KGEB Health News
Health notes from the Oklahoma State Department of Health and other sources.
Oklahoma State Department of Health website
DEQ Reminds Oklahomans to be Cautious on Lakes, Rivers and Streams
Comments on WIC State Plan Requested
West Nile Virus Identified in State
DEQ Requests Comments on the Drinking Water
DEQ Recommends Caution on Lakes, Rivers and Streams
DEQ Aims to Increase Ozone Awareness
National HIV Testing Day Scheduled June 27
Summer Wellness Camp Programs for Native American Population
DEQ Reminds Oklahomans to be Cautious on Lakes, Rivers and Streams
With the upcoming July 4th holiday, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality wants to take this opportunity to remind Oklahomans to be cautious while visiting the state’s lakes, rivers and streams.
Certain bacteria, viruses and protozoa can be present in bodies of water. Some of these microorganisms occur naturally while others are carried into surface waters from a variety of sources. Some of these microorganisms are harmful and can cause mild problems such as ear infection, swimmers itch, intestinal diseases, or relatively rare but serious conditions such as eye infections and some forms of meningitis.
When swimming in untreated water during the upcoming holiday and throughout the summer, here are some steps to take to reduce exposure to waterborne microorganisms:
〈 Hold your nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water
〈 Wash open skin cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap immediately after swimming
〈 Avoid swallowing water when swimming
〈 Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections
〈 Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections
〈 Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets)
〈 Take children to the restroom frequently/Use swim diapers on infants
〈 Stay away from any area that has floating debris, stagnant water, oil sheens or dead fish
Swimmers should be aware of blue green algae and cryptosporidium as well. When waters are heated and stagnant, the risk for exposure will increase.
DEQ urges that swimmers use common sense precautions when swimming in untreated waters. For more information, please visit www.deq.state.ok.us
Comments on WIC State Plan Requested
State health officials are soliciting comments from individuals regarding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Input is needed for the State Plan of program operations for the 2009 fiscal year. These comments must be received before July 31, 2008.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition education and supplemental food program for low income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. Eligibility is determined by nutritional risk and incomes that fall below 185 percent of the poverty level. There are approximately 95,300 Oklahomans participating in the WIC Program each month.
A priority for the program is to make sure pregnant women understand the importance of adequate nutrition throughout their pregnancy, and that mothers with young children have the basic nutritional knowledge necessary to assure their children's proper nutrition intake.
Individuals with comments regarding the WIC Program should contact:
Terry Bryce, Chief
WIC Service
Oklahoma State Department of Health
2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 70
Oklahoma City, OK 73107 - 2475
Phone 1 - 888 - 655 - 2942 or 405 - 271 - 4676.
West Nile Virus Identified in State
West Nile virus (WNV) may have an early start in Oklahoma this year according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. A 55 - year - old female in Pittsburg County has been confirmed as having WNV infection. She was tested for WNV last month after suffering from sudden onset of fever, headaches, dizziness, and muscle weakness - all commonly reported symptoms for West Nile fever. WNV is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Infection can cause severe and sometimes fatal illness.
It's not too early to tell mosquitoes to "buzz off!" said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. Even though the highest risk months in Oklahoma for WNV exposure are July through October, everyone should start protecting themselves now against mosquito bites."
Bradley suggests two easy steps to avoid mosquito bites: first, use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite, and second, mosquito - proof your home and yard.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit these Web sites:
http://www.ok.gov/health and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
June is National Family Month
National Family Month is celebrated in June to promote the importance of building strong families. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) supports family activities that help build strong and healthy families and communities.
"We want communities to help raise awareness about the importance of strong families and family values. Doing activities as a family and using good parenting skills can help families endure hardships and enjoy the good times even more," said OSDH Community - Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant Coordinator, Sherie Trice.
For more information on good parenting skills and developing strong families, contact the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Service, (405) 271 - 7611, or call your county health department. Additional information is available on the OSDH Web site at: http://www.ok.gov/health/Child_and_Family_Health/Family_Support_and_Prevention_Service/ .
DEQ Requests Comments on the Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund Proposed Amendment #1 to the FY 2008 Intended Use Plan
The Water Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requests comments on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund's (DWSRF) Amendment #1 to the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2008 Intended Use Plan (IUP). A public meeting on the original SFY 2008 IUP and Priority List was held Wednesday, May 23, 2007. The Intended Use Plan outlines uses of the capitalization grant from EPA and state funds and lists the projects as ranked for funding by the Priority Ranking System. DEQ proposes to add projects that have requested placement on the Project Priority List (PPL) using available funds.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund was made possible by the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. The act authorized funds to be used by states to establish a revolving loan fund to address drinking water infrastructure needs and correct other water system deficiencies, which might result in violations of drinking water standards. Federal law requires the public be given the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan.
The draft amendment is available on DEQ's Web site at www.deq.state.ok.us/WQDnew/dwsrf/ . A copy of the draft amendment may be obtained by contacting Vicki Reed at (405) 702 - 8100, or by mail at Water Quality Division, DWSRF Section, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1677, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101 - 1677. A copy of the draft plan may be reviewed on the eighth floor of the DEQ offices, at 707 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
DEQ Recommends Caution on Lakes, Rivers and Streams
As Memorial Day approaches, many Oklahomans may be planning a trip to one of the state's lakes, rivers, or streams to enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing and other water activities. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wants to remind residents to be cautious when taking advantage of Oklahoma's natural water bodies.
An excellent example is the Illinois River. The Illinois Rive is known as Oklahoma's most popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. As such an important scenic river, it is intensely monitored by several entities. Information taken from this monitoring indicates there are times when the water exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended standards for human contact.
Certain bacteria, viruses and protozoa can be present in bodies of water. Some of these microorganisms occur naturally while others are carried into surface waters from a variety of sources. Swimmers themselves also are sources of microorganisms. Some of these microorganisms are harmful and can cause mild problems such as ear infection, swimmers itch, intestinal diseases, or relatively rare but serious conditions such as eye infections and some forms of meningitis.
DEQ recommends the following precautions when swimming in any body of untreated water to reduce exposure to waterborne microorganisms:
< Hold nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water
< Wash open skin cuts and scrapes with clean soap and water immediately after swimming
< Avoid swallowing water when swimming
< Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections
< Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections
< Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets)
< Take children to the restroom frequently/Use swim diapers on infants
< Stay away from any area that has floating debris, stagnant water, oil sheens or dead fish
For more information, please visit www.deq.state.ok.us or contact Skylar McElhaney at (405) 702 - 7167.
DEQ Aims to Increase Ozone Awareness
Ozone can affect every Oklahoman, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, or those who suffer from a cardiovasculavr or respiratory disease. With ozone season here, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wants to raise awareness about ozone and general air quality.
Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive form of oxygen. At normal ambient concentrations it is colorless and odorless, and at very high concentrations, O3 is a blue, unstable gas with a pungent odor. Ozone can have adverse health effects that include reduced lung function and damage to lung tissue. Exposure to ozone can also cause chest pain, coughing, sneezing, nausea, headache and pulmonary congestion.
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lowered the ozone standard. This does not mean that air quality in Oklahoma is worse. Instead it means the standard has been tightened following studies that indicate ozone at lower levels might be harmful to human health and the environment.
Oklahoma has been in compliance with national air quality standards for ozone and all other criteria pollutants since 1990. In fact, general air quality trends indicate that the quality of air continues to improve for ozone in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas.
There are studies that grade" states' air quality using a pass or fail analysis. However, it is inappropriate to compare areas in Oklahoma to larger areas in other states that are currently non - attainment like Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California. DEQ relies on the scientific expertise of EPA to interpret air quality data. EPA has a classification of 8 - hour ozone non - attainment areas available at www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/greenbk/gnc.html . On this Web site, there are currently 72 non - attainment areas. None of them are in Oklahoma.
Additionally, while Oklahoma has been in compliance for 18 years, the new, more stringent standard will likely mean more ozone alert days this season. Residents can stay in touch with current ozone levels by checking DEQ's Web site or listening to the news for announcements. Residents can also sign up for DEQ's real - time health advisories for both elevated ozone and particulate levels. These advisories are issued via e - mail for particular counties when there is a current air quality problem. Anyone can sign up by going to http://www.deq.state.ok.us/aqdnew/index.htm .
As the agency charged with maintaining and improving the state's air quality, DEQ will continue working to protect the health of every Oklahoman through various programs. For more information on air quality, visit the Air Quality Division's Web page at www.deq.state.ok.us .
National HIV Testing Day Scheduled June 27
One in four Americans living with HIV/AIDS does not know that he or she is infected with the virus that causes AIDS. In observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is encouraging Oklahomans to get tested for HIV.
National HIV Testing Day was created in 1995 by The National Association of People with AIDS to promote the benefits of early detection of HIV infection. This year's theme is Take Control of your Health and your Life - Get Tested for HIV".
Health, Outreach, Prevention, Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) will be participating in Tulsa's Pride festivities including the parade and festival on June 7th and June 14th. Information on HIV prevention, testing and care will be provided for the public. On Friday, June 27th, H.O.P.E. will be providing free rapid HIV tests in the clinic, 3540 E. 31st Street in Tulsa from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, June 28th, H.O.P.E. will be at Owen Park, 560 N. Maybelle Avenue, in Tulsa giving out information on HIV testing to the community. The picnic will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, contact Kate Neary - Pounds at (918) 749 - 8378.
For more information about National HIV Testing Day, visit this Web site: http://www.napwa.org/public/programs/nhtd.php
Indian Health Care Resource Center Promotes Healthy Lifestyles &
Diabetes Prevention in the Native American Population with Summer Camp
Programs
Indian Health Care Resource Center is offering a variety summer
camps for Native American children. The Wellness Adventures Diabetes
Prevention camp is a unique camp focused on the health and wellness of
Native American children. Participants will enjoy the adventure - based
health and fitness activities, including the Tulsa Public Schools
HelmZar Challenge Course. Activities will focus on nutrition and
fitness, diabetes awareness and prevention, cultural awareness, making
healthy choices and problem - solving skills. Healthy breakfast & lunch
are provided. This camp meets at the Tulsa Public Schools HelmZar
Challenge Course (1006 N. Quaker), and is free to any Native American
child with a CDIB card. These camp sessions meet from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00
p.m., and are available for youth who are currently completing these
grades:
June 9 - 13: Grades 1 - 4
June 16 - 20: Grades 3 - 6
July 7 - 11: Grades 1 - 4
July 14 - 18: Grades 5 - 8
Wellness Adventures: Choices Camp is designed for youth who are
interested in weight loss. Participants will enjoy the activities of the
Challenge Course and other adventure - based activities. Topics include
the Traffic Light Eating Plan, Plate Method, Dealing with Peer Pressure,
Choosing Healthy Influences, and Healthy Home Environment. Healthy
breakfast & lunch are provided in the camp that meets from 8:30 a.m. -
3:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Public Schools HelmZar Challenge Course (1006 N.
Quaker). It is free to any Native American child with a CDIB card.
Children who are completing grades 5 - 8.
June 23 - 27: Grades 5 - 8
The Tulsa Indian Youth Program Wellness Camps are available for children
who have completed grades 1 - 6. Healthy Trails Camp features CATCH
curriculum fitness & nutrition lessons, experiential learning
activities, and traditional Indian games. Camp sessions include:
June 9 - 13: Grades 3 - 6
June 16 - 20: Grades 1 - 4
June 23 - 27: Grades 3 - 6
Sports & Recreation camps provide youth with fundamental skills for 8 -
10 sports. Sports include basketball, softball/baseball, football,
soccer, and more. Emphasis is on skill development. Camps include:
July 7 - 11: Grades 5 - 6
July 14 - 18: Grades 3 - 4
Basketball camp is for boys & girls who have completed grades 3 - 6, and
meets July 21 - 25. Emphasis is on fundamentals, shooting skills, and
basics of offense & defense. Friendly tournament competition engages
youth to highlight the week. This camp meets from 8:30 - 12 noon. A
healthy snack is served (no meals).
At all the Indian Youth Program Wellness Camps, both breakfast and lunch
are provided for the children (snack only for basketball camp). Camps
meet at Bell Elementary School (6304 E Admiral Blvd). Camps are free to
any Native American child with a CDIB card.
Each child must have a release form from their medical provider,
stating they have completed a well child exam within the past year
(since June 2007). This is to ensure the child's well - being and ability
to participate in the physically active camps. This must be attached to
the camp application, along with a copy of the CDIB card. Applications
will not be processed without these documents.
For enrollment information for any of these camps, please call 588 -
1900, extension 2279. Enrollment is also available on the website,
www.ihcrc.org, along with the medical release form.
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Inc., (IHCRC), is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit, comprehensive health care facility, governed by a
local Board of Directors. IHCRC provides medical, dental, optometry,
behavioral health, chemical dependency, health education, and pharmacy
services directly to the Tulsa Indian community. Quality health care is
provided on a sliding scale fee, ability to pay, basis. Members of any
federally recognized tribe and their dependents are eligible to receive
care. No one is refused services due to inability to pay. Please contact
Indian Health Care's Health and Wellness department at 382 - 1220 with any
questions about the camps.