Health/Fitness

REPUBLICANS BLOCK DEMOCRATS’ BILL TO PROTECT BIRTH CONTROL ACCESS FOR WOMEN

By Miriam Raftery

 
June 6, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – After Republicans in multiple states introduced measures to restrict women’s access to birth control including IUDs and birth control pills, Democrats in Congress tried to enact the Right to Contraception Act (S. 4381) which would have protected birth control access nationwide. But Senate Republicans blocked the measure. Only two Republicans, both women, voted to protect birth control access.

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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

June 3, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

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PROACTIVE EFFORTS HELP AS MOSQUITO SEASON KICKS OFF

 
June 2, 2024 (San Diego) -- In April, San Diego County began ramping up its proactive treatment of mosquito breeding sites in waterways around the county. The goal is to reduce these pests and their risk for spreading diseases, such as West Nile virus.
 
Every year in spring, the County’s Vector Control Program applies a safe, eco-friendly larvicide by helicopter to treat nearly 1,400 acres of hard-to-reach areas where mosquitoes breed. This year, locations in the Tijuana River Valley with stagnant water are also being treated to protect people living or visiting in that area.

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DEA AND ITS PARTNERS REMOVE MORE THAN 670,000 POUNDS OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS FROM COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE

East County News Service
 
June 2, 2024 (San Diego) -- DEA and its local law enforcement partners collected 670,136 pounds of unused medications during the 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27, 2024.  
 
The DEA San Diego Field Division collected nearly 5,000 pounds of drugs from 29 locations located in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Specifically, San Diego County collected 3,668 pounds and 120 pounds was collected in Imperial County. An additional 1,141 pounds was collected from year-round drop box locations in San Diego County, bringing the total collected to 4,809 pounds. 

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TB CASES REPORTED ON MTS TROLLEY BLUE LINE AND SAN DIEGO COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION: CESAR CHAVEZ CAMPUS

Compiled from the works of Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
May 30, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County’s Tuberculosis Program has two unrelated recent cases of potential tuberculosis (TB) exposure. They are working to notify riders who used the Trolley Blue Line between Jan. 27, 2024 and Feb. 29, 2024, that they were potentially exposed to and are at risk for TB.  They are also working closely with San Diego College of Continuing Education to notify those who were potentially exposed to TB. 
 
The chance of TB infection is highest for people with many hours of cumulative indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB. Brief interactions with an ill rider are less likely to lead to TB infection than are prolonged or repeated exposures. However, the risk from more limited exposures may be of particular concern to riders with compromised immune systems, from medical conditions such as HIV or from medications that weaken the immune system, such as those taken by people with autoimmune conditions or who have received transplants.

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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

May 23, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

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MEASLES EXPOSURE AT MEDICAL CLINIC IN EL CAJON AND AT RADY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Shutterstock:  Measles vaccine

May 14,2024 (San Diego) -- County public health officials have confirmed the third case of measles in the region this year in a 13-month-old resident who recently traveled overseas. 

The unimmunized infant may have exposed others at the following times and locations: 

  • Children’s Primary Care Medical Group El Cajon located at 844 Jackman St., on May 12, from 9:10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
  • Rady Children’s Emergency Department located at 3020 Children’s Way, 1st Floor in San Diego, on May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

The County previously confirmed two other cases in the region this year. None of the three cases are linked, but all are associated with international travel. Before 2024, the last confirmed measles case in the County was in 2019. 

County epidemiologists are working with Children’s Primary Care Medical Group El Cajon and Rady Children’s Hospital to identify and follow up with patients and staff to determine if those possibly exposed at these locations have been vaccinated. They will also evaluate their potential for developing measles.


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ALVAREZ BILL WOULD MANDATE FAMILY ACCESS TO LOVED ONES IN LONG-TERM NURSING HOMES

By JW August

Reprinted, with permission of author, from Times of San Diego, a  member of the San Diego Online News Association.

Photo:  Lynn Dedrick’s mother Petey had Alzheimer’s and during the pandemic thought her daughter had forgotten her.

May 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- There are 250,000 California residents in long-term nursing homes. Their health and safety are at possible future risk, say a wide range of experts, unless we learn from the tough lessons of the pandemic. 

Those lessons are detailed in depth in a taxpayer-funded report released last fall that found “The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact” — not just on residents but their families. The report — California Long-Term Care Facility Access Policy Workgroup — is critical of decisions made by state health officials to lock down residents in nursing homes.

The findings form the basis of proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 2075, from San Diego Assemblyman David Alvarez. The bill is now working its way through Assembly committees in Sacramento. It’s already cleared both the Health and the Aging and Long Term Care committees and is now awaiting action by the Appropriations committee. It faces some of the same  hurdles which in 2022 stopped a similar effort.


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NEW MOMS HONORED ON MOTHER'S DAY AT SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL

Source: Sharp Healthcare
 
May 12, 2024 (La Mesa) – In honor of Mother’s Day, the landscaping team at Sharp Grossmont Hospital gave moms who are delivering babies at Sharp Grossmont Hospital for Women & Newborns their own “special delivery” of fresh cut roses. This morning, the nurses and landscapers teamed up to deliver more than 30 bouquets.
 
The program, called “This Bud’s for You,” was initiated by Sharp Grossmont Hospital landscapers 16 years ago. Since then, each Mother’s Day weekend, the landscapers harvest fresh cut flowers from the hospital gardens, which they grow and maintain themselves year-round. They then arrange the bouquets and deliver the flowers to new moms.

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MOTHERS RELAUNCH THE #MOMSUNITED CAMPAIGN FOR HUMANE GLOBAL DRUG POLICIES IN HONOR OF MOTHER'S DAY

Mothers from the United States, Canada, UK and Mexico are Speaking Out to Protect Drug Dependent Populations and Demand That They Receive Harm Reduction Services
 
May 11, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- In May 2024, Moms United to End the War on Drugs (U.S.) with partners Moms Stop the Harm (Canada), Recovering Justice (UK) and Red de Enlaces Nacionales (Mexico) are re-launching their #momsunited campaign (What Moms around the World Want for Mother’s Day).
 
Mothers are losing children to mass incarceration, drug war violence and accidental overdose across borders, due to to what organizers call, "the failed global war on drugs."  These moms are urging people to listen to their stories and to understand the need for a compassionate and tolerant approach to drug use and substance use disorders. They propose 8 actions that organizers claim will produce positive outcomes in saving the lives and liberties of our children:

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DR. WILMA J. WOOTEN HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS CALIFORNIA PUBLIC HEALTH AWARD

 
May 9, 2024 (Sacramento) -- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) honored County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten with its highest recognition, the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health. 

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COUNTY TO BUILD EAST REGION CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT AND RECOVERY BRIDGE IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery
 
May 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – The County of San Diego has announced plans to construct a new East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit and Recovery Bridge Center at 2000 South Magnolia Avenue and West Douglas Avenue in El Cajon. These services are part of an array of mental health and substance use services that are regionally distributed across San Diego County and will enable those living in East County to access the care they need.

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SHARP HOSPICECARE BREAKS GROUND ON MOORE MOUNTAINVIEW HOSPICE HOME IN POWAY

Source: Sharp Healthcare
 
Photo: Groundbreaking ceremony with Lori Moore, registered nurse, and her family
 
May 9, 2024 (Poway) – Sharp HospiceCare broke ground on the Moore MountainView Hospice Home in Poway Tuesday, marking the introduction of its fourth hospice residence within San Diego County. Slated to open in early 2025, this homelike facility is designed to provide comfort and specialized care to patients and their families. It will feature six bedrooms, family rooms, a kitchen, a dinette, and a nurses’ station, along with a serene garden area for family gatherings.

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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

May 9, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

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YOGA CLASSES RETURN TO WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN

By Miriam Raftery
 
May 8, 2024  (Rancho San Diego) – Yoga classes return to the beautiful and serene Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. Open to the public for a nominal fee, the classes include chair yoga, sloth yoga, and gentle garden yoga.
 
See below for more information, and find full details at 

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E. COLI CASES LINKED TO ORGANIC WALNUTS

East County News Service

May 4, 2024 (San Diego) – A dozen people have become ill, including seven who were hospitalized, with E. coli infections linked to Gibson Farms organic walnut halves and pieces. The walnuts, which have been recalled, were sold in bulk bins at natural food stores and coops, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, though some of the walnuts may have been packaged in bags or clamshell packaging.

The walnuts were distributed in many states, but the illnesses to date occurred in California and Washington. 


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SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL LAUNCHES WALK WITH A DOC

A new initiative by Sharp Grossmont Hospital seeks to enhance health education, strengthen patient-physician relationships, and empower participants to take proactive steps towards their health
 
By Sharp HealthCare
 
April 26, 2024 (La Mesa) – In alignment with its commitment to "inspire communities through movement and conversation," Sharp Grossmont Hospital launched its new community engagement initiative, Walk With a Doc, Thursday. This innovative nationwide program is being led locally by Sharp-affiliated physicians Dr. Kaveh Bagheri and Dr. Ara Klijian.
 
Scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month, Walk With a Doc aims to foster a stronger connection between the community and health care professionals. Each session begins with a brief educational talk focusing on vital health topics such as diet, lung and heart health, and the benefits of regular physical activity. Participants then walk with doctors and other hospital staff at Briercrest Park in La Mesa to continue the conversation.

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FREE HEALTH FAIR SATURDAY AT GROSSMONT CENTER

East County News Service
 
April 25, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Join Grossmont Healthcare District and the East County Chamber of Commerce for a free Health Fair this Saturday! Whether you’re looking to learn about wellness, get health screenings, or explore healthy living options, this event has something for everyone.

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RABBIT DEATHS RAISE CONCERNS IN RURAL EAST COUNTY: STATE SEEKS CARCASSES TO ANALYZE

By Miriam Raftery

April 25, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—A cluster of rabbit deaths in the past week in the Jamul-Dulzura areas has residents and wildlife officials concerned. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who finds a dead or dying wild rabbit to immediately report it online at Wildlife Mortality Reporting (ca.gov), or phone 916-358-2790.

A state wildlife official told East County Magazine that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (HDV2) is a likely possible reason for the deaths, though Tularemia, a tick-born disease also known as Rabbit Fever, is another possibility. A third option suspected locally is a parasite infection, which can migrate to the brain.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

April 25, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

From Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
Need Some Stress Release?
 
April 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. According to the National Institute of Health (who wrote this article) managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.

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'ALL STATES WILL BE IMPACTED' BY US SUPREME COURT'S IDAHO ABORTION CASE

"At its core, this Supreme Court decision will reflect who we are becoming as a society."
 
 
Photo courtesy Women's March: Women's March held a die-in outside the U.S. Supreme Court during arguments over emergency abortion care on April 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
 
April 25, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Less than a month after a key abortion pill hearing, the right-wing U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for another major reproductive rights case—one out of Idaho that could impact healthcare for pregnant women and people across the country.

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COUNTY WARNS OF COUNTERFEIT BOTOX

 
April 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- County health officials are warning people not to buy or use products labeled as “Botox” from unverified sources after a woman may have contracted botulism. Botulism is an illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves.

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11 NOROVIRUS CASES IN SAN DIEGO LINKED TO FROZEN KOREAN OYSTERS

County health officials have linked 11 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness to frozen oysters imported from South Korea. 
 
By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
April 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- Customers who ate the oysters at 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley on March 30th became sick, a couple days later one person went to the emergency department.  
 

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HOW SAN DIEGO BAN ON HOMELESS CAMPS HAS FARED

 
Photos by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters 
 
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
 
April 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that city paints a more nuanced picture.
 
Politicians pushing to make homeless encampments illegal across wide swaths of California point to one city as proof it will work.

This coverage was made possible in part by a grant from the A-Mark Foundation.


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COUNTY HONORS 12 PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPIONS

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
April 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Health and Human Services Agency’s 2024 Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, April 5, 2024. This event honored 12 local people and organizations for their outstanding contributions in the prevention of disease or injury and the promotion of public health for all San Diegans.
 
The annual awards ceremony is held during National Public Health Week, a time to recognize the importance of public health and improving the nation’s health overall.

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HIKING YOUR FEELINGS WITH SYDNEY WILLIAMS

East County News Service
 
Join Sydney Williams for a hike, a book signing + discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love
 
April 12, 2024 (San Diego) -- Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
 
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams for a book signing and discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, as well as a guided walk through the park. The book will be available for purchase at the MTRP gift shop.
 
Date and time
Sunday, April 14 · 2 - 4 p.m.

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CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF QUICK, ACCESSIBLE, HIGH-QUALITY CARE

By Sharp HealthCare
 
Photo: (L to R) Denise Ricci, Misty Skeen and Beatriz Chapman, who have all been with the Sharp Grossmont Care Clinic since it opened in 2018
 
April 11, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Misty Skeen was so sure she wanted a career in health care that she started volunteering in her local hospital’s emergency department when she was just 14 years old. Now, as a longtime Sharp employee and a lead nurse of the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Care Clinic, she says she wouldn’t change a thing.
 
“I was very passionate about nursing as a profession and health care in general,” says Skeen, who continued volunteering throughout her time in nursing school. “I thought nursing would really suit me because I like interacting with patients and families and having the time to help educate them while we form that personal connection.”
 
The Care Clinic, which serves patients with urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs, opened its doors at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in April 2018. Skeen, who has been with the clinic from the beginning, says her favorite thing about their work is that they make a positive impact on the community every day.

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ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: TRAUMATIC EVENTS CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies
 
April 9, 2024 (San Diego) -- On January 22, 2024, floods displaced more than a thousand San Diego County residents and severely damaged thousands of homes. Many affected were East County residents, with parts of Spring Valley and Lemon Grove hit hardest. In the wake of a disaster like this, it's not uncommon for individuals to turn to alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances as a means of coping. The upheaval, stress, and trauma triggered by such events can lead some to seek solace in these substances, believing they provide an escape from the turmoil. What may seem like a reprieve can quickly spiral into a long-term struggle, exacerbating existing problems and creating new ones.
 
The aftermath of a traumatic event often brings about heightened anxiety, depression, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances, driving some to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. While these substances may seem to offer temporary relief, they ultimately disrupt natural sleep cycles, jeopardize physical health, strain relationships, and pave the way for dependence and addiction.

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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

April 4, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll doiwn.


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