...County of San Diego 2007

Nation’s Fourth Leading Killer is a Lung Disease You May Have Never Heard About

...Ever heard of COPD? It’s the fourth leading killer and second leading cause of disability in the U.S. Unfortunately, millions of people with COPD may not know they have it or understand how serious it can get because they don’t know anything about the chronic lung disease.
...The disease kills more than 120,000 people in the U.S. each year. While deaths from other leading killers like heart disease and stroke are decreasing, COPD deaths are . Continued

Influenza Vaccinations Available

County of San Diego -The Flu Shot Hotline, (877) FLU-0202, is now being staffed to give seniors and others information about where to receive a flu shot. Medicare (Part B) will pay for the flu shot as well as a pneumonia vaccine. The influenza season typically occurs between November and May. The flu vaccine is recommended for people age 60 and older, and younger people with chronic medical conditions. Click HERE for flu listings near you!

.. Influenza Vaccination in Children. Current Options and Recommendations

...An influenza newsletter seeks to raise awareness about the important role that vaccination can play in preventing the spread of influenza. It also discusses the potential advantages of how increased vaccination coverage in children can influence the spread of influenza in the adult population, as well as the problem of vaccine mismatch during seasons in which antigenic drift occurs.
This CME/CE certified newsletter discusses how vaccination of children helps prevent the spread of influenza -- especially in adults; the problem of vaccine mismatch during seasons in which antigenic drift occurs, and current options and recommendations. Source: The Chatham Institute. More

Pediatric Cold Medicines Being Taken Off Shelves

San Diego Union-Tribune, Oct. 12 -- Chicken soup, saline nose drops and a vaporizer may sound like Grandma's favorite antidotes. But such back-to-basic remedies are what parents likely will have to use to treat tiny cold sufferers, because drug makers voluntarily pulled many kids' cold medicines off the market yesterday. (Quotes Dr. Howard Taras, a pediatrician with the Community Pediatrics division of the UCSD School of Medicine) Continued >>

Every week during American Diabetes Month this November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will highlight the“Many Faces of Diabetes.”

The American Diabetes Association calls for greater awareness to the 75 million Americans who have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
There are “many faces of diabetes.” Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at-risk. But those aren’t the only faces affected by diabetes. If you are a parent or loved one caring for someone with diabetes, your face is in the picture too.
Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world. One in four Americans has diabetes or is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. For more information and materials available visit http://www.diabetes.org

In Diabetes, a Complex of Causes

New York Times- An explosion of new research is vastly changing scientists’ understanding of diabetes and giving new clues about how to attack it.
The fifth leading killer of Americans, with 73,000 deaths a year, diabetes is a disease in which the body’s failure to regulate glucose, or blood sugar, can lead to serious and even fatal complications.
New research suggests that a hormone from the skeleton, of all places, may influence how the body handles sugar. Mounting evidence also demonstrates that signals from the immune system, the brain and the gut play critical roles in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism.
Scientists have long suspected that inflammation was somehow related to insulin resistance, which precedes nearly all cases of Type 2 diabetes. In the early 1900s, diabetics were sometimes given high doses of aspirin, which is an anti-inflammatory, said Dr. Olefsky of the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. Continued >>

Alzheimer's blood test might be ready soon

Los Angeles Times- Members of an international team of researchers believe they've found a simple blood test for detecting the onset of Alzheimer's disease, long before its victims are robbed of their memory, personality and dignity.
The scientists identified a type of "cellular chatter" that reveals early evidence of the disease, providing a chance to interfere in its progress, according to a study released by the British journal Nature Medicine.
Of the 25 authors of the article, six other contributors work at Stanford. Researchers with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, University of California-San Diego, Oregon Health and Science University, and two European universities also contributed to the study.
Currently, only an autopsy can confirm if a person had Alzheimer's disease, by searching for the unusual plaque build-up in the brains of those with the memory-wasting disease, as well as abnormal "tangles" of protein found inside brain cells.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's include partial or complete memory loss, sometimes violent outbursts, and a retreat of the individual's personality. Continued >>

Cox Elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

Cox was elected unanimously by his board colleagues to serve as Chairman for 2008. As Chairman, Supervisor Greg Cox will deliver the State of the County Address on Feb. 13 at the historic and newly renovated Balboa Theatre in Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego.

Chairman Cox has served on the Board of Supervisors since 1995. He represents the approximately 642,000 residents of the First District, which includes the communities of Bonita, Chula Vista and National City.

San Diegans Wear Red for Heart Disease Awareness

...Wear Red Day is part of the Go Red For Women campaign, a nationwide movement celebrating the energy, passion and power we have to band together and wipe out heart disease – the No. 1 killer of women.

Go Red For Women Campaign kicks off with local landmarks and supporters “Going Red.” Among San Diego landmarks Going Red are: Alvarado Hospital, San Diego County Administrative Building, U.S. Grant Hotel, Hotel del Coronado, and La Jolla Spa MD.

One in three women has cardiovascular disease, and every minute, one woman dies as a result of this health threat. Go For Red empowers women with the knowledge and tools they need to take positive action to reduce their risks of heart disease and stroke. Controllable factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. For more information and materials, contact your local American Heart Association at (800)229-1503. More

....Local E.Coli Case Linked To National Recall Of Beef

...The County of San Diego HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) reports that a San Diego County teenager was sickened by E. coli 0157:H7 after consuming beef that is part of the recently announced national recall of beef products.
...San Diego County Girl’s Illness Matched to Recall; HHSA Continues SurveillanceThe 17-year-old girl, who was not hospitalized and has recovered, became ill in December, before the national recall was announced.
...“HHSA’s Community Epidemiology Branch determined an association of the girl’s illness with the beef recall,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County of San Diego Public Health Officer. “HHSA works closely with local physicians to continually monitor disease trends in the community.”
...E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
...Rochester Meat Company of Rochester, Minn. has voluntarily recalled 188,000 pounds of beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli 0157:H7.
The ground beef products subject to recall were produced on Oct. 30, 2007, and Nov. 6, 2007. The products subject to recall were shipped to distributors nationwide for further distribution to restaurants and food service institutions. These products were not available for purchase by consumers in retail businesses. The County Department of Environmental Health is working to notify restaurant chain operations that may have received the beef products and will contact individual restaurants when product distribution information is available.
...For specific information on which products are subject to the recall, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or go to the following link: http://www.fsis.usda.gov

....Most U.S. Emergency Rooms Not Fully Prepared To Treat Children

...Just 6 percent of U.S. emergency departments (EDs) have all of the recommended equipment and supplies recommended in 2001 AAP and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) joint policy statement, "Care of Children in the Emergency Department: Guidelines for Preparedness." In the new study, ---"Pediatric Preparedness of US Emergency Departments: A 2003 Survey," --- researchers created a survey, based on the AAP/ACEP recommendations, and mailed it to more than 5,100 ED medical and nursing directors throughout the U.S. Among the reported missed items were child laryngeal mask airways, and neonatal and infant equipment. Fifty-nine percent of the hospitals were aware of the AAP/ACEP guidelines, and those that were received higher preparedness scores. The study authors recommend that hospital EDs continue to strive to improve pediatric preparedness and care quality.

California New Law Takes Effect:
"No more smoking in cars with children present"

...California’s new “Smoke-Free Cars with Minors” law takes effect on January 1, giving California the most comprehensive smoke-free car law in the nation, and providing smokers another reason to make a successful New Year’s Resolution to kick the habit.

The California legislature passed the law in response to compelling scientific evidence that smoking in cars exposes passengers, especially children, to high levels of toxic secondhand smoke. Continued

Toys are happiness of childhood, as long as they're chosen with care.

...Shopping for presents during the holidays can be exciting and fun, but it can also be frustrating. Specially with toys when there can be thousands of toys to choose from in one store, and it's important to choose the right toy for the right age child. Toys that are meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) last year, an estimated 140,700 children were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms after toy-related incidents and 13 children died.

When buying toys, Keep in mind the child's age, interests and skill level. Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages. Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear -- to you, and, when appropriate, to the child. Plastic wrappings on toys should be discarded at once before they become deadly playthings.

Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children at play is still -- and always will be -- the best way to protect children from toy-related injuries. To report a product hazard or a product-related injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207, or call the toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772. To be inform about the Toy Hazard Recalls and for more information on toy safety please visit: www.cpsc.gov

Sharp Hospital Nationally Recognized for Quality

...President George W. Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez recently announced that Sharp HealthCare is one of five organizations to receive the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence.

Sharp is the first health care provider in California and the eighth in the nation to receive this recognition.

In addition to receiving the 2007 Baldrige Award, Sharp HealthCare was the first health care system to be named a gold-level award recipient by the California Council for Excellence (CCE) for... More

Before is Too Late: “Get Off Meth”

...Methamphetamine, also known as “speed,” “crank,” “crystal,” or “ice” is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or ingested by mouth. The color and texture of meth can vary; most commonly it is usually white or slightly yellow in a crystal-like powder or rock-like chunks.

“Meth destroys freedom. Meth destroys dreams. Meth destroys relationships. Meth destroys everyone. I encourage families to help their loved ones get...More

Flu season is here and getting a flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect against influenza.

The County of San Diego HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) urges people at higher risk for complications from influenza, as well as those who want to reduce their chance of getting influenza, to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.
“At-risk groups include people 50 years and older, children aged 6-59 months, pregnant women, persons with chronic health conditions, and others. Influenza and its complications can seriously endanger their health. Many in this group also are susceptible to medical problems related to poor air quality from the recent fires,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., County of San Diego Public Health Officer.
County LACs are one-stop assistance sites for victims of the wildfires. They offer help from a variety of government agencies, businesses and charities. For more information about the LACs, including locations, hours of operation and types of assistance available, visit the County of San Diego Emergency Homepage at www.sdcountyemergency.com and click on “Firestorm Recovery Information,” or call the 211 San Diego information service.
For recorded information about influenza vaccinations offered at County health facilities for those in at-risk groups, please call the County Flu Information Line at 1-866-358-2966. For additional locations for persons who are not in the at-risk groups, please call the CHIP/Aging and Independence Services Flu Hotline for a referral at 1-877-358-0202.You can also visit websites at www.sdchip.org

County improves access to health care for thousands

More Low-Income, Uninsured Residents to Benefit from New Program

....The San Diego County HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) is expanding healthcare coverage for thousands of low-income, uninsured, legal state residents thanks to new federal funds.
....About 3,000 patients 21-64 years of age with diabetes and/or hypertension will be able to participate in HHSA’s Health Care Coverage Initiative, a new chronic disease management program that will address the dependence on emergency room visits for primary care purposes or untreated conditions.

“This is great news all around. Patients will have improved access to care, emergency rooms will have less pressure and clinics and hospitals will benefit as well,” said Ron Roberts, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “This initiative will improve quality of care for patients accessing services through the county’s healthcare safety net providers.”

Using a comprehensive approach, the new program targets low-income adults (up to 200% of the federal poverty level) who meet citizenship, residency, and other eligibility criteria. To qualify for the program, patients cannot be enrolled in the County Medical Services, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, or Access for Infants and Mothers programs.
....Funding for the Health Care Coverage Initiative comes from the federal government, which will provide about $44.9 million over the next three years.
....“This is a real boon to San Diego County’s healthcare safety net,” said Jean Shepard, Director, HHSA. “Thanks to the collaboration of our hospitals, community clinics, physicians and other healthcare stakeholders, including consumer advocates, we are in a better position to serve the needs of low-income and uninsured residents.”
....The Health Care Coverage Initiative builds on the recommendations of the Board-commissioned Healthcare Safety Net study, which consisted of months of town hall meetings and discussions with local stakeholders to determine the most critical health needs of County residents.

First Community Forum for Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Programs

...Twenty percent of young people experience some form of diagnosable mental illness, while 26 percent of people 18 and older, about 58 million, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Mental disorders disrupt an individual’s ability to function at home, in school, at work, or in their community.

The San Diego County HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) will host the first of several community forums to gather input on how to spend $16 million the County will receive annually from the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) for Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) component.

The State’s PEI guidelines require that a minimum of 51 percent of funding is to be spent on programs for individuals age 25 and younger These programs and services will serve individuals that have been exposed to trauma, are experiencing onset of serious psychiatric illness and children and youth living in stressed families, at risk of school failure and in danger of landing in the juvenile justice system.

The forums, which will continue in early 2008, will help determine the type of mental health PEI programs needed. Sponsored by HHSA’s Adult/Older Adult Mental Health Services and the Older Adult Mental Health System of Care Council.

To obtain more information on mental illness or to seek treatment, call the County’s multi-lingual Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339.

CDC: New respiratory bug has killed 10

...A mutated version of a common cold virus has caused 10 deaths in the last 18 months, U.S. health officials said Thursday. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections that aren't considered lethal. But a new variant has caused at least 140 illnesses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas, according to a report issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC officials don't consider the mutation to be a cause for alarm for most people, and they're not recommending any new precautions for the general public.

"It's an uncommon infection," said Dr. Larry Anderson, a CDC epidemiologist.
The illness made headlines in Texas earlier this year, when a so-called boot camp flu sickened hundreds at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

There are more than 50 distinct types of adenoviruses tied to human illnesses. They are one cause of the common cold, and also trigger pneumonia and bronchitis. Severe illnesses are more likely in people with weaker immune systems.

Some adenoviruses have also been blamed for gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and cystitis.
There are no good antiviral medications for adenoviruses. Patients usually are treated with aspirin, liquids and bed rest.

Some people who get infected by the new bug probably would not suffer symptoms, and some may just feel a common cold. Sick people should see a doctor if they suffer a high fever or have trouble breathing, Anderson said.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

...While there is much we don’t yet know about Alzheimer’s disease, tremendous progress has been made since 1983. The Alzheimer's Association uses National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and to shed light on the importance of finding breakthroughs in diagnosis, prevention, treatments and, eventually, a cure.
The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. Scientists are studying how other factors such as family history, nutrition, environment, and education, also affect an individual's risk for Alzheimer's disease. Continued

...It increases the number of new cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus

....“West Nile virus is a preventable disease. We urge the public to take steps to protect themselves against infection,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts, Chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “And, we encourage the media to continue disseminating the very important message about protection and prevention.”

....“West Nile first appeared in California in 2003, and is here to stay. From 2003 through 2006, there have been 8 cases in San Diego County. So far in this year, between August and September, 15 new cases were accumulated, including one case acquired outside the county. ...

For more information or to report possible mosquito breeding sources, please call the County’s WNV information line toll free at (888) 551-INFO (4636) or visit the County’s web site at www.SDFighttheBite.com.
...Gary Erbeck, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health said, “We are looking for all possible mosquito incubation sites around San Diego County and we ask that people take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.” More

Flu season is fast approaching and getting a flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect against influenza.

The County of San Diego HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) urges people at higher risk for complications from influenza, as well as those who want to reduce their chance of getting influenza, to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.
“At-risk groups include people 50 years and older, children aged 6-59 months, pregnant women, persons with chronic health conditions, and others. Influenza and its complications can seriously endanger their health. Many in this group also are susceptible to medical problems related to poor air quality from the recent fires,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., County of San Diego Public Health Officer.
County LACs are one-stop assistance sites for victims of the wildfires. They offer help from a variety of government agencies, businesses and charities. For more information about the LACs, including locations, hours of operation and types of assistance available, visit the County of San Diego Emergency Homepage at www.sdcountyemergency.com and click on “Firestorm Recovery Information,” or call the 211 San Diego information service.
For recorded information about influenza vaccinations offered at County health facilities for those in at-risk groups, please call the County Flu Information Line at 1-866-358-2966. For additional locations for persons who are not in the at-risk groups, please call the CHIP/Aging and Independence Services Flu Hotline for a referral at 1-877-358-0202.You can also visit websites at www.sdchip.org

County Board of Supervisors Helps to Launch Prematurity Awareness Month

Babies are in crisis today. Nearly half a million are born prematurely every year and the number is rising. From November 2nd through the end of the month, the March of Dimes, working in partnership with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency’s Maternal, Child, and Family Health Services, is lighting the County of San Diego Administration Center with pink and blue lights to raise awareness as part of the March of Dimes’ national effort to save babies from premature birth.
Premature birth affects one in eight babies and is a major cause of serious health problems. It costs society billions of dollars every year. Here in San Diego County, 4,253 babies are born prematurely each year. That is why the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month - to send the alert that premature birth is a crisis in our country and to bring people together to help give all babies their nine months. For more information and materials available please visit www.marchoofdime.org

March of Dimes Honors Babies On "El Dia De Todos Los Santos"

NOV. 1, 2007 – On “El Día de Todos Los Santos” the March of Dimes is honoring all babies – those born healthy, those who need help to thrive and survive, and those who died in infancy.
Nearly 28,000 infants die before their first birthday each year – more than 5,000 to Latina mothers and more than 2,500 in California alone.
“Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. More than 100,000 Latino infants are born premature each year and the rate of preterm birth among Latinos has increased nearly 10 percent over the past decade – from 10.9 percent in 1994 to 12 percent in 2004,” said Dr. Reyes. “Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death.” Continued

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces $5 Million to Assist San Diego County in Debris Removal Efforts

...To help expedite the removal of fire-related debris from more than 1,000 homes, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that his Office of Emergency Services (OES) is advancing $5 million in state funds to San Diego County.
“We must do everything we can to assist the fire victims in their efforts to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible including accelerating the debris removal process,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Recovery will take time, but my administration is committed to doing everything possible to assist those who have been affected by the devastating southern California fires.”
The $5 million advance represents the first installment on its share of an estimated $21 million in advances and reimbursements to San Diego County under the California Disaster Assistance Act, which was activated...Continued

District Attorney Charges Unlicensed Contractors for Preying on Wildfire Victims

DA Undercover Investigators Posed as Homeowners During Sting

....San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced today that eight individuals are facing felony charges for contracting without a license in the wake of San Diego’s recent wildfires. All of the defendants advertised to residents who had lost homes in the fires.
“Our office is working to keep those affected by the fires from being re-victimized,” said DA Dumanis. “Offering repair or rebuilding services as an unlicensed contractor during this state of emergency is a felony crime and we will continue to keep these types of individuals from taking advantage of residents in all areas of the county.” Continued

County of San Diego Taking The Steps to Recover

California Fire victims can receive free flu vaccine

The poor air quality due to Southern California's devastating wildfires brings into sharp focus the importance of respiratory health. This need was quickly spotted by vaccine manufacturers, distributors, public health officials and patient advocates, leading to the vaccine donation as well as to new outreach and education that is on the way for people impacted by the recent fires and attendant smoke.
"We know that excessive exposure to smoke lessens the body's disease fighting ability, making people more vulnerable to catching lung infections, such as the flu and pneumonia," says Timothy Morris, MD, a pulmonary specialist with University of California San Diego and volunteer with the American Lung Association of California. "Ash particles and other pollutants can lodge deep in people's lungs, and we want to make sure that those who have been exposed to smoke have the protection that the flu shot provides."
Thanks to donations by an informal coalition of healthcare companies, the American Lung Association of California will schedule clinics where people affected by recent fires can receive a flu vaccine free of charge. Already, 10,000 doses have been offered to California’s fire-affected counties, and the Lung Association is soliciting additional donations and working with donor companies and county health departments to schedule clinics in mid-November. More specific information about flu clinics will be posted on the American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator at www.CaliforniaLung.org.
In San Diego, the Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) Immunize San Diego Coalition and Passport Health have partnered with the Lung Association to stage and publicize the clinics. San Diego residents can learn about clinics by calling CHIP’s Flu Warm Line (toll free) at 1-877-FLU-0202 or online at www.sdCHIP.org.
"Thanks to Passport Health, CSL, and the host of health providing companies for offering this wonderful idea to reduce the stress of our region. People at risk for flu now more than ever should receive vaccine," said Jim Wilgus, president and CEO of the American Lung Association of California.

Free respite Care for Caregivers of Wildfires

Many fire victims are caregivers who are displaced and staying at shelters or hotels with their loved one. As the primary caregiver and home owner, many need to leave their loved one to return home to assess damages, retrieve any belongings or seek available resources. Heritage Senior Care realizes the anguish a family caregiver feels unable to leave their loved one with a stranger or alone while faced with the necessity to address fire issues.
Heritage Senior Care’s dedicated and professional staff would like to offer FREE respite care to the families who are victims of the wildfires throughout San Diego and North County. This FREE 8 hours will allow the family caregiver time to accomplish important tasks that can’t wait.
Heritage Senior Care has been providing professional non-medical caregiving services for the past 24 years. Our strict selection and criminal background checks process assures our clients and family caregiver the peace of mind and the security of having a professional team working for them.
Our emergency response preparedness efforts allowed us to relocate and assist our own clients with the supplies and services they needed during the evacuations; all are safe and very appreciative We are proud of our commitment to our clients and our community.
Heritage would like to acknowledge the outstanding job our firefighters, police and hospital staff have provided. City, state and federal agencies are continuing their efforts to help during this crisis. In addition, Thank you to all the volunteers and donations which pour in from the community. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the victims of these tragic fires.
Please have family caregivers who are seeking respite care to call our staff at 1 (800) 562-2734. We will provide a FREE 8 hour or (2) 4 hour shifts.

Avoid Leaf Blower Usage in Fire Cleanup
Protect Lungs: Don't Blow The Ashes, Wet them Instead

Friday October 26,07-The American Lung Association of California recommends thoroughly wetting dust and soot from the fires instead of using leaf blowers for cleaning up after smoky wildfires. The Lung Association warns that especially vulnerable people should avoid clean-up activities and areas where dust or soot is present, including all children, seniors, anyone with chronic lung or heart diseases or diabetes.
The Lung Association warns that leaf blowers can add to air quality problems by breaking up settled ash and sending it back into the air, while exhaust emissions from the blowers can add to air pollution. Instead of using blowers, the Lung Association agrees with other emergency management agencies that dust and soot should be wetted down prior to cleanup so as to reduce the amount of particles that will become airborne.
The Lung Association recommends wearing an N-95 rated dust mask during clean-up, but warns that those who are more vulnerable should not attempt to wear these masks and should avoid clean-up situations.
Dust masks do not protect against asbestos. If exposure to asbestos or other hazardous materials is suspected, do not disturb the area. Professional assistance is needed to clean up asbestos and other hazardous material.
Helpful cleanup information is available through:
US EPA website www.epa.gov/californiafires/
County of San Diego emergency website - www.sdcountyrecovery.com/index.html.

Ongoing exposure to airborne pollutants is to be avoided, even though skies clear up. Check air quality conditions at:
www.epa.gov/airnow, or
www.aqmd.gov/news1/2007/SouthlandFiresOctober25.html, or
www.sdapcd.org/air/forecasts/otoday.html

In affected areas, the Lung Association urges residents to take precautions to avoid exposure to unhealthy smoke-filled air. Avoid spending time outdoors during the high-pollution days and watch the air quality forecasts to know when it becomes safer to be outdoors.
Indoors, while air purifiers are often helpful, one type is not recommended: the kind of air purifier that generates ozone. Learn more at - http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/06fw_OzoneAirCleaners.html
In Southern California, the American Lung Association has been monitoring fire reports and offering lung health advisories through media interviews and online at http://alacsd.blogspot.com. California wildfire health protection information is available at www.LungUSA.org. .

Federal Resources Are Available Now to Assist Fire Victims

Thursday 25,07-The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is swiftly mobilizing federal resources and assets in coordination with the state of California and other federal agencies. Many federal agencies in coordination with FEMA are aiding in the response to the Southern California wildfires. For know about the key operational activities underway please visit
http://www.fema.gov , for information or to apply by telephone please call 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362) and to Request for Public Assistance, you could apply on line

Food Asistance Available

Thursday 25,07-San Diego County residents directly affected by the wildfires may be eligible for emergency food stamps, county officials said. People can apply for them at county family resource centers and the four local assistance centers set up to help wildfire victims.
The Food Stamps are available on a one-time-only basis if people meet specific requirements, such as losing a home or income because of the fires. Families who currently receive food stamps may be eligible for increased the amount levels if they were affected by the fires.
Applications will be accepted from today Thursday through Saturday. Complete instructions and guidelines are available by calling (866) 262-9881

Elderly Program Ready to Help Fire Victims

Wednesday 24,07-ElderHelp provides personalized services and information to seniors who want to remain living in their own homes. ElderHelp is offering its HomeShare Program services to qualified applicants that have been displaced by the San Diego County wildfires.
ElderHelp of San Diego’s HomeShare Program assists individuals seeking affordable housing by matching them with home providers who have a spare room available in their homes. Although ElderHelp serves primarily seniors 60 and better, people of all ages can be considered for the HomeShare Program. Unfortunately, the HomeShare Program can only assist individuals and not families.
Home Providers usually rent a spare room at a below market rate or provide a rent free room in exchange for household assistance. HomeShare is not a placement service and people interested in participating in the program take responsibility for choosing their housemates.
HomeShare matches are facilitated by trained social workers and the registration process includes thorough screening of all applicants and a background check. Once registration is complete, referrals are provided based on personal needs and preferences of the applicant. Written agreements are facilitated for people who match and ongoing support for the duration of the match is provided by ElderHelp.
The HomeShare Program serves most 921… zip code areas in central San Diego. All home Providers must reside within this service area.
Whether you are a homeowner with a spare room in your home or an individual seeking housing, please contact: Cynthia Hansen, HomeShare Coordinator, ElderHelp of San Diego, 619-284-9281 x16. Or email to chansen@elderhelpofsandiego.org

Health effects of Wild Fire smoke

....“The effects of smoke run from irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract to more serious disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function and premature death. Studies have found that fine particulate matter is linked (alone or with other pollutants) with a number of significant respiratory and cardiovascular-related effects, including increased mortality and aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. In addition, airborne particles are respiratory irritants, and laboratory studies show that high concentrations of particulate matter cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing and physical discomfort in breathing. Particulate matter can also alter the body’s immune system and affect removal of foreign materials from the lung, like pollen and bacteria.. Continued under "Composition of the Smoke"

President Bush's declaration of a "major disaster" Means Federal Asistance to San Diego Fire Victims

Wednesday 24,07-The announcement of San Diego’s staggering losses came as President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for California in the wake of the wildfires that have charred about 426,000 acres, or about 665 square miles.
President Bush's declaration of a "major disaster" in Southern California means the government will provide direct financial assistance to people who have lost property and other possessions in this week's wildfires.
The declaration puts in motion long-term federal recovery programs to help state and local governments, families, individuals and certain nonprofit organizations recover. The assistance varies from direct aid for uninsured losses to help with rebuilding infrastructure.
“Americans all across this land care deeply about them,” the president said after a Cabinet meeting convened to coordinate federal relief efforts. “We’re concerned about their safety. We’re concerned about their property.”
The fierce Santa Ana wind that has stoked the explosive blazes had started to moderate Wednesday although stiff gusts continued to blow through some canyon areas. Forecasters said the wind eventually would be followed by cooling sea breezes bringing "healthier system".

Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Salud+Health Info is published and distributed free of charge by Info Option Network (ION) Publishing Company. Copyright © 2001-2006 Info Option Network

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