Health

W.I.C. Program seeks public comment about 2013 state plan

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012, 9:36am

W.I.C. Program seeks public comment about 2013 state plan

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education and supplemental foods, and serves women and children whose incomes are up to 185 percent of poverty. Special emphasis is placed on targeting infants and high-risk pregnant women.

The WIC Program regulations require public comment from interested individuals in the writing of the 2013 State Plan of Program Operations for the WIC Program.

The plan may be reviewed online at http://www.adph.org/wic/index.asp?id=2569.The state plan may also be viewed at the State WIC Office at the address listed below.

Written comments may be e-mailed via the www.adph.orgwebsite or mailed to the following address by Oct. 9, 2012:

Alabama Department of Public Health
WIC Program, Attention Carolyn Battle
The RSA Tower, Suite 1300
201 Monroe St.
P.O.

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Alabama's infant mortality rate falls to an all-time low in 2011

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, September 20th, 2012, 1:25pm

Alabama's infant mortality rate falls to an all-time low in 2011

The Alabama Department of Public Health announces that the infant mortality rate of 8.1 deaths per 1000 live births in 2011 is the lowest ever recorded in the state. This represents 481 infants, the lowest number ever, who died before reaching one year of age.

Dr.

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The Alabama Dept. of Public Health recommends flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, September 13th, 2012, 10:56am

The Alabama Dept. of Public Health recommends flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage vaccination of all persons 6 months of age and older against influenza as soon as the vaccine becomes available. The flu is a very contagious respiratory illness, and the CDC states the best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated each year.

“Every flu season is different, and we recommend you receive a flu vaccine regardless of whether you had one last year,” Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said. “The CDC warns that even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.”

Influenza vaccination is especially recommended for the following people who are at higher risk of influenza-related complications.

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Statewide event and new competition highlight Alabama's celebration of National Recovery Month

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012, 9:03am

Statewide event and new competition highlight Alabama's celebration of National Recovery Month

ADMH is once again leading Alabama’s celebration of National Recovery Month. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Recovery Month seeks to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The observance celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery is possible.

As of 2010, 45.9 million Americans aged 18 or older had mental illnesses in the past year, and about 11.4 million of those adults had serious mental illnesses. Additionally, 22.1 million Americans aged 12 or older were classified with substance use disorders in the past year. About half of individuals with severe mental illnesses are also affected by substance abuse, a condition known as having a co-occurring disorder.

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Supt. Langham updates system on health issues

Submitted by John Shryock

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012, 1:13pm

Supt. Langham updates system on health issues

Elmore County School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Langham released a letter Wednesday addressed to the school system family. The letter addressed serious health issues the superintendent is having regarding his heart.

The letter reads:

Dear Elmore County School System Family:

"My wife Ginny, daughter Weldon, and I would like to thank you all for the prayers offered on our behalf. My echocardiogram last week showed that God answered those prayers as my heart function improved from 10% to 20%. While it's good that the number doubled, the cardiologist does not feel that it's good enough. "

Langham goes on to say that he will have a bi-ventricular CRT-D device implanted on Friday, August 31. The surgery will take place at Baptist South hospital in Montgomery.

Langham's letter describes the devices saying it "contains three leads: 1. A pacemaker lead (to speed up a slow heart rate), 2.

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Hurricane safety precautions from the Alabama Department of Public Health

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012, 10:49am

Hurricane safety precautions from the Alabama Department of Public Health

The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends all families in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Isaac take health and safety precautions.

State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson urges Alabamians to listen and follow warnings communicated through the news media.

Food Safety
Power outages prompt concerns about the safety of frozen and refrigerated foods. As a general rule, a full upright or chest freezer will keep foods frozen for about two days without power.

A partially full freezer will keep foods frozen for about one day. This time may be extended by keeping the door shut. A refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours if the door is kept closed as much as possible.

Any thawed foods that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. Foods still containing ice crystals can be refrozen, although the quality of the food may decrease.

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ADPH cautions public to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012, 10:17am

ADPH cautions public to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses

The Alabama Department of Public Health cautions the public to protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Eight confirmed cases of WNV have been reported in Alabama to date this season, and additional suspected cases will be investigated statewide.

When a person is infected, early recognition and prompt supportive treatment for these illnesses can substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to WNV will die.

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