“Let’s Move! Video” by LiveWell Wheat Ridge and the City of Wheat Ridge Receives Honorable Mention from White House

Organizations Recognized for Community Efforts to Reduce and Prevent Childhood Obesity



via Storify http://sfy.co/m0gP -- July 19, 2012 at 11:35AM

July is National Blueberry Month

This fruit is a SUPER food and as such has super powers. It can lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and help maintain youthful, healthy skin by eating just 1 to 2 cups a day! http://flic.kr/p/cuNzB7

Do You Know the 4 D’s of West Nile Virus Prevention?

The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquito bites, is to follow the four D’s: Drain, Dusk/Dawn, Dress, DEET.

DRAIN: Drain or empty standing water around your home and neighborhood, since that is where mosquitoes lay their eggs

DUSK/DAWN: Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning (dusk and dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times when mosquitoes are most active

DRESS: Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active. Wearing light-colored clothing may also help prevent being bitten.

DEET, Picariden or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Wear insect repellant containing either DEET, Picariden or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Follow label instructions
• Apply repellants to exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
• If using DEET, choose the concentration that best fits the amount of time spent outside. 25 percent DEET lasts up to 5 hours, 5 percent lasts 45-90 minutes. Use a concentration of 30 percent or less for children.
• DEET should not be used on children less than 6 months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than 3 years of age. 

JCPH Animal-Borne Disease Webpage

Safe Sex

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential for healthy populations. JCPH supports all women’s and men’s rights to such access. The Family Planning Program provides comprehensive contraceptive services to Jefferson County residents. Services include education, counseling, medical examination, treatment and birth control methods for men and women.

Reproductive health and birth control (family planning) services are available at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale and to people with Medicaid. No one is denied services due to the inability to pay. 

 In addition to providing birth control pills and condoms to prevent unintended pregnancies, the department offers alternatives through long acting birth control methods. Remember, some activities are definitely high risk for HIV, STD and Hepatitis infection. Protect yourself and your partner . . . wear a condom and get tested!

For appointments in Lakewood: 303-239-7078 or in Arvada: 303-275-7500.

Splish. Splash. Practice Healthy Swimming Behaviors

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages healthy swimming behaviors to reduce the risk of recreational water illnesses.  Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans. RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory, neurological and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Crptosporidium, Giradia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli. 


Practice healthy swimming behaviors: 

• Refrain from swimming when ill, especially if you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting in your mouth
• Shower before swimming and wash hands after using bathroom or changing diapers. Change diapers in bathroom and not at poolside or near water.

EHS performs routine inspections of year round public and semi-public pools/spas. Follow up inspections are performed as needed. JCPH also offers a two-day course is designed to prepare individuals in the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool-spa operations. 

Pool/Spa Certification Course 

• For more information about Recreational Water Illness Prevention and Healthy Swimming, contact Leslie Frank, Environmental Health Specialist at 303-271-5776 or email at: lefrank@jeffco.us
• Information can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control web site at: www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming. 

In some areas of Jefferson County, a substantial number of residential dwellings receive water from private wells. The department recommends that well water be tested for certain contaminants. JCPH Water Quality page

It is Hot Outside! Protect Yourself, Family and Pets

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.

• Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open. 
• Never leave pets in a parked car - they can suffer heat-related illness too. 
• Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat related illness too. 
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of symptoms of heat-related illness. 
• Drink plenty of water 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/extremeheat/children.html

HIV Testing Day is June 27, 2012

June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing Day. Across the country, public health partners will be encouraging people to take the test and take control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once, as part of their routine health care. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21% of HIV-positive people don’t know they are infected and may be transmitting HIV without knowing it.

In Jefferson County, residents are encouraged to get tested and to learn more about HIV and the current status of the AIDS epidemic.

JCPH HIV Counseling and Testing Appointments

Arvada: 303-275-7555; Lakewood: 303-239-7078

HIV Counseling and Testing Program

JCPH HIV Recorded Information Line 303-239-7036