PRESS RELEASE BY MA DPH---In a move to provide millions of Massachusetts consumers with important health information, the Massachusetts Public Health Council today approved rules requiring major chain restaurants to provide calorie information for the food that they sell.
Food establishments with 20 or more locations in Massachusetts will be required to provide that information at the point of purchase ― either on the menu board or on the restaurant’s menu.
The new rules, which will take effect in November 2010, will cover approximately 50 chain restaurant companies, representing more than 5,000 locations in Massachusetts.1 An 18-month implementation timeline will allow local health departments and the industry the opportunity to familiarize themselves and prepare for the new regulation.
The measure is similar to laws passed recently in New York City and in California, and covers many of the same food establishments that have had to comply with calorie labeling requirements in those major restaurant markets.
“This is a major step in the right direction in fighting the obesity epidemic in our state,” said Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach. “With more than half of our adult population and one-third of our middle and high school students either overweight or obese, we need to do more to address this problem. We know that providing this information will help our residents make more informed choices,” Commissioner Auerbach added.
Health regulations like the one passed today are popular with consumers. A study conducted in February 2009, gauging reaction to New York City’s calorie labeling law, showed that of those who visited restaurants with posted information, 89% considered it a positive change — and 82% report that nutritional information on menus had made an impact of their ordering.
The measure adopted today is part of Mass In Motion, a wide-ranging statewide initiative to promote a range of wellness activities for Massachusetts residents, businesses and communities. Last month, the Public Health Council also passed regulations allowing for Body Mass Index measurements for all school children in Massachusetts.
Additionally, health officials will soon announce grants for communities to establish wellness initiatives at the local level. These efforts, combined with an expanded state-sponsored Workplace Wellness program and an interactive web site (www.mass.gov/MassInMotion), represent the most comprehensive effort to date to deal with the serious problem of overweight and obesity in the Commonwealth.
The new regulation underwent a thorough public review process that included two public hearings and the submission of comments from more than 100 individuals and groups. For more information on the new rules, visit www.mass.gov/dph and click on “Regulations and Policies.
To learn more about Mass In Motion, visit www.mass.gov/MassInMotion.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
H1N1 Virus Update, 5/12/09
As of today, the MA Department of Public Health reports 107 confirmed cases of H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Massachusetts, with 141 in New England and 3,009 in 45 states. The number of reported deaths remains at 3 nationwide.
No other changes have been reported. The CDC, DPH and other agencies worlwide remain vigilant in terms of tracking the situation, and no changes have been made to the recommendations regarding isolation, treatment, testing or surveillance.
As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077 with questions, or visit the CDC or DPH websites.
No other changes have been reported. The CDC, DPH and other agencies worlwide remain vigilant in terms of tracking the situation, and no changes have been made to the recommendations regarding isolation, treatment, testing or surveillance.
As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077 with questions, or visit the CDC or DPH websites.
Monday, May 11, 2009
H1N1 Flu Update, May 11th, 10am
As of this writing, 88 cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed in Massachusetts, with no additional cases identified at Amherst College, or within the town itself. The 2 infected students at Amherst College have responded very well to treatment and are expected to recover fully, and health officials at Amherst College report a significant decline in reports of flu-like illness on campus.
Nationwide, there are currently 2532 cases in 44 states, with only 3 reported deaths. Officials do expect the outbreak to continue to expand, and an increase in positive cases and deaths is also expected at this time.
Frequent updates from the MA Department of Public Health are assisting the Amherst Public Health Department in staying abreast of developments within the Commonwealth and beyond.
The Health Department is also in frequent contact with area colleges and the university in order to track developments within the academic community. The nurses and providers at all of the area institutions of higher learning are doing an excellent job of caring for their students and staff while keeping the town up to date on current conditions on campus.
Further updates from MA DPH are expected later today.
Because there is no vaccine for H1N1 influenza, public health officials remind all Massachusetts residents to continue taking simple steps to keep themselves and others healthy.
Nationwide, there are currently 2532 cases in 44 states, with only 3 reported deaths. Officials do expect the outbreak to continue to expand, and an increase in positive cases and deaths is also expected at this time.
Frequent updates from the MA Department of Public Health are assisting the Amherst Public Health Department in staying abreast of developments within the Commonwealth and beyond.
The Health Department is also in frequent contact with area colleges and the university in order to track developments within the academic community. The nurses and providers at all of the area institutions of higher learning are doing an excellent job of caring for their students and staff while keeping the town up to date on current conditions on campus.
Further updates from MA DPH are expected later today.
Because there is no vaccine for H1N1 influenza, public health officials remind all Massachusetts residents to continue taking simple steps to keep themselves and others healthy.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your inner elbow and not into your hands.
- If you are sick stay home from work and if your child is sick keep them home from school.
- Stay informed about the latest developments on the H1N1 flu.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Message for Concerned Parents
By Lauren Smith, MD: Pediatrician and Medical Director for the MA Department of Public Health.
As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our kids, especially when we are dealing with something new. As a parent of 3 school-aged kids, I understand your concern. But we don’t think that parents need to keep their kids home from school- even if that school has a confirmed a case of H1N1 Flu.
There are a couple of reasons for this:
1) Whether or not there is a confirmed case in your community or in your school, it is most likely there. You should assume that you could be exposed to this new flu at school, at work or at the grocery store (in other words, anywhere you go). So, it is really important to take common sense precautions to protect yourself. That means washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, or using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer, and staying away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
You can also help ensure that you don’t spread an illness to others by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, or cough into your sleeve if you don’t have one.
Take this opportunity to reinforce both of these messages with your kids. Teach them how to keep themselves from getting sick, and how not to spread disease to others when they do get sick- whether it’s a cold, the flu or some other illness.
2) Another reason we don’t feel it’s necessary to close schools, even with a confirmed case of H1N1, is that it doesn’t seem to be any more severe than a regular seasonal flu. We don’t close schools down for seasonal flu, so we it wouldn’t make sense to close them now.
Having said that, we have been, and will continue to, closely monitor the situation in coordination with schools. If the number of absences starts to grow, we will work with individual school districts to reassess the situation.
And one last important note, some children have significant underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk for any flu – seasonal or swine. It makes sense for parents in this situation to talk to their child’s doctor about what is best for their child, just as they do when regular flu season starts. I want to reinforce that we think it is safe for kids to go to school just like they would during flu season, but ultimately, it’s a parent’s decision. If you have questions, you should consult your child’s doctor so you can have the information you need to do what you feel is best for your child.
------
This post originally appeared on the MA DPH blog, Commonwealth Conversations, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.
As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our kids, especially when we are dealing with something new. As a parent of 3 school-aged kids, I understand your concern. But we don’t think that parents need to keep their kids home from school- even if that school has a confirmed a case of H1N1 Flu.
There are a couple of reasons for this:
1) Whether or not there is a confirmed case in your community or in your school, it is most likely there. You should assume that you could be exposed to this new flu at school, at work or at the grocery store (in other words, anywhere you go). So, it is really important to take common sense precautions to protect yourself. That means washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, or using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer, and staying away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
You can also help ensure that you don’t spread an illness to others by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, or cough into your sleeve if you don’t have one.
Take this opportunity to reinforce both of these messages with your kids. Teach them how to keep themselves from getting sick, and how not to spread disease to others when they do get sick- whether it’s a cold, the flu or some other illness.
2) Another reason we don’t feel it’s necessary to close schools, even with a confirmed case of H1N1, is that it doesn’t seem to be any more severe than a regular seasonal flu. We don’t close schools down for seasonal flu, so we it wouldn’t make sense to close them now.
Having said that, we have been, and will continue to, closely monitor the situation in coordination with schools. If the number of absences starts to grow, we will work with individual school districts to reassess the situation.
And one last important note, some children have significant underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk for any flu – seasonal or swine. It makes sense for parents in this situation to talk to their child’s doctor about what is best for their child, just as they do when regular flu season starts. I want to reinforce that we think it is safe for kids to go to school just like they would during flu season, but ultimately, it’s a parent’s decision. If you have questions, you should consult your child’s doctor so you can have the information you need to do what you feel is best for your child.
------
This post originally appeared on the MA DPH blog, Commonwealth Conversations, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Swine Flu Update, 5/5/09
Last night, it was confirmed that the two Amherst College students whose flu culture samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for testing did, in fact, test positive for the H1N1 flu virus. The students, and their classmates who have also been sick, are recovering and doing well.
The Amherst Public Health Department continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the CDC in monitoring the situation locally and nationally. “So far, the severity of illness we’re seeing in this country is similar to what we’re seeing with seasonal flu," said Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director of the CDC. “While we’re not out of the woods, we are seeing some encouraging signs.”
Given the relatively mild course the disease has demonstrated thus far, the CDC is now advising that individuals with mild illness stay at home to recover. However, anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
Amherst Public Health Director Epi Bodhi advises residents to continue to take the following precautions:
For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, and how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
For more information, contact Epi Bodhi at 259-3077 or visit the Amherst Health Department blog: amhersthealth.blogspot.com.
The Amherst Public Health Department continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the CDC in monitoring the situation locally and nationally. “So far, the severity of illness we’re seeing in this country is similar to what we’re seeing with seasonal flu," said Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director of the CDC. “While we’re not out of the woods, we are seeing some encouraging signs.”
Given the relatively mild course the disease has demonstrated thus far, the CDC is now advising that individuals with mild illness stay at home to recover. However, anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
Amherst Public Health Director Epi Bodhi advises residents to continue to take the following precautions:
- wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands;
- if you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, and how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
For more information, contact Epi Bodhi at 259-3077 or visit the Amherst Health Department blog: amhersthealth.blogspot.com.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Swine Flu Update, Monday May 4th
As of this morning, the influenza cases at Amherst College are still undergoing testing at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Amherst officials are hoping to receive confirmation of the status of these tests early this week. Please watch this blog or the town's main website for updates. You will also find links to the CDC's downloadable Swine Flu Factsheet on the town website.
So far, there are 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) in Massachusetts, and 226 cases in the entire United States, with only one confirmed death.
For the time being, please practice basic precautions such as handwashing, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding public places when you are ill. If you have symptoms of flu such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue, please call your medical provider.
If you have general questions about swine flu, please call 211 to reach the MA Department of Public Health's Swine Flu Hotline which operates 24 hours per day. As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
So far, there are 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) in Massachusetts, and 226 cases in the entire United States, with only one confirmed death.
For the time being, please practice basic precautions such as handwashing, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding public places when you are ill. If you have symptoms of flu such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue, please call your medical provider.
If you have general questions about swine flu, please call 211 to reach the MA Department of Public Health's Swine Flu Hotline which operates 24 hours per day. As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Suspected Swine Flu at Amherst College Being Tested by CDC
A number of students at Amherst College have been tested for influenza after demonstrating the symptoms associated with the disease. Two of the test results have been further tested by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). Those samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for definitive testing for swine flu. The Town of Amherst has been advised by MDPH that the CDC test results are expected by Saturday, May 2, 2009.
Epi Bodhi, Director of the Amherst Public Health Department cautioned, “This development is cause for concern, but not for alarm. Not all flu symptoms are the result of swine flu. However, I would recommend that precautions be taken.”
Those precautions are as follows:
• Avoid hugging, holding, kissing or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
• Clean items that are touched often such as telephones and door handles.
• If you get sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Severe symptoms should prompt you to contact your health care provider.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if no tissue is available.
For information, please see the Fact Sheet on the Town of Amherst web site www.amherstma.gov, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) web site at www.mass.gov/dph/flu, or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Further, general information on this topic may be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 24 hours per day by dialing 211.
Epi Bodhi, Director of the Amherst Public Health Department cautioned, “This development is cause for concern, but not for alarm. Not all flu symptoms are the result of swine flu. However, I would recommend that precautions be taken.”
Those precautions are as follows:
• Avoid hugging, holding, kissing or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
• Clean items that are touched often such as telephones and door handles.
• If you get sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Severe symptoms should prompt you to contact your health care provider.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if no tissue is available.
For information, please see the Fact Sheet on the Town of Amherst web site www.amherstma.gov, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) web site at www.mass.gov/dph/flu, or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Further, general information on this topic may be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) 24 hours per day by dialing 211.
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