September 22, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Intestinomicina, a drug product manufactured in El Salvador and marketed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea and acute gastrointestinal infections. Consumers who have purchased this product should immediately stop taking it and consult with a health care provider.

Intestinominica contains the prescription drug ingredient, chloramphenicol. Oral forms of chloramphenicol were formally withdrawn from the United States market in July 2012 due to the risk of serious and life threatening injuries.

Over 1,000 children anticipated to attend with their families

Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will present Kids Care Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.

Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event featuring free health care screenings open to the public. Over 1,000 children under age 12 are expected to receive free, potentially life-saving health care screenings including hearing, vision and dental from healthcare professionals at 50 exhibit booths. Free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists will also be available, as well as flu shots.

More free hands-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, astro jumps and pony rides, demonstrations and displays from police and fire officials--plus giveaways and more.

September 20, 2012 (La Mesa)--The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free seniors discussion group on “Demystifying Diabetes” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required.

September 19, 2012 (Columbia, Mo.) – The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can contain dozens of different mutations, called polymorphisms. In a recent study an international team of researchers, including MU scientists, found that one of those mutations, called 172K, made certain forms of the virus more susceptible to treatment. Soon, doctors will be able to use this knowledge to improve the drug regimen they prescribe to HIV-infected individuals.

Campers, hikers warned to take precautions

September 13, 2012 (Palomar)--Two ground squirrels trapped during routine monitoring at the Cedar Grove Campground on Palomar Mountain have tested positive for plague, County Vector Control officials announced Thursday.

Officials said the squirrels represented a low risk of transmission because their blood tests showed that their exposure was not recent, but that they were conducting flea-control measures and posting plague-warning signs at Cedar Grove and nearby Doane campground as a precaution.

September 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – The volunteer citizens committee overseeing the expenditure of millions of dollars in construction improvements at Grossmont Hospital is seeking two additional members.

The Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight (ICBOC) is overseeing how the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending $247 million in capital improvement construction projects at the hospital in La Mesa. ICBOC members are uncompensated East County residents with experience in project management, large-scale construction operations, finance, labor and healthcare industries.

September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – World Lymphona Awareness Day is September 15 and it’s the perfect time to do what you can to support the need for more research and treatment options.  Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are, like leukemia and multiple myeloma, blood cancers. They attack the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system.

Resolution is prompted by Lakeside case of 11-year-old murder suspect with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

September 7, 2012 (San Diego)-- Professors in the UC San Diego School of Medicine and directors of the California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS) Pregnancy Health Information Line applaud the American Bar Association's (ABA) new resolution urging attorneys, judges, state, local and specialty bar associations, and law school clinical programs to receive training that will help them identify and respond effectively to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children and adults. The resolution was passed on the heels of a high profile East County murder case and just ahead of International FASD Awareness Day, which is recognized on September 9, 2012.

September 1, 2012 (La Mesa)--The Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa have jointly announced that Saturday, Sept. 22 will be the date for the 2012 Kids Care Fest, a free, family-oriented event featuring free health care screenings at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be the 11th annual Kids Care Fest event. The public is invited to attend.

September 6, 2012 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Fit Body Boot Camp, a program designed to help its clientele achieve fitness and weight management goals in a fun and motivating atmosphere, will host an open house on Saturday September 8 from 4:00--8:00 p.m. The event includes an 80s band and DJ, plus a raffle with all proceeds going to Rady Children’s Hospital.

Talks on fitness and nutrition will be provided, as well as fitness demonstrations, chair massages, fitness games, entertainment and healthy food. Raffle prizes include an iPad2 and a six-month personal training program.

September 1, 2012 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is soliciting public input as part of its strategic planning process. The public is requested to provide input at a 7 p.m. meeting on Monday, Sept. 10, at the GHD Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Refreshments will be served.

By Miriam Raftery

August 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – How common are life-threatening pregnancy conditions?  The question is timely given the Republican Party’s platform calling for a ban on abortions, even when a mother’s life is at risk. Some who advocate outlawing all abortions have sought to justify the position by arguing that life-threatening conditions are rare. 

But in fact, the most common cause of death in early pregnancy has increased dramatically.

Cool Zones Open Throughout Region