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Updated: 25-Oct-2006

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October 25, 2006

VIRGINIA WIC CONFERENCE TO HOST ADMINISTRATOR OF USDA’S FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE

RICHMOND, Va.)—Roberto Salazar, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), will address Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program coordinators from across Virginia at their annual conference on Wednesday, Oct. 25. He will discuss updates to the federal WIC Program beginning at 11:20 a.m. at the Sheraton Park South Hotel, 9901 Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond.

October 23, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HOSTS PANDEMIC FLU EXERCISE

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will take part in a two-day, statewide public health exercise to evaluate the state’s response and recovery operations in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak.

October 11 , 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARNESS DAY

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Knowledge is power. Learning about HIV/AIDS is one way to protect your health. HIV/AIDS is on the rise among Hispanics, and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds Virginians that the only way to know whether you are infected is to get tested.

October 10 , 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has modified two existing fish consumption advisories for the Maury and James rivers. The advisories are in response to recent fish tissue sample tests conducted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

October 10, 2006

LETTUCE RECALL

Though there are no known cases of human illness, the Virginia Department of Health recommends citizens follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines to avoid lettuce distributed under the brand name Foxy. Read the FDA statement.

October 2, 2006

VDH REVISES CONSUMER WARNING ABOUT EATING FRESH SPINACH

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced findings of its investigation into the multi-state outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in fresh spinach. All spinach implicated in the current outbreak has traced back to Natural Selection Foods LLC of San Juan Bautista, California.

September 27, 2006

PARENTS SAY THEY ARE TALKING TO THEIR KIDS ABOUT SEX, BUT TEENS DISAGREE

October is Let’s Talk Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Ninety percent of parents report having a discussion with their children about sex. Yet nearly four in ten teens say they have never had a conversation with their parents about sex, according to recent studies by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The studies looked at adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) aims to help close this communication gap.

September 22, 2006

GUIDELINES HELP MAKE SCHOOL LIFE A LITTLE EASIER FOR STUDENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Children with sickle cell disease face more than math tests and homework when they attend school. Complications from the illness can affect school performance. This year, teachers in Virginia public schools will be better able to assist students who have sickle cell disease by using guidelines developed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

September 17, 2006

FDA EXPANDS CONSUMER WARNING TO INCLUDE ALL FRESH SPINACH

(Richmond, VA)--The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its Internet Web site to expand its warning to consumers to avoid eating fresh spinach as a result of the ongoing investigation of the E. coli 0157:H7 multi-state outbreak.

September 15, 2006

CDC REPORTS VIRGINIA AMONG STATES AFFECTED BY NATIONWIDE E. coli 0157:H7 OUTBREAK

(Richmond, Va.) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there was a laboratory confirmed case in Virginia that could indicate a relationship with the multi-state outbreak. To protect patient confidentiality, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will not be releasing any additional information about the case.

September 15, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES CAUTION ABOUT EATING RAW, BAGGED SPINACH

(Richmond, Va.) – While there are no confirmed cases of illness in Virginia, state public health officials are echoing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s warning to avoid eating raw bagged spinach in light of recent reports of a multi-state outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7. The bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In rare cases the illness can be severe and may even lead to death. Usually, little or no fever is present and most people recover without treatment in 5 to 10 days.

September 5, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES CHESAPEAKE BAY TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health announced today that the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from Smith Point at the mouth of the Potomac River to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel will be closed for shellfish harvesting due to severe weather associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto. The closure is effective Sept. 5 through 9, 2006.

September 2, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WARNS OF RISKS TO WATER SUPPLY DUE TO STORM

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds residents that Tropical Storm Ernesto may have contaminated water supplies, especially in areas of a tidal surge or flooding. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. Individuals cannot assume that the water in storm-affected areas is safe to drink. If you experience low or no water pressure or see evidence of cloudy water, it is best to boil your water as a precaution against contamination.

September 1, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES TIPS ON PREVENTING INJURY AND ILLNESS AFTER THE STORM

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health reminds residents impacted by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto to take measures to stay healthy after the storm.

August 30, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER

(RICHMOND, Va.)—In light of recent predictions for severe weather this weekend, the Virginia Department of Health reminds residents to take steps now to avoid injury and illness caused by the storm. According to the National Weather Service, the intensity of Tropical Depression Ernesto is still uncertain. However, its path could be similar to Hurricane Isabel, which caused significant damage along the Virginia coast as well as to other areas of the state.

August 30, 2006

HEALTH OFFICIALS HELP SCHOOLS CRACK DOWN ON BULLYING

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Pop quizzes, spelling tests and book reports are in store for thousands of Virginia children as they head back to school this fall. Unfortunately, many kids are also likely to encounter a bully. That’s why the Virginia Department of Health has teamed up with Virginia Commonwealth University and local schools across the state to implement a bullying prevention program beginning in September.

August 24, 2006

THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EXTENDS BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING TO MORE WOMEN

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will increase the number of women it can screen and diagnose for breast and cervical cancer, thanks to funding allocated by the Virginia General Assembly. The funding was approved by Governor Tim Kaine in the 2006-2008 budget bill.

August 4, 2006

THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR

(RICHMOND, Va.)—It’s that time again. In just a few weeks, kids across the state will be headed back to start the school year. To help get their children off to a good start, parents can check out the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) annual “Back to School, Back to Health,” publication in most major newspapers across the state this Sunday, August 6. The eight-page tabloid insert offers important health information in both English and Spanish. Inserts will also be available at all local health departments and can be accessed online at www.vdh.virginia.gov.

August 3, 2006

BREASTFEEDING DECREASES INFANTS’ RISK OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Virginia

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Babies who are not breastfed for their first six months of life are more likely to develop a wide range of infectious diseases including ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, according to the Office of Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also, babies who are not breastfed are sick more often and have more doctors’ visits than children who are breastfed.

July 31, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES REMIND RESIDENTS TO AVOID CONTACT WITH BATS

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) are reminding residents that bats become more active and visible in our communities this time of year. Bats play important roles in our environment, but like other wild animals, they can carry potentially fatal diseases such as rabies.

July 28, 2006

STATE’S TOP HEALTH OFFICIALS TO OBSERVE CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION EFFORTS IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

(RICHMOND, VA)—Members of the Virginia Board of Health will join the State Health Commissioner and other state and local health officials on a site visit to the Lenowisco, Cumberland Plateau and Mount Rogers health districts located in southwest Virginia. The tour will include stops at area health departments and clinics and home visits with patients. The Board will also attend the Remote Area Medical (RAM)/Mission of Mercy (MOM) Dental and Vision Clinic in Wise County to observe clinic volunteers and meet with patients receiving services.

July 20, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES FOR TWO WATER BODIES

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued fish consumption advisories for Harrison and Chickahominy lakes. The advisories follow test results conducted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that indicate levels of mercury in certain fish exceed the amount considered safe by VDH for long-term human consumption.

July 5, 2006

VIRGINIA’S FIRST 2006 WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IDENTIFIED IN FAIRFAX COUNTY MOSQUITOES

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a mosquito pool (group of mosquitoes) recently collected in Fairfax County tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first indication of West Nile virus activity this year in Virginia.

July 5, 2006

VIRGINIA WIC PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE $24.5 MILLION PER YEAR IN REBATES UNDER NEW INFANT FORMULA CONTRACT

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Beginning July 1, clients of Virginia’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will receive a different infant formula. Abbott’s Ross Products Division will provide infant formula to Virginia WIC clients after the current five-year contract with Nestlé USA expires June 30. Ross will be the sole source for eligible participants buying infant formula. Under the contract, the Virginia WIC Program will receive slightly more than $24.5 million per year in rebates on cans of contract formula bought by WIC participants.

June 29, 2006

THE FIRST THREE RULES OF BICYCLE SAFETY ARE 1. WEAR A HELMET 2. WEAR A HELMET 3. WEAR A HELMET

(RICHMOND, Va.)—If you ever wondered whether bicycle helmets and other safety gear are really necessary, consider this: bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except automobiles.

June 28, 2006

WHEN YOUR KIDS ARE IN THE WATER YOU HAVE TO BE ON YOUR TOES

(RICHMOND, Va.)—July Fourth is just around the corner, when many families will take to the water. But when kids are in the water adults have to be on their toes. In 2004, there were 97 drowning deaths in Virginia, making it the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death.

June 27, 2006

TEMPERATURES IN PARKED CARS POSE DEADLY RISK FOR CHILDREN

(RICHMOND, Va.)—As you pack the car for that Independence Day trip, remember that the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can reach as high as 170 degrees in about 15 minutes. That’s hotter than the highest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley or the Sahara Desert, the hottest places on Earth. At that temperature it takes only a matter of minutes for children to die or suffer permanent disability. According to preliminary findings from the state’s chief medical examiner, 13 children died in Virginia from excessive heat between 1988 and 2003 as a result of being trapped or left in vehicles. They were all under 5 years of age.

June 26, 2006

FIGHT THE BITE: PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO BY REMOVING CONTAINERS FROM AROUND YOUR HOME

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 25-July 1

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Many people in Virginia think a mosquito is just a mosquito. In fact, more than 55 mosquito species are native to Virginia. State health officials have been paying close attention to the Asian tiger mosquito, a non-native mosquito that was first found in Virginia in 1992 and has become one of the most significant yard pests over the last decade. As part of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 25 – July 1, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is coordinating with the Virginia Mosquito Control Association (VMCA) and other partners to raise awareness about the Asian tiger mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases.

June 23, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROMOTES NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages individuals to be tested for HIV on June 27, National HIV Testing Day. AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations and local health departments across the Commonwealth will sponsor special testing events and educational programs as part of this year’s activities. Free and confidential HIV test sites are available throughout the state with anonymous, oral and rapid testing available in some localities.

June 12, 2006

SHOW THE KIDS HOW IT’S DONE: CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY BY ADOPTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

National Men’s Health Week is June 12-18

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Simply being male can be hazardous to your health. Consider these facts: Virginia men have higher rates of death than women from heart disease, cancer, stroke, injuries and diabetes, to name a few of Virginia’s leading causes of death. The good news is that by adopting a healthy lifestyle, men can combat chronic disease, and teach their sons how to live longer and healthier too.

June 5, 2006

PARENTS URGED TO KEEP ADOLESCENTS’ VACCINATIONS UP-TO-DATE

Adolescent Immunization Week is June 5-11

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Protecting against serious illness doesn’t stop at pre-kindergarten vaccinations. Some children fall behind on their immunization schedules, and other vaccines are not given until adolescence. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges parents to make sure their adolescent children’s immunizations are up-to-date. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only protect vaccinated individuals from potentially serious diseases, they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of disease.

May 30, 2006

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS THE ARTHRITIS PAIN RELIEVER

May is Arthritis Prevention Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—To 1.5 million Virginians, fighting the pain of arthritis is a daily battle. Increasingly, health professionals recognize that moderate physical activity can help ease the pain and increase mobility.

The term arthritis describes more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints and surrounding tissue. Among the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the joints breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by swollen, painful and deformed joints. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissue.

May 23, 2006

TEENS CHALLENGE PEERS TO BUCKLE UP AND SAVE LIVES

(Richmond, VA)--Traffic crashes are the leading cause of injury related death for teenagers. The reason? Many teens simply do not buckle up. But some students are out to change that. The annual Buckle Up Challenge, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Injury and Violence Prevention, is a student-led project to promote seat belt use and awareness among teenagers.

May 22, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROMOTES AWARENESS OF VIRAL HEPATITIS RISK FACTORS

May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Viral hepatitis can cause severe signs and symptoms, chronic illness and even death, but prevention and early detection can help avoid long-term complications. During National Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges Virginians to learn about the risks, prevention and treatment methods of viral hepatitis. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 164,000 new hepatitis A, B and C infections in the United States in 2003. Collectively, they result in approximately 15,000 deaths in the United States each year.

May 12, 2006

WOMEN URGED TO PROTECT THEIR HEALTH DURING NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges women to incorporate simple and manageable preventive health steps into their everyday lives during National Women’s Health Week, which begins Mother’s Day, May 14 and concludes May 20.

May 12, 2006

“LIFE AFTER STROKE” SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN RICHMOND

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Those who survive a first stroke and want to prevent another one can learn how at a “Life After Stroke” seminar Tuesday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia. The stroke prevention seminar is co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers and Bon Secours Richmond Health System.

May 8, 2006

PUBLIC HEALTH’S UNSUNG HEROES
National Nurses Week is May 6-12

(RICHMOND, Va.)—They play a vital role in controlling the spread of disease in your community, yet most of us don’t know much about the things public health nurses do everyday to keep us healthy.

May 1, 2006

VIRGINIA’S TEEN PREGNANCY RATE DROPS 30 PERCENT

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

(RICHMOND, VA.)—Pregnancy rates among 15- to19-year-old females in Virginia dropped 30 percent between 1995 and 2004. According to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Center for Health Statistics, the rate for this group dropped from 75.2 per 1,000 females in 1995 to 52.3 per 1,000 in 2004.

April 21, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES TIMELY INFANT IMMUNIZATIONS

National Infant Immunization Week is April 22-29

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents and caregivers of infants to love them, protect them and immunize them. VDH is emphasizing the need to keep infants’ immunizations up-to-date during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). Local health departments will sponsor activities throughout the week to increase awareness about the importance of timely infant immunizations and encourage better communication between parents, caregivers and healthcare providers.

April 20, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOMMENDS GETTING TESTED FOR STDs

April is National STD Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Nearly 19 million new sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections occur nationally each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations across the nation during National STD Awareness Month to increase awareness of STDs, and their transmission, prevention and treatment.

April 17, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMBATS RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Rape. Sexual assault. The very words evoke intense feelings of fear and images of violence. They are profound invasions of privacy that can strip victims of their dignity. They also are major public health problems nationwide and in Virginia.

April 7, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PARTNERS WITH BARBERS TO REDUCE RISKS OF ORAL CANCER

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is enlisting the aid of barbers in the Richmond area to help reduce the risk of oral cancer among their African-American customers.

April 3, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES RABIES VACCINATIONS FOR PETS

Rabies Awareness Week is April 3-8

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reminding pet owners to make sure their animals’ rabies vaccinations are up-to-date to help control rabies in Virginia.

March 31, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES VIRGINIANS TO MAKE THEIR HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS SAFER AND HEALTHIER

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Are your home and neighborhood safe places for your children? Can they ride their bikes safely in the neighborhood? Are their playgrounds designed to reduce injury? Do you have smoke alarms in your home? Is your child exposed to lead or lead–based paint? These and other questions form the theme of this year’s National Public Health Week, April 3-9, which focuses on how our homes, streets and neighborhoods affect the health and safety of children.

March 27, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDS PARENTS TOMAKE THEIR HOMES “LEAD SAFE”

(RICHMOND, Va.)—In response to recent concerns about lead poisoning in children, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wishes to remind parents to take precautions against lead exposure at home.

March 24, 2006

ATTENTION 50 YEAR-OLDS: GET SCREENED FOR COLON CANCER

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Experience has made James Gunn a wiser man and one with some life-saving advice for men and women age 50 and older: get screened for colon cancer.

In August 2004, Gunn was diagnosed with the disease, which is found more often in men than women and more often in blacks than whites. “I never thought I’d get colon cancer,” said the 57 year-old Richmond native. “I didn’t believe it when the doctor told me. I said, ‘Why me?’”

March 22, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WORKS TO CONTROL TUBERCULOSIS

March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day

(RICHMOND, Va.)—On March 24, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations around the globe to recognize World TB Day. The day is aimed at mobilizing support and strengthening commitment in the fight to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest diseases. World TB Day commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the TB bacterium.

March 21, 2006

FEDERAL AND STATE LEADERS COME TOGETHER FOR VIRGINIA PANDEMIC INFLUENZA SUMMIT

The Virginia Pandemic Influenza Summit will bring together federal, state and local leaders to review and discuss Virginia’s pandemic influenza (flu) planning. Following the morning's presentations, the Virginia Department of Health will host several breakout sessions to facilitate discussion among community leaders to help foster planning efforts. At the conclusion of the summit, participants will be able to describe the issues and efforts surrounding pandemic flu planning, and the components needed to develop their own community pandemic flu plan. Each participant will receive a general information packet on pandemic flu and preparedness efforts. The information packet will also include an educational DVD on Virginia pandemic flu preparedness. Press kits containing speaker biographies, interview opportunities and a handbook for journalists covering pandemic flu will also be available to media attending the summit. Media should sign in at the press station to pick up both packets. The summit is not open to the general public.

March 15, 2006

NEW WEB SITE HELPS HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IDENTIFY AND TREAT WOMEN WITH PERINATAL DEPRESSION

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Health care professionals have a new tool to learn how to identify, treat or refer women suffering from perinatal depression, the most common complication of pregnancy. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), in collaboration with the University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Continuing Medical Education, recently launched a new Web site www.perinataldepression.org. Health care providers can log on to earn continuing education credit through the UVA School of Medicine for completing the perinatal depression curriculum, which is being offered free of charge for at least the next year.

March 6, 2006

HEALTHY AGING DEPENDS ON A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

(RICHMOND, Va.)—By the year 2025, Virginians age 60 and over will represent nearly 25 percent of the total state population. According to the Virginia Department for the Aging, the number of residents age 85 and older is growing five times faster than the rest of the population. People are definitely living longer, but not necessarily healthier. In fact, the incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes is on the rise among senior citizens.

March 1, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO SCREEN NEWBORNS FOR 17 MORE INHERITED DISORDERS

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Beginning in March, newborns in Virginia will be have a better chance of avoiding the devastating effects of a host of rare inherited disorders that could cause serious harm unless they are discovered and treated soon after birth.

February 22, 2006

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE TAKE HEAVY TOLL ON VIRGINIANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE DIABETES

February is American Heart Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of Virginians. They account for more than a third of all Virginia deaths. In 2004, they claimed the lives of 18,814 Virginia residents, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Center for Health Statistics, and people with diabetes are at increased risk.

February 16, 2006

TEENS IN U.S. AND VIRGINIA SUPPORT ABSTINENCE
February is Abstinence Promotion Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Teens in Virginia and throughout the nation are receptive to messages about abstaining from sex, according to recent analysis.

Teens participating in the abstinence education programs across the country funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are increasingly supportive of abstinence and less supportive of teen sex, according to a 2005 HHS report.

February 14, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WEB COURSE TRAINS PROVIDERS IN HEALTH CARE GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has developed a Web-based training course for public and private health care providers to learn the Bright Futures Guidelines for supervising the care of their infant, child and adolescent patients. The guidelines emphasize prevention, and family involvement. The goal is to foster awareness of the child’s next phase of development and to focus on what needs to be done to keep the child healthy and safe.

February 13, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FIGHTS TOOTH DECAY THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, up to five times more common than asthma, the second-ranked childhood chronic disease. The National Oral Health Policy Center at UCLA estimates that by age 5, 50 percent of children in the United States have tooth decay. A 1999 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) assessment of first, third and tenth grade Virginia students revealed that 54 percent had tooth decay.

February 6, 2006

VIRGINIA CHILDREN HEALTHY OVERALL BUT NEED HELP IN SOME IMPORTANT AREAS

(RICHMOND, Va.)—According to results from the National Survey of Children’s Health, children in Virginia enjoy overall good health, but some important issues including weight, asthma and injuries need more attention. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers programs that help address the health needs of the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens.

February 3, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
HIV/AIDS is the number one cause of death for African-American women ages 25 to 34

(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will join organizations across the nation on Feb. 7 to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This observation is a national community mobilization effort designed to increase awareness, participation and support for HIV/AIDS prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment among African-Americans. AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations and local health departments across the Commonwealth will sponsor special testing events and educational programs in observation of this event.

January 30, 2006

Spread the Word on February Third:
Wear Red and Support Women in Their Fight Against Heart Disease

Here’s your chance to go to work wearing your favorite red jacket, red shoes, red hat, or red necktie. When you do you will be showing your support for women in their fight against heart disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease and stroke are the greatest threats women face, but only 13 percent of American women know it. Wearing red is a fun way to help raise awareness of heart disease and empower women to reduce their risk.

January 23, 2006

STATE PLAN AIMS TO INTEGRATE CARE SO CHILDREN ENTER SCHOOL HEALTHY, READY AND ABLE TO LEARN

(RICHMOND, Va.)--The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has led development of a state plan designed to enable more children to start school healthy, ready and able to learn. National estimates have found that 25 to 40 percent of children are not ready to be successful in school.

January 18, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS NEW ONE-STOP WEB SITE FOR PANDEMIC FLU INFORMATION

Site Will Contain Information for Businesses, Government, Individuals and More

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Avian Flu? Seasonal Flu? Pandemic? Vaccine? Antiviral? H5N1? Are you confused by these terms you are seeing in the media? Do you want to know how you can protect your family and your community from the threats associated with a worldwide disease outbreak? The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) this week launched a new Web site, www.vdh.virginia.gov/pandemicflu that can help.

January 9, 2006

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS TIPS TO HELP INFANTS THRIVE

(RICHMOND, Va.)—By now the New Year’s baby probably has had a nap, a change of warm clothes and a filling meal. These and other basic infant care practices help newborns thrive and grow into healthy, active children. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Family Health Services offers the following tips to put newborns on the road to good health and keep them safe during their first year.

January 6, 2006

ONLY ONE-THIRD OF WOMEN TAKE VITAMIN THAT REDUCES RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS

The Virginia Department of Health Observes National Folic Acid Awareness Week, Jan. 9-15

(RICHMOND, Va.)—Although 84 percent of women in the United States are aware of folic acid, only 33 percent take it daily, according to a national survey conducted by the Gallup Organization. Daily consumption of 400 micrograms of the B vitamin folic acid can reduce the risk of certain birth defects of the brain and spine by as much as 70 percent.

January 5, 2006

EXPERT TO DISCUSS FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

Dan Dubovsky to Speak Jan. 12 in Richmond about Alcohol’s Lifelong Effects on Children

(RICHMOND, Va.)--When Dan Dubovsky talks about the devastating effects of alcohol on infants, he is speaking from first-hand experience. He is a specialist in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the father of a son who was born with FASD. On Jan. 12, he will share his insights and knowledge of FASD with area health care providers beginning at 4 p.m. at The Place at Innsbrook, 4036-C Cox Road.

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