Still Need Shots?
Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except that:
- Some adults were never vaccinated as children
- Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
- Immunity can begin to fade over time
- As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus).
Immunization (vaccination) Schedule
Vaccines work best when given at certain ages. For example, the measles vaccine is not usually given until a child is at least 1 year old. If it is given earlier than that, it may not work as well. On the other hand, the DTaP vaccine should be given over a period of time, in a series of properly spaced doses. More information about the specific diseases children are vaccinated against, as well as updated Vaccination Schedules for both children and adults, is listed on the BDO website.
Online Tools
In addition to the current vaccination schedules, BDO offers three additional keys tools to help:
- The BDO Find-A-Doctor Search tool – A free doctor referral service where users can search for the physicians they need throughout the country.
- BDO Library – An innovative health encyclopedia providing the most up-to-date information about every disease, every treatment, literally from A-Z.
- Ask-the-Experts – A community of expert physicians who can provide you with the most current and in-depth answers to your health questions.
About BlackDoctor.org
Chicago-based BlackDoctor.org (www.BlackDoctor.org) is the leading resource for African-American health, nutrition, weight loss, fitness information and online communities in the United States. 24-hours a day / 7 days a week, BlackDoctor.org delivers:
- BDO Health Library – Encyclopedia of health information that breaks down every disease, symptom, treatment and surgery, literally from A to Z.
- BDO Symptom Checker – Comprehensive click-through tool designed to address possible causes, prevention tips and when you should call a doctor—All in one easy step.
- BDO Find-A-Doctor Search Tool – Searchable directory of qualified Black physicians and dentists.
- Culturally Accurate Health News – Refreshed daily on nearly 100 different health channels, with the most current health topics, programs and tips.
- Condition Specific Newsletters - Weekly newsletters covering a wide range of wellness and lifestyle topics, delivering vital health information straight to your inbox.
- Community Blogs - Today's most thought-provoking information from leading health experts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: |
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Derrick Lane |
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Marketing Director |
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BlackDoctor.org |
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312-222-1205 office |
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312-222-1290 fax |
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www.blackdoctor.org |
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SOURCE BlackDoctor.org
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