Adults Need Immunizations Too . . . the Cocoon Strategy

JCPH urges everyone to be sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, including adults. Back in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending the vaccine strategy of cocooning to protect infants from becoming infected with pertussis. The strategy works by protecting adults, family and caregivers and any individuals who come into regular contact with infants who are either too young to receive vaccine, or who are not fully vaccinated. By vaccinating individuals who are most likely to be around the infant with the pertussis booster, a cocoon of protection is established around the baby.

Due to an ongoing increase in reported pertussis cases throughout Colorado, Tdap is recommended for all adults, children 11 through 18 yrs, and for pregnant women with EACH pregnancy. This is especially important for anyone who lives with an infant and for childcare providers. To make an appointment, call 303-232-6301.

JCPH Immunization Webpage

CDC Pertussis Information

Health Insurance 101 - Understanding Health Insurance in Colorado

No one likes to be sick and paying the health care bill can be even worse, especially if you don’t have health insurance. Health care is expensive and the costs keep going up. For those without medical insurance to help pay, a serious injury or illness can be absolutely devastating. No coverage can leave you with high health care bills you cannot afford, too little or the wrong kind of coverage, and you won’t have enough protection.

If you live in Colorado, Connect for Health Colorado is the Health Insurance Marketplace to serve you. Instead of HealthCare.gov, you’ll use the Connect for Health Colorado website to apply for coverage, compare plans, and enroll. You can apply as early as October 1, 2013. Visit Connect for Health Colorado now to learn more.

Learn more on this web site.

Quitting Tobacco and Avoiding Tobacco Smoke Saves Lives

An interest in improving health, the environment and safety has communities and businesses across the country working to protect everyone from the dangers of tobacco smoke. In Jefferson County, the JCPH Tobacco Prevention Program has implemented two new messaging campaigns designed to get people thinking about the harms of tobacco and tobacco smoke and to begin taking steps to live tobacco free and provide tobacco free environments for everyone.

“My Greatest Enemy” is being used by Jefferson County Public Health to highlight the harms and addiction of cigarette smoking and tobacco and the stories of those who fight back and win life’s battles. Many fight and survive depression, cancer, drug abuse and much more only to find themselves facing what may be an even greater enemy - tobacco addiction. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that more deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from illegal drug use, alcohol use, HIV, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined in the United States.

Look for “My Greatest Enemy” ads throughout the summer in local print publications, inside buses and on bus shelters. If you would like a “My Greatest Enemy” poster for your organization or business, please visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com or contact Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555.

“We Share the Air!” is the title of the new health message campaign intended to inform Jefferson County residents about the harms of exposure to any amount of tobacco smoke in any environment, indoors and outdoors. The 2010 US Surgeon General report clearly states that even occasional, low levels of exposure to secondhand smoke is dangerous. “We Share the Air” emphasizes that secondhand smoke outside…is still secondhand smoke and is still dangerous.

Whether in your home or vehicle, at work, or while visiting outdoor public recreation areas, there is no risk-free level of exposure to tobacco smoke for anyone. By taking steps to protect yourself and others, you can reduce the risk of exposure and help to make the air we share healthier for all.

• My Greatest Enemy” and “We Share the Air” ads can be viewed at tobaccofreejeffco.com
• If you need help quitting cigarettes or any type of tobacco, please visit http://www.tobaccofreejeffco.com/how-to-quit.html or call 1-800-QUIT NOW. 
• For more information about the dangers of SHS and to get involved in tobacco prevention efforts, visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com or contact Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555 or dviveret@jeffco.us
• View My Greatest Enemy news release
• View We Share the Air news release

Parents! Add Immunizations to your School Readiness Checklist

Books, backpacks, clothes, pencils and IMMUNIZATIONS!

• Immunizations can save your child’s life and the lives of others from preventable diseases 
• Vaccination is safe and effective. 
• Immunizations can save your family time and money by preventing costly illnesses. 

To get your child/children up-to-date on immunizations, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH).

August is National Immunization Awareness month.

All JCPH Immunization clinics are by appointment only!

Call 303-232-6301 to schedule an appointment in 

Arvada or Lakewood

• Visit our website for more info. 
• Immunization schedule for children from birth-6 years of age
• Immunization schedule for youth and teens from 7 -18 years of age
• Immunization schedule for adults

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. 

Sun Safety

At 93 million miles away . . . . You could Miss the Warning Label

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and it is preventable. Use sunscreen, cover up and seek shade.

·      Learn more and protect yourself: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/index.htm

·      Handouts available: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/publications/skin.htm

·      Skin cancer in Colorado

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/co_facts_web.pdf

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, including no scalpel vasectomy for men. Remember, some activities are definitely high risk for HIV, STIs 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.

·         View the JCPH Sex Ed with Mel video on birth control

·         Youth and young adults in Jefferson County can also use Go Ask TISH to get answers about their sexual health.

·         Get with Public Health, like us on Facebook.