VA Hostial in Prescott
500 N. Hwy 89
Prescott , AZ 86313
Phone: (928) 445-4860
Fax: (928) 768-6076
on the web:
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guid e/facility.asp?ID=110
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 12, 2005
Contact: Tamra Larrabee, Public Information Officer…..928-442-5514
Yavapai County Health Programs Fight Childhood Obesity
Prescott, AZ— For the first time in history, research shows that children and teens living in America today will die at a younger age than their parents from complications associated with obesity. Our young people have been labeled generation “XL”- and it is getting worse. Currently, one out of every five children is overweight.
Today's pre-teens often park themselves in front of a screen to play video games, surf the Internet or watch television instead of participating in sports and other physical activities. To make matters worse, when families choose to eat out at kid-friendly fast food restaurants, the portions are too large and the meal choices often contain too much fat and too many calories.
A survey conducted in 2002 compared to a similar survey done nearly 20 years ago, shows that three times more children ages 6-19 are overweight. Within the last twenty years, health care providers are discovering more children and teens with Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops a resistance to insulin. As a result, oxygen and nutrients are not well distributed throughout the tissues, which can cause serious damage to the body’s blood vessels. When a child does not get the proper amount of exercise, the body will become resistant to insulin, which eventually leads to this type of diabetes. Children who are overweight and have a family history of the disease are especially at risk.
Yavapai County Community Health Services has already taken some initiative to offer health education to our young people through two popular programs: Promoting Lifetime Activity for Youth, and the Community Nutrition Program.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Promoting Lifetime Activity for Youth, a program for students across Arizona enrolled in grades 4 – 8, encourages youth to participate in 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Young people that achieve this goal will reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Becky Lind, Physical Activity Coordinator for Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS), conducts the Promoting Physical Activity for Youth program throughout the Prescott, Chino Valley, and Prescott Valley areas while Carla Hover, also a health educator, brings this program into the Verde Valley school system. They teach the 12-week program and currently serve 52 classrooms in 15 schools. Importantly, they engage the parents and teachers on ways to take advantage of the resources that the community provides to them.
“Teachers need to fit health education into the curriculum. It is our goal to help educators make this a priority. We show how this health education can be effectively introduced without competing for the time devoted to other subjects. The benefits of having healthy children in the classroom quickly convert those who worry that it can't be fit into the school day,” says Lind.
When in front of the students, Lind and Hover discuss the benefits of physical activity, the basics of sun safety, and offer guidelines for good nutrition. They ask students to accumulate at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and to record their activities on log sheets.
Lind and Hover provide incentives for the teachers and students and teach the kids active non-competitive games. “It is a lot of fun, and they do not even realize they are being physically active,” says Lind.
COMMUNITY NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Mary Ellen Rivero, a registered dietitian with YCCHS, manages the Community Nutrition Program. The curriculum of this program for third graders emphasizes the importance of making healthy food choices and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition professionals from the county visit participating schools and teach the children about the importance of fruits and vegetables, low fat milk, and healthy snack ideas. The program includes a scavenger hunt at the grocery store to teach kids and parents how to read food labels and to choose foods wisely.
The program works closely with other organizations such as the 5-A-Day program, and the Arizona Nutrition Network. The 5-A-Day Program uses colorful activities to encourage kids to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
The Arizona Nutrition Network developed a television advertising campaign featuring a spunky cartoon character called “Bobby B. Well” to reach out to kids on a personal level and encourages healthier food and activity choices. “Go Low!” is a promotion from the Arizona Nutrition Network that encourages kids to choose 1 percent milk or lower to cut out the extra fat.
Parents and teachers can use these tips to keep children active and healthy:
* Park farther away each time you go to the grocery store or go shopping.
* Take a walk together as a family after dinner.
* Set time limits for watching television, playing video games, and using the computer. Be creative if they resist by suggesting that they can earn the TV time by increasing their amount of physical activity.
* Grab a piece of fruit for a snack instead of chips, candy, or soda.
* Encourage your child’s participation in sports and other extracurricular activities.
* Encourage children to try fruits and vegetables they’ve never tasted before.
* Offer your child fruits and vegetables at every meal.
* Limit fast food to no more than one time per week.
* Do not use food to reward or bribe your child.
If you would like information on how to implement the Promoting Lifetime Activity for Youth program in your school, please contact Becky Lind at 442-5571.
For more information on the Community Nutrition Program, contact Mary Ellen Rivero at 442-5488.
Here are some kid-friendly nutrition websites:
www.3aday.org
www.5aday.com
www.eatwellbewell.org
Other helpful resources:
www.iotf.org
www.americanheart.org
www.diabetes.org
www.medlineplus.com
Vaccine Can Keep Children and Adults from Getting Chickenpox and Possible Complications (posted 3/14/05)
Prescott, AZ— Due to a steep increase in the number of chickenpox cases, including cases involving pregnant women, Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) is encouraging people to consider getting a vaccine if they have never had chickenpox or been immunized.
In 2004, YCCHS received reports of 13 chickenpox cases during January and February. During February 2005 alone, YCCHS received reports of 52 chickenpox cases in the Tri-city area. Chickenpox infections can spread from person to person any month of the year, but are especially common in the winter and early spring months.
When people cough, sneeze or come into physical contact with others, they can spread chickenpox (varicella) virus. In children, chickenpox symptoms such as high fever, severe itching, headache or uncomfortable rash may last from 5-10 days. A child or adult will be contagious from 1 to 2 days before a rash appears and can spread the virus to others “until all fluid-filled blisters have dried and are covered by scabs,” says Sue Robyn, a communicable disease nurse with YCCHS. “It is best to keep an infected person home from school or work and away from people who have not had chickenpox.”
‘Chickenpox parties,’ the once popular practice of parents purposefully exposing their child to a playmate or neighbor that had contracted the virus, are now discouraged because of the possible complications that can arise from naturally-occurring chickenpox virus.
While it is generally better to get chickenpox as a child than as a teenager or adult, today we have the option to be vaccinated and avoid getting chickenpox symptoms and possible complications. The most common complication for people who get chickenpox as an adult is pneumonia. Teenagers and adults, as well as anyone with a weak immune system, may develop various complications that require medical attention: kidney conditions, bacterial infection of the skin blisters, arthritis, hepatitis, or infections that affect the brain and central nervous system. Even those people who contract chickenpox as a child can develop a painful condition known as “shingles” later in life.
Since 1995, over 30 million doses of chickenpox vaccine have helped people prevent the risks associated with naturally-occurring chickenpox virus. Doctors or YCCHS can give the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine to generally healthy children as young as 12 months of age. Anyone over the age of 13 who has not had chickenpox would need two doses, given 4 to 8 weeks apart to ensure immunity.
Although the vaccine may not always prevent someone from getting chickenpox, a vaccinated individual would have much milder symptoms and be at a much lower risk of developing complications. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends the chickenpox vaccine for:
* Health care workers;
* Non-pregnant women of childbearing age;
* Close contacts of people that have weakened immune systems;
* International travelers; and
* Teachers and child care workers who have regular contact with groups of children.
To make an appointment for a chickenpox vaccine through YCCHS, call 583-1000 in the Prescott area or 639-8130 in the Verde Valley. YCCHS can often waive the fee for children under 18 years of age.
To reach a nurse that can talk with you about chickenpox symptoms, call YCCHS at 771-3134 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Keeping Children Healthy During Flu Season
Prescott, AZ— Influenza activity in Arizona is often highest during February, so there is still time to vaccinate children who are eligible under the current guidelines to receive a flu shot. Parents can call Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) to schedule a flu shot if their unvaccinated children meet at least one of the guidelines below:
* All children from 6 – 23 months of age
* All children and adolescents from 2 – 18 years of age who have asthma, diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions
* All children and adolescents from 2 – 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy
* All children who live in the same home
- With a pregnant woman
- with a child less than 6 months of age; or
- with a child or adult who has chronic medical conditions; or
- who have regular contact with persons age 65 and older.
Studies cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that children less than two years old can develop serious flu complications like dehydration, pneumonia, sinus problems or ear infection more easily than older children. Hoping to reduce the number of hospital visits for such young children, the CDC has added influenza vaccine to the 2004 list of recommended immunizations for children.
There is no vaccine approved for use in children younger than 6 months of age, so brothers, sisters, parents and any household contacts or out-of-home caretakers of a child under six months of age should receive a flu shot to protect the infant from exposure to the flu virus.
CDC guidelines recommend a series of two shots at least 4 weeks apart for children less than 9 years of age if it is their first immunization for the flu. This extra dose of protection will boost the antibodies needed to resist the flu virus strains that often spread more easily than the cold virus.
YCCHS and many local doctor offices can provide flu shots for children. The standard YCCHS charge to vaccinate a child against the flu is $15, but they may waive the fee under certain circumstances. There is no charge for children who have AHCCCS insurance coverage.
To make an appointment with YCCHS for a children’s flu shot, call 583-1000 in the Prescott area, or 639-8130 in Cottonwood.
The flu vaccine appointment line for adults is open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Friday, December 31. For adult flu shot appointments in Prescott or Prescott Valley, call 442-5613. For adult flu shot appointments offered in Cottonwood, call 639-8139.
FLU SYMPTOMS
Parents and caregivers, as well as educators and school staff can do many things to help keep children from spreading the flu virus:
* Teach or coach children to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds under warm, soapy water.
* Train children to turn their head and sneeze into their arm sleeve or cough into a tissue rather than their hands.
* Clean frequently touched surfaces and shared items at least once every day with a disinfectant.
* Keep sick children at home and away from others in the household as much as possible while making sure that they get proper rest and plenty of water.
The flu virus can infect a person up to four days before they even feel symptoms. People can also spread flu virus a day before they show any symptoms. Flu virus can spread from person to person through saliva, droplets from a cough or a sneeze, or even through contact with surfaces touched by an infected person. People can spread the virus to others for about a week after they develop symptoms.
To be safe, avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms, wash hands frequently and do not rub eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Boost your immune system by getting plenty of rest, eating good foods and drinking water rather than other beverages. Get a flu shot if you are eligible. The flu season can last into April.
Be aware if you or your child shows any of the following flu symptoms, which can start very quickly:
* Fever
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Dry cough
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Extreme tiredness
* Muscle aches
* Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common among children than adults)
To be safe, children and teenagers with flu-like symptoms should avoid taking aspirin or medications that contain aspirin. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen products are better choices that will not lead to the rare and sometimes fatal condition called “Reyes Syndrome” which is suspiciously linked to the administration of aspirin to children having a respiratory illness such as the flu. Parents should seek prompt medical attention for children who develop coma or seem to have difficulty waking or paying attention after having the flu.
Health officials expect flu activity in the United States to increase during late January and the month of February. In Arizona and over 30 other states, flu activity has been sporadic. Once the flu season gets started, it can grow quickly and usually lasts a couple of months.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— December 5, 2005
Contact: Tamra Larrabee, Public Information Officer…. (928) 442-5514
Walk-in Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled Through Dec. 16
Prescott, AZ— People have just 10 business days left to get a flu shot through one of the walk-in clinics offered by Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS). YCCHS reminds people that it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Opportunities to get a flu shot will continue through December 16, or until the available doses are administered.
Flu vaccine for children from 6 months to 18 years of age is also available. YCCHS asks parents to call 583-1000, or 639-8132 in the Verde Valley. Not all clinics will have children's vaccine available.
YCCHS is offering flu shots to adults on a walk-in basis, according to the schedule below:
In Prescott at 1090 Commerce Drive
Monday, December 5 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 8, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday, December 12, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 14, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday, December 16, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In Chino Valley at 1951 Voss Drive
Wednesday, December 7, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
In Prescott Valley at 3212 N. Windsong, 2nd floor
Wednesday, December 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 8, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday, December 9, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, December 12, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 13, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In Cottonwood at 10 South Sixth Street (County Complex)
Tuesday, December 6, 8:30 a.m. to 1100 a.m.
Thursday, December 8, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 12, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, December 14, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 15, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At these clinics, people do not need an appointment. YCCHS may have some flu vaccine available after the last clinic on December 16. To find out, call 771-3122 or 639-8130 in the Verde Valley between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or go to www.co.yavapai.az.us.
Cost for a flu shot will be $25, payable in cash or check. YCCHS can waive the fee on flu shots for children if cost is a hardship. People having Medicare Part B must present their insurance card for billing purposes. All people with AHCCCS, the state insurance program, must present their AHCCCS card. If you are on the AHCCCS acute-care program with APIPA, you must also bring your doctor's referral in order to receive a flu shot.
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© 2004 Lonesome Valley Newsletter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
DEC 2005
Last update - Dec. 22, 2005. Newsletter comes up around the middle of each month. Please check back for December’s website updates within the next few days. To view things submitted after the current month’s printed version, go to the Updates tab on left. If this page doesn’t display properly, click here as to why.
