By: Maya Physical Activity Coordinator for the MA Department of Public Health
“It is unreasonable to expect that people will change their behavior easily when so many forces in the social, cultural and physical environment conspire against such change.” - Institute of Medicine
I love this quote because I think it shows how complicated it really is for someone to change their behavior. It’s just not as simple as telling someone to “eat better” or “move more.” Yes, those may be the end goals but getting there is not that straightforward.
Each of the choices we make daily are influenced by different people, places or circumstances, whether we realize it or not. There are groups of people - our families, friends, co-workers, healthcare providers for example - who can impact on our decisions. And there are places (and policies that govern those places) that also have an effect on the choices we make: these are the places we live, work, learn and play.
Chew on this for a minute. It is not easy to eat at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day if you can’t stock your fridge with delicious, colorful produce because the selection at your local grocery store is not really all that colorful, or maybe it is too expensive or perhaps the grocery store is too far away. So, while you know that you should eat more fruits and veggies, your environment has made it really hard for you to make that choice.
On the other hand, it would be easy and fun to reach the recommended amount of physical activity (2.5 hours of moderately intense activity per week for adults) if there was a safe, well lit, nicely landscaped bicycle path that went from your house to your office, and once you arrived at your office, there was a secure place to lock up your bicycle and shower facilities in the building so you could freshen up. What a great way to start your day, right?
These two examples show how our environment can influence our ability and decisions to eat better or be more active. Access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, aggressive pricing strategies for produce, paths that connect to destinations or places of interest, and secure bicycle facilities are examples of policies or environmental strategies that can encourage a person to make the healthy choice, more easily.
Because our ability to eat better and move more is so connected to the environment we live in, Mass in Motion has made it a priority to support local initiatives in making the healthy choice the easy choice for community members. The Department of Public Health has joined forces with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Foundation, Boston Foundation, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation, Tufts Health Plan Foundation and The Medical Foundation to provide a great opportunity for cities and towns, over the next two years, to 1) engage their municipal leadership, community partners and members, 2) assess their existing environment as it relates to healthy eating and active living, and 3) create, and begin implementation of, an action plan that is based on a variety of policy and environmental strategies like the examples I mentioned earlier.
It’s high time that our environments - socially, culturally and physically - conspired to make the healthy choice the easy choice…. not the other way around.
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This post was originally published on the MA Department of Public Health's blog, Commonwealth Conversations, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Case of Influenza Type A at Amherst Regional High School
As of yesterday, a case of Influenza Type A has been confirmed at Amherst Regional High School. While not all Type A cases are H1N1 (Swine Flu), the MA Department of Public Health is no longer recommending confirmatory testing for positive Type A tests in individuals who are not high risk or chronically ill. Thus, Type A influenza results are considered to be H1N1 and treated accordingly.
The Amherst Public School System has published a letter on their website which can be read by clicking here. Thr text of the letter reads thus:
"As you probably know, there are different strains of flu affecting Massachusetts and there is a confirmed case of Influenza Type A, which includes H1N1, at our Regional High School. So far, the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. But any flu virus can cause serious illness, thus we are working very closely with the Amherst Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials to try to prevent the spread of the flu among students and staff.
"We are monitoring student and staff attendance because some schools in the state have had to close due to high rates of absenteeism due flu like symptoms. To assist with our monitoring please contact your school if your child is absent and experiencing flu like symptoms. Even though your child’s school has not closed, please think about how you would manage child care issues if closure were necessary.
"There are steps every parent/guardian can take to lower their children’s chances of getting sick. Teach them to wash their hands often with soap and water. Also, teach your children to cough into their inner elbow or into a tissue, instead of their hands. This will help prevent the spread of germs, including the flu virus.
"Make sure that your child does not have signs of the flu before you send them to school each morning. On the opposite side of this page is “Flu symptoms Checklist for Families and Schools” for your reference. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requesting that if your child has signs of the flu, please keep them at home for 7 days after their symptoms start, or 24 hours after their symptoms go away—whichever is longer.
"When your child is well again, and has stayed home according to the guidance above, he or she does not need to be tested for the flu before returning to school. Most people who get the flu do not need to seek medical care and do not need to be tested for H1N1 flu. However, if you have questions or concerns, you should contact your health care provider.
"We appreciate your continued cooperation and support as we work together to reduce the spread of the flu in our community."
The Amherst Health Department is in close contact with the the School Department, and any necessary updates will be communicated to the public via the ARPS website or this blog. As always, please feel free to call the Health Department at 259-3077 for further information.
The Amherst Public School System has published a letter on their website which can be read by clicking here. Thr text of the letter reads thus:
"As you probably know, there are different strains of flu affecting Massachusetts and there is a confirmed case of Influenza Type A, which includes H1N1, at our Regional High School. So far, the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. But any flu virus can cause serious illness, thus we are working very closely with the Amherst Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials to try to prevent the spread of the flu among students and staff.
"We are monitoring student and staff attendance because some schools in the state have had to close due to high rates of absenteeism due flu like symptoms. To assist with our monitoring please contact your school if your child is absent and experiencing flu like symptoms. Even though your child’s school has not closed, please think about how you would manage child care issues if closure were necessary.
"There are steps every parent/guardian can take to lower their children’s chances of getting sick. Teach them to wash their hands often with soap and water. Also, teach your children to cough into their inner elbow or into a tissue, instead of their hands. This will help prevent the spread of germs, including the flu virus.
"Make sure that your child does not have signs of the flu before you send them to school each morning. On the opposite side of this page is “Flu symptoms Checklist for Families and Schools” for your reference. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requesting that if your child has signs of the flu, please keep them at home for 7 days after their symptoms start, or 24 hours after their symptoms go away—whichever is longer.
"When your child is well again, and has stayed home according to the guidance above, he or she does not need to be tested for the flu before returning to school. Most people who get the flu do not need to seek medical care and do not need to be tested for H1N1 flu. However, if you have questions or concerns, you should contact your health care provider.
"We appreciate your continued cooperation and support as we work together to reduce the spread of the flu in our community."
The Amherst Health Department is in close contact with the the School Department, and any necessary updates will be communicated to the public via the ARPS website or this blog. As always, please feel free to call the Health Department at 259-3077 for further information.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Kids and Technology: Tips for Parents in a High-Tech World
Although children may not want to admit it, the school year is here. Parents know that back to school means a packed planner filled with everything from recitals to parent-teacher conferences. As time gets stretched, parents and children may talk less and fall back on timesavers, like notes or text messages.
But when it comes to your child’s safety in the virtual world, parents should not rely on one strategy alone. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, children say they know how to get around home and school filters to access MySpace, e-mail or instant messaging programs. Children also admit that they will access blocked sites from friends’ computers who do not have limits on their Internet access.
Experts recommend parents use multiple strategies to keep kids safe in the virtual world. “Unfortunately, prohibiting access to technology or sole reliance upon blocking or filtering software are often not enough to prevent electronic aggression,” says Marci Hertz, a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Kids are savvy and can get around filters and blocking software. Just like putting a seatbelt on before starting the car, there are some fundamental strategies parents should observe to make sure use of electronic technology is a safe experience.”
A new CDC resource for educators and parents offers the following strategies:
Talk to your child. Parents ask their children where they are going and who they are going with whenever they leave the house. They should take the same approach when their children go on the Internet—where are they going and who are they with?
Develop rules. Together with your child, develop rules about acceptable and safe behaviors for all electronic media.
Explore the Internet. Visit the websites your child frequents, and assess the pros and cons. Most websites and on-line activities are beneficial. They help young people learn new information and interact with people who have similar interests.
Talk with others. Talk to other parents about how they have discussed technology use with their children.
Connect with the school. Parents are encouraged to work with their child’s school and school district to develop a class for parents that educates about school policies on electronic aggression and resources available to parents.
Educate yourself. Stay informed about the new devices and websites your child is using. Continually talk with your child and explore the technology yourself.
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This article reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But when it comes to your child’s safety in the virtual world, parents should not rely on one strategy alone. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, children say they know how to get around home and school filters to access MySpace, e-mail or instant messaging programs. Children also admit that they will access blocked sites from friends’ computers who do not have limits on their Internet access.
Experts recommend parents use multiple strategies to keep kids safe in the virtual world. “Unfortunately, prohibiting access to technology or sole reliance upon blocking or filtering software are often not enough to prevent electronic aggression,” says Marci Hertz, a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Kids are savvy and can get around filters and blocking software. Just like putting a seatbelt on before starting the car, there are some fundamental strategies parents should observe to make sure use of electronic technology is a safe experience.”
A new CDC resource for educators and parents offers the following strategies:
Talk to your child. Parents ask their children where they are going and who they are going with whenever they leave the house. They should take the same approach when their children go on the Internet—where are they going and who are they with?
Develop rules. Together with your child, develop rules about acceptable and safe behaviors for all electronic media.
Explore the Internet. Visit the websites your child frequents, and assess the pros and cons. Most websites and on-line activities are beneficial. They help young people learn new information and interact with people who have similar interests.
Talk with others. Talk to other parents about how they have discussed technology use with their children.
Connect with the school. Parents are encouraged to work with their child’s school and school district to develop a class for parents that educates about school policies on electronic aggression and resources available to parents.
Educate yourself. Stay informed about the new devices and websites your child is using. Continually talk with your child and explore the technology yourself.
-------
This article reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Why Alcohol and Pregnancy Do Not Mix
A mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disabilities. These problems are completely preventable if a mother does not drink alcohol while pregnant.
The U.S. Surgeon General, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and many other national organizations all agree that all alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.
Women Need to Get the Facts:
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born with birth defects and have disabilities. These conditions, called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASDs, are among the top preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities. FASDs can cause problems in how a person looks, grows, learns and acts. FASDs can also cause birth defects of the heart, brain, and other major organs. These problems last a lifetime.
There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant. All drinks with alcohol can hurt an unborn baby. A 12-ounce can of beer has as much alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1-ounce shot of liquor.
There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol can harm a baby at any time during pregnancy. It can cause problems in the early weeks of pregnancy, before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Too many women think drinking alcohol during pregnancy won’t hurt their unborn baby. About 1 in 12 pregnant women in the United States reports alcohol use.
FASDs are 100% preventable—if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant.
Ways to prevent FASDs:
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not drink alcohol.
Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, but could become pregnant, do not drink alcohol.
If you are pregnant and drinking alcohol, stop now.
Mothers-to-be are not the only ones who can prevent FASDs. Friends and family members can play an important role by encouraging women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Schools, health and social service organizations, and communities can promote FASD prevention activities through education and intervention.
If you have questions about alcohol and pregnancy, talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care professional.
For more information, go to the CDC’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas.
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This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The U.S. Surgeon General, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and many other national organizations all agree that all alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.
Women Need to Get the Facts:
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born with birth defects and have disabilities. These conditions, called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASDs, are among the top preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities. FASDs can cause problems in how a person looks, grows, learns and acts. FASDs can also cause birth defects of the heart, brain, and other major organs. These problems last a lifetime.
There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant. All drinks with alcohol can hurt an unborn baby. A 12-ounce can of beer has as much alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1-ounce shot of liquor.
There is no safe time to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol can harm a baby at any time during pregnancy. It can cause problems in the early weeks of pregnancy, before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Too many women think drinking alcohol during pregnancy won’t hurt their unborn baby. About 1 in 12 pregnant women in the United States reports alcohol use.
FASDs are 100% preventable—if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant.
Ways to prevent FASDs:
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not drink alcohol.
Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, but could become pregnant, do not drink alcohol.
If you are pregnant and drinking alcohol, stop now.
Mothers-to-be are not the only ones who can prevent FASDs. Friends and family members can play an important role by encouraging women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Schools, health and social service organizations, and communities can promote FASD prevention activities through education and intervention.
If you have questions about alcohol and pregnancy, talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care professional.
For more information, go to the CDC’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas.
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This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Public Health Fact Sheet: Lyme Disease
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (germs) that are spread by tiny, infected deer ticks. Both people and animals can have Lyme disease.
Where do cases of Lyme disease occur?
In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and in theupper Midwest. In Massachusetts, Lyme disease occurs throughout the state.
How is Lyme disease spread?
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected deer tick. The tick usually must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours before it can spread the germ. Deer ticks in Massachusetts can also carry the germs that cause babesiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (also known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis). Deer ticks are capable of spreading more than one type of germ in a single bite.
When can I get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can occur during any time of the year. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are spread by infected deer ticks. Young ticks (nymphs) are most active during the warm weather months between May and July. Adult ticks are most active during the fall and spring but may also be out searching for a host any time that winter temperatures are above freezing.
How soon do symptoms of Lyme disease appear after a tick bite?
Symptoms of early Lyme disease, described below, usually begin to appear from 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick. If untreated, symptoms of late Lyme disease may occur from weeks to years after the initial infection.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early stage (days to weeks): The most common early symptom is a rash (erythema migrans) where the tick was attached. It often, but not always, starts as a small red area that spreads outward, clearing up in the center so it looks like a donut. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, sore and aching muscles and joints, fatigue and swollen glands may also occur.
Even though these symptoms may go away by themselves, without medical treatment, some people will get the rash again in other places on their bodies, and many will experience more serious problems. Treatment during the early stage prevents later, more serious problems.
Later stages (weeks to years): If untreated, people with Lyme disease can develop late-stage symptoms even if they never had a rash. The joints, nervous system and heart are most commonly affected.
• About 60% of people with untreated Lyme disease get arthritis in their knees, elbows and/or wrists. The arthritis can move from joint to joint and become chronic.
• Many people who don’t get treatment develop nervous system problems. These problems include meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), facial weakness (Bell’s palsy) or other problems with nerves of the head, and weakness or pain (or both) in the hands, arms, feet and/or legs. These symptoms can last for months, often shifting between mild and severe.
• The heart also can be affected in Lyme disease, with slowing down of the heart rate and fainting. The effect on the heart can be early or late.
Is there treatment for Lyme disease?
People who are diagnosed with Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment during the early stage of the disease prevents later, more serious problems.
What can I do to lower my chances of getting Lyme disease, or any other disease, from ticks?
Prevention begins with you! Take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten by any tick. Ticks are most active during warm weather, generally late spring through fall. However, ticks can be out any time that temperatures are above freezing. Ticks cling to vegetation and are most numerous in brushy, wooded or grassy habitats. They are not found on open, sandy beaches, but may be found in grassy dune areas. When you are outside in an area likely to have ticks (e.g. brushy, wooded or grassy places), follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Use a repellent with DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or permethrin according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear, and should not be applied to skin. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included in the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on
Tick Repellents at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/factsheets.htm. If you can’t go online, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 for a hard copy.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into your socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep ticks away from your skin and help you spot a tick on your clothing faster.
• Stay on cleared trails when walking or hiking, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.
After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks.
Young ticks, called nymphs, are the size of a poppy seed. Adult deer ticks are the size of a sesame seed. Both nymph and adult deer ticks can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease; however, nymphs are of more concern. They are aggressive feeders and so tiny that it can be difficult to see them on the body, unless you are looking carefully. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks like places that are warm and moist. Always check the back of the knees, armpits, groin, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears. If you find a tick attached to your
body, remove it as soon as possible using a fine-point tweezers. Do not squeeze or twist the tick’s body, but grasp it close to your skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.
Know the symptoms of Lyme disease as described in this fact sheet. If you have been someplace likely to have ticks and you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, or any other disease carried by ticks, see your health care provider right away.
Where can I get more information?
• For questions about your own health, contact your doctor, nurse, or health care clinic.
• For questions about Lyme disease or other diseases spread by ticks, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 or toll free at (888) 658-2850 or online at http://www.mass.gov/dph. You may also contact your local Board of Health (listed in the telephone directory under “Government”).
• For questions about tick repellents, read the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/factsheets.htm. If you can’t go online, you may ask for hard copies of MDPH fact sheets by calling the MDPH number above.
Did you know?
You don’t have to be a hiker on Cape Cod to worry about ticks. In Massachusetts, you may be bitten in your own backyard. There are lots of things you can do around your own backyard to make it less inviting for ticks! Visit the MDPH Tickborne Disease Website at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/lyme/lymehp.htm for suggestions.
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Originally published as a Public Health Fact Sheet by the MA Department of Public Health.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (germs) that are spread by tiny, infected deer ticks. Both people and animals can have Lyme disease.
Where do cases of Lyme disease occur?
In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and in theupper Midwest. In Massachusetts, Lyme disease occurs throughout the state.
How is Lyme disease spread?
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected deer tick. The tick usually must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours before it can spread the germ. Deer ticks in Massachusetts can also carry the germs that cause babesiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (also known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis). Deer ticks are capable of spreading more than one type of germ in a single bite.
When can I get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can occur during any time of the year. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are spread by infected deer ticks. Young ticks (nymphs) are most active during the warm weather months between May and July. Adult ticks are most active during the fall and spring but may also be out searching for a host any time that winter temperatures are above freezing.
How soon do symptoms of Lyme disease appear after a tick bite?
Symptoms of early Lyme disease, described below, usually begin to appear from 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick. If untreated, symptoms of late Lyme disease may occur from weeks to years after the initial infection.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early stage (days to weeks): The most common early symptom is a rash (erythema migrans) where the tick was attached. It often, but not always, starts as a small red area that spreads outward, clearing up in the center so it looks like a donut. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, sore and aching muscles and joints, fatigue and swollen glands may also occur.
Even though these symptoms may go away by themselves, without medical treatment, some people will get the rash again in other places on their bodies, and many will experience more serious problems. Treatment during the early stage prevents later, more serious problems.
Later stages (weeks to years): If untreated, people with Lyme disease can develop late-stage symptoms even if they never had a rash. The joints, nervous system and heart are most commonly affected.
• About 60% of people with untreated Lyme disease get arthritis in their knees, elbows and/or wrists. The arthritis can move from joint to joint and become chronic.
• Many people who don’t get treatment develop nervous system problems. These problems include meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), facial weakness (Bell’s palsy) or other problems with nerves of the head, and weakness or pain (or both) in the hands, arms, feet and/or legs. These symptoms can last for months, often shifting between mild and severe.
• The heart also can be affected in Lyme disease, with slowing down of the heart rate and fainting. The effect on the heart can be early or late.
Is there treatment for Lyme disease?
People who are diagnosed with Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment during the early stage of the disease prevents later, more serious problems.
What can I do to lower my chances of getting Lyme disease, or any other disease, from ticks?
Prevention begins with you! Take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten by any tick. Ticks are most active during warm weather, generally late spring through fall. However, ticks can be out any time that temperatures are above freezing. Ticks cling to vegetation and are most numerous in brushy, wooded or grassy habitats. They are not found on open, sandy beaches, but may be found in grassy dune areas. When you are outside in an area likely to have ticks (e.g. brushy, wooded or grassy places), follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Use a repellent with DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or permethrin according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear, and should not be applied to skin. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included in the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on
Tick Repellents at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/factsheets.htm. If you can’t go online, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 for a hard copy.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into your socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep ticks away from your skin and help you spot a tick on your clothing faster.
• Stay on cleared trails when walking or hiking, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.
After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks.
Young ticks, called nymphs, are the size of a poppy seed. Adult deer ticks are the size of a sesame seed. Both nymph and adult deer ticks can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease; however, nymphs are of more concern. They are aggressive feeders and so tiny that it can be difficult to see them on the body, unless you are looking carefully. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks like places that are warm and moist. Always check the back of the knees, armpits, groin, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears. If you find a tick attached to your
body, remove it as soon as possible using a fine-point tweezers. Do not squeeze or twist the tick’s body, but grasp it close to your skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.
Know the symptoms of Lyme disease as described in this fact sheet. If you have been someplace likely to have ticks and you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, or any other disease carried by ticks, see your health care provider right away.
Where can I get more information?
• For questions about your own health, contact your doctor, nurse, or health care clinic.
• For questions about Lyme disease or other diseases spread by ticks, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 or toll free at (888) 658-2850 or online at http://www.mass.gov/dph. You may also contact your local Board of Health (listed in the telephone directory under “Government”).
• For questions about tick repellents, read the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/factsheets.htm. If you can’t go online, you may ask for hard copies of MDPH fact sheets by calling the MDPH number above.
Did you know?
You don’t have to be a hiker on Cape Cod to worry about ticks. In Massachusetts, you may be bitten in your own backyard. There are lots of things you can do around your own backyard to make it less inviting for ticks! Visit the MDPH Tickborne Disease Website at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/lyme/lymehp.htm for suggestions.
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Originally published as a Public Health Fact Sheet by the MA Department of Public Health.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update for June 2nd, 2009
Yesterday, the MA Department of Public Health confirmed that the number of cases of H1N1 virus has increased to a total of 636 cases in the Commonwealth. Of the 107 new cases confirmed on June 1st, two had been hospitalized due to complications. Overall, there have been 34 hospitalized cases in Massachusetts since the beginning of the outbreak.
With the number of cases in Massachusetts continuing to increase, the DPH has changed its focus from individual case counts to examining the overall trend of the disease. Thus, DPH no longer lists individual cases of confirmed H1N1, and now has begun to list cases by county. DPH is also closely examining the age distribution of cases, as well as the aforementioned hospitalization rates.
Yesterday, the DPH stated the following on its blog:
"Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways; it is impossible to know whether this outbreak will decrease, remain the same, or grow in coming weeks, and whether the illness will remain at its current severity which, on the whole has been relatively mild. Some severe cases may occur in people with underlying risk factors such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and DPH are watching closely for signs of increased severity of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), and will continue to monitor and report on any developing trends."
The same precautions continue to be urged by the DPH, the CDC, as well as the Amherst Health Department.
Download information on cases from 6-01-2009.
View a list of all MA schools which have been closed due to H1N1 Influenza.
With the number of cases in Massachusetts continuing to increase, the DPH has changed its focus from individual case counts to examining the overall trend of the disease. Thus, DPH no longer lists individual cases of confirmed H1N1, and now has begun to list cases by county. DPH is also closely examining the age distribution of cases, as well as the aforementioned hospitalization rates.
Yesterday, the DPH stated the following on its blog:
"Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways; it is impossible to know whether this outbreak will decrease, remain the same, or grow in coming weeks, and whether the illness will remain at its current severity which, on the whole has been relatively mild. Some severe cases may occur in people with underlying risk factors such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and DPH are watching closely for signs of increased severity of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), and will continue to monitor and report on any developing trends."
The same precautions continue to be urged by the DPH, the CDC, as well as the Amherst Health Department.
- 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 for 7 days, or 24 hours after your symptoms go away—whichever is longer.
Download information on cases from 6-01-2009.
View a list of all MA schools which have been closed due to H1N1 Influenza.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Chang Farm Recalls Expired Chang Farm Bean and Soy Sprouts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Chang Farm, River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Bean and Soy sprouts produced from Chang Farms, with specific expired date codes because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009 and Bean Sprouts with “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.
The product has been distributed to retail stores and restaurants throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The contamination was discovered after a sample was secured at a retail store in New York which tested positive for L. monocytogenes.
All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341.
Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009 and Bean Sprouts with “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.
The product has been distributed to retail stores and restaurants throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The contamination was discovered after a sample was secured at a retail store in New York which tested positive for L. monocytogenes.
All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341.
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