Category: Public Health

Do you know the ABCs of Safe Infant Sleep?

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

It’s scary to think that you could put your baby down for a nap and he might never wake up. But it happens more often than we would like. About 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. The cause of death for many of these babies can’t be determined, but there are factors that can put your baby at higher risk.

October is Safe Infant Sleep Awareness Month in Idaho, so it’s a good time to learn the ABCs of Safe Infant Sleep. They are:

A for alone. Babies should sleep alone, not with adults who can roll onto them.

B for back. They should sleep on their backs without blankets, bedding or stuffed animals that could interfere with their breathing.

C for crib. They should sleep in a crib with a firm surface and in a cool room (70 degrees). If you’re worried about whether they are warm enough, keep them comfortable with clothing or put them in a sleep sack.

S for smoke-free. They should sleep in a smoke-free environment. Continue reading “Do you know the ABCs of Safe Infant Sleep?” →

The flu vaccine is your best protection, and it’s time to get it now

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

It’s October, which means flu season  is here. And that means it’s time to get vaccinated to protect yourself against the flu. Flu season can run from October to May, so if you haven’t gotten the vaccine yet this year, you should get one as soon as possible. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from what can be a serious infection.

Public health officials think this year’s vaccine, which is different from last year’s, is a good match for the flu strains that could be circulating, but it’s difficult to predict so early in the season. Flu viruses are constantly changing. Flu vaccines are updated before the start of flu season each year, based on which influenza viruses are making people sick in other parts of the world. This year’s trivalent vaccine offers protection for two type A influenza viruses, and one type B virus. An additional type B influenza virus is included in the vaccine that offers protection against four strains of the virus; that is called the quadrivalent vaccine. Continue reading “The flu vaccine is your best protection, and it’s time to get it now” →

Mom is right: Eat your fruits and veggies!

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

It’s harvest time! We have more fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to choose from at this time of year than at any other time of year, it seems. Eating a plant-based diet is important for our overall health, and yet most of us don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables every day. But with all the different kinds of fresh produce available now in our gardens as well as markets and grocery stores, now is a great time to make a point of eating more fruits and veggies.

FruitsVeggies

Idahoans aren’t all that different from residents in other states; we all need to eat more fruits and vegetables, which would help manage many of our health issues, including  obesity. Just about 29 percent of adults in Idaho are obese, according to Better Policies for a Healthier America. Idaho ranks 29th compared to other states; Arkansas has the highest adult obesity rate at 35.9 percent, while Colorado has the lowest, at 21.3 percent. Continue reading “Mom is right: Eat your fruits and veggies!” →

Idaho health officials urge caution regarding recalled cucumbers: Idaho cases continue to be reported

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

Twenty-one Idaho residents with salmonellosis have been linked to the national cucumber outbreak, with public health officials concerned that people who are unaware of the outbreak could still become infected.

“We are concerned that not all Idahoans are aware of the recall and may have recently eaten or still have cucumbers involved with the outbreak in their homes,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho Public Health medical director. “If anyone has eaten cucumbers and suspects they may have Salmonella, they should seek medical attention immediately.”

Continue reading “Idaho health officials urge caution regarding recalled cucumbers: Idaho cases continue to be reported” →

Do you know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer? If you’re a woman, you should.

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health3 Comments

Have you noticed a proliferation of things turning teal this month? Things that shouldn’t be teal, like a bridge, fountains and even the entire Chicago skyline? The teal movement is an effort to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths for women in Idaho, and the fifth nationally.

There is no health screening for ovarian cancer.

That’s what makes it even scarier than most. Because there is no screening for it, many women aren’t diagnosed until the later stages of the disease. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Nearly 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with it each year, and 15,000 die from it. That’s why it’s so important for women to pay attention to their bodies and talk to their doctors when something isn’t right, even if it makes them a little uncomfortable. Continue reading “Do you know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer? If you’re a woman, you should.” →

Suicide Prevention Week highlights an important public health issue in idaho

On By idhwmediaIn Behavioral Health, Public Health1 Comment

These numbers are fairly startling:

  • Idaho continually ranks in the top 10 states for number of completed suicides per capita.
  • Since 2003, suicide has been the eighth or ninth leading cause of death for all Idahoans.
  • In 2013, Idaho ranked 7th in the nation for suicides per capita and 6th in the nation for youth suicide.
  • And suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idahoans who are 15-34 years old, and for boys who are 10-14 years old.

As you can see, this is a sobering public health issue for Idaho. Continue reading “Suicide Prevention Week highlights an important public health issue in idaho” →

Idaho health officials warn of Salmonella illnesses linked by federal investigators to contaminated cucumbers

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Eight Idaho residents with salmonellosis apparently were sickened by contaminated cucumbers, the Idaho Division of Public Health said Friday.

The affected Idahoans range in age from 2-82 and became ill between Aug. 3rd and Aug. 17th. One was hospitalized but has recovered. These cases appear to be part of a larger national outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers being recalled. In addition, six other cases, not yet confirmed to be linked to the outbreak, are being investigated by Idaho public health districts. Since early July, 285 people in 27 states have been linked nationwide to this outbreak.

According to the California Department of Public Health, Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego has voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand label from Aug. 1 through Sept. 3 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The type of cucumber is often referred to as a “slicer” or “American” cucumber and is dark green. They were distributed to Idaho, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and several other states.  Continue reading “Idaho health officials warn of Salmonella illnesses linked by federal investigators to contaminated cucumbers” →

Idaho leads the nation for number of immunization exemptions for kindergartners

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health3 Comments

New vaccination exemption data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Idaho led the nation for school immunization exemption rates during the 2014-2015 school year. The recently published data show 6.5% of Idaho kindergarten students had an exemption on file for at least one vaccine when they registered for school.

Idaho allows immunization exemptions for religious, medical, or philosophical reasons. Of the 6.5% of Idaho’s kindergarteners with an exemption on file, 5.6% were for philosophical reasons, while 0.3% were medical and 0.6% were religious exemptions.

The high exemption rate is concerning for public health and school officials, along with parents of children attending schools.  “Having a high percentage of students who are not fully protected from preventable diseases is concerning, especially for other children who cannot receive vaccine protection because of medical conditions,” says Dr. Christine Hahn M.D., Idaho Public Health Medical Director.  “Many parents sign an exemption for convenience; it may be the path of least resistance when registering a child for school who is behind on their vaccine schedule. However, that path can lead to serious illness to their children or classmates. We believe Idaho can do better.”

2014SchoolEntryExemptions

Continue reading “Idaho leads the nation for number of immunization exemptions for kindergartners” →

Charts for children and adults help determine activity when air is smoky

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

AirQualityActivityGuide

Wildfire smoke and poor air quality are going to be with us for a while. The people who are most affected by poor air quality are also the most vulnerable: Children, the elderly, the disabled, and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

Air quality can fluctuate daily around the state, but it  is not expected to significantly improve anytime soon. Please be aware of current conditions and keep children inside when the air quality is unhealthy. Also, check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbors to be sure the air quality is not causing them undue distress.

If you coach children or run a daycare or a school, it’s especially important to be aware of outside air conditions. Sending a child with asthma out to play when air quality is listed as orange (unhealthy for sensitive populations) or red (unhealthy for everyone) could lead to serious health effects for that child. You can check real-time air quality in many Idaho communities through the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s air monitors here.

If you’re not sure, the smoke activity guidelines above and below can help:  Continue reading “Charts for children and adults help determine activity when air is smoky” →

Idaho Public Health and DEQ officials: Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality throughout the state

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

Smoke from wildfires in Idaho and neighboring states is affecting the air quality in nearly every Idaho community in the northern and southwestern parts of the state, and officials from public health and environmental quality are reminding residents to be aware of the conditions so they can take precautions.

The strongest smoke impacts are currently occurring across the Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho counties, as well as in southwest Idaho and east toward Twin Falls and north toward Garden Valley and McCall. Air quality is ranging from moderate to unhealthy across these areas, and impacts are from ongoing fires burning in Oregon, Washington and California, and a multitude of local fires that started this week.

“Air quality throughout the state is changing depending on weather patterns and wildfire activity,” said Jim Vannoy, environmental health manager for the Department of Health and Welfare. “Idahoans should be aware of this and check air quality on a regular basis so they can take precautions if they are planning to be outside. We’re especially concerned about children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions who might be more sensitive than most to the smoke in the air.”  Continue reading “Idaho Public Health and DEQ officials: Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality throughout the state” →