Public Health Report - April 5, 2012
U.S. cancer rates dropping— The rate of new cancer cases has been inching down at a rate of about half a percent each year since 1999. And the overall cancer death rate has dropped by 1.5 percent annually in adults and 1.7 percent in children.
...except in cases related to obesity & inactivity— Although the overall rate of new cancer cases is declining, the report confirms research showing that excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for one-quarter to one-third of common cancers in the USA
Pain-killer sales soaring— Sales of prescription painkillers are exploding in new areas, and experts are worried that's creating a wave of addiction.
Thousands die from pain -killer use due to incorrect dosage tables?— A standard reference tool used by the medical profession is so inaccurate that doctors across the country are accidentally killing patients by the thousands each year, according to an expert in Utah who co-authored a disturbing new study.
First-person account of the ins and outs of a colonoscopy— Coloractal cancer can almost always be detected by a colonoscopy in its earliest and most curable stages. It just doesn't make sense to not get screened. The procedure can literally save your life.
Aspirin, hailed as heart disease fighter, now linked to reducing cancer risk— The findings add to a body of evidence suggesting that cheap and widely available aspirin may be a powerful if overlooked weapon in the battle against cancer.
Thousands of Utahns may have diabetes and not know it— Some warning signs of diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or sores that are slow to heal.
Recommended vaccines for seniors— Most people think that vaccinations are just for kids, but adults, especially seniors, need their shots too. Here's a breakdown of what vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for adults age 50 and older, and how they're covered by Medicare.
Latest bird flu death — A 17-year-old has died of bird flu in Indonesia. He is the country's sixth fatality from the virus so far this year.
Free 72-hour kit, earthquake simulation, hands-only CPR and more at the Iron County Preparedness expo (April14th, call 867-7329 to register) — The Iron County Preparedness Expo will give the community an opportunity to explore many different ideas that can help each citizen better prepare for when that disaster may strike.
Public Health Report - March 26, 2012
Kanab Health Department nurse saves a life— Susan Little, a nurse supervisor for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, will receive the Red Cross Medical Rescue award
The "Breathe Easy" run is back, this time with a 10k option! Registration includes T-shirt and goody bag, prizes for the winners— April 21st
Flu season update — nfluenza has picked up over the last week across the state, but health officials say it's still not too late to get vaccinated.
March is National Nutrition Month: "My Plate" has replaced the "Food Pyramid"— MyPlate provides an easier way to think about healthy eating. For each meal, mentally split a plate into 4 sections.
Bottled water a factor in increase of cavities in kids? — People who give their kids mostly bottled water to drink often say it's the healthy choice. But state dental director Steven Steed says most bottled water is lacking fluoride.
Allergy season hits early in Midwest & South with record-breaking pollen activity— In some areas, allergists say pollen counts this week are as high as they've ever recorded.
Outbreaks from imported foods on the rise— Outbreaks of illness linked to imported food have risen since the late 1990s, casting a spotlight on federal inspection standards for fish, produce and other foods brought in from abroad.
Malaria, HIV make comeback in Greece as health system deteriorates — The savage cuts to Greece's health service budget have led to a sharp rise in HIV/Aids and malaria in the beleaguered nation,
CDC warns of unvaccinated Americans being exposed to measles at Olympics this summer— Health officials are bracing for the possibility of a measles outbreak in the USA, fueled by unvaccinated American tourists returning home from this summer's Olympic Games.
Emergency preparedness: water — Here are a few tips for water storage and water use in a disaster: