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New Child Passenger Safety Law CUMBERLAND, MD (June 5, 2008) –Starting June 30, a new law will require Maryland’s children up to age eight to use a child safety seat or booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle, unless the child is 4’9” tall or taller or weighs more than 65 pounds. The current law requires children to use safety seats until “This new law will help protect older children who are not ready for adult seat belts,” said Janie Hutcherson, Allegany County Health Department. “Even after reaching the current requirement of age six and a weight of 40 pounds, most children are not tall enough for adult seat belts to fit properly.” Proper fit for a seat belt means the lap-shoulder belt fits low on the child’s hips and across the mid-chest. If the belt fits across the child’s neck or stomach, the child could be injured in the event of a crash.
Fortunately, boosters are generally the least expensive type of safety seat, with some starting as low as $13. Local families who receive WIC benefits can obtain a low-cost safety seat, by calling 301 759-5123 to make an appointment with the Kids In Safety Seats Program at the health department. Oral Cancer Is Highly Preventable BALTIMORE, MD (June 20, 2008) – Cancer of the mouth, or oral cancer, will kill more Marylanders this year than either melanoma or cervical cancer, according to recent data from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Only 50 percent of those diagnosed with the disease will survive five years. June 22-28 is Oral Cancer Awareness Week, a national recognition week aimed at educating the public about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the disease. “Mouth cancer is highly preventable,” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. “This program to prevent mouth cancer is another front in the State’s extensive campaign to prevent oral disease in children and adults. We are beginning to see progress in preventing tooth decay in children as a result of the recommendations of our Dental Action Committee, and I am confident that we also will see the day in Maryland when adults will be at less risk from dying from mouth cancers." Ninety percent of those diagnosed with mouth cancer use tobacco products, according to Maryland cancer data “Lifestyle changes that reduce these risk factors offer the best protection from this deadly disease.” said Dr. Harry Goodman, director for the DHMH Office of Oral Health. “Preventing the use of tobacco products and helping those who currently use them to quit can greatly reduce the number of cases of mouth cancer.” Tobacco users who need help with quitting can get counseling and medication by calling The Maryland Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW. The program provides phone based counseling and up to a four-week supply of nicotine patches or gum to tobacco users who are age 18 and over and meet basic health requirements. The free program is available to all callers regardless of income or how long they have smoked. The nicotine patches and gum are available only while supplies last and are provided on a first come, first served basis. Another risk factor for developing mouth cancer is the heavy use of alcohol. When heavy consumption is paired with tobacco use, the risk is even greater. In addition, prolonged sun exposure, without the use of SPF 15 lip balm or higher, can increase the risk of lip cancer. People who work outdoors are thirty percent more likely to develop lip cancer than those who work indoors. While mouth cancer is twice as common in men as in women, African American men suffer from this disease more than any other group. Only one in three African American men diagnosed with mouth cancer will survive for five years or more. If you have any of these signs or symptoms for more than two weeks see your dentist or physician immediately.
For more information about mouth cancer prevention and programs in your area call your local health department or visit www.maryland-oralcancer.org.
DHMH cautions Maryland citizens that heatstroke and heat exhaustion can develop from the hot and humid conditions typically associated with Maryland summers. "Everyone should be careful in hot weather, especially elderly people, young children, and those who are overweight," said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. "While chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses increase an individual's risk, there are things that people can do to protect themselves." Heatstroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions,disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor. Hot Weather Tips:
Tornado SafetyWe know in Allegany County that tornadoes can occur close to home. We also need to know what we Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family. During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety. Click on the following links to find good information on tornado safety from the Centers for Disease Control:
Stay Safe in the Water This Summer With the temperatures rising and students and their families starting summer vacations, the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Natural Resources (DNR) remind Marylanders that being attentive is key to safe water recreation activities. “Drowning and near-drowning occurrences happen every summer season in Maryland,” said DHMH Secretary Many drowning incidents involve children and occur due to a brief lapse in supervision. Studies have found that more than half of parents surveyed were overconfident in their children’s ability in and around water. It is important to remember that children can drown silently and quickly. In fact, a child can lose consciousness in two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage occurring within four to six minutes. “It only takes a few moments to prepare your family and your vessel for a safe day on the water,” said Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson. “Parents who wear life jackets are not only setting an important example for their kids, they are laying the foundation for a lifetime of safe boating.” DHMH and DNR, in collaboration with the Partnership for a Safer Maryland and the Maryland Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council, developed the following list of safety rules to help to make this season injury free. Read more for Swimming Tips, Boating Tips, Water Safety Tips and additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRSA What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph? Who gets Staph infections?
How serious are Staph infections? How are Staph infections treated? How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?
If you have any questions about your condition, please ask your doctor. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CDC Community Associated MRSA for the public MRSA Fact sheet
Construction/Parking The Allegany County Health Department would like to remind everyone that because of construction, the traffic and parking patterns for the health department have been changed. The front traffic entrance to the health department has been closed. Due to this closure, health department clients seeking services in the main building must park in the parking lot closest to Allegany College. Clients will only be able to access the front building entrance from this parking lot. Clients seeking services at the Brook Building should continue to park in the lot in front of the Brook Building. If you have any questions, please call the Allegany County Health Department at (301) 759-5000.
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