[Title will be auto-generated] by Claudette Wooddell

Cherokee County Spring 2009

beSafe Child

Since 1994

Child Care guide Compiled by

g n i s u c o F ity s e b O n o en r d l i h C in 1

Whataburger 1203 N. Dickinson Rusk, TX 75785 903-683-8040 Whataburger 627 S. Jackson Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-586-7211

Whataburger 938 W. Main Gun Barrel City, TX 75147 903-887-8700 Whataburger 1417 E. Tyler (Hwy. 31 E) Athens, TX 75751 903-677-3838

Whataburger 1717 S. Loop 256 Palestine, TX 75801 903-729-5737

Inside BeSafe Child Preventing Childhood Obesity............ 4 Active Parenting Equals Healthier Children................................................ 5 Gestational & Type II Diabetes........... 6 Families That Eat Together................. 7 Disease 101: Lead Poisoning............... 7 Healthy Snack Ideas For Kids............ 8

ON THE COVER: Back: Cassie Morrison, Christian Featherston, Dalton Beal, Dylan Beal, & Rachel Berkley. Front: Annabelle Jackson, Dr. Marinel Munda, Emma Morrison FREE BOOKLETS AVAILABLE CALL 581-5704 OR 1-800-443-0131

Children On-line.............................10-11 Addressing After-school Dangers..... 12 Cherokee Child Care Centers.............13 Swine Flu..............................................14 Immuzation Awareness.......................14 C.H.I.P. Update....................................15 The Cherokee County Health Department Seal indicates that they have approved the material in the article.

BeSafe Publications 566 C.R. 4103, Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-586-3767  1-800-233-8568 Fax 903-586-0333 www.besafechild.com

BeSafe Publications

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within these pages. We cannot, however, assume any liability for any kind of its validity or completeness or for additional or changed information subsequent to the date the information contained herein was submitted for publication.

BeSafe Publications welcomes your suggestions and inquiries. Articles from professionals in child safety are also encouraged. While we retain our copyright position, we do grant permission to responsible parties to duplicate our articles in the interest of child safety, health and good character.

Childhood Obesity By Anjani Upponi RD LD CDE, Diabetes University-ETMC Tyler

hildhood obesity is a complex and serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. The percentage of children in the United States who are obese is growing at an alarmingly high rate; 1 out of every 3 children today is obese. A few extra pounds do not define obesity but it is an indication that the child will continue to be an obese teen and an obese adult. If a child is more than 10 percent of the recommended weight for height, they are considered as obese. Most commonly obesity begins around 5 to 6 years of age and may peak around adolescence. Children who are obese, particularly between the ages of 10 and 13 years, have an 80 percent chance that they will go on to be obese adults. What is particularly troubling about childhood obesity is that diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that were considered to be adult diseases are now being diagnosed in children. Obesity is an independent risk factor in developing Type 2 diabetes; heredity or genetic factors play a major role in developing Type 2 diabetes as well. Children who are obese have an underlying risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, and when exposed to environmental factors such as lack of exercise and poor eating habits, the diabetes is unmasked. The best strategy to fight obesity and Type 2 diabetes in children is for the entire family to commit to eating right and increasing activity. Families today are busier than ever and as a result rely more on restaurant food or fast food at meal time. Youth these days are spending more time in front of the television, using the computer, and playing video games and less time exercising. Being inactive is partly to blame for the rise in obesity among youth. Some children and teens may on average, spend up to five to six hours a day involved in these sedentary activities. If these children were 4

sufficiently active at other times, this would not have mattered, but that is not the case. Parents and other adults in the child’s life are important role models for their children and can lead by example. Here are simple changes that parents and other influential adults in a child’s life can make to prevent obesity and Type 2 diabetes: • Get Moving! Emphasize activity, not exercise. Involve children in sports and other simple physical activities and participate along with them. • Avoid all sugary “kid friendly” beverages such as sports drinks, regular sodas, choose water instead or reasonable amounts of pure fruit juice. • Get children involved in helping to prepare simple meals that are nutritionally balanced. • Take every opportunity to build a child’s self-esteem. Overweight children often have low self-esteem due to social pressures. • Helping a child to focus on simple and achievable goals will build their self-confidence • Emphasize the positive behaviors and praise small successes with weight loss. • Being patient with weight loss is important; most children will grow into their extra pounds as they grow taller Parents actively working in partnership with state and local public health agencies, the Nation’s schools, community organizations, businesses, medical systems, and faith communities can help promote and support healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy weight. By working together, obesity and Type 2 diabetes can and must be prevented in children and youth.

active Parenting equals healthier Children aising healthy children involves acthird of American chil-

tive parenting, nutritious meals, regular exercise and proper medical care. Perhaps the best way to raise a healthy child is to be a healthy parent. As a positive role model, you teach your child the importance of health by example. encourage Kids to Stay active • Exercise helps prevent or delay the development of disease, builds healthy bones and controls weight. In order to stay healthy, the U.S. Department of Health recommends children stay physically active for one hour each day. • Studies also show that support from family tends to increase a child’s physical activity. • If a busy schedule leaves less time for structured exercise, incorporate physical activity into your child’s daily routine. • Limit sedentary activities to help keep kids on their feet and prevent inactive lifestyles. teach your Children to eat right • Studies show that children who share family meals are more likely to do well in school, less likely to smoke and tend to eat more fruits and vegetables. • Children are also more likely to eat what they help prepare. • Desserts, pizza and snacks constitute one-

dren’s diets. Encourage your kids to eat a variety of foods to ensure they consume the nutrients they need. • Approximately 80 percent of American children do not eat the recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Aim for two cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day. Try basing meals around vegetables, then serve fruit as dessert. • Keep healthy snacks readily available in the kitchen and your car for on-the-go hunger. Forcing a healthy habit may only serve to discourage your child. Instead, take small steps toward change: Add a vegetable to dinner, sign your child up for a new sport. To learn more, visit www.health saver.com or call (800) 7-HEALTH.

(903) 589-3434

FAX (903) 589-3162

Caring About Our Children’s Health

1311 S. Jackson Jacksonville, TX 75766 5

Gestational & Type 2 Diabetes By the National Diabetes Education Program

estational diabetes affects women during pregnancy and causes a lifelong risk for diabetes. Children of women with a history of gestational diabetes are also at risk, especially if they are overweight. But families can take small steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. If you had gestational diabetes, you can prevent type 2 diabetes by losing a small amount of weight by being more physically active and making healthy food choices. And your children can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes if they do not become overweight. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) suggests taking these small steps to prevent diabetes: Tips for Mothers: • If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, get tested for diabetes six to 12 weeks after your baby is born, then every one to two years. • Breast feed your baby. It may lower your child’s risk for type 2 diabetes. • Try to reach your pre-pregnancy weight six to 12 months after your baby is born. • Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and eat smaller portions of healthy foods to help you reach and stay at a healthy weight. Tips for the Family: • Tell your child’s doctor that you had gesta-

tional diabetes and ask for an eating plan for your child. • Follow a healthy lifestyle as a family. Serve your children healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, dry beans and peas, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Choose water to drink. • Help your children be physically active at least 60 minutes a day and limit TV and inactive video and computer game time to an hour or two a day. Read NDEP’s It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Diabetes. A Lifetime of Small Steps for a Healthy Family tip sheet (also available in Spanish) and download or order free diabetes prevention materials by visiting www.YourDiabetes Info.org or calling (888) 693-NDEP (6337). For more information about helping children maintain a healthy weight, contact the Weight-control Information Network at www.win.niddk.nih.gov or (877) 946-4627. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.

www.sadlerscatering.com 6

Families That Eat Together

ith everything on their plates these days, do Americans have time to sit down to family dinner? Happily, a whopping 61 percent of respondents to a new Parade magazine poll say that eating together is a regular-and essential-ingredient of their lives. One out of four families eats together every night and an additional 52 percent eat together at least a few times a week. Sundays are the most popular (76 percent), and Fridays are the least (56 percent). That’s good news. Research shows that when families eat dinner together, children do better in school, consume more vegetables and fewer fried foods, and chances are slimmer-by at least 15 percent-that they’ll be overweight. When it comes to protecting children against risky behavior, “The family dinner is more powerful than any law we can pass, any punishment we can level,” says Joseph A. Califano, Jr., chairman and president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. “If I could wave a wand, I’d make everyone have family dinners.” The most nourishing part of even the most well-balanced meal may not be the carrots,

but those conversations. “What or where you eat isn’t as important as the fact that you’re setting aside time to share information about what went on in school or at your job, tell family jokes, and focus on being together,” says Dr. Harold Koplewicz, director of New York University’s Child Study Center. The Parade poll also found that 69 percent of respondents enjoy family dinners and look forward to them; 23 percent even wish they had them more often. Experts say you can get the most out of your family dinner by taking these easy steps: • Talk with your kids about fun times and save contentious conversations for later. • Don’t stress about what to serve. Takeout works just as well as home-cooked meals. • Start rituals, like Sunday night chicken dinners. • Create memories. Get everyone to talk about their day. • If dinner is not convenient, get together for breakfast or lunch.

Disease 101: Lead Poisoning

Source: Rhonda Jones, LVN, Cherokee County Health Department n the United States, over 300,000 children can be affected by lead poisoning. However, between the ages of 1 and 5 have blood lead children living at poverty level or in older levels greater than the level recommended by homes have a greater risk. Also, children the Centers for Disease Control and Prevenunder the age of six are at an increased risk tion, or CDC. Because lead poisoning often because they tend to put their hands or other has no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes things in their mouths. unrecognized. Unfortunately , lead poisoning Lead poisoning can be prevented by removing can result in learning disabilities and behavsources of lead from a child’s environment. ioral problems. And at very high levels, it can Some other methods of preventing or reduccause seizures, coma, and even death. Even ing blood lead levels are: though lead based paints were banned for • Make sure children do not have access to use in houses in 1978, they are still the major peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted source of lead exposure for our children. Milwith lead based paint lions of housing units inhabited by children • Pregnant women and children should not be have deteriorated leaded paints and elevated present in a home built before 1978 that is levels of lead-contaminated house dust. Other being renovated. sources of lead include: • Create barriers between living/playing areas • Making stained glass windows and lead sources until they can be removed • Recycling or making automobile batteries and cleaned up. • Some traditional home remedies using • Regularly wash children’s hands, toys and azarcon or greta (for upset stomach or pacifiers . Household dust and exterior soil indigestion) and payloo-ah (for rash or fever) can both be sources of lead. • Tap water - most lead in tap water usually • Wet-mop floors and wet-wipe windowsills comes from the plumbing in your house, not every couple of weeks. the local water supply. • Prevent children from playing in the bare Children from all social and economic levels soil. If possible, cover soil with grass, wood

(Continued on page 9)

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids By Tim Scallon, M.S.R.D.L.D.

ur children are our greatest resource. With a little planning and some education we can help our children to establish healthy eating habits that will pay lifetime dividends. Healthy snacks start with healthy foods. One of the joys of children is that they will eat what is available. So why not keep healthy choices on hand like fruit, berries, granola bars, yogurt, whole grain bread or crackers, and fresh veggies. Teach your children that chips, candy and sodas are fun foods and are reserved for special occasions only. For daily snacking, make healthier choices. Apples or bananas stand on their own as excellent snacks. All dried fruits like raisins are concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nuts and seeds while high in fat are also very dense in nutrients. Teach children about making sandwiches using healthy ingredients like whole grain bread (3g fiber per slice), lean deli meats, fat free cheese, mustard, fat free mayo, tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and lettuce. There are many websites geared toward healthy snacking for children. The recipe below came from healthy-kids-snacks. com. 2 C grated carrots 1 C crushed pineapple, drained ½ C shredded coconut ½ C raisins Combine all ingredients and chill. Serve as is or over yogurt. Remember that snacks don’t have to be complicated. Carrot sticks in fat free ranch dressing is a healthy way to raise interest in vegetables. Milk fat is a major contributor to raising cholesterol in adults. Commit to drinking skim milk and your children will gain an edge on reducing heart disease risk. Be a wise shopper when choosing cereal. Instead of sugar cereals, choose one that is high in fiber and whole grains (6g fiber per serving). Add berries or a few unsalted sunflower seeds to cereal for interest and color. Involving children in food preparation and grocery shopping is a good way to teach healthy eating habits and build memories 8

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of home. Have a conversation with your child about food commercials on TV. “Commercials are just trying to sell things. Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is good for you.” Young children are not developmentally able to see through enticing food commercials on Saturday morning. For movie night, how about serving air popped popcorn? Air poppers are not expensive and you can use regular store brand popcorn. Look for the butter (Lead Poisoning -Continued from page 7)

chips, or put in a sand box. • Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby bottles. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. • After exposure to lead based products during hobbies or working take a shower and change your clothes. • Avoid eating candies imported from Mexico

flavor seasoning as a low sodium alternative to salt and butter. Juice makes a good accompaniment for popcorn. Take the time to make homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. Allow your young cookie monster to help and then sit together at the table and dunk cookies into skim milk. Who says healthy snacking isn’t fun? Memories are waiting to be made in your kitchen.

• Make sure cookware, tableware, and containers are lead free. If you are concerned about your child being exposed to lead, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can rule out or diagnose an elevated blood lead level.

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YOUTH SERVICES A DSHS funded Mental Health Program at ACCESS The ACCESS youth mental health program team includes psychiatrists, counselors, service coordinators, and trainers, all working together to help youth who have emotional, behavioral, or mental problems. Services Eligibility Intake and screening Youth, ages 0-17 Crisis intervention Severe emotional, behavioral, or Psychiatric and medication services mental disorders Counseling Serious difficulty in everyday Skills training functioning Parenting skills Risk of removal from home Service coordination Fees Substance abuse counseling Charges for priority population are based on ability to pay Insurance and Medicaid accepted

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(903) 589-9000 5656 N. Jackson, Jacksonville MHMR Crisis Line 24-hour: 1-800-621-1693

Children Online

Brought to you by Universal Child Abuse Prevention Program a Unit of ACCESS STAR Program. Funded by DFPS

illions of youths are online, whether at home, at school, at a friend’s house, or –if they have Internet access on a handheld device or cell phone—almost anywhere. If you are a parent, you are faced with a sobering reality: Your children are probably more comfortable in this new cyber world than you are, and they may even know how to keep you in the dark about their online activities. What Parents should know: 1. E-Mails: Written messages that are sent electronically. Is a fast and inexpensive way to correspond with friends and family. Unsolicited e-mail, often called spam, can be more than just an annoyance. Often they contain suggestive or blatantly obscene content. Links inside messages may prompt the user to volunteer personal information, which can lead to identity theft. Replying to such e-mail will confirm that the user has an active e-mail 10

address, which may lead to further unsolicited e-mail. 2. Web Sites: They are collections of electronic pages created and maintained by organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals. Millions of sites are available, providing youth with endless opportunities to shop, do research, connect with friends, and play or download games and music. The Web has been exploited by unscrupulous individuals. Many Web sites feature explicit sex, and these are easy for the unwary to stumble upon. 3. Chat Rooms: Are electronic

spaces for live text conversation, usually centered around a specific topic or interest. Your child can communicate with a number of individuals whom he or she many never have met but who share a common interest. Predators commonly frequent chat rooms hoping to lure a child into an online or even a face-toface sexual encounter. 4. Instant Messages: Is live text conversations between two or more individuals. With instant messaging, a user can choose which of his friends he will converse with, selecting from a contact list he has created. Instantmessage conversations can be distracting if your child is supposed to be studying or engaging in another activity that requires concentration such as driving. In addition, how can you be sure with whom your son or daughter is communicating? After all, you cannot hear the conversation. 5. Blogs: They are online diaries. Blogging gives youths the opportunity to write about their thoughts, passions, and activities. A blog is open to the public. Some youths carelessly

reveal information that can be used to identify their family, school, or home address. Blogs can harm reputations, including the blogger’s own. 6. Online Social Networks: Sites that allow youths to create a Web page and enhance it with pictures, videos, and blogs. Examples of these are MySpace and Facebook. Creating and enhancing a Web page enables a young person to express his or her identity. Online social networks allow young ones to meet many new “friends”. A social networking site is like an online party. Some very scary people can show up. Unscrupulous youths and adults can exploit the personal information posted on social networks. These sites do not verify a persons age and many kids and adults use false names and ages. Internet friendships tend to be superficial. Experts believe that up to 750,000 predators may be online on a daily basis, trolling Internet chat rooms and dating services. In the United States, 93 percent of youths between the ages of 12 and 17 use the Internet.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

The STAR/UCAP programs at ACCESS, FUNDED BY Department of Family and Protective Services, works to reduce family conflict, prevent truancy, prevent runaway, reduce delinquent behavior, and prevent child abuse. The program helps families resolve problems within the home. Services are provided at no charge. Eligibility Services Youth, ages 0-17 Intake and screening Runaway Crisis intervention, 24 hours Homeless Family counseling Truant Skills training At risk of abuse or neglect Linking with resources In conflict with family Emergency shelter Involved in delinquent offenses, Bilingual services misdemeanors or felonies Prevention programs Services To At Risk Children/Universal Child Abuse Prevention at ACCESS (903) 586-3175 804 Main Street, Jacksonville, Texas

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STAR Crisis Line 24-hour: 1-877-811-1289

Services for Universal Prevention of Child Abuse are open to all ages, are free, and have no eligibility requirement. CALL 1-800-252-5400 to report child abuse.

Addressing After-School Dangers

egardless of age, whether a child is 6 or 16, it is crucial for parents to discuss safety issues with their children. According to new data released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), it was found that almost half of non family abduction attempts happen when a child is walking to or from school or a related activity. It was also found that the majority of children affected by abduction attempts are young girls (74 percent) between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. Free Safety Handbook To help parents, NCMEC and Duracell have expanded their child safety resources with the addition of a free “Child Safety Handbook.” Because of the different stages of a child’s development, the handbook outlines age-appropriate safety tips and scenarios that parents need to be aware of. Here are a few tips from the Power of Parents “Child Safety Handbook”: • Talk to your child. Teach young children their address and telephone number and how to use a telephone. Make sure they know how to handle situations such as adults offering them a ride home. • Monitor Internet usage and set guidelines for the people they may communicate with.

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Only with your knowledge and supervision should kids use web cams or post photos online. • Pay attention to the adults your child interacts with-tutors, coaches, day care providers. Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts. • Check out the latest technology. Child locator devices with GPS are a popular tool being used in an effort to help keep children safer. These devices range from simple audio units that will emit a high-volume beep until the child is found, to cell phones, watches, shoes, coats and backpacks installed with GPS technology. The Power of Parents Program offers a variety of important child safety tools at www. powerofparentsonline.com. These include a free downloadable child photo ID guide, seasonal safety tips, a sixmonth photo ID reminder service, a free children’s book designed to help 4- to 6-year-olds understand safety concepts and Teachable Moments Guides.

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guide to Licensed Child Care Centers

This Directory was produced by the Better Business Bureau Foundation as a public service to assist parents in their search for a licensed child care facility. The Better Business Bureau does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company; therefore, parents should not consider this Directory a recommendation of any child care center. Any portion of the listing is subject to change at any time. The Better Business Bureau suggests you visit and tour the facility before making a decision. Check the current status of the facility’s license with the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services at 533-4173. This license should be posted in a conspicuous place and reflect the correct address of the facility. The Monitoring Plan set by the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services is a good guideline when looking into a facility. It is indicative if the facility’s compliance with state guidelines. Ask to see their latest compliance report. It is a good idea to find out which items, if any, your facility was not in compliance with when corrections were made by the facility. Remember, this information can also change at any time. Make sure to check their current monitoring plan with Protective Services. Here are some things to look for when choosing a child care service: • Is the facility clean? Are the children clean? • Is there a safe place to play both indoors and outdoors? • Does caregiver share your views on discipline and religion? • Can they provide special care such as diet and medication? • Is this facility open to you and welcome to visits anytime? If you have questions or would like a brochure from the Better Business Bureau on choosing child care, please call us at (903) 581-5704 or toll free 1-800-443-0131. hours & Drop after School ages Name, address (Listed by Zip Code) Phone Capacity Days Open Ins Care accepted

Zip Code 75766

Charlotte’s Web Day Care Center 588 S. Ragsdale, Jacksonville, 75766

586-5026

Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00

Yes

12 mos. - 13 years

First United Meth. Readiness School 1031 SE Loop 456, Jacksonville, 75766

586-7756

Mon.-Fri. 7:15-5:30

Infant - Pre-K

For Heaven’s Sake Christian Learning Ctr. 2028 E. Rusk, Jacksonville, 75766

589-3957

Mon.- Fri. 6:30-6:00

Yes

Infant - School Age

Holy Family Early Learning Center 1023 Corinth Rd., Jacksonville, 75766

586-4538

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30

Yes

Toddler, Pre-K, School Age

Kids First Weekday Education 210 Philip St., Jacksonville, 75766

586-4844

Mon - Fri. 7:30-2:30

Infant - Pre-K

Kids R Us 315 Ragsdale, Jacksonville, 75766

586-7210

Mon.-Fri. 6:30-5:30

Yes

2 years - 13 years

Kids-N-Motion 1006 N. Jackson, Jacksonville, 75766

586-0113

322

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Birth - 13 years

Knee High Village 830 Canada St., Jacksonville, 75766

586-8542

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

Amy’s Child Care Center 1375 N. Dickinson, Rusk, 75785

683-6095

Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00

Yes

Infant - School Age

Betty’s Child Care 1100 Johnson Dr., Rusk, 75785

683-4760

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Toddler - School Age

Charlotte’s Web Too 1300 W. 6th St., Rusk, 75785

683-9691

Mon.-Fri. 5:30-6:00

Yes

12 mos. - 12 years

Cherokee County Christian Child Care 204 E. Third St., Rusk, 75785

683-4375

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

2 years - 13 years

Christ The Redeemer 247 Barron Street, Rusk, 75785

683-1404

Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00

Yes

Toddler - School Age

Little Britches Learning Center 305 N. Main, Rusk, 75785

683-2220

Mon.-Fri. 5:30-5:30

Yes

Toddler - School age

Little Britches Learning Center Too! 529 N. Main, Rusk, 75785

683-9872

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-3:30

Pre-Kindergarten

Zip Code 75785

Tosh Insurance Agency, Inc. 205 W. San Antonio St. 505 Main St. Alto, TX 75925 Rusk, TX 75785 936-858-3346 903-683-5433 Insure Child Safety Through Education!

Texas Health Organizations closely monitoring East Texas to protect citizens from Swine Influenza

yler (TX) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials are investigating swine influenza cases in people in several U.S. states, including Texas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with swine influenza viruses. The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD), along with other local health organizations are conducting ongoing disease surveillance in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services. “All Health Officials, Hospitals, and Physicians, along with the Cities and Counties are working closely to monitor the situation and keep East Texas healthy”, says George Roberts, CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District. Smith County Health Authority, Dr. Jonathan MacClements encourages citizens in East Texas to follow the sanitation guidelines, presented by the CDC. “Washing your hands and covering your cough are simple steps that

we can take to minimize the spread of any virus”, says Dr. MacClements. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcoholbased hands cleaners are also effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. • If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. www.cdc.gov www.dshs.state.tx.us www.healthyeasttx.org

Immunization Awareness

Source: Serena Perez

uestion: If the diseases that vaccines prevent are now rare, why should my child still get vaccines? Answer: Although several of the diseases that vaccines prevent have been dramatically reduced or eliminated, vaccine are still necessary for several reasons: • To prevent common infections Some diseases are so common in this country that a choice not to get a vaccine is a choice to get infected. For example, choosing not to get the Pertussis (whooping cough) or Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines is a choice to risk serious and occasionally fatal infections. • To prevent infections that could easily reemerge. Some diseases in this country continue to occur at very low levels (for example, measles, mumps, and Haemophilus Influenzae type B, or HIB). If immunization rates in our schools or communities are low, outbreaks of these diseases are likely to occur. This is exactly what happened in the late 1980s and early 1990s when thousands of children were hospi-

talized with measles and more than 120 died. Children are much more likely to catch measles if they aren’t vaccinated. • To prevent infections that are common in other parts of the world. Although some diseases have been completely eliminated (polio) or virtually eliminated (diphtheria) from this country, they still occur commonly in other parts of the world. Children are commonly paralyzed by polio in India or killed by diphtheria in Russia. Because there is a high rate of international travel, outbreaks of these diseases are only a plane ride away. Vaccines are available through the Cherokee County Health Department in Rusk and Jacksonville. These vaccines are offered to the public through the Texas Vaccine for Children program. We also have many vaccines that are available for adults. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available for $20.00 each or Medicare Part B is accepted. Please contact either office for more information. Rusk 903-683-4688 Jacksonville 903-586-6191

Around-the-clock emergency care in Rusk & Jacksonville. Any time of day or night, you’ll find care for a range of medical illnesses and injuries at the ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center and the Level III trauma center at ETMC Jacksonville. Certified emergency physicians equipped with advanced technology are always present to care

for emergencies both major and minor. With ambulance and Air 1 service, the ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center and the Level III trauma center at ETMC Jacksonville offer a higher level of care and convenience for the people of Cherokee County.

ETMC Rusk 24-Hour Emergency Center 1325 N. Dickinson Drive • 903-683-3500

ETMC Jacksonville 501 S. Ragsdale St. • 903-541-5000

16 A not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life in East Texas communities. | www.etmc.org

One with East Texas.