Labor Day Safety Tips
Filed under: General, Uncategorized
Labor Day weekend is what most Americans have come to think as the end of summer. Many people and families take one last trip for the season before fall. This puts millions of extra drivers on the road making Labor Day weekend one of the busiest travel times of the year.
America’s Road Team Captains, a group of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles, offer tips on how to get to your destination safely.
- Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Use a map or GPS: Surprisingly, few motorists plan their routes, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving – it allows you to anticipate lane changes and avoid a panicked search for directions.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations: don’t drive when tired, upset or physically ill.
- Be aware of trucks’ blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
Follow these tips and remain safe this weekend and at all times when driving. For the complete article, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-professional-drivers-offer-highway-safety-tips-for-labor-day-holiday-101790083.html.
Back to School Health Initiatives
Filed under: General, Programs, Services
The Chatham County Public Health Department (CCPHD) and Chatham County Schools (CCS) have been preparing for some exciting school health activities this upcoming school year. Take a look at what’s in store for our schools, students, and school staff!
Healthy Habits Campaign
This year marks the pilot of the Healthy Habits Campaign, a project that the CCPHD and CCS have collaborated on to help teachers and schools promote health. The Healthy Habits Campaign has assigned each month a healthy habit theme (for example, September’s theme is healthy eating) and will provide teachers and schools with resources for promoting each month’s theme.
This approach has been inspired by CCS’ existing Character Education program, general social marketing principles, and the CDC’s Coordinated School Health Model. Giving each topic a month or in some cases two months of focus will hopefully be an effective way of helping each health message to sink in and lead to students making healthier choices. Keep an eye on the Chatham County Public Health Department’s Healthy Habits Campaign website for updates and more information.
School Wellness Constitution
The Chatham County Public Health Department and Chatham County’s Team Fit have created a new tool to help schools plan for and institutionalize healthy changes. Those schools that complete the school wellness constitution planning tool will receive a copy of their school’s wellness constitution to post in their school. This document will be a fun way to demonstrate and remind community members of the school’s commitment to promoting health during the school day. To learn more about the school wellness constitution planning tool or start the process at your school, contact Ellie Morris, School Health Liaison with the Chatham County Public Health Department at 919-545-8514 or elizabeth.morris@chathamnc.org.
Health Presentations
The Chatham County Public Health Department will continue its popular health presentations program in the county’s classrooms this schools year. Public Health Educators and other staff from the CCPHD offer presentations for K-12 classes on nutrition, physical activity, reproductive health, and many other topics. CCPHD staff are also available to present workshops for school staff and parent groups. Last year, we gave 136 presentations, reaching students in all grades, and this year we hope to do even more. Download our updated list of presentations at www.chathamnc.org/schoolhealth.
Just Push Play
The Chatham County Public Health Department worked with Bonlee, Moncure and Horton Middle School this past spring to secure an Eat Smart Move More Community grant to help increase students’ physical activity at these schools. To work toward this goal, this year, these schools will begin implementing Be Active NC’s Just Push Play program. They worked over the summer to start pulling together school wellness teams, and this fall these teams will begin meeting and planning for healthy changes for their schools. Between the work of these schools and other projects happening all over the county, there will be a lot of exciting school health news this year, so stay tuned!
If you have questions about or are interested in learning more about any of the initiatives included in this post, please contact Ellie Morris, School Health Liaison with the Chatham County Public Health Department at 919-545-8514 or elizabeth.morris@chathamnc.org.
Where to Turn For Mental Health Services in Chatham County Part II: Who Do I Call?
Filed under: Health Information, Services
What happens when you call the OPC Star Line? Your call will be answered by a licensed clinician who will ask you a series of questions. This screening helps to determine the level and type of service that fits your needs. Based on your responses, you may be referred to a provider agency for further assessment, referred to your insurance company for a list of providers or to a community resource. If you are in an emergency, you will be linked with crisis services.
OPC offers Daytime Weekday Crisis Services:
Therapeutic Alternatives, Inc.
Chatham Counseling Center of Siler City
1105 East Cardinal Street, Siler City, NC 27344
919-663-2127
Therapeutic Alternatives, Inc.
Chatham Counseling Center of Pittsboro
102 Camp Drive, Unit A, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-542-7575
OPC offers Mobile Crisis Services: 24/7
Mobile Crisis Services provided by Therapeutic Alternatives, has the capability to address psychiatric, substance abuse and developmental disability crisis for all ages, to help restore an individual to his/her previous level of functioning. Mobile Crisis Management is provided in the least restrictive environment, in or as close as possible to a person’s home.
1-877-626-1772
OPC offers Facility Based Crisis Services: 24/7
Freedom House Recovery Center provides evaluation, treatment intervention and behavioral management in order to stabilize acute or crisis situations, including acute psychiatric symptoms, disruptive or dangerous behaviors or intoxication from alcohol or other drugs.
Freedom House Recovery Center
104 New Stateside Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-967-8844
OPC’s Customer Service Line
OPC also offers a Customer Service Line which allows callers to speak to someone about OPC’s services, other government and no-profit agencies, national and local advocacy and support groups, self-help groups(such as 12-step programs), website/Internet information and other creative and thoughtful ways to address a situation. Callers may also register concerns, complaints and compliments about Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse services.
919-913-4120 or 1-888-277-2303
For a complete list of service providers that have a contract with OPC, go to the OPC website: www.opcareaprogram.org
Where to Turn for Mental Health Services in Chatham County
Filed under: Health Information
With all the talk about Mental Health Reform, it’s hard to know what mental health services exist, how to access care, and where to go for help. The answers to these questions depend on your insurance coverage. If you have private insurance, then on the back of your insurance card you should see a phone number. You can call this number to inquire about mental health providers in your area that accept your insurance. Once you receive the provider contact information, then all you have to do is call the provider and set up an appointment.
If you receive Medicaid or have no insurance then you will need to access the publicly funded resources Orange-Person-Chatham (OPC) Area Program.
OPC Area Program is the local governmental agency with responsibility for oversight and management of publicly funded mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services in Orange, Person and Chatham Counties. OPC provides screening, triage and referral for individuals needing services in the area.
If you need help accessing Mental Health services, then you can call OPC’s Screening, Triage, Access and Referral (STAR) Line: 919-913-4100 or 1-800-233-6834.
Stay tuned tomorrow for more Chatham mental health resources.
Nationwide Recall of Shelled Eggs
Filed under: Health Information, Public Health News
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and multiple state and federal partners are currently investigating an increase in salmonella illnesses across the country. The early investigation has traced the possible source to Wright County Egg, in Galt, Iowa. The investigation is ongoing.
From the FDA press release:
- Don’t eat recalled eggs or products containing recalled eggs.
- Keep shell eggs refrigerated at ≤45˚ F (≤7˚ C) at all times.
- Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
- Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
- Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate unused or leftover egg- containing foods promptly.
- Avoid eating raw eggs.
For the full press release and additional advice, please go to http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WhatsNewinFood/ucm222684.htm
For more information on food safety and eggs, please go to:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/eggs/index.html
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077342.htm
Immunizations and Your Child
Filed under: Health Information, Services
Parents do all kinds of things to protect their children. They put child locks on cabinet doors, keep medications out of reach, take them to the doctor to make sure they are healthy, and ensure they are traveling in a safe car seat or booster seat.
Another thing that parents can do to protect their children is to make sure they receive their immunizations. There are several diseases that, thanks to immunizations, parents do not have to worry about their children contracting. Diseases such as measles, mumps, diphtheria, pertussis and others are rarely seen due to immunizations.
Is your child up to date on their immunizations?
| Birth | Hepatitis B |
| 1-2 months | Hepatitis B |
| 2 months | *DTaP (diphtheria,tetanus,pertussis) *IPV (polio) *Hib (haemophilus influenza type B) PCV (pneumococcal disease) RV (rotovirus) |
| 4 months | *DTaP *IPV *Hepatitis B (if needed) *Hib PCV RV |
| 6 months | *DTaP *Hib (if needed) PCV RV |
| 6-18 months | *Hepatitis B IPV |
| 6 months to 18 years(yearly) | Influenza (flu) |
| 12-15 months | *Hib *MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) PCV *Varicella (chicken pox) |
| 12-23 months | Hepatitis A -2 doses 6 months apart |
| 15-18 months | *DTaP |
| 4-6 years (beforestarting school) | *MMR *DTaP *IPV Varicella |
| 11-12 years | MCV (meningococcal disease) *Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) HPV (human papillomavirus)-3 doseswith follow-up doses 2 and 6 months after first dose |
*=Vaccines required by North Carolina law
If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover vaccines; a federal program called Vaccines for Children provides vaccines free of charge. Ask your child’s medical provider if they participate in this program or call your local health department.
The Chatham County Public Health Department is an excellent resource if you have questions about immunizations. You may contact the health department at 919-742-5641 in Siler City or 919-542-8220 in Pittsboro.
All other vaccines listed are recommended.
Vaccination Clinic Held for Hepatitis A
Filed under: Health Information, Public Health News, Services, Staff
Over 100 people were seen on August 15th at the
Chatham County Public Health Department Clinic in Siler City for hepatitis A vaccinations. Staff worked Sunday afternoon to ensure that the public received the immunizations. The health department will continue to hold clinics with Tuesday, August 17th being the last day.
It is important that people who ate food from the Burger King located at 1712 East 11th Street (Hwy 64) in Siler City, NC on August 2 or August 3, 2010 from 6:00 PM to closing receive an injection of hepatitis A immune globulin or vaccine by August 17, 2010.
Exposed patrons may obtain the immunization through the Chatham County Public Health Department:
- 1000 South 10th Avenue, Siler City; walk-in clinic on Monday and Tuesday, August 16 and 17 from 8:30am-6:30pm.
- 80 East Street, Pittsboro: walk-in clinic on Tuesday, August 17 from 8:00am-5:00pm.
The immunization at the health department is FREE of charge. Vaccinations are also available from physicians.
The early signs and symptoms of hepatitis A appear 2-6 weeks after exposure and commonly include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, dark urine, light color stools and jaundice (yellowness of eyes or skin). Even mildly ill persons can still be highly infectious. Persons with illness suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician even if symptoms are mild.
Careful handwashing is key to preventing spread of hepatitis A and should include vigorous washing of hands with soap and running water for minimum of 20 seconds. All surfaces should be washed including the back of the hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails.
For more information see http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/A/index.htm.
Check out our staff hard at work at the August 15th clinic!
National Farmers Market Week
Filed under: Health Information, Health Observances
National Farmers Market Week was last
week, August 1st-7th. We may have missed the observance, but it’s never too late to discuss how farmers markets add value to the community!
Farmers Markets offer many benefits. For one, they make fresh, healthy, affordable produce available to local neighborhoods and communities. Here are additional Farmers Markets benefits from the USDA National Farmers Market Week Proclamation:
- Produce is sold directly from the farm in its freshest possible state,
- Access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and families is increased,
- Local and regional food systems are helped in development, and
- Consumers have the opportunity to interact with farmers.
Luckily, Chatham County is home to many Farmers Markets. Information about each of them can be found on their websites.
Fearrington Farmers Market- http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/fearrington.html
Pittsboro Farmers Market- http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/pittsboro.html
Siler City Farmers Market- http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/silercitymarket.html
Carolina Brewery Farmers Market- http://www.carolinabrewery.com/downloads/cb_farmersmkt_app.pdf
For additional information on other local Farmers Markets in the Triangle area, please go to: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/otherareamarkets.html.
The Future Robeson Creek Greenway
Filed under: Programs, Staff
The Chatham County Public Health Department in partnership with the Town of Pittsboro and various other organizations were awarded a Fit Communities grant from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund. The grant award of $60,000 over two years will be used to construct a greenway in Pittsboro, support programming, promotion, and policy initiatives The greenway project location is along a town sewer easement, which runs beside Roberson Creek between 15-501 South and Martin Luther King Drive, and potentially to Industrial Drive in Pittsboro, NC.
Let’s take a look at the greenway projects.
Put on your walking shoes! The current sewer easement is a spacious area to take a walk and enjoy nature.
Along the easement there are wet areas that will need improved surfacing to make the greenway a more pleasant walking experience.
Jump or get wet!! To continue on the current easement you have to make this choice! The future greenway will construct a bridge over this easement and several others to connect the sections of the greenway.
Bring a Frisbee and a picnic lunch! There are great open spaces for fun family activities.
Find delicious fruits and vegetables at the Pittsboro Farmer’s Market. Yes! The greenway will connect you to the Farmer’s Market!
Creating environments that support active and healthy living are critical for having healthy communities and healthy people. The Fit Communities grant project will provide Pittsboro residents with a new opportunity to be active.
For more information contact:
Megan Bolejack at 545-8518 or megan.bolejack@chathamnc.org
Peer Education Program Tours Chatham County Public Health Department
Filed under: Programs, Services, Staff
Nursing Supervisor, Bonnie Dukeman, gives students a tour of the Siler City health department location.
Peer Educators also known as
“PEP Squad” toured the Chatham County Public Health Department to gain insight of services offered by the health department and to experience what happens on a regular visit for Family Planning, and Sexually Transmitted Infection(STD/STI) testing and counseling.
Several Peer Educators from Jordan Matthews High School are currently being trained this summer by Health Educator, Erika Gabriel, of the Chatham County Public Health Department to provide accurate and credible information to their peers on teen related issues. Some of the issues include the prevention of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS. The weekly training sessions began on June 28th and will end on August 9th.
Jordan Matthews High School has partnered with the Chatham County Public Health Department to implement the PEP Squad program with 9th-12th grade students. Not only are students learning about sexual health related issues, but also goal setting, values, respect, refusal skill, and much more. This is an ongoing program in the county for students in grades 7-12 who wish to provide valuable information to their peers to eliminate any myths, and to promote healthy behavior associated with Reproductive Health.
Peer Educators are currently meeting weekly for training to gain knowledge on the above subjects. Peer Educators will continue to meet throughout the school year to plan events, facilitate booths, and provide education to their peers, community, and school.
For more information the Peer Education Program, contact Erika Gabriel with the Chatham County Public Health department at Erika.gabriel@chathamnc.org or 919-545-8515.