Published: March 01, 2008 08:20 pm         

Mini Med School to address lead poisoning

TERRE HAUTE — The fourth presentation in the 12th annual Mini Medical School series, “Lead Poisoning — Enemy in our Homes,” will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Landsbaum Center for Health Education. Sessions are free, but reservations are suggested.

Although lead is no longer used in most products, lead pipes and deteriorated lead-based paint in older homes are common sources of lead poisoning in U.S. children. Although adults are also at risk, babies and young children are especially susceptible to lead exposure because they have a tendency to put objects, such as toys, in their mouths. They may eat or chew paint chips, or their hands or other objects placed in their mouths may be contaminated.

Although lead exposure can affect any child, those who are most at risk are children who live in older housing.

Adults most at risk are those who breathe in lead dust while remodeling a home, working on certain jobs with lead exposure or while engaging in a hobby like working with stained glass or refinishing furniture. Consequences of lead poisoning are serious and long term. Learn the risk factors, screening techniques, treatment, and prevention of this dangerous type of poisoning.

Panelists for the discussion are Pablito Dela Cruz, M.D., Angela Boyd and Marcy DeBoy.

Dela Cruz maintains an active clinical practice in pediatrics and neurology at Midwest Child and Adolescent Specialty Group, PC, as well as special interest in neuromuscular disorders. He is board-certified in pediatrics, and neurology with special competence in child neurology, and has an active neurophysiology practice. Dela Cruse graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree from the University of the Philippines. His extensive medical credentials include a residency and fellowship in child and adult neurology at Johns Hopkins University as well as serving there as chief resident of the department of neurology.

Boyd received her associate’s degree in nursing in 1992, her bachelor’s degree in biology in 1999 and a master’s degree in microbiology/molecular biology in 2003 from Indiana State University.

She is presently the childhood lead poisoning prevention nurse liaison at the Vigo County Health Department. The Vigo County Health Department was recently awarded the Mary and Tony Hulman Award for its efforts in the elimination of childhood lead poisoning.

DeBoy works for the Vigo County Health Department as an environmentalist and lead risk assessor. This West Lafayette native attended Indiana State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental science in 2004. She is a licensed lead risk assessor and inspector in Indiana. She is actively involved with the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and a local Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition.

The Vigo County Health Department will offer to screen children’s toys for lead prior to the session, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Limit one toy per child.

The Mini Medical School is sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine-Terre Haute, Affinity Stress Center, AP&S Clinic, Hamilton Center, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Minority Health Coalition of Vigo County, Providence Medical Group, Terre Haute Regional Hospital and Union Hospital Health Group.

To make reservations, call (812) 237-4011 or 1-800-234-1639.