World Rabies Day

Today Maine CDC recognizes the third annual World Rabies Day. US CDC and the Alliance for Rabies Control, a UK charity, established this day in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies, which kills more than 50,000 people worldwide each year.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. Rabies is 100% preventable by avoiding wild animals and any animal that you do not know, or by getting rabies shots if an exposure already occurred. A rabies exposure happens when a person or animal comes into contact with the saliva or tissue from the nervous system (brain or spinal cord) of a rabid animal. This contact can be from a bite or scratch, or if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut in the skin or in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Rabies in people is very rare in the United States, with only one to two cases each year. The last human case of rabies in Maine was in 1937, but this does not mean that rabies is not a problem. Rabies in animals, especially wildlife, is common in most parts of the country, including Maine. The most commonly infected animals in Maine are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. To date this year, 52 animals have tested positive for rabies.

If you think that you have been exposed to rabies, wash the wound right away with soap and water. Then, call your doctor and the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821 to evaluate the need for animal testing and rabies shots. In addition, if you or your pet is exposed to a suspected rabid animal, call your veterinarian and local Animal Control Officer. If you or your pet is exposed to a wild animal, call your local Game Warden.

Follow these steps to prevent rabies:

• Vaccinate your pet cats and dogs against rabies; it is the law.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or other animals that you do not know.
• Bat-proof your home. Wildlife biologists can provide tips on how to bat-proof your home without harming bats.

For more information about rabies, visit the Maine CDC website at www.mainepublichealth.gov/rabies.

Health Reform Update

Health Reform and Public Health

Health reform has many implications for public health. Learn more by viewing or using the Power Point titled “Health Reform and Public Health” on this website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/mills_presentations.shtml.

Maine CDC Awarded Public Health Infrastructure Grant

Maine CDC has received an award of $1.76 million per year for five years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for improvements to Maine’s public health system.

The goal of these funds includes improving health departments’ performance management capacity and the ability to meet national public health standards to make programs and people in the public health system more efficient and effective. In Maine, these funds will: complete an electronic death certificate system; make necessary updates to an electronic birth certificate system; build systems to allow health care providers to more easily transfer information on immunizations to Maine CDC; apply public health performance management principles in Maine CDC and its work; improve capacity for health planning at the state and district level; and make public health data more accessible.

The grant is funded by the Affordable Care Act of 2010 and will be administered by US CDC.

For more information: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHS+Press+Releases&id=133134&v=article

Other Health Reform Updates

This web chat (http://www.healthcare.gov/news/blog/webchat_behavioralhealth.html) has information on how the Affordable Care Act will help improve behavioral health.

HealthCare.gov has posted updated information (http://www.healthcare.gov/foryou/youngadults/soon/index.html) for young adults about improvements to health care that are coming soon.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has launched an online resource on the health reform law, which provides explanations of the basics of the law, in-depth analysis of policy issues in implementation, and quick and easy access to relevant data, studies and developments. The Health Reform Source is accessible at: http://healthreform.kff.org

For more information about Health Reform in Maine, visit the Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance’s web site: http://www.maine.gov/healthreform/

Flu update

Flu information for the general public

US CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against the flu this year. Getting a flu vaccine is easy, and it is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu. Vaccine is already available in many places, and it will provide protection through the entire flu season.

The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against:

· an influenza A H3N2 virus,

· an influenza B virus, and

· the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

You need to get the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine even if you got the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine last season.

Over the years, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received seasonal flu vaccines. Last flu season, about 80 million people in the U.S. also received the vaccine made to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, and the vaccine’s safety was similar to that of seasonal flu vaccines. Over the last 50 years, flu vaccines have been shown to be safe. Every year, CDC works closely with FDA, health care providers, state and local health departments, and other partners to ensure the highest safety standards for flu vaccines. CDC also works closely with FDA to ensure systems are in place to promptly detect unexpected health problems following vaccination.

Update on distribution

Most influenza vaccine arrives in Maine through private sector channels, but some federal and state funds allow Maine CDC to purchase flu vaccine for some populations in Maine such as pregnant women, those in nursing homes, K-12 school children and their teachers and other staff, all other children, homeless, and people served by municipal and tribal health departments. Maine CDC will be distributing a total this year of about 290,000 doses of influenza vaccine, most of it over the coming weeks.

Doses Approved for Shipment as of Sept. 22:

Population	Doses
Children ages 6 months to 18 years	77,070*
Adults	27,100
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities	11,230
Total	115,400

* This includes doses shipped to both schools and private health care providers.

Number of schools that have received flu vaccine so far: 81

Number of doses distributed to schools so far: 20,590

All health care providers who have fulfilled the requirements in their provider agreements have received some vaccine toward their orders. If you are a provider who has not yet received vaccine, ensure that you have submitted all the appropriate paperwork and temperature logs.

Flu resources

Maine CDC has posted materials – including registration forms, consent forms, and sample protocols – for those participating in school-based flu vaccine clinics at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics

A zip code searchable flu clinic locator will be available at www.flu.gov shortly.

A conference call for those participating in school-based vaccine clinics will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. The phone number is 1-800-914-3396 with the pass code 473623#. During calls, please press *6 to mute your line un-mute when you are actively participating.

Federal guidance and updates

• For health care workers: http://www.flu.gov/professional/hospital/hcworkers_vaccine.html
• For school administrators: http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/k12administrators.html and http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/cleaning.html
• This MMWR reviews parental attitudes and experiences during school dismissals related to 2009 H1N1 flu last year: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5935a2.htm?s_cid=tw_mmwr21
• This National Institutes of Health press release describes how NIH continues to study the spread of H1N1: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2010/nigms-21.htm
• Other updates from the US CDC can be found on its Influenza Site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm

The Queen Rules!

CAN THIS BE REAL!?Nutrition Facts at Dairy Queen

We chose to put our “This is Public Health” sticker on a surprisingly large and extensive Nutritional Facts board in a Dairy Queen on Fletcher Ave., here in Temple Terrace (Tampa). Originally, we planned to place the sticker in the bathroom, near the “Please wash your hands sign”, above the sink; however, it was hard to pass up the framed Nutritional Facts poster. Granted, you can’t miss it in this place! We thought it was rare that a less healthy fast food restaurant such as Dairy Queen, would proudly display the nutritional value of their food on the wall. Specifically, at eye-level to the direct left of where a customer would stand to place their order.

Nutrition is an important factor in public heath, especially when the rate of obesity in the United States is at an all-time high and continues to rise. Obesity can lead to major health problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which can eventually lead to other chronic and fatal conditions. This should raise eyebrows, and be considered a major cause for concern, as heart disease and stroke are listed among the top three causes of death in this country.

At Dairy Queen in Temple Terrace, the owners have taken a step in the right direction. By informing consumers of the total fat, sugar, and food calories they are taking into their bodies, this ice cream parlor in Florida wins our vote for ‘assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy’ through education. On a side note, you might notice the hand sanitizer dispenser adjacent to the Nutritional Facts in the pic. This is also very highly regarded in public health, so we thought we’d point it out in case you missed it. Your hands are two of the dirtiest places on your body at any given time, and your fingers are the "top ten carriers” of colds and flu. It is especially important for restaurant employees to keep their clean hands at work, since they are constantly handling YOUR food! Thanks Dairy Queen J THIS is Public Health.

Sincerely Yours,

Brittney, Taylor, Ashanti, and Samantha <3

Public Health

This is the Moffitt Research Clinic; a prime example of

public health in our community. We chose this location to place our “This is Public Health" sticker because Moffitt is well known for their cancer research. This specific location (on Fowler Avenue in Tampa) not only provides testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI), but also gives out free condoms and conducts studies on the spread of human papilloma virus (HPV), which is how Moffitt is related to public health. As we learned in class, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America today. There are no vaccines or cure available for most forms of cancer, but Moffitt is working on HPV research and discovering how HPV contributes to cervical cancer and genital warts. The free condoms that they give out prevent the spread of STIs among the sexually active college community. They also are a form of birth control and prevent unwanted and unintended pregnancies.

This is Bob (his name was changed to protect his identity). He is a marine corps veteran and unfortunately at the current moment unemployed and without a place of residence. Due to his circumstances he is being affected more than a average person

in terms of his health. If you take a closer look at the picture and his right hand, you will be able to see a cigarette. After mentioning our project to Bob, he confessed to us that he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Smoking contributes to public health problems as it not only affects the person smoking it but everybody that inhales in the second hand smoke which is also related to lung diseases such as COPD and lung cancer.

After talking to Bob, we also realized that his skin was very sun damaged. Over exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Research conducted by various public health organizations has shown that prolonged exposure to sun light can cause of skin cancer and smoking remains to be the number one cause of lung cancer. Remember, this isn’t just about your health or my health, it's about our health. This is public health!

In health,

Nikhil, Patrick, and Yevgeniy

Vaccines are PUBLIC HEALTH!

Each year 5-20% of the population get influenza (the "flu")and around 200,000 Americans are hospitalized . A large part of public health is the prevention of infectious diseases within a community. A key way to do this is through the use of vaccines such as the flu shot which has been shown to the prevent the flu for 70-90% of vaccinated individuals. The new 2010-2011 flu shot will prevent 3 strains of the flu, including H1N1. These strains are chosen based on data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the final decision is made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The influenza vaccine is distributed by private vendors such as CVS, Target and Walmart who offer clinics by walk-ins and appointment for a small fee. It is also distributed free of charge at community clinics such as the health department and the University of South Florida Student Health Services. At this particular CVS branch shown in the photo above, the flu shot is $29.99. However if insured, the cost may be much less or even free of charge. Although the flu vaccine is available to everyone, there are certain high risk groups who should always make sure that they get the vaccine (and talk to thier doctor before doing so). These groups include pregnant women, children under the age of five, adults over 50 years of age and those who may be more likely to be exposed to the virus such as health care workers.

There are some minor side effects such as soreness at injection site, low grade fever and muscle aches. These side effects are usually rare and minute considering the effectiveness of the vaccine. So go get your flu shot and stay healthy this season!

Brittany, Chelsea, Aline, Isabelle

Ashtrays can be beautiful!

We decided to place our “This is Public Health” sticker at Sweetbay supermarket near University Mall in Tampa. We chose this location because it is an area where many different people visit, either shopping at Sweetbay itself, or visiting the nearby stores. We placed our sticker on a newly designed public ashtray that has a hollow vase-like shape. We chose this item because many walk by Sweetbay, both smokers and non-smokers. As a result, ashtrays are a public necessity to keep the streets and sidewalks clean.

We believe that this newer-modeled public ashtray represents multiple public health-related issues: promoting cleaner air, taking responsibility for second-hand smoke, demonstrating action again littering, and cutting back on resource use. The truth is, Americans have a right to make their own choices, so we cannot argue with or punish people that choose to smoke. However, when it comes to the matter of public health, we need to find an option that will benefit the population, while avoiding restrictions of individual freedoms. This ashtray does not promote nor inhibit smoking; it simply has a unique design that prevents a person’s cigarette fumes from spreading in the air after it has been tossed in. This innovation lessens second-hand smoke as well as cuts back the amount of pollution in our communiites and waterways. In addition, the ashtray itself gives smokers the easy task of safely and quickly discarding their cigarettes, while at the same time reducing the amount of careless littering which could become a fire hazard. For example, if a cigarette butt was still ignited, tossed aside and wind-blown near bushes, the bushes could catch fire. Even further, this style ashtray also saves resources; little rocks or sand are not needed. Consequently, cleaning becomes more efficient and effortless.

Besides all these benefits, this ashtray is aesthetically appealing, showing us just how beautiful public health can be!

Katie, Jenna, Stephen, Evan

Testing, Testing, Testing....... reult : NEGATIVE

For this project we as a group decided to put our “This is Public Health” sticker on an empty negative pressure room at University Community Hospital in Tampa. Negative pressure rooms in hospitals are very important but they also play a big role in public health. One of the jobs of public health is to protect the community from infectious disease outbreaks. A negative pressure room helps hospitals combat infections and diseases.

Negative pressure rooms help combat the spread of anything that is communicable from the patient to anyone that comes into contact with them. These rooms are used for patients that have tuberculosis (TB) or other conditions that are spread through droplets (airborn). The negative pressure rooms are used for isolation to prevent contamination of the air and to protect the public. The rooms are specially designed to have a lower air pressure than the surrounding area. This prevents the air flowing from the ill patient’s room into the hallway, where family members, nurses, doctors and other hospital staff are. Science tells us that the air pressure will go from high to low so that equilibrium can be reached. However, these rooms don’t allow equilibrium to be reached because they are specially equipped with an air filter system that keeps the pressure constantly low. So the air from the hallway is always flowing into the room but the air from the room is not flowing back out.

It is important for hospitals to have such rooms because they help combat infectious disease outbreaks. These rooms not only help control the infection/illness, but they also protect the hospital employees. Just by changing the air pressure in the room employees and visitors are protected along with their families and communities. Could you imagine what would happen if someone that had TB came into the hospital? Every single person that visited that floor would be putting themselves at risk for getting TB. And could you imagine if a couple of individuals went home sick with TB? Before you know there would be an outbreak and everyone one would be getting sick. By using such rooms the hospital is taking a precautionary and preventive measure in not only protecting the public but its employees as well. That is why negative pressure rooms in hospitals are important to not only the hospitals but to public health as well, because they take preventive measures to protect the public from harmful illnesses.

Abby & Eban

Women, Infants and Children are Public Health

Our group decided to place our “This is Public Health” sticker at a women and children’s clinic called WIC. WIC stands for women ,infants, and children. This organization is funded by the federal government and provides supplemental nutrition programs for pregnant women and their infants and children up to five years old. WIC offices are located in 2,200 locations across the U.S. and their territories. The program assists low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women and their children. WIC serves about 45% of infants born in the US, clearly making the need for nutrition and health care a major public health issue. WIC improves the quality of life in many of the communities it is established in by improving public health for those who need it. Our group believes this is a public health issue because we believe every newborn baby has a right to good nutrition and good health.

Something great that WIC provides are vouchers for grocery stores so women can purchase the food items they need to stay healthy and provide for their babies. When comparing the national average of low income pregnant women and mothers to those who use the services provided by WIC, those who use the service have healthier diets and also healthier children. A lack of nutritions foods can impact ones immune system and can contribute to low birth weight, anemia, and diabetes. If we provide this intervention offered by WIC to help people who need it, we are making a big difference in infants and children’s health in the long run. As we learned in class,

getting the help you need right when you need it leads to less hospitalizations and treatments in the end. That explains why this issue is so important. When mothers and children are cared for in the community, public health measures are very effective.

Elizabeth, Gina, Marvin, Allie

Recycling = Public Health

The advancement of public health is very important to the community as a whole, and also has an effect on individuals as well. The location that we chose to place our "This is Public Health" sticker represents our interpretation of public health. Tampa is home to the Recyclosaurus Rex, which is a community landmark in front of the Museum of Science and Industry. This landmark was chosen because of the benefits of recycling and proper waste management. The structure of the dinosaur itself was made out of recycled material, and in its belly it contains aluminum cans and plastic containers. This is a great way to promote better recycling habits, and remind the public on this importance.

Recycling can improve public health by preventing air pollution. Recycling can reduce the gaseous waste that is projected out in the air by certain industries. Industries that manufacture items made from metal and plastic can release large amounts harmful and toxic gases. This landmark reminds us of the importance of recycling to reduce the harmful pollutants that can be spewed by the manufacturing industries. Improper waste disposal can cause grave dangers and affect the public health of communities. By recylcing, we can decrease the amount of waste that is disposed in the landfills. Too much trash can accumulate in the landfills and affect communities that are in close proximity to the landfill area. The more trash that accumulates as a result of poor recycling habits, can result in a decreased amount of places to dispose of our trash. Recyclosaurus Rex is a great reminder of how we should take recycling more seriously, and attempt to reduce the amount of trash that we produce.

Danielle, Chase, William

Access to Drinking Water is Public Health

Some people may find it difficult to define what exactly is public health, but if you pay close attention to the things surrounding you, you will find that there are innumerable things that the government, school, or community has put to our services in order for us to have healthier lives. While looking for things around the univeristy area that would describe what public health is, our group noticed a water machine that provides the community with fresh drinkable water for only 25 cents per gallon. We chose this water machine in Tampa because water is one of the most important necessities in life. Knowing that we have access to clean water is something that we should appreciate. Aside from providing us with drinkable water, this water machine is also promoting the "green" movement since you can reuse your gallon to refill. Also since it is in a large plaza with neighborhoods close by, some people don't even have to drive to get water which saves gas and doesn't harm the environment. We believe this is a great representation of public health because this water machine is not only available to the PUBLIC, but it is there to provide us with clean water for the betterment of our HEALTH. That's why the water machine IS PUBLIC HEALTH! :)

Asyad, Alexis, Lisa, Myles

Protect Your Groundwater

It's National Protect Your Groundwater Day. Nearly 2/3 of Maine people get their drinking water from groundwater, so we have a large stake in protecting our groundwater quality and quantity in Maine. We can all use this day to begin doing our part for protecting one of our most important natural resources — our groundwater!

Some things you can do to help protect our groundwater:

• Properly maintain your septic system: make sure to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years and check for signs that your septic system is not working
• Handle gasoline, motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals with care, making sure not to dump them on the ground or pour them down the sink. When you’re done with them, dispose of them properly at a recycling center
• Inspect your heating oil tank and its piping to make sure it’s not leaking, starting to corrode or rust, or in danger of tipping over
• Don’t throw away or flush unused or unwanted medications down the drain. Instead, properly and safely dispose of them by using Maine’s Safe Medicine Disposal for ME free medication mailback program

For more information on Protect Your Groundwater Day, or to learn more ways you can protect groundwater, visit http://www.ngwa.org/public/PYGD/pygd.aspx. For information on public water systems visit the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program website at www.medwp.com. For more information on private wells, visit http://wellwater.maine.gov.

Touch-Free Hand Sanitizer...

Complimentary Touch-Free Hand Sanitizer...

After a group discussion, we have decided to place our “This is Public Health” sticker on the touch-free hand sanitizer located at the entrance of The University Mall in Tampa. The sanitizer is inside the main entrance facing Fowler Avenue. We have placed our sticker on top of the board which advertises the complimentary hand sanitizer. We chose this spot because a public hand sanitizer prevents people from spreading germs, especially in a place that is very public. Having the hand sanitizer at the entrance of the mall encourages people to keep their hands clean at the start of their shopping trip. Sanitation prevents the spread of infectious diseases. Ever since the Swine Flu epidemic, people have been more cautious to make sure they wash their hands regularly to avoid getting sick. The availability of the hand sanitizer to the public allows people to avoid spreading germs. The location of the hand sanitizer is perfect because right when you walk in the mall entrance, the first thing you see is the hand sanitizer, and right when you leave the mall, it is the last thing you see. The availability of the hand sanitizer allows people to avoid spreading germs to others and to themselves. While our group was at the mall to test out the sanitizer, we realized the machine was out of sanitizer! For better results and a continuous impact of killing germs, someone should have the responsibility of refilling the sanitizer machine whenever it is needed.

In conclusion, this touch-free hand sanitizer is a representation of public health becasue it lessens the chances of people contracting and spreading infectious diseases.

Sara, Banireta, Huong

Water Fountains are Public Health

For many people on the outside looking in, Public Health may seem trivial, but those people are the ones who take a lot of things for granted around them. Public Health improves the life of everyone around the world through education, healthier lifestyles, and research of new arising diseases. In this “This is Public Health” activity our group decided to choose a water fountain as a bold sign of what Public Health really represents. We located a water fountain in the University Mall in Tampa, Florida and placed our sticker right in the middle of it to draw everyone’s attention to the fact at hand. We chose this location because it is a common spot for large numbers of people to come and go throughout the day. Water fountains are located in many public locations such as parks, malls, schools, and many other miscellaneous places and it is a prime example of the public taking Public Health for granted. What people do not recognize is the importance a water fountain serves; having a water fountain not only supplies them with a clean, convenient, and pocket friendly source of hydration but it also does saves millions of plastic bottles from being used. In turn, this prevents us from overusing the resource and also preventing potential littering from happening. This issue is important because it provides the public with clean water, and helps the population as a whole to “go green” by using less plastic bottles. All of these factors are essential for leading a healthier lifestyle, so next time you take a drink out of that water fountain, remember, This Is Public Health!

World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide claims 1 million lives worldwide every year, resulting in one suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is a preventable cause of premature death on a global level. In 2007, the latest year for which national data are available, suicide accounted for 57% of violent deaths in the U.S.

Suicide is a significant problem in Maine. Maine’s suicide rate among people of all ages ranked 14th highest in the U.S. in 2007. Of 218 violent deaths in Maine that year, 26 (12%) were homicides and 191 (88%) were suicides.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Maine’s young people aged 15-24. Maine lost a total of 104 young lives from 2004-2008, an average of more than 20 per year. In 2007, the rate of suicide by people aged 15-24 in Maine ranked 6th highest in the nation.

Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die and that suicidal crises tend to be brief. Suicidal individuals want to end the pain that they are experiencing. When suicidal risk is detected early, lives can be saved.

Governor John Baldacci has proclaimed September 14 as Maine Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. An event marking youth suicide prevention efforts in Maine will be held from 2-4 p.m. September 14 in the Hall of Flags on the second floor of the State Capitol Building in Augusta. First Lady Karen Baldacci will read the Governor’s proclamation and Muriel Littlefield, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services Project, will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to suicide prevention. Other state and local leaders will speak and urge others to get involved in suicide prevention. Nancy Thompson, a mother whose son Timmy died by suicide in 2004 and a “Maine Connect speaker,” is a featured speaker. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Several Maine businesses are helping to raise awareness of suicide prevention by distributing information to their customers, including: Fashion Bug, Lithgow Library, Marden’s, Bangor Mall Pizza Hut, and Reny’s.

For more information on youth suicide prevention efforts in Maine, visit www.maine.gov/suicide

Walk This Way...

WALK THIS WAY...

Our sticker was placed at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and 30th Street, a busy intersection many of us pass and use on a daily basis close to the USF campus. Crossing that intersection may appear menacing and the thought of crossing from one side to the other may be daunting. Not to mention out right dangerous. Thanks to the Florida Department of Transportation they have made crossing an intersection safer and more effective by the use of crosswalks. Crosswalks are designed to give pedestrians a designated place to safely cross the street. There are different types of crosswalks; marked crosswalks, overhead crosswalk signs, pedestrian half-signals, pedestrian traffic signals, accessible pedestrian signals and pedestrian countdown signals. The type of crosswalk is determined by the traffic and pedestrian volume. The use of crosswalks makes it safer for pedestrians and drivers thus promoting public safety by reducing accidents and deaths caused by vehicles hitting pedestrians.

Crosswalks also reduce motor-vehicle flow which benefits the pedestrian safety. Crosswalks not only prevent accidents but, it also promotes healthy living. Crosswalks can also be considered Eco-friendly, the more crosswalks available, fewer cars which equals less pollution.

The National Highway traffic safety administration for the US stated in 2007 there were 4,654 people killed on crosswalks and 70,000 injured. A study showed fewer than 4% of cars will yield to pedestrians. There is no doubt without crosswalks those numbers would be much higher. Drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility of crosswalk safety. So drivers put down your cell phones, stop eating and other distractions behind the wheel and pedestrians be alert even though you have the right of way and cross in a designated crosswalk. Think Public! Think Health! Think Safe!

Bi-weekly Public Health Update 9/9/10

INFLUENZA UPDATE

Maine CDC has already distributed more than 36,000 doses of flu vaccine. The vaccine distributed so far is earmarked for pre-schoolers as well as residents and employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It is the first time in many years that state-supplied vaccine has been distributed this early.

Most influenza vaccine arrives in Maine through private sector channels, but some federal and state (Tobacco Settlement - Fund for a Healthy Maine) funds allow Maine CDC to purchase flu vaccine for some populations in Maine such as pregnant women, those in nursing homes, K-12 school children and their teachers and other staff, all other children, homeless, and people served by municipal and tribal health departments. Maine CDC will be distributing a total this year of about 290,000 doses of influenza vaccine, most of it over the coming weeks.

Maine CDC has posted materials – including registration forms, consent forms, and sample protocols – for those participating in school-based flu vaccine clinics at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics

Updates from the US CDC can be found on its Influenza Site.


PERTUSSIS

Pertussis is still an important concern in Maine and throughout the U.S., with outbreaks being seen in several states, including significant ones among un and under-vaccinated in California, resulting in 8 infant deaths there. To date in 2010, Maine has seen 32 confirmed cases of pertussis with 11 of those reported in the past month. The majority of people identified are younger than 13 years of age. Half are not up to date on their vaccines or their vaccine status is not known. With school reconvening and with so many children under-vaccinated, we are concerned about increasing outbreaks here in Maine. For more information, see this Health Alert: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHHS-HAN&id=128206&v=alert


NATIONAL HEALTH REFORM

This report (http://www.rwjf.org/coverage/product.jsp?id=68128&cid=xtw_rwjf) examines the demographics and health characteristics of the new population nationally now eligible for Medicaid under health reform.

Although health coverage is currently available to children in families with incomes up to about $45,000 per year in nearly every state, an estimated five million uninsured children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have built an unprecedented coalition of partners, ranging from state governors to national advocacy organizations, to enroll children in Medicaid and CHIP and educate families. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/09/20100903a.html

As part of the health reform’s step-by-step efforts to close the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap, more than 1 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries who fall in this “donut hole” this year are mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/20100830b.html

Through the Affordable Care Act’s Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, employers are going to receive help to maintain health coverage for retirees not yet eligible for Medicare. Nearly 2,000 employers, representing large and small businesses, State and local governments, educational institutions, non-profits, and unions have been accepted into the program and will begin to receive reimbursements for employee claims this fall. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/20100831a.html

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled CuidadodeSalud.gov, the first website in Spanish of its kind to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage. This site is the partner of HealthCare.gov, which was launched in July 2010, and is the first website in Spanish to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/09/20100908a.html

For more information about Health Reform in Maine, visit the Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance’s web site: http://www.maine.gov/healthreform/


MAINE IS HIGHLIGHTED IN US CDC’S SPOTLIGHT ON TOBACCO USE

CDC Vital Signs is a new report that will appear on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the US CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Vital Signs is designed to provide the latest data and information on key health indicators. This month’s Vital Signs focus on tobacco use:
• Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — United States, 2009
• Vital Signs: Nonsmokers’ Exposure to Secondhand Smoke — United States, 1999–2008

Despite the known dangers of tobacco use, 1 in 5 American adults continues to smoke cigarettes, and 4 in 10 nonsmokers were exposed to cigarette smoke during 2007-2008. Among children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, 54 percent were exposed to secondhand smoke. Nearly all (98%) of children who live with a smoker are exposed and have measureable levels of toxic chemicals from cigarette smoke.

In this report, US CDC commends California for their successful long term comprehensive tobacco control program that has been associated with adult smoking rate reductions. They then commend the successes seen in youth smoking in our state: “Maine, New York, and Washington have seen 45%--60% reductions in youth smoking with sustained comprehensive statewide programs.”

Additionally, the report notes that the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products and has provided new opportunities to reduce tobacco use.

For more information visit the Partnership for a Tobacco-free Maine, Maine CDC’s tobacco prevention and control program.


SPOTLIGHT ON TATTOOS

Tattoo licensing has been in the local news recently. Licensed tattoo artists in Maine are required to have special training about bloodborne diseases and to utilize safety precautions before, during and after the application of the tattoo. In getting a tattoo, safety should always be vigilantly observed to avoid medical issues. These include preventing diseases such as HIV, AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases that can be acquired through sharing of needles, use of unsterile equipments and sloppy procedures. You can reduce the health risks by only going to tattoo shops and tattoo artists that are fully licensed. The following provides information on the health risks associated with tattoos and the safety precautions that should be used by all licensed tattoo artists in the State of Maine.

Health Risks Associated with Tattoos:
• Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV — the virus that causes AIDS.
• Skin infections. Tattoos can lead to local bacterial infections, characterized by redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like drainage.
• Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red dye — can cause allergic skin reactions, resulting in an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This may occur even years after you get the tattoo.
• Other permanent skin problems. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink, especially red ink. Tattooing can also lead to raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).

Safety Precautions for Reducing Health Risk Associated with Tattoos:
• Go to a reputable tattooing studio that employs only licensed, properly trained employees.
• Make sure the tattoo artist washes his or her hands and wears a fresh pair of protective gloves for each procedure.
• Make sure the tattoo artist removes a needle and tubes from sealed packages before your procedure begins. Any pigments, trays and containers should be unused as well.
• Make sure the tattoo artist uses a heat sterilization machine (autoclave) to sterilize all nondisposable equipment after each customer. Instruments and supplies that can't be sterilized with an autoclave — including drawer handles, tables and sinks — should be cleaned with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution after each use.

If you think your tattoo may be infected or you're concerned that your tattoo isn't healing properly, contact your doctor.


UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its recommendations for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease through use of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among all adults aged ≥65 years and those adults aged 19–64 years with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for serious pneumococcal infection. The new recommendations include the following changes from previous ACIP recommendations: 1) indications for which PPSV23 vaccination is recommended now include cigarette smoking and asthma, and 2) routine use of PPSV23 is no longer recommended for Alaska Natives or American Indians aged ≤65 years unless they have medical or other indications for PPSV23. For more information, read this MMWR: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5934a3.htm?s_cid=mm5934a3_w

Get the school year off to a safe, healthy start

Remember that Pink Eye is usually mild and easy to treat.

Make sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, including pertussis.

Check out our fact sheet on head lice.

Keep school lunches safe.

Although the H1N1 flu pandemic is over, continue to remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve and wash hands frequently.

Pertussis Advisory for Parents and Clinicians

Pertussis is still an important concern in Maine and throughout the U.S. To date in 2010, Maine has seen 32 confirmed cases of pertussis with 11 of those reported in the past month. The majority of people identified are younger than 13 years of age. Half are not up to date on their vaccines or their vaccine status is not known. This advisory provides information on pertussis for the public and clinicians as well as a reminder about required vaccines for school attendance.


Pertussis Info for the Public:

The cyclical nature of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, historically causes it to peak every few years, especially when there are high rates of non or under immunization. This year appears to be one of those peak years, given the increase in new cases in many parts of the U.S. As of two weeks ago, almost 10,000 new cases of pertussis were reported nationally. This figure is close to surpassing the total number of cases reported in all of 2009. One in eight of the reported cases this year are from California, which has seen the highest number of cases in 52 years. Tragically, 8 young infants have died in California from pertussis. All were too young to be vaccinated except for one who had just received one dose. The vaccine protects not only those who are receiving it but also young infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated and are more vulnerable to the devastating effects of the disease.

Children need 5 doses of DTaP by kindergarten (ages 4 -6) and a TDaP booster by age 11. All teens and adults are recommended to receive TDaP boosters.

FMI for Consumers:

* Video stories of those affected by pertussis and being undervaccinated against various diseases: http://shotbyshot.org/story-gallery#Pertussis
* U.S. CDC’s info page on pertussis: http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html

Pertussis Info for Clinicians:

1. Consider pertussis when evaluating any patient with an acute illness characterized by cough >2 weeks in duration, or cough with paroxysms, whoop, or post-tussive vomiting. Infants may present with apnea and/or cyanosis.

2. Report known or suspected cases promptly to the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.

3. Persons who exhibit symptoms consistent with pertussis should be tested with a nasopharyngeal swab. The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) tests specimens by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in addition to other reference labs in the state. Serologic testing through private laboratories has not been well standardized and should not be used.

4. Individuals with suspected pertussis should be treated after a nasopharyngeal specimen is collected for testing. Guidelines for antibiotic treatment for pertussis cases and contacts have been published by the federal CDC in the MMWR (December 9, 2005. RR-14) and are available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5414a1.htm.

5. Individuals with symptoms of pertussis should be considered to be infectious and should not attend school, work, or daycare until they have completed 5 days of an appropriate antibiotic. This is especially important for persons working in medical settings or with infants and young children.

Reminder about School Immunizations:

As the school year begins, it is important to remind patients and their families to check that they are up to date on their immunizations. This is also an excellent opportunity for patients to catch up on any immunizations they may have missed. Maine’s school immunization law requires the following vaccines for children entering school:

* Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTaP)
* Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
* Poliomyelitis
* Varicella

The Maine Immunization Program supplies these required vaccines free to healthcare providers:

* DTaP: for any child under 7
* MMR/Polio/Varicella: for any child under 18

Additionally, federal CDC maintains a recommended immunization schedule, which includes schedules for children and adolescents up to age 18 as well as a recommended catch up schedule. This is listed here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm

Going back to school is a busy time of year for both families and health practitioners. By reminding and encouraging patients to stay up to date on their vaccines, we can create a healthy and safe learning environment for all Maine children.

For more information on pertussis control measures, please go to www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pertussis/guide.htm or call 1-800-821-5821.