Monthly Archives: September 2010

Meet the Peer Educators of Jordan Matthews High School

Posted on September 14, 2010 | 1 Comment

Chatham County Public Health Department has partnered with Jordan Matthews High School to begin a Peer Education Program for implementation within the county. Several weeks ago, nine of Jordan Matthews High School 10th-12th grade students were trained as Peer Educators and formed  the “PEP Squad”. All nine students have completed 6 weeks of training and are officially Peer Educators of the Chatham County Public Health Department. 

The Peer Educators have been trained on various teen social and sexual health issues which include respect, trust, values, sexual assault/rape, reproductive health including the contraction and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections, teen pregnancy, and much more. The educators devoted almost four hours out of each of the past six Mondays to gain the skills and knowledge needed to help their peers adopt healthy social and sexual health behaviors. 

Research shows, that messages about teen health issues are often heard due to the messenger and the relationship with the messenger. Peer education can support young people in developing positive group norms and in making healthy decisions about sex. The Jordan Matthews PEP Squad is motivated to provide messages and information to their peers with the hopes that the results are positive and healthy for their future. 

Not only have the peer educators learned information for the benefit of their peers but they have also gained confidence in themselves as leaders of the community. Chatham County and Jordan Matthews High School, meet your Peer Educators: Chris Dunn, Lindsey Pyrtle, Theodocia Bynum, Hannah Brown, Traci Newby, Michelle Tobar, Caroline Inman, Sasha Morphis, and Courtney Brown. 

The list does not have to stop here. Students of Chatham County, if you are interested in becoming a peer educator at your school, talk to a PEP Squad member or look for PEP recruitment tables within your school . Chatham County, look for us in your community!! PEP SQUAD, Peers Educating Peers…One Friend at a Time! For more information, please contact Erika Gabriel at the Chatham County Public Health Department at Erika.gabriel@chathamnc.org

The “PEP Squad” is seen here at the Sportsman Lanes bowling alley in Siler City to celebrate the completion of training, reflect on the year and to plan events and activities for the upcoming year.

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Is Your Child Being Poisoned by Lead?

Posted on September 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

Lead is a toxic substance that can affect anyone.  However, children ages 6 and younger and pregnant women are particularly at risk of lead poisoning. Young children’s bodies develop quickly and this age group is likely to have behaviors and activities which could expose them to lead.  They play on floors, which can have dust from lead-based paint on them, and often put their hands, toys, and other items which may have the dust on them in their mouths.  

Since lead can cross the placental barrier, unborn children can be exposed to the effects of lead too.  It can also cause premature births and miscarriages. 

Examples of places and items where lead can be found are in: 

  • Homes and buildings built prior to 1978 due to the potential for lead-based paint
  • Drinking water
  • Toys
  • Lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain used to store food or liquids
  • Folk remedies such as Greta, Azarcon, Nzu, Calabash Clay, Calabar Stone, Mabele, Argile, and La Craie (traditionally used for digestive ailments and morning sickness)
  • Soil contaminated with lead-based paint near houses and buildings or with leaded gasoline near roadways 

Lead-poisoning usually does not have noticeable symptoms.  If there are symptoms, they can be nausea, a decrease in appetite, headaches, and abdominal pain, which can be mistaken for other illnesses.  

If this treatable condition is not detected, its long-term damaging effects can result in: 

  • Harm to your child’s brain, nervous system, kidneys, and other organs
  •  Lower IQ
  • Learning disabilities
  • Rage
  • Violent behavior
  • Hearing loss
  • Anemia
  • Death, in extreme cases 

The only way to truly know if your child is being poisoned by lead is to have a blood test done.  So be sure to give your child a great start in life.  Don’t let lead rob them of their future.  Have your child tested for lead today.

For more information, please visit-  http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadpdfe.pdf

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Posted in Health Information

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Hurricane Earl Starts National Preparedness Month

Posted on September 7, 2010 | Leave a comment

Hurricane Earl's ApproachEven though North Carolina dodged a bullet with Hurricane Earl, it does remind us to be prepared. September is National Preparedness Month and it’s a good reminder for everyone to check their state of readiness. Are you, and your family, ready for emergencies such as severe storm weather, extended power outages, or an evacuation to a shelter? 

It’s a good time to check your stash of emergency supplies and make sure you have what you need on hand. The more prepared you are, the less stressful emergencies can be. Go to www.ready.gov/ to get a kit, make a plan, and be informed. 

Additional Resources

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Posted in Health Information, Health Observances

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Labor Day Safety Tips

Posted on September 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

two way trafficLabor 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.

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