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Daylight Savings Time also a reminder to test the smoke detectors.
......Daylight Savings Time will end at 2 a.m., Sunday, November 1. When setting your  clocks back, take a moment to change the batteries in your home’s smoke alarms. It could save your life!
......Did you know that having a working smoke alarm reduces a person’s chance of dying in a fire by half? More than half of all fatal home fires happen at night. Inexpensive household smoke detectors can mean the difference between life and death. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Smoke detectors have a test button. Press the button, and the detector should make a sound. If it doesn't, the batteries need to be changed. If that doesn't work, it's time to replace the detector. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings, and tested monthly. It’s important to replace smoke alarm batteries once a year, unless they’re 10-year lithium batteries. Even if your smoke alarms are hardwired, replace the batteries in case of a power outage.
 Scary Accidents Can Happen on Halloween
Tricks to Keep Children Safe When Hunting for Treats
......The time for ghouls, goblins and ghosts is here. Halloween should also be safe and enjoyable.
October is Halloween Safety Month and parents and children are encouraged to take  precautions to ensure a fun and safe event.
“It is extremely important for parents to be vigilant this Halloween to protect the safety of their children,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. “Every precaution should be taken to make sure children are safe.”
 Some Halloween safety tips for parents include:
• Children should wear age-appropriate costumes made of flame retardant materials to avoid injury
• Children should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling when trick or treating
• Older children should walk in groups and have a set time to return home, if not accompanied by an adult
• Teach children to look both ways when crossing streets and to use appropriate crosswalks
• Encourage children to wear bright costumes or place reflectors on their clothing
• Carry a flashlight
• Encourage children not to enter homes
• Children should not eat candy or treats until they have been inspected by an adult
• Throw away anything that looks tampered with or is unwrapped
• Do not eat home-made treats, unless you know the person who prepared them
“Most candy and treats come from strangers. Parents should inspect them before their children eat them,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, County Public Health Officer.
Wooten also encourages parents to pass out healthy treats when children come to their door. “Replace candy and chocolate with trail mix, packs of raisins or other healthy snacks,” she said.
President Obama Declares H1N1 a National Emergency
......President Obama signed a proclamation declaring the H1N1 influenza a national  emergency. '' As a nation, we have prepared at all levels of government, and as individuals and communities, taking unprecedented steps to counter the emerging pandemic''.
......The proclamation grants Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius with the power to authorize the waivers as individual medical facilities request them in responding to the flu pandemic. By declaring a national emergency, the White House allows medical treatment facilities to better handle a surge in flu patients by waiving federal requirements and could sharply increase demand for the vaccine, which is becoming available much more slowly than originally expected.
......Health authorities are especially concerned about pregnant women, young adults and children have already died from the virus, far more than usually die during an entire typical flu season. At a press briefing CDC director Thomas Frieden, MD, head of the CDC, said that H1N1 has thus far claimed more than 1,000 American lives, a death toll that includes about 100 children. Moreover, 46 states are reporting widespread flu activity. "Since the beginning of the pandemic, we've seen more than 1,000 deaths and 20,000 hospitalizations," said Dr. Thomas Frieden. "We expect it to occur in waves, but we can't predict when those waves will happen."
......The proclamation notes that the declaration is a precautionary measure, "given that the rapid increase in illness across the Nation may overburden health care resources and that the temporary waiver of certain standard Federal requirements may be warranted in order to enable U.S. health care facilities to implement emergency operations plans."
Initial H1N1 Vaccine Shots Arrive
Additional Doses Expected in Coming Weeks
......The second allotment of H1N1 vaccine has arrived in San Diego County. The second  allotment of H1N1 vaccine received by the County consists of pediatric and adult doses of injections and nasal spray. The vaccine will be administered at the County’s six public health centers and one vaccination clinic. Additional doses are going to hospitals, community clinics and to healthcare emergency workers.
......Public health facilities will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to administer H1N1 vaccine. Locations of Public Health Centers can be found at www.sdiz.org or by calling 2-1-1.
......You are encouraged to call your primary care provider to get an H1N1 vaccine. If your primary care provider did not order vaccine or you do not have a primary care doctor, H1N1 vaccine can be obtained at a County public health center.
Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women
......U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the HHS National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) has released: "Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women". The guide  addresses the concerns of women who notice a breast change or get an abnormal mammogram finding. It explains important next steps in testing, diagnosis, and treatment when breast changes are found.
......“One in 8 women will have breast cancer at some point in their life, but fewer women are dying from it because of medical advances in detection and treatment,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is still the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. This guide underscores the importance of regular mammograms and seeing a doctor when changes occur.” Add Sebelius who had a slow growing form of skin cancer removed from her forehead.
......Use of screening mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help reduce a woman’s chances of dying from breast cancer. In 2005, only 67 percent of women aged 40 and older had a mammogram within the past 2 years, and these rates represent a drop in screening since 2003. One reason some women may not undergo mammography is fear or misunderstanding of the screening process, results, or follow-up steps. Many women remain unaware that breast health issues are very common and most breast changes found on mammograms are not cancer.
......This booklet helps women better prepare themselves for discussions with their health care provider to learn more about breast health. The booklet includes worksheets for women to use to collect their personal and family medical history, information about breast changes or problems they have experienced, and questions for their health care provider about the next steps following the discovery of a breast change. In addition, it features a section on finding emotional support and a list of resources for women who want to learn more. The booklet, Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women, is available, free of charge by calling 1-800-4-CANCER or online - More about Breast cancer Awareness
Feeling "Blue"? It Could be Depression
County Offers No Cost Depression Screenings, Referrals and Resources
 ......Everyone feels blue now and then. It’s part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without let up, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this “clinical depression.” Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. The good news is that people who are depressed usually feel better with the right treatment.The first step is to accept that you or your family member needs help.
......Depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare, similar to routine checkups for heart disease or diabetes. This can provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of what could become a serious mental illness. Screenings may.......continued
Early Detection
to Reduce Breast Cancer Deaths
......As the nation marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the  American Cancer Society encourages women to take charge of their personal breast health in the fight against breast cancer. Women 40 and older should have an annual mammogram to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Nearly 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in San Diego in the coming year, and about 450 deaths are expected.
......Studies show that early detection of breast cancer through mammography improves treatment options as well as survival.
... Continued
FDA Approves H1N1 Vaccines
 ......The Food and Drug Administration approved the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine from four different manufacturers, clearing the way for the vaccine to be administered as soon as enough of it is available. The approval was announced to Congress by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
......The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks.Potential side effects of the H1N1 vaccines are expected to be similar to those of seasonal flu vaccines. People with severe or life-threatening allergies to chicken eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine, should not be vaccinated.
......For the injected vaccine, the most common side effect...continued
..The Health Disparities and Infant Mortality Rates
Have Decrease in San Diego
......September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has significant news to report. For the first time in San Diego County history, the infant mortality rate for African Americans has decreased to a single digit, further narrowing health disparities among different population groups.
......“This is great news for San Diego County residents,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. “Every child should have the chance at a healthy start in life. We are encouraged to see this health disparity disappearing.”
... Continued
The public is urged to take necessary precautions
to stay safe in the heat
.......The public is urged to take precautions to stay safe and healthy as temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in some parts of the county this week.
.....“Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day, between 10 a.m. and  4 p.m., and keep an eye on seniors and young children in your family and neighborhood. These age groups are most at risk of suffering heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D. M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.
.....Signs of heat stroke include: body temperature higher than 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If a person has these symptoms, move the person into the shade, use cool water to cover the body, and call 911.
......Take similar steps if your pet suffers from heat stress, and take the animal to the veterinarian immediately. Also, never leave pets or children unattended inside a vehicle at any time. Temperatures can quickly reach deadly levels even with windows slightly open and in mild weather. More
....Preventing diseases before they happen 
By U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius
....We know that we need health reform to ensure Americans get the high-quality, affordable care they need and deserve. Under the status quo, too many Americans can’t get the affordable care they need when they fall ill. But health reform must make health care more than just sick care. Real health reform must also improve the health of our nation by investing in critical prevention and wellness initiatives that help keep Americans healthy and out of the hospital in the first place.
....Today, Americans spend more on health care than any other country in the world, yet we don’t live longer. Scientists say this generation of American children may not live as long as their parents did. If we do nothing, many of them will grow up to develop a chronic disease that... Continued
DA’s Youth Advisory Board Premieres
Short Film as Part of New Campaign for Students
.......San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis today announced the premiere of a short film entitled “4 or 40: The Choice is Yours” at the Lincoln High School theater in Southeast San Diego. The film was created by the members of the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board and is part of a countywide campaign encouraging youths to make better life choices in difficult situations.
.......“The film’s message is a powerful one, in part because it came directly from the students,” said DA Dumanis. “The decisions young people make during their four years in high school really will affect the next 40 years of their lives.”
Continued
 First 5 Commission Names New Executive Director
.......“First 5 San Diego has a critically important mission – particularly in these tough economic times – and we have appointed a proven leader to move the organization forward,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, from the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors and First 5 Commission Chair. “Through her leadership at First 5, Ms. Jimenez will impact thousands of children by
improving their access to health care, obesity prevention, quality preschool and early education programs.”
......Barbara Jimenez has accepted the appointment as the Executive Director of First 5 San Diego, effective September 14, 2009. Ms. Jimenez has held management positions with the County of San Diego for nearly 20 years and currently serves as Program Director for the Office of Violence Prevention and Community Action Partnership.
Continued
....H1N1 Influenza Preparedness
....With students returning to the classroom - and the flu season approaching - health officials across the nation are bracing for a possible increase of H1N1 flu virus cases.
The H1N1 virus, or swine flu as it is also known, continues to spread across the region.
...Only schools with high numbers of high-risk students or students getting the flu should actually consider closure. ...Continued
More about H1N1
....Medicare Handbook Available Online
.......The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is happy to provide Medicare  beneficiaries an electronic option for getting their “Medicare and You” handbooks each year. In an effort to go green and save money starting this fall, those Medicare beneficiaries who signed up by this past May will get their “Medicare and You” books electronically. People who sign up this month and beyond can receive the online version starting in Fall 2010.
The Medicare Web site is: www.mymedicare.gov or contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. You may also contact Medicare for material in large print, Braille, audio and other languages (as available).
.......For free, one-to-one counseling about your Medicare options, contact HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) at (800) 434-0222.
Get Ready to ShakeOut!
....Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California.You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.Now is the best time to register, so that you have time to plan your drill. If you participated in the 2008 drill, we hope that you will register again to practice how to be safe during earthquakes, improve your disaster plans, and get prepared. At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, millions of Californians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever!
....Over 5.4 million southern Californians participated in the 2008 ShakeOut. As a statewide drill in 2009, this number could be doubled! As of July 15th, nearly 2.7 million participants are registered statewide. To see which organizations are already participating in your area, visit your county’s web page on www.ShakeOut.org.
....Program can cut your utility cost
......Do you use more electricity because of a health condition? Maybe you have a motorized wheelchair with a battery you need to charge. Or you use an oxygen concentrator. Or you need more heating or cooling than the average person because you have a compromised immune system. There are many physical reasons why people might use more electricity, which translates into higher energy bills.
......SDG&E has a special program for these situations. The Medical Baseline Allowance provides additional utility charges at the baseline rate, which is the lowest rate for residential customers. So your costs would be lower for the same amount of energy use.
......You do not need to qualify by income or age. And you can be a renter whose landlord pays the energy bill and still qualify. Interested customers just need their doctor to sign a form verifying the need. For more information, call (800) 411-7343 or email to medicalbaseline@sdge.com. Applications are available from the SDG&E Web site (www.sdge.com) in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and in large print.
More information about programs, services and resources
....Kids express the importance of clean air
....Air pollution can cause or worsen lung disease, even for people with healthy lungs. The  San Diego's Kids for Clean Air Poster is held to increase public awareness and action. This poster contest is a way to get the kids thinking, writing and drawing about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and making small changes which benefit the environment.Through this contest, kids gained knowledge and awareness of air quality issues that affect their community on a daily basis.
....This contest is the end point of a curriculum that is suitable for grades 2 through 8 that describes air pollution, its effect on the body, and how kids can make a difference by creating cleaner air for the planet. Continued
 Second Human West Nile Case of 2009 Reported
......The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports the second confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2009.
A 49-year-old male was hospitalized after developing symptoms consistent with WNV infection. The man did not acquire the virus locally.
....“We urge the public to take appropriate precautions to protect against contracting West Nile Virus,” said Wilma Wooten, County of San Diego Public Health Officer.
....“Even though this case was not acquired locally, we are in the time of the year when the virus is usually most active in San Diego County.”
....People should avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Other precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors; ensuring that windows and doors have tight fitting screens without holes or tears; and not sleeping outside, unprotected while camping.
....For more information or to report dead birds, please call the County’s WNV information line toll free at (888) 551-INFO (4636) or visit the County Web site at www.SDFighttheBite.com. |
