Public Guardian Steps In When Loved Ones Can’t

San Diego County Health & Human Services

August 28, 2010(San Diego) -- It’s a Wednesday morning and Alejandrina Martin knocks on the door of a 67-year-old man’s apartment in a low-income complex in the Lake Murray area.

Martin is one of three Public Guardian investigators with County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency’s Public Administrator/Public Guardian (PA/PG).

County Officials Urge People to Follow Three Rules to Protect Themselves, Others
 
August 23, 2010 (Pine Valley ) -- A Stellar’s jay found dead in Pine Valley tested positive for West Nile virus, County Vector Control officials announced today. Although no Californians have died from the mosquito-driven disease this year, there have been three deaths nationwide, and 16 people in the state have contracted West Nile virus so far in 2010.

August 21, 2010 (Santee) - Free dental exams for children will be offered today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pathway Community Church in Santee, thanks to a program through Rady Children’s Hospital. The free exams aim to help parents meet state requirements for youngsters entering kindergarten or first grade to have a dental checkup before starting school.

August 18, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announces a four-fold increase in salmonella cases nationwide since May, including outbreaks in California and other states linked tocontaminated eggs. Wright County Egg of Iowa has recalled eggs distributed nationwide under the brand names Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

 
County Urges Campers and area residents to Use Caution

 
August 16, 2010 (Palomar) -- A wild brush mouse trapped in Fry Creek Campground on Mt. Palomar tested positive for the potentially-deadly hantavirus during routine monitoring, San Diego County Vector Control officials said today. Nineteen mice have tested positive for Hantavirus this year countywide.

Simulation labs with high-tech mannequins mimic real-life hospital scenarios

August 9, 2010 (El Caj on) – – Vanessa Cordova, newly hired nurse at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, quickly assesses the situation. A 46-year-old patient, J. Smith, had been admitted after collapsing at home and losing consciousness.

August 2, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on the Part D Medicare and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). The event will feature a presentation by Jean Soderberg, community education outreach specialist with the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25. The public is invited to attend this free event.

County Urges Health Care Providers to Vaccinate Parents and Children; Cases of Whopping Cough Nearly Double over 2009
 
A 1-month-old baby boy, who was diagnosed with whooping cough, died on July 27 at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, leading officials to continue urging parents to get themselves and their children vaccinated.
 
 
“This death is a tragedy for the family and the broader community,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., County Deputy Public Health Officer. “This year we have seen a great increase in whooping cough cases and we are working with the medical community to assure that all individuals are vaccinated for whooping cough.”

West Nile Virus Detected In Lemon Grove
 
East County News Service

July 28, 2010 (Lemon Grove)--A batch of mosquitoes collected in Lemon Grove has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first positive test this year for the potentially-deadly disease, County Vector Control officials announced today.

“Finding positive mosquito batches is significant because mosquitoes do not travel far from the site of the infection,” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. ”We are sending letters to warn residents of the potential health risk that exists in their neighborhood. People should take personal precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
 
Scroll down for tips on how to protect yourself, as well as symptoms of West Nile Virus.

Tips to keep your clothes--and your home--from going up in smoke
 

East County News Service

July 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually, causing an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage. A lack of maintenance, buildup of lint, placing inappropriate items in the dryer and inadequate venting are frequently cited as contributing factors.

 
 
Dear Readers,

The tragic death of two-year-old Bentley Do, who choked on a gumball, evoked strong memories. I once saved my  son from choking on a pizza crust by using the Heimlich Maneuver (abdominal thrust) even though I’d never taken a first aid course and had only seen it on TV. I also vividly recall my Mom saving a friend’s toddler who snatched a gumball out of a candy tray and was choking. Mom flipped the child upside down and thumped his back. Thankfully the gumball popped out.
 
Please take a moment to read how to provide emergency treatment for choking. Don’t count on emergency help to arrive in time. You need to take immediate action. Also learn how to save yourself from choking if you are alone. Besides learning the techqniques below, be sure to child proof your house to keep small objects out of young children’s reach--and avoid a preventable choking tragedy.

One-of-a-kind equine-assisted rehab sessions provided by women for women

By Shirley Clukey
 

July 25, 2010 (Alpine) -- “This is too beautiful, too simple, too good not to share with others,” said Catherine Hand, founder and director of Dream Rider, at a recent training of volunteers. Dream Rider is an equine-assisted rehabilitation program for breast cancer survivors.

Don’t be fooled by the program’s name; it does not involve horse riding lessons and no horse experience is necessary. Using human to horse contact, music and the movement of the horse, a client is led through a gradual progression of exercises designed specifically for her rehabilitation needs. It starts with the simple act of lying prone on the horse’s back, and aligning her breath with that of the horse.

While bats, skunks, raccoons and other wild animals might be interesting to look at. touching them—even when they’re dead—could expose you to rabies.
 
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports that four of 20 bats submitted for rabies testing to HHSA’s Public Health Laboratory since January 1, 2010 have tested positive for rabies. All four bats tested positive for rabies during the month of June.  The County has not provided details on where the rabid bats were found.

Warning: What you don't know can be deadly

July 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Most East County residents know safety steps to take during an earthquake or wildfire, which are common in our area. But many are misinformed about dangers posed by lightning, a less common peril in our region. When a thunderstorm does strike, however, risks are substantial—and relying on myths can be deadly.

Lightning has caused deaths in California and in San Diego County. In East County, a man in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park was killed by lightning. Another local resident suffered neurological damage.  Lightning strikes have caused many fires in East County. A Campo resident lost phone service due to lightning; in Alpine, a writer's computer was destroyed by a bolt.  

 
Test your knowledge on lightning—the answers may shock you!

County Urges Residents To Use Caution When Cleaning Up Rodent Droppings
 

July 15, 2010 (Otay) -- San Diego County Vector Control officials confirmed today that one wild Northern Baja mouse trapped in the Otay River Valley during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus. This brings the total to 16 mice that have tested positive for Hantavirus this year.

“Hantavirus is preventable and can be fatal. The wet winter has provided plenty of food and shelter for mice, helping to increase the wild mouse population. It is extremely important to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds to prevent infection,” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “People contract Hantavirus by inhaling the virus, often when they are cleaning up rodent droppings and nesting materials. Wet cleaning methods should be used to prevent inhaling the virus.”

 
July 15, 2010 (Washington D.C.). - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pottery Barn Kids, has announced a voluntary recall of 82,000 Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs sold from 1999 through 2010. The recall includes numerous different styles of cribs following seven reported injuries and dozens of malfunctions.
 
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

July 14, 2010 (San Diego) -- Assembly Bill 1660, which expands the definition of “emergency aircraft flights for medical purposes,” was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on Friday. The bill clarifies that an air ambulance, flying under a Lifeguard call sign, is not  subject to a fine or penalty when departing an airport after hours to return to headquarters.
 

“Our access to public safety is the issue in question,”  said Assemblymember Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), author of the bill. “It is important that emergency workers are not hindered in doing their job.”  

 
Beads of Courage Arts-in-Medicine Program Coming to San Diego

July 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Local area leaders have teamed up with Beads of Courage to host a 2nd Annual Journey to Fight Cancer Golf Tournament & Luau at the Cottonwood Golf Course in El Cajon on Friday, July 23 starting at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and scramble.
 
This year’s tournament will raise funds to start the first Beads of Courage program in San Diego County, bringing hope and inspiration to children battling serious illnesses in our community and throughout Southern California.

July 10, 2010 (San Diego)--The family education department of the International Rescue Committee – San Diego will host a 2-hour workshop on July 26, 2010, from 9:00 a.m.to 11 a.m., on child abuse prevention (with an emphasis on sexual abuse prevention) for child care workers and any interested community members.

Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
 

President, Blue Summit Wealth Management

 

July 9, 2010 (La Mesa) -- We have just received notification that two of our top-rated carriers, John Hancock & Metlife, will be raising rates for new policies. If you have already secured your long term care policy, CONGRATULATIONS…you made a great decision! If you have been considering taking out a long term care insurance policy, please contact an independent Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) agent right away for quotes. (See below for tips on what to look for.)

Update on Tax Deductible Premiums:

 
 Device helps prevent blindness in patients with age-related macular degeneration
 
July 6, 2010 (Washington D.C). -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has approved the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) to improve vision in some patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
 
Surgically implanted in one eye, the IMT is a small telescope that replaces the natural lens and provides an image that has been magnified more than two times.

 
July 6, 2010 (Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on July 1st unveiled an innovative new on-line tool aimed at helping consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources to access quality, affordable health care coverage.
 
Called for by the Affordable Care Act, www.HealthCare.gov is the first website to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool.

Affordable Care Act Program provides temporary coverage for Americans without insurance due to pre-existing conditions through 2014 when new insurance exchanges are established; Californians may apply starting in August


July 5, 2010 (Washington D.C) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on July 1st the establishment of a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition.

Restrictive new ordinance passes 4-1, sharply limits sites where dispensaries may locate

“Virtually all of them are either undeveloped land, cement factories, mining operations, even land that’s zoned for treatment of radioactive materials,” -- Kate Valentine of Americans for Safe Access

July 2, 2010 (San Diego) – A restrictive new ordinance passed Wednesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will sharply limit locations where medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed and make it extremely costly for operators. The measure passed by a four-to-one vote. Supervisor Ron Roberts cast the lone dissenting vote.

“I think we’re violating the spirit of the law,” said Roberts, referring to the ballot initiative approved by California voters 14 years ago to legalize medical marijuana.

Local legislators split on support, opposition to measure

June 25, 2010 (Sacramento) – On Wednesday, the State Senate Health Committee passed AB 2578, the Healthcare Accountability Act. The measure aims to protect California consumers from excessive health insurance rate hikes, such as the 39% rate increase announced by Anthem Blue Cross earlier this year and an up to 75% increase imposed on businesses by Blue Shield.

June 25, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health information and community resources. For more information, call 619-740-4214. For other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit their website.

June 24, 2010 (Valley Center) -- The Indian Health Council, Inc., (IHC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary June 25 with a festive Open House, featuring health screenings, raffle prizes and giveaways, tours of the facility, and a Fun Zone for children that includes a bike rodeo. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the council headquarters, 50100 Golsh Road, Valley Center (on the Rincon Reservation).

June 17, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is organizing the East County’s largest free health fair, called Summer Healthcare Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, June 19, at the Grossmont Center shopping center, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., in La Mesa.

 
June 18, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Campbell Soup Supply Company is recalling approximately 15,000,000 pounds of "SpaghettiOs with Meatballs" canned products due to possible under-processing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced yesterday.
 
The recall includes several varieties of the popular children's entrees.  View labels.
The following products are subject to recall:

CORRECTION:  Our newsletter contained an incorrect date for the Powerlink town hall meeting. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 23. 

June 18, 2010 (Alpine) – Supervisor Dianne Jacob and The Protect Our Communities Foundation will host a town hall meeting Wednesday, June 23 in Alpine to provide the public a forum for comments to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which is considering whether to allow the controversial Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power lines to cross 19 miles of Cleveland National Forest in East County.