Why Immunization Are Important?
..... Immunizations aren’t just for babies.We all need shots. Not only do vaccines protect children  against common seasonal diseases like seasonal influenza, they also help prevent diseases that are much rarer. However, vaccine-preventable diseases are still out there, so, if children don't stay up to date with vaccinations, the U.S. could see new epidemics of diseases. More children would get sick, and more would die.
...Children of all ages are heading back to school, so now is a good time to make sure that your kids are fully vaccinated. Online tools and information from CDC can help parents and doctors keep children up to date with the vaccines they need.It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.
...Making sure that children at every age receive all of their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children's long-term health ? as well as the health of their friends and classmates.
...The National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us that immunizations are important for people of all ages, from infants to seniors. August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and others to talk with their doctors to make sure they're up-to-date on their vaccinations. 
New Nationwide Report Estimates That 40 Percent of Underage Drinkers Received Free Alcohol From Adults Over 21
.....Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is the future of health care. 
Screening and brief intervention provides an innovative and interactive strategy to identify people who use alcohol or other drugs that place them at risk and motivate them to change their behavior. These proven methods are being expanded to address the needs of individuals who identify having additional concerns, such as tobacco use and mental health issues.
.....Services are designed to intervene and to reduce future health, social and economic costs.
The role of SBIRT is unlimited and is highly transferable to various settings.
Learn about California SBIRT projects funded through Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), outcomes, best practices and lessons learned. Also learn about SBIRT's role in health care reform.
.....Continued
Volunteering Can Change Lifes
.....First lady Michelle Obama is asking for volunteers across the country to help kids stay active  and keep up the skills they learned in school throughout the summer. The goal: kids should read at least five books over the break and be active for at least and hour a day. The effort is called Let's Read. Let's Move.
.....Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius added that exercise is just as important. "Fit kids are better students," she said.
....."We're going to need people to step up and volunteer to build and renovate playgrounds, and clear walking trails, and create community gardens, and organize book drives, and to take the time to serve as tutors and as mentors and to read to children of all ages," the first lady said.
Photo: Chuck Boles with More about Volunteering
A good idea born from a bad situation
.......One summer, there was humid heat and hot suffocating air. People were suffering, physically and financially, as a result of an energy crisis that shook the entire state of California. The costs to keep cool exceeded the budgets of many older adults on fixed incomes. And that summer was a scorcher. Because of the increased use of fans and other coolers, California suffered its largest planned blackout since World War II. That was the  Summer of 2000.
.......Supervisor Dianne Jacob, whose District 2 includes some of the hottest areas in the County, was concerned particularly for the seniors. She realized that some elders were deciding between paying for medicine or treating themselves to air conditioning. Unfortunately, many older adults don't realize that they are more susceptible to the effects of heat than younger people. They can be in crisis and not know it because seniors often don't start sweating until their temperature has already soared....Continued
Mosquitoes Test Positive. West Nile Virus Detected In San Diego
.....A batch of mosquitoes collected in Lemon Grove has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first positive test this year for the potentially-deadly disease, County Vector Control officials announced Wednesday.
.....“Finding positive mosquito batches is significant because mosquitoes do not travel far from the site of the infection,” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. ”We are sending letters to warn residents of the potential health risk that exists in their neighborhood. People should take personal precautions to protect themselves from mosquito  bites.”
.....Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Protect yourself from the virus by staying inside when mosquitoes are most active, between dusk and dawn, and by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR 3535 when you are outdoors. Make sure window and door screens are in good condition and are secured.
.....Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Backyard water sources are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents should dump or remove anything that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, old spare tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs.
.....Report Dead Birds and Green Swimming Pools: Please report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls, and green swimming pools to the Vector Control Program. Vector Control provides free mosquito fish to control mosquitoes in backyard water sources including green swimming pools.
Sign Up for Text Messages: By texting the word PEST to the number 75309 from any cell phone, users will receive vital health alerts and the latest information about the virus. For example, you might receive a message regarding the location of where birds or mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, or you might receive tips on how to protect yourself from the disease.
For more information about West Nile virus and what you can do to protect yourself, call 858-694-2888 or visit www.SDFightTheBite.com.
Whooping Cough Epidemic May Be Worst in 50 Years
.....Urging Californians to get vaccinated now, Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), warned today that the  state is on pace to suffer the most illnesses and deaths due to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in 50 years.
....“Whooping cough is now an epidemic in California,” Horton said. “Children should be vaccinated against the disease and parents, family members and caregivers of infants need a booster shot.”
....Pertussis is cyclical. Cases tend to peak every two to five years.The number of pertussis cases is now on a pace to surpass the total of 3,182 cases and eight deaths. Another 600 suspected cases are currently being investigated by local health officials.
....Pertussis is a highly contagious disease.....Continued
Statement from Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, Supporting Breastfeeding
.....On World Breastfeeding Week provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and to make people aware of how we can lend support to mothers who want to  breastfeed.
.....I am committed to promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices with the ultimate goal of improving the public's health. This is because breastfeeding is the best source of infant nutrition, and it provides immunologic protection and health benefits both to breastfeeding mothers and to the children they nurse.
.....The Affordable Care Act that was enacted earlier this year takes some significant strides in support of breastfeeding. The new law requires employers to provide time and a safe space for women employees who want to express their milk. It also requires health plans to offer certain preventative services without cost-sharing requirements, including counseling and support for mothers who want to breastfeed and for nursing mothers.
.....This fall, I will release a Surgeon General’s “Call to Action” that will draw from the best available science to explain how all sectors of the community can help create an environment that is supportive of mothers who choose to breastfeed. It will show how a community-wide approach can help reduce disparities among breastfeeding mothers and children of all backgrounds, and how to improve support for nursing women in their workplaces and communities.
I hope World Breastfeeding Week will help Americans become more aware of these resources and use them throughout the year.
The most important job. Being a father is one of the most important
jobs any man can have.
.......My own father left my family when I was two years old. I was raised by a heroic mother and wonderful grandparents who provided the support, discipline and love that helped me get to where I am today, but I still felt the weight of that absence throughout my childhood. It's something that leaves a hole no government can fill. Studies show that children who grow up without their fathers around are more likely to drop out of high school, go to jail, or become teen fathers themselves.
And while no government program can fill the role that fathers play for our children, what we can do is try to support fathers who are willing to step up and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, partners and providers.
Continued
A Southern California Earthquake Rattles San Diego
.....On June 14 around 9:25 pm the San Diego Padres' baseball game at Petco Park was stopped during a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Was felt quite strongly throughout San Diego County. The public address announced asked that everyone remain calm. This earthquake followed another one with a magnitude of 4.6, that happened at 6:20 a.m. and awoke several residents over a wide area of San Diego, as well as the many quakes that followed one with a magnitud of 7.2 on June 10 in Baja California, México. In case.....Are you Prepared?
First Lady Michelle Obama Visit to San Diego
.......On April 15 2010, the first lady was in San Diego to visit a community farm in Chollas Creek promoting her LET'S MOVE campaign to end childhood obesity. She came back to San Diego on June 13.
This time her visit was to the northern San Diego County USMC station to meet privately with service personnel and their loved ones, and to make a public address.
"To recognize and tap their skills, strength and commitment to service, to build stronger civilian-military community ties, and to engage and highlight the service and sacrifice of military families to ensure their voices are heard inside the Administration,” a White House statement said.
More about.. Her first visit to San Diego continued (PDF)
Text Alerts to Deliver West Nile Virus Warnings
......The County Department of Environmental Health added another tool today to its arsenal in the fight against West Nile virus -- text alerts to warn residents about West Nile virus in their neighborhoods.
 By texting PEST to 75309 users will be able to receive messages that provide information about West Nile virus. For example, you might receive a location where birds or mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus or you might receive tips on how to prevent the disease.
“The County has always tried to stay ahead of fast-changing technology and with these alerts, we will be able to help protect more people from this serious, sometimes deadly disease,” said Supervisor Greg Cox, District 1.
“Sharing important information, to help prevent this debilitating disease is an exciting prospect because we will be able to use this texting tool to communicate with the public about our other programs as well,” said Jack Miller, Director of the Department of Environmental Health. “Once received, text messages can then be forwarded to others within a family or group of friends.”
The County also plans to use text messages to make the community aware of other vector-borne disease such as hantavirus and plague. For more information about how you can sign up for WNV text alerts, visit www.SDFightTheBite.com.
Help your kids beat the Summer Slump
.......School is out for summer and kids begin their blissful break from the pressures of  homework and tests. For many kids, summer also is a break from healthy habits.
“Adults might imagine summer as a healthy and active time for kids but this often isn’t the reality.
That’s why we’re encouraging parents to help their kids overcome the 'summer slump' and get them involved in the fun activities happening at local community youth organizations,” said Joanne Tucker, Food Services Marketing Coordinator for San Diego Unified School District.. .... Continued (PDF)
Youth and Acohol
......Alcohol has been found to be the most widely used and abused substance amongst adolescents. It is also a readily accessible substance that is continuously and aggressively promoted by today’s society.
The adolescent years are a period of mixed thoughts and emotions. These are sensitive years where teens can be easily influenced, and where they tend to be under heavy influence from peers. The consumption of alcohol during these critical years can lead to alcohol abuse and ultimately alcoholism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, youth who start drinking before the age of 15, are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the age of 21....Continued (PDF)
Children's Tylenol and Others still off the shelves
...... In response to concerns about a possible breach of manufacturing quality standards, McNeil Consumer Products is voluntarily recalling a number of liquid infant's and children 's over-the-counter products.The recall are for: Tylenol Infants' Drops, Children's Tylenol Suspensions, Children's Tylenol Plus Suspensions, Motrin Infants' Drops, Children's Motrin Suspensions, Children's Motrin Cold Suspensions, Children's Zyrtec liquids in bottles, and Children's Benadryl Allergy liquids in bottles.
"Some of the recall products may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles." The FDA cautioned.
McNeil recalled several varieties of Children's Tylenol last September because of possible contamination with a negative bacteria, and earlier this year the manufacturer recalled a wide variety of products, including Children's Tylenol, because of consumer complaints of "an unusual, moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor." To know more The McNeil Consumer Healthcare number is (888)222-6036 or visit: www.mcneilproductrecall.com. More about flu medication for children and about...INFLUENZA 2010 (PDF)
Do you know that nearly a quarter of U.S. homes only use cellphones?
.......
....Fifteen percent of households have standard plug-in phones but almost never use them, the National Center for Health Statistics found.
The NCHS, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, relies heavily on telephone surveys to gather health information about the U.S. public. The figures also have implications for the mobile telephone industry.
Stephen Blumberg and Julian Luke of the NCHS examined data from surveys of 21,375 households that included 40,619 civilian adults and 14,984 children under the age of 18.
"One of every four American homes (24.5 percent) had only wireless telephones (also known as cellular telephones, cellphones, or mobile phones) during the last half of 2009 -- an increase of 1.8 percentage points since the first half of 2009," the report reads.
"In addition, one of every seven American homes (14.9 percent) had a land line yet received all or almost all calls on wireless telephones."
The report, available at www.cdc.gov/.pdf, also found that 23 percent of adults, or 52 million people, lived in households with only wireless telephones.
Nearly half of adults aged 25 to 29 lived in households with only cellphones, the study found. More on Communications technology |
