Entries Tagged ‘CDC’:

Things to Know about the Shingles Virus

Many people are familiar with chickenpox and may have had it as a young child. But are you aware the virus that causes chickenpox remains in your body in an inactive state for years and can reactive and cause a condition called shingles? It is called the varicella zoster virus. To give you an idea of how common shingles is, according to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles and there are an estimated 1 million cases each year in the United States (CDC.gov).

People that are at risk of developing shingles are:

• Anyone at any age who has recovered from chickenpox
• People over 60 years of age have a higher risk (about half of all cases are among people over 60 years old)
• People with weakened immune systems – such as certain cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• People who receive immunosuppressive drugs (i.e. steroids)

Symptoms

WebMD lists the following three stages of shingles:

Prodromal stage (before the rash appears)
  • Pain, burning, tickling, tingling, and/or numbness occur in the area around the affected nerves several days or weeks before a rash appears. The discomfort usually occurs on the chest or back, but it may occur on the belly, head, face, neck, or one arm or leg.
  • Flu-like symptoms (usually without a fever), such as chills, stomachache, or diarrhea, may develop just before or along with the start of the rash.

Tips for a Healthy and Safe Halloween

Halloween is approaching quickly! With so many little ghosts and goblins strolling through our neighborhoods, it is good to think about what we can do to ensure a safe Halloween. The following tips, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will help us all to have a SAFE and fun-filled Halloween. Happy Haunting!

The following information is from the CDC:

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

 

Alphabet letter S Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Alphabet letter A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Alphabet letter F Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Alphabet letter E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
 
Alphabet letter H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
Alphabet letter A Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
Alphabet letter L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Alphabet letter L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Alphabet letter O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Alphabet letter W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Alphabet letter E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Alphabet letter E Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
Alphabet letter N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

 

  • Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
  • Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
  • Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
  • Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
  • Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

[Information Source]

Walk Your Way to a Healthier Lifestyle

walking, exercise

Many people struggle to find time to get to the gym and exercise. But you can save some time by simply opening your front door and taking a walk! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults get their physical activity from walking. The following article is from the CDC and helps explain how much physical activity adults and children need in their lives and it shows how we can incorporate these healthy habits into our busy schedules.

 

6 in 10 Adults Now Get Physical Activity by Walking

More people are walking but most do not get enough physical activity. Find out how we can make it easier for people to walk to the places they need and want to goLess than half of adults are getting enough physical activity to benefit their health. One way to get that activity is by walking, which is the most popular form of physical activity in the U.S. Because walking is possible for most people and does not require special skills or facilities, it is a way for many people to be more physically active.

Physical activity helps control weight and has benefits beyond weight control. Physical activity, such as walking, can help improve everyone’s health, even if you don’t lose weight.People who are physically active live longer and are at lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.

How much physical activity do adults and children need?
  • Adults need at least 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) a week of physical activity at a moderate effort. This effort is similar to a fast-paced walk.
  • Children should get 1 hour a day, every day.

Women and older adults are less likely than men and younger adults to get as much physical activity as is recommended.

Here are some ways of improving spaces and increasing places for walking to help more people become physically active.

You can support more frequent walking in your community by:

  • Starting a walking group with friends and neighbors.
  • Help others walk more safely by driving the speed limit, yielding to people who walk.
  • Following safe walking practices such as using crosswalks when crossing streets.
  • Participate in local planning efforts to help identify where walking paths or sidewalks should be located.
  • Working with schools to encourage walking to school.

You and your neighbors can work with local leaders to:

  • Consider walking when creating long-range community plans.
  • Consider designing local streets and roadways that are safe for people who walk and other road users.
  • Create opportunities to let community members use school tracks or gyms after school hours.
  • Maintain existing sidewalks and walking paths.
  • Promote walking paths with signs that are easy to read and route maps.

Your employer may:

  • Create and support walking programs for employees.
  • Identify walking paths around or near the work place, and promote them with signs and route maps.
  • Provide places at work to shower or change clothes, when possible.


[Information Source]

World Meningitis Day 2012

April 24th is World Meningitis Day and it is important that we make ourselves aware of how serious this disease is and to know the symptoms and steps to take to prevent it. Roughly 4,000 people get bacterial meningitis each year in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 15% of meningococcal disease survivors will have disabilities that will be long-term, such as deafness, loss of limb(s), nervous system problems, or brain damage. The following information is from the CDC and goes into details about the disease, the symptoms and ways to prevent it.

Meningococcal Disease: Help Prevent It

Meningococcal disease is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all 11-18 year olds. Kids should get this vaccine at 11-12 years of age and a booster dose at age 16.

Did you know that there are approximately 1,000 cases of meningococcal disease in the United States each year? Meningococcal disease can be very serious — even life-threatening — in 48 hours or less. Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus bacteria. The two most severe and common illnesses caused by Neisseria meningitidis include meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining around the brain) and septicemia (bloodstream infection).

Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease

Symptoms of meningococcal disease are usually sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu), and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion. Even with antibiotic treatment, people die in about 10-15% of cases. About 15% of survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.

How Meningococcal Disease Spreads

Meningococcal disease can be spread from person to person. The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially if living in the same dorm or household. Many people carry the bacteria in their throats without getting meningococcal disease. Since so many people carry the bacteria, most cases of meningococcal disease appear to be random and aren’t linked to other cases. Although anyone can get meningococcal disease, adolescents and college freshmen who live in dormitories are at an increased risk.

Meningococcal Disease Prevention

The good news is that there’s a vaccine to help prevent meningococcal disease and it can prevent two of the three most common disease-causing strains. The vaccine is routinely recommended for all 11 through 18 year olds. Kids should get the first dose of this vaccine, known as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), at their 11-12 year old check-up. Now, teenagers are recommended to get a booster dose at age 16. If your teenager missed getting the vaccine at his/her check-up, ask the doctor about getting it now…especially if your child is heading off to college to live in a dorm.

CDC created a video to help you learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it. This video features a CDC doctor who is an expert in meningitis and, most importantly, a concerned mom. You can download the video or podcast at CDC-TV or access it on your mobile phone.

Vaccines for Teens

Your preteen or adolescent is at risk for other diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) and HPV that can be prevented with vaccines. If your child hasn’t had a check-up within the last year, make an appointment now and ask your child’s doctor what vaccines are recommended.

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New Reports on Increasing Autism Rates

If you have a child with autism or know someone who does, you probably have been paying close attention to recent reports which show that autism rates have grown significantly in the past few years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism rates have grown by 23% since their last report in 2009 and there has been a 78% increase since their first report in 2007.  These are high numbers and it is an important public health concern that needs attention.

The CDC has provided valuable information that helps us to see what the progress is on the search for the causes and the risk factors of ASDs. Also, the CDC continues to develop resources to help identify children at an early age that have ASDs. Below are some highlights from the CDC’s latest report on ASDs:

CDC estimates 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000) has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

  • This marks a 23% increase since our last report in 2009. And, a 78% increase since our first report in 2007. Some of the increase is due to the way children are identified, diagnosed and served in their local communities, although exactly how much is due to these factors in unknown.
  • The number of children identified with ASDs varied widely across the 14 ADDM Network sites, from 1 in 47 (21.2 per 1,000) to 1 in 210 (4.8 per 1,000).
  • ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 54) than among girls (1 in 252).
  • The largest increases over time were among Hispanic children (110%) and black children (91%). We suspect that some of this increase is due to greater awareness and better identification among these groups. However, this finding explains only part of the increase over time, as more children are being identified in all groups.
  • There were increases over time among children without intellectual disability (those having IQ scores above 70), although there were also increases in the estimated prevalence of ASDs at all levels of intellectual ability.
  • More children are being diagnosed at earlier ages—a growing number of them by age 3. Still, most children are not diagnosed until after they reach age 4, even though early identification and intervention can help a child access services and learn new skills. This is why CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program is essential. Through this program, CDC provides free tools to help parents track their child’s development and free resources for doctors and educators. CDC is also working with states and communities to improve early identification.
  • CDC also provided leadership in establishing Healthy People 2020 objectives and supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that all children be screened by age 2, because early screening and diagnosis improve access to services during a child’s most critical developmental period.

To learn more about autism and to find resources to help understanding the risk factors and causes as well as to learn about the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), click here to visit the Center for Disease Control’s website.

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News from the CDC: Managing Diabetes During the Holidays

During this festive time of year many of us find it hard to resist all the delicious food that is in front of us while at work, at home and at social gatherings throughout the holidays. These situations can be very challenging for those with diabetes. Below you will find some useful information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how diabetics can enjoy the celebrations and stay healthy.

The following is from CDC.gov:

Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

The most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities is preparing. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re all set to celebrate!

Feasts and Parties

Before you go, take these steps to make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.

  • Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeating at the party.
  • Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
  • Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.

You don’t have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods.

  • If you’re at a buffet, fix your plate and move to another room away from the food, if possible.
  • Choose smaller portions.
  • Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. If you select an alcoholic beverage, limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal.
  • Watch out for heavy holiday favorites such as hams coated with a honey glaze, turkey swimming in gravy and side dishes loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese or mayonnaise. Instead, choose turkey without gravy and trim off the skin, or other lean meats.
  • Look for side dishes and vegetables that are light on butter, dressing and other extra fats and sugars, such as marshmallows or fried vegetable toppings.
  • Watch the salt. Some holiday favorites are made with prepared foods high in sodium. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables that are low in sodium.
  • Select fruit instead of pies, cakes and other desserts high in fat, cholesterol and sugar.
  • Focus on friends, family and activities instead of food. Take a walk after a meal, or join in the dancing at a party.

Traveling for the Holidays

Leaving home to visit friends and family means changing routines. Make sure you remember to take care of your diabetes while traveling. Check blood glucose (sugar) more often than usual, because a changing schedule can affect levels.

Remember Your Medication

  • Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you expect to need, in case of travel delays.
  • Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops. (continue reading…)

Things to Know for the 2011-2012 Flu Season

The following questions and answers are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and they help us to know what to expect from the flu season this year.

Questions & Answers

2011-21012 Influenza Season: Disease Activity

What sort of flu season is expected this year?

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.

Will new strains of flu circulate this season?

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. For more information about how flu viruses change, visit How the Flu Virus Can Change.

When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

What should I do to prepare for this flu season?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. For information about which viruses this season’s vaccine will protect against visit Vaccine Selection for the 2011–2012 Season. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Inactivated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups. For more information about vaccine effectiveness, visit How Well Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Work?

Will this season’s vaccine be a good match for circulating viruses?

It’s not possible to predict with certainty which flu viruses will predominate during a given season. Flu viruses are constantly changing (called drift) – they can change from one season to the next or they can even change within the course of one flu season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. (For more information about the vaccine virus selection process visit Selecting the Viruses in the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine.) Because of these factors, there is always the possibility of a less than optimal match between circulating viruses and the viruses in the vaccine.

How do we know if there is a good match between the vaccine viruses and those causing illness?

Over the course of a flu season CDC studies samples of flu viruses circulating during that season to evaluate how close a match there is between viruses in the vaccine and circulating viruses. In addition, CDC conducts vaccine effectiveness studies to determine how well the vaccine protects against illness. However, it’s important to remember that even during seasons when the vaccine is not optimally matched to predominant circulating viruses, CDC and other experts continue to recommend flu vaccine as the best way to protect against the flu. (continue reading…)

The Million Hearts Campaign

On September 13, 2011, a national initiative was announced by Million Hearts to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years. Since one in three deaths occur in the United States due to heart disease, it is vital that we educate ourselves on the terrible disease. Over the next few months we will feature articles that will help educate readers on what heart disease is, as well as what cardiovascular disease and strokes are. We hope our readers will be able to learn what causes these conditions and what they can do to help prevent them.

The following is taken from http://millionhearts.hhs.gov.

Million Hearts is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are the co-leaders of Million Hearts within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, working alongside other federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Food and Drug Administration. Key private-sector partners include the American Heart Association, and YMCA, among others.

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Million Hearts aims to improve heart disease and stroke prevention by:

  • Improving access to effective care.
  • Improving the quality of care.
  • Focusing more clinical attention on heart attack and stroke prevention.
  • Increasing public awareness of how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Increasing the consistent use of high blood pressure and cholesterol medications.

Million Hearts brings together existing efforts and new programs to improve health across communities and help Americans live longer, healthier, more productive lives.

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What You Should Know About Diabetes and Pregnancy

The following article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contains valuable information about the dangers of having diabetes and being pregnant and what you can do to help prevent or control the condition and keep your baby safe. 

Control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use the sugars and starches (carbohydrates) it takes in as food to make energy. The body either makes too little insulin in the pancreas or cannot use the insulin it makes to change those sugars and starches into energy. As a result, the body builds up extra sugar in the blood. Controlling diabetes means controlling blood sugar by keeping it within a certain range by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medicines (pills or insulin) as ordered by the doctor.

How can uncontrolled blood sugar affect my health and the baby?

Your health

The extra sugar in the blood can damage your body’s organs, such as the heart, eyes, and kidneys, if it is allowed to build up in the body too long. It can also cause:

  • Increased chance of needing C-section
  • Preeclampsia
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Early or preterm birth

Baby’s health

  • Birth defects
  • Extra large baby
  • Low blood sugar in infant after birth
  • Increased chance of overweight obesity and diabetes in your child later in life

Are there different types of diabetes?

There are three common types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas makes no insulin or so little insulin that the body can’t change blood sugar into energy. Type 1 diabetes must be controlled with daily insulin shots, diet, and exercise.
  • Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body either makes too little insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes to change blood sugar into energy. Often type 2 diabetes can be controlled through eating a proper diet and exercising regularly. Some people with type 2 diabetes have to take diabetes pills or insulin or both.  (continue reading…)

How Many Hours of Sleep is Enough?

On March 4th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on two sleep studies in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which shows a very serious issue facing the United States. The report shows that an estimated 50 to 70 million adults do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can have many negative effects on people such as having difficulties in the ability to concentrate, it can impair a person’s performance at work, cause you to  be a hazardous driver and it can hurt your overall health and well being. 

The studies analyzed sleep surveys of 74,571 adults in 12 states and the results were quite shocking. Almost 37.9% of respondents said they had fallen asleep by accident in the last 30 days. It also showed that 35.3% reported sleeping less than seven hours within a 24 hour period and about one-quarter of these people said they had trouble concentrating during the day. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Another 4.7% said they had nodded off or fallen asleep while driving in the past month. This is a frightening figure since according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drowsiness or nodding off while driving accounts for 1,550 deaths and 40,000 injuries a year.

The report brought out that people who slept less than seven hours were more likely to have many health issues as mentioned above, compared with people who got seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Increasing sleep time would likely improve everyday functioning, the researchers added. To get a good night’s sleep, it is important to have your bedroom free of cell phones, computers and television. Your bedroom needs to be your sanctuary…a peaceful environment that you can go to and let go of the stresses of your day. You should keep a consistent sleep routine and stay away from performing any activities such as exercise close to bedtime.

Lela McKnight-Eily, a psychologist and epidemiologist at the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, and the lead author of one of the reports, said “over the last 20 years there has been a decline in overall sleep duration in adults.” She noted that changing lifestyle habits, including longer workdays and late nights on the computer, have pared away much-needed sleep time. “Within our culture there seems to be a belief that sleep isn’t a part of overall essential health,” she said.

“It is clear that a lot of restorative activities are going on in the body during sleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Shirin Shafazand, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “We have to make a conscious effort to pay as much attention to sleep as people do to other healthy activities like exercise and eating right, because they are all linked together,” she said.

This information from the CDC has come out at the perfect time since this week, March 7 – 13th, is National Sleep Awareness Week. Some other great resources that will show you how important sleep is to our health and well being, visit the National Sleep Foundation and the CDC for further information.

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News from the CDC: It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Vaccine

The following information is from cdc.gov (January 31, 2011)

Don’t let the flu catch YOU by surprise this season. Be prepared; get vaccinated today.

After a busy holiday season, you might be reluctant to add one more thing to your to-do list. But it’s worth it.

 ”Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

There is still time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your family. Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as April or May.

Get a Flu Vaccine Every Flu Season

The best way to protect against influenza is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Anyone can get the flu, and getting a flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and your family. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to friends and loved ones. Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get vaccinated against the flu every year.

While flu activity usually peaks in January or February, the flu itself is unpredictable. And although there are many different flu viruses, the yearly flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common that flu season.

So what are your options? If you are afraid of getting the flu shot, consider FluMist®. It’s a nasal spray vaccine and is safe and effective for healthy people, 2 years of age and older.

Important reminder for parents and caregivers: Many children need 2 doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For those who have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.

Who Is at Risk?

Everyone is at risk for influenza. For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed. However, you may not realize that flu also leads to more than 200,000 people being hospitalized from flu complications each year. The flu can also be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States have ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people. (continue reading…)

Watch: CDC Recommends Flu Vaccine

Influenza Round Table: Don’t Get, Don’t Spread (via CDC)

This short video reviews what you can do to make sure you don’t get the flu, including the new H1N1 flu, and how you can be sure not to spread the flu to others. Also, find out how to reduce your risk of becoming ill with an influenza virus.

CDC Video Player.  Flash Player 9 is required.
CDC Video Player.
Flash Player 9 is required.

Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Running Time: (1:47) Release Date: 10/30/2009

Prevent Child Lead Poisioning via CDC

This feature via CDC

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead. Learn more about preventing childhood lead poisoning and National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities.

Young children often place their toys, fingers, and other objects in their mouth as part of their normal development, this hand-to-mouth activity may put them in contact with lead paint or dust.

The most common sources of lead exposure for children are chips and particles of old lead paint. Although children may be directly exposed to lead from paint by swallowing paint chips, they are more commonly exposed by swallowing house dust or soil contaminated by leaded paint. This happens because lead paint chips become ground into tiny bits that become part of the dust and soil in and around homes. This usually occurs when leaded paint becomes old or worn or is subject to constant rubbing (as on doors and windowsills and wells). In addition, lead can be scattered when paint is disturbed during destruction, remodeling, paint removal, or preparation of painted surfaces for repainting.

Lead, which is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell, may be found in other sources. These sources may be the exposure source for as many as 30% of lead-poisoned children in certain areas across the United States. They include;

  • traditional home health remedies such as azarcon and greta, which are used for upset stomach or indigestion in the Hispanic community
  • imported candies
  • imported toys and toy jewelry
  • imported cosmetics
  • pottery and ceramics
  • drinking water contaminated by lead leaching from lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, or valves and
  • consumer products, including tea kettles and vinyl miniblinds

For preventative measures and other information continue reading about childhood lead poisoning

CDC Swin Flu Video Updates via Webcasts

Get CDC Weekly Updates on H1N1 Flu & Vaccine Situation via Webcast visit Flu.Gov Live

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Rite Aid Pharmacies Offering Seasonal Flu Shots

(article Via The Medical News photo source)

url-1This flu season more than 2900 Rite Aid pharmacies are offering regular seasonal flu shots and starting September 1, flu shot locations and clinic dates will be available at www.riteaid.com and by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494.

Many Rite Aid pharmacists have already been giving regular seasonal flu shots following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of getting the regular seasonal flu get a flu shot as soon as they are available. More than 2,000 certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 Rite Aid stores will give regular seasonal flu shots now and throughout the flu season. After locating a Rite Aid store with an immunizing pharmacist at www.riteaid.com or toll-free 1-866-751-1494, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary. Rite Aid pharmacists also can counsel customers and answer questions about both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

Nurses will be giving regular seasonal flu shots on a first come, first served basis at flu shot clinics in more than 1,800 Rite Aid stores from September 23 through mid-December. Clinic locations will be available September 1 at www.riteaid.com or by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494. (continue reading…)