The Florida Department of Health in Orange County in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health Asthma Program, Orange County Environmental Protection Division, the American Lung Association in Florida and Nemours have been working to help local childcare centers become more Asthma-Friendly. Currently seven local Head Start Centers are being prepared to apply for a “Gold” level recognition. Centers that earn the Asthma Friendly Childcare Recognition are better equipped to support children with asthma. 

“Asthma can be controlled and managed. I applaud our local Head Start Centers for taking the necessary steps to have an asthma friendly environment and partner with parents to deliver the best support to their children,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

Clinical staff from Nemours Children’s Hospital will be providing the Department of Health-designed training at child care sites in Orange County. After the training, staff at the centers will be better able to assist children who are experiencing an asthma attack. Many younger children with asthma struggle to use inhalers.  Providers who have been through the program can help the child and hopefully prevent children from needing emergency treatment.

The Asthma Friendly Childcare project provides a comprehensive asthma management program for children with asthma enrolled at their childcare location. Some other project goals include: provide support to children and their families who are dealing with asthma, provide assistance to ensure children with asthma have an asthma action plan on file, provide asthma educational opportunities for parents and identifying, managing and controlling asthma triggers in the childcare setting.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children under 18, affecting more than 5 million children in the United States. It is a leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic disease. Each day in the United States, over 40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma. When a child misses school, a parent also misses work.  Asthma can be controlled by taking medication and knowing what causes asthma episodes. It is also important to avoid asthma triggers and remove asthma triggers from the environment.

The Asthma-Friendly Childcare Center Project is a local project endorsed and recognized by the Florida Asthma Coalition and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Orange County Environmental Protection Division. This project provides the opportunity for ALL childcare center staff to receive free on-line training.

May is nationally recognized as Asthma Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public awareness of the asthma epidemic and to take action to get asthma under control in communities across the nation. Asthma affects more than 25 million people of all ages and races. And, though asthma is widespread, public awareness of common asthma triggers and effective asthma management strategies remains limited. For more information on asthma visit http://www.epa.gov/asthma/.

For more information about the Florida Asthma Program, Asthma-Friendly Childcare Centers and to see these awards and others given to centers across the state visit the following links: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/Asthma/childcare.html 

http://www.myfloridaeh.com/medicine/Asthma/CC_Recognition.html

ORLANDO — The week before Memorial Day (May 20–26, 2013) is Recreational Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week. Every year, thousands of Americans get sick with recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are caused by germs found in places where we swim. The Department of Health in Orange and Seminole Counties are highlighting the importance of preventing these illnesses by emphasizing healthy swimming behaviors.

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols , or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that evaporate from the water and cause indoor air quality problems. Diarrhea is the most common route of infection for RWI, and it is often caused by germs like Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia, norovirus, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7. Other routes of infection for common RWIs include skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections.

“Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for RWIs,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director of the Department of Health in Orange County. Anyone who is ill should also avoid swimming until their symptoms have passed.”

“Chlorine and other pool water treatments don’t kill germs instantly, and just one diarrheal incident can release enough germs into the water that swallowing a mouthful can cause diarrhea lasting up to 2–3 weeks” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for the Department of Health in Seminole County.

We all share the water we swim in, and we each need to do our part to keep ourselves, our families, and our friends healthy. To help protect yourself and other swimmers from germs, here are a few simple and effective steps all swimmers can take each time we swim:

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Shower with soap before you start swimming.
• Take a rinse shower before you get back into the water.
• Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Check the chlorine and pH levels before getting into the water.
• Proper chlorine (1–3 mg/L or parts per million [ppm]) and pH (7.2–7.8) levels maximize germ‐killing power.
• Most superstores, hardware stores, and pool‐supply stores sell pool test strips.
• Don’t swallow the water you swim in.

Parents of young children should take a few extra steps:

• Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or check diapers every 30–60 minutes.
• Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper‐changing area and not at poolside where germs can rinse into the water.

Remember…Think Healthy. Swim Healthy. Be Healthy!
For more information about healthy swimming, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming

ORLANDO – El Departamento de Salud de la Florida en los Condados Orange y Seminole urgen a los padres a preparar a sus niños ahora para el nuevo año escolar que se avecina. Los padres deben visitar el lugar donde reciben atención médica o su doctor privado para vacunar a sus niños y evitar el apuro a último minuto y las largas filas durante el verano. Las familias que no tengan un lugar donde reciben atención médica, pueden visitar el enlace incluido en este comunicado para un listado de los proveedores de cuidado médico para niños o visitar la clínica de vacunación del departamento de salud. Niños con seguro médico privado, asignados a un lugar de atención médica o proveedor de seguro HMO, tendrán que ir a su doctor para las vacunas, debido a que el departamento de salud es una red de seguridad para aquellos que no tienen ningún tipo de cobertura de cuidado de salud. 

"Usted puede proteger a sus niños todo el año de enfermedades que son prevenibles por las vacunas. Los padres deben ver cada encuentro con el medico como las visitas para exámenes físicos, exámenes de rutina o físicos para deportes, como una oportunidad de proveer a sus niños con alguna vacuna que le haga falta. Mantenga las vacunas de sus niños al día y así estarán listos para la escuela,” dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud de la Florida en el Condado Orange.

“Las vacunas pueden proteger a los niños que las reciben y aquellos con quienes ellos entran en contacto. La vacunación es una herramienta importante en prevenir enfermedades que una vez fueron comunes en el país.  Todos podemos trabajar para mantener una comunidad saludable y libre de enfermedades prevenibles por vacunas,” dijo Dr. Swannie Jett, Oficial de Salud del Departamento de Salud de la Florida en el Condado Seminole. 

Se motiva a los padres a vacunar a sus hijos aun antes de que comiencen las vacaciones de verano. Evite las filas y visite directamente a su médico de cuidado primario. El departamento de salud estará verificando a través de sistemas electrónicos la necesidad de servicios y refiriendo a las personas de regreso a su médico si tienen uno. Solamente las familias sin ningún tipo de seguro médico deben visitar el departamento de salud de su condado para vacunación.

El Departamento de Salud de la Florida en el Condado Orange provee vacunación para el regreso a la escuela de lunes a viernes de 7:30am a 2:00pm en su Oficina de Central ubicada en el 832 West Central Boulevard.  Se urge a los padres a llegar temprano para obtener su boleto debido a que los servicios son por orden de llegada.

En el Condado Seminole, se proveen las vacunas en el departamento de salud en Sanford ubicado en el 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32773. El horario es lunes, martes, miércoles y viernes de 8:00am a 11:30am y 1:00pm a 4:00pm y los jueves de 8:00am a 11:30am.

Debido a la gran demanda para vacunación, los servicios se ofrecerán por orden de llegada, sin cita previa.  Los niños deben estar acompañados por un pariente adulto o guardián legal para recibir sus vacunas.  Si no, un permiso notariado firmado por el pariente adulto o guardián legal debe ser presentado antes de que se provean los servicios.  Se requiere una copia del expediente de vacunación del niño y una identificación con foto del pariente adulto o guardián legal emitida por el gobierno.

Un documento certificado de vacunación DH 680 es requisito para matricularse en la escuela  y se provee gratis una vez se hayan recibido las vacunas. Si un cliente solamente necesita el documento DH 680, hay un costo administrativo mínimo. También puede obtener el documento en la oficina del médico de su hijo y las clínicas de vacunación del departamento de salud o departamento de record médicos  si su niño ya tiene sus vacunas al día.

Ahora es el momento para llevar a su niño a recibir las vacunas que le faltan y evitar los intentos de último minuto para obtener las vacunas que son requisitos para entrar a la escuela.  Para más información sobre vacunación de niños, visite las páginas de Internet a www.orchd.com  y www.seminolecohealth.com/ .  Para el listado de recursos de Medico de niños (Resource List of Children’s Medical Providers) visite http://orchd.com/personalHealth/immunizations/childhood/documents/lproviders3.pdf

ORLANDO – The Florida Department of Health in Orange and Seminole Counties are urging parents to prepare their children now for the upcoming school year.  Parents should use their medical homes or private doctor to have their children vaccinated and avoid the back-to-school rush and long lines during the summer.  Families, who do not have a medical home, can refer to the link below for a list of children’s medical providers or visit the health departments’ immunization clinics. Children with private insurance, assigned to a medical home or HMO provider, will need to go to their doctor for immunizations as the health department is a safety net for those without any health care coverage. 

"You can protect your children from vaccine preventable diseases all year round. Parents should see every encounter such as annual physicals, interim check-ups or sports physicals as an opportunity to provide their children with any missing vaccines. Keep your children up-to-date on their immunizations and ready for school”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

“Vaccines can protect the children who receive them and those with whom they come in contact. Immunizations are an important tool in preventing diseases that were once common in this country. We can all work towards keeping our community healthy and free of vaccine preventable diseases,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.   

Parents are encouraged to get their child’s vaccinations even before starting summer vacation. Avoid the lines and go directly to your primary care provider. The health department will be verifying through electronic systems the need for service and referring people back to their provider if they have one.

Only families without any type of insurance should go to local county health departments for vaccines.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County provides back-to-school immunizations Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 2:00pm at its Central Office located at 832 West Central Boulevard.  Parents are urged to arrive early to obtain a walk-in ticket as services are provided on a walk-in basis. 

In Seminole County, immunizations are provided at the health department’s Sanford location at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32773. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 4:00pm and Thursday 8:00am to 11:30am.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult family member or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form, signed by the parent or legal guardian, must be presented before services are rendered.  A copy of each child’s immunization record and government-issued, valid photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required. 

A certified DH 680 immunization form is required for school entry and is provided free once vaccinations are received.  If a client only needs a DH 680 form, there is an administrative fee. You can also obtain this form at your child’s doctor’s office and the health departments’ immunization clinics or medical records departments if your child is already up-to-date on their immunizations. 

Now is the time to get your child up-to-date on their immunizations and avoid the last minute rush to obtain shots required for school entry. 

For more information on childhood immunizations, visit our websites at www.orchd.com  and www.seminolecohealth.com/ .

For the Resource List of Children’s Medical Providers visit http://orchd.com/personalHealth/immunizations/childhood/documents/providers4.pdf

2013-2014 Immunization Requirement Update for Schools and Childcare Facilities

The Florida Department of Health (DOH), Immunization Section would like to remind all immunization partners of the childcare facilities and school immunization requirements for the 2013-2014 school year. Documentation for required immunizations is mandatory for all students entering, attending, or transferring into a Florida school in grades pre-Kindergarten through 12 as detailed in the Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes, effective March 2013 and incorporated by reference in Rule 64D-3.046, Florida Administrative Code. The Guidelines, located at the Immunization Section website at: http://www.immunizeflorida.org/schoolguide.pdf, provide technical assistance to healthcare providers, schools, childcare facility operators, family daycare home operators, school health personnel, and county health department personnel, and are updated when there are changes to immunization recommendations impacting childcare and/or school requirements. There are no changes to childcare requirements.

We encourage individuals not to wait for the school rush. There is no time like the present to update children’s immunizations and provide them with the required documentation for school. Many healthcare providers and families have begun the process to get ready for the new school year. Immunizations should be updated at each encounter, including annual physicals, interim check-ups or sport physicals.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is emphasizing precaution against mosquito-borne disease. Throughout the year, the health department works with Orange County Mosquito Control, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and state universities, to monitor for the presence of illnesses carried by mosquitoes including West Nile virus infections, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue.

"It is important for people to be aware that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and can lead to an increase in the insects. There are simple measures to reduce the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne illness," said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

Orange County residents and visitors should remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites by practicing: Drain and Cover. 

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

• DISCARD: Old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• EMPTY and CLEAN: Birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• PROTECT: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
• MAINTAIN: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellant.

• CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.

• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and confusion.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has been investigating a recent increase in cases of measles and pertussis (whooping cough), and parents are urged to make sure family members are up-to-date on immunizations. The recent increase in cases of these vaccine-preventable diseases unfortunately includes the death of an infant. Health officials are advising adults with infant children and those who will come in contact with infants to receive a tetanus/pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccination and to review their vaccination record with their physician to make sure all shots are up to date.

Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, parents may not have heard of some of today’s vaccines or the serious diseases they prevent. These diseases can be especially serious for infants and young children. One example of the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases is the increase in whooping cough cases or outbreaks that have been reported in a majority of states during 2012. The CDC reports more than 41,000 cases of pertussis in the U.S. in 2012, including 18 deaths, which is the highest number of pertussis cases in any one year in the U.S. since 1955.  Most of these deaths were in children younger than 1 year of age. 

This coming week April 20-27, 2013 happens to be National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), which is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years of age or younger.  This year’s theme is "Immunization. Power to Protect.”

“Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, healthcare professionals, and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Department of Health in Orange County. 

The health departments across Central Florida continue to work with private doctors and community health centers to help ensure that patients seek services through a medical provider home, particularly those patients who have private insurance or are enrolled in the Healthy Kids Program and Medikids which is provided by the Florida KidCare program.

“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for Department of Health in Seminole County.   

The Orange County Health Department provides immunizations Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 2:00pm at its Central Office located at 832 West Central Boulevard. Parents are urged to arrive early to obtain a walk-in ticket as services are provided on a walk-in basis. 

In Seminole County, immunizations are provided at the health department’s Sanford facility located at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32773. Hours of operation for the Immunization Clinic in Sanford are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 4:00pm and Thursday 8:00am to 11:30am.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services in both counties are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult family member or legal guardian to receive immunizations.

For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases and National Infant Immunization Week, go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/default.htm, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html.

~ Preparedness Plans in Place to Ensure Detection, Care~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) continues to closely monitor the influenza A H7N9 outbreak in China and is prepared to activate the agency’s pandemic response team should it be recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No influenza A H7N9 cases have been reported in the United States, however, the Department is being proactive by highlighting CDC guidance for testing and diagnosis of influenza A H7N9 to health care professionals to ensure detection of possible cases in Florida and to provide the best possible care if needed.

“Our Department is actively monitoring developments in China with H7N9,” said Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “Florida is ready to respond quickly to any public health crisis.” 

According to the CDC, avian influenza A viruses usually do not infect humans, however, rare cases of human infection with avian influenza A viruses have been reported. Most human infections have occurred following direct or close contact with infected poultry and are not transferred from person to person.

Floridians traveling to China should follow some basic safety steps: wash hands often or use hand sanitizer; avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth; eat meats and poultry products, including eggs, only if they have been cooked thoroughly; avoid touching animals, alive or dead, and stay away from farms, poultry markets, or other markets where animals are present.

If travelers returning from China become ill, they should advise their healthcare provider right away about their recent travel. Symptoms of influenza A H7N9 flu include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers can visit www.cdc.gov/travel for up-to-date information about CDC’s travel recommendations.

Additional information about the H7N9 virus is available by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom.

High Blood Pressure Facts

Think about the last time you had your blood pressure checked. What were the numbers? We’ll help you decode them.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number (systolic) represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number (diastolic) represents the pressure in your vessels when your heart rests between beats.

Blood Pressure Levels

Normal	systolic: less than 120 and diastolic: less than 80
At risk (prehypertension)	systolic: 120–139 and diastolic: 80–89
High	systolic:140 or higher and diastolic: 90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis Seek – requires emergency care	Systolic greater than 180 Diastolic greater than 110

Prevention

o   Adopt a healthy lifestyle - maintain a healthy weight; be physically active; follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods; choose and prepare foods with less salt

o   If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation

o   Don’t smoke.  If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) or visit http://www.quitnow.net/florida.

For more information about high blood pressure and stroke, please visit the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/

American Heart Association:  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

World Health Organization:  http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/\

SEE THIS VIDEO:  Stroke Warning Signs/Symptoms—Body Language:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH7k5CFp4hI&feature=youtu.be

As the weather continues to warm up and families return to recreational water activities, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is offering a free small device that could help save a child from drowning. Any Orange County resident who has a residential pool with children between the ages of 1 and 12 years old may be eligible to receive free door alarms that can be placed on a door or window leading out to the pool area.  The alarms, which alert a parent when a child has opened a door, are being provided through a statewide drowning prevention campaign called WaterproofFL while supplies last. 

It takes less than thirty second for a child to drown, and Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths in children between the ages of one and four. The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires pools built after 2000 to have at least one approved pool safety feature. However, over 90% of Florida’s home swimming pools were built before this act.

The WaterproofFL campaign focuses on three layers of protection, supervision, barriers, and emergency preparedness.

• Supervision is the first and most crucial layer of protection, meaning that someone is always actively watching when a child is in the pool.
• Barriers mean that a child should never be able to enter the pool area unaccompanied by a guardian. A barrier should physically block a child from the pool.
• Emergency preparedness. The moment a child stops breathing there is a small, precious window of time in which resuscitation may occur, but only if someone knows CPR. Knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death.

You can help prevent Florida’s children from drowning by implementing the layers of protection and pledging to become a Water Watcher. To receive a Free Door Alarm, contact Karen Johnson at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County at 407-858-1456.  For more information on the campaign, go to http://www.waterprooffl.com/. 

The information provided in these articles will give you a brief glimpse of the many functions and contributions of public health. Please check out the daily health topics where we have provided additional resources to get more information. In addition we hope you will click on the links to the informative public health videos.

Videos: This is Public Health - Protect Don't Infect - What is Public Health - Is Public Health a Return on Investment

Monday - Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Home for Your Family

Tuesday - Providing a Safe Environment at School

Wednesday - Creating a Healthy Workplace

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is celebrating and observing this week, April 1-7, 2013, as National Public Health Week (NPHW).  In its 18th year, National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), seeks to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving public health. This year’s theme is “Public Health is ROI. Save Lives, Save Money.”

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County will continue educating the community about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and preventing chronic diseases throughout National Public Health Week. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has created a web-based educational program to inform the public about the role of public health and the public health return on investment.  This information can be found by visiting www.orchd.com .

Every day, public health practitioners’ work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life. They work to implement programs in the community that will enhance the quality of life, help in the control of diseases, educate and create awareness of important health topics, provide care through clinical services, build partnerships, and empower communities to make a difference and take charge of their health.

“Public Health Week is a great opportunity to highlight the initiatives and health services we provide to the entire county every day, year round.  The health and safety of all people is our highest priority,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, Interim Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. 

The value of public health is all around us, we are living examples of the ROI (Return On Investment) of public health. It’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we all live, work and play. It’s in thousands of people whose lives are saved by seat belts and children protected from diseases through vaccination.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County joins with other health departments across the country for this annual recognition of the many significant contributions public health workers make to ensure and promote the health and safety of our communities.

ORLANDO – The Florida Department of Health in Orange and Seminole Counties are teaming up to highlight awareness about the prevention, transmission, and treatment of Tuberculosis as part of World TB Day 2012. World TB Day, falling on March 24th each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries.

For the second year, the Florida Department of Health joins the global Stop TB Partnership in adopting the slogan “Stop TB in my lifetime.” This slogan goes with the theme of calling for a world free of TB. This two-year campaign allows us to build upon the messages and resources developed during the last World TB Day. Both the slogan and theme encourage people all over the world, from the youngest to the oldest, to make an individual call for the elimination of TB, and say what changes they expect to take place in their lifetimes.

In Seminole County, information on TB control and treatment will be displayed at the health department in Sanford located at 400 W. Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32773 on Monday, March 25^th, in recognition of World TB Day.  In Orange County, information on TB control and treatment will be available at the health department’s Central Health Center at 832 West Central Boulevard. 

The Department of Health strives to achieve the Florida System of Tuberculosis Care’s goal of reducing the TB rate in Florida by 50 percent by 2020 and eventually eliminating TB in the state. DOH’s Tuberculosis Program serves as the foundation of the agency’s role in the Florida System of Tuberculosis Care. The program is responsible for ensuring a statewide program that meets national standards for TB elimination through policy development, allocation of resources to support program implementation, monitoring of TB trends and program evaluation.

“In their lifetimes, today's children should expect to see a world where no one gets sick with TB. In their lifetimes, women and men should expect to see a world where no one dies from TB,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, Interim Administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

In 2011, there were 10,528 TB cases reported in the US. That year Florida ranked 7th in the nation and Orange County ranked 5^th in the State of Florida for the number of active TB cases and Seminole County ranked 13^th.  

For more information on World TB Day, visit: http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day.

Orlando – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and expresses appreciation to the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the fourth annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released today. This study uses traditional, established data, much of which was obtained from the Department and is available to the people of Florida at www.floridacharts.com. 

These rankings serve as a snapshot of the health of individuals across counties in each state. The report highlights that health is a combined work in progress across a variety of community partners. The Florida Department of Health (DOH), through its county health departments, works together to improve the health of all Floridians. The data used in these rankings are available in each state and include information related to physical environment, social and economic factors, health behaviors, education, crime rate/law enforcement and clinical care.

“The Florida Department of Health works every day to bring together community partners around shared goals to improve health,” said Dr. John Armstrong, Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “As we track our progress, we are reminded there is no finish line in our efforts for better health.”

For the third straight year, Orange County’s health ranking has moved up to show an overall improvement in the county’s health, but there are areas of continuing opportunity. Orange County is ranked 12^th out of 67 counties in Florida. This can be partly attributed to continuing improvements in premature death, including infant mortality, and adult smoking rates to name a few measures.

Challenges remain for the larger community in adult obesity, rate of physical activity when compared to national benchmarks. The Department has partnered with many stakeholders to implement a Community Health Improvement Plan which has a focused effort to decrease diabetes, heart disease rates and deaths with the help of an online tool called Healthy Measures that tracks many factors that contribute to an individual’s health.

“There are many elements that impact the overall health of our community and together with the health department we are committed to making the best use of resources and services to help families choose a healthy lifestyle,” said Ken Peach, Executive Director, Health Council of East Central Florida.

“Health is everyone’s business,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, Interim Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. “Optimal health really involves a broad spectrum of partners in government, education, business and civic organizations.”

The Rankings include a snapshot of each county in Florida with a color-coded map comparing each county’s overall health ranking. There are also new county-level trend graphs detailing change over time for several of the measurements including children living in poverty, unemployment, and quality of care.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Cases of measles are rarely seen in the United States, but they are still common in some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. They can bring measles to the United States and infect others. Unvaccinated people put themselves and others at risk for measles and its serious complications.

Individuals who have received their complete routine measles vaccination, including most children, or those who had measles in the past, will have immunity to this disease.  Adults born after 1957 should receive at least one dose of measles vaccine unless they have already had measles or the vaccine and are immune. (This vaccine can also be given as measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine or measles rubella (MR) vaccine.) Those at increased risk of getting measles — college students, international travelers and healthcare workers — should receive two doses, provided they are given no less than 1 month apart.

Children should be immunized against measles with the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age. 

The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, and include:

• Blotchy rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)  

Measles is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County provides measles and other routine vaccinations at 400 West Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773.  For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html  or http://www.seminolecohealth.com/Immunizations.html      

When: Saturday, March 16, 2013

WHERE:  Orange Buick GMC,
3883 West Colonial Drive,
Orlando, FL 32808

TIME:  11:00am – 1:00pm

 Share this with your Parents, Community Leaders, and Scout Leaders and Child Care facilities.  A saving of $10 per child!

Children must be a minimum 4 years old to participate

For more information call the Children’s Safety Village at 407-521-4673.

 Sponsored by Orange GMC

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has confirmed one measles case in a 39 year old woman. The health department is conducting active routine surveillance to find any other potential cases. Epidemiologists are notifying any and all facilities the patient visited during her infectious period. The medical community has also been notified to consider the possibility of measles in patients with rash-like illnesses.    

Cases of measles are rarely seen in the United States, but they are still common in some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. They can bring measles to the United States and infect others. Unvaccinated people put themselves and others at risk for measles and its serious complications.

Individuals who have received their complete routine measles vaccination, including most children, or those who had measles in the past, will have immunity to this disease.  Adults born after 1957 should receive at least one dose of measles vaccine unless they have already had measles or the vaccine and are immune. (This vaccine can also be given as measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine or measles rubella (MR) vaccine.) Those at increased risk of getting measles — college students, international travelers and healthcare workers — should receive two doses, provided they are given no less than 1 month apart.

Children should be immunized against measles with the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age.

The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, and include:

• Blotchy rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)

Measles is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County provides measles and other routine vaccinations at 400 West Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773.  For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html  or http://www.seminolecohealth.com/Immunizations.html    

As a culmination to the National Black History month, local agencies are hosting a community dialogue on how race, beliefs, and personal biases impact our health outcomes.

"Changing our minds to change our health - Is what we believe making us sick?" is the title of conversation taking place during the “Undoing Racism Introduction Workshop” on March 1, 2013 from 2:00-4:00pm at Barnett Park, 4801 West Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808. This workshop will include local partners in our community who are committed to improving health disparities in Orange County.

This event is FREE and will be facilitated by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. We encourage executive leadership, health care practitioners, police/corrections officers, lawyers, pastors/ministers, educators, college students and front-line staff of any organization to attend. Seating is limited so please register by visiting www.orchd.com.

 “We need to break down the barriers that prevent individuals, especially people of color, from attaining health equity. By changing personal mindsets, we can eliminate barriers to quality healthcare for everyone,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, Interim Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.   

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances. 

You don’t want to miss out on one of the most thought-provoking community dialogues you will ever have relating to race and how our personal beliefs impact our community’s health, educational, legal/judicial, and economic systems. This workshop is hosted by the Orange County Infant Mortality Taskforce, Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County, Central Florida Partnership on Health Disparities, Florida Health Equity Commission and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

Undoing Racism Introduction Workshop

"Changing our minds to change our health - Is what we believe making us sick?"
A community dialogue on how race, beliefs, and personal biases impact our health outcomes.

Register now Online

Date – March 1, 2013
2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location – Barnett Park,
4801 West Colonial Drive, Orlando

Contact Person – Shaleana Eubanks-Worlds
Phone – (407) 741-5243

Print Workshop Flyer

Facilitated by: The People's Institue for Survival and Beyond

ORLANDO- Did you know that in 2010, 1 in 43 African-American Men and 1 in 64 African-American Women in Orange County is living with HIV/AIDS?  Even more alarming is the fact that many of those infected may not even know it.  February 7, 2013 will mark the thirteenth national observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).  

The Central FL NBHAAD Coalition, comprised of 14 local organizations, will hold a variety of activities including HIV education workshops and testing over the first week in February on HIV/AIDS.  The Orange County Health Department will support this event by providing free Rapid HIV testing. These activities will be highlighted by “Getting to Zero” A Community Forum, Thursday, February 7, at the Frontline Outreach, 3000 C.R. Smith Street, Orlando from 4:00pm-8:00pm. The Community Impact Forum will be an open discussion of the crisis of HIV/AIDS in the African American and minority communities, along with a segment honoring community “Unsung Heroes” in HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and community advocacy.  The forum will also include prevention information, as well as personal accounts from those living with HIV/AIDS. 

The critical nature of this effort is shown in the latest number of infections. Florida Department of Health statistics indicate in 2009 black women were 20 times more likely to become infected with HIV than white women and the HIV case rate among black males was 7 times higher than that for white males in Florida.  For 16 consecutive years, HIV has been the leading cause of death for both black men and women between the ages 25-44 in the state.

“We have to challenge the mindset and notion that we can’t be involved because of personal prejudices, based on an individual’s sexual orientation, drug addiction or behavior. This is about saving lives! We must turn this epidemic around before it takes another family member,” said John Robertson, Ph.D. of the Multi-Cultural Addictions Network, Inc and a member of the NBHAAD Strategic Leadership Council.

The community is invited to participate by attending the free Community Impact Forum and conducting activities in the weeks before or after Black AIDS Day.  Organizations can also go on the national website, www.nationalblackaidsday.org  to get information on how they can participate and get free materials.

February 7, 2013 will be the thirteenth national observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with a national theme of “I Am My Brother/ Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS”.  The local theme of “getting to zero” emphasizes the goal of drastically reducing the incidence of HIV in all communities. We hope this will be a wake-up call for everyone to “get educated, get tested, get involved and (if positive) to get treated” for HIV/AIDS and stop the devastation of all communities.

For additional information visit the NBHAAD National Website: www.nationalblackaidsday.org or call 407-297-1185.

Orlando - The Florida Department of Health in Orange County announces an affordable insurance option to help children of families without health insurance. Florida KidCare is Florida's child health insurance program for kids through age 18 who do not have insurance.  

“During a time when too many Floridians continue to struggle from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, there can be no higher or more immediate priority than having health insurance,” said Larry Williams, KidCare Regional Navigator. “The real value of health insurance may not present itself on a daily basis, but you may be only one incident away from incurring unsuspecting medical debt.”  

Parents and families that may have unique employment arrangements, or are currently unemployed may utilize Florida KidCare. It includes four different parts. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which part your child may qualify for based on age and family income.  

·                     MEDIKIDS: children ages 1 through 4.
·                     HEALTHY KIDS: children ages 5 through 18.
·                     CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES NETWORK: children birth through 18 who have special health care needs.
·                     MEDICAID: children birth through 18. A child who has other health insurance may still qualify for Medicaid.
 

Services that Florida KidCare covers include the following:

·                     doctor visits
·                     check-ups and shots
·                     hospitalization and surgery
·                     prescriptions
·                     emergencies
·                     vision and hearing
·                     dental
·                     mental health
 

Simeon Resource and Development Center has been contracted to assist families in completing applications and conducting KidCare informational presentations for civic, social and faith based groups.  For assistance in completing applications and presentations, contact Larry Williams 407-574-5436. For more information or a KidCare application, call toll-free 1-888-540-5437 (KIDS) or visit the Florida KidCare website at www.floridakidcare.org.  

A recent article in the Tampa Bay Times shows how Florida Governor Rick Scott is now sending new baby congratulations and vaccine reminders to parents.  The initiative will help remind new parents to have their children immunized to protect them from vaccine preventable diseases. 

To see the entire article go to http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/gov-scott-to-send-new-baby-congratulations-8212-and-vaccine-reminders/1272089  

Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect. The Orange County Health Department along with many other collaborating partners such as the Healthy Start Coalition, March of Dimes, and the Infant Mortality Task Force are committed to the health of every baby in Orange County and would like to continue helping women in our community reduce that risk.

“Birth defects impact the lives of the entire family and community. We can all play an essential role in helping prevent birth defects by encouraging the women in our lives to receive early pre-natal care and follow important steps to a healthy pregnancy and baby,” said Lesli P. Ahonkhai, Interim Administrator of the Orange County Health Department.

In the United States, about one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant death, accounting for more than 1 of every 5 infant deaths. In addition, babies born with birth defects have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies without birth defects.

Birth defects occur before a baby is born.  Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming.  This is a very important stage of development.  However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, the tissues and organs continue to grow and develop.

Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, a woman can increase her own chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. Women can take the following steps in preparing for a healthy pregnancy:

·         Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day

·         Don't drink alcohol, smoke or use “street” drugs

·         Ensure regular dental visits and see a health care professional regularly

·         Talk to a health care provider about taking any medications

·         Learn how to prevent infections during pregnancy

·         Talk to your doctor about vaccinations

·         Keep any medical condition including diabetes under control

·         Reach and maintain a healthy weight

~Parents urged to make sure children are up to date on basic vaccinations~

The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has confirmed four measles cases in children of an Orange County family. Through routine epidemiology investigation of these children’s activities, one child who attended a local daycare center, was identified with measles. The other three were infectious during the winter holidays when school was out of session.

The Department has sent a letter notifying any and all facilities the children visited while being infectious and encouraged them to also notify others who may have had contact with the children during that time. Each facility is in the process of contacting any potential contacts. The medical community has also been notified to be aware of rash-like illness in any patient. Individuals who have received their routine measles vaccination, including most children, or those who had measles in the past, will have immunity to this disease. 

The Department encourages families to help protect their children by making sure they have their children immunized against measles with the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age.

The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, and include:

• Blotchy rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)

Measles is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears.

The Orange County Health Department provides measles and other routine vaccinations at the Department’s Central Health Center located at 832 West Central Boulevard.  For more information about measles and vaccination information, go to www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html , or www.orchd.com/personalHealth/immunizations/index.asp.

ORLANDO – An Interim Administrator has been named to lead The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) after the agency’s Director was appointed to an interim state level leadership role at the Florida Department of Health. 

The Orange County Health Department’s Health Protection Bureau Division Director
Lesli Ahonkhai, MA, has been appointed Interim Administrator of OCHD.  Ms. Ahonkhai will be leading the health department while the current Director Dr. Kevin Sherin fills an interim position. 

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of an experienced and competent leader. Lesli has been the Bureau Chief of Health Protection since 2008 and possesses solid public health and administrative skills to successfully lead the public health team in Orange County.
I look forward to returning to the county in the spring,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin. 

State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong recently appointed OCHD Director Kevin Sherin, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, to serve as the Interim Director of the Division for Disease Control and Health Protection in Tallahassee, effective Jan. 11.  Dr. Sherin will temporarily oversee bureau programs of communicable diseases, environmental health and epidemiology.

Dr. Sherin is a Past President of the Florida Public Health Association, Florida Association of County Health Officials, and the American Association of Public Health Physicians. He has served on local and national Public Health and Family Practice boards and co-chaired national work groups. He is a Past Board Chair of the Florida Public Health Institute, served on the State Tobacco Advisory Council, and currently serves on the National Association of County and City Health Officials Board. 

Ms. Ahonkhai is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida Public Health Leadership Institute, and Leadership Orlando.  She has led national and state public health practice collaboratives, served on state and local advisory committees and is President elect for the Florida Public Health Association.

ORLANDO – Are you up to the challenge? Local churches and schools have accepted the challenge to live a healthy lifestyle by participating at the 7th Annual Washington Shores 5K Walk & Health Fair.  You, too, can accept the challenge and take part in the Washington Shores 5K Walk on Saturday, March 9 from 8:00am – 12:00pm at Hankins Park located at 1340 Lake Park Court, Orlando.  You may register as an individual or create a walk team. The “challenge” is for teams from churches, schools, civic organizations, and businesses.  Prizes will be given to the teams having the most participants. Register now online for the 5k walk.  

This event is collaboration between the Orange County Health Department, City of Orlando and Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc to encourage residents to live a healthier lifestyle by becoming more physically active and eating healthier.

“The Washington Shores 5K Walk has brought the community together with the common goal of getting active to live a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an excellent way to practice physical activity in order to live a healthy life”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Adults and children with healthy lifestyles are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Together, these conditions now comprise 62.5% of all deaths in Florida, compared to less than 20% 70 years ago. In order to help control the risk factors for stroke and other chronic diseases, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle which includes: not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and visiting a doctor to monitor your health.

Attendees can also enjoy health screenings, health information, healthy snacks, cooking demonstrations, and other fun activities such as a hula hoop contest, stepping demonstration, martial arts demonstration, zumba, yoga and massages. (all this same this year?)

For more information about this event, please contact the Orange County Health Department at 407-858-1464 or visit www.orchd.com.

Join us at the

7th Annual Washington Shores 5K Walk & Health Fair (pdf 3415 kb)

March 9, 2013
On-site registration begins 8:00 a.m.
Walk begins 9:00 a.m.

Hankins Park
1340 Lake Park Court
Orlando, FL 32805  

Register Now Online!

Have you set a Goal to Become Healthier this Year?
Come join us! SATURDAY, March 9th from 8:00 - 9:30 AM (5 K Walk 9:00 - 9:40 AM)
Good for the whole family (strollers welcome!)

FREE FUN & FAMILY FESTIVITIES!

Entertainment (Radio Disney and Just Dance Too – and more!)

Join The Orange County Health Department and the City of Orlando and take one giant step toward making our communities the healthiest in the nation! Join us for this easy, 5K walk which is great for kids, grandparents and everyone in between. There is a 1 Mile course for seniors and young children.

For more information call 407-858-1464 or email theresa_madison@doh.state.fl.us.

Activities Include:

• Health screenings
• Cooking demonstration and sampling of healthy cuisine
• Fitness Assessment  
• Zumba
• Yoga
• Step demonstration
• Games for the Kids  
• Hula hoop contests (children and adults)
• Healthy snacks
• Door prizes

All participating businesses and organizations will receive a certificate

The Florida Department of Health continues to work the CDC and FDA and will provide updates to all Floridians as needed.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

###

TALLAHASSEE – State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong today appointed Kevin Sherin, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, to serve as the Interim Director of the Division for Disease Control and Health Protection, effective Jan. 11. Dr. Sherin will oversee bureau programs of communicable diseases, environmental health and epidemiology. He is currently the Director of the Orange County Health Department.

"Dr. Sherin brings tremendous skills in collaboration and leadership to this division," said Dr. Armstrong. "He understands that disease control is best achieved through integrated state, county, and community efforts."

Prior to his work in Orange County, he was a residency Director at the University of Illinois Family Medicine Residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago from 1994-2004. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, received his MD from Loyola Medical School, in Chicago, and received an MPH from the University Of Illinois College Of Public Health in Chicago, and completed an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Isenberg School of Management at Amherst. He completed a residency in Family Practice with the University of Illinois and served as Chief Resident. He completed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Leadership Institute and its new health officer orientation.

Dr. Sherin is a Past President of the Florida Public Health Association, Florida Association of County Health Officials, and the American Association of Public Health Physicians. He has served on local and national Public Health and Family Practice boards and co-chaired national work groups. He is a Past Board Chair of the Florida Public Health Institute, served on the State Tobacco Advisory Council, and currently serves on the National Association of County and City Health Officials Board.

Between 1990-2000, Dr. Sherin established three HIV clinics in three cities, and two states and served as an HIV Clinician. He has authored and is publishing guidelines for HIV in Public Health and Primary Care.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at

@HealthyFlaand on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom.

###

The Orange County Health Department works in partnership with the Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County to ensure pregnant women have access to care and to improve maternal and infant health while reducing the number of preterm births, low birth weight babies, and infant mortalities.  Prenatal and postnatal providers are also an important part to make sure babies have a healthy start by the screenings they do to identify women and infants who are risk for having a poor birth or developmental outcome.  To see the latest news such as top performing providers, go to this link http://www.healthystartorange.org/providers.html for the Provider Exchange newsletter produced by the Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County. 

The states this year (Fiscal Year 2012) will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the 1998 state tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 percent of it – $456.7 million – on programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit. This means the states are spending less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use.

Both the total amounts states are spending on tobacco prevention programs and the percentage of tobacco revenue spent on these programs are the lowest since 1999, when the states first received significant tobacco settlement funds.

With nearly 20 percent of Americans still smoking, the report warns that continued progress against tobacco use – the nation’s number one cause of preventable death – is at risk unless states increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The report also calls on states to increase tobacco taxes and, for states that have yet to do so, to enact strong smoke-free laws that apply to all workplaces, restaurants and bars.

The report further calls on the federal government to launch a national tobacco prevention and cessation campaign, including a mass-media campaign and support for telephone quitlines, as the Obama Administration proposed in its Tobacco Control Strategic Action Plan. It also calls for preservation of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, created by the health care reform law to support such disease prevention initiatives.

The report, titled “A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 13 Years Later,” was released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. Issued annually, the report assesses whether states have kept their promise to use tobacco settlement funds – expected to total $246 billion over the first 25 years – to fight tobacco use.

“More than ever, this report shows that the states have squandered the opportunity presented by the tobacco settlement to significantly reduce tobacco use and its devastating toll on our nation,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “It’s no coincidence that progress against tobacco has slowed at the same time that states have slashed tobacco prevention funds. We cannot win the fight against tobacco unless elected officials at all levels step up efforts to implement proven solutions.”

Other findings of this year's report include:

• Most states are falling far short of recommended funding levels for tobacco prevention programs set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The $456.7 million the states have budgeted is just 12 percent of the $3.7 billion the CDC recommends for all the states combined. It would take less than 15 percent of total state tobacco revenues to fully fund tobacco prevention programs in every state.
• States have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs by $61.2 million (12 percent) in the past year and by $260.5 million (36 percent) in the past four years.
• Counting both state funds and federal grants, only Alaska and North Dakota currently fund tobacco prevention programs at CDC-recommended levels. Only four other states provide even half the recommended funding, while 33 states and Washington, DC, provide less than a quarter. Four states – Connecticut, Nevada, New Hampshire and Ohio – and DC have budgeted zero state funds for tobacco prevention this year.
• Tobacco companies spend $23 to market tobacco products for every $1 the states spend to fight tobacco use. According to the latest data from the Federal Trade Commission, tobacco companies spend $10.5 billion a year on marketing.
• Federal grants have helped to cushion the impact of state funding cuts, but some of that funding is temporary and will run out this year. In fiscal year 2012, the federal government is providing $91.2 million in state and community grants to reduce tobacco use. States have also received $196.4 million in stimulus funds for tobacco prevention, some of which will be spent this year.

The report comes as recent surveys have found that smoking declines in the United States have slowed. The CDC recently reported that the adult smoking rate in 2010 was 19.3 percent – only a small decline since 2004 when 20.9 percent smoked. While smoking among high school students has declined by 46 percent from a high of 36.4 percent in 1997, 19.5 percent still smoke.

“It is truly penny-wise and pound-foolish for the states to cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “These programs not only reduce smoking, but also lower tobacco-related health care costs that total nearly $100 billion annually. Tobacco prevention programs are smart investments that save lives and money.”

“Tobacco prevention and cessation programs are a great example that when we invest in prevention and public health, we save lives, improve health and reduce health care costs. For example, we know that smoke-free workplaces and funding programs to help smokers quit are a win for business, worker productivity and a healthier community,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“We know that the most effective way to curb the tobacco epidemic in this country is through regularly and significantly increasing tobacco taxes, enacting comprehensive smoke-free laws and fully funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs,” said John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. “States are putting lives at risk and leaving potential state revenue on the table when they fall short of implementing strong tobacco control policies.”

“The continued devastating cuts in tobacco prevention spending in 2011 are unfortunately part of a broader pattern of states backsliding on putting in place policies and making investments to fight tobacco use,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Charles D. Connor. “States are missing a key opportunity to save lives and money.”

"Comprehensive tobacco control programs not only reduce smoking, but they also prevent a new generation of young smokers and lead to policies that protect workers from exposure to secondhand smoke in public places and workplaces," said Cynthia Hallett, MPH, Executive Director of Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights. "It is a tragedy that less that 2 percent of tobacco revenue goes to evidence-based tobacco prevention programs. States should be advocating for public health and not toeing the line for the tobacco industry."

Tobacco use kills more than 400,000 people in the United States each year and costs the nation $96 billion in health care bills. Every day, another 1,000 kids become regular smokers – one-third of them will die prematurely as a result.

More information, including the full report and state-specific information, can be obtained at www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements.

In addition, the resolution urges the Florida Legislature to support local home-rule power over County owned property, especially public parks and other places where children play.

Read Full Text of Resolution (PDF 42kb)

The resolution further urges the Florida Legislature to support local home rule power over City owned property, especially public parks and other places where children play.

Read the full text of the Resolution (PDF 54kb)

Register today for FREE! This is a 6 week program to become tobacco-free and includes nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches at no cost to you! Registration is required. Classes sizes are limited. To register please call 1-877-252-6094.

Classes available at:

Tuesday, February 21- March 27 5:30pm - 6:30pm
6101 Lake Ellenor Dr.
Orlando, FL 32809

Download Flyer (PDF 322kb)

The announcement came during Hitt’s State of the University address, which was held in front of students, alumni and community members in the Pegasus Ballroom of the UCF Student Union.

Hitt declared that UCF will host public discussions and forums as the second-largest university formulates its new smoking policy, which would align UCF with anti-smoking moves being made by Orange County government and Florida Hospital.

Hitt also addressed how underage drinking became a topic on campus following UCF freshman Ann Hefferin’s death.

“As president of this university, let me be very clear: UCF has no tolerance for underage and excessive drinking, drinking while driving, or illegal drug possession and use on our campuses,” Hitt said.

Ida Cook, Chair of the Faculty Senate, also spoke, along with UCF SGA President Matt McCann.

McCann expressed how students are hurting following major blows the Bright Futures Scholarship program has sustained at the state level, combined with the tuition hikes students are being slammed with year after year.

“Times are tough. These issues are being felt by all students within the State University System, some more than others,” McCann said.

McCann also announced a plan to bring a video rental service, similar to “Red Box,” to campus.

ORLANDO - Mosquito populations are exploding throughout the entire Orange County area as a result of the heavy rains we recently experienced.  Orange County Mosquito Control has increased spraying in all areas of the county in an attempt to control the populations. The usual precautions with mosquito repellents, long sleeves, long pants are critically important now.

Throughout the year, OCHD works with Orange County Mosquito Control, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and state universities, to monitor for the presence of illnesses carried by mosquitoes. This "It is important for people to be aware that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and can lead to an increase in the insects. There are simple measures to reduce the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne illness," said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Orange County residents and visitors should remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites by following the "5 D’s," which include:

• DRAINAGE – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
• DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
• DRESS – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• DUSK and DAWN – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

• DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• DISCARD: Old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• EMPTY and CLEAN: Birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• PROTECT: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
• MAINTAIN: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. Department of Health (DOH) laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne illnesses.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, visit the DOH Environmental Health website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html

The measure also urges the Florida Legislature to support local home-rule power over municipally-owned property, especially public parks and other public places where children play.

The City of Belle Isle is the second city in Orange County to adopt such a resolution. On September 12, the City of Orlando passed a similar resolution.

See the full text of the resolution.

Event Details:

Saturday, November 5, 2011
Mall of Millenia - Orlando, FL
Registration begins at 7:00am
Race begins at 8:00am

Event Details:

Sunday, October 25
11:00am - 7:00pm
Orlando City Hall

• Studies Reporting Outdoor Tobacco Smoke (OTS) Levels and Exposures (PDF 45kb)
• Measurements of Outdoor Air Pollution From Secondhand Smoke on the UMBC Campus (PDF 850kb)
• Real-Time Measurement of Outdoor Tobacco Smoke Particles (PDF 376kb)

Smokers, beware. The already-hostile atmosphere for smokers in public schools has gotten even more repressive. The Orange County School Board on Tuesday night expanded a policy that prevents tobacco use in school buildings so that it prohibits tobacco use anywhere on school grounds or on Board property, including recreational areas and stadiums. Visitors are expected to comply, as well. Lake County schools already have a similar no-tobacco policy.

Enforcement, which includes referral to a smoking cessation program, is set to begin January 1, 2012. The new policy will enable principals to end teacher smoke breaks, board members were told.

The Board’s only hesitiation was the cost of mounting signage at all of its properties, as well as the printing costs for cards to hand out to violators. But the Orange County Health Department stepped in and paid the entire cost.

In return, the board was presented with bags and T-shirts from the “All In” project, an anti-tobacco organization funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Board member Kat Gordon asked, half-seriously, if the T-shirts were cheap, so as to be allowable gifts to school board members, who can’t take valuable items.

The City Council passed a resolution Monday that urges smokers not to light up in public parks and other outdoor spots where secondhand smoke could harm children.

The measure stops short of banning outdoor smoking because that's something the city doesn't have the authority to do. But it does ask the Florida Legislature to grant cities that power so Orlando officials can pursue an outright ban in the future.

"We want the public to realize our children need healthy areas to play in, and we can help with that," said Commissioner Sam Ings, who introduced the resolution.

Ings pushed for the measure with help from the Orange County Health Department and the All In project, an anti-tobacco organization funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was backed by Mayor Buddy Dyer, as well.

Even though the resolution doesn't allow the city to actually prohibit smoking on the sidewalk or at the park, smoking advocates see it as a larger attack on their rights.

"The anti-tobacco people have an overall agenda, which is to establish a prohibition of tobacco products. They are using this resolution of the city of Orlando in their scheme to ban all tobacco products," said Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of Orlando's Corona Cigar Company.

Dyer, whose father died of emphysema, said the Legislature should let locals decide whether smoking should be prohibited.

"I'm hopeful they'll give each local government the authority to decide where smoking is appropriate," he said.

The city's resolution originally went beyond parks to include sidewalks and public plazas, but those areas were deleted at the last minute.

Ings said some commissioners were concerned about going too far, even with a nonbinding resolution that simply asks people not to smoke.

"We know children play in parks," Ings said. "We're honing in on those places where children play."

Other cities, including Winter Park, are reportedly considering similar resolutions.

A poll commissioned in May by All In found that 60 percent of registered voters in Orange County support banning all tobacco use in public parks.

mschlueb@tribune.com or 407-420-5417

The all in project, as part of our public health education campaign is launching a FREE mobile information service that provides cessation and counter tobacco messages to help educate the public about the harmful effects of tobacco on our community.

People who text CLEAR AIR to 37932 will receive messages 2 times per week on the health effects of second-hand smoke. The messages may include startling statisitics, ways to protect yourself and your children, public opinon questions, and information about smoke-free events in Orange County, FL.

People who text SMOKE FREE to 37932 will receive messages 3 times per week on smoking cessation. The messages will include motivational quit tips, tobacco facts, benefits of quitting, and where to go for counseling and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

If you want to stop receiving messages at any time text STOP to 37932 or help, text HELP to 37932.

FREE to sign up. Standard text messaging rates may apply.

FAQ

Do I have to pay for incoming text messages? No. This is a FREE service made possible with funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and all in. However, you should check with your carrier - standard text messaging rates may apply.

How many text messages will I receive a week? After signing up- you will receive 2-3 messages per week, depending on the program you are enrolled in. If you are enrolled in both  you should expect to receive messages up to 5 times per week.

When will text messages be sent? Messages will be sent at 1:00pm daily. The SMOKE FREE campaign will send out messages on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The CLEAR AIR campaign will send out messages on Tuesday and Thursday.

What topics do these text messages cover? Text messages may include startling statistics, ways to protect you and your children from the dangers of second-hand smoke, public opinion questions, information about smoke-free events, motivational quit tips, tobacco facts, benefits of quitting, and where to go for counseling and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

What is the source of the text messages? Messages were developed by the all in project. The all in project was created as a result of funding from a Federal grant to support public health efforts to reduc tobacco us and exposure from second-hand smoke. This grant award is part of the Department of Health and Human Services Communities Putting Prevention to Work initative.  

For how long will I receive text messages? The messages will be sent over a period of 5 months.

How do I stop getting text messages? Text STOP to 37932.

Valencia is following the lead of several other Florida colleges and universities that have become smoke-free, meaning they don't allow students, faculty or visitors to smoke anywhere on school grounds — not even in cars in the parking lots.

Last summer, University of Florida in Gainesville banned smoking as well as the use of all tobacco products. Miami Dade College announced in April that it's now tobacco-free.

Meanwhile, several colleges across Central Florida — including Stetson University in DeLand and Seminole State College in Seminole County — will be discussing taking similar steps this coming school year.

"I hate to interfere in people's private lives and habits, but secondhand smoke affects everyone," said Valencia College President Sandy Shugart.

Colleges are also concerned about the cost and time it takes to clean up after tobacco users.

Valencia began debating the change about a year ago. Officials will spend the next year preparing its about 67,000 students and 3,500 employees for the August 2012 launch of the ban, including installing signs and promoting smoking-cessation programs.

Evan Salfelder, who is studying at Valencia to become an emergency-medical technician, thinks it's unfair for administrators to force everyone to give up smoking because of inconsiderate smokers who litter and blow smoke near others.

On a recent morning, Salfelder sat beneath a tree on the Kissimmee campus, away from buildings and the sidewalk, smoking Marlboros.

"What am I doing wrong that I'm being punished for?" he asked.

Florida law prohibits smoking in public buildings such as college classrooms and interior hallways. A growing number of colleges and universities are extending the ban to at least some other sections of campus.

As of July 1, there were at least 530 smoke-free colleges in the United States, according to the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. This time last year, there were 420.

About four years ago, Stetson University began prohibiting smoking and other tobacco uses within 50 feet of building entrances, intake vents, sporting venues, university-owned vehicles or areas designated with no-smoking signs.

But the rule has been hard to enforce — a lot of people have trouble judging what constitutes 50 feet — so college leaders have been debating banning tobacco altogether, said Lynn Stadelman, Stetson's director of wellness and recreation.

This past spring, members of Stetson's Student Government Association were split when they voted on a campus-wide ban. The group will likely take up the issue again this fall, Stadelman said.

"It seems like it gains more support every year," she said.

Rollins College in Winter Park is reviewing its smoking policy as well.

At University of Central Florida, officials said they will be exploring ways to make the campus a healthier environment. Smoking is among the topics they will take up with students and employees.

A smoking ban was discussed by student leaders at Seminole State College this year. Christopher Ross, student-government president for the Sanford-Lake Mary campus, said students will be polled to try to gauge their support for a ban.

"It is sometimes uncomfortable to walk by certain areas on campus and have to cover up because the smell bothers me," he said. "But at the same time, I am aware that some students really have a strong urge to smoke on campus."

Alex Bravo, a criminal-justice student at Valencia, is glad his college has already made a decision.

He is tired of walking through cigarette smoke in the school parking lot and looking at cigarette butts on the sidewalks.

"If people want to smoke, I feel like they need to go elsewhere," Bravo said.

dbalona@tribune.com or 407-420-5470

Despite this progress, due to their wide reach, youth-rated movies still accounted for more than 40 percent of the smoking impressions delivered to U.S. theatre audiences in 2010, down from nearly 55 percent in 2005.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ strategic plan to reduce tobacco use included reducing youth exposure to on-screen smoking. Nearly 80 percent of all adult smokers begin before the age of 18 and research concludes that on-screen smoking is a major factor in youth smoking uptake. The World Health Organization and numerous public health and health professional organizations have recommended several policies that would be effective in reducing harm from on-screen tobacco exposure, including assigning an R-rating for new movies that portray tobacco imagery so that studios would leave smoking and other tobacco use out of films designed to be marketed to youth.

“Each day in the United States, about 3,400 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 smoke their first cigarette, and an estimated 850 youth become daily cigarette smokers,” said Ursula Bauer, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Completely eliminating smoking from new youth-rated movies could help prevent America’s young people from starting down the road of tobacco addiction, disease, and premature death.”

Today’s report emphasizes that point, concluding that, “Although three major motion picture companies have excluded nearly all tobacco incidents from their top-grossing youth-rated movies, inconsistent performance among motion picture companies threatens continuing progress. Consistent with the effects of anti-tobacco use policies adopted by the three motion picture companies, expanding the R-rating to include movies with smoking could further reduce exposures of young persons to onscreen tobacco incidents, making smoking initiation less likely.”

“Comcast/Universal, Disney, and Time Warner/Warner Bros. are to be commended for responding to this problem responsibly and nearly eliminating tobacco from their G, PG and PG-13 movies,” said Stanton Glantz, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine at University of California, San Francisco and Director of the Smoke Free Movies Project, another author of the study. “Without a uniform R-rating for smoking, it will be difficult to make further progress to finally end smoking depictions in films rated for youth that entice them to begin deadly life-long addictions.”

“This report reminds us that while we have made progress to reduce tobacco incidents in youth-rated films, youth are still exposed to billions of tobacco impressions every year. In 2007, the MPAA indicated it would consider smoking when rating films, and now would be the perfect time to act. Youth-rated films (mostly PG-13) still accounted for an astonishing 54 percent of top-grossing movies with onscreen smoking from 2005 - 2010, so an industry-wide R-rating policy addressing this issue has enormous potential to save lives.” said Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of Legacy, the public health foundation that co-funded the research.

The report in today’s MMWR highlights the fact that in 2010, 15 states spent $288 million subsidizing top-grossing films with smoking in them. That is more than they budgeted for their tobacco control programs in 2011 ($280 million). The report suggests that these subsidy programs be harmonized with state health policies by making future film projects with tobacco content ineligible for tax payer support.

Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down!, a project of Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails, collected the data for the report.

The National Cancer Institute, the Institute of Medicine and other authorities, state that there is a causal relationship between smoking in the movies and youth uptake of smoking. Smoking in films has also been a major public health priority for organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Legacy and more. The groups are urging film studios to endorse four policy solutions developed by the national Smoke-Free Movies campaign:

1. Rating “R” any new movie with smoking, with the exception of movies that depict the health consequences of smoking or actual historic figures who actually smoked
2. Inserting strong, evidence-based anti-smoking public service announcements (PSAs) before movies with smoking, in all distribution and exhibition channels;
3. Requiring producers to certify that no consideration of any kind was received for tobacco depictions in a film; and
4. Ending the depiction of tobacco brands on screen.

“Smoking in Top-Grossing Movies – United States, 2010” reports that:

• Tobacco incidences in top-grossing youth-rated films declined by 66 percent since 2005.
• Three major movie studios have almost eliminated tobacco from their youth-rated movies, reducing the number of tobacco incidents per film (G/PG/PG13) by 96 percent.
• In contrast, studios without policies as well as independent companies reduced tobacco depictions in youth-rated movies by an average of only 42 percent over the same period.

The data find that three major movie studios (Comcast/Universal, Disney and Time Warner/Warner Bros.) have almost eliminated tobacco from their youth-rated movies, reducing the number of tobacco incidents per film (G/PG/PG13) by 96 percent. In contrast, studios without policies as well as independent companies (News Corporation/Twentieth Century Fox, Sony/Columbia/Screen Gems and Viacom/Paramount) reduced tobacco depictions in youth-rated movies by an average of only 42 percent over the same period.

MMWR: Smoking in Top-Grossing Movies - US, 2010 (PDF 2MB)

Monday, July 4, 2011
4:00pm - 10:00pm
Downtown Orlando

Join us at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando for a fantastic 4th of July fireworks display. Not is this event commemorating our country, but it is also smoke-free! Festivities begin at 4:00pm. Fireworks display starts at 9:30pm. Bring the family for this patriotic celebration of fun, food, and fanfare at Lake Eola Park. This smoke-free event sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services and all in.    

For more information about this event visit: http://www.wmmo.com/s/fireworksatthefountain/

Orange County Health Department’s “Climate Change and Your Health” video is one of several products created by the Environmental Health office for the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of the Climate Change Demonstration Site grant the Health Department received in 2009. The video is collaboration of NACCHO, CDC and DOH with assistance from Orange TV. It covers public health topics such as air, water, society, nutrition and disease impacts as they relate to climate change and includes focused discussion with experts from both the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.

Climate Change: The Effects on Air and Water
Transcript

Climate Change: Disease and the Effects on Health
Transcript

Climate Change: The Effects on Society
Transcript

With the help of a federal grant for tobacco prevention and control in our community, the Orange County Health Department and community partners are working to develop a framework to implement comprehensive smoke-free air policies. This grant award is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative.  OCHD will be implementing smoke-free policies at each health department campus. This initiative called all in will:

• Inform and educate the community on the importance of tobacco-free environments

• Encourage medical providers to adopt the Ask. Advise. Refer. (AAR) intervention initiative to promote cessation services to their patients

• Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke by raising awareness of the health threats that second-hand smoke poses to others and increasing motivation to quit

• Monitor air quality of indoor and outdoor facilities that allow smoking

• Support the adoption of tobacco-free policies, and promote the use of the Florida Quitline cessation services

The Orange County Health Department also works to promote a tobacco-free atmosphere through the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT). The Tobacco Free Partnership’s goal is to:

• Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults

• Increase restriction on minors' access to tobacco and reduce tobacco industry influence

• Eliminate second-hand smoke exposure

• Promote cessation and increase the use of cessation services

SWAT is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco.  It is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. OCHD currently has six (6) SWAT Chapters.  Five are operating out of community centers and one private school.  They are as follows: Boys and Girls Club, Jackson Community Center, Orlo-Vista Park, Pine Castle Christian Academy, Callahan Community Center, and Wadeview Community Center.

Partnering agencies working with the health department include the American Lung Association: http://www.lungusa.org/associations/states/florida/ and the
Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention: http://www.cmwp.org/

Helping smokers quit is an important opportunity to not only save lives, but also save Florida money. The American Lung Association estimates that providing smoking cessation treatments can save the state $44.1 million dollars a year. OCHD provides, through federal and state tobacco programs, proven evidence-based strategies to help …. thereby reducing chronic diseases.  For every dollar invested, we save $5.60 in health care cost.

The city, in partnership with the American Lung Association, the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership, all in, ACHIEVE Healthier Communities Leadership Team, and others, have joined together to encourage tobacco-free parks this month, reduce the threat of disease caused by tobacco use and reduce the exposure of tobacco use in the community.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), creating a tobacco-free zone is an evidence-based strategy that when combined with other interventions can have a profound effect on improving health behaviors by changing the environment of the community. This is just one way the city is promoting a healthier lifestyle by encouraging voluntary compliance for its parks to be tobacco-free for the month of February.

Mayor Ken Bradley poses with Lakemont Elementary students, the all in team, and others who helped declare February Tobacco Free Parks Month on Tuesday.

City of Winter Park - Press Release (PDF 173kb)

Tobacco – Helping smokers quit is an important opportunity to not only save lives, but also save Florida money. The American Lung Association estimates that providing smoking cessation treatments can save the state $44.1 million dollars a year. OCHD provides, through federal and state tobacco programs, proven evidence-based strategies to help …. thereby reducing chronic diseases.  For every dollar invested, we save $5.60 in health care cost. With the help of a federal grant for tobacco prevention and control in our community, the Orange County Health Department and community partners are working to develop a framework to implement comprehensive smoke-free air policies. This grant award is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative.  OCHD will be implementing smoke-free policies at each health department campus. This initiative called all in will:

• Inform and educate the community on the importance of tobacco-free environments

• Encourage medical providers to adopt the Ask. Advise. Refer. (AAR) intervention initiative to promote cessation services to their patients

• Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke by raising awareness of the health threats that second-hand smoke poses to others and increasing motivation to quit

• Monitor air quality of indoor and outdoor facilities that allow smoking

• Support the adoption of tobacco-free policies, and promote the use of the Florida Quitline cessation services

The Orange County Health Department also works to promote a tobacco-free atmosphere through the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT). The Tobacco Free Partnership’s goal is to:

• Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults

• Increase restriction on minors' access to tobacco and reduce tobacco industry influence

• Eliminate second-hand smoke exposure

• Promote cessation and increase the use of cessation services

SWAT is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco.  It is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. OCHD currently has six (6) SWAT Chapters.  Five are operating out of community centers and one private school.  They are as follows: Boys and Girls Club, Jackson Community Center, Orlo-Vista Park, Pine Castle Christian Academy, Callahan Community Center, and Wadeview Community Center.

Partnering agencies working with the health department include the American Lung Association: http://www.lungusa.org/associations/states/florida/ and the
Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention: http://www.cmwp.org/

Teen Pregnancy – In Florida, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has found one less teen pregnancy to a mother 17 and younger saves an average annual cost of $3,652. Teen births in Florida cost taxpayers a total of $8.1 billion over a 10 year period. The costs of childbearing are greatest for younger teens. Investing in teen pregnancy prevention not only improves the lives of young people, it saves money. The Orange County Health Department has a family planning outreach program which provides education to the residents of Orange County.  Topics include family planning; breast health; and teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention. The program provides workshops, health fairs and information sessions at Orange County Public Schools, churches, apartment buildings, barber shops, beauty salons and other community based organizations who request our services. The program is enhanced by the Becoming a Responsible Teen program, an evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention program and the Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Promise (L.E.A.P) program. These programs are geared to reach middle and high school students in Orange County.

In addition, Making Positive Choices -  an intervention program to help college students regarding risk behaviors that focus on HIV/AIDS, STD prevention, family planning, and teen pregnancy, is designed to operate in conjunction with the students in the Bridges Program at Valencia Community College’s East and West Campus during the fall and spring semester.  Each year a total of 50 students are selected to be trained as peer mentors.  These students then teach their peers on campus regarding the importance of “making positive choices” and avoiding risk behaviors and how to conduct surveys to measure the student’s knowledge of HIV.

Community Gardens - OCHD’s Office of Community Health, in partnership with Get Active Orlando, has worked to place a community garden in the Parramore community. There are 19 plots available for Parramore residents to grow their own organic fruits and vegetables. The garden is located on Robinson Street near Parramore Avenue. The Parramore Community Garden is a community beautification project that has transformed a vacant lot into a living green space. The garden has been providing healthy, affordable food for at least 4 planting seasons. The garden helps to encourage the neighborhood to eat healthy foods and get physical activity by working in and maintaining the garden. It also helps strengthen the community, and creates recreational and therapeutic opportunities.

Get Active Orlando: http://getactiveorlando.com/home/.

OCHD’s PACE EH project (Protocols for Assessing Community Excellence in Environmental Health) is partnering with the Apopka Community Garden to strengthen the Apopka community; create recreational activity; and encourage healthy nutrition. The garden was started by the City of Apopka’s Commissioner Billie Dean and is located at the corner of 9th Street and Park Avenue. Plots are available for the residents of Apopka to grow their own organic fruits and vegetables. As a result of this effort, a vacant lot is being transformed into a living green space and the garden has been providing healthy, affordable food for at least 3 planting seasons.

Apopka Community Garden: http://apopkacommunitygarden.com/
City of Apopka: http://www.apopka.net/

Bicycle Give-a-way - The OCHD’s Office of Community Health, in partnership with Get Active Orlando, coordinates a semi-annual bicycle give-a-way to help increase physical activity for clients on a low-income. The bicycles given away have been confiscated by the Orlando Police Department and Lynx and restored by the Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Club. In addition to the bicycles, Get Active Orlando also gives the recipients helmets, lights, and locks. Through this partnership, more than 100 free bikes have been given away.

Orlando Police Department: http://www.cityoforlando.net/police/
Lynx: http://golynx.com/
Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Club: http://www.floridafreewheelers.com/.

Breastfeeding Program - The OCHD’s WIC (Women, Infants & children) Program breastfeeding initiation rate is one of the highest in the state. With the help of an initiative called the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, the WIC breastfeeding rate is currently approximately 80% compared to the statewide rate of 73.9%. WIC safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. The service is important because according to the U.S. General Accounting Office, for every dollar spent in prenatal WIC participation, there is a savings of $3.50 over the next 18 years in other costs such as hospitalization, outpatient care, special education, and supplemental income for disabled children. The WIC Program has 10 peer counselors who work in clinics providing one on one and group classes to encourage and support pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. They are able to help mothers who may be having challenges and difficulties learning to breastfeed. Also, according to research studies, breast fed children have fewer allergies, as well as a reduced risk of diabetes, some childhood cancers, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Studies also show that women who breast feed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, anemia, and osteoporosis. Some studies also suggest breastfeeding lowers the risk of obesity in children.

The Florida Department of Health estimates that eliminating just one hospitalization from a motor vehicle injury saves more than $42,000 dollars in health care costs.  This cost does not include the lives lost prematurely and those who sustained disabling injuries that will likely result in life-long medical treatment and the inability to work. The Orange County Health Department has created a teen safe driving risk communication campaign to encourage teens to reduce and avoid distractions while driving, or to speak-up as a passenger if riding with a distracted driver. The campaign is called B.A.D. which stands for "Be Aware of Distractions!" The campaign which consisted of a 30 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) teaches teen drivers on the many driving distractions, both physical and mental, that may increase the likelihood of being involved in a potentially deadly motor vehicle crash. The PSA aired May through July 2009 at a local movie theater in East Orlando. An estimated 224,659 Orange County residents and visitors viewed the Public Service Announcement at this location on-screen. During the month of January 2010, the Public Service Announcement was also played in two large Department of Motor Vehicle offices in Orange County. Along with all other campaign and supplemental materials, this Public Service Announcement was made available to all Orange County Public High Schools.  More than 480 Orange County teens were also directly reached, educated, and many pledged to be B.A.D. or “Be Aware of Distractions” during high school or college activities and presentations specific to teen driving safety. 

OCPS: https://www.ocps.net/Pages/default.aspx
Department of Motor Vehicle: http://www.flhsmv.gov/
B.A.D.

Preventing HIV can save a life, and it can also save money in health care costs. According to WebMD, just one prevented HIV infection saves on average about $2,100 in monthly treatment costs. Unfortunately, one in four people with HIV don't know they're infected. They find out only when their immune system collapses. The cost of treatment started at this late stage averages $4,700 per month per patient.  The Orange County Health Department works to reduce new HIV infections through three targeted HIV Prevention Programs. Two of them, The Targeted Outreach to Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA) and Social Networking Strategies (SNS) programs, are science-based interventions to reduce the spread of HIV through targeted testing in high-risk populations and linking newly identified HIV positive individuals into care. Knowing your HIV status has been proven to change people’s behaviors that put them at risk of contracting HIV. The mission of the TOPWA Program is to reach high-risk and HIV-infected pregnant women not currently receiving services and offer them the following:

• HIV Testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Referrals for substance abuse testing and treatment
• HIV prevention education and condoms
• Assistance getting Medicaid coverage
• Assistance getting prenatal care

From October 2009 to October 2010, the TOWPA Program tested 926 women for HIV. It enrolled 648 women into the program, and 739 pregnancy tests were conducted. Twenty-four HIV positive pregnant women were enrolled into the Program.

To date, 17 of the 24 HIV positive pregnant women enrolled in the program have delivered their babies, with one woman delivering twins; and none of the mothers passed on their HIV infection to their newborn babies. All the children continue to test HIV negative.  These pregnant women living with HIV receive added support, encouraging them to keep taking medications to prevent transmission of the virus to their baby. As with all children born to HIV positive mothers, these children will be followed for the first 12-18 months of their lives to insure they are HIV negative.

TOPWA: http://www.preventhivflorida.org/Women_Children/TOPWA.htm

The mission of the SNS Project is to enlist HIV positive and high risk clients to act as recruiters so they can refer their network of friends and associates to get tested for HIV. The target population for the SNS Project is African-American/Black females of child-bearing age.

From October 2009 to October 2010, the SNS Project enlisted 52 recruiters, tested 297 high risk African-American/Black females, identified 6 HIV positive females and linked them to medical care for treatment, and referred 111 high risk females who tested negative for HIV for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and other community services. 

The third program, SiHLE ( Sistas, informing, Healing, Living, and Empowering) intervention, is a small group, skills training intervention to reduce risky sexual behavior among African-American adolescent females. Through interactive discussions in groups of 10-12 girls, the intervention emphasizes ethnic and gender pride, and enhances awareness of HIV risk reduction strategies such as abstaining from sex, using condoms consistently, and having fewer sex partners. Through the use of role playing and cognitive rehearsal, the intervention enhances confidence in initiating safer-sex conversations, negotiating for safer sex, and refusing unsafe sexual encounters. In addition, the intervention trainers model proper condom use skills and emphasize the importance of healthy relationships. 

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) - Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year. To address this issue, the health department is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) regional epidemiologists, the DOH HAI Prevention Program, local hospitals and other healthcare facilities. One of the steps OCHD is taking is through the surveillance of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapanemase also known as KPC. Numerous studies have shown the control of KPC saves an average of nearly $14,000 per patient in direct patient healthcare costs. To save lives and costs, the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is committed to eliminating these preventable infections that occur as a function of medical or surgical conditions. KPC is an antibiotic-resistant organism that is only associated with critically ill patients with long-term stays in a healthcare setting. This bacteria can cause infections in healthcare settings, including pneumoniae, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. The health department works with hospitals and healthcare facilities where this organism is identified to provide guidelines for control and prevention of the organism. OCHD has worked with subject-matter experts at the CDC and DOH to implement the appropriate laboratory testing to identify the organism at local hospitals which previously did not have the testing capability. Surveillance of cases is conducted in collaboration with hospital infection prevention staff to identify KPC within the healthcare system. Most notably, the Orange County Health Department contributed to a KPC action plan which is being used as a best practice in the state for the management of KPC within a healthcare facility.

DOH HAI Prevention Program: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/HAI/HAI.html

Floridians can quit today for a healthy 2011
 
ORLANDO— Every year, millions of Floridians attempt to quit smoking.  As 2010 comes to a close and Florida smokers consider making their 2011 New Year’s resolutions, the Orange County Health Department Tobacco Programs, the Florida Department of Health, and Tobacco Free Florida can provide assistance to help smokers  quit for good with free support through phone, web and in-person quit smoking resources.

On the heels of the groundbreaking U.S. Surgeon General’s report released December 9, it is more important than ever before to quit smoking immediately.  The report emphasizes the importance of quitting early in life, in order to protect immunity and minimize the damage caused by each cigarette to you and people around you exposed to secondhand smoke. The report states that no level of exposure to tobacco smoke is safe. 

Although permanently quitting tobacco is very difficult, it is not impossible.  Sixty-one percent of adult Floridians who have ever smoked have quit and there are more former smokers in Florida than current smokers.  In 2009, about 58 percent of Floridian smokers tried to quit.  There are some important steps you can take to be successful in quitting. They are:

Step One: Set a Date

The first step one needs to take is to set a quit date.  Once the quit date is set, cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters should be removed from the home, office and vehicle. 

 Step Two: Get Help

Know why you are addicted and evaluate the health risks of smoking, spend sometime writing them down.  Look at the dangers of smoking and the damage it is causing.  What do you want to achieve and why?

Tobacco Free Florida offers a number of free resources to help smokers quit.

·Phone: Call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach who will help assess the user’s addiction and create a personalized quit plan.

·Online: Enroll in online counseling with the Florida Quitline, where each user can create a personalized, web-based quit plan. Visit https://www.quitnow.net/florida to enroll.

·For information about attending Quit Smoking Now classes, please call: (877) 252-6094.

Step Three: Keep Trying 

“No matter how many times you try to quit, don’t give up,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. “It is easy for people to relapse, but it’s important that people keep trying.” 

Most successful quitters make several attempts before finally quitting permanently.  In fact, the average number of attempts varies anywhere from five to more than 10 times before a person is successful.   

ABOUT TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA

Tobacco Free Florida (TFF) is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund.  The program is managed by the Florida Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Tobacco Prevention Program.  TFF’s mission is to combat the pervasive problem of tobacco use in the Sunshine State, where each year, more than 28,000 Floridians die from smoking and tobacco-related diseases cost the state an estimated $19.6 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity.   Since its inception in February 2008, TFF has reached millions of Floridians through advertising, grassroots initiatives, social media, and public relations efforts as a means of providing information and offer resources to help tobacco users quit.  Smokers and smokeless tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a quit coach.  To learn about TFF and the state’s free quit smoking resources, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or Twitter at twitter.com/tobaccofreefla

Children living in apartments are exposed to secondhand smoke even when no one smokes inside their own unit. This study, released online today by the journal Pediatrics, strongly suggests that housing type contributes to children’s exposure to tobacco smoke, despite the best intentions of parents.

This new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center, MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Julius B. Richmond Center for Excellence is the first to show significant evidence of increased tobacco smoke exposure in the blood of children who live in multi-unit housing. It will appear in the January 2011 issue of Pediatrics.

The U.S. surgeon general has said that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke are at greater risk for a variety of illnesses, such as respiratory infections, asthma and sudden infant death syndrome. In this study, researchers measured blood levels of cotinine, a chemical commonly used to test for tobacco exposure. Overall, using the most sensitive cutoff for tobacco smoke exposure, more than 84 percent of children in multi-unit housing had been exposed to tobacco smoke, compared to almost 80 percent of children living in attached houses and 70 percent of children in detached houses. At every cutoff level of cotinine, children living in apartments had higher rates of exposure.

“Parents try so hard to protect their children from dangers, such as tobacco smoke. It’s surprising to see these results and realize that too many parents have no control over whether their children are exposed to secondhand smoke in their own homes,” said Karen Wilson, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and lead author of the paper.

Controlling for other factors such as poverty and age, children living in apartments had an increase in cotinine of 45 percent over those living in detached houses. While some of the tobacco exposure may have come from family members who only smoke outside, but carry in tobacco residue on their clothes, study authors suggest this is unlikely to explain all of the difference since there are many more exposed children than adult smokers. Instead they conclude tobacco smoke may have seeped through walls or shared ventilation systems. Earlier studies have shown that tobacco smoke contaminates nonsmoking units of multi-unit dwellings.

The study, which was funded by the Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence of the American Academy of Pediatrics, through a grant from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, analyzed data from more than 5,000 children ages 6 to 18 in a national database (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006) to see if there was any relationship between their smoke exposure and their housing type. Cotinine levels were highest for children who were under 12, black and living below the federal poverty level. Previous studies have shown that children with cotinine levels indicating even very low amounts of tobacco smoke exposure have delayed cognitive abilities and decreased antioxidant levels.

“This study is an important piece of evidence supporting universal smoke-free multi-unit housing,” said Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the senior author of the study. “More and more landlords, in all 50 states, know that they can set the smoke-free policy for their buildings, and with 80 percent of the population not smoking, market demands strongly favor smoke-free status. When landlords set a completely smoke-free policy they will enjoy lower fire risk and insurance costs, lower clean up costs between tenants, and they will be fostering a healthier home for everyone in the building.”

“In general, people who smoke are very respectful of not exposing children and nonsmokers to tobacco smoke in indoor environments. This research will help promote the notion that it is never acceptable to smoke indoors, even in your own unit, because the smoke get into the bodies of children in other units,” said Winickoff, who is also an associate professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

The authors also stress the importance of making sure that tobacco cessation resources are provided for smokers whose buildings become smoke-free. “Hopefully this research and the movement towards smoke-free housing will open up programs and opportunities for more folks to quit smoking. Promoting the use of the free quitlines in every state is a great way to facilitate these efforts,” Wilson said.

Tobacco-Smoke Exposure in Children Who Live in Multiunit Housing

About the Author

Massachusetts General Hospital, established in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $600 million. The hospital is home to major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, photomedicine, regenerative medicine, systems biology, transplantation biology.

Amartya K. 'Marty' Ray
Project Specialist | Office of Public Affairs
Massachusetts General Hospital | MassGeneral Hospital for Children
50 Staniford Street, Suite 830, Boston, MA 02114
617-726-0274 | aray6@partners.org

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department’s all in project along with the State Tobacco Program, would like to encourage smokers to kick the habit as part of the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout.  On Thursday November 18th, smokers across the nation are taking part in this event which is recognized the third Thursday in November each year. Celebrating its 35th year, this event encourages smokers to commit to being tobacco free for 24 hours.  This event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective ways available to quit smoking permanently. 

The all in project will be providing educational materials and promoting the “Can the Habit” initiative at Valencia Community College West Campus.  The “Can the Habit” initiative encourages students to drop all their cigarette packages into an all in trash can as a symbol of their determination to quit. This event will take place Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Valencia Community College located at 1800 South Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811.  Pledges to quit smoking will be distributed and a survey will also be conducted among the student population.

"Smoking can cause numerous health problems and is the single most important preventable cause of illness and death in the United States,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Each year, an estimated 400,000 deaths are caused by tobacco use and about 3,400 non-smoking adults die from lung cancer as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Nicotine is addictive and most smokers need some sort of inspiration and assistance to quit.

The Great American Smokeout remains a great opportunity to encourage people to commit to making a long-term plan to quit for good.

The all in project encourages medical providers to adopt the Ask. Advise. and Refer. (AAR) system to promote cessation services to their patients. The AAR system will help physicians and support staff, assist their patients in thinking about the need for smoking cessation and taking steps toward smoking cessation interventions.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it can be done! Call the Florida Quitline for FREE counseling, tips and more at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) or visit their website at www.flquitline.com.

For more information on tobacco and related resources, visit the Orange County Health Department’s website at www.orchd.com and the American Cancer Society‘s website at www.cancer.org.

The Department of Health, Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspect and license food establishments depending on the type of facility.  However, the Department of Health is responsible for investigation and control of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with all food establishments.  Therefore, if you suspect that a food is contaminated or has made you or someone you know sick, go to this link to report it www.reportfoodpoisoningflorida.com. 

If you prefer to report the incident by phone, please call our Environmental Health Department at 407-521-2630 or our Epidemiology Department at 407-858-1400.

For additional information about food hygiene please visit http://www.orchd.com/environmentalHealth/foodHygeine/index.asp 

For additional information about food borne diseases please visit http://orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/foodBorne/index.asp

If you have a non-foodborne illness complaint about a restaurant, convenient store or grocery stores such as cleanliness of the establishment contact:

For restaurants: Department of Business and Professional Regulation
You may file a complaint online or obtain further information pertaining to the jurisdiction of this agency by visiting http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/
 
For convenient stores and grocery stores: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
You may file a complaint online or obtain further information pertaining to the jurisdiction of this agency by visiting http://www.freshfromflorida.com/

Food Recall Report

We can assist you with meeting all US Citizen and Immigration Services requirements to obtain legal status in the United States of America. Our Civil Surgeon and compassionate staff will provide the required medical examinations, testing, and vaccinations and complete the I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. We provide referral services and coordinate any follow-up care that you may need.

Services available at Central Health Center located at 832 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32805. Please call 407-836-2673 to schedule an appointment.

Immigration Health Services Flyer

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has kicked off a campaign called This project aims to improve the quality of life in our community by addressing tobacco-related issues. This two year campaign will include collaboration with community leaders who will work to ensure that, collectively, we take a step forward to reduce smoking rates and exposure to second-hand smoke, thereby saving lives.

Many millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes and workplaces despite substantial progress in tobacco that includes the 2003 Clean Indoor Air Act. “The all in project will encourage smokers to seek cessation services and will protect non-smokers by creating additional smoke-free environments,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Specifically, the initiative, which was funded by a 6.6 million dollar grant, will work to make Orlando and Orange County parks, colleges, and universities smoke-free environments and reduce the exposure of second-hand smoke in public areas. The project will also focus on reducing youth access to tobacco, and encouraging physicians to refer patients to smoking cessation programs.

From a public health perspective the health department has an obligation to address situations that endanger the health of the public. We know that second-hand smoke is detrimental to the health of children and adults. Approximately 130 people die in Orange County each year from needless exposure to second-hand smoke. If a person stops smoking, within a year their risk of having a heart attack will be reduced by 50%.

The grant funding for this project is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information about the ALL IN Project please visit www.allintohealth.org

ORLANDO –El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange desea motivar a todas las personas a colocarse la vacuna contra la influenza (gripe) estacional temprano en la temporada. El colocarse la vacuna tan pronto esta disponible proveerá protección que durará toda la temporada de influenza, la cual comúnmente ocurre de noviembre a mayo.

“Animamos a todos a vacunarse contra la influenza estacional y estar protegidos contra la influenza. La influenza es diferente a un resfriado y usualmente viene de manera repentina. La vacunación puede reducir las ausencias en el trabajo, la escuela y eventos sociales; reducir los costos de cuidado de salud y lo mas importante, salvar vidas,” dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

La influenza puede causar una enfermedad leve hasta más severa, y en ocasiones puede llevar a la muerte. La mayoría de las personas que contraen la influenza se recuperan en varios día o hasta en dos semanas, pero algunas personas desarrollan complicaciones 9como la neumonía) como resultado de la influenza, algunas de las cuales puede amenazar la vida y resultar en muerte.

Este año la vacuna contra la influenza estacional se recomienda para toda persona mayor de 6 meses de edad. La vacunación es especialmente importante para las personas con mayor riesgo de una influenza severa y sus contactos cercanos, incluyendo personal de cuidado de salud y contactos cercanos de los niños menores de 6 meses. Las personas que recibieron la vacuna contra la influenza H1N1 del 2009 o se enfermaron con la influenza pandémica H1N1 en el 2009, deben ponerse la vacuna contra la influenza estacional 2010-2011. Debido a que los virus de influenza cambian constantemente, colocarse la vacuna contra la influenza cada año es muy importante.

Cada año los científicos tratan de coincidir los virus en la vacuna con aquellos que tienen más probabilidades de causar influenza ese año. Este año la vacuna ofrece protección contra la influenza H1N1 (pandemia) y otros dos virus de influenza, por lo que solo una vacuna será necesaria.

Personas de 65 años de edad o mayores y aquellos que tienen ciertas condiciones médicas también están en a mayor riesgo de enfermedades severas causadas por la enfermedad neumocócica. De acuerdo a los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), cerca de un millón adultos de 65 años o mayores se enferman por causa de la neumonía cada año y aproximadamente una tercera parte será hospitalizada. El riesgo de infección neumocócica y complicaciones pueden ser reducidas o eliminadas con la vacuna contra la neumonía.

Las vacunas contra la influenza para niños y adultos así como la vacuna contra la neumonía se ofrecen en el Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange, Central Health Center ubicado en el 832 West Central Boulevard, de lunes a viernes de 7:30am- 3:00pm por orden de llegada, sin cita previa. El programa de vacunación esta cerrado el segundo viernes de cada mes. El costo de la vacuna contra la influenza para adultos es de $28.00 y la vacuna contra la neumonía para adultos es $66.49 (todos los precios están sujetos a cambio). Se acepta Medicare. Las vacunas contra la influenza para niños son gratis.

CDC - Bed Bugs

Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control in the United States from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS HOURS

Note: Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided based on ticket number, to a limited number of clients each day on a first come, first served basis. The number of tickets issued is dependent upon staffing levels. Immunizations are provided on a walk-in basis only. No appointments are given.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS HAVE BEGUN

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department’s (OCHD) Immunization Program is urging parents to begin preparing their children now for the upcoming school year. Parents can visit the Orange County Health Department Immunization Clinic or their medical homes or private doctor to have their children vaccinated and avoid the back-to-school rush and long lines during summer time. The closer we get to the new school year the longer the wait will be, so parents are urged to get their child vaccinated now.

The health department provides all immunizations now at the health department’s Central Health Center location at 832 West Central Boulevard. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 3:00 pm.

"Protect your children from vaccine preventable diseases and have them ready for school early. It is required that children are up-to-date on their immunizations in order to register for school”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. The maximum number of children will be immunized each scheduled day based on staffing levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form, signed by the parent or legal guardian must be presented before services are rendered. A copy of each child’s immunization record and photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required.

A valid Florida DH 680 immunization form (blue form) is required for school entry and is provided once your child has received all of their vaccinations. You can also obtain this blue form at your child’s doctor’s office and the OCHD immunization clinics or events if your child is already up-to-date on their immunizations.

Now is the time to get your child up-to-date on their immunizations and avoid the last minute rush to obtain shots required for school entry. For more information on childhood immunizations, call 407-836-2517.

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department’s (OCHD) Immunization Program is expanding its hours to provide more opportunities for parents to get their children’s immunizations up to date before the new school year. In addition to weekday hours, the health department is providing back-to-school immunizations on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at its Central Health Center located at 832 West Central Boulevard.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form, signed by the parent or legal guardian must be presented before services are rendered. A copy of each child’s immunization record and photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required.

A valid Florida DH 680 immunization certificate (blue form) is required for school entry and is provided once your child has received all of their vaccinations.

Now is the time to get your child up-to-date on their immunizations and avoid the last minute rush to obtain shots required for school entry. For more information on childhood immunizations, call 407-836-2517

Free School Entry and Sports Physicals

Local Options for School and Sports Physicals

List of Chidrens Medical Providers

Back to School Immunizations

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH - Get back to school shots now

ORLANDO - The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) joins the Florida Department of Health (DOH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of NIAM is to stress the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations.

In August, and throughout the year, OCHD encourages all persons to be sure immunization records are up-to-date. August is the perfect time with the new school year and flu season approaching, to remind family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to update their vaccinations. “Vaccines are safe and effective protection,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. “By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, individuals can protect themselves, their families, and loved ones from disease.”

Parents can visit the Orange County Health Department Immunization Clinic or their medical homes or private doctor to have their children vaccinated and avoid the back-to-school rush and long lines during summer time. The closer we get to the new school year the longer the wait will be, so parents are urged to get their child vaccinated now. The health department provides all immunizations now at its Central Health Center location at 832 West Central Boulevard. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 3:00 pm.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. The maximum number of children will be immunized each scheduled day based on staffing levels. A valid Florida DH 680 immunization form (blue form) is required for school entry and is provided once your child has received all of their vaccinations. You can also obtain this blue form at your child’s doctor’s office and the OCHD immunization office if your child is already up-to-date on their immunizations.

Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Some immunizations are recommended throughout adolescent and adult years.

The child, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules may be accessed online at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.

Please visit: www.orchd.com for additional information about childhood immunizations or call 407-836-2517.

Enjoy the Smoke Free zone at the 98.9 WMMO Downtown Concert Series featuring Tears for Fears brought to you by All in. For event information go to http://wmmo.com/dcs/dec28_tickets.html.

La Florida Central Se Prepara para la Octava Cumbre de Salud Anual Para los Caribeños
“El apoyo comunitario le da la oportunidad a cientos de personas a recibir exámenes de salud gratis”

ORLANDO, Florida, (28 de julio de 2010) – El Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. (CMWP) esta colaborando con el Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., Orange County Health Department y varias otras agencias comunitarias para auspiciar la Octava Cumbre de Salud Anual para los Caribeños. Este evento comunitario se llevara a cabo el sábado, 11 de septiembre de 2010 en el Central Florida Fair & Exposition Park (Fairgrounds), ubicado en el West Colonial drive, Orlando. La feria de salud es gratis y estará abierta para el público en general de 8:00am a 4:00pm.

El lema “Su Salud Importa” (“Your Health Matters”) fue escogido porque muchos individuos, a la luz de la Reforma de Cuidado de Salud, no toman su salud en serio. Ellos lo dan por sentado. Estas personas no prestan atención a lo que comen, viven estilos de vida sedentarios y no están motivados a visitar al médico con regularidad. Al centrarse en el lema de este año, esperamos que más personas hagan de su salud una prioridad, tomando las medidas necesarias para mejorar su salud y bienestar. El impacto de la Cumbre de Salud para los Caribeños en las comunidades de la Florida Central ha sido significativo. En los últimos siete años, miles de personas han sido examinadas para hipertensión, diabetes, colesterol, VIH, función pulmonar, de próstata, mama y cáncer cervical. A través de estos exámenes, muchos resultados anormales se han detectado y muchas vidas se han salvado en el proceso.

La Representante de la Cámara de la Florida, Geraldine Thompson dijo que “los servicios prestados en la Cumbre de la Salud ayudara a innumerables familias en la Florida Central mientras se experimentan algunos de los peores momentos económicos en la historia reciente. El evento ofrece a la comunidad la oportunidad de ser informados acerca de los beneficios de mantenerse sano.” La Comisionada Daisy W. Lynum añade que "Nuestra salud es muy importante y aplaudo a la Cumbre de Salud para los Caribeños por los años de colaboración con nuestras comunidades para educar, servir e iluminar cada uno de nosotros hacia el gran valor de la salud y la sanidad."

La Cumbre de la Salud brindará a los participantes de la Florida Central y las comunidades del Caribe de todas las edades, el acceso a exámenes de salud, información y seminarios educativos relacionados con el mantenimiento de la salud con énfasis en la promoción de la seguridad, salud óptima y un estilo de vida feliz.

Este año el evento unirá a varias agencias locales, de la ciudad, del condado y del estado, tales como Orange County Health Department, Florida Department of Health/Bureau of HIV/AIDS, Florida Hospital, Community Health Centers, Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando, Haitian Outreach, City of Orlando/Families, Parks & Recreation Department, Visionary Vanguard, Vitas y Nirvana Health Services, Inc.

La Cumbre de Salud para los Caribeños motiva a las comunidades de la Florida Central y del Caribe a asistir al evento para disfrutar de un día lleno de diversión y exámenes de salud.

El Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP) es una 501 (c) 3, una organización sin fines de lucro con la misión de mejorar la calidad de vida de las poblaciones diversas y étnicas a través de servicios de promoción de la salud en la Florida Central.

CMWP tiene una historia bien definida de proveer educación en salud y de alcance a la población minoritaria de la Florida Central. CMWP es un lugar establecido, una agencia no clínica, que provee educación en salud y de alcance en Orlando, Florida. La organización tiene éxito en su asociación con la comunidad y los organismos sociales para abordar eficazmente las necesidades de educación para la salud de las comunidades minoritarias de la Florida Central. Para obtener más información sobre el Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc., por favor llame al (407) 648-9440 o visite nuestro sitio web en www.cmwp.org

ORLANDO, Florida - (September 3, 2010) – Due to the overwhelming community support, the 8th Annual Caribbean Health Summit is expected to provide more screenings and tests to individuals and families compared to other years. It is expected that more than 2, 000 people will receive one or more free test or screening at this year’s event. The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention, Inc. (CMWP) is collaborating with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., Orange County Health Department and several Community Partners, to host the 8th Annual Caribbean Health Summit. This community event will take place on Saturday, September 11th, 2010 at the Central Florida Fair & Exposition Park (Fairgrounds), located on West Colonial drive, Orlando. The Health Fair is free and will be open to the general public from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Community support came in the form of sponsorship and funding from many organizations that understand the value and the need of providing these free health screenings to the uninsured and underinsured. Dr. Marie Joşe Francois, event coordinator and executive director of CMWP, said that “I was surprisingly pleased to see the range of support that we received this year, even in spite of the present economic downturn. Many of our sponsors recognized that the very people who are attending this event are the ones who have recently lost their jobs and do not have the resources to obtain medical insurance. I am very pleased with the support and want all sponsors that it is through their support that CMWP can continue to enhance the quality of life of the diverse population in Central Florida”. This year summit is being co-chaired by Daisy Lynum – Mayor Pro-Term, Orlando City Commissioner, District 5 and Geraldine Thompson, Florida State Representative, District 39.

Funding for this year’s event was received from several organizations such as Florida Hospital, Nirvana Health Services, Florida Department of Health/Bureau of HIV/AIDS, Liberty National, Wellcare, Orange County Health Department/Office of Community Health, Sunshine State Health Plan, Care Plus Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield- Central Florida Region, City of Orlando- Parks and Recreations, Community Health Centers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Health Stat Rx LLC, Mills Park Dental, Primary Care Access Network, Vitas, Visionary Vanguard Group, Merck & Co. Inc., and many other community supporters.

It is our hope that this year’s theme “Your Health Matters” will motivate individuals to make their health a priority, by taking the necessary actions to improve their health and well-being. The Health Summit will provide participants from the Central Florida and Caribbean communities of all ages, health information, educational seminars and access to free health screenings for hypertension, diabetes, BMI, cholesterol, HIV, lung function, prostate, breast and cervical cancer. Through these screenings, any individual with abnormal readings will be referred to an appropriate medical home.

The Caribbean Health Summit encourages Central Florida’s communities to come out together to enjoy a full day of fun and health screenings.

The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization with the mission to enhance the quality of life for diverse and ethnic populations through the provision of health promotion services in Central Florida.

CMWP is an established non-clinical setting and has a well-defined history of providing health education and outreach to Central Florida’s minority population. The organization has successfully partnered with community and social agencies to effectively address the health education needs of Central Florida’s minority communities. For more information about the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc., please call (407)648-9440 or visit our website at www.cmwp.org

LA VACUNACION PARA EL REGRESO A LA ESCUELA HA COMENZADO

ORLANDO – El Programa de Vacunación del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange urge a los padres a comenzar a preparar a sus niños ahora para el nuevo año escolar que se avecina. Los padres pueden visitar las Clínicas de Vacunación del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange o su doctor privado o lugar donde recibe atención médica para vacunar a sus niños y evitar el apuro a último minuto y largas filas durante el verano. Mientras mas cerca estemos del nuevo año escolar las filas serán mas largas, por lo tanto se motiva a los padres a vacunar a sus niños ahora. vaccinated now.

El Departamento de Salud provee todas las vacunas ahora en el Central Health Center ubicado en la 832 West Central Boulevard, Orlando. El horario es de lunes a viernes, 7:30am-3:00pm.

Proteja a sus niños de enfermedades que son prevenibles por las vacunas y prepárelos temprano para la escuela. Es requisito que los niños tengan sus vacunas al día para poder matricularlos en la escuela,” dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

Debido a la gran demanda para vacunación, los servicios se ofrecerán por orden de llegada, sin cita previa. El número máximo de niños que serán vacunados cada día dependerá de la cantidad de empleados. Los niños deben estar acompañados por un pariente adulto o guardián legal para recibir sus vacunas. Si no, un permiso notariado firmado por el pariente adulto o guardián legal debe ser presentado antes de que se provean los servicios. Se requiere una copia del expediente de vacunación del niño y una identificación con foto del pariente adulto o guardián legal.

Un documento de vacunación Florida DH 680 válido (documento azul) es requisito para matricularse en la escuela y se provee una vez su niño tiene todas sus vacunas. También puede obtener el documento azul el la oficina del medico de su hijo y la clínica de vacunación del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange si su niño ya tiene sus vacunas al día.

ORLANDO – In order to streamline and consolidate services, the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) will no longer be providing Immunization services at two smaller outlying locations. Effective Wednesday, June 30, 2010, the health department will stop providing immunizations at its Eastside and Southside Health Centers. All immunizations will now be provided at the health department’s Central Health Center location at 832 West Central Blvd.

“This change in service locations will help make immunization services more efficient and help reduce operating expenses,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

The OCHD encourages parents to obtain their child’s immunizations from their regular doctor or health care provider. It is important for everyone to have a designated health care provider for immunizations and other health care services. If parents don’t have a medical home and are uninsured or underinsured, they can visit the health department’s downtown Orlando Central Health Center, or contact the Primary Care Access Network (PCAN) to register with a health center. The health department is also asking private doctors and community health centers to help ensure patients seek services at their medical homes, particularly those patients who have private insurance or are enrolled in the Healthy Kids Program and Medikids provided by the Florida KidCare program.

The health department urges parents to begin preparing their children now for the upcoming school year to avoid the back-to-school rush and long lines during summer time. The closer we get to the new school year the longer the wait will be, so parents are urged to get their child vaccinated now.

To contact the Primary Care Access Network (PCAN) call 407-836-PCAN or go to www.PCANorangecounty.com.

TOBACCO USE AND DEPENDENCE FORUM

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department, in collaboration with the American Lung Association-Central Area and Area Health Education Center (AHEC), are hosting a free Tobacco Use and Dependence Forum on Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at the Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks Street, Orlando, FL 32803.

This forum will be an educational session on how to use the clinical assessment tool—5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) Model for Treating Tobacco use and Dependence. This model is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practice. This 5A’s Model will help physicians and support staff, assist their patients in thinking about the need for smoking cessation and taking steps toward smoking cessation interventions.

We are dedicated to providing quality service to all of our clients. In order to minimize the impact that tobacco use has on the heart disease, respiratory illness, diabetes, cancer and other chronic health problems, every client will be screened for tobacco use during every visit.  We have implemented the 5A Model in our clinical services,“ said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Pulmonologists, family practitioners, obstetrics/gynecologist, pediatrician, dentists, nurses, medical assistants, Advances Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Registered Nurse (RN),   and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), are invited to register to participate in this forum.

Free Continuing Education (CE’s) will be available through the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). Breakfast and lunch will also be provided to participants. 

For more information on the tobacco use and to pre-register for this event, please call Ethel Smith, at (407) 858-1466 or (407) 558-0458. Registration closes July 20, 2010.

ORLANDO – El embarazo y la maternidad son momentos emocionantes.  El nacimiento de un bebe es una celebración alegre pero a menudo se confía que el bebe nacerá bien.  En el estado de la Florida, muchos bebes nacen muy pequeños o muy pronto.  La meta del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange y del Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County es el reducir la mortalidad infantil, reducir el numero de bebes que nacen bajo en peso y mejorar los resultados de salud y desarrollo de todos los infantes. 

Únase a nosotros para el “Healthy Start Extreme Shower Power” en el Northwest Community Center de 8:30A.M. a 12:30 P.M. el sábado, 17 de julio de 2010.  Este evento proveerá talleres educativos e información sobre varios temas de salud incluyendo la salud de la mujer durante y después del embarazo, seguridad del infante, reducción del Síndrome de Muerte Súbita Infantil y trabajo de parto prematuro. También habrá juegos de baby shower, premios, refrigerios.

Los auspiciadores del evento son el Orange County Healthy Start Coalition, Orange County Health Department, y March of Dimes.

Para mas información sobre este evento y para reservar su asistencia o para conocer mas sobre como tener un bebe saludable, llame a Charity Burgess at 407-254-6885.
    
“EXTREME SHOWER POWER”
Sábado, 17 de julio de 2010
8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Northwest Community Center
3955 W. D. Judge Drive
Orlando, Florida 32808

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department is urging residents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Among the most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, and people working or exercising in hot weather.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, cramps, weakness, dizziness, fainting, and headache or nausea. Symptoms of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature above 103ºF; red, hot or dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; and/or nausea.

To prevent Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:

• Drink lots of water.
• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
• Get lots of rest.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Seek an air-conditioned location when possible.
• Wear lightweight and light colored clothing.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities

“Citizens are also encouraged to be good neighbors and check up on elderly or shut-in neighbors, and if necessary, transport those with signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke to an air-conditioned location. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 immediately,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke become more common in very humid environments. High humidity reduces the effectiveness of sweating and cooling the body. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Dain Weister
July 13, 2010 
(407) 858-1429

RESIDENTS URGED TO AVOID CONTACT WITH WILD & STRAY ANIMALS

ORLANDO – Orange County health officials urge residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals to protect themselves from the risk of rabies exposure.

In Florida, raccoons, bats and foxes are the animals most frequently diagnosed with rabies. Other animals that are at high risk for rabies include skunks, otters, coyotes, bobcats, and stray or unvaccinated cats, dogs and ferrets. Each year, Orange County receives reports of rabid animals. In 2009, 10 rabid animals including eight raccoons, one cat, and one dog were reported in Orange County. Six rabid animals have been reported in Orange County in 2010 including most recently, one fox and one raccoon in July.    

“Rabies is a potentially fatal disease.  It is important not to handle wild animals, to be aware of unusual acting animals, and to keep pets vaccinated against rabies,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director Orange County Health Department.

Rabies is transmitted through exposure to the saliva and nervous tissue from a rabid animal through a bite, scratch, or contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.  Orange County Health Department (OCHD) works with Orange County Animal Services in responding to incidents of animal bites, tests animals for rabies through the Florida Bureau of Laboratories, and quarantines animals as necessary. OCHD also provides rabies vaccinations to victims of animal bites, the only known effective treatment for rabies prevention in humans. In 2009, rabies vaccinations were provided for 88 animal bite victims through the Orange County Health Department.
The following are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loves ones against rabies:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Orange County Animal Services at (407) 836-3111.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. 
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.

Unusual acting animals should be reported to Orange County Animal Services at (407) 836-3111 for handling. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by wild animals or strays should report the incident to their doctor immediately, as well as Orange County Animal Services and their local health department. The contact number to report an animal bite to the Orange County Health Department is (407) 858-1420.
 
For information on rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats visit the Orange County Animal Services website at www.orangecountyfl.net. Orange County Animal Services offers free rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats through “Pet Amnesty Day” once a month. This outreach and education event provides an opportunity for the Animal Services mobile clinic to enter targeted communities to offer free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats over 4 months old. It also provides citizens the opportunity to surrender pets they are no longer able to care for.

ORLANDO - The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is urging parents to make sure they and their children are up to date on pertussis or whooping cough vaccinations as a recent pertussis epidemic was declared in California. The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. In the United States, the recommended pertussis vaccine for children is called DTaP.  This is a safe and effective combination vaccine that protects children against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need five DTaP shots.

“Pertussis can cause serious illness in infants, children and adults,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. “Anyone in close contact with infants should be vaccinated.”  The Orange County Health Department offers the pertussis vaccine to children and adults at its immunization clinic at 832 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando, 32805.  

The disease starts like the common cold, with runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever. But after 1–2 weeks, severe coughing begins. Infants and children with the disease cough violently and rapidly, over and over, until the air is gone from their lungs and they are forced to inhale with a loud "whooping" sound. Pertussis is most severe for babies; more than half of infants less than 1 year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized.

People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by parents, older siblings, or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.

Seven pertussis cases have been reported to the OCHD so far this year. Three of the seven cases were infants.  All three of the infants became infected before they could receive the three primary shots necessary for immunity. This highlights the importance of vaccinating the parents of newborns and anyone who will be taking care of the child who could possibly expose them to the infection. 

Vaccine protection for pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria can fade with time. Today there are boosters for adolescents and adults that contain tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (called Tdap). Pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get a dose of Tdap. Adults who did not get Tdap as a pre-teen or teen should get one dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with and caregivers of new infants. 
For more information about pertussis, go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/default.htm

ORLANDO – Con el fin de obtener un mejor rendimiento y consolidar servicios, el Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange ya no estará proveyendo servicios de vacunación en dos pequeñas oficinas satélites. Efectivo el miércoles, 30 de junio de 2010, el departamento de salud dejara de proveer las vacunas en sus centros de salud de Eastside y Southside. Todas las vacunas ahora se proveerán en el departamento de salud, Central Health Center ubicado en la 832 West Central Boulevard.

“Este cambio en lugar de servicios ayudará a que los servicios de vacunación sean mas eficientes y ayudara a reducir los gastos operativos”, dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange desea motivar a los pacientes a obtener las vacunas de sus niños de su doctor o proveedor de cuidado de salud. Es importante para todas las personas tener un proveedor de cuidado de salud designado para vacunaciones y otros servicios de salud. Si los padres no tienen un hogar medico y no tienen seguro medico o su seguro medico no le cubre las vacunas, pueden visitar el departamento de salud de Central Health Center, o comunicarse con Primary Care Access Network (PCAN) para registrarse en un centro de salud. El departamento de salud también desea pedir a los médicos privados su ayuda en asegurar que los pacientes busquen servicios en sus hogares médicos, en particular aquellos pacientes que tienen seguro medico privado o están inscritos en el programa Healthy Kids y Medikids ofrecido por el programa Florida KidCare.

El departamento de salud les insta a los padres a comenzar a preparar a sus hijos ahora para el próximo año escolar para evitar la prisa y largas filas durante la época de verano. Cuanto mas nos acerquemos al nuevo año escolar mas larga será la espera, así que se les urge a los padres a vacunar a su niño ahora.

Para comunicarse con Primary Care Access Network (PCAN) llame al 407-836-PCAN o visite www.PCANorangecounty.com

Background

On March 19, 2010 the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) was awarded a grant of 6.6 million dollars for tobacco prevention and control in our community. This grant award is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking—four critical actions for combating chronic diseases and promoting health.

The $372.8 million, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, was awarded to 44 communities, including cities, towns, and tribes. These communities are receiving awards to implement policy, systems and environmental change strategies over the next two years as one of several initiatives of HHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work.

"The burden of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, strokes, and lung disease threatens to overwhelm our health care systems. An estimated 81 Floridians die every day due to tobacco related diseases, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin. “The answers in part lie in tobacco prevention programs such as those funded by this grant. Working together as a community we can save more lives."

The competitive funding awards to cities, towns, and tribes across the country will allow communities to support healthy choices among their residents through a variety of methods including increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages, improving access to safe places for physical activity, discouraging tobacco use, and encouraging smoke-free environments.

Specifically, this initiative in Orange County will work to help make Orlando and Orange County parks smoke-free environments, reduce youth access to tobacco, and encourage physicians to refer patients to smoking cessation programs.

“As the Director of the Orange County Health Department I am keenly aware of the significant impact smoking and exposure to second hand smoke can have on the health of individuals. A 2010 report published by the Institute of Medicine supports the strong connection between second hand smoke and cardiovascular disease. We know that approximately 130 people die in Orange County each year from needless exposure to secondhand smoke. The Orange County Health Department in collaboration with community leaders will work over the next two years to ensure that, collectively, we take a step forward to improve the quality of life for our community and continue to save lives.”

--Kevin M Sherin, MD, MPH, Director, Orange County Health Department

Community Overview

• As the 5th largest county in the state of Florida, Orange County has a population of 1,115,204.
• Over the past 30 years, the population of Orange County has grown 160.0%. Just from 1990 to 2000, Orange County experienced a population increase of 33.3%.
• With a diverse population, 50% of the residents are White, 21% Black, 25% Hispanic, and 4% Asian/Pacific Islander. The Black and Hispanic population percentages (21% and 25%) are higher than the statewide percentages of 16% and 21% respectively. Approximately 32% of Orange County residents speak a language other than English at home.
• The majority of Black, Hispanic, and medically-underserved populations in Orange County reside in the following zip codes: 32805, 32807, 32808, 32811, and 32839 where the 2006 per capita income for residents ranges from $13, 871 to $18,674. Also levels of uninsured are much higher in these areas some as high as 25.9%.
• Approximately, 12% of the population lives below poverty; and 16.7% of the population living below poverty are less than 18 years of age.

Community Health Problems

• Data from 2002 show that 21% of Orange County adults smoke, and data from 2007 indicates that 17% of Orange County high school students smoked.
• 18-44 year olds are the age group with the largest number of smokers in Orange County and represent 22.1 % of smokers compared to the state's percentage for the same age group of 15.1 %.
• In addition, 60.1% of high school students surveyed in Orange County report exposure to second hand smoke. Data from 2007 revealed that 77.2% of middle school students reported living in homes where smoking was allowed thereby increasing their exposure to second hand smoke; and 2008 data shows that secondhand smoke exposure for adults in the county were at 16.4%, higher than the state at 14.9%.
• In 2007 the top two leading causes of death were cancer and heart disease respectively.
• Age adjusted death rates (AADR) for Cardiovascular Disease (2006-2008) is significantly higher among minority populations than the overall population. Cardiovascular disease AADR among Blacks in Orange County (247.3/100,000 population) is significantly higher than both County and State rates (229.5/100,000 and 209.9/100,000, respectively).

Community Assets

There is a strong history of forging partnerships and developing coalitions to improve the health of Orange County residents. The County is comprised of very active and influential partners experienced in policy development and implementation. Additionally, partners represent a diverse network of public, private, foundation, government, not-for-profit, and planning organizations that consistently network through multiple affiliations on councils, partnerships and other influential groups to support policy change.

• Partnerships and coalitions across the state successfully worked to get two Constitutional Amendments signed into law including Smoke-free Workplaces in 2002 and 15% of the annual tobacco settlement funding going to tobacco prevention in 2006.
• The local program will also build on substantial strides in tobacco policy changes made at the state level including smoke free air in restaurants, authorization of tobacco settlement funds to support tobacco prevention in youth, and the increase in tobacco products sales tax, all of which apply throughout Florida.

Community Story

Currently, 130 community residents die in Orange County each year from needless exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke causes complications for those that don’t smoke but are exposed to it: especially those that must work around the smoke daily. According to recent research findings, 5 minutes of exposure to second-hand smoke, (SHS), is equal to smoking one cigarette. After 120 minutes of SHS exposure, there is a much higher risk of irregular heartbeat which could lead to a heart attack. Individuals who find themselves in the unfortunate situation to have to pursue their subsistence by working in an environment that do not enforce the Indoor Air Act of 2003, are at risk of developing conditions that are, by modern day standards, preventable. There are currently 22 states around the nation that have adopted comprehensive smoke-free laws to safeguard the quality of life of their citizens, however, Florida is not one of them. The Orange County Health Department, in collaboration with community partners, is working to ensure that all county residents, regardless of socio-economic status and/or industry, have access to a safe environment that values and supports their pursuit to a good quality of life.

Board

The all in board is comprised of high-level community leaders representing various industries and organizations in Orange County who are working towards a common goal of improving the health of our residents by reducing tobacco use. The board will accomplish this by:

• Developing policies and making recommendations to the highest levels of policy and decision makers
• Educating and empowering community resources to more effectively meet the needs of the people in Florida
• Providing leadership, expertise and accountability to ensure change in policies, systems, and enviroments as it relates to health

The all in board is committed to policy, system, and environmental changes related to Florida's health.

Coalition

The all in coalition is comprised of individuals and businesses who want to partner with us to improve the health of Orange County residents and visitors by reducing tobacco use in our community. The coalition will accomplish this by:

• Providing a forum for all agencies, programs, committees, consumers, concerned citizens, and individuals to meet collectively in the best interest of Florida's health.
• Encouraging grass roots efforts and creating momentum that the community can build on

Anyone is welcome to join the coalition. Persons interested in joining should complete the membership form and commit to attend quarterly meetings. Coalition members are invited to serve on various board subcommittees. For more information, please call 407-558-0460.

Coalition Membership Form (PDF 31kb)

For more information you can contact our office at: 407-558-0462 or visit http://allintohealth.org

ORLANDO – El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange urge a los residentes a estar concientes de las señales y los síntomas del agotamiento por calor e insolación o golpe de calor. Entre las personas que están más susceptibles al agotamiento por calor o insolación están los ancianos, personas que padecen de condiciones médicas existentes y personas que trabajan o se ejercitan en temperaturas calientes.

Los síntomas de agotamiento por calor incluyen sudor profuso, palidez, calambres, debilidad, desmayo y dolor de cabeza o nausea. Los síntomas de la insolación incluyen la temperatura del cuerpo extremadamente alta, sobre 103ºF, la piel roja, caliente o seca, pulso rápido, dolor de cabeza fuerte, mareos y/o nausea.

Sugerencias para prevenir agotamiento por calor o insolación:

• Ingerir mucha agua.
• Ingerir bebidas refrescantes, sin alcohol.
• Obtener mucho descanso.
• Darse una ducha o baño con agua fresca.
• Buscar un lugar con aire acondicionado, cuando le sea posible.
• Vestir ropa liviana y de colores claros.
• No practicar actividades fuertes.

“Motivamos a los ciudadanos a ser buenos vecinos y vigilar a los ancianos o vecinos que no salen de sus casas, llevando a aquellas personas que tienen señales de agotamiento por calor o insolación a un área con aire acondicionado. Durante una emergencia, llame al 9-1-1 inmediatamente”, dijo Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

El agotamiento por calor y la insolación son más comunes en ambientes muy húmedos. La alta humedad reduce la efectividad del cuerpo de sudar y refrescarse. La insolación es la enfermedad más seria relacionada al calor. Ocurre cuando el cuerpo no tiene la habilidad de controlar su temperatura. El agotamiento por calor es una forma más leve de enfermedad relacionada al calor que puede desarrollarse después de días de exposición a altas temperaturas y de un reemplazo de fluidos inadecuado y desequilibrado.

Para más información visite: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/es/

ORLANDO – La temporada de huracán ha llegada y las familias deben comenzar a prepararse para mantenerse seguras. El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange esta comprometido al bienestar de la comunidad al trabajar en los refugios de necesidades especiales (special needs shelters), los cuales son abiertos durante tormentas tropicales y huracanes. Personas con incapacidades necesitan conocer sobre los refugios o albergues de necesidades especiales que podrían estar disponibles y podrían ser utilizados por aquellas personas que no tienen otras alternativas y necesitan asistencia con transportación para salir de su hogar y/o tienen una condición de salud/medica que requiere atención médica en un refugio.

“El personal del departamento de salud de su condado esta listo para asistirle a usted y a sus seres queridos con incapacidades en el evento de un desastre. Si se acerca una tormenta, verifique con su doctor o su farmacéutico y asegúrese de traer con usted 30 días de medicamentos para usarlo durante y después del desastre”, dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange

Durante esta temporada del año, todos los floridanos deben aumentar su conocimiento y responsabilidad personal para poder preparase adecuadamente para la temporada de huracán. Si mientras planifica, un individuo con necesidades medicas especiales determina que no pueden salir del área de desastre y que debe buscar refugio de la tormenta, debe entonces registrarse con el Programa de Refugio para Necesidades Especiales del Condado Orange (Orange County Special Needs Program) como una persona con necesidades especiales. Para registrarse, llame al 407-836-9319 o visite www.orangecountyfl.net

Antes de un desastre recuerde:

• Repasar el plan de desastre familiar, verificar los suministros y las fechas de expiración.
• Tenga reuniones de familia unas cuantas veces al año para discutir como la familia se ha preparado para mantenerse segura durante un desastre.
• Predetermine si se quedara en su casa o saldrá de ella y evacuara a otro lugar. Si debe salir, tenga un lugar predeterminado para encontrarse, de esa manera nadie comenzara a buscar a una persona que ya esta segura poniéndose a si mismo en peligro.
• Motive a todos los miembros de su familia a expresar sus inquietudes sobre que podría suceder y que planes tienen para manejar diferentes situaciones.
• Manténgase informado a través de autoridades locales y estatales de confianza.

Un equipo de suministros para desastres que utilizara en su hogar o si sale a otro lugar debe incluir artículos en seis áreas básicas:

1. Agua
2. Alimento
3. Suministros de primeros auxilio y medicamentos
4. Ropa y ropa de cama
5. Herramientas y suministros de emergencias
6. Documentos importantes de su familia.

Usted necesitara un equipo de suministros si esta confinado a su hogar. Un equipo de suministros también es de gran valor si tiene que salir a otro lugar que no sea un refugio que ya tiene todos los suministros o si no esta seguro de los suministros que tiene el refugio.

ORLANDO- The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) was honored with a visit by an Indonesian health planning leader today who wanted to learn how OCHD helps protect the community’s health.

The health department’s Office of Community Health/Global Initiative coordinated the visit by Ms. Nurseha Dewagong, the lead planner on health policy issues in the Enrekang Regency of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Ms. Dewagong chose Orange County to learn more about how government agencies in the U.S. plan, support, and monitor health policies at federal and state, and local levels.

This visit was under the auspice of Department of State. The Orange County Health Department has hosted visits by other health leaders in the past from China, Republic of Georgia & Japan.

ORLANDO – El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange desea recordar a todas las personas a ser cautelosos de las infecciones por amebas, debido a que en la Florida Central ha tenido este verano condiciones muy calientes y de sequía.  Todas las personas deben tomar precauciones mientras nadan en lagos y charcas de agua dulce templada debido a la amenaza que causa la ameba  Naegleria fowleri.  El Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) ha determinado que las infecciones usualmente ocurren cuando esta caliente por periodos prolongados causando altas temperaturas en el agua y bajos niveles de agua.  El CDC menciona que aunque las infecciones por Naegleria son poco comunes, pueden aumentar durante los años donde ocurren olas de calor y usualmente ocurre durante los meses de verano; julio, agosto y septiembre.

“Existe un aumento en el riesgo de infección por este organismo en todas las áreas de agua dulce en la Florida, especialmente durante los meses calientes de verano.  Toda familia debe comprender que la única manera conocida de prevenir infección es evitar actividades relacionadas al agua dulce tibia”, dijo el  Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

Naegleria fowleri es una ameba que ocurre naturalmente y que puede ser encontrada en cualquier cuerpo de agua dulce tales como lagos, ríos, fuentes termales (hot springs) y piscinas que no han recibido el mantenimiento adecuado y tengan poco o ningún cloro. Esta ameba puede causar una infección conocida como Meningoencefalitis Amoebica Primaria (PAM por sus siglas en inglés) al viajar por la nariz hasta el cerebro y espina dorsal. Esto generalmente ocurre durante actividades tales como la natación, calvados, esquí acuático y “wakeboarding”. 

Algunas medidas que podrían reducir su riesgo de infección incluyen: 

• Evitar actividades relacionadas al agua en cuerpos de agua dulce, aguas termales y aguas termales contaminadas como el agua que se encuentra alrededor de centrales eléctricas.
• Evitar actividades relacionadas al agua en cuerpos de agua dulce durante periodos de temperatura alta y bajo nivel de agua.
• Usar un clip o sujetador para la nariz o sujete su nariz con los dedos cuando practique actividades relacionadas al agua en cualquier cuerpo de agua dulce tales como lagos, ríos y aguas termales.
• Evitar revolver el sedimento mientras nade o practique otras actividades de agua en áreas con aguas dulces poco profundas y templadas.

Aunque las infecciones son poco comunes, la mayoría son fatales.  Busque cuidado médico inmediatamente si usted desarrolla fiebre repentina, dolor de cabeza, cuello teso y vómito especialmente si usted ha estado en agua dulce templada dos semanas previo a los síntomas.

Usuarios recreativos del agua deben asumir que siempre existe un nivel bajo de riesgo de la infección cuando entran en agua dulce templada.  Para más información y para ver un video de servicio público acerca de los peligros de infección por amebas, visite www.orchd.com .

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Recreational water activities can be fun and entertaining, but precautions should be taken to ensure safety. In any body of fresh water anywhere and in poorly maintained and under chlorinated swimming pools a naturally occurring amoeba called Naegleria fowleri may be found.

It can cause an infection by traveling up the nose to the brain and spinal chord. This can happen during activities like swimming, diving, or wakeboarding.

Although infections are rare, most are fatal. The only known way to prevent infection is to avoid water related activities.

You may reduce your risk of infection by keeping your head out of the water, holding your nose shut or using a nose clip. Also, avoid digging in and stirring up the sediment.

Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, stiff neck, or vomitting, especially if you've been in warm fresh water within the previous two weeks.

For more information visit the Florida Department of Health web site or contact your local county Health Department.

ORLANDO – El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange reconoce la semana del 24 al 30 de mayo de 2010 como la Semana Nacional de Prevención de Enfermedades Transmitidas por el Agua Durante Actividades Recreativas. Nuestro objetivo es realzar durante esta semana la importancia de la natación saludable, incluyendo hábitos saludables de natación, y la prevención de enfermedades transmitidas a través del agua durante actividades recreativas.

Hasta el 15 de abril de 2010, el Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange ha provisto 2,333 permisos de uso para piscinas o albercas, balneario (spa), áreas de baño naturales, facilidades interactivas con agua, y atracciones acuáticas. Todas estas instalaciones son inspeccionadas por lo menos dos veces al año para asegurar: desinfección adecuada y mantenimiento de químicos y equipos de filtración además de que el equipo de seguridad se mantenga en el lugar. "El Centro de la Florida se ha convertido en un gran centro turístico para el mundo donde la gente disfruta de nuestro sol, playas, piscinas o albercas y atracciones acuáticas. Es importante para nosotros asegurar que los ciudadanos y visitantes del Condado de Orange tengan un entorno seguro para nadar, " dijo el Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

Una de las preocupaciones acuáticas en la Florida Central es la posible infección por Naegleria fowleri, una ameba que se produce naturalmente y resultó en la muerte de tres niños de la Florida en el 2007. Esta ameba microscópica se encuentra más comúnmente en la capa superior de sedimentos en el fondo de los lagos y estanques con suelos de barro. La amenaza de la infección, aunque poco común, aumenta durante los meses de verano cuando la temperatura del agua sube. La ameba invade el cerebro y la enfermedad progresa rápidamente por lo general resultando en muerte dentro de 3 a 7 días. Meningoencefalitis Amoebica Primaria (PAM por sus siglas en inglés) es causada por amebas comunes en casi todos los lagos, lagunas, ríos, arroyos y otros cuerpos de agua dulce. También pueden estar presentes en las piscinas sin el mantenimiento adecuado o en los Jacuzzi. La mejor manera de disminuir las posibilidades de infección es evitar un nivel de agua dulce durante los meses calientes del verano. Sujetando su nariz o utilizando un sujetador de nariz o “clip” cuando participe en actividades recreativas de agua dulce también puede disminuir sus probabilidades de adquirir esta infección.

Las Enfermedades Transmitidas por el Agua Durante Actividades Recreativas (RWI por sus siglas en inglés) son enfermedades que se transmiten al tragar, respirar o tener contacto con agua contaminada de piscinas, “spas”, lagos, ríos u océanos. Estas enfermedades son causadas por microorganismos tales como "Cripto" (abreviatura de Cryptosporidium), Giardia, E. coli 0157: H7 y Shigella (Shi-GE-luh). Las enfermedades trasmitidas por el agua en situaciones recreativas pueden causar una amplia variedad de síntomas, incluyendo de la piel, oído, afecciones respiratorias, oculares e infecciones de heridas.

Las Enfermedades Transmitidas por el Agua se propagan por nadar en aguas contaminadas como consecuencia del mantenimiento deficiente de lugares de aguas recreativas, la presencia de gérmenes resistentes al cloro, los accidentes de heces y la contaminación de lagos o playas marinas relacionada a las aguas negras.

El conocimiento del público de las enfermedades que se transmiten por el agua y los comportamientos adecuados de natación juegan un papel clave en la transmisión de estas enfermedades. Los nadadores que están enfermos con diarrea podrían contaminar los lugares de natación lo cual puede causar que otros bañistas se enfermen. Las personas enfermas deben evitar nadar hasta que sus síntomas hayan pasado.

Además, los grupos de alto riesgo como los jóvenes, ancianos, mujeres embarazadas y personas con un sistema inmunológico débil deben ser advertidos acerca de la prevención de las enfermedades transmitidas por el agua y los comportamientos saludables de natación.

Conductas saludables de natación incluyen:

1. No entre al agua o nade cuando tenga diarrea. Usted puede propagar los gérmenes en el agua y enfermar a otras personas.
2.  No se trague el agua de la piscina. De hecho, evite que entre agua en la boca.
3. Practique una buena higiene. Dúchese antes de nadar y lávese las manos después de ir al baño o cambiar pañales. Los gérmenes en su cuerpo terminan en el agua.
4. Lleve a los niños al baño y cambie el pañal frecuentemente. Esperar a oír "tengo que ir" puede significar que sea demasiado tarde.
5. Cambie los pañales en el baño y no junto a la piscina. Los gérmenes pueden propagarse a superficies y objetos en los alrededores de la piscina y propagar la enfermedad.

Lugares de aguas recreativas ofrecen amplias oportunidades para las personas aumentar su nivel de actividad física y disfrutar de su tiempo libre. Para hacer de este verano una experiencia saludable al nadar, el Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) urge a los nadadores a seguir disfrutando de la natación, pero sólo después de adoptar comportamientos saludables de natación que lo protegerán de la propagación de enfermedades a usted, a su familia, y a otras personas que disfrutan del agua.

Para conocer más sobre la Enfermedades Trasmitidas por el Agua visite: http://www.orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/waterBorne/index.asp

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) recognizes National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week from May 24-30, 2010. Our goal is to highlight the importance of healthy swimming, healthy swimming behaviors, and recreational water illness prevention during this week.

As of April 15th 2010, Orange County Health Department Environmental Health Program has provided 2,333 permits for swimming pools, spas, natural bathing areas, interactive water facilities, and water attractions. All of these facilities are inspected at least twice a year to assure: proper disinfection and maintenance of chemical and filtration equipment and that safety equipment is maintained on site

“Central Florida has become a major world vacation center where people enjoy our sunshine, beaches, swimming pools, and water attractions. It is important for us to assure that the citizens and visitors in Orange County have a safe swimming environment”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

One of the aquatic concerns in Central Florida is possible infection by Naegleria fowleri, a naturally occurring amoeba that resulted in the deaths of three Florida children in 2007. This microscopic amoeba is most commonly found in the upper layer of sediment in the bottom of lakes and ponds with mud floors. The threat of infection, although rare, increases during the summer months when the water temperature rises. The amoeba invades the brain and the disease progresses rapidly usually resulting in death within 3 to 7 days.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by amoebas common in almost all lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, and other bodies of fresh water. They also can be present in poorly maintained swimming pools and hot tubs. The best way to decrease the chance of infection is to avoid going into fresh water during the hot summer months. Holding your nose shut or using nose clips when engaging in recreational freshwater activities may also decrease your chances of acquiring this infection.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs are caused by microorganisms like “Crypto” (KRIP-toe, short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh), E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella (Shi-GE-luh). RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. RWIs are spread by swimming in water contaminated as a result of poorly maintained recreational water venues, the presence of chlorine-resistant germs, fecal accidents and runoff-related contamination of lakes or marine beaches.

The public’s awareness of RWIs and appropriate swimming behaviors plays a key role in RWI transmission. Swimmers who are ill with diarrhea may contaminate swimming venues which could cause other bathers to become ill. Ill persons should avoid swimming until their symptoms have passed.

In addition, high-risk groups such as the young, elderly, pregnant, and people with weakened immunized systems should also be advised about RWI prevention and healthy swimming behaviors.

Healthy swimming behaviors include:

1. Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
2. Don’t swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
3. Practice good hygiene. Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
4. Take children to the bathroom and change diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s too late.
5. Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.

Recreational water venues provide ample opportunities for people to increase their level of physical activity and enjoy their leisure time. To make this summer a healthy swimming experience, the Orange County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge swimmers to continue to enjoy swimming, but only after adopting healthy swimming behaviors that will protect themselves, their families, and fellow swimmers from the spread of illness.

To learn more about Waterborne Diseases please visit: http://www.orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/waterBorne/index.asp

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist announced today the activation of the Florida Oil Spill Information Line which will serve as another resource to provide Florida residents and visitors with up-to-date information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“Florida’s coastlines have not yet been impacted by this oil spill,” said Governor Crist. “However, understanding the Floridians have a number of questions about the state’s ongoing response efforts, the Florida Oil Spill Information Line serves as an important resource for the latest information.”

In addition, residents and visitors may call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line for updates on the state’s response activities, information on volunteer opportunities, protective tips for homeowners and businesses, and safety and health tips.

The Florida Oil Spill Information Line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. That number is: 1 (888) 337-3569

For more information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 1-888-337-3569.

ORLANDO- May is recognized as American Stroke and High Blood Pressure Month and the Orange County Health Department continues to create awareness in the community by visiting local barber shops and beauty salons in Orange County to provide blood pressure screenings as well as heart health information.

“Stroke is often preventable. You have the power to prevent stroke by working with your physician to maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels as well as making lifestyle changes”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

About 74.5 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but many don't know it because there are no symptoms. You can reduce your risk for stroke and heart attack through regular blood pressure checks and simple lifestyle changes.

One in three Americans over the age of 20 has high blood pressure, the biggest risk factor for stroke. Over half of the people with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Seventy-seven percent of people who have a first stroke had high blood pressure before their stroke occurred.

Strokes affect people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds but African American are disproportionately affected. African American have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes and higher death rates for stroke compared to whites. The prevalence of high blood pressure in African American in the United States is the highest in the world.

The Orange County Health Department’s Office of Community Health, along with a University of Central Florida Nursing student, will be at some local barber shops and beauty salons in Orange County providing free blood pressure screening, heart health education, and sharing additional educational materials from the American Heart Association regarding high blood pressure and stroke.

For more information on the community events or how to reduce your risk of a stroke and/or high blood pressure, please contact Ethel Smith, Health Promotions and Education Coordinator at (407) 858-1466, or visit the American Heart and Stroke Association’s website at www.powertoendstroke.org

ORLANDO – El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange reconoce mayo como el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre Hepatitis y el 19 de mayo como el Día Mundial de la Hepatitis. El propósito de estas observancias anuales es crear conciencia sobre el impacto global de la hepatitis viral y la importancia de prevenir enfermedades del hígado relacionadas a la hepatitis, incluyendo cáncer del hígado.

El Programa de Prevención de Hepatitis del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange trabaja para educar y motivar a las personas a realizarse la prueba y vacunarse para ayudar a prevenir infección por hepatitis. Es importante que las personas se realicen la prueba porque si no se detecta, la hepatitis B y C pueden conducir a cirrosis, cáncer del hígado o insuficiencia renal.

El Programa de Prevención de Hepatitis estará proveyendo vacunas de Hepatitis A y B gratis durante el Día Mundial de Hepatitis el 19 de mayo de 10:00am – 1:00pm en el Orange Blossom Family Health Center, 234 North Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805.

“La hepatitis A y B son prevenibles a través de vacunación. Los adultos deben ser concientes de sus riesgos y vacunarse para prevenir esta enfermedad”, dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

La hepatitis se caracteriza por la inflamación del hígado. La hepatitis A, B y C son los tipos más comunes de hepatitis viral en los Estados Unidos. Los síntomas de la hepatitis, si están presentes, se incluyen náusea, fiebre, debilidad, pérdida de apetito e ictericia. La hepatitis A se transmite al ingerir alimentos o beber agua que ha sido contaminada con desechos humanos (heces fecales). La hepatitis B se transmite mediante el contacto con la sangre o fluidos corporales de una persona infectada. La hepatitis C usualmente se transmite a través del contacto con sangre que contiene el virus. No hay vacuna para la hepatitis C (VHC).

Una de cada 12 personas en el mundo tiene hepatitis viral B o C. Más de 17.383 residentes del Condado de Orange están infectadas con hepatitis C, y hasta dos terceras partes son conscientes de su infección. Aproximadamente 4.345 residentes del Condado de Orange están viviendo con hepatitis B crónica.

Para mas información sobre este programa, llame a Lori Theisen al 407-858-1400 extensión 1135 o visite www.orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/hepatitisPrevention/index.asp.

ORLANDO - The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is recognizing May as National Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as World Hepatitis Day. The intent of these annual observances is to raise awareness about the global impact of viral Hepatitis and the importance of preventing hepatitis-related liver disease, including liver cancer.

The Orange County Health Department’s Hepatitis Prevention Program works to educate and encourage people to get tested and get vaccinated to help prevent Hepatitis infection. It is important for people to get tested because if left undetected, Hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.

The Hepatitis Prevention Program will be providing free Hepatitis A and B vaccines during World Hepatitis Day on May 19 from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Orange Blossom Family Health Center, 234 North Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805.

“Hepatitis A and B are vaccine preventable. Adults should be aware of their risk and get vaccinated to prevent this disease,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States. Symptoms of hepatitis, if they are present, include nausea, fever, weakness, loss of appetite and jaundice. Hepatitis A is transmitted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with human waste (feces). Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis C is usually spread through contact with blood containing the virus. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV).

One in 12 people worldwide have viral hepatitis B or C. More than 17,383 Orange County residents are infected with Hepatitis C, and up to two-thirds are unaware of their infection. Approximately 4,345 residents of Orange County are living with chronic Hepatitis B.

For information or assistance on this program, please contact Lori Theisen at 407-858-1400 x1135 or go to http://www.orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/hepatitisPrevention/index.asp. .

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is encouraging women to take simple steps to improve their health and the health of their children during National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15, 2010. The Orange County Health Department Women’s Health Services program provides prenatal care and family planning to women of child-bearing age.

“National Women’s Health Week is important because it encourages women to take time for their health,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Orange County Health Department Director. “Women are often the caregivers for their families and, as a result, forget to make their own health a priority. With National Women’s Health Week, we remind women that they too need to visit the doctor, make sure their screenings are up to date, and just take a minute to think about their health.”

Family planning is an essential step in the decision of having a child and delivering a healthy baby. If a woman already has a child, waiting a two year period in between births gives the mother’s body a chance to recover from a previous pregnancy. The health department also provides a certified nurse midwife program for mothers who would like the special touch of midwife care during pregnancy and delivery.

OCHD is also helping to promote a new free national health information campaign called Text 4 Baby, a free mobile information service that provides pregnant women and new moms with information to help them care for their health and give their babies the best possible start in life. Women may sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish). They will receive free text messages each week, timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth.

The theme for this year’s National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 9, and will be celebrated until May 15, 2010. National Women’s Checkup Day — a day where women across the country are urged to visit their doctor — will be held on May 10. In addition, the Woman Challenge, an eight week online physical activity program, will be held May 9–July 3. For more information on these events and National Women’s Health Week, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whn

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) along with Teen Xpress has received a statewide recognition by being awarded with the 2010 Children’s Week Community Innovation Award. The United Way of Florida and The Lawton Chiles Foundation designed the Community Innovation awards program and luncheon at the Capitol in Tallahassee to recognize the collaborative work that is being done in communities across the state.

The Orange County Health Department partners with Teen Xpress to bring free health services to teens who need them. Teen Xpress, a program offered by the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, is a mobile healthcare unit that brings free physical and mental healthcare to teens and adolescents who may otherwise not have access to such resources.

“Innovative programs like this help to keep our teens healthier. Initiatives like this need continued support and funding, so we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Four collaborative projects were reviewed and selected by the independent Southeast Evaluation Association from a statewide pool of applicants. The award winners consist of four or more organizations who worked together to address and solve specific problems in their communities. On April 12 in Tallahassee, the award was presented at the Children’s Week Community Innovation Awards Luncheon presented by the United Way of Florida and The Lawton Chiles Foundation, and co-chaired by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator George LeMieux, and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham.

ORLANDO- El Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange reconoce el mes de mayo como el Mes de Prevención de Embarazos en Adolescentes. Este mes es un momento indicado para aumentar concientización del publico sobre las necesidades de trabajar con los efectos de embarazos no intencionales en adolescentes y continuar trabajando para ayudara a reducir la tasa de embarazos en adolescentes del Condado Orange.

La Oficina de Salud para la Comunidad del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange esta auspiciando un concurso de afiche para estudiantes de escuela intermedia y superior en los grados de sexto a duodécimo sobre Concientización de Prevención de Embarazos en Adolescentes. El lema del afiche es ¿Que significa la Prevención de Embarazos en Adolescentes para Ti? Todos los afiches deben ser enviados a Jennifer Howell del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange, 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809 antes del 28 de mayo de 2010. El afiche ganador será usado para promover entre estudiantes del Condado Orange sobre la prevención de embarazos en adolescentes. Ganadores del primer y segundo lugar recibirán un premio.

Una cumbre para jóvenes “Youth Leadership Summit” también ha sido coordinada por la Oficina de Salud para la Comunidad con el objetivo de crear concientización entre los adolescente del Condado Orange. La cumbre es para estudiantes de escuela intermedia y superior y se llevará a cabo el sábado, 22 de mayo de 2010 de 9:30am-2:00pm en el Northwest Community Center ubicado en el 3955 WD Judge Drive, Orlando, FL. Esta cumbre es gratuita e incluye: presentadores, una feria educativa y de empleo, recursos comunitarios, sesiones para jóvenes y un panel de discusión.

Para registrarse para el “Youth Leadership Summit” o para información adicional llame al 407-858-1400 extensión 1220. Favor de registrarse antes del 19 de mayo de 2010.

“Estamos comprometidos en ayudar a los adolescentes a tomar sus decisiones de manera informada. El departamento de salud provee educación y servicios sobre abstinencia y planificación familiar para ayudar a mejorar el futuro de la juventud de Florida,” dijo Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director del Departamento de Salud del Condado Orange.

Durante el año 2007, en el Condado Orante hubo 574 nacimientos que ocurrieron en niñas entre las edades de 15-17 años. La buena noticia es que el embarazo en adolescentes es 100 por ciento prevenible. Hay muchas cosas que los padres y adultos pueden hacer para reducir el riesgo de que las jóvenes queden embarazadas a una edad muy temprana, tales como:

Para mas información sobre prevención de embarazos en adolescentes y para aprender técnicas de comunicación para hablar con su adolescente, visite www.greattowait.com y www.stayteen.org

Teen Leadership Flyer (PDF 822kb)

Poster Contest Rules (PDF 454kb)

ORLANDO- The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has received notification of an H1N1 Swine Flu related death in a 74 year old female resident of Orange County. This case brings the total number of H1N1 related deaths to 16 reported to OCHD since this new strain of flu was identified in April last year. Fifteen of the reported cases have been Orange Countyresidents. One case was a visitor to Orange County. While most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this woman,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. “Even though flu numbers have substantially decreased in our community we should continue to practice good hygiene measures."

The majority of deaths from H1N1 flu in the United States have occurred in persons within the priority groups with underlying chronic health conditions. Pregnant women, cancer patients, people with asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, and kidney disease need to pay particular attention to personal hygiene, avoid close contact to infected persons, and consult with their healthcare provider regarding the influenza vaccine.

The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is still offering the H1N1 flu vaccine at its immunization clinics.It is not too late to get vaccinated. Now that vaccine supplies have increased, anyone who wants the vaccine can get it. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from any flu. For a list of health department and private provider locations with the vaccine, go to www.orchd.com

People should continue to wash their hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they feel ill, and cover their mouths with a tissue or their sleeve if they are coughing. These common sense precautions will greatly reduce the risk of transmission of all flu virus whether seasonal or H1N1 Swine Flu.

The Orange County Health Department’s annual “Get Your Vaccinations Before Summer Vacation” event will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at the Central Health Center located at 832 West Central Boulevard, Orlando. All immunizations are free for children.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. The maximum number of children will be immunized each scheduled day based on staffing levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form, signed by the parent or legal guardian must be presented before services are rendered. A copy of each child’s immunization record and photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required.

A valid Florida DH 680 immunization form (blue form) is required for school entry and is provided once your child has received all of their vaccinations. You can also obtain this blue form at your child’s doctor’s office and the OCHD immunization clinics or events if your child is already up-to-date on their immunizations.

Now is the time to get your child up-to-date on their immunizations and avoid the last minute rush to obtain shots required for school entry. For more information on childhood immunizations, call 407-836-2517.

Vaccination Before Summer Vacation Flyer (PDF 1.1mb)

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department is recognizing 2010 National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 24 – May 1, 2010. This year’s theme is "Love them. Protect them. Immunize them.” National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to highlight the importance of immunizing infants against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases by age two.

“Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease in our country, parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases. Parents or guardians should take time to discuss immunizations with their child’s doctor to see if their baby is up-to-date or needs shots,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Since 1994, NIIW has served as a call to action for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that infants are fully immunized. Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways for parents to protect their children against vaccine-preventable diseases. However, these diseases still exist and continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure that their infant is up-to-date on immunizations. Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is why it is critical to protect them through immunization. Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, healthcare providers, and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community. Vaccines not only prevent disease, they reduce the costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits, and hospitalizations.

Parents should see their doctor or healthcare provider for the latest infant immunizations. Anyone without health insurance or a medical home can visit the Orange County Health Department's Immunizations clinics to have their children vaccinated. Vaccinations are free to all children ages 2 months to 18 years.

ORLANDO –The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has recently launched a mobile website to make it easier for people to find health services they want when they’re on the go. The OCHD is the first health department in the State of Florida to offer their clients a mobile site which is designed for all internet enabled cell phones.

“Our mobi site provides the capability of conveniently finding a telephone number or address to one of our locations while on the go. Plus, there are families in our community who may not be able to afford a home computer, so their cell phone may be the only way they can access the internet,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

The site includes basic information about our locations, hours of operation, and services and takes advantage of mobile technology such as Click to Call, GPS, and URL forwarding.

The mobi site is not meant to replace the OCHD main website, but it is a companion site. It highlights our services and locations with links back to the main site for more information.

Information on the mobi site will be available in English and Spanish. You may access the OCHD mobi site at http://orchd.mobi and you can also find a link to this new site on www.orchd.com.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).The theme this year's is "Prevent Sexual Assault...On Our Campuses." College students experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence. 1 in 5 college women will be a victim of sexual assault by the time she graduates. In addition, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be the victim of a sexual assault in their lifetime.

The Victim Service Center of Orange County's 24 hour sexual assault hotline number is

(407) 497-6701. 

More information about Community and Domestic Violence

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is celebrating and observing this week, April 5-11, 2010, as National Public Health Week (NPHW). In its 15th year, National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), seeks to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving public health. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.”

Throughout the week you may see information about public health through Public Service Announcements to educate Central Florida about all the services public health departments provide to keep our communities safe and healthy. Also on the OCHD website you will find additional information on the role of public health and how public health impacts the lives of each and everyone one of us everyday by protecting the community and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

National Public Health Week was established in 1995 as a way to recognize the contributions of public health workers and the services they provide. The week-long observance focuses public attention on state, community, and individual efforts aimed at preventing public health problems such as food borne illness, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, Tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries in the home.

“While Public Health Week is the time we officially talk about public health, the Orange County Health Department provides health services to the entire county every day, year round. We truly care about the health of all people,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

The Orange County Health Department joins other health departments and public health workers across the country for this annual recognition. The contributions of public health workers have led to significant public health achievements in the U.S. In the past century, these achievements have included: adult and childhood vaccinations, motor-vehicle safety, control of infectious diseases, a decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke, safer and healthier foods, family planning, fluoridation of drinking water, and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard.

ORLANDO - Today, the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) was awarded a grant of 6.6 million dollars for tobacco prevention and control in our community. OCHD will work with the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership to implement policy changes and will partner with key community agencies such as the American Lung Association, Orange County Public Schools, and community based organizations like the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention and county and city governments to improve the health of Central Florida residents and to help prevent deaths associated with smoking and second hand smoke.

This grant award is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking—four critical actions for combating chronic diseases and promoting health.

The $372.8 million, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, was awarded to 44 communities, including cities, towns, and tribes. These communities are receiving awards to implement policy, systems and environmental change strategies over the next two years as one of several initiatives of HHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work.

"The burden of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, strokes, and lung disease threatens to overwhelm our health care systems. An estimated 81 Floridians die every day due to tobacco related diseases, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin. “The answers in part lie in tobacco prevention programs such as those funded by this grant. Working together as a community we can save more lives."

The competitive funding awards to cities, towns, and tribes across the country will allow communities to support healthy choices among their residents through a variety of methods including increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages, improving access to safe places for physical activity, discouraging tobacco use, and encouraging smoke-free environments.

Specifically, this initiative in Orange County will work to help make Orlando and Orange County parks smoke-free environments, reduce youth access to tobacco, and encourage physicians to refer patients to smoking cessation programs.

To learn more about Communities Putting Prevention to Work, visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery and www.cdc.gov

The Orange County Health Department Will Hold a Press Conference in Conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’

National Announcement of Prevention and Wellness Grant Awards to Communities Around the Country

ORLANDO - On Friday, March 19, 2010, The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) will be holding a press conference in conjunction with the First Lady in support of national, state and local efforts to prevent obesity and tobacco use while improving nutrition and increasing physical activity among the people of Orange County. The Orange County Health Department is one of only three communities that will be connected to the national announcement in Washington D.C. via satellite. The Surgeon General of the United States Regina Benjamin will also be visiting OCHD headquarters to assist in making the announcement.

WHO:

• Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, Surgeon General of the United States
• Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros, State Surgeon General
• Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department

WHEN: Friday, March 19, 2010 12:45 p.m.

WHERE: Orange County Health Department Headquarters 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL. 32809

The national event in Washington, DC will be available live via satellite for broadcast media on Friday, March 19 at 1pm (EDT): G-19 16K Digital Only Slot A Orbital Location: 97’ West Ku-Band D/L 11988.5 Mhz Horizontal FEC: 3/4 Symbol Rate: 6.111319 @ 204 packet = 8.448 Data Rate 4 X 3 Aspect Ratio. If broadcast media experience any technical issues during the event, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 202.690.6076 for assistance. Also, the event will be webcast on www.hhs.gov/recovery

Disclaimer: This media advisory was produced using a template prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department’s Tuberculosis, Refugee Health, and Immigration Health Program is teaming up with other agencies in Central Florida to highlight awareness about the prevention, transmission, and treatment of Tuberculosis as part of World TB Day.

This year’s World TB Day event consists of a health fair that will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, from 9:30 -11:30am at the Orlando Coalition for the Homeless located at 639 West Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida, 32801. The health fair includes testing and vaccines such as H1N1 vaccine, TB symptom screening, and Rapid HIV testing.

“Tuberculosis remains a threat to the health and well-being of people around the world. TB testing and preventive treatments are important components in reducing the spread of Tuberculosis”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Each year across the country, public health and local communities unite to increase the awareness of the prevention, transmission, and treatment of Tuberculosis and the necessity for TB testing when certain risk factors are identified. This year’s activities are planned to draw attention to the availability of TB testing and treatment and to encourage individuals that live in communities showing a high incidence of TB to learn about this disease.

The US theme for World TB Day 2010 is “On the Move Against Tuberculosis... Innovate to Accelerate Action”. The proportion of the world’s population becoming ill with TB has been declining each year since 2004 and death rates are falling. But, across the world, one out of three people who become sick with TB fail to access timely, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Innovative ways to reach those people are needed. All women, men and children, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to TB care.

In 2008, there were 12,904 TB cases reported in the US. During the year 2008, Florida ranked 4th in the nation and Orange County ranked 3rd in the State of Florida for the number of active TB cases.

For more information on World TB Day visit: http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/2010/

The Orange County Health Department would like to offer their sympathy to those affected by the earthquake in Chile.

On February 27, 2010, the earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 was recorded off the central Chilean coast. Strong tremors were felt throughout Chile, including Santiago, and aftershocks continue. The US Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile. The earthquake caused significant damage to the areas closest to the epicenter.

If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen in the affected area and have not been able to reach that person, you can contact the Chile Task Force by email at ChileEarthquake@state.gov or by calling 1-888-407-4747.

The following is a link to the FEMA website with instructions for what to do after an earthquake.

The following links provide you with information on relief efforts:

• Red Cross Efforts
• International Relief Efforts

ORLANDO - The Orange County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), in conjunction with the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership and the Orange County Health Department, are celebrating the “2010 Kick Butts Day” by hosting a community park cleanup. The cleanup will be held on Wednesday, March 24 at George Barker Park at 2000 Monte Carlo Trail, Orlando starting at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in an effort to rid the park of littered cigarette butts.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive early for an assessment of the park. The activities kickoff includes a resolution from the City of Orlando delivered by Commissioner Samuel B. Ings.

“Parks are great places to be active and improve our health. They shouldn’t be used as a dumping grounds for cigarettes”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. “Orlando Parks and Recreation is willing to do anything we can to support any efforts to eliminate smoking in children”, said John Perrone, City of Orlando Parks and Recreation Division Manger.

Kick Butts Day is an annual nationwide initiative sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which helps school aged youth become leaders in the fight against tobacco. Kick Butts Day is on Wednesday, March 24 during the state’s “Tobacco Free Florida Week.”

Smoking kills over 28,000 Floridians each year, representing more deaths than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs and fires combined. SWAT, along with the Tobacco Free Partnership, are taking a proactive stance in Orange County to battle tobacco as we recognize most of these deaths could be prevented.

SWAT is Florida’s statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida’s youth to revolt against and deglamorize Big Tobacco. We are a united movement of empowered youth working toward a tobacco free future.

For more information on this event or to participate, contact SWAT at 407-340-3415.

Orlando – In celebration of Black History Month, the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) will be hosting a Black History Month workshop that will focus on the importance of health literacy. The OCHD wants to encourage people to be better educated about the significance of reading to build on the relationship between public health and literacy. The ability to read and learn more about health can also eliminate health disparities which unfortunately are common among minority populations.

The workshop will be held Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 11:30am – 2:00pm at the Orange County Health Department administration office at 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando.

During the workshop, mimes will perform a dramatic presentation, a small health department choir will sing, and the guest speaker will be Vincent Carter, Sr., the father of Orlando Magic player Vince Carter, and Director of the Arthur Jackson Midnight Basketball of Florida program.

The Center For Drug-Free Living, Inc., and The City of Orlando designed the Arthur Jackson Midnight Basketball program to provide youth with positive, alternative late night activities. The goals of Midnight Basketball include strengthening relationships between law enforcement and local youth, improving self-esteem of youth enhancing their interpersonal skills and providing youth with mentors who will have a positive role in their lives. This kind of program also helps influence youth to make the best decisions possible with their health once they become adults. Midnight Basketball has grown to serve thousands of youth and their families in Central Florida.

The month long celebration of Black History Month began in 1976. The purpose of Black History Month is two fold - to educate non-black Americans about African American History and its culture and to instill among African Americans pride in their heritage.

ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department is issuing a rabies alert, in cooperation with Orange County Animal Services, in East Orange County due to one raccoon and one fox found to have rabies in the last two weeks. The wild animals were captured and tested positive for rabies after two separate incidents. Several dogs came in contact with the rabid raccoon and fox. The dogs that were exposed to these animals are under a 45-day home quarantine for rabies.

All citizens in Orange County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and poses a risk to humans and unvaccinated domestic animals. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness of rabies in Orange County. Alerts are designed to increase public awareness, but should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named under an alert.

“Rabies is a potentially deadly disease. Parents need to supervise small children carefully and be aware of unusual acting animals,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

The rabies alert area is bordered on the west by Alafaya Trail, on the north by Lake Pickett Road, on the east by Fort Christmas Road and Taylor Creek Road and on the south by the Beechline or 528. The alert will be in effect for 60 days.

Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. Rabies is transmitted through exposure to the saliva and nervous tissue from a rabid animal through a bite, scratch, or contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs, such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with the rabies infection starts having these symptoms, that person usually does not survive. The only effective treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunizations before signs of illness develop. This is why it is very important to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal.

The Orange County Health Department urges the public to help protect themselves and to prevent the spread of rabies by taking the following steps:

• Homeowners in the alert area should be sure that their pets are fully immunized against rabies.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Orange County Animal Services at (407) 836-3111.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, and coyotes.
• Wild animals and stray pets should not be approached. Do not handle, feed, or attract wild or stray animals. Unusual acting animals should be reported to Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111 for handling.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people or pets.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside. This may attract other animals.

For questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian.

Veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the Orange County Health Department at 407-521-2630 with reports of such animals.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by wild animals or strays should report the incident to their doctor immediately, as well as Orange County Animal Services and their local health department. The contact number to report an animal bite to Orange County Health Department is (407) 858-1420.

Orange County receives reports of rabid animals each year. High risk animals for rabies exposure to humans and pets are foxes, raccoons, bats, skunks, otters, and coyotes. Stray or feral cats and dogs pose an increased risk of exposure due to lack of rabies immunizations. For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website:http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/diseases.htm or contact the Orange County Health Department, Environmental Health Office at 407-521-2630.

For information on rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats visit the Orange County Animal Services website at www.orangecountyfl.net.

Orange County Animal Services offers free rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats through “Pet Amnesty Day” once a month (limit 5 per household). This outreach and education event provides an opportunity for the Animal Services mobile clinic to enter targeted communities to offer free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats over 4 months old. It also provides citizens the opportunity to surrender pets they are no longer able to care for.

The next scheduled event is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at John Bridges Community Center, 445 W 13th St., Apopka, FL 32703.

The Orange County Health Department and the City of Orlando are teaming up to host the Fourth Annual Washington Shores 5K Walk & Health Fair on Saturday, March 20th from 8:00am – 12:00pm at Hankins Park located at 1340 Lake Park Court, Orlando. This event is part of the statewide initiative, “Healthy Floridians Months”, formally known as “Step Up Florida”, encouraging residents to live a healthier lifestyle by becoming more physically active and to eat a healthier diet.

“Walking is an excellent way for adults as well as children to practice physical activity in order to live a healthy life. Physical activity can help manage body weight and prevent chronic diseases giving a better sense of well-being to those that practice it”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years in the United States. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.

Adults and children with healthy lifestyles are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Together, these conditions accounted for 67 percent of all deaths in Florida in 2007, according to Florida statistics.

Registration for the free 5K walk will begin at 8:00am, and the walk will start at 9:00am. This year the 3.1 mile walk will be lead by City Commissioner Samuel B. Ings, of District 6, and Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

After the walk, attendees can enjoy fun activities, such as a Kids Zone, Dance Away the Pounds, yoga, rock climbing, healthy snacks, health information and screenings, massages, and more. Church groups, civic organizations, businesses, schools, families and individuals are encouraged to participate. Awards will be given to groups/schools with the most participants.

For more information about this event please call 407-858-1464

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ORLANDO - In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a community wide coalition of agencies including the Orange County Health Department and the Multi-Cultural Addictions Network, Inc. have come together to continue raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among blacks in the community. These agencies will be sponsoring two events where the entire community is invited to participate.

A “Town Hall Meeting” will take place Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at the Callahan Community Center located at101 N Parramore Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 from 6:00 – 9:00pm. During the town hall meeting there will be a program on the continuing HIV/AIDS crisis in Orlando and the nation, an interactive discussion of the crisis of HIV/AIDS in the African American community, as well as a ceremony to honor community “Unsung Heroes” in substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and community advocacy.

A Community Health and Wellness Day will also take place on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 10:00am- 5:00pm at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808. This free health and wellness day includes confidential HIV testing and additional health screenings such as glucose, blood pressure, and glaucoma. It is important for people to get a routine HIV test, just as they would a cholesterol or glucose test, and now is a good time to start.

Blacks comprise 15 percent of Florida’s adult (13+) population, but they make up over half (53 percent) of the 4,944 AIDS cases and 45 percent of the 7,503 HIV cases reported in 2008. In that same year, the AIDS case rate among black women was twenty times higher than that among white women. The AIDS case rate among black males was six times higher than that for white males in Florida. This is the time to encourage the community to work towards lowering these rates.

This year will be the tenth national observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national HIV testing and treatment mobilization initiative that is designed to build the capacity and increase awareness, participation and support for HIV prevention, care and treatment among Black Americans. The primary goal of NBHAAD is to motivate Black People to get tested and know their HIV status, get educated about the transmission modes of HIV/AIDS, get involved in their local community, and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed.

For further information on the events please call 407-340-8292. For further information on the national event, please visit the website, www.blackaidsday.org

ORLANDO - The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) and several community partners will be offering free HIV testing at an event this weekend to celebrate National Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. The free event will be held at the Lake Eola Band Shell in downtown Orlando from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm this Saturday, March 6, 2010. The event is being co-sponsored by OCHD and the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention. The Center for Drug Free Living, and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida will have mobile testing units to provide free and confidential rapid HIV testing. Those being tested can have their results in 30 minutes.

Besides free testing, the event will feature local Choirs and other entertainment. A memorial will also be conducted as a tribute to those infected and affected by HIV. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies will be world renowned comedian “Rod Z.” The event will also feature the Haitian band, Omega which was displaced by the earthquake in Haiti.

National Church Week of Prayer is an education and awareness campaign which highlights the role of the Church in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. It seeks to encourage congregations to support, and empower each other, and to take action towards stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in communities worldwide. Help us join the battle in the fight against HIV and AIDS and pray for the healing of those affected.

For more information on this event, please contact the Orange County Health Department’s Health Disparities Program at 407-858-1400.

http://www.orchd.com/absolutenm/articlefiles/31-2010BCWP.pdf

The Orange County Health Department urges residents to take precautions that can help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during the colder winter months or during any situation involving a loss of power. As temperatures drop, the potential for CO poisonings and deaths rises.

"Families should take the necessary precautions during cold weather to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and be aware of the signs of CO poisoning. Carbon Monoxide can be fatal if people are exposed to high levels, even for a short period of time," said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

Invisible, odorless and tasteless, CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal and wood. Inside a home, CO can come from a gas-fueled furnace, gas water heater, gas clothes dryer, gas ranges, kerosene space heaters, portable generators, gas or charcoal grills, fireplaces or wood stoves, and even an automobile exhaust. The risk of illness or death increases with the level of CO in the air and the amount of time exposed.

Dangerous CO levels can result when home appliances are not properly maintained or when used incorrectly. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches or dizziness, confusion or nausea. Anyone who suspects symptoms of CO poisoning should go outside immediately and seek prompt medical attention. If a person has collapsed or is not breathing, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance immediately from a safer location (outside or from a neighbor's home).

Help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by following these tips:

• Install and use fuel-burning appliances according to manufacturer instructions.
• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced annually by a licensed contractor.
• Inspect exhaust ventilation systems every year, including chimneys, flues and vents.
• Never burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle or tent, even in a fireplace.
• Avoid using unvented REl gas or kerosene heaters in enclosed spaces, especially sleeping areas.
• Never leave an automobile running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
• Do not leave the rear window or tailgate of a vehicle open while driving. CO from the exhaust can be pulled inside the car, van or camper.
• Install battery operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup inside the house according to manufacturer’s installation instructions or NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment.
• The CO alarm should meet the most recent UL 2034 standard, IAS 6-96 standard or the CSA 6.19.01 standard.
• Replace CO alarm batteries once a year and test alarms frequently.
• Replace CO alarms once every five years in accordance with recommendations by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Never use a portable generator or a fuel-powered tool indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas.
• Always place portable generators outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to enter the building.

For more information about suspected poisoning emergencies, call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

DOH posted an educational video on carbon monoxide poisoning prevention courtesy of the California Air Resources Board at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5rlyN6LuoU. To learn more about indoor air pollution and public health in Florida, visit http://www.orchd.com/environmentalHealth/indoorAir/index.asp or contact the Environmental Health Program at 407-521-2630.

Carbon Monoxide FAQ's

Preguntas Monoxido de Carbono

Orlando This week is recognized as National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10-16) and the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) would like to highlight the importance of getting an H1N1 flu shot. Free events will be held this month for those who want the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine. It is not too late to get vaccinated because a typical flu season peaks in January and February. Now that vaccine supplies have increased, anyone who wants the vaccine can get it.

If a child under 10 years old has received the first dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, it may be time for the second dose. The recommended interval between the first and second dose should be at least 28 days, however, a second dose given at least 21 days after the first is considered valid.

In partnership with Vaxcare, H1N1 shots and nasal mist are available at the following events, at no cost, on a first come first served walk-in basis, while supplies last at each event:

• Sat January 23 Colonial High School, 6100 Oleander Drive, Orlando, 9:00am - 3:00pm
• Sat January 30 Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 9:00am - 3:00pm

In order to have the Influenza H1N1 vaccine accessible to more people, the Orange County Health Department has also extended their Immunization Clinic hours until 7:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of every week until further notice at the Central Health Center located at 832 W. Central Blvd., Orlando. The vaccines are given on a first come first served walk-in basis, while supplies last.

People should continue to wash their hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they feel ill, and cover their mouths with a tissue or their sleeve if they are coughing. These common sense precautions will greatly reduce the risk of transmission of all flu virus whether seasonal or H1N1 Swine Flu.