St. Anthony Hospital, Public Health and Jeffco Public Schools Team Up to Keep Youth Hydrated

The pink water bottle Emmy Adams, a junior at Golden High School, carries around isn’t just a way to stay hydrated. It’s a chance for change.

Emmy Adams, president and founder
of the Golden High School Environment
Club fills her water bottle at one of the
school's new filling stations.

“I think that by having refillable drink stations, it helps people drink more water so much more because it is so much more accessible and easier to make the right choice in what you’re drinking,” said Adams, president and founder of the school’s environmental club. The club was instrumental in highlighting the need for water filling stations at Golden High School.

Water filling stations are just one way to encourage children and teens to drink more water and less of other drinks, like sugary beverages. Healthy Jeffco and its community coalitions, specifically the School Wellness Coalition and the Jeffco Sips Smart Coalition, are working to increase healthy beverage consumption through education and collaboration. Key partners in this effort include, Centura Health’s St. Anthony Hospital, Jeffco Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Health.

It is estimated that more than half of children in the U.S. don’t drink enough water. A national study published in June 2015 in the American Journal of Public Health found that more than half of American children are dehydrated at any time.

Thanks to the generous contribution from St. Anthony Hospital, eight Jefferson County public schools now have water bottle refill stations to help keep youth and staff hydrated. In addition, posters encouraging healthy beverage consumption were distributed throughout the schools.

Golden High School currently has two filling
stations, thanks to donations from Centura Health's
St. Anthony Hospital. The school also received
donations from other community organizations,
which means it will be receiving four additional
water bottle filling stations soon.

“Centura Health believes that high quality health happens in our clinics and in the community,” said Dr. Kimberly Bentrott, a Primary Care Physician with Centura Health Physicians Group. “This project is a great example of health happening in schools, and we are proud to be a partner of this work.”

Golden High School currently has two water filling stations, and thanks to donations from other community partners and the hard work of the environment club, four more are on the way.

“People definitely use it,” said Mike Mendoza, a teacher at Golden High School and the sponsor for the environmental club. “It’s just becoming the new norm.”

Drinking water has become a game for the students at Golden High School. Many of them carry around plastic water bottles and throw them in complicated flips to land on the water filling station sensor pad.

Shamik Bhat, a senior at Golden High School,
fills his water bottle in one of the two
new water filling stations at the school.

Some of them, like Emmy, even regularly check the LED display on the filling station to see how many plastic bottles have been saved. The first week after the stations were installed, Emmy said she checked each hour.

Not only do the water filling stations fulfill the Healthy Jeffco mission to ensure better access and education about healthy beverages, but they also support the Jefferson County Public Health Environmental Health Services goal of maintaining healthy environments. Water filling stations reduce plastic waste from water bottles and other drink containers.

“This planet is such an amazing place that we live in, and there’s just so much to explore and do, and it just makes me realize that you can’t do anything if you don’t have clean air to drink and clean air to breathe,” Adams said, smiling as she explained that her passion for the environment is what makes her want to advocate for sustainable changes, like the refillable drink stations. “My generation are the ones that are really going to have to take action.”

Emmy Adams, junior at Golden High School and president and founder of the school's environment club, fills her water bottle at one of the school's new water filling stations. Both of the school's stations have saved the environment more than 2,000 plastic water bottles. 

Photos by Nikki Work // Video by Tony Aaron Fuller

Arvada’s Farmer’s Market Accepts SNAP/EBT

Communities across the country, and in Jefferson County, are seeing the many benefits of local farmers’ markets. Markets are an opportunity for residents and visitors to purchase fresh produce and often locally-grown produce that is healthy and in season; meet and greet neighbors, business owners and local farmers; and, to learn new recipes or ways of cooking healthier.

EBT/SNAP at Arvada Farmers’ Market
In an attempt to address food insecurity in Boulder and Jefferson County public health agencies are working to build and grow regional capacity for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers’ markets along Colorado’s Front Range and increase SNAP participation in the local food economy. As part of this work, the Arvada Farmers’ Market is now able to accept SNAP/EBT benefits. This is new this summer and allows anyone receiving food assistance (SNAP) to use their EBT card at the Arvada Farmers’ Market to purchase SNAP-eligible foods! This is an exciting change at the Arvada market and will improve access to and availability of healthy, nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables for Jefferson County SNAP recipients.

Nearly 100 farmers’ markets dot the state of Colorado’s landscape. Find out about local farmers’ markets in Jefferson County, go to:

Golden  Arvada  Lakewood Evergreen

Attention Farmers’ Market Managers!
Ensuring all incomes can shop at farmer’s market is a great way to grow community and support local economies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables through farmer’s markets a priority in recent years. Many farmers’ markets across the country now accept SNAP benefits. For more information on this, go to http://coloradofarmers.org/snap/ Apply online to accept SNAP benefits . See if you are eligible to receive FREE equipment to accept SNAP, credit & debit.

For more information about a Jefferson County Public Health project that is working to increase SNAP redemption at Jefferson County farmers’ markets, contact Jenna Metzinger at jmetzing@jeffco.us.

Earth Day

"Some people who talk about the environment talk about it as though it involved only a question of clean air and clean water. The environment involves the whole broad spectrum of man's relationship to all other living creatures, including other human beings. It involves the environment in its broadest and deepest sense. It involves the environment of the ghetto which is the worst environment, where the worst pollution, the worst noise, the worst housing, the worst situation in this country -- that has to be a critical part of our concern and consideration in talking and cleaning up the environment."- Gaylord Nelson Read more from the source document.

The words above, spoken on April 19, 1970 by the founder of Earth Day are as pertinent today as they were 40 years ago. Read this article to gain insight on how Your zipcode can determine your health. Our environment includes the natural world and the physical environments we create, also known as built environments. Jefferson County Public Health strives to protect the earth through its programs and services designed not only to reduce environmental health hazards but also to promote healthy living.

Light Rail Comes to JEFFCO . . . Look for the Public Health display
This coming April 27, 2013 Jefferson County will celebrate RTDs light rail coming to Jefferson County. Look for the Jefferson County Public Health display and learn more about public health’s commitment to the health of its community. http://jeffco.us/health.

• For more information on JCPH Environmental Health Services please visit the JCPH Environmental Health Services web page or call 303-271-5700. For more information on built environments and improving access to healthy eating and active living, please contact Molly Hanson, Health Policy Analyst at mhanson@jeffco.us .

Drug Take Back Day

Jefferson County Public Health encourages all residents to take part in Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and other agencies nationwide have teamed up to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. This is an opportunity for you to get rid of any expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications. Drugs that are not disposed of correctly are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

There will be two drop off location open between 10:00 am-2:00 pm in Jefferson County:

• Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton (west parking lot)

• Evergreen Fire Rescue, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen To get more information, visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office online or call, 303-277-0211

2012 Public Health Champion - Tara Jahn

Jefferson County, Colorado--Public Health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our communities. Each year, during National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2013, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) honors some of the many people it works with throughout the year that help to make our county healthy. While they may not have made public health their profession, the work they do, the partnerships they provide and their enthusiasm for protecting the health of Jefferson County residents makes them the 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year.

• Advocating for Healthy Eating and Active Living, Tara Jahn 

As a resident of Wheat Ridge, Tara Jahn is deeply invested in a range of community building activities through her ongoing involvement with Live Local (Wheat Ridge), a grassroots initiative of Wheat Ridge 2020 started by Ms. Jahn and other Wheat Ridge partners in 2012. Tara’s work advocating for active living and sustainable, local food systems has provided leadership, compassion, and energy while making Wheat Ridge a more vibrant community.

Wheat Ridge Mayor, Jerry DiTullio had this to say about this 2012 Public Health Champion of the Year, “Tara Jahn is a relatively new face in Wheat Ridge, but she has jumped in with both feet to promote a healthy life style and to promote her new hometown of Wheat Ridge. As the Mayor of Wheat Ridge and as a longtime resident, I congratulate Tara on this well-deserved recognition. Live Local is a unique approach to support healthy communities AND local businesses at the same time. This is the type of community building of the future."

Tara understands how making physical activity fun can get more people moving. Through Live Local Active, Tara helped organize a run club that meets regularly, a variety of active and social summertime events, and most recently, a Winter Fitness Challenge that involves yoga, pilates, and group runs. She also hosted a family yoga event in a public park and organized group bike rides. Several of the events include stops at and patronage of local businesses. Community members gain exposure to local restaurants, shops, and studios they might never have visited before and businesses have a chance to build up their clientele.

She also truly understands how to encourage healthy eating and sustainable, local food systems. Through her work with Live Local Harvest, she helped organize a produce exchange last summer among local growers and most recently a Food and Film potluck series. The first dinner and film event brought together over 60 people from within and around the Wheat Ridge community to learn more about its growing local food system. The second event hosted nearly 100 participants, many of them attending for the first time.

In addition, as a member of the Wheat Ridge 38th Avenue Leadership Committee, Tara has worked to support a more economically vibrant and healthy downtown through a variety of strategies. She has played a leadership role in supporting the roadway redesign of 38th Avenue that fosters a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment while supporting patronage of local businesses.

Tara’s work supporting a more livable, healthy and economically vibrant sector of Wheat Ridge makes her a 2012 Public Health Champion of the year. Congratulations and thank you Tara Jahn.

2012 Public Health Champions of the Year - Tobacco Prevention

Jefferson County, Colorado--Public Health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our communities. Each year, during National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2013, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) honors some of the many people it works with throughout the year that help to make our county healthy. While they may not have made public health their profession, the work they do, the partnerships they provide and their enthusiasm for protecting the health of Jefferson County residents makes them the 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year.

• Reducing Tobacco’s Toll through Community Coalitions: Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge Coalition representatives: Sarah Davis, Chair and members, Lynnette Namba and Dr. Lorrie Odom; Healthy Unincorporated Jeffco Coalition Chair, John Coles; and, BE Team student representatives: Lakewood High School senior, Carissa Leeper and Golden High School graduates, Hannah Fritz and Beau Hogan.

Community coalitions play a huge role in the battle against tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and through the first hand experiences of JCPH Tobacco Prevention Program staff, coalitions help transform the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of tobacco users and nonusers by changing the way tobacco is promoted, sold, and used. Through advocacy and education, tobacco prevention coalitions play a critical role in exposing the tobacco industry’s predatory marketing tactics as well as, in mobilizing communities to develop and implement policies and programs.

This year’s public health champions for tobacco prevention represent two community coalitions, Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge and Healthy Unincorporated Jeffco and two youth coalitions, the Breathe Easy teams at Lakewood High School and Golden High School. These 2012 Public Health Champions all played key roles in their communities advancing important tobacco prevention and control work.

The Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge Coalition, represented by Sarah Davis, Lynnette Namba and Dr. Lorrie Odom helped with community awareness and outreach and worked to educate local policymakers on the issue of secondhand smoke and the benefits of stronger smoke-free public places laws. The members of Healthy Unincorporated Jeffco, represented by Chair, John Coles, worked to build community support for a stronger smoke-free law in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson County. The coalition successfully doubled the number of residents who signed endorsements for comprehensive smoke-free protections in their community. The youth coalitions, Breathe Easy Teams at Golden and Lakewood High Schools, worked diligently to support the passing of 2 local ordinances during 2012. Golden’s BE Team, represented by graduates Hannah Fritz and Beau Hogan successfully advocated for an ordinance reducing youth access to tobacco. The Golden ordinance requires licensing of tobacco retailers and proof of identification for all tobacco purchases, regardless of customer age for non-cigarette tobacco. The ordinance also requires that clerks selling non-cigarette tobacco be at least 18 years old.

Lakewood’s BE Team, represented by senior, Carissa Leeper successfully advocated for a stronger smoke-free ordinance in their community of Lakewood. The Lakewood ordinance extends smoke-free entranceways to 25 feet and requires that all outdoor transit waiting areas, playgrounds, athletic fields and gathering places in parks and city events be smoke-free. These seven tobacco prevention Public Health Champions have helped to reduce the toll of tobacco on our communities and helped to shape tobacco-free norms, making tobacco not only less desirable and less acceptable but also less accessible. Congratulations to all of the community coalitions working on tobacco prevention and control in Jefferson County.

2012 Public Health Champion of the Year - Linda Buzard and Margaret Huffman

Jefferson County, Colorado--Public Health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our communities. Each year, during National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2013, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) honors some of the many people it works with throughout the year that help to make our county healthy. While they may not have made public health their profession, the work they do, the partnerships they provide and their enthusiasm for protecting the health of Jefferson County residents makes them the 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year.

• Preventing Pertussis and Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases among Jefferson County’s Children, Jeffco Public Schools Health Services Director, Linda Buzard and Coordinator, Margaret Huffman 

Jeffco Public Schools and its Health Services Division play a key role in promoting the health and safety of children throughout the County. In 2012, the Health Services Division teamed up with JCPH to prevent the spread of pertussis or “whooping cough” in our communities. Health Service Director, Linda Buzard, and Health Services Coordinator, Margaret Huffman are 2012 public health champions for their dedication and hard work assuring that Jefferson County’s school age children are up-to-date on immunizations. 2012 brought increased cases of pertussis disease in the County and across the state of Colorado. As pertussis threatened the lives of some of our most vulnerable populations, the very young, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, these two women made it their mission to protect children through immunization.

Linda Buzard has been a champion for improving immunization rates and preventing spread of communicable disease in the school district for many years. Her support of school nurse and public health nurse communication and collaboration is phenomenal and sets a very positive professional role model for her school nurses. This year, Linda was instrumental in getting Jeffco Schools to participate in the Colorado Immunization Information System. This system is designed to increase and sustain high immunization coverage rates by consolidating immunization records from multiple providers. She also selected JCPH Immunization Program as the recipient of community partnership funds to increase and enhance immunization services for all Jefferson County children. Linda invited JCPH public health nurses to present to school nurses at their district wide meetings and she also included the public health nurses in a celebration of Public School Nurses’ Week.

Health Service’s Coordinator, Margaret Huffman is also a public health champion for her work preventing pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases in the County. This past year, Margaret committed countless hours meeting with JCPH Immunization Program nurses to identify barriers to immunization for students in at-risk schools. Her commitment to developing strategies and solutions and sharing resources in order to increase immunization rates for these populations is to be commended. In addition, Margaret’s responsiveness, openness to ideas and dialogue, and her positive and congenial demeanor have made her an ideal community partner and catalyst for action.

There is no question that these two public health champions, Linda Buzard and Margaret Huffman, have improved immunization rates among Jeffco school age children and reduced the spread of pertussis in the county. Jefferson County Public Health congratulates you on being 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year and thanks you for your contribution to public health in Jefferson County.

Protecting Youth from Tobacco

Preventing tobacco use among youth is a major focus of the JCPH Tobacco Prevention Initiative because tobacco use and the addiction that follows often begins in adolescence. Tobacco use is one of Colorado's most serious public health problems.  Find out what’s happening in Jefferson County around protecting youth from the harms of tobacco, consider joining a tobacco prevention community coalition in Lakewood, Golden, Unincorporated Jeffco or Wheat Ridge.  Call 303-275-7555 or visit any of the coalition web sites.

It’s Turkey Time . . . Prevent Foodborne Illness this Holiday Season

Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family or a whole bunch of people, it is important to be aware of safety issues when thawing, preparing, stuffing and cooking your turkey. A few simple steps can help keep foodborne illness off the menu this Thanksgiving.
Safe Thawing -Thawing turkeys must be kept out of the "danger zone" temperature (between 40 and 140°F) — this is the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. See"Safe Methods for Thawing;" (Spanish)
Safe Preparation-Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey. After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before they touch other foods.
Safe Stuffing-Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Follow these steps to safely prepare, cook, remove, and refrigerate stuffing; Spanish language instructions.
Safe Cooking-Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. For more information on safe internal temperatures, visit FoodSafety.gov's Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures

• Download JCPH turkey time handout
• View JCPH Food Safety page

Rabies

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People get rabies from the bite of a rabies infected animal (rabid animal). Any wild mammal, such as raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat can have rabies and transmit it to people through a bite. Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in Colorado and Jefferson County, however there has been an increase in skunks also reporting positive.

Rabies: Rabies can only be confirmed in a laboratory. Because of the deadly nature of rabies, JCPH strongly encourages citizens not to allow their pets to roam free and to keep their pet cats, dogs and ferrets current on their rabies vaccinations. Do not handle wild animals and keep them from entering your home by using screens or closing windows, doors and other openings. If you find a dead animal, use a shovel to place bat in plastic bag, tie knot in bag and dispose of bag in outdoor trash container.

Bites and Exposures: If bitten by a bat, skunk, dog, cat, raccoon or other mammal, wash the affected area thoroughly and seek medical advice immediately. Contact local animal control agency and notify them of location of animal so that the animal can undergo appropriate testing or quarantine.

For more information on Rabies and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health.

West Nile Virus and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE)

These diseases are carried by mosquitoes and passed to humans through a mosquito bite.
Not all mosquitoes carry disease, the mosquitoes of greatest concern in Jefferson County are Culex (medium-sized mosquitoes) that feed primarily around dawn and dusk. These mosquitoes are monitored by JCPH’s integrated mosquito control program.

Symptoms: develop between 3 & 14 days after being bitten.

• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness -lasting 2-7 days.

Most people who are infected with mosquito-borne viruses

do not become ill or have any symptoms.

In some cases:
The virus can cause a serious brain infection such as aseptic meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain and lining of the brain/spinal cord). These infections begin with:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Headache
• May progress to stiff neck
• Disorientation
• Tremors
• Coma

Severe infections can result in permanent impairment or death.

There is no specific treatment for infection
with these viruses except supportive care.

Prevention:

• Mosquito proof your home and backyard.
• Wear appropriate clothing and insect repellent.
• Use insect repellent even in your own back yard.
• Eliminate any standing water weekly. Culex mosquitoes breed in almost any source of standing water, including old tires, flowerpots, tree holes, or any puddle. Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time, which hatch in as few as 2-3 days.

For more information on West Nile Virus and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health.

Colorado Tick Fever

Colorado Tick Fever is an illness caused by a virus carried by small mammals, such as ground squirrels, porcupines, chipmunks, and ticks. The virus can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick. Colorado Tick Fever is the most common tick-borne disease in Colorado, it is believed , however, that most cases go unrecognized.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Lethargy

Symptoms usually last 4-5 days, followed by an apparent recovery, then a relapse with symptoms for 2-3 more days. Complete recovery can take 2 or 3 weeks.

The disease is not life threatening and infection results in life-long immunity.

For more information on Colorado Tick Fever and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus (hantavirus). which is carried by wild rodents, particularly deer mice. It is present in their droppings (feces), urine and saliva and when dried droppings or urine are stirred up in dust it can be breathed in by people. People then may get hantavirus when they breathe in the contaminated dust. Hantavirus has not been shown to infect other kinds of animals, such as dogs, cats, or farm animals.

The disease is not contagious and does not spread from human to human.

Symptoms:
Incubation Period - Varies, ranges from 1 to 6 weeks.

First symptoms include:

• Fever


• Headache


• Muscle pain


• Severe abdominal, joint and lower back pain


• Nausea and vomiting.


• A cough and shortness of breath usually develops 1 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms.


• Difficulty in breathing due to fluid build-up in the lungs. This can quickly progress to respiratory failure.

Prevention:

1. Control the presence of rodents in and around the home by sealing up rodent entry holes or gaps; trapping mice and rats.


2. Be careful not to create food sources for the rodents, i.e. putting away pet food.


3. Do not sweep or vacuum when cleaning vacated sheds, cabins or other enclosed areas, this can stir up dust. Use gloves to wet contaminated areas with a bleach solution or household disinfectant. Once wet, the area can be mopped or sponged.
   
4. Contaminated gloves should be disinfected before taking them off. Wash hands with soap & warm water.

For more information on Hantavirus and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health.

Tularemia

Tularemia is a bacterial disease associated with various animal species, especially rodents, rabbits, hares and beavers. People can get tularemia from many different sources: through the bite of an infected insect (usually a tick or deerfly), handling infected animal carcasses, consuming contaminated food or water, or by inhaling the bacteria. This disease can occur throughout the year; the peak times correspond with tick season (in spring and summer) and with the rabbit hunting season in early winter.

Tularemia is not spread from person to person.

Symptoms: Usually 3-5 days after exposure

• Sudden high fever


• Headaches


• Swollen lymph nodes


• Muscle and joint pain


• A sore or lesion at the site of infection.


• If the bacteria are ingested, a person may have a sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

If any of these symptoms are noted after handling dead animals or swallowing untreated drinking water (as you find in a creek), contact your physician.

Tularemia is treatable with appropriate antibiotics.

Prevention:

• Do not handle sick or dead animals.


• Instruct children to leave wildlife alone.


• Wear rubber gloves when skinning or handling animals, especially rabbits.


• Thoroughly cook meat from wild game.


• Use protective clothing and insect repellents.


• Conduct frequent "tick checks".


• Avoid untreated drinking water.


• Use DEET or other tick repellant during the Colorado tick season. Ticks emerge in the mountains of Colorado in late March and are present throughout the summer with the peak season occurring in late May through early June.

For more information on preventing tularemia and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health.

Bubonic Plague

Bubonic Plague is a disease caused by a bacterium named Yersinia pestis and can be transmitted to humans by infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals. Plague is frequently detected in squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats and chipmunks.

Symptoms:
Incubation Period - Usually 2-6 days.

Typical symptoms:

• Sudden onset of fever and chills


• Severe headache


• Muscle aches


• Nausea


• Vomiting


• A general feeling of illness.


• Possible Lymph node pain and swelling
  

Treatment with antibiotics is effective during the early stages of disease.

Prevention:
Restrict dog and cat contact with squirrels, rodents, rabbits, prairie dogs, and other small mammals. Maintain good flea control - use flea control products recommended by a veterinarian. Avoid contact with any species of wild rodents, especially sick or dead rodents.
If a suspicious dead animal is found, do not directly handle the animal. Use gloves and place in a plastic bag. If these reasonable precautions are taken, the probability of contracting plague is extremely low.

Rabies

Recently, skunk rabies has reemerged as a concern in Colorado and Jefferson County. Skunks may contract their own strain of rabies or serve as a “spillover” species for the raccoon variant. It's important to take proper precautions by calling your local animal control officer if you observe a sick, disoriented skunk.

Bats are the primary reservoirs of rabies in Colorado. Instances of rabies among other wild and domestic animals are rare. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, (CDPHE) the first reported cases of rabies occurred in Colorado in the following animals: dog (2003 - imported from Texas), cat (1985), raccoon (1963), fox (2005), skunk (2008 - see skunk surveillance protocol), and human (1931).

• For more information on rabies and other animal-borne diseases, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health. Surveillance and other pertinent information is also available on the CDPHE web site: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/index.html

• Some great information on wildlife by the Human Society - http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/a_closer_look_at_wildlife/

ORGANICS – WHAT’S THE DEAL?

Making healthy food choices by increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is important. It may also lend to the possibility of eating more organic foods. So what is organic and are organic foods necessarily better for you?

The label “organic” certifies that the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients. “Organic” foods are produced under the guidance of the USDA National Organic Program regulations (NOP). However this certification does not determine nutritional status or food safety for the organic products. Current reviews of nutritional quality for organics and conventional foods show that the nutrients are essentially the same. Thus, shop for the best values and be less concerned with organic or non-organic and more concerned with getting 5 fruits and vegetables daily. Here are a few insights to help you make the best decision for you and your family:

• “Locally grown” does not indicate that the food is organically grown or meets the NOP regulations. The word “natural” also does not mean it is organic. Cage-free eggs do not mean they are organic.


• Generally, both organic and conventional foods have good food safety records. Pesticide residues as well as hormones, antibiotics, fungicides, and herbicides are usually less on organic foods but contamination by E. coli is similar for both. However, it is better to eat fruits and vegetables with pesticides than to not eat any fruits or vegetables.


• Generally the cost for organic foods, particularly milk and produce, is higher than for conventional foods. Consumers must judge for themselves what the value of the cost difference is.


• Organic foods with the best benefits include:
  Peaches, nectarines, apricots
  Apples, pears
  Sweet bell peppers, celery
  Strawberries, raspberries, cherries
  Spinach, lettuce
  Potatoes

Jefferson County is offering it’s employees access to discounted organic produce available for pick up at several county office locations. Please visit http://www.doortodoororganics.com/ and/or contact Lise Melbye, MS, MPH LiveLife Wellness Coordinator livelife@healthbreakinc.com
(303)271-8416

Resources/References

1. American Dietetic Association, Hot Topics, October 2009, http://www.eatright.org/


2. United States Dept of Agriculture, The National Organic Program, www.ams.usda.gov/nop


3. University of Michigan, Health Minute Update, March, 2003, www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/organicfood.htm


4. Nutrition Action Healthletter, Organic food: worth the price?, July-August, 2007, David Schardt

Provided by JCPH Nutrition Services. Over 50 years of helping Jefferson County residents with nutrition education and services, including the Women, Infant & Children Program assuring pregnant women and children ages five and under in the County have access to healthy foods and nutrition education. Call Nutrition Services Manager, Sara Lemley, RD 303-239-7137 for more information.

Meatless Meals Improve Health and Help Stretch Food Dollars

Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services encourages everyone to increase fruits and vegetables in their diets. A diet high in vegetables and fruits can help improve health by increasing nutrients and fiber. There are lots of ways to get your five a day, the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Meatless recipes provide an excellent way to stretch your food dollars while also improving your nutrition. Public health nutritionists advise families begin by cutting down on meals in which meat is the main course. Instead, try adding meat to whole grains, rice, beans and vegetables. Here are some resources and recipes to help you:

Links to Vegetarian/Meatless Recipes:

• Fruits and Veggies More Matters http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=5

• AllRecipes.com - Vegetarian Cooking
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Everyday-Cooking/Vegetarian/Main.aspx

• Veg Cooking - Vegetarian Recipes, Products, Restaurants, and Much More!
http://www.vegcooking.com/

• Vegetarian Times - Eat Green Live Well http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes

• Colorado Dept of Agriculture - Colorado Proud
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928162081

Provided by JCPH Nutrition Services. Over 50 years of helping Jefferson County residents with nutrition education and services, including the Women, Infant & Children Program assuring pregnant women and children ages five and under in the County have access to healthy foods and nutrition education. Call Nutrition Services Manager, Sara Lemley, RD 303-239-7137 for more information.

Why Buy Local?

Buying local has multiple health and community benefits. Besides the fact that most people say food tastes better when it’s fresh, it also is packed with nutrition. Buying local also helps protect the environment and supports community family farms and ranches.

Four Good Reasons to purchase from local farmers and ranchers:

1. Help the environment. Environmental impact from carbon
   dioxide emissions and packaging waste is reduced because
   food purchased locally doesn’t have to travel far.


2. Strengthen our local economy. Buying local keeps your food dollars circulating in the community.


3. Support your local family farm. More than an important piece of the American tradition, local
   farmers also supply local jobs and spend their money with local merchants.


4. Make informed decisions about your family’s health. Knowing where your food comes from
   allows you to have better control over foods selected including pesticide or hormone free foods.

Get started on living healthier, learn more from these web sites:
Colorado Market Maker will start you on your search for local ranches and farms that provide meats, poultry, produce and dairy.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305864422
Colorado Dept of Agriculture - Colorado Proud
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928162081
Home Food Service Plans will provide information on how to know that meats sold door to door are safe for you and your family
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305690332
Seafood Watch will help you choose seafood that is abundant in supply, and caught or farmed in
environmentally friendly ways
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_recommendations.aspx
Are all fish and seafood safe for all people? Check out guidelines for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and infants and children
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-pecificInformation/Seafood/FoodbornePathogensContaminants/Methylmercury/ucm115662.htm
Wanting to choose a fish that is healthy for your family and the environment, but your recipe calls for one on the “avoid” list? Check out this link for recipe substitutions!
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_alternatives.aspx
Recipes to use our wonderful Colorado meats and poultry, as well as healthy seafood ideas.
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_health.aspx
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1178305877653&pagename=Agriculture-Main%2FCDAGLayout

Provided by JCPH Nutrition Services. Over 50 years of helping Jefferson County residents with nutrition education and services, including the Women, Infant & Children Program assuring pregnant women and children ages five and under in the County have access to healthy foods and nutrition education. Call Nutrition Services Manager, Sara Lemley, RD 303-239-7137 for more information.

Healthy and Affordable Grocery Shopping

Healthy and Affordable Grocery Shopping
WIC educator and retail food coordinator, Shellie O’Brien Laws shopping for fresh produce.

Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services offers the following helpful tips for making grocery shopping healthy and affordable.

Plan Ahead, Make a Grocery List: Having a grocery list helps with menu planning and decreases impulse buying. A list also helps you to remember needed items and can cut down on gas-guzzling trips to the grocery store.

Tips for planning ahead:
· Keep a running list of the groceries that your family needs
· Before going to the grocery store, check what foods you already have
· Consider what meals and recipes can be made with the foods on hand
· Find healthy recipes, plan a menu for the upcoming week, and add needed ingredients to your shopping list
· Stick to the list
· Plan one night every week for leftovers

Resources for healthy recipes and planning ahead:
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn080703.html
http://snap.nal.usda.gov/
http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/
http://www.epicurious.com/

Shop the Perimeter - Fresh and whole foods are stored around the perimeter of the grocery store. Look for fresh produce, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grain breads. These foods contain fewer additives and more nutrients than the more processed foods found in the aisles.

Tips for shopping the perimeter
· Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and buy only what you’ll use. Produce has a short shelf-life and may spoil if bought in bulk.
· Buy lean meats. Lean cuts of beef include chuck, round, sirloin, and tenderloin. Lean cuts of pork include tenderloin or loin chops. The leanest poultry is white meat from the breast with no skin. When choosing ground meats, look for at least 90% lean meats.
· Check sell-by dates on fresh foods and buy the freshest food possible to reduce waste.

Resources for shopping the perimeter:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
www.dartmouth.edu/~mascoma/grocery.htm

Choose Whole Foods –Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed and unrefined as much as possible before being consumed. Whole foods do not contain added ingredients, such as sugar, salt, or fat and give you more nutrition for your dollar. Whole foods include fruits and vegetables, unprocessed meat, and non-homogenized milk.
Tips for using whole foods
· Cooking from scratch is better for your health and your budget. When compared to its whole food counterpart, the processed food is often higher in price, sodium, fat, and calories.

For more information on whole foods:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=62664

Check the Entire Shelf for Best Prices– Grocery stores often place higher priced items at eye-level. Be sure to look at the shelf from top to bottom to find the best deals.

Tips for shopping the shelves:
· Consider store brands. They are often cheaper while still providing comparable quality.
· Buy in bulk. Buying bulk items that you know you will use before they spoil can help save money.
· Don’t buy an item just because it’s on sale. Buy foods that are on your list and that are needed.

Don’t Shop on an Empty Stomach – If your stomach is growling, you’re more likely to buy more food and choose less healthy options.

To learn more about strategic shopping:
www.moneyinstructor.com/art/savegrocery.asp

Budget for your Food – It is important to determine how much money will be available for food each week or month in order to shop wisely.

Tips for budgeting
· Calculate the resources you have to spend on food
· Make a shopping list that fits into your budget for the week
· Buy only the amounts of fresh foods that you can use before they spoil
· Consider frozen fruits and vegetables, look for deals on day-old whole-grain breads, and check the meat counter for manager’s specials and the meat mark-down bin.

For more information on budgeting for food:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/outreach/pdfs/making-ends-meet.pdf

Use Coupons – Check newspaper ads and grocery store websites for weekly specials and coupons. Also, sign up for a discount card if you don’t already have one.

Tips for using coupons:
· Cut coupons for items that you typically buy.
· Keep coupons in an envelope that is easy to retrieve when you’re ready to check out.

For free coupons:
http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.kingsoopers.com/in_store/Pages/coupon_landing.aspx
http://www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Coupons