World Rabies Day, Sept 28th ... Protect Your Family and Your Pets!

via Storify http://sfy.co/o9cT -- September 25, 2012 at 01:38PM

Empowering Pregnant Women to have a Healthy Pregnancy and a Healthy Baby . . . Prenatal Plus and Nurse Family Partnership

Prenatal Plus is for Medicaid eligible women, whether it’s their first or fifth child. A public health nurse, dietitian and/or mental health specialist will meet with mother during home or office visits throughout the pregnancy and up to 2 months after the baby is born. The team supports expecting moms in setting goals to positively impact the health of their baby and their family.

JCPH Nurse Family Partnership is for women having their first baby. A public health nurse will visit mother in her home during pregnancy and until baby is 2 years old. The nurse will help mother learn about pregnancy and parenting while helping mother set and achieve goals.

Please call 303-232-6301 to talk with a nurse about either of these programs. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. Take some time this month to learn more about breast cancer, breast health and the latest research developments. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness and provide greater access to services.   

Jefferson County Public Health offers breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who qualify. Call 303-239-7078 or visit the JCPH cancer screening web page.  

More Information  on Breast Cancer & Getting Screened

•           Komen for the Cure

•           American Cancer Society

•           Women's Wellness Connection - Provides free breast & cervical cancer screening services to eligible women in Colorado.  Call 1-866-951-WELL for more information.

Food Day is October 24th!

Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement toward more healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. Residents throughout Jefferson County are reminded that the food we eat should boost our health and enhance our communities.

Food Day was created to:

• Promote safer, healthier diets
• Support sustainable and organic farms
• Reduce hunger
• Reform factory farms to protect the environment
• Support fair working conditions for food and farm workers

For more information or to get involved, please visit the Food Day Website.

In addition, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health recently published its report, F as In Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/TFAH2012FasInFatfinal.pdf The report highlights the alarming trend of obesity rates and potential impacts if trends are not reversed.  “This report outlines how policies like increasing physical activity time in schools and making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable can help make healthier choices easier. Small changes can add up to a big difference. Policy changes can help make healthier choices easier for Americans in their daily lives.” said Jeff Levi, PhD, executive director of Trust for America’s Health.

Injury Prevention . . . Across the Lifespan

Injuries and violence affect everyone, regardless of age, race, economic status or geographic location. In fact, injuries are the number-one killer for Americans, Coloradoans and those living in Jefferson County between the ages of 1-44.

JCPH is partnering with hospitals, childcare providers, high schools and senior groups to increase awareness and education and ultimately decrease injuries among infants, teenagers and older adults in the County.

• Safe Sleep for Baby

Parents, grandparents, childcare providers and others who may be responsible for putting an infant down to rest or sleep are reminded of the importance of providing a safe sleep environment. Studies show that infants who are placed on their backs when going to sleep or napping have a 50% reduced risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is also important to be aware of a baby’s sleep area, clothing and location of sleep. 

• Safe Driving for Adolescents

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In Jefferson County alone, there were 123 teen injury cases involving motor vehicles last year.  Following the Colorado Graduated Driver Licensing-laws can help teens prevent motor vehicle crashes.  Since these laws have been established in 1999, the number of teens killed in motor vehicle crashes in the state of Colorado has decreased more than 50%. 

• Fall Prevention for Older adults  

Every year In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports, an average of 400 Coloradans ages 65 and older die from a fall-related injury, and more than 10,000 are hospitalized for nonfatal injuries.  Improving balance, evaluating medications that may cause dizziness and getting a yearly eye exam are ways to help prevent injuries from falls.  Eliminating hazards at home that may cause falls, such as throw rugs or extension cords, are another way to stay safe. 

The JCPH Injury Prevention Program encourages everyone to learn more about preventing injuries across the lifespan. For more information about preventing injuries, please visit the JCPH Injury Prevention web page or contact Susan Moyer at 303-239-7045.

Need Birth Control or Other Reproductive Health & Family Planning Service

Did you know that Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) offers confidential family planning and reproductive health services with little wait time at two convenient locations?

 

§  Lakewood Clinic, 260 South Kipling Street - 303-239-7078

§  Arvada Clinic, 6303 Wadsworth Bypass - 303-275-7500

In the United States, almost half of all pregnancies are unintended.  Yet, many safe and highly effective methods of birth control are available to prevent unintended pregnancy.  Women with unintended pregnancies are less likely to obtain early prenatal care and their babies are at increased risks of both low birth weight and preterm birth, which can cause health and development issues all through their lives. An unintended pregnancy can also limit the education and employment opportunities of both parents often leading to significant financial challenges. 

That is why JCPH is dedicated to offering the following services:

• Pregnancy testing and all options counseling
• Treatment of minor gynecological problems
• Abstinence counseling
• Emergency Contraceptive Pill
• STD Clinic                            
• HIV Confidential Counseling & Testing 
• Teen Health Program

All services are confidential and parental consent is not necessary for minors.   In most cases, a birth control method can be started on your first appointment.  More information can be found at www.jeffco.us/health

New Teen Trend of Smoking Hookah Tobacco is Unhealthy

Hookah smoking lounges are opening in some Jefferson County communities that have not yet strengthened their smoke free laws.  Although state law prohibits the use of any form of tobacco, including hookah tobacco, for anyone under the age of 18, kids as young as 16-years old are encouraged to come in to some of these establishments, and are often enticed by the candy or fruit flavored tobacco and club-like atmosphere of these smoking lounges.

So, what exactly is “hookah”?  A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke flavored tobacco.  Many think that “smoking hookah” has no negative health effects.  The truth might surprise some, especially parents who have allowed their children to participate in this new trend.

There are many things that you should know about smoking hookah tobacco.  For more information on the facts, click here.  If you are looking for ways to help your teen make informed decisions, contact JCPH at 303-275-7555 or visit, www.jeffco.us/heath.

Protect against Pertussis, DtaP Vaccination Clinics offered at No Cost for Kindergarteners and Preschoolers

In response to rising rates of pertussis disease in Jefferson County and throughout the state of Colorado, Jefferson County Public Health will hold a pertussis (DtaP) vaccination clinic at no cost for kids on:

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 

and on 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 

from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at our 

Lakewood offices, 260 South Kipling Street. 

The target population for these clinics is preschoolers and kindergartners, however we urge everyone to check with their health care providers and be sure they are up-to-date on pertussis vaccinations. Please call 303-232-6301 to register for the October 24 or November 14, 2012 clinics.

Stop the Flu!

Get Your Flu Shot, Wash Your Hands, Stay Home When Sick

Now is the time to start paying close attention to protecting yourself and your loved ones from flu. While it is impossible to say just how bad the season will be, public health officials expect flu to be circulating and urge everyone to do their part in preventing its spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread and severity of this year’s flu season. More details at www.jeffco.us/health or call 303-275-7555.

Leaders in Food Safety

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the award. Congratulations to this year's winner, Santiago's in Golden! http://flic.kr/p/d9Wxev

Leaders in Food Safety

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the award. Congratulations to this year's winner, Santiago's in Golden! http://flic.kr/p/d9Wxox