Health/Fitness

HEALTH CARE ADVOCATES PUSH BACK ON TRUMP’S THREATS AGAINST ACA

 

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

December  6, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Advocates for affordable health care are speaking out to remind people what is at stake if the Affordable Care Act is repealed in the wake of recent statements by former President Donald Trump.


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COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT INCREASE IN WHOOPING COUGH

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 29, 2023 (San Diego) - Increasing cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have County health officials recommending that people get vaccinated, particularly those most at risk of becoming seriously ill. 


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TUBERCULOSIS EXPOSURE REPORTED AT GOLDEN HALL SHELTER

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 28, 2023 (San Diego)-- The Tuberculosis Program in the Public Health Services (PHS) department of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is working in close collaboration with Father Joe’s Villages, and the San Diego Housing Commission to notify residents, employees, contractors, and volunteers potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Golden Hall shelter at 1101 First Ave. in San Diego.


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ZLINE GAS RANGES STILL LEAKING DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS AFTER REPAIRS: MANUFACTURER NOW OFFERS REFUNDS FOR CONSUMERS

Oven on the recalled ranges sold at major national retailers pose serious risk of death or injury from carbon monoxide poisoning

November 24, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Consumers who own a recalled ZLINE gas range/oven should contact the manufacturer for a full refund due to danger of the oven potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning—even if you already had the unit repaired. Approximately 30,000 ranges were recalled in January, but many consumers reported dangerous levels of carbon monoxide still leaking even after repairs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, in cooperation with ZLINE.  

The ranges were made in China and sold at major national retailers and online outlets including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Costco, Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, and the RangeHoodStore.com.  The recall includes three sizes and several different color finishes.

At least 175 reports of carbon monoxide emission  from the ovens in ZLINE ranges, have been reported, including 131 after the repairs were ordered. Three consumers have required medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.


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ASBESTOS, THE SILENT DANGER STILL AFFECTING NAVY VETERANS

By Cristina Johnson

November 18, 2023 (San Diego) -- The U.S. armed forces employed asbestos-containing products throughout much of the 20th century. All five military branches used frequently contaminated products and as a consequence, many service members were exposed to asbestos while defending our nation. Today, as these brave men and women transition into civilian life after their service, they risk developing life-altering diseases that may be linked to their military years. Asbestos exposure remains a compelling concern for all veterans but remains a critical issue among those who served in the Navy.

Once praised for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was widely used in naval construction during the last century. It was in every compartment on naval ships, and nobody thought about asbestos being a potent threat when its microscopic fibers were released into the air and inhaled.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT NAMED 2023 HEALTHCARE DISTRICT OF THE YEAR FOR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS UNMET HEALTH NEEDS IN RURAL EAST COUNTY

Annual report highlights the public agency’s accomplishments

 

Photo, left to right:  Christian Wallis, CEO, Michael Emerson, Board Treasurer, Bob Ayres, Board Vice President, Gloria Chadwick, Board President, Virgina Hall, Board Secretary, Randy Lenac, Board Member

 

East County News Service

 

November 10, 2023 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) was recently recognized by the Association of California Healthcare Districts as its 2023 Healthcare District of the Year. 


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RECORD FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HELPS 'BRIDGE THE GAP' AS COVERED CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES 2024 OPEN ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN

Source:  Covered California

November 9, 2023 (Sacramento) - Covered California kicked off its 2024 open-enrollment period at the Capitol Mall with the Tower Bridge as its backdrop, encouraging uninsured residents of the Sacramento area to sign up for health insurance. 


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ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA URGES FDA TO ADDRESS DANGEROUS PULSE OXIMETER INACCURACIES IMPACTING COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

Source: California Attorney General’s office

Image: CC via Bing

November 1, 2023 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a multistate coalition of 25 attorneys general, today submitted a letter to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen guidance and provide clear warning labels regarding incorrect pulse oximeter readings for patients of color.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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FDA WARNS CONSUMERS NOT TO BUY OR USE EYE DROPS FROM SEVERAL MAJOR BRANDS DUE TO RISK OF EYE INFECTION, POTENTIAL BLINDNESS

Source: U.S. .Food and Drug Administration

Photo:  Public domain image via Bing

October 31,2023 (Washington D.C.)  --The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products sold at major retailers and online, due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:

  • CVS Health
  • Leader (Cardinal Health)
  • Rugby (Cardinal Health)
  • Rite Aid
  • Target Up & Up
  • Velocity Pharma

See full list of product names at the bottom of this article.


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COUNTY DOCTORS SHARE TIPS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY DURING FLU SEASON

 

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 24, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego County doctors share the top 6 tips to help you fight winter viruses and stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, so get vaccinated early.

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HEALTHY HALLOWEEN AT THE GARDEN OCT. 26

East County News Service

 

October 20, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Enjoy a healthy Halloween and free admission to The Water Conservation Garden on Thursday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. courtesy of the Grossmont Healthcare District. 


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KAISER STRIKE SETTLES AS HEALTHCARE WORKERS REACH “HISTORIC" CONTRACT

East County News Service

October 17, 2023 (Los Angeles) -- More than 85,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers reached a historic tentative agreement on Oct.13 for a new contract that will substantially raise wages, bolster patient safety and make critical investments in the healthcare workforce at hundreds of Kaiser facilities across California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. 


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COUNTY LAUNCHES BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM TO HELP IN INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego County is launching the Blue Envelope Program starting October 16. The program is designed to promote inclusivity and provide an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members diagnosed with a condition or disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, anxiety, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR OCT. 13, RECOGNIZES HEALTH LITERACY MONTH

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (La Mesa) – In recognition of Health Literacy Month, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is hosting a day of learning about the importance of communicating and understanding health information. 


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OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Jonathan Goetz, East County Magazine

According to Bing AI series of chats. Search for your community or health provider and zip code for better individualized results and for books, try one of these.

Images created by Bing Image Creator

October 11, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that takes place in October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote screening and early detection, and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The month-long event is recognized by the White House and major breast cancer charities and organizations worldwide 1 2.

If you’re looking for places to get screened for breast cancer in East County, you can check out the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. They provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services to eligible women in San Diego County. The program is offered through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and includes clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests. To qualify for these free tests, you must live in San Diego County, meet the age requirements, have no insurance or limited health insurance, have health insurance with a co-payment or deductible you cannot afford, or have low household income. You can call (619) 515-2300 or fill out the form on their website to see if you qualify.


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LARGEST HEALTHCARE STRIKE IN U.S. HISTORY BEGINS AS KAISER WORKERS REVOLT

"We have folks getting injured on the job because they're trying to do too much and see too many people and work too quickly," said one union leader, demanding better staffing levels. "It's not a sustainable situation."

By Jake Johnson, staff writer, Common Dreams

Photo:  Kaiser Permanente workers are seen on strike in Roseville, California on October 4, 2023. (Photo: SEIU-UHW)

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

October 4, 2023 (San Diego) - Tens of thousands of healthcare workers across the United States began a three-day strike against Kaiser Permanente on Wednesday to protest the nonprofit hospital giant's alleged unfair labor practices, bad-faith bargaining, inadequate wages and chronic staff shortages that employees say are harming them and patients.


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THOUSANDS OF CALIFORNIANS LOSING MEDI-CAL EVERY MONTH; WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE COVERAGE

By Shreya Agrawal, Cal-Matters

Photo: JRG Publishing, stock photo

October 1, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Tens of thousands of Californians are losing health insurance every month as the state resumes checking people’s eligibility for Medi-Cal, which it suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 


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COUNTY ACCEPTS ONE-YEAR CONGRESSIONAL GRANT TO FUND MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM EXPANSION

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 28, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) program that supports people confronting mental health struggles is getting a multi-million-dollar boost. 


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NEW COVID VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS FREE COVID TESTS

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2023 (San Diego) – A new COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the latest variants is now available.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends it for everyone six months and older, as long as it's been at least two months since your last vaccine. The new vaccine is available free for adults.

This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations – COVID-19, RSV, and flu.

With COVID surging, the federal government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests.  Each U.S. household can order four free rapid tests delivered to your residence.   

Order Free At-Home Tests online.  Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?

Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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TB EXPOSURE AT SDSU

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 14, 2023 (San Diego) --The Tuberculosis Program in the Public Health Services (PHS) department, of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, in collaboration with San Diego State University (SDSU) and Aztec Shops are working closely to notify employees potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) on the SDSU campus, primarily at the Charles B. Bell Jr., Pavilion. Exposures to the general public, SDSU students and faculty, and to other employees are considered to be limited.

The dates of potential exposure are from Feb. 16, 2023 to June 22, 2023. Those known to have been potentially exposed have been directly notified and have been provided direction from health officials. People sick with TB may be sick for many months before they are diagnosed, and as such, exposure periods can be long.

TB is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person-to-person through inhalation of the bacteria from the air. The chance of infection is higher for people with prolonged indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB.


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HOSPITALS PLEAD WITH CONGRESS TO AVOID CUTS

By Ashley Murray, Kansas Reflector CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Photo: CC by Bing

September 15, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- Health care representatives from across the United States are urging Congress to halt cuts to funding that helps hospitals care for uninsured or low-income patients who rely on Medicaid.

More than 250 hospitals and health systems appealed to House and Senate leadership in a letter Thursday asking the lawmakers to avert or delay a forthcoming $8 billion cut to “America’s health care safety net.”


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SAN DIEGO SUICIDE RATE RISES BY TWO OFF LOWEST FATALITIES IN A DECADE

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2023 (San Diego) -- After years of declines, confirmed suicide deaths in San Diego County rose to 360 in 2022, slightly more than the 358 recorded in 2021, which was the lowest number of deaths in 10 years. 


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DEER MOUSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR HANTAVIRUS

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2023 (Mount Laguna, Calif.) -- A deer mouse collected near Mount Laguna on Aug. 24 during routine monitoring has tested positive for hantavirus.

Hantavirus in wild rodents is relatively common in San Diego County. This is the seventh routine detection of hantavirus in the region for calendar year 2023.  However, because wild rodents naturally avoid people, human exposure to the virus is rare. Still, County officials advise people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.


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CAL-FRESH BENEFIT INCREASE COMING IN OCTOBER


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW CHILD CARE BLUEPRINT TO HELP FAMILIES

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Video by James Kecskes
 
September 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego County’s new Child and Family Well-Being department publicly unveiled Tuesday its Child Care Blueprint, a two-year strategy to improve access, equity, and the quality of childcare throughout the region.

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