Health/Fitness

COUNTY BOARD ACCEPTS $24 MILLION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE IN HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS, RECEIVES VACCINE SURVEY RESULTS

Source: County News Service

July 16, 2021 (San Diego) -- The County Board of Supervisors received the results of a new local survey on July 13 with details about why some are still hesitant to get vaccinated. Supervisors also approved an investment of $24 million in federal funds to support COVID-19 response in high-risk communities.

First, the Board received an update on COVID-19 rates in San Diego County.

The number of local COVID-19 cases has been rising the past few weeks, increasing the case rate from 1.9 cases per 100,000 residents on June 15 to 3.7 cases per 100,000 residents now. The daily case count increased to 355 on July 12 and has been at or above 200 for the last seven days.

“We are now seeing about double the number of cases that were being reported a month ago,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “This has led to a 46% increase in hospitalizations and 10% uptake in intensive care unit admissions in the past few weeks. We expect further increases in ICU admissions since they lag behind the trend in cases and hospitalizations.”


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COVID CASES RISING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY AS DELTA VARIANT SPREADS NATIONALLY

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  A San Diego teen is vaccinated at a mobile site at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. Image from county video

July 14, 2021 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported 348 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday as the more infectious “delta” variant spreads and vaccinations slow.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: CHEAP SUNGLASSES – KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR WELLNESS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
"When you wake up in the morning and the light is hurt your head — The first thing you do when you get up out of bed — Is hit that streets a-runnin' and try to beat the masses — Now go get yourself some good sunglasses" – ZZ Top   Listen while you read: https://lnkd.in/g8ZWAqF
 
July is UV Awareness Month!
 
July 13, 2021 (San Diego) -- During the summer we put a lot of emphasis on protecting skin from UV rays. It is important. But we cannot forget about protecting the eyes — exposure to bright sunlight increases the risk of developing these four ailments: cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and cancer.
 
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

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CALIFORNIA TAKES MAJOR STEP TO PROTECT RESIDENTS FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN CARPETS AND RUGS

New regulation requires manufacturers to consider safer alternatives

Source: California Department of Toxic Substances Control

Photo: Creative common image via Bing
 

July 11, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Moving to protect the health of Californians, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has taken action to require manufacturers of carpets and rugs sold in the state to consider safer alternatives to a group of hazardous chemicals that have been linked to serious health impacts and pose a particular exposure risk to children when used in carpets and rugs.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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MORE THAN 140,000 PEOPLE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY PAST DUE FOR SECOND COVID SHOT

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo via San Diego County News Service

July 8, 2021 (San Diego) - More than 140,000 San Diegans who have received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are overdue for their second dose, the Health and Human Services Agency reported Thursday.


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UNVACCINATED SAN DIEGANS ACCOUNT FOR OVER 99% OF ALL COVID-19 CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS AND DEATHS

By Miriam Raftery

 

July 7, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego County today released data revealing that San Diegans who are not fully vaccinated account for 99.8% of all deaths and hospitalizations, as well as 99.1% of all cases countywide since January 1st.  


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PANDEMIC LEADS TO BOTH WEIGHT GAIN AND EATING DISORDERS

Experts Say Be Kind to Your Body

By Suzanne Potter, California  News Service

Photo: Creative Commons image by SA-NC via Bing

July 7, 2021 (Sacramento) --  More than 60% of adults reported weight problems during the pandemic, according to the American Psychological Association.

Experts have some tips on getting back into your groove this summer. COVID-19 disrupted everyone's food and exercise routines, stranded many in front of a screen all day, and led to increased isolation.<--break->


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TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY? CDC OFFERS INTERNATIONAL VACCINATION CERTIFICATE APPROVED BY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – If you’re planning to travel internationally, be aware that many nations are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccines to enter. The internationally recognized proof of your vaccination status is the Yellow Card, also known as the CDC 731 form or PHS-731 form. 

How to get a Yellow Card?

Approved by the World Health Organization, the Yellow Card can be purchased for $25 through the U.S. Government publishing office bookstore at this link.

Need to find required vaccinations for each country/region you plan to visit? 

Visit the CDC Vaccinations page at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm. To avoid being quarantined or denied entry, a traveler can also check the entry requirements for the country in question by contacting its embassy or consulate.


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HOW COVID-19 SWEPT CALIFORNIA’S MARIACHIS

As work dried up for mariachi bands, many musicians put themselves at risk for coronavirus transmission. Over 50 Mariachi musicians have died of COVID-19 in the past year.

 

By Jacqueline Garcia, Cal Matters

 

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

 

Photo courtesy of Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara

 

July 2, 2021 (San Diego) - Hundreds of mariachis come to Boyle Heights in Los Angeles from across the United States and Mexico, in search of work. They gather at Mariachi Plaza, a small park with a bandstand and kiosk that holds a special place in their hearts because it was donated by the Mexican State of Jalisco, the birthplace of this music. They wait for people to call or stop by to hire them.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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HEALTH OFFICIALS SEEKING PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE TOUCHED RABID BAT AT SAFARI PARK

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Stock Photo. ivabalk / Pixabay

June 27, 2021 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is looking for anybody that may have come into contact with a live bat that tested positive for rabies and was found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on June 25, 2021.


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CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS WARN OF HEALTH IMPACTS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS IN HAIR STRAIGHTENING PRODUCTS

Experts present insight at virtual fact-gathering workshop ahead of potential regulation, invite public comment

Source: California Department of Toxic Substances

June 24, 2021 (Sacramento) -- California could be among the first states to regulate harmful chemicals in hair straightening products used by millions of people, many of them women of color.


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AND SHARP HEALTHCARE CELEBRATE 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Original lease to operate Grossmont Hospital signed in 1991; voters have since extended to 2051 

 

June 24, 2021 (La Mesa)  — Thirty years ago, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) leased operations of its La Mesa public hospital to Sharp HealthCare, initiating a public/private partnership that local voters extended through 2051. 

The original agreement was designed to ensure Grossmont Hospital would remain competitive in attracting new patients, technologies, and services in the face of a rapidly changing healthcare environment.  

Since that time, the partnership has guided development and completion of several major improvements in and around the facility, simultaneously increasing quality and access to care. 


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VACCINE PARKING LOT PARTY SATURDAY AT JACOBS CENTER

Southeastern Coalition hosts event to get 1,000 vaccinations in June

June 23, 2021 (San Diego) – A Vaxx Parking Lot Party for youth and families will be held on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114. The event will have music, food trucks, graffiti artboards and other family-friendly activities. 


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OFFICIALS WARN ABOUT INCREASED FENTANYL OVERDOSE DEATHS

“Parents are finding their children dead from fentanyl overdoses, boyfriends finding their girlfriends dead, and children are being put at risk by this alarming spike,” said DA Summer Stephan.

Source: San Diego District Attorney

June 21, 2021 (San Diego) -- The top law enforcement leaders in San Diego County are sounding the alarm about a concerning increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl, especially among younger people. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department and Police Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association are pushing out the warning on social media in an effort to educate youth and parents that if the pill you’re taking didn’t come from a pharmacy, it could kill you.

In 2019, there were 151 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in San Diego County. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, there were 461 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in San Diego County in 2020, triple the number from the year before. While still early, the projection for 2021 is 700 such overdose deaths. 

The District Attorney’s Office is part of the Narcotics Task Force Team 10, which responds to an average of 5 to 6 calls per week; most of them fatal overdoses and most involving a fentanyl-related overdose. The deaths are occurring in every part of the county and affecting every demographic. 


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MCDONALD'S, COUNTY TEAM UP FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 19, 2021 (San Diego) - Yes! Now you can even get fries with that COVID-19 vaccination — at eight McDonald’s restaurants in San Diego County.


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SAN DIEGO OASIS AND COUNTY HOST FREE VIRTUAL AGING CONFERENCE JUNE 24 WITH “FONZIE” ACTOR HENRY WINKLER

Keynote speaker is best-selling author, Emmy award-winning actor, director and producer Henry Winkler

East County News Service

June 18, 2021 (San Diego) -- Local nonprofit San Diego Oasis in collaboration with the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services (AIS), Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and Live Well San DiegoSan Diego Oasis will host “Vital Aging 2021: Resilient and Ready!,” an online conference that will provide those 60 and older with information and resources related to aging. The online event will be held Thursday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.  This is a free virtual event.


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LEMON GROVE MAN PARTICIPATES IN NOVAVAX COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICAL STUDIES

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
 
(Photo courtesy of Edgar Gore, Jr. taken several years ago) 

June 16, 2021 (Lemon Grove) -- Not all are reciting “Moderna, "Johnson & Johnson," or “Pfizer” when asked what COVID-19 vaccine they received. Some are answering “NovaVax.” But very few. Only 2,000 Americans participated in the NovaVax COVID-19 vaccine clinical study. An East County man was one of them.

Lemon Grove resident Edgar Gore, Jr., 63, has had two doses of NovaVax’s COVID-9 vaccine, administered during the company’s clinical study. Thus far, the NovaVax vaccine has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S., though it may be in the future.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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VACCINATED WORKERS CAN GO MASK-FREE STARTING JUNE 17 IF CAL-OSHA APPROVES GOVERNOR’S PLAN; MANY OTHER RESTRICTIONS END TUESDAY

By Miriam Raftery

June 14, 2021 (Sacramento) – With case-rates dropping and California now having the third-lowest rate of positive COVID-19 test results in the nation, the state is poised to end its color-coded tiers and lift most restrictions tomorrow. But employers have been in limbo as Cal-OSHA delayed a decision last week on rules to protect workers.

Now, Cal-OSHA is expected to approve new workplace rules proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom this week, which would allow fully vaccinated workers in most workplaces to remove masks and end social distancing requirements starting June 17th.

That’s a turnaround from an earlier proposal by Cal-OSHA, which would have required all workers to wear masks if anyone in the workplace wasn’t vaccinated but drew objections from employers’ groups.


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COUNTY OFFICES TO REOPEN TUESDAY

Masks still mandatory in certain County facilities, including healthcare settings and all facilities serving as “Cool Zones.”
 
By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo: Guardian of Water Sculpture outside San Diego County Administration Center - Courtesy: County of San Diego
 
June 14, 2021 (San Diego) -- Starting Tuesday June 15, all County of San Diego offices and facilities will reopen to the public.
 
Hours of operation may vary at different departments and people are recommended to check ahead.
 

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CALIFORNIANS MARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF AIDS EPIDEMIC

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

Photo: Creative Commons by NC-ND via Bing

June 14, 2021 (San Diego) --  Forty years ago this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first cases of what would become known as HIV/AIDS, and touch off an epidemic that took 32 million lives across the globe, and 700,000 in the United States.

Rick Chavez Zbur, outgoing executive director of Equality California and a candidate for Assembly District 50 in the Santa Monica area, said Americans mustn't forget the terrible toll of this disease.

"I lost literally scores of friends to the disease, and watched our government pretty much do nothing about it for over a decade," Zbur recounted. "And so, as I think about the 40th anniversary, I think we need to remember all the people that were lost."


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CALIFORNIA'S BIG REOPENING: WHAT CHANGES AND WHAT DOESN'T ON JUNE 15?

By Ben Christopher, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Carlos Hernandez holds his mask while getting a haircut by Sarah Cordiey at Spiros Barber Shop in Long Beach on June 9, 2021. "During the pandemic, I got depression and anxiety," said Hernandez, who saw his family for the first time last week in more than one year. "But then when I got [fully] vaccinated I felt a lot better." Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

June 14, 2021 (San Diego) - California’s grand reopening day is almost here, but it comes with a few asterisks. 

If all goes as expected and promised, on June 15 our 15-month-long ordeal of public health restrictions, mandates, bans and color-coded tiers to stem the COVID-19 pandemic will finally come to an end. As Gov. Gavin Newsom said in April and reaffirmed in May, tomorrow is when “we can start to open up…business as usual.”

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ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: BENZODIAZEPINES - THE NEW DRUG CRISIS?

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

June 13, 2021 (San Diego) -- I am pretty sure there is something that we East County residents all have in common since the onset of the pandemic -- stress and anxiety. In fact, an ongoing study by the National Center for Health Statistics in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau shows that at least a quarter of all Americans were experiencing anxiety. In California, the statistic was almost one out of three. 


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BOIL-WATER NOTICE ISSUED FOR ENCANTO AREA; GET FREE WATER AT THESE LOCATIONS OR DROP-OFF WATER BOTTLES FOR AFFECTED RESIDENTS

East County News Service

UPDATE: As of Saturday, June 12 at 11:05 a.m., the precautionary boil water notice has been lifted, reports Ready San Diego.

June 11, 2021 (San Diego) -- The City of San Diego is advising the public to not drink tap water without boiling it first in the Encanto area. This includes the area north of Brooklyn Avenue, south of State Route 94, west of 69th Street and east of Kelton Road, as well as Leppert Court, the 1100-1469 blocks of Watwood Road and the 1000-1400 blocks of Larwood Road

The Boil Water Notice was issued after a construction crew damaged a water main near Imperial Avenue and 65th Street Thursday.The city expects to have the problem resolved by Sunday. Until then, those affected should comply with the notice to avoid potential illness.


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GET VACCINATED AND RECEIVE FREE PADRES TICKETS

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego County is in the final innings of reaching herd immunity, after rallying to reach one of the highest vaccination rates in the state. So now the County is teaming up with the Padres to give a free pair of tickets for a future Padres game and a Padres Hero T-shirt to every fan who gets vaccinated at Petco Park on June 12 or June 26.  (While supplies last; minors must have a parent present.)


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SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOVES TO YELLOW TIER STARTING JUNE 9

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2021 (San Diego) – Local businesses and event organizers will get a welcome reprieve from COVID-19 restrictions even earlier than the full reopening set to begin June 15 statewide.  Starting tomorrow, San Diego County will move into the state’s least restrictive Yellow Tier, after two consecutive weeks of less than two COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.


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DOCTOR WEBER INTRODUCES PANDEMIC TASK FORCE BILL IN LEGISLATURE

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2021 (La Mesa) – East County’s newly elected Assemblymember Akilah Weber, a medical doctor and former La  Mesa Councilmember, this week introduced her first authored bill, Assembly Bill 1207. It would create a “Pathway Through Pandemic Task Force” to collect and analyze California’s COVID-19 data and develop a response plan for future pandemics.


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STATE SUPERINTENDENT TONY THURMOND ANNOUNCES NEW STATEWIDE BENEFIT PROGRAM TO HELP FEED CHILDREN AMID CHILD CARE CLOSURES

One million young children in California may be eligible

Source: California Department of Education

June 5, 2021 (Sacramento) -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved California’s plan to launch a new food assistance program for young children up to age six whose access to healthy meals has been impacted due to the pandemic. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) will partner to issue Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to eligible young children.

“The pandemic has placed additional strain on many families that were already struggling to provide healthy meals for their kids,” said Thurmond. “This program provides critical assistance so that our low-income young children can get the nutritious foods at home they need to thrive.”


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