Monday, February 4, 2013
There is no vaccine for the highly contagious stomach "flu," which isn't really a flu at all, so make sure you're washing your hands properly.
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, diseases and other conditions. It's so important to perform this task properly that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a whole website dedicated to handwashing instructions. Throughout the year—and not just flu season—handwashing can help prevent the spread of viruses that are highly contagious, such as noroviruses or "stomach bugs." How to recognize symptoms and tips to avoid infection were outlined in a recent Patch blog by David Clark, Patient First community relations coordinator. Clark wrote: Despite being referred to as stomach flu, norovirus is not really the flu, which is a respiratory infection. Norovirus inflames the stomach and …
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Councilmen said it wasn't racism, but a rift in leadership within the health department that led to the state's decision.
Despite the overwhelming objection of spectators at Tuesday's meeting, the Anne Arundel County Council sided with the state's decision to remove the county's health officer from her leadership role. More than 100 friends and supporters of former county health officer Angela M. Wakhweya attended the meeting on a frigid Tuesday evening—the largest attendance since the body discussed comprehensive rezoning in 2011. Most comments ended in applause. One supporter asked audience members to stand if they were there for Wakhweya—nearly the entire room stood. Nevertheless, council members voted 4-2-1 to remove Wakhweya. Councilman Jamie Benoit (D-4th District) of Crownsville abstained, and Councilmen Chris Trumbauer (D-6th District) of Annapolis …
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The state concluded an investigation into Dr. Wakhweya, but did not provide findings to Anne Arundel County Council members.
Updated (1:02 p.m.)—Patch has obtained a letter sent by Joshua Sharfstein, the state Secretary of Mental Health and Hygiene, to the Anne Arundel County Council on Jan. 3. In the letter, Sharfstein formally requests the council to affirm the termination of Dr. Angela Wakhweya, saying it would be "in the best interest" of the county's Department of Health. "Dr. Wakhweya is an experienced public health professional, but the Department has lost confidence she can lead the Health Department effectively at this time," Sharfstein wrote. The Anne Arundel County Council was asked by the state to terminate the county’s health officer, but was given little information as to why they should comply at Monday night's council meeting. Dr. Angela M. …
Friday, October 19, 2012
Four children from the Baltimore metropolitan area are the first recorded flu cases for 2012.
Four Baltimore-area children are the first confirmed cases of seasonal influenza, according to state health officials. The four children, who are not being identified, are said to be doing well though one was hospitalized, according to a statement released Friday by the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The first confirmed case in 2011 was reported on December 30, health officials said. "Flu is here earlier this year than last year, and we are seeing two different flu strains,” Frances Phillips, deputy secretary of Public Health Services, said in the statement. “This really stresses the importance of getting the flu vaccine, and getting it as soon as possible. Fortunately, there is plenty of vaccine to go around.” Free …
Friday, September 21, 2012
The county executive recently toured the Adolescent and Family Services Clinic in Glen Burnie.
Anne Arundel County offers a variety of services to young people and families who are eligible for medical assistance at a clinic in Glen Burnie. The Department of Health’s Adolescent and Family Services Clinic, located in the Behavioral Health Building at 122 Langley Rd. North, offers outpatient mental health and addiction services for eligible youth ages 5 to 18 and their families. County Executive John R. Leopold recently visited the clinic and said he was impressed by the staff and their commitment to providing quality programs there. Mental health services and counseling are provided to those with emotional, behavioral and developmental problems. The substance abuse treatment program helps 12- to 17-year-olds with chemical use and …
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Because of drought conditions, the Department of Health will not be issuing licenses for open fires until further notice.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health, in consultation with the fire department, suspended issuing licenses to conduct open fires throughout the county on Friday because of drought conditions. The license suspension is in effect until further notice and all previously issued open burning licenses are suspended, according to the health department's website. The health department also recommends that residents suspend open recreational burning—including bonfires, campfires and backyard fires in fire pits—until after a significant rainfall. Earlier this week, the fire department issued a statement that recent spring temperatures and low humidity have created conditions that are “ideal” for brush fires. The National Weather Service (NWS…
elizabeth elliott
12:14 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
P.s. Lysol ..bleach..alcohol...everything...carpets to ceiling more ›