March 12, 2010 (Washington D.C.) -- Yesterday the U.S. Food & Drug administration listed 153 food items subject to  recall for hydrolyzed vegetable protein believed contaminated with salmonella.   The list includes boullion, dressing and dressing mixes, flavoring base and seasoning products, frozen foods, gravy mixes, prepared salads, ready-to-eat products,sauce and marinade mixes, snack foods, soups and soup mixes, dips and dip mixes.

Adult day-care program also protected from cuts by federal judge

March 7, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Justice Department filed an amicus brief Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeal supporting a lawsuit to block Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to slash in-home care to 130,000 seniors and disabled people in California.

The Obama administration, in the brief, argued that the cuts would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act which “prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the provision of public services.”

March 2, 2010 (Lemon Grove)--Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) held a grand opening ribbon-cutting celebration last week for the Lemon Grove Family Health Center, which was funded by a $1.3 million federal stimulus grant.

 
By Dr. Kristina L Sargent, D.C.

February 27, 2010--In this economy, finances are a stressor, and the food budget is one place you may be able to cut expenses. But what is the wisest way to accomplish that goal? Making poor food choices actually increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure; so when you cut your food budget, don't cut out necessary nutrients.

Here are some tips for low-cost nutrition:

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) board of directors has unanimously voted to approve a $100,000 grant to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) to help cover expenses for X-ray and ultrasound tests, as well as diagnostic lab fees and medical supplies, for uninsured East County residents who are treated at an El Cajon clinic by retired physicians and nurses who donate their time.

February 26, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working with Sharp Grossmont Hospital officials to notify patients, visitors and employees who may have been exposed to a hospital worker diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). The period of concern is Oct. 4, 2009 to Jan. 20, 2010, and limited to individuals who worked or visited one patient care floor of the hospital’s West Tower between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

39% Rate Hike by Anthem-Blue Cross Persuaded CA Senator that Consumers need Choice of a Public Plan
 

Updated February 19, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) has joined with 16 other Senators to urge that Majority Leader Harry Reid pass a public option for health insurance using reconciliation, a parliamentary procedure that allows a simple up-or-down vote with a majority of 51 Senators.

 
February 5, 2010 (Lakeside) -- The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports that six students at Xara Garden School, a K-2 charter school sponsored by the Lakeside Union School District, have been diagnosed with chickenpox (varicella). None of the six students were vaccinated against chickenpox.

 
January 29, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, founder of Angels For Haiti and Health Through Communications, was among the first to bring food and water to quake victims. Now she has teamed up with other local doctors to obtain thousands of dollars in donated orthopedic supplies. They seek additional supplies--and money to pay shipping costs.

At a fundraiser in her Mt. Helix home last weekend, Jean-Murat showed photos of homes ravaged by the quake—homes she helped build for Haiti’s impoverished people. Now she now aims to rebuild the homes, repair a damaged hospita, and bring much-needed medical care to the people.
 
VIEW  VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH DR. JEAN-MURAT, INCLUDING HER PHOTOS OF QUAKE DAMAGE & RELIEF EFFORTS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h-p-rTcLj4

 
California OneCare Campaign Reveals Massive Campaign to Gain Support to Override a Likely Veto by Governor

January 28, 2010 – While Congress struggles to pass a healthcare reform bill that has been gutted of its public option, California’s State Senate today passed passed landmark healthcare reform legislation, SB 810, that calls for sweeping changes in the financing of health care. The measure passed by a healthy 22-14 vote. (Roll-call voting record is not yet available.)

Under the bill, authored by Senator Mark Leno (SF), all residents would be covered by a universal health care system, which would pay for all needed health services utilizing a "single payer" insurance system. Private insurance companies would be replaced by one non-profit health insurance fund. All California residents would have coverage for doctors, hospitals, medications, mental health, medical equipment, dental, eye care and more.

January 28, 2010 (La Mesa) – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has fined three local hospitals (Grossmont Hospital, UC San Diego Medical Center, and Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa) $50,000 each for mistakes that could cause serious injury or death to patients. In East County, Grossmont Hospital was penalized for performing brain surgery on the wrong side of a 93-year-old patient’s brain.

January 26, 2010 (San Diego)--Would you know how to respond if your child stopped breathing or someone you love had a heart attack?

As parents we all want the very best for our children. But when it comes to knowing what to do if our child stops breathing, we panic and call 911. Every year, we hear about children who have drowned in a pool because no one knew how to perform CPR. If CPR is administered within the first two minutes, the child has a good chance of surviving with no brain damage. After four minutes the child can have severe brain damage and after six minutes the chance of survival is slim.

January 14, 2010 (El Cajon) - The County will have H1N1 flu shots available Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Ave. in El Cajon. The event is one in a series of mass vaccination clinics, including an event last weekend at Qualcomm Stadium where 5,000 people received the vaccines.  Vaccines are available to everyone.

January 13, 2010 (San Diego) -- County Vector Control officials confirmed today that five wild mice trapped during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus.

“As the weather cools, rodents will begin to seek shelter indoors. It is important to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds to prevent infection.” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “People contract Hantavirus by inhaling the virus, often when they are cleaning up rodent droppings and nesting materials. Wet cleaning methods should be used to prevent inhaling the virus.”

January 6, 2010 (San Diego County) - The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announces a series of five H1N1 mass vaccination events for San Diego County residents, beginning with a clinic this Friday at Qualcomm Stadium.  A clinic will be held in El Cajon on the 15th at the Ronald Reagan Community Center.  Several additional clinics are planned; scroll down for details.
The H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone, regardless of age.

“We would like to remind County residents that H1N1 is still very active in our communities,” said Dianne Jacob, Chairwoman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

 
 
January 5, 2009 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking nominations for its 2010 Healthcare Hero Awards, an annual program that honors East County residents whose volunteer efforts help advance delivery of quality healthcare in the East County region. Nomination forms in both English and Spanish are available at www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Deadline for submission of entries is 3 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2010, at the GHD offices, 9001 Wakarusa St., in La Mesa.

Are you facing a health issue and want reliable, up-to-date medical information?

There is a free resource available for you, The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library is available to residents in the Grossmont Healthcare District. This is a state-of-the-art, hybrid library that offers information both through online computer databases and through books, medical journals, newsletters, DVDs, and more. The library's welll-trained, friendly staff will help you find the information you are seeking. In addition, they host a monthly Senior Discussion Group about a health topic and a monthly movie, and will begin computer classes in March.

December 31, 2009 (Santee) Walgreens iin Santee has received 300 doses of H1N1 vaccine, according to press release issued by the Santee Chamber of Commerce. "There is no  longer any restrictions on who can get it," the release advises.

Feb. 1 – People who suffer with knee arthritis, stiffness and pain have new options for knee surgery that result in less pain and faster recovery than traditional knee replacement. At this seminar, learn about new, less-invasive procedures.

Scharlene Fry, RN, to be honored with luncheon at Hotel Del Coronado

December 25, 2009 (La Mesa) – Scharlene Fry, RN, has received the KYXY Cares Award, which recognizes nurses for making a difference for patients, the nursing profession, and the San Diego community. Sharlene worked at Sharp Grossmont Hospital during the time of her nomination. She has since retired from nursing, but revisited the hospital to reunite with former co-workers and accept her award.

December 25, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Eddie Arredondo enjoyed Christmas at his brother’s home in Spring Valley thanks to a holiday goodwill project from American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service. Arredondo, who suffers decreased mobility and muscle contractures, resides and receives care at Windsor Gardens Golden Hills.

“Anyone who has been away from home during the holiday season knows the longing that comes with missing that special time with family,” said Travis Kusman, operations manager for AMR San Diego. “AMR’s paramedics and EMTs look forward to this project every year. Our caregivers often build personal relationships with nursing homes and their residents, and ‘Home for the Holiday’ let’s our dispatchers and crews interact with the nursing home staffs, their residents and families in a warm light.”

Residents Encouraged to Get Vaccine from Their Doctor

December 21, 2009 (San Diego) -- With demand from high-risk groups declining and supply steadily increasing, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is announcing that the H1N1 vaccine will be available to everyone starting tomorrow.

December 18, 2009 (San Diego) - Five area students have been diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reporting. HHSA is working closely with school staff to notify the parents of all students at the schools, including three schools east of I-15.

The students are:

 
County warns public of sick puppies sold through local pet dealers
 
December 16, 2009 (Tecate) --On Monday evening, 15  two-month-old puppies were discovered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers as a smuggler attempted to bring the puppies into the U.S. at the Tecate Port of Entry. The sick puppies, all described as mixed breed miniature poodles, were immediately taken to an emergency veterinary hospital by Animal Control officers with the County Department of Animal Services. The majority of the puppies has been diagnosed with parvo and will be receiving intensive care provided by County Animal Services or an adoption partner.

 
By Miriam Raftery

December 15, 2009 (San Diego) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a voluntary recall of 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in pre-filled syringes for children ages 6 to 36 months. Testing by manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur found reduced potency in four lots distributed nationwide, including 3,100 doses distributed in San Diego County.

December 14, 2009 (La Mesa) -Sharp Grossmont Senior Resource Center is offering seasonal flu vaccine from the county. The seasonal flu arrives in late December and circulates as late as February and March.

Seasonal Flu Shots Clinic dates and locations:

 
November 23, 2009 (San Diego) San Diego County Public Health Centers and Immunization Clinic have run out of flu vaccines.  When a new shipment is received, details will be announced at the County's H1N1 update page at:  http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/flu/H1N1vaccine.html.   Some private clinics, hospitals and medical offices have received their own shipments of vaccines; check with your medical provider on availability.

 
November 20, 2009 (San Diego) -- The County’s six Public Health Centers and one immunization clinic have each received 200 additional doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine.
 
The limited vaccine is prioritized for use in the CDC priority groups of: children and young adults four to 24 years old; adults 25 to 64 years old with chronic medical conditions; household contacts of infants less than 6 months old; and health care workers. The vaccine will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Select clinics also have adult preservative-free vaccine available for pregnant women.

November 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) - A five-year-old student who attends John J. Montgomery Elementary School in Chula Vista Elementary School Districthas been diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports today. The student was up-to-date on immunizations.

There have been 123 cases of whooping cough in San Diego County this year. In 2008, there were 51.

 
November 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – East County and San Diego leaders offer diverse views on the landmark healthcare reform bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Some praised the bill, others criticized it, while many hope to see changes made in the Senate.
(For East County Magazine's analysis of the bill, see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2211 )
 
Their divergent views reflect not only concerns over details, but also core differences that strikes at the heart of healthcare reform debates raging across America: should healthcare be a right, or a privilege?  Should people have a public option, or should private insurance be the only choice--for those who can afford it?  For those who can't, just how much are we willing to pay to save people's lives and health?